Antonio receives third England call-up
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio has been called up to the England national squad for the third time ahead of the side's fixtures against Germany and Lithuania. The midfielder has been in fantastic form for West Ham United all season, and is the Club's top scorer with nine goals. Antonio will be hoping to make his international debut for Gareth Southgate's men as they first travel to Dortmund to face the world champions in a friendly fixture before taking on Lithuania at Wembley in FIFA World Cup qualification.
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'Leicester is a different team'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Leicester City have been 'brilliant' in the three matches they have played since Claudio Ranieri's departure
But West Ham United boss feels the title-winning Italian was 'unfortunate' to lose his position
Bilic expects Foxes to be in buoyant mood following midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Sevilla
Slaven Bilic says that while Claudio Ranieri's departure from Leicester City was 'unfortunate', the Foxes are a 'different team' since the Italian's exit.
The reigning Premier League champions sat 17th in the table after their fifth defeat in succession – 2-0 at Swansea City on 12 February – leading to Ranieri being removed from his position by the club's owners.
The decision was met with an outpouring of surprise and dismay by many in the game, including Bilic and his fellow Premier League managers, but Leicester have won three games out of three since to climb clear of immediate danger and reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Ranieri's former assistant Craig Shakespeare has been given the reins until the end of the season and the West Ham United boss is expecting Leicester to arrive at London Stadium in buoyant mood for Saturday afternoon's fixture.
"Leicester is a different team from four weeks ago," Bilic observed. "They really played extremely well, especially against Sevilla, when they got a great result [winning 2-0 to go through 3-2 on aggregate] for them and for English football in general.
"In all those three games, against Liverpool, against Hull [in the Premier League] and against Sevilla, they looked lively and of course those kind of results, three wins on the spin including qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League, has given them a massive boost.
"I don't know why they didn't play like that in the game against Swansea before that change of manager, but we are expecting a tough game because they are on a good run."
So, Bilic was asked in his pre-match press conference, did Leicester's owners make the right decision in replacing the experienced Italian?
"I said after they changed their manager what I thought about it, and still I don't understand it," the Hammers boss replied. "But if we are talking about the performances and results, they have got what they wanted.
"Still, for me, it was a bad decision because we are talking about Claudio Ranieri who did everything very, very recently with them.
"It's that kind of job and is in the nature of the job and you [the manager] are going to be the first one to pay the price. Unfortunately, nobody can say that it was the wrong decision because these last three results have been brilliant for them and the team has been brilliant."
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Mediawatch - 16 March
WHUFC.com
whufc.com takes our daily look at the Hammers stories making the news…
With the 2016/17 season entering its final stretch, transfer speculation is starting to take over the back pages once again and today's papers link the Hammers with a Serie A forward.
The Mirror reckon West Ham have added Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel to their summer transfer shopping list. The Colombia international has ten goals and nine assists to his name this season and is said to have a £24m release clause in his contract.
Jose Fonte has slotted straight into the Hammers side since joining from Southampton in January, and he reveals in this Evening Standard interview that Slaven Bilic's influence was the deciding factor behind his move to east London. The experienced Portuguese is in no doubt over Slav's abilities, saying: "You can see on the touchline that Slaven is very different than most managers. He is honest, direct and a football person. He was a centre-back himself, he has character and an aura and I'm just pleased to be working with him and learning from him."
Fonte also appears in the Daily Mail, where he speaks about the battles he faced in his early career – before reaching the pinnacle of the English game and the Premier League at the age of 28. He is now looking to pass his experience on to his younger teammates, saying: "Football is for super athletes these days. Back in the day, people didn't pay much attention to that side of the sport, but now every week you have to play against sprinters, ultra-fast, ultra-strong. You have to give yourself a chance. "I tell the kids: don't start when you're old, if you start when you're old it's already too late, you're not going to do it. You have to start when you're young."
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Bilic agrees with Joint-Chairman's assessment
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic agrees with Joint-Chairman's comments about West Ham United's defeat at AFC Bournemouth
David Sullivan had stated in his whufc.com that the team 'have to do better'
Manager says Saturday's visit of Leicester City to London Stadium is a 'very important' fixture
Slaven Bilic has agreed with Joint-Chairman David Sullivan's assessment that West Ham United's performance in losing 3-2 at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday was not good enough. The Hammers produced their worst defensive display in some time to go down to a disappointing Premier League defeat at the Vitality Stadium, where Cherries striker Joshua King bagged a hat-trick and the home team also missed two penalties. Despite their frailties, West Ham looked on course to earn a point when Andre Ayew equalised with seven minutes to go, only for Bournemouth to nick possession, swarm forward, outnumber the Hammers in their own penalty area and score the winner in the final minute of the 90. "It was a comment for that game and for that game I said also that we could not be happy with the way we performed or the way we conceded all three of their goals, especially the last one," said the manager, when asked about the Joint-Chairman's comments in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's visit of Leicester City to London Stadium. "Of course we have to improve and we have to bounce back. I am the first who wasn't happy with that performance and the players know that. They were not happy after the game in the dressing room, of course, they were gutted and disappointed and frustrated and they know that we didn't do well enough in that game. "We played against a good opponent, of course, but when they missed the penalty and we scored the goal, we were basically in the ideal position to build on that early result, and we let it slip away from us. Then we came back and we conceded at the end of the game a very naïve goal from our point of view. "We have a game against Leicester now and we have to bounce back and we are ready for that."
Having lost just one of their previous six Premier League games, the Hammers were beaten by leaders Chelsea in their last home game before Saturday's reverse at Bournemouth. With those two setbacks in mind, Bilic is eager for his team to ensure that losing run is not extended when they welcome the champions and UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists to London Stadium for the first time. "It is very important for us," he said, when asked about the visit of the in-form Foxes. "We had turned the corner but, as I was saying, it's not finished because there are so many points and things to fight for between now and the end of the season. "We only have one win in six and this is a good opportunity because we are under pressure and we have to win the game. We believe that we can win the game and we're going to do everything to win it."
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WHAT HAS GONE WRONG THIS SEASON?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 16 MARCH 2017 AT 8:31PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Vinny Ryan @vinnywhufc
If this season was an image it would very much like the face of Harry Redknapp – yes it is there but it has been melting for quite some time.
The warning signs have been there since our ill fated Europa League campaign with the lack of quality in depth and odd positioning of players such as Michail Antonio at right back.
Fast forward to today and things haven't really improved. Well they haven't improved to where the fans would like them to be given the season we had in 2015/16 where Slaven Bilic guided West Ham to 7th with the highest points total the club have achieved in the time the Premier League has been formed.
Not to mention it was a superbly exciting campaign where West Ham were even the 4th highest goal scorers in the league and that was without a regular striker.
But as the saying goes "Fail to prepare and prepare to fail" and all those hopes of moving the club to the "next level" were just words. I am not one of those people who believe David Sullivan and David Gold just want to make money off the club. I am sure they genuinely care but that doesn't make them (Sullivan in particular) very good at bringing in players.
Like a player on the pitch we judge them on whether they are good or bad, and Sullivan doesn't seem to have the ability to attract top players.
Of course West Ham can sign players like Robert Snodgrass but no matter how much we all try to kid ourselves that is a signing that we all hoped we wouldn't be making going forward. An extremely average player who a manager like Sam Allardyce would be more suited to signing.
When it comes to Slaven Bilic I've listened and read the opposing views to whether he should be removed as West Ham manager or not. I find the fact that we are even having this conversation quite stunning given the previous seasons before he joined the club.
I get told all the time that Sam Allardyce "did the job he had to at West Ham", so if that's the case what has Slaven Bilic done?! I am sitting here thinking that I haven't seen a relegation battle or anything like it over the two seasons Bilic has been in charge, in fact we are just all disappointed we are not competing with the top 7 teams!
So no, I do not want Slaven Bilic to be removed as manager. I have missed one game this season which was away in Slovenia against Domzale so don't think I am not as frustrated with some of the decisions Bilic has made regarding putting players in the incorrect positions and allowing the team to be so open that we look like a non league side when trying to defend.
Bilic could go some way to help himself if he actually played players in their rightful positions and he must know that Byram (whether he is any good or not) now has to start at right back as there simply isn't another viable option.
There is no doubt about the tactical nativity that Bilic displays but I will give him the benefit of the doubt because the recruitment last summer was dismal. Of course Bilic no doubt had something to do with that too but as a club who like to get behind their own and have a history of having few managers I find the notion of just wanting to get rid of him quite laughable.
Perhaps it is how the modern day football fan operates today because we always seem to want change. Trying to debate Bilic now with someone who wants him out is near impossible because they won't change their mind.
Whilst I am never opposed to differing opinion the problem is that naturally as human beings we always want to be right which means for the Bilic out people to be right West Ham will have to fail. There will ultimately be a satisfaction if West Ham were to say lose every game between now and the end of the season. And once there is a silver lining to the club you support losing then the debate ends there.
This doesn't mean you can't express your dissatisfaction. It's more waiting every week to say "see I told you so" that gets to me.
Bilic does have some issues with his tactics and far too many players have been played out of position this season. This though is partly down to the lack of quality in the squad which you can really see is poor. We have so many average players but quite frankly if you replace Dimtri Payet with Robert Snodgrass you will obviously see a decline in quality.
There needs to be an overhaul of our squad in the summer. I believe some tough decisions need to be made and not just with the crap that was brought in like Feghouli, Arbeloa, Tore, Calleri and Nordtviet but also with the likes of Andy Carroll and maybe even Aaron Cresswell.
As for Andy Carroll, since 2012 he has been a major problem for West Ham as it has prevented us from bringing in other strikers because we are always waiting for him to return to fitness and lead the charge with his goals. People say that if he was fit all season he would score 20+ goals which is great and that but if my auntie had a willy she'd be my uncle.
In short, Andy Carroll is never going to play a full season so therefore if we can get some money for him before his contract expires then we would be stupid not to. If we can get £32m for Andy Carroll from a club in China I will personally drive him there.
Despite the disappointing campaign I still have enjoyed going to away games as much as I ever have with the decision to get the away season ticket fully justified even though not all the results or performances have been great.
I feel I've been able to not get as down about the move to the London Stadium because away from home the whole day is still fantastic. Even though we were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth our fans were superb. I suppose it's easy to look at the result on social media and start wanting the manager out but I am sure that the majority of fans who go away don't subscribe to that theory.
West Ham went from one of the worst footballing sides in the country to one of the most entertaining when Slaven Bilic took charge. This season everything that could go wrong seems to have done so with the mix of a new stadium, lack of big signings, lack of signing anyone better than what we had, players out of form, and the clubs best player wanting out.
I feel these set of events are not a normal occurrence and I maintain hope that the club will get it right this summer.
We are supposed to be a club that feel we are like a family, so when the going gets a little rough we decide to turn on those who we loved less than 12 months ago I think it is some of us that need to take a step back and calm down.
Vinny Ryan
@vinnywhufc
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Slav fires back in 'intensity' row
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has responded to claims by Reading manager Jaap Stam that training at West Ham "lacks intensity".
Stam appeared to criticise Bilic's regime earlier in the week when he claimed that loanee Reece Oxford wasn't used to the high standard of training at the Championship club.
"Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to that at West Ham," he said. "Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that's why training is intense."
However Bilic fired back today when he insisted that West Ham train as hard as any other club. "We are training very intensely," he told the media at today's pre-match press conference.
"Maybe with Reece and his change of club they train differently, but the only thing I think is that Reece wasn't fit enough.
"He signed for Reading after a long injury to his ankle so maybe in the beginning he wasn't in the best shape. That was ages ago though, he will have had enough time to get ready."
Oxford finally made his debut for the Royals last weekend as a second half substitute, some six weeks after joining the club on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
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Antonio returns, but Carroll snubbed by Southgate
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll has once again been overlooked by England manager Gareth Southgate. In-form Carroll had been expected to be named in the squad for the forthcoming fixtures against Germany (22 March) and Lithuania (26 March) following the withdrawal of Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge, due to injury. However Southgate has instead chosen to recall 34-year-old Sunderland veteran Jermain Defoe - who West Ham both tried and failed to sign in January - claiming that Carroll hadn't played enough in recent weeks. And there was at least some good news for the Hammers with the welcome return of the uncapped Michail Antonio, who has enjoyed a thoroughly successful season so far.
Elsewhere there have been several international call-ups for some of the younger Hammers.
Academy stars Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen has been named in the latest Norwegian and Irish Under 21s squads respectively, whilst the latter's fellow Irish international Declan Rice will feature for the Under 19s - for whom Anthony Scully is also on standby.
Continuing the Irish theme, Conor Coventry is with the Irish Under 17s ahead of a trio of fixtures against Faroe Islands, Slovakia and Cyprus. Crossing the Irish Sea, Dan Kemp is currently on stand by for England's Under 18s whilst Reece Hannam is in a similar position but for the Under 17s.
Staying with England and both goalkeeper Nathan Trott and Reece Oxford - currently on loan at Reading - have been selected for England's Under 19s, whilst Trott's Academy team mate and fellow stopper Sam Howes has been namd in Keith Downing's Under 20s squad.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic plays down remarks from 'frustrated' David Sullivan
Last Updated: 16/03/17 11:27am
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has played down the significance of David Sullivan's comments following the recent loss at Bournemouth.
Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan declared he was "very disappointed and frustrated" after they were beaten 3-2 by the Cherries and that their defensive lapses "cannot go on". That prompted speculation over the long-term future of Bilic, who had been tipped to sign a new contract at the London Stadium. However, the Croatian, whose side face Leicester this weekend, insists he does not feel under added pressure after Sullivan's remarks. "It was a comment for that game and for that game I also said we can't be happy with the way we performed, the way we conceded all three goals, especially the last one," said Bilic. "We have to improve and bounce back. The players know that and they were unhappy in the dressing room - they were gutted. "We have a game against Leicester that we have to bounce back in and we are ready for that."
Bilic also dismissed Dimitri Payet's recent claim that he was "bored" before leaving West Ham to rejoin Marseille during the January transfer window. Payet, who made an acrimonious departure from the club, has criticised the team's style of play under Bilic, suggesting they were overly defensive. "I don't want to go into arguing with players, but all you have to see if you look at tactics and way we play - just have a look at the statistics," said Bilic. "Even against Bournemouth it was not a lack of attacking that put us under pressure. Maybe we are playing too offensively."
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WESTLEY: ASHLEY FLETCHER SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Ashley Fletcher was very much signed with the future in mind when he arrived on a free transfer from Manchester United last July. He snubbed a new deal at Old Trafford to seek pastures new that would offer him a more tangible route into the first-team and given the sudden emergence of Marcus Rashford, that route was very much blocked at Manchester United. The 21-year-old was expecting to either go out on loan or spend the majority of his time with the U23 squad but featured regularly for the Hammers in the early part of the season given the injuries to Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho.
To date, Fletcher has made 17 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring once against his former side United in the EFL Cup but has spent an increasing amount of time with the U23s of late with the return to form and fitness for both Ayew and Carroll.
Graham Westley, West Ham U23s manager, has praised Fletcher's performances of late and stating that his outing during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle U23s was his best to date in a Hammers shirt. It's probably the best I've seen [Ashley] Fletcher play in a game for us, against a physical side and they're a lot older than us. He took the ball in for us, had a great chance at the back post at the end of the first half, and he's a player who can go in your first team and do a job for you. He was robust, he threatened the space in behind, and he challenge for balls in the air. Fletcher does still feature regularly in matchday squads for the Hammers but seems like he's impressing enough behind the scenes to earn himself an increased role next season.
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Senegal Name Liverpool, West Ham, Stoke City Stars In 26-Man Roster For Nigeria Friendly
Published: March 16, 2017
allnigeriasoccer.com
Senegal Name Liverpool, West Ham, Stoke City Stars In 26-Man Roster For Nigeria FriendlySenegal coach Aliou Cissé unveiled on Thursday a list of 26 players selected for the friendly matches against Nigeria on March 23 in London and then Ivory Coast four days later in Paris.
Cisse has handed maiden call-ups to Moussa Wagué (Eupen), Adama Mbengue (Orlando City) and ex-France U20 international Opa Nguette (Metz).
Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodji has been named in the roster after he made himself available for selection despite struggling with a knee injury in recent weeks.
And he is joined in the squad list by undoubtedly the star player of The Lions of Teranga, Sadio Mané, Hull City midfielder Alfred Ndiaye, Stoke City's Mame Biram Diouf and West Ham star Cheikhou Kouyate.
The Senegalese squad have been booked in to stay at Holiday Inn Hotel, Wembley, and are expected to arrive in London on Monday, March 20.
Senegal Squad For Nigeria Friendly
Goalkeepers : Abdoulaye Diallo, Khadim Ndiaye, Pape Seydou Ndiaye
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Kara Mbodj, Saliou Ciss, Lamine Gassama, Moussa Wagué, Zargo Toure, Adama Mbengue, Cheikh Mbengue
Midfielders : Idrissa Gana Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Pape Alioune Ndiaye, Salif Sané, Henry Saivet, Alfred Ndiaye, Cheikh Ndoye
Forwards: Sadio Mané, Diao Baldé Keïta, Mame Biram Diouf, Ismaîla Sarr, Opa Nguette, Moussa Sow, Famara Diediou, Babacar Khouma Gueye.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hits back at Dimitri Payet over 'boring' tactics claims
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has insisted Dimitri Payet was wrong to claim that West Ham's football was "boring" during his time at the club. Payet, who returned to Marseille in a £25million January deal, offered a damning indictment of the standard of football in "the lower reaches of the Premier League" in an interview with L'Equipe last week. The France international reserved particular scorn for West Ham's display in a 1-0 home win against Hull earlier this season where the post had been handed the club's man of the match award but Bilic insists that it is unfair to call his side defensive. "I don't want to go into arguing into players but all you have to see if you're talking about tactics and the way we played is the statistics from last year and this year," he said in his press conference ahead of the visit of Leicester City. "Even our most recent game against Bournemouth [a 3-2 away defeat], it was not a lack of attacking that caused us to be in a situation where we lost the game. "With the ball, last year and this year, we are creating chances. We are maybe playing too offensively, maybe that is the case."
Bilic's side enjoyed something of a renaissance when Payet was ostracised from the first-team and subsequently sold but results have been more disappointing over the past month. West Ham are winless in their last four Premier League games but Bilic is confident that his future need not be up for debate, with the club expected to offer him a new contract at the end of the season. "You know how it goes here," he said. "After a couple of good results, everyone is talking about that. A couple of less good results, it is a different story. "My situation hasn't changed and I can cope with that."
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Slaven Bilic rejects Stam's claim West Ham don't train hard enough
Bilic has hit back at Jaap Stam's training jibe
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:30, 16 MAR 2017
WEST HAM
Slaven Bilic has hit back after West Ham's training methods were questioned by Reading boss Jaap Stam yesterday (Wednesday). The Royals manager said at a press conference that Hammers loanee Reece Oxford was surprised at the intensity of training at the Championship side in what appeared to be a thinly-veiled dig at Bilic. The Croat responded to the jibe at his own press conference at Rush Green today (Thursday), rejecting the notion the Hammers aren't training very hard. "I have not heard about it," he said. "We are training very intensely. Maybe with Recce and his change of club they train differently but the only thing I think is that Reece wasn't fit enough. He signed for Reading after a long injury to his ankle so maybe in the beginning he wasn't in the best shape. "That was ages ago though, he will have had enough time to get ready." Stam had said: "Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to at West Ham. "Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that's why training is intense."
Another Hammers loanee in Enner Valencia earlier criticised the training methods at Rush Green when he joined Everton on loan for the season back in August.
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Key points from Slaven Bilic press conference ahead of West Ham clash with Leicester City
The boss has been speaking to the media ahead of hosting Leicester City this weekend
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:51, 16 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic has been speaking to the media ahead of West Ham's Premier League clash with Leicester City at the London Stadium on Saturday. The Hammers have won just one in six and need a result this weekend to stop the rot but come up against a rejuvenated Foxes, who have yet to lose under new manager Craig Shakespeare. They also qualified for the quarter finals for the Champions League in midweek after beating Sevilla over two legs. Here's the main talking points from the press conference, with possible England call ups for Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll on the agenda as well. They simply have continued now like they finished last season. It is electric, getting second balls, quick attacks, good set pieces. They are in a good moment now, they have good momentum and want to continue but apart from the game against Bournemouth, we are playing good too. It's a different team to a few weeks ago. They were good against Sevilla, a great result for them and for English football. In their last three games they look very lively and of course those results and qualifying in the Champions League, it's given them a boost.
On Carroll and Antonio's England chances
"We will see if they get it. Both of them have had good seasons and are playing good, scoring goals and they are two of our most reponsible players for finishing and creating chances I don't mind Andy getting called up despite his injury problems. It's good for the players to get recognised."
Post-Bournemouth reaction
"The players know it wasn't good enough and they were unhappy after the game, very disappointed and frustrated and know we didn't do well enough. "When they missed the penalty and we scored we were in an ideal position to build on that and we let it slip away. To concede at the end of the game was very naive from our point of view. We have to bounce back and we are ready for that."
On Manuel Lanzini's form
"He likes to take responsibility He wants the ball all the time and when he is on the ball he is a top player with great ideas, skills and options. He sees stuff before anyone else "He is training really good, playing really good too. It's not because Payet left that he has improved. The players are giving him the ball more and he is getting available more."
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham must 'bounce back' after warning from co-chairman David Sullivan
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has endorsed West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan's warning that the team must improve. Sullivan made the comments following the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend and Bilic said today: "I said also that we can't be happy with our form. "We have to improve and bounce back. The players were unhappy in the dressing room after the Bournemouth match and they know they have to do better. We have to bounce back and we are ready for that." West Ham have won just one of their last six matches and are at home to rejuvenated Leicester on Saturday. "It is very important for us," said the West Ham manager. "There are so many things still to fight for. We are under pressure and we know we have to win the game. "Leicester are a different team to four weeks ago, especially after the great result against Sevilla. It was a great result for English football also. "Qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League definitely will give them a big boost. I don't know why they didn't play like that earlier in the season."
Bilic believes Leicester's recent results exonerate the club's decision to part company with Claudio Ranieri. "It's that kind of job," he said. "You are the first one to pay the price and now no one can say it was the wrong decision. "Leicester play very simple football – but it's productive. They continue now like they finished last season. It's electric, good at the second ball and finding spaces. "We are playing well though, apart from Bournemouth, and we are expecting something from this game."
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Revealed: Bilic believes Besiktas star could be better than Chelsea's Kante
By Emre Sarigul - March 16, 20170
Turkish Football
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that he believes Besiktas star Atiba Hutchinson is as good as Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.
Bilic underlined that Atiba is worthy of comparison with Kante and that he has played an instrumental role in the Black Eagles resurgence over the past four seasons. "Perhaps Atiba is even better than Kante," Bilic was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football.
"Atiba is the most consistent player, he has been the rock of Besiktas for four years, provides balance and keeps the balance. "He plays the same role as Kante but they have a few differences. "Kante rarely makes a passing mistake, I actually think he has the capability to create assists as well if he wants. "Kante loves to intercept balls, Atiba is the same. "If you ask be Atiba is a great player, he always gets out of trouble and does so much for the team."
Bilic said that he believes players who play Kante's role in football often go under the radar. "It all depends where you are from, who spots you and the position you play," he added. Bilic signed Atiba from Dutch giants PSV when he was manager of Besiktas. The Canada international has gone onto become a key player for the Black Eagles and was part of the title winning side last season. Bilic who now coaches West Ham has attempted to bring Atiba to East London but Besiktas rejected his €3.5 million offer. Besiktas president Fikret Orman was quoted by the Evening Standard as saying: "I am going to have talks with Atiba Hutchinson, he has said he wants to move to England. "West Ham made a €3.5 million offer but we want more for him. As I said we will decide his future after we hold talks." Besiktas are currently first in the Turkish league and take on Olympiakos in the Europa League Last 16 second-leg tie against Olympiakos tonight.
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West Ham should try again for Andrew Robertson this summer
HITC
Vincent Ralph
West Ham United would be wise to make a fresh move for the Hull City defender. As reported by Sky Sports back in the summer, West Ham United failed with a £7million bid for Hull City defender Andrew Robertson, but despite Aaron Cresswell's subsequent return to fitness the Hammers would be wise to try their hand again 12 months on. Cresswell may have rediscovered his fitness but his form has been woefully short of what he showed last season, and while that may return in time, West Ham need to strengthen all across the back line.
While a new right-back is vital this summer, Robertson would offer competition down the opposite flank and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2018 he could be available for a cut-price fee.
If he does not sign a new deal in the interim, Hull will certainly have a decision to make, knowing that they would risk losing him for nothing a year later. Much could also depend on what division the Tigers find themselves in next season and West Ham should at least chance their hand, with the 23-year-old possessing all the attributes to be a long-term success at the London Stadium. Robertson may not be the star name West Ham fans are craving but he could prove to be one of their best signings of recent years if they get him second time around.
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West Ham could be at risk of losing Slaven Bilic to a more ambitious project
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United have been dragging their heels over awarding Slaven Bilic a new contract. Bilic led West Ham to their best ever Premier League points total and first positive goal difference since 1986 in his debut season last term. The Hammers took a number of notable scalps along the way and bid a memorable farewell to the Boleyn Ground with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Manchester United. This season has been a different story entirely, though, with West Ham bowing out of the Europa League in qualifying and the FA Cup and EFL Cup with heavy defeats. Bilic was at one stage the favourite for the sack but the East Londoners turned what was threatening to be a disastrous season around after Christmas to push themselves into the relative comfort of midtable. It was during the turnaround in results and performances that stories emerged indicating the former Croatia boss was to be rewarded with a new contract, as reported by the likes of the Daily Mail. But results have dipped again of late leading to unrest among supporters and talk of a new deal for Bilic has died down. The majority of fans are behind Bilic and believe he has not been backed enough in the transfer market by co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold who promised big, marquee signings last summer and failed to deliver. So could Sullivan and Gold risk losing their manager to a more ambitious project if they continue to drag their heels over a new contract. There will be some big clubs looking for new managers in the summer and Bilic could well be on their wish lists given the job he has done at West Ham. It was not that long ago he was being linked with replacing Roy Hodgson as England manager. Sullivan and Gold must accept they have not done nearly enough to properly support Bilic with the kind of money needed to achieve their stated aims of challenging the top six. Hesitate much longer and it could well be a case of not knowing what you have got until it's gone.
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West Ham to make sensational swoop for former player
By Ash Randall - March 16, 2017410 0
West Ham United want to re-sign Sunderland's Jermain Defoe in the summer as they look to strengthen their attacking options, according to Hammers fanzine Claret and Hugh. It is reported there is a clause in the 34-year-old's contract that means he will be available on a free transfer if the Black Cats get relegated this season. Defoe is a proven finisher in the Premier League and has netted 14 of Sunderland's 24 goals this campaign, which is no mean feat given their position at the bottom of the league. Even though the former West Ham player could arrive on a free, he will still cost around £70,000 a week for whatever team snap him up. The Hammers are desperate to bolster their forward line after a disastrous season in which Simone Zaza and Jonathon Calleri failed to live up to expectations and Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho have struggled with injuries. Sunderland look odds-on to get relegated, in which case Defoe would surely leave the Stadium of Light.
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DO WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE?
By Blind Hammer 16 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
"Blind Hammer Looks at some of the debates over criticism of Slaven Bilic.
After the disappointment of the Bournemouth defeat there were some heated debates on West Ham till I Die and other West Ham sites. We were all disappointed but there was some real discontent as to Bilic's team selection and tactics. There was also some discontent from those who were unhappy with those criticising Bilic. Subsequent to the main draft of this post being written after the Bournemouth defeat Mark Noble added weight to this view by claiming that football supporters do not really know about football.
The criticism of Bilic has mainly focussed on his unbalancing of the team by taking some of our most effective players and consistently playing them out of position. Bilic seems to have a stubborn streak and seemed, for example, for an extraordinary extended time determined to persevere with Antonio at right back. This stubborn belief persisted all summer to such a degree that we did not recruit a class right back. The appalling Antonio defensive performances at the start of the season forced a panic last minute recruitment of Álvaro Arbeloa, a player already ,reported on Real Madrid blog posts as having "lost his legs" before he came to us.
Despite this Bilic continued to play Antonio at the back until, if we ,are to believe reports, Sullivan met with and read the riot act. Unfortunately Byram faced early injury, as did Arbeloa, though the latter has never seemed capable of playing at Premiership level on the few occasions we have observed him anyway.
Regrettably despite another transfer window passing the experiment of playing players out of position to try and fudge the issues at the right side of our defence continued. Now Cheikhou Kouyaté is the latest important performer who has been transformed into an ordinary if not mediocre right back. Håvard Nordtveit is another stand in make shift right back who also does not meet Premiership standards. All this is understandable in an injury crisis but for this situation to be allowed to persist over two transfer windows is little short of baffling.
I wrote last year how we could not seriously compete in the long term with a defence that concedes on average 2 goals a game. This season we have continued the malaise, conceding 58 goals in 30 league, league cup and FA Cup games. Such consistent defensive
weakness gives the rest of the team a mountain to climb most games. The priority for recruitment this summer is defence rather than attack.
I was amongst those who wrote an article last week fearing for the defensive fragility of our team because of this and other issues. The reluctance to make selection decisions based on merit also seems very strange. Nearly everybody who has seen Antonio agrees his most powerful performances have occurred been on the right side of an attack. He has rarely played there, being deployed either as a right back/wing back, on the left or as a first or second forward as in the game against Bournemouth. Lanzini seems most effective and able to dominate a game when he is played through the middle but is only sporadically played there, being shifted out wide to accommodate other midfield presences.
I received criticism for suggesting in my post last week that Bilic needed to grasp some selection nettles and in particular that Noble needs now to be dropped to the bench. According to the radio commentary of the Bournemouth game Noble, a fantastic servant at the club, was nevertheless lucky to stay on the pitch.
After the Bournemouth defeat those who have criticised team strategy have been ridiculed by some. The argument is that Bilic has more football knowledge, insight and skill in his little finger than in the whole bodies of any of the blogging "experts" who dare to criticise him. On one level this is incontestably true but in another way is completely wrong. The point is that none of us are claiming to be experts, certainly not me. The idea that a blind man has greater insight than Bilic into tactics is clearly laughable.
However this is very different from saying Bilic is therefore infallible and should be immune from the questioning and if necessary criticism of his decisions. Is there anybody who could seriously maintain that Bilic was correct all along with his Antonio experiments? Was Bilic correct all along about his assessment of Zazar? Can setting up a team which concedes 2 gtoals a game acceptable?
There are thousands of eyes and ears watching and listening to West Ham every week. Collectively we have a validity to query recruitment, selection and tactical decisions. The late Graham Taylor, who received his share of criticism in managerial roles, nevertheless never necessarily dismissed the validity of supporter analysis just because they were supporters and not football professionals. He would actively congratulate some supporters for their insights, memorably applauding a Noel Gallagher analysis of a Manchester City performance. Taylor would disagree with the ignorant view but recognise genuine insight.
Managers have to struggle against some limitations on their analysis. They can be too close to the action, sometimes literally so on the side-lines and struggle to see a broader picture. Emotion plays a part in all sport and dropping players who have served you loyally may be a real tricky issue to manage in the dressing room.
Collectively as supporters it is actually, in my opinion, our duty to provide the more distant judgemental assessment, more free from the emotional consequences of personal player relationships and loyalties. This can actually help Bilic in some of his more difficult decisions.
So yes I will continue to criticise and question Bilic's decisions. Do I believe I know more than Bilic?-Absolutely not. Do I believe he should stay West Ham manager? Absolutely. Do I admire him for his conduct and apparent character? – Without doubt,
Yet it is a hard sport and I want him to account for his decisions. Why does he fail to play his 2 strongest midfield players in the centre? Why does he not play our best and strongest right sided forward on the right? Why is our most imaginative central midfield player able to create and influence games often stranded wide? Why does our left back not come under pressure for his place despite poor performances? Why do we not play our only fit right back at right back? Why do we have insufficient pace in the team, especially defensively? Why do we consistently get caught on the break? Why did a simple straight ball over the top of our central defenders by Bournemouth cause repeated and frantic defensive chaos?
Of course Bilic knows more than any one of us individually but it is essential for loyal supporters to highlight and pressurise on areas of weaknesses obvious even to a blind supporter rather than hide our heads under a pillow and pretend these issues do not exist.
COYI
David Griffith
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Newcastle United and West Ham United cited as potential destinations for Dries Mertens
HITC
John Verrall
Newcastle United and West Ham United are said to be interested in the Napoli man. According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, Dries Mertens is a pontential transfer target for both West Ham United and Newcastle United this summer. Mertens future at Napoli is currently in doubt, despite him enjoying one of the best seasons of his career this campaign. The 29-year-old has been played up-front by the Serie A side on a number of occasions, and he has scored frequently. Mertens has hit 24 goals in 35 matches in for Napoli, but his contract is set to expire in 2018. And both Newcastle and West Ham are touted as potential destinations for Mertens, by the Belgian press. Newcastle would, of course, have to be promoted to the Premier League to have any chance of landing Mertens. West Ham, on the the other hand, are likely to be looking to add high profile additions during the summer transfer window. If either of Newcastle or West Ham could attract Mertens, it would be a real statement of intent for the pair. Newcastle and West Ham are both expected to have sizeable funds to spend in the next transfer window.
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WEST HAM EYEING SWOOP FOR SERIE A GOAL MACHINE WITH £24M RELEASE CLAUSE – REPORT
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16th March, 2017, 7:57 AM
By Will Butcher
West Ham are monitoring the future of Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel as the Colombian continues to shine in Serie A, according to a report. The Mirror claim the Hammers have turned to the 25-year-old forward to finally end their hunt for a striker, but could be forced to meet his release clause which is a whopping £24million. Sampdoria's number nine has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 12 goals as well as turning provider on a further nine occasions during his 30 league and cup outings. Goals against the likes of Roma, Fiorentina and AC Milan have made the former Udinese and Granada forward one of Europe's most in-form strikers. That has alerted manager Slaven Bilic, but he faces a fight to sign Muriel as the versatile forward has claimed that he has offers from three different countries. "The future? I'm happy at Sampdoria," Muriel stated. "But I've had several offers from Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma in Italy, but also from abroad — in Spain and England." The nine-time international can play both as a centre-forward and in the number 10 role, and has just over two years remaining on his current contract with Sampdoria.
Despite a number of risky foreign signings that have tried and failed at the London Stadium this season, it is fair to say that Muriel holds a good chance of becoming a success with the Hammers. His form against the biggest sides of Italian football proves that he has what it takes to score against the world's best defenders. Muriel's performance during a spectacular Sampdoria victory over Roma back in January saw him provide two assists and score another to earn a 3-2 win against Luciano Spalletti's side. It is that kind of inspiration that Bilic is looking for to fire the Hammers back into contention for the European qualification places ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
In other West Ham transfer news, this 27-year-old striker has revealed that he wants to leave the Hammers in the summer and join Premier League rivals Everton.
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Everything you need to know about West Ham transfer target Diego Laxalt
Nope, we've never heard of him either
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:30, 16 MAR 2017UPDATED08:06, 16 MAR 2017
Yet another name has been linked with a move to the West Ham in the summer but this is a bloke that you probably haven't heard of whatsoever. His name is Diego Laxalt. "Who?" we hear you cry and we thought exactly the same as well. The 24-year-old is an attacking midfielder from Montevideo, Uruguay. You can already start to see the comparisons with Manuel Lanzini here. Laxalt himself describes himself as a left-footed attacking midfielder, similar to another Uruguayan, Alvaro Recoba. He also, in his words, says his strengths are his speed and endurance. Laxalt started his career with Defensor Sporting in his homeland in 2012 before he was snapped up by Inter in January 2013, with the deal completed that July for a fee of £2m. He actually never featured for Inter's first team, being sent out on a couple of loan spells. One to Bologna, where he made 15 appearances and scored twice, a four-game stint with Empoli and then the spell that really got him noticed, at Genoa. He signed an 18-month loan deal with the option to buy and impressed sufficiently that the Italian outfit decided to keep him permanently and he has made 50 appearances so far this season, only scoring four times but he is the mainstay of the team. Laxalt has also represented Uruguay at youth level, having made 16 appearances for the U20 side, scoring once. He was then called up to the senior squad for the Copa Americano Centenario tournament as a replacement for the injured Cristian Rodriguez.
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West Ham signing reveals how quick process was
By Alexander Ford - March 16, 201718 0
ninetyminutesonline.com
West Ham United's summer signing Edimilson Fernandes has spoken about how quickly his move to the club happened. The midfielder joined the London Stadium from Swiss side FC Sion in August for an undisclosed fee, however he did not know anything about any interest being shown in him, to then being signed almost immediately. "Imagine this: I had not heard anything concrete. And they tell me to get on the plane immediately! I'm not ready yet, was my first thought. But then everything went ultra fast," the 20-year-old was quoted as saying to Swiss media outlet Blick. In the same article, Fernandes also described how the first meeting with Slaven Bilic went and then being told to start the very next day. "The first interview with coach Slaven Bilic was on the same evening, who asked me if I could start the next day," he said. "But I did not even have my football boots! Still I did the first training. Then the medical check. And the signature under the contract until 2020. That was almost a shock!"
Although he has admitted his start to being in the colours of West Ham were very quick, Fernandes has been particularly impressive on the field. The midfielder has currently made 22 appearances so far this season, with seven of them being included within the starting line-up. He also scored for the Hammers in the 2-1 victory against London rivals Chelsea in the EFL Cup, which led to receiving praise from Bilic. The impressive performances from the youngster have not only benefited West Ham, with a debut being handed to the Switzerland international, coming off the bench in a 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in a World Cup Qualifier, leaving the Swiss top of Group B.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, March 17
Thursday, March 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th March 2017
Young Hammers up for national accolades
WHUFC.com
Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for youth Ireland Player of the Year awards
They have also been called-up to their national sides for the upcoming international break
A number of other young Hammers have received call-ups
Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for Football Association of Ireland Player of the Year awards in their respective age groups. Cullen, currently on loan at Sky Bet League One side Bradford City, has been nominated for the U21 award and Rice, captain of the Hammers U23 side, is up for the U17 award. Both players have enjoyed a fantastic year for club and country, with Cullen flourishing on loan with the Bantams. The 20-year-old has established himself as a key part of Stuart McCall's midfield and earned a large number of man-of-the-match awards. He's also made 8 appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21s, scoring once in a win over Andorra at the end of 2015. Rice, meanwhile, has been one of the top performers for the PL2 side this season, captaining the team to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup and to a play-off position in Premier League 2. He's also played a key role for ROI's U17s, U19s and even been selected for the U21s, and the nomination caps of a terrific year for Rice. Both players have also been awarded call-ups for Irish youth sides in the upcoming international breaks. Cullen will represent the U21s as they host Kosovo in Dublin on Saturday in their first 2019 UEFA European Championship qualifier, whereas Rice is in the U19 squad for the trip to Belgium.
There are also a number of other West Ham United youngsters who have received international call-ups. Cullen and Rice's fellow Irishman Conor Coventry is currently with the U17s, as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Faroe Islands, Slovakia and Cyprus. Winger Anthony Scully is on standby for Ireland's U19s.
Meanwhile, Dan Kemp and Reece Hannam are on standby for England youth sides. Kemp is ready to step in for the U18s, who are on a training camp in Qatar, whereas Hannam is on standby for the U17s as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Czech Republic, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Martin Samuelsen, on loan at Peterborough United, has received a call-up to Norway U21s for their matches against Portugal and Russia.
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Fonte draws confidence from experienced trio
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte confident he will soon produce his best form in a West Ham United shirt
Portugal defender drawing on experience of working under Pochettino, Koeman and Bilic
Experienced centre-half also possesses great self-belief after successful recent seasons
Jose Fonte says the experience of working under three top-class managers will help him overcome a challenging start to his West Ham United career. The experienced centre-half has tasted victory just once in his opening six Premier League appearances for the Hammers – a 3-1 win at his former club Southampton in February, where he received flak from the same supporters who, until recently, considered him a hero.
A UEFA Euro 2016 winner with Portugal last summer, Fonte spent this final four years at St Mary's Stadium under the guidance of former Argentina defender Mauricio Pocchetino and long-time Netherlands centre-half and sweeper Ronald Koeman. At West Ham, the 33-year-old is now working with former Croatia centre-back Slaven Bilic, and Fonte is confident everything he has learned from that high-profile trio of mentors will help him to produce his best form in a Hammers shirt. "It helps massively to have a coach who played in the same position as me," said Fonte, who will hope to experience his second victory in Claret and Blue when Premier League champions Leicester City visit London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. "In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him. I just want to get better. "You take anything you can from your managers, but the small details make the difference. You've got to pay attention, because when managers like them speak, they know what they are talking about. You take everything that they say and try to replicate it in the game. In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him "They were experienced managers and great players, so you've got to take what they say in. With Pocchetino, for example, we worked a lot on improving the physical aspect on the training ground, on interceptions, on playing out from the back, making the right angles, sliding across to be in the right positions all the time, and the distances between the players in the back four – small details that you pick up along the way. "With Koeman, he gave me a lot of confidence and believed in me a lot. I'm very grateful for what he has done for me. He gave me the armband when he arrived and put a lot of trust in me and that's one aspect that really helps you, because he gave me the confidence to perform. "You can see on the touchline that Slaven is very different than most managers. He is honest, direct and a football person himself. He was a centre-back himself, he has character and an aura and I'm just pleased to be working with him and learning from him. "I'm old enough now to deal with any situation. Obviously, it's nice to have the confidence of the manager and everyone, but you need to have some self-confidence and belief, because if you don't, it doesn't matter if others believe in you."
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Hammers to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day at London Stadium on Saturday
Male health and cancer charity set up in memory of late Hammers striker Dylan Tombides
Day begins with 3.8-mile walk from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium on Saturday morning
Saturday's Premier League match with Leicester City marks the third annual DT38 Foundation Awareness Day, promoting the charity set up in the memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides.
'Dyl' was just 20 when he lost his battle with testicular cancer in April 2014 but the impact he made around Upton Park, both on and off the pitch, will never been forgotten.
And the mission of the DT38 Foundation - set-up by the Tombides family - has made great strides in tackling the stigma surrounding male health.
At the heart of their work across communities lies the message 'delay is deadly, get educated'.
The DT38 Foundation Awareness Day begins on Saturday morning with scores of dedicated supporters completing a 3.8 mile walk - sponsored by Lysis Financial - from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium.
Also involved today is Scott Howes, the father of Academy of Football goalkeeper Sam Howes, who is running the London Marathon for DT38 Foundation next month. During today's game, Scott will run 13.8 miles on a treadmill inside the Stadium to raise funds for the cause.
DT38 Foundation is funded by donations from sponsors and the public and from today fans have the opportunity to pledge their support by donating £3 to the cause by texting DIDGE to 70660*.
Just one of the major projects unveiled by DT38 last year was the launch of Didge, a children's book that uses Dylan's inspiring story to educate young people about the importance of health and wellbeing.
A literacy programme around Didge is now being rolled out to primary schools across east London in partnership with the West Ham United Foundation.
DT38 has also teamed up with Spire Roding Hospital to offer free testicular cancer screenings on 20 May as part of their ongoing programme to encourage more men to check or be checked for signs of the disease.
To book your free testicular cancer screening appointment, call 07568 429746 or email Armin.SABOTIC@spirehealthcare.com.
Dylan's eye for goal and natural flair saw him shoot his way through Academy of Football and come to the attention of the Australia U17 side.
It was in 2011, while representing the Joeys in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, that Dylan was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
With a determination and bravery that astounded everyone around him, he continued to train harder than ever while battling the disease.
In 2012, against all the odds and after months of grueling chemotherapy, Dylan made his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.
Tragically, the disease returned and, on 18 April 2014, cancer took Dylan's life, but it can never take his legacy.
Dylan's mother, Tracy Tombides founded DT38 in his memory.
"The players and staff of West Ham United have done so much to support DT38 since the start and we are eternally grateful," she said. "The Hammers have played a major role in helping us begin to achieve our mission, which is to educate as many people as possible, of all ages, about the risks of testicular cancer. I am also very grateful to Scott Howes and Lysis Financial for their brilliant support today.
"This is our third Awareness Day with West Ham and there is so much going on and I'm tremendously excited about the opportunity to reach even more people with our potentially lifesaving messages.
"Early detection of testicular cancer can be the difference between life and death and as a parent who has lost a child to this horrific disease, I urge you to digest the information that DT38 Foundation is sharing about the importance of self-checking and early detection of testicular cancer."
To find out more about the DT38 Foundation visit the charity's website now.
*Registered Charity No. 1160269. You may be charged for this SMS, please check with your network provider. DT38 Foundation will receive 100% of your donation. Please obtain bill payer's permission. Non-premium charity phone line: 07775 309216.
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Angelo's World
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Everything is really good at the moment and I am pleased to say that the surgery went really well. I cannot wait to get back playing again and I am taking it step-by-step and looking forward now.
The recovery will be a lot quicker than I first expected as the surgery was a big success. I just want to get back playing and to help our team.
I wish that I will play again this season and will get back as soon as possible. The time I spend with my team makes me so happy and I can feel their support.
The support around me from the team, the manager and the fans has been fantastic and I can feel that. I can work without any pressure.
The plan now is to keep my rehab going and when my knee is ready I can get back to training again.
I have to stay strong mentally and I don't have any problems with that. My behaviour will stay the same. I have a lot of good friends here and I am not alone.
It was hard for the team at the beginning of the season but we have all stayed together and we are now starting to get some good results.
Jose Fonte has been a great signing and he brings so much experience to the team. Snodgrass is the same and it is better to have players who know the Premier League. Our situation is not the same as it was two months ago.
The best targets for us in the remaining part of the season is to just take it game-by-game and not look too far ahead.
Maybe one of our problems at the start was all the expectations that were being placed on the team from outside.
It is good to have a dream, but we need to stay quiet with our expectations and just look forward to the next game.
Away from football I am loving life as a new dad. It is something completely new and a new life.
It is a good experience, not just in my life but for every new dad. It is so nice to come back from training and spend time with my son.
I will continue to work hard in my rehab and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.
Angelo
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: CARROLL FOR ENGLAND? STURRIDGE LINKED WITH HAMMERS, TORE TO LEAVE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 15 MARCH 2017 AT 12:40PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello Hammers. Here is today's lunchtime round up.
Andy Carroll is in line for a shock England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad this weekend. (Mirror)
I really do not want Andy to get a call up, because we all know what will happen if he does. He will go away a fit striker, and he will come back with an injury.
West Ham are the clear favourites to sign Daniel Sturridge this summer. (Football Insider)
I do not want Sturridge at West Ham. He is a good striker on his day, but he is injured way too often for my liking. He would be just a waste of money in my opinion.
Mark Noble says he is glad West Ham are back on track after a nightmare eight months. (Daily Mail)
I wouldn't say we are back on track just yet, because I still think we are capable of much more. However, we are not in the mess like we were earlier in the season.
Winston Reid has insisted that there are no attitude problems amongst the squad. (Tribal Football)
I don't think there are attitude problems as such, but I do think some players are becoming complacent too early, and we do not need that.
Gokhan Tore has confirmed that he plans to return to Besiktas in the summer. (HITC)
One of the worst signings in West Ham history. He is such an awful player and I am happy that he will be going back to Turkey.
Slaven Bilic has insisted that this season is not over for the Hammers just yet. (HITC)
The season is not over until May, and we still have a lot to play for. Every place is valuable, and we should be working hard to finish as high as possible.
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Super Mario linked with West Ham switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Simone Zaza'a former strike partner. Mario Mandzukic has spent the last two seasons with Juventus, from whom the Hammers acquired Zaza last summer - albeit for little more than six months. However Zaza'a botched move to England hasn't deterred the Hammers from casting an eye ove the Old Lady once again, with the 30-year-old Croatian international reported to be on the hit-list this summer. The 6'3" striker could be seen as a natural replacement for Zaza or Andy Carroll, whose future at West Ham remains in the balance even though he is on the verge of an England recall.
* Elsewhere today Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is once again being linked with a move to London. This time it's the Daily Star who are suggesting West Ham are ready to spend up to £25million to lure the England international to the Olympic Stadium.
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West Ham add Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel to their summer transfer shopping list
Colombia international with 10 goals and nine assists this season has a £24million release clause in his contract
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 15 MAR 2017
West Ham have been alerted to in-form Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel. The 25-year-old Colombia international, who's scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in 28 games for the Italians this season, has a £24million release clause in his contract. The Hammers are hunting a proven goal-scorer to solve their problems up front once and for all. England international Andy Carroll has attracted interest from China recently. He has also, along with Diafra Sakho and last summer's club-record buy Andre Ayew, had his season badly affected by injury. The Londoners are already monitoring the situations involving Liverpool's little-used Daniel Sturridge , Chelsea misfit Michy Batshuayi, a target last summer before moving from Marseille to Stamford Bridge, and AC Milan marksman Carlos Bacca, who they have been linked with in the last two transfer windows . Italy international striker Simone Zaza , was bombed out in January halfway through a supposed season-long loan from Juventus after struggling badly and failing to score a single goal for West Ham. Muriel, meanwhile, has admitted to being flattered by the increasing interest in him. He said: "The future? I'm happy at Sampdoria, because we've won two derbies [against their city rivals Genoa] for the first time in 57 years. "But I've had several offers from Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma in Italy, but also from abroad — in Spain and England."
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The curious case of the West Ham striker - why have they not been given a chance?
Has Bilic's stubbornness been the downfall of the Hammers?
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
If - sorry, when - Andy Carroll is injured, it seems as though the walls are quite literally falling in at West Ham. "Why haven't we signed a striker?" "Where are our other strikers?" "Boy, we really could do with a striker right now."
Those are the kind of things we are used to hearing this season when the big number nine hasn't been available for selection. But there are other strikers at the club but they are not seeing any game time whatsoever - Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri.
Both were brought in by Slaven Bilic in the summer but have barely featured for the Hammers first team, with both more often than not plying their trade for the U23 PL2 team.
When Carroll has been injured, we've seen Michail Antonio get the nod in a central striker role, with Fletcher and Calleri warming the bench.
Fletcher was handed the start away at Manchester City way back in the early stages of the season and Calleri bagged a handful of substitute appearances without scoring. Both, during their time on the pitch, have looked at the very least capable, if not outstanding.
Both should have been given more of a chance this season to stake their claims as an alternative to Carroll, with West Ham struggling in the goalscoring department all season.
But, manager Slaven Bilic has thought otherwise, preferring to use Antonio and nigh-on ignoring Fletcher and Calleri.
These are strikers who have scored goals at former clubs but since they arrived in east London, haven't been given a sniff. Is it stubborness from Bilic that he simply refuses to use them? Why bring them in the first place if that was the case?
It's easy to sympathise with Argentine Calleri. It's his first time in England, didn't know the language well and was thrusted into the starting line up away at Astra Giurgiu because of Carroll's injury for his debut.
It hasn't really worked out for him, but he did manage to get a goal in the 3-1 win away at Middlesbrough. That coud have seen him kick on but Calleri has barely seen any game time since then.
Fletcher was instrumental for Barnsley last season, enough for Bilic to bring him in. Minus that start away at Manchester City and in the EFL Cup against his former club Manchester United, what chances has he been given?
That's the problem - neither of them have been given enough of a chance to show what they can do. If they weren't good enough, then they wouldn't be at the club in the first place. We've seen Bilic be stubborn with his team selection this season and the striker situation is a perfect example of that.
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ANDY CARROLL IN LINE FOR SHOCK ENGLAND RECALL
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Andy Carroll's fine form of late has not gone unnoticed. The Mirror are reporting that due to the lack of available striking options right now, England manager Gareth Southgate is considering calling up Carroll to fill the void.
Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's last game through injury and is considered in a deeper role for England these days, while the ankle ligament injury Harry Kane suffered last week will keep him out for the foreseeable future and Daniel Sturridge remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Southgate is expected to call up Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy to the squad on Thursday but has reservations over the fitness of Danny Welbeck who has been used sparingly by Arsenal after recovering from his latest spell in the physio room.
Christopher Lee/Getty Images SportChristopher Lee/Getty Images Sport
Having been in attendance of several of West Ham's last few games, Southgate has been making regular checks on the fitness of Andy Carroll who has scored four goals in his last six games, and there could even be a return to the squad for Michail Antonio.
Sunderland's Jermain Defoe is also under consideration but there is increasing speculation that Carroll will get the nod tomorrow for the games against Germany and Lithuania next week.
Carroll scored in his last international appearance for England against Sweden at Euro 2012 but injuries have limited his availability over the last few years but now he's fit and back in the goals he's put himself back in the conversation.
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WEST HAM LINKED WITH MOVE FOR BOBBY WOOD
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Recruiting a new striker or two is something West Ham need to focus on in the summer transfer window and one of their reported targets has made a move to make a summer transfer more likely.
Hamburg striker Bobby Wood has changed agents from SportsTotal to the Volker Struth group as he continues to assess his options at the end of the season with interest mounting in him.
West Ham have been linked with a move for the USA international but BILD notes that there is growing interest in his services from England.
The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in German football starting out life with 1860 Munich before making a £680,000 switch to Union Berlin in the summer of 2015.
Wood made his breakthrough with the 2. Bundesliga outfit, scoring 17 goals in 32 games for the club which earned him a move to Germany's top tier with Hamburg.
So far this season, Wood has netted nine goals in 23 games in all competitions and could be set for a move to the Premier League if West Ham are willing to make a concrete offer for the striker.
With Jonathan Calleri not being kept on when his loan expires in the summer and Enner Valencia likely to make a permanent move following a year out on loan with Everton, the Hammers will be short of options in attack and Wood seems like a player Slaven Bilic is keen on.
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Leroy Rosenior urges Celtic star Moussa Dembele to avoid signing for Tottenham, wants him to join rivals instead
HITC
Olly Dawes
Leroy Rosenior wants to see Celtic star Moussa Dembele join Arsenal instead of Tottenham or West Ham. Pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has told bwin.com that Celtic striker Moussa Dembele should snub the likes of Tottenham and West Ham United in order to join Arsenal. Dembele, 20, built up a strong reputation for himself at Fulham, hitting 17 goals in all competitions last season before his contract expired, triggering his move to Celtic last summer. The French attacker has enjoyed a remarkable season in Scotland, smashing 32 goals in 45 games for the Bhoys – and that record in front of goal has unsurprisingly triggered major interest from English clubs.
Glasgow Live recently reported that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been watching Dembele in action ahead of possible moves to sign him, whilst the Daily Record report that after West Ham United sounded Celtic out about a January deal, Chelsea will make a summer bid for him.
Having lost Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama in recent years, Celtic won't want to sell another key player to the Premier League, but Dembele looks set to make a big-money move at some point in the near future. The striker may well have his pick of clubs this summer, and pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has offered some advice to the striker should he look to leave Glasgow this summer. Rosenior has told bwin.com that whilst Dembele made the right move in joining Celtic last summer, he needs to play against greater competition, given how the Bhoys are dominating Scottish football.
Rosenior added that Dembele should avoid moves to Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham and instead join Arsenal, suggesting that the Gunners are the best developer of players from those four London clubs. "I think Moussa made the right move," said Rosenior. "However, and this is no disrespect to the Scottish League, Celtic aren't facing enough competition – they're too far ahead. He's playing in a side that dominates games week in, week out. His confidence will be sky high at the moment and the next step for him will be the most important one." "To me, Arsenal are the perfect club for his next step. He needs Premier League competition to really showcase what he can do. He's quick, strong and a lethal finisher and has all the attributes to play in the best league in the world. He knows London but to be honest, if I was him, I would avoid Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham and go to Arsenal – a club that develops players," he added.
Rosenior's claims about Arsenal's ability to develop players is somewhat surprising; whilst that was once true about Arsene Wenger's Gunners, Tottenham have emerged as arguably the top club for developing young players in England, as Mauricio Pochettino has helped the likes of Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane become top players – and Dembele should be heavily considering Spurs as his destination of choice should they come calling this summer.
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STARLET REVEALS "SHOCK" AT SPEED OF WEST HAM TRANSFERFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:00pm
Written by: David Tully
West Ham midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has revealed the speed at which his move to the Hammers happened in the summer. The Swiss starlet moved from FC Sion for an undisclosed fee in August.
Speaking to Swiss publication Blick, the 20 year old explained how in the space of a few days he went from knowing nothing about the interest from the Hammers to becoming a West Ham player:
"Imagine this: I had not heard anything concrete. And they tell me to get on the plane immediately! I'm not ready yet, was my first thought. But then everything went ultra fast."
"The first interview with coach Slaven Bilic was on the same evening, who asked me if I could start the next day. But I did not even have my football boots! Still I did the first training. Then the medical check. And the signature under the contract until 2020. That was almost a shock!"
Fernandes has performed impressively during the appearances he has made so far for the Hammers. He has featured in 22 matches this campaign, and he has made seven starts already in the first team.
The midfielder's quick rise to prominence has also been reflected at international level where he made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier for Switzerland against the Faroe Islands back in November. Fernandes came on as a second half substitute during the match, coming on for Valentin Stocker in the 69th minute, as the Swiss sealed a 2-0 win to top Group B.
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Why Mario Mandzukic could be the answer for West HamFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:36pm
Written by: Marcus Oades
West Ham became the first Premier League side to succumb to defeat to Bournemouth in 2017 following their 3-2 defeat at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Slaven Bilic's men led through Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the campaign after just ten minutes, only for a Josh King brace either side of half time to give Eddie Howe's side the advantage. Andre Ayew did level proceedings seven minutes from time as the Hammers looked set to extend their unbeaten away run to four matches, only for King to complete his hat-trick in the final minute to secure the Cherries first league victory of 2017. The result maintains their six-point gap to the bottom three, and also means that Howe's side are just three points behind West Ham in 11th despite their wretched run of form since the turn of the year.
On what was a frustrating day for the Hammers, things have looked a bit brighter since as they have today been linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic in the summer. And what a signing he would be for the East London club.
The 30-year-old signed for the Serie A champions in 2015, and netted 13 times in 36 games for Massimiliano Allegri's side last term, but hasn't been as prolific this time round, and looks to be the club's third choice striker following the return to fitness of starlet Paulo Dybala, as well as the stunning goal-scoring form of €90 million man Gonzalo Higuaín. Mandzukic has managed just five goals in 26 league appearances for Juve this season, and with just a handful of others in their cup competitions and Champions League campaigns, the Croatian international looks set to be nearing the end of his time in Turin. And that could be West Ham's gain, as Mandzukic could be exactly the sort of striker they need to consolidate themselves in the top half of the Premier League, and indeed push for the European spots. That's because the 30-year-old has been prolific at every club he has been at, as well as at every level he has competed at. Whether that's the 63 goals in 128 games he scored for Dinamo Zagreb between 2007 and 2011, or the 48 in 88 for Bayern Munich between 2012 and 2014, Mandzukic knows where the back of the net is.
It equates to 188 goals in 444 club games in his career, and given that it he has had spells in Croatia, Germany, Spain, and Italy, that is an impressive return for a player many never really felt was near the top of the game, despite his goal-scoring record.
Add in that he has netted 25 times in just 73 games in European competition, including in Bayern Munich's Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund in 2013, and Mandzukic knows what it takes to effect a game of huge magnitude in both domestic and European competition.
That can only benefit the Hammers, and it's his experience and guile gained from 444 club games that can help a West Ham side that sometimes look blunt going forward, as Mandzukic has scored all sorts of goals during his career, be it towering headers, tap-ins, or pile-drivers from outside the box.
It's not just his goals though, Mandzukic is exactly the type of striker you want in your side, as his defensive work is excellent, and his work-rate and energy off the ball gives defenders little time to settle into a game, and indeed on the ball.
Bilic will know first-hand of Mandzukic's capabilities given that the 30-year-old played for the Hammers boss during his stint in charge of Croatia, and he'll surely want to beat former club Besiktas to the striker's signature this summer.
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Slaven's Stubborn Nature Holding West Ham back
by Scott Johnson13 hours agoFollow @greensthammers
West Ham have suffered from a number of poor results in recent games. Although the players must take their share of the blame, so must Slaven Bilic. When a manager comes in players expect a bit of movement in regards to the previous style of play. It also takes a while to get used to who the best players are in what positions. But West Ham have suffered from an unreasonably long period of unrest.
Slaven Bilic has been trying to force players out of position for a while now. You only have to look back the Antonio into right back saga to see what that can do to a player. But his reluctance to accept certain players' limitations is a huge hurdle for the Hammers.
Standing firm or Stubborn?
Some pundits and fans will say that Slaven is simply sticking by what he thinks is best. As any manager will tell you it is important he believes in the team. However there comes a point where it is not the best course of action, and you have to look at the evidence that comes in the form of results on the pitch.
Bilic's refusal to put Byram in at right back is causing a huge issue. Combining that with the presence of Noble in the midfield despite his poor performances means that there is no real progress from the side despite a much better squad than we have seen in recent years.
Andre Ayew, our record signing, must be wondering what he has to do to get a game. He is only getting played briefly but he is still scoring and assisting goals. The fact the extremely blunt Feghouli is starting ahead of his is crazy. There needs to be some adjustment to form and position.
Byram needs to go in at right back. It upsets the shape of the team to force a midfielder in there. Kouyate should start in the middle with Obiang, and Ayew should be part of the attacking lineup from the first minute. Without adjustments, Bilic is signing his own P45.
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Payet, Tevez and the best West Ham XI of Premier League era to be sold by the club
We have come up with the best 'Sold XI' the Hammers have got rid of
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
19:40, 14 MAR 2017
In days gone by, West Ham were often considered a selling club. Bring players through the Academy of Football, give them their big break in the first team and then ship them off to other clubs at a higher price. There are also some players brought into the club that maybe haven't performed well and have been moved on but hit their stride elsewhere. With that in mind, we have racked our brains at football.london and have come up with the best 'Sold XI' that the Hammers have got rid of. We've got them in a 3-2-3-2 weird formation that includes Javier Mascherano at centre half, which is his current position at Barcelona before you get mad at us...
David James
The England stopper joined the Hammers in 2001 and enjoyed a three-year stint in east London, making 91 appearances before being moved on to Manchester City to replace the retired David Seaman.
Javier Mascherano
We all remember that day when Alan Pardew shocked the football world by signing Mascherano and his compatriot Carlos Tevez. The Argentinian rarely featured though during his spell at Upton Park, much less so than Tevez, before he was quickly shifted on to Liverpool where he'd make 94 appearances before moving to Barcelona, where he still plies his trade.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand started his career with the Hammers in 1996 and – with a brief loan spell at Bournemouth – before going on to make 127 appearances in claret and blue. He'd leave the Hammers in the year 2000, signing for Leeds United for a then British transfer record and world's most expensive defender in an £18m switch.
Glen Johnson
Johnson only made 15 appearances for the Hammers first team but has gone on to greater success since he left West Ham after coming through the famous academy under Tony Carr. Johnson was quickly snapped up by Chelsea for £6m, the first purchase under the new ownership at Stamford Bridge under Roman Abramovich and breaking into the England set up.
Michael Carrick
Carrick won the FA Youth Cup in the 1998/99 season with West Ham before making his breakthrough into the first team in the 2001/02 campaign. Carrick would make 136 appearances for the Hammers before he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5m. A subsequent move to Manchester United has seen him win the Premier League five times and the Champions League in 07/08.
Scott Parker
Parker signed for the Hammers in 2007 for £7m from Newcastle United and in a four-year dtay, made more than 100 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten goals. Following the Hammers relegation to the Championship and despite starting the first four games of 2011/12 season, Parker handed in a transfer request and moved to Tottenham Hotspur.
Frank Lampard
One of the best talents to come through the famed West Ham academy, Lampard made his first start for the first team in 1996. After six years with West Ham, Lampard had enough and decided he wanted to move, with Chelsea snapping him up and he would go on to be their record appearance maker with 429. He also won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and the FA Cup four times in his glittering career.
Dimitri Payet
This is still sore…
Payet signed for the Hammers for £10.75m in the summer of 2015 and would go on to become a superstar at Upton Park. However, it all ended very sourly this season when the 29-year-old refused to play for the club and eventually sealed a £25m move back to Marseille after 18 months in east London.
Joe Cole
Cole is another product of the West Ham youth system and was touted as the best young prospect in English football, with the Hammers turning down a £10m bid from Manchester United for the winger. After winning the Hammer of the Year title in 2003, Cole decided to move on and Chelsea was his destination for £6.6m. Cole had made 126 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten times.
Jermain Defoe
Born in Beckton, Defoe was spotted by the Hammers while he was Charlton and signed him to a professional deal as a 16-year-old. He scored 29 in 93 games – and 18 goals in a season on loan at Bournemouth – before making a controversial switch to Spurs in 2004 for an initial £6m fee.
Carlos Tevez
Tevez was brought in on the same day as Javieer Mascherano in that infamous double deadline day deal which rocked the world of football.
After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Tevez was handed his first start by Alan Curbishley in 2007 and would score seven goals in 26 games, including that famous winner at Old Trafford that ensured Premier League survival for the Hammers. He'd move to Manchester United that summer and scoop two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy at Old Trafford
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England recall beckons for West Ham's Andy Carroll as injuries leave boss Gareth Southgate struggling for strikers
With Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge all out for Germany and Lithuania double-header, Jermain Defoe is in the frame too
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 14 MAR 2017
Gareth Southgate is considering a shock England recall for Andy Carroll. And the 28-year-old West Ham striker, who has scored four goals in his last six games, could be joined in the latest Three Lions squad by team-mate Michail Antonio. The Hammers pair are in the frame because Southgate has been hit by a rash of injuries up front, with Tottenham's Harry Kane, skipper Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge all out. Southgate, who could also call up 34-year-old Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, has been making checks on Carroll's fitness. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur holds his ankle as he goes down injured during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall at White Hart Lane on March 12, 2017 in London, England.
He will make a final decision in the next 24 hours before naming his squad at St George's Park on Thursday for next Wednesday's away friendly with Germany and a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley four days later. The 6ft 4in Geordie, who last played for England four years ago, returned from a slight groin injury to start West Ham's most recent league games — losses to Chelsea and Bournemouth. Carroll has made no secret of his desperation to force his way back into the international fold after injuries saw him fall down the pecking order. Wide-man Antonio, in line for a new deal at the London Stadium, was last called up by Sam Allardyce in August for his one and only squad as England boss but did not figure in the subsequent four matches under then-interim boss Southgate.
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Slaven Bilic's training methods questioned as Reece Oxford "surprised" by Reading's intensity
Oxford has been off the pace at new club Reading
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:49, 15 MAR 2017
Reading boss Jaap Stam has criticised at West Ham's pre-match preparation, saying that loanee Reece Oxford has been surprised at the Royals' training intensity. Oxford signed with the Championship side on loan for six months on deadline day, but until this past weekend the 18-year-old talent had yet to appear for his new club. That changed on Saturday when Oxford came on as a substitute in Reading's 3-0 defeat away at Preston North End in the but the teenager only managed to get 18 minutes of action under his belt after replacing Paul McShane. Stam's comments about Oxford's lack of preparation appear be a thinly veiled dig at the regime at Rush Green, which is something that another Hammers loanee, Enner Valencia, has also hinted at. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Friday's game against Sheffield Wednesday, former Manchester United defender Stam said: "Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to at West Ham. "Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that's why training is intense."
Back in September, Valencia – who is on loan at Everton this season – also threw shade at Hammers training methods, saying: "I have enjoyed training with my new team-mates, it's different to my last team - it is a little bit harder."
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Pitch size myth at West Ham's London Stadium busted by new report
HITC
Damien Lucas
The size of the pitch at West Ham United's new stadium has been cited as one of the reasons for their struggles this season. The Hammers have turned what was threatening to be a disastrous season around of late and they are now sitting in 11th place in the Premier League, although their form has dipped again recently. Many supporters and pundits have pointed the finger of blame for the huge contrast in form compared to their best ever Premier Leagues points total last term squarely at their controversial new 60,000 seater ground. Some fans believe blaming the stadium move is too easy an excuse, citing that other teams are having no trouble performing there.
But comments this season from Slaven Bilic himself, Scotland boss Gordon Strachan and Stoke City boss Mark Hughes have all suggested the size of the pitch and sight lines have impacted performances. The myth that the Hammers are suddenly playing on a pitch size completely alien to them has been well and truly busted, though, by a new report revealing Premier League surface sizes. And the report, published by the Daily Star, reveals West Ham in actual fact share the same size pitch as no fewer than eight fellow top flight clubs.
The London Stadium pitch is 7,140 square metres. That's the same size as Watford's Vicarage Road surface, West Brom's Hawthorns pitch, Sunderland's Stadium of Light, Swansea City's Liberty Stadium, Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium - where the Hammers lost 3-2 last time out - the pitches at both Old Trafford and the Etihad and Arsenal's Emirates. Only two pitches are bigger, Middlesbrough's Riverside (7,245sqm) and the biggest of the lot, Hull City's massive KCOM Stadium which is 8,436sqm. Stoke City's Bet365 ground (6,400sqm) and the pitches at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace (6,700sqm) are the smallest. Yes it is bigger than the pitch at Upton Park but not significantly enough to cause the team any undue problems.
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THE FULL BACK PROBLEM
By Tony Hanna 15 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The past few games have had their share of frustrations. Late goals conceded, being caught on the break, penalties conceded etc etc. The teams resurgence after the Payet saga that saw wins against Palace, Southampton and Boro has now diminished and we have now acquired just two points from the last four games. The winter break in Dubai might just have put the boys in holiday mood for the rest of the season? I made mention many moons ago in an article I wrote on the site about club managers and staff not seeing, or certainly not reacting to things that fans see quite plainly on the pitch that are going wrong. Perhaps I am deluded? Perhaps these highly paid professionals do know much better than us what is going on and we are just mere mortals that do not understand? But I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence here; many of us have been watching football nearly all our lives. Some of us watched West Ham play before some of today's players and managers were born. Fans, in general know football. Slaven might tell me otherwise? (ps; This article was written prior to Mark Noble's comments, so perhaps he might tell me otherwise as well)?
So, when we have been saying for two seasons now that we need a right back, why has the club done next to nothing? Sam Byram was always going to be a gamble. Youngsters stepping up from the lower divisions always are. In fairness, Bilic had no intention of playing him as early as he did, against Man City last January, but needs must at the time. He was meant to be one of those "works in progress" and wasn't even in the squad the day he made his debut. A late injury to James Tomkins got him onto the bench and then an injury to right back Carl Jenkinson in the 13th minute ensured he got an earlier than anticipated debut. Since then Bilic has used him sparingly when he has been fit. The Antonio project failed miserably and so far so has the ploy of playing one of our best midfielders there as well. What other club would play their leading goal scorer at right back? Perhaps in an injury crisis as an emergency, but for months on end when it clearly wasn't working? So, the summer transfer window comes around and a club of our stature would move heaven and earth to get a right back in, right? Nope! Well, we sort of did in the signing of Arbeloa but he was last seen flying over the Bermuda Triangle! The same thing happened on the other side at the beginning of the season. We went into a full season with one recognised, experienced left back. The only reason we bought Masuaku at the last moment was because Cresswell got a bad injury, otherwise we would have started the season with one left back and no right back, if you discount experiments, an ageing loan and the kids. This is simply not good enough. To make matters worse the winter window arrives and goes and still no developments?
Embed from Getty Images
Shifting Kouyate back into the right back role has clearly taken the pressure off Bilic when it comes to determining the midfield set up. If we had a first class right back in place he would have some very difficult decisions to make should Kouyate be vying for one of those places? Whatever the lad might be saying to the media, I can't imagine he is overjoyed at playing right back and I would not be surprised if he is not at the club come next season. Bilic has been playing a lot of square pegs in round holes for a while now and as I said earlier, us fans are no mugs. We can see things that aren't working. We can see players when they are out of form, especially badly out of form. Which brings me to my next subject. A few weeks ago I wrote an article on what was our best midfield? Whilst the object was to gain readers opinions on the range of players available to choose from, it was thinly veiled to gauge what fans thought regarding Mark Noble's place in the team? I will not be as subtle with my next subject – Aaron Cresswell. My personal view is that the player has had a very poor season to date. The inability to stop crosses coming in, the rearing away from any physical challenges and the strange positional play that continually drags Winston Reid out from a central position to cover for Cresswell who in turn runs back to move into the central void left by Reid? This is in no way meant to come across as a personal attack on Cresswell. It is just my view that he is badly out of form. That can happen to any player and when it does occur we should be in a position to act and replace him with a competent alternative for as long as needed.
Embed from Getty Images
The marauding runs and clever interplay with Payet are a distant memory. For what it's worth I have never rated Cresswell as a good defender, but what he brought in an attacking sense was at times superb and very entertaining. However, the master of the whipped in outswinging cross has rarely been seen in recent months and the defensive side of his duties are now being laid to bare. With his cover Masuaku being injured himself for many months now, Creswell has had no competition for his place. Earlier in the season Masuaku did get his chance, but at West Brom he put in an awful performance, coming up with an extraordinary handball in our own area conceding a penalty. Whilst that does nothing for the confidence of the fans or the player himself, the majority of other games he has played he has looked quite an assured player who is very comfortable on the ball. However, his sending off this week in the PL2 match puts another question mark on his suitability. A lot of fans have questioned the form of both Ogbonna, before his season ending injury, and Fonte since his arrival from Southampton. In my view if these central defenders are being let down on the flanks they are not going to be seen anywhere near their best and blaming them may be premature?
Back in my days of playing, at one time we had a superb back four. Booth was a combative right back and decent on the ball, Johnson was a Collins type defender, Myers was our Bobby Moore – tactically excellent and a great reader of the game, and Brophy was a young but very good left back. They all worked well together in front of the best keeper in the district. Then one year Booth decided to quit the club for personal reasons and Brophy joined the Navy. We brought in two full backs that were not really up to the same standard but what was telling was the drop off in play of both our centre backs, Johnson and Myers. From nowhere they were making mistakes and getting pulled ragged at times. The moral of the story is that two very decent centre backs who had always been solid were now a mess playing with two fullbacks that were not quite up to scratch. Ironically, one of the fullbacks really improved when we played him in midfield! I think you can draw your own conclusions from my little story when you relate it to West Ham?
So, no need to hit the panic button just yet, but Bilic must stop playing players that are out of form providing he has decent cover for them, and he must put a squad together next season where every position has a round peg in a round hole and has sufficient cover. At this point in time that means acquiring a proper right back and cover for him should Bilic have no intention of playing Byram if injuries demand. It also means getting a decent left back if Bilic is convinced Masuaku is not good enough. If that is the case get rid. If he does think he is good enough he should be playing him now, if only to refresh Cresswell and send the appropriate message that he needs to get his act together. It also means spending the large part of the kitty on a striker and letting either Carroll or Sakho go. I would love to keep both but history shows that their combined injury records makes that too huge a risk and I doubt both would stay if we got a new first class striker in anyway?
The upcoming Leicester game is another one where I feel the team need to respond and get out of the blocks right from the start to get the crowd behind them. We appear to be starting games very slowly and especially at home we seem determined to play it very tight from the start. This is statistically backed up as we are the worst team in the PL for leading at home half time stats – only once in 14 matches! To counter that, Leicester have been losing a staggering four more matches away from home at half time than any other PL club, trailing in 10 of their 13 away matches at the break. Thoughts?
A few weeks ago I wrote that I would be doing a Q&A with former Hammer Eddie Bovington. Unfortunately Ed has been unwell recently and that is why he hasn't been able to participate. I am pleased to say that Eddie is now well on the mend and the Q&A has been conducted. It will be published during the two week break after the Leicester game.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for youth Ireland Player of the Year awards
They have also been called-up to their national sides for the upcoming international break
A number of other young Hammers have received call-ups
Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for Football Association of Ireland Player of the Year awards in their respective age groups. Cullen, currently on loan at Sky Bet League One side Bradford City, has been nominated for the U21 award and Rice, captain of the Hammers U23 side, is up for the U17 award. Both players have enjoyed a fantastic year for club and country, with Cullen flourishing on loan with the Bantams. The 20-year-old has established himself as a key part of Stuart McCall's midfield and earned a large number of man-of-the-match awards. He's also made 8 appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21s, scoring once in a win over Andorra at the end of 2015. Rice, meanwhile, has been one of the top performers for the PL2 side this season, captaining the team to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup and to a play-off position in Premier League 2. He's also played a key role for ROI's U17s, U19s and even been selected for the U21s, and the nomination caps of a terrific year for Rice. Both players have also been awarded call-ups for Irish youth sides in the upcoming international breaks. Cullen will represent the U21s as they host Kosovo in Dublin on Saturday in their first 2019 UEFA European Championship qualifier, whereas Rice is in the U19 squad for the trip to Belgium.
There are also a number of other West Ham United youngsters who have received international call-ups. Cullen and Rice's fellow Irishman Conor Coventry is currently with the U17s, as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Faroe Islands, Slovakia and Cyprus. Winger Anthony Scully is on standby for Ireland's U19s.
Meanwhile, Dan Kemp and Reece Hannam are on standby for England youth sides. Kemp is ready to step in for the U18s, who are on a training camp in Qatar, whereas Hannam is on standby for the U17s as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Czech Republic, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Martin Samuelsen, on loan at Peterborough United, has received a call-up to Norway U21s for their matches against Portugal and Russia.
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Fonte draws confidence from experienced trio
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte confident he will soon produce his best form in a West Ham United shirt
Portugal defender drawing on experience of working under Pochettino, Koeman and Bilic
Experienced centre-half also possesses great self-belief after successful recent seasons
Jose Fonte says the experience of working under three top-class managers will help him overcome a challenging start to his West Ham United career. The experienced centre-half has tasted victory just once in his opening six Premier League appearances for the Hammers – a 3-1 win at his former club Southampton in February, where he received flak from the same supporters who, until recently, considered him a hero.
A UEFA Euro 2016 winner with Portugal last summer, Fonte spent this final four years at St Mary's Stadium under the guidance of former Argentina defender Mauricio Pocchetino and long-time Netherlands centre-half and sweeper Ronald Koeman. At West Ham, the 33-year-old is now working with former Croatia centre-back Slaven Bilic, and Fonte is confident everything he has learned from that high-profile trio of mentors will help him to produce his best form in a Hammers shirt. "It helps massively to have a coach who played in the same position as me," said Fonte, who will hope to experience his second victory in Claret and Blue when Premier League champions Leicester City visit London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. "In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him. I just want to get better. "You take anything you can from your managers, but the small details make the difference. You've got to pay attention, because when managers like them speak, they know what they are talking about. You take everything that they say and try to replicate it in the game. In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him "They were experienced managers and great players, so you've got to take what they say in. With Pocchetino, for example, we worked a lot on improving the physical aspect on the training ground, on interceptions, on playing out from the back, making the right angles, sliding across to be in the right positions all the time, and the distances between the players in the back four – small details that you pick up along the way. "With Koeman, he gave me a lot of confidence and believed in me a lot. I'm very grateful for what he has done for me. He gave me the armband when he arrived and put a lot of trust in me and that's one aspect that really helps you, because he gave me the confidence to perform. "You can see on the touchline that Slaven is very different than most managers. He is honest, direct and a football person himself. He was a centre-back himself, he has character and an aura and I'm just pleased to be working with him and learning from him. "I'm old enough now to deal with any situation. Obviously, it's nice to have the confidence of the manager and everyone, but you need to have some self-confidence and belief, because if you don't, it doesn't matter if others believe in you."
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Hammers to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day at London Stadium on Saturday
Male health and cancer charity set up in memory of late Hammers striker Dylan Tombides
Day begins with 3.8-mile walk from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium on Saturday morning
Saturday's Premier League match with Leicester City marks the third annual DT38 Foundation Awareness Day, promoting the charity set up in the memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides.
'Dyl' was just 20 when he lost his battle with testicular cancer in April 2014 but the impact he made around Upton Park, both on and off the pitch, will never been forgotten.
And the mission of the DT38 Foundation - set-up by the Tombides family - has made great strides in tackling the stigma surrounding male health.
At the heart of their work across communities lies the message 'delay is deadly, get educated'.
The DT38 Foundation Awareness Day begins on Saturday morning with scores of dedicated supporters completing a 3.8 mile walk - sponsored by Lysis Financial - from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium.
Also involved today is Scott Howes, the father of Academy of Football goalkeeper Sam Howes, who is running the London Marathon for DT38 Foundation next month. During today's game, Scott will run 13.8 miles on a treadmill inside the Stadium to raise funds for the cause.
DT38 Foundation is funded by donations from sponsors and the public and from today fans have the opportunity to pledge their support by donating £3 to the cause by texting DIDGE to 70660*.
Just one of the major projects unveiled by DT38 last year was the launch of Didge, a children's book that uses Dylan's inspiring story to educate young people about the importance of health and wellbeing.
A literacy programme around Didge is now being rolled out to primary schools across east London in partnership with the West Ham United Foundation.
DT38 has also teamed up with Spire Roding Hospital to offer free testicular cancer screenings on 20 May as part of their ongoing programme to encourage more men to check or be checked for signs of the disease.
To book your free testicular cancer screening appointment, call 07568 429746 or email Armin.SABOTIC@spirehealthcare.com.
Dylan's eye for goal and natural flair saw him shoot his way through Academy of Football and come to the attention of the Australia U17 side.
It was in 2011, while representing the Joeys in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, that Dylan was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
With a determination and bravery that astounded everyone around him, he continued to train harder than ever while battling the disease.
In 2012, against all the odds and after months of grueling chemotherapy, Dylan made his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.
Tragically, the disease returned and, on 18 April 2014, cancer took Dylan's life, but it can never take his legacy.
Dylan's mother, Tracy Tombides founded DT38 in his memory.
"The players and staff of West Ham United have done so much to support DT38 since the start and we are eternally grateful," she said. "The Hammers have played a major role in helping us begin to achieve our mission, which is to educate as many people as possible, of all ages, about the risks of testicular cancer. I am also very grateful to Scott Howes and Lysis Financial for their brilliant support today.
"This is our third Awareness Day with West Ham and there is so much going on and I'm tremendously excited about the opportunity to reach even more people with our potentially lifesaving messages.
"Early detection of testicular cancer can be the difference between life and death and as a parent who has lost a child to this horrific disease, I urge you to digest the information that DT38 Foundation is sharing about the importance of self-checking and early detection of testicular cancer."
To find out more about the DT38 Foundation visit the charity's website now.
*Registered Charity No. 1160269. You may be charged for this SMS, please check with your network provider. DT38 Foundation will receive 100% of your donation. Please obtain bill payer's permission. Non-premium charity phone line: 07775 309216.
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Angelo's World
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Everything is really good at the moment and I am pleased to say that the surgery went really well. I cannot wait to get back playing again and I am taking it step-by-step and looking forward now.
The recovery will be a lot quicker than I first expected as the surgery was a big success. I just want to get back playing and to help our team.
I wish that I will play again this season and will get back as soon as possible. The time I spend with my team makes me so happy and I can feel their support.
The support around me from the team, the manager and the fans has been fantastic and I can feel that. I can work without any pressure.
The plan now is to keep my rehab going and when my knee is ready I can get back to training again.
I have to stay strong mentally and I don't have any problems with that. My behaviour will stay the same. I have a lot of good friends here and I am not alone.
It was hard for the team at the beginning of the season but we have all stayed together and we are now starting to get some good results.
Jose Fonte has been a great signing and he brings so much experience to the team. Snodgrass is the same and it is better to have players who know the Premier League. Our situation is not the same as it was two months ago.
The best targets for us in the remaining part of the season is to just take it game-by-game and not look too far ahead.
Maybe one of our problems at the start was all the expectations that were being placed on the team from outside.
It is good to have a dream, but we need to stay quiet with our expectations and just look forward to the next game.
Away from football I am loving life as a new dad. It is something completely new and a new life.
It is a good experience, not just in my life but for every new dad. It is so nice to come back from training and spend time with my son.
I will continue to work hard in my rehab and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.
Angelo
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: CARROLL FOR ENGLAND? STURRIDGE LINKED WITH HAMMERS, TORE TO LEAVE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 15 MARCH 2017 AT 12:40PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello Hammers. Here is today's lunchtime round up.
Andy Carroll is in line for a shock England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad this weekend. (Mirror)
I really do not want Andy to get a call up, because we all know what will happen if he does. He will go away a fit striker, and he will come back with an injury.
West Ham are the clear favourites to sign Daniel Sturridge this summer. (Football Insider)
I do not want Sturridge at West Ham. He is a good striker on his day, but he is injured way too often for my liking. He would be just a waste of money in my opinion.
Mark Noble says he is glad West Ham are back on track after a nightmare eight months. (Daily Mail)
I wouldn't say we are back on track just yet, because I still think we are capable of much more. However, we are not in the mess like we were earlier in the season.
Winston Reid has insisted that there are no attitude problems amongst the squad. (Tribal Football)
I don't think there are attitude problems as such, but I do think some players are becoming complacent too early, and we do not need that.
Gokhan Tore has confirmed that he plans to return to Besiktas in the summer. (HITC)
One of the worst signings in West Ham history. He is such an awful player and I am happy that he will be going back to Turkey.
Slaven Bilic has insisted that this season is not over for the Hammers just yet. (HITC)
The season is not over until May, and we still have a lot to play for. Every place is valuable, and we should be working hard to finish as high as possible.
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Super Mario linked with West Ham switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Simone Zaza'a former strike partner. Mario Mandzukic has spent the last two seasons with Juventus, from whom the Hammers acquired Zaza last summer - albeit for little more than six months. However Zaza'a botched move to England hasn't deterred the Hammers from casting an eye ove the Old Lady once again, with the 30-year-old Croatian international reported to be on the hit-list this summer. The 6'3" striker could be seen as a natural replacement for Zaza or Andy Carroll, whose future at West Ham remains in the balance even though he is on the verge of an England recall.
* Elsewhere today Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is once again being linked with a move to London. This time it's the Daily Star who are suggesting West Ham are ready to spend up to £25million to lure the England international to the Olympic Stadium.
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West Ham add Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel to their summer transfer shopping list
Colombia international with 10 goals and nine assists this season has a £24million release clause in his contract
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 15 MAR 2017
West Ham have been alerted to in-form Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel. The 25-year-old Colombia international, who's scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in 28 games for the Italians this season, has a £24million release clause in his contract. The Hammers are hunting a proven goal-scorer to solve their problems up front once and for all. England international Andy Carroll has attracted interest from China recently. He has also, along with Diafra Sakho and last summer's club-record buy Andre Ayew, had his season badly affected by injury. The Londoners are already monitoring the situations involving Liverpool's little-used Daniel Sturridge , Chelsea misfit Michy Batshuayi, a target last summer before moving from Marseille to Stamford Bridge, and AC Milan marksman Carlos Bacca, who they have been linked with in the last two transfer windows . Italy international striker Simone Zaza , was bombed out in January halfway through a supposed season-long loan from Juventus after struggling badly and failing to score a single goal for West Ham. Muriel, meanwhile, has admitted to being flattered by the increasing interest in him. He said: "The future? I'm happy at Sampdoria, because we've won two derbies [against their city rivals Genoa] for the first time in 57 years. "But I've had several offers from Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma in Italy, but also from abroad — in Spain and England."
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The curious case of the West Ham striker - why have they not been given a chance?
Has Bilic's stubbornness been the downfall of the Hammers?
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
If - sorry, when - Andy Carroll is injured, it seems as though the walls are quite literally falling in at West Ham. "Why haven't we signed a striker?" "Where are our other strikers?" "Boy, we really could do with a striker right now."
Those are the kind of things we are used to hearing this season when the big number nine hasn't been available for selection. But there are other strikers at the club but they are not seeing any game time whatsoever - Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri.
Both were brought in by Slaven Bilic in the summer but have barely featured for the Hammers first team, with both more often than not plying their trade for the U23 PL2 team.
When Carroll has been injured, we've seen Michail Antonio get the nod in a central striker role, with Fletcher and Calleri warming the bench.
Fletcher was handed the start away at Manchester City way back in the early stages of the season and Calleri bagged a handful of substitute appearances without scoring. Both, during their time on the pitch, have looked at the very least capable, if not outstanding.
Both should have been given more of a chance this season to stake their claims as an alternative to Carroll, with West Ham struggling in the goalscoring department all season.
But, manager Slaven Bilic has thought otherwise, preferring to use Antonio and nigh-on ignoring Fletcher and Calleri.
These are strikers who have scored goals at former clubs but since they arrived in east London, haven't been given a sniff. Is it stubborness from Bilic that he simply refuses to use them? Why bring them in the first place if that was the case?
It's easy to sympathise with Argentine Calleri. It's his first time in England, didn't know the language well and was thrusted into the starting line up away at Astra Giurgiu because of Carroll's injury for his debut.
It hasn't really worked out for him, but he did manage to get a goal in the 3-1 win away at Middlesbrough. That coud have seen him kick on but Calleri has barely seen any game time since then.
Fletcher was instrumental for Barnsley last season, enough for Bilic to bring him in. Minus that start away at Manchester City and in the EFL Cup against his former club Manchester United, what chances has he been given?
That's the problem - neither of them have been given enough of a chance to show what they can do. If they weren't good enough, then they wouldn't be at the club in the first place. We've seen Bilic be stubborn with his team selection this season and the striker situation is a perfect example of that.
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ANDY CARROLL IN LINE FOR SHOCK ENGLAND RECALL
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Andy Carroll's fine form of late has not gone unnoticed. The Mirror are reporting that due to the lack of available striking options right now, England manager Gareth Southgate is considering calling up Carroll to fill the void.
Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's last game through injury and is considered in a deeper role for England these days, while the ankle ligament injury Harry Kane suffered last week will keep him out for the foreseeable future and Daniel Sturridge remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Southgate is expected to call up Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy to the squad on Thursday but has reservations over the fitness of Danny Welbeck who has been used sparingly by Arsenal after recovering from his latest spell in the physio room.
Christopher Lee/Getty Images SportChristopher Lee/Getty Images Sport
Having been in attendance of several of West Ham's last few games, Southgate has been making regular checks on the fitness of Andy Carroll who has scored four goals in his last six games, and there could even be a return to the squad for Michail Antonio.
Sunderland's Jermain Defoe is also under consideration but there is increasing speculation that Carroll will get the nod tomorrow for the games against Germany and Lithuania next week.
Carroll scored in his last international appearance for England against Sweden at Euro 2012 but injuries have limited his availability over the last few years but now he's fit and back in the goals he's put himself back in the conversation.
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WEST HAM LINKED WITH MOVE FOR BOBBY WOOD
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Recruiting a new striker or two is something West Ham need to focus on in the summer transfer window and one of their reported targets has made a move to make a summer transfer more likely.
Hamburg striker Bobby Wood has changed agents from SportsTotal to the Volker Struth group as he continues to assess his options at the end of the season with interest mounting in him.
West Ham have been linked with a move for the USA international but BILD notes that there is growing interest in his services from England.
The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in German football starting out life with 1860 Munich before making a £680,000 switch to Union Berlin in the summer of 2015.
Wood made his breakthrough with the 2. Bundesliga outfit, scoring 17 goals in 32 games for the club which earned him a move to Germany's top tier with Hamburg.
So far this season, Wood has netted nine goals in 23 games in all competitions and could be set for a move to the Premier League if West Ham are willing to make a concrete offer for the striker.
With Jonathan Calleri not being kept on when his loan expires in the summer and Enner Valencia likely to make a permanent move following a year out on loan with Everton, the Hammers will be short of options in attack and Wood seems like a player Slaven Bilic is keen on.
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Leroy Rosenior urges Celtic star Moussa Dembele to avoid signing for Tottenham, wants him to join rivals instead
HITC
Olly Dawes
Leroy Rosenior wants to see Celtic star Moussa Dembele join Arsenal instead of Tottenham or West Ham. Pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has told bwin.com that Celtic striker Moussa Dembele should snub the likes of Tottenham and West Ham United in order to join Arsenal. Dembele, 20, built up a strong reputation for himself at Fulham, hitting 17 goals in all competitions last season before his contract expired, triggering his move to Celtic last summer. The French attacker has enjoyed a remarkable season in Scotland, smashing 32 goals in 45 games for the Bhoys – and that record in front of goal has unsurprisingly triggered major interest from English clubs.
Glasgow Live recently reported that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been watching Dembele in action ahead of possible moves to sign him, whilst the Daily Record report that after West Ham United sounded Celtic out about a January deal, Chelsea will make a summer bid for him.
Having lost Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama in recent years, Celtic won't want to sell another key player to the Premier League, but Dembele looks set to make a big-money move at some point in the near future. The striker may well have his pick of clubs this summer, and pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has offered some advice to the striker should he look to leave Glasgow this summer. Rosenior has told bwin.com that whilst Dembele made the right move in joining Celtic last summer, he needs to play against greater competition, given how the Bhoys are dominating Scottish football.
Rosenior added that Dembele should avoid moves to Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham and instead join Arsenal, suggesting that the Gunners are the best developer of players from those four London clubs. "I think Moussa made the right move," said Rosenior. "However, and this is no disrespect to the Scottish League, Celtic aren't facing enough competition – they're too far ahead. He's playing in a side that dominates games week in, week out. His confidence will be sky high at the moment and the next step for him will be the most important one." "To me, Arsenal are the perfect club for his next step. He needs Premier League competition to really showcase what he can do. He's quick, strong and a lethal finisher and has all the attributes to play in the best league in the world. He knows London but to be honest, if I was him, I would avoid Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham and go to Arsenal – a club that develops players," he added.
Rosenior's claims about Arsenal's ability to develop players is somewhat surprising; whilst that was once true about Arsene Wenger's Gunners, Tottenham have emerged as arguably the top club for developing young players in England, as Mauricio Pochettino has helped the likes of Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane become top players – and Dembele should be heavily considering Spurs as his destination of choice should they come calling this summer.
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STARLET REVEALS "SHOCK" AT SPEED OF WEST HAM TRANSFERFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:00pm
Written by: David Tully
West Ham midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has revealed the speed at which his move to the Hammers happened in the summer. The Swiss starlet moved from FC Sion for an undisclosed fee in August.
Speaking to Swiss publication Blick, the 20 year old explained how in the space of a few days he went from knowing nothing about the interest from the Hammers to becoming a West Ham player:
"Imagine this: I had not heard anything concrete. And they tell me to get on the plane immediately! I'm not ready yet, was my first thought. But then everything went ultra fast."
"The first interview with coach Slaven Bilic was on the same evening, who asked me if I could start the next day. But I did not even have my football boots! Still I did the first training. Then the medical check. And the signature under the contract until 2020. That was almost a shock!"
Fernandes has performed impressively during the appearances he has made so far for the Hammers. He has featured in 22 matches this campaign, and he has made seven starts already in the first team.
The midfielder's quick rise to prominence has also been reflected at international level where he made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier for Switzerland against the Faroe Islands back in November. Fernandes came on as a second half substitute during the match, coming on for Valentin Stocker in the 69th minute, as the Swiss sealed a 2-0 win to top Group B.
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Why Mario Mandzukic could be the answer for West HamFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:36pm
Written by: Marcus Oades
West Ham became the first Premier League side to succumb to defeat to Bournemouth in 2017 following their 3-2 defeat at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Slaven Bilic's men led through Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the campaign after just ten minutes, only for a Josh King brace either side of half time to give Eddie Howe's side the advantage. Andre Ayew did level proceedings seven minutes from time as the Hammers looked set to extend their unbeaten away run to four matches, only for King to complete his hat-trick in the final minute to secure the Cherries first league victory of 2017. The result maintains their six-point gap to the bottom three, and also means that Howe's side are just three points behind West Ham in 11th despite their wretched run of form since the turn of the year.
On what was a frustrating day for the Hammers, things have looked a bit brighter since as they have today been linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic in the summer. And what a signing he would be for the East London club.
The 30-year-old signed for the Serie A champions in 2015, and netted 13 times in 36 games for Massimiliano Allegri's side last term, but hasn't been as prolific this time round, and looks to be the club's third choice striker following the return to fitness of starlet Paulo Dybala, as well as the stunning goal-scoring form of €90 million man Gonzalo Higuaín. Mandzukic has managed just five goals in 26 league appearances for Juve this season, and with just a handful of others in their cup competitions and Champions League campaigns, the Croatian international looks set to be nearing the end of his time in Turin. And that could be West Ham's gain, as Mandzukic could be exactly the sort of striker they need to consolidate themselves in the top half of the Premier League, and indeed push for the European spots. That's because the 30-year-old has been prolific at every club he has been at, as well as at every level he has competed at. Whether that's the 63 goals in 128 games he scored for Dinamo Zagreb between 2007 and 2011, or the 48 in 88 for Bayern Munich between 2012 and 2014, Mandzukic knows where the back of the net is.
It equates to 188 goals in 444 club games in his career, and given that it he has had spells in Croatia, Germany, Spain, and Italy, that is an impressive return for a player many never really felt was near the top of the game, despite his goal-scoring record.
Add in that he has netted 25 times in just 73 games in European competition, including in Bayern Munich's Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund in 2013, and Mandzukic knows what it takes to effect a game of huge magnitude in both domestic and European competition.
That can only benefit the Hammers, and it's his experience and guile gained from 444 club games that can help a West Ham side that sometimes look blunt going forward, as Mandzukic has scored all sorts of goals during his career, be it towering headers, tap-ins, or pile-drivers from outside the box.
It's not just his goals though, Mandzukic is exactly the type of striker you want in your side, as his defensive work is excellent, and his work-rate and energy off the ball gives defenders little time to settle into a game, and indeed on the ball.
Bilic will know first-hand of Mandzukic's capabilities given that the 30-year-old played for the Hammers boss during his stint in charge of Croatia, and he'll surely want to beat former club Besiktas to the striker's signature this summer.
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Slaven's Stubborn Nature Holding West Ham back
by Scott Johnson13 hours agoFollow @greensthammers
West Ham have suffered from a number of poor results in recent games. Although the players must take their share of the blame, so must Slaven Bilic. When a manager comes in players expect a bit of movement in regards to the previous style of play. It also takes a while to get used to who the best players are in what positions. But West Ham have suffered from an unreasonably long period of unrest.
Slaven Bilic has been trying to force players out of position for a while now. You only have to look back the Antonio into right back saga to see what that can do to a player. But his reluctance to accept certain players' limitations is a huge hurdle for the Hammers.
Standing firm or Stubborn?
Some pundits and fans will say that Slaven is simply sticking by what he thinks is best. As any manager will tell you it is important he believes in the team. However there comes a point where it is not the best course of action, and you have to look at the evidence that comes in the form of results on the pitch.
Bilic's refusal to put Byram in at right back is causing a huge issue. Combining that with the presence of Noble in the midfield despite his poor performances means that there is no real progress from the side despite a much better squad than we have seen in recent years.
Andre Ayew, our record signing, must be wondering what he has to do to get a game. He is only getting played briefly but he is still scoring and assisting goals. The fact the extremely blunt Feghouli is starting ahead of his is crazy. There needs to be some adjustment to form and position.
Byram needs to go in at right back. It upsets the shape of the team to force a midfielder in there. Kouyate should start in the middle with Obiang, and Ayew should be part of the attacking lineup from the first minute. Without adjustments, Bilic is signing his own P45.
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Payet, Tevez and the best West Ham XI of Premier League era to be sold by the club
We have come up with the best 'Sold XI' the Hammers have got rid of
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
19:40, 14 MAR 2017
In days gone by, West Ham were often considered a selling club. Bring players through the Academy of Football, give them their big break in the first team and then ship them off to other clubs at a higher price. There are also some players brought into the club that maybe haven't performed well and have been moved on but hit their stride elsewhere. With that in mind, we have racked our brains at football.london and have come up with the best 'Sold XI' that the Hammers have got rid of. We've got them in a 3-2-3-2 weird formation that includes Javier Mascherano at centre half, which is his current position at Barcelona before you get mad at us...
David James
The England stopper joined the Hammers in 2001 and enjoyed a three-year stint in east London, making 91 appearances before being moved on to Manchester City to replace the retired David Seaman.
Javier Mascherano
We all remember that day when Alan Pardew shocked the football world by signing Mascherano and his compatriot Carlos Tevez. The Argentinian rarely featured though during his spell at Upton Park, much less so than Tevez, before he was quickly shifted on to Liverpool where he'd make 94 appearances before moving to Barcelona, where he still plies his trade.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand started his career with the Hammers in 1996 and – with a brief loan spell at Bournemouth – before going on to make 127 appearances in claret and blue. He'd leave the Hammers in the year 2000, signing for Leeds United for a then British transfer record and world's most expensive defender in an £18m switch.
Glen Johnson
Johnson only made 15 appearances for the Hammers first team but has gone on to greater success since he left West Ham after coming through the famous academy under Tony Carr. Johnson was quickly snapped up by Chelsea for £6m, the first purchase under the new ownership at Stamford Bridge under Roman Abramovich and breaking into the England set up.
Michael Carrick
Carrick won the FA Youth Cup in the 1998/99 season with West Ham before making his breakthrough into the first team in the 2001/02 campaign. Carrick would make 136 appearances for the Hammers before he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5m. A subsequent move to Manchester United has seen him win the Premier League five times and the Champions League in 07/08.
Scott Parker
Parker signed for the Hammers in 2007 for £7m from Newcastle United and in a four-year dtay, made more than 100 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten goals. Following the Hammers relegation to the Championship and despite starting the first four games of 2011/12 season, Parker handed in a transfer request and moved to Tottenham Hotspur.
Frank Lampard
One of the best talents to come through the famed West Ham academy, Lampard made his first start for the first team in 1996. After six years with West Ham, Lampard had enough and decided he wanted to move, with Chelsea snapping him up and he would go on to be their record appearance maker with 429. He also won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and the FA Cup four times in his glittering career.
Dimitri Payet
This is still sore…
Payet signed for the Hammers for £10.75m in the summer of 2015 and would go on to become a superstar at Upton Park. However, it all ended very sourly this season when the 29-year-old refused to play for the club and eventually sealed a £25m move back to Marseille after 18 months in east London.
Joe Cole
Cole is another product of the West Ham youth system and was touted as the best young prospect in English football, with the Hammers turning down a £10m bid from Manchester United for the winger. After winning the Hammer of the Year title in 2003, Cole decided to move on and Chelsea was his destination for £6.6m. Cole had made 126 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten times.
Jermain Defoe
Born in Beckton, Defoe was spotted by the Hammers while he was Charlton and signed him to a professional deal as a 16-year-old. He scored 29 in 93 games – and 18 goals in a season on loan at Bournemouth – before making a controversial switch to Spurs in 2004 for an initial £6m fee.
Carlos Tevez
Tevez was brought in on the same day as Javieer Mascherano in that infamous double deadline day deal which rocked the world of football.
After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Tevez was handed his first start by Alan Curbishley in 2007 and would score seven goals in 26 games, including that famous winner at Old Trafford that ensured Premier League survival for the Hammers. He'd move to Manchester United that summer and scoop two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy at Old Trafford
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England recall beckons for West Ham's Andy Carroll as injuries leave boss Gareth Southgate struggling for strikers
With Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge all out for Germany and Lithuania double-header, Jermain Defoe is in the frame too
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 14 MAR 2017
Gareth Southgate is considering a shock England recall for Andy Carroll. And the 28-year-old West Ham striker, who has scored four goals in his last six games, could be joined in the latest Three Lions squad by team-mate Michail Antonio. The Hammers pair are in the frame because Southgate has been hit by a rash of injuries up front, with Tottenham's Harry Kane, skipper Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge all out. Southgate, who could also call up 34-year-old Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, has been making checks on Carroll's fitness. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur holds his ankle as he goes down injured during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall at White Hart Lane on March 12, 2017 in London, England.
He will make a final decision in the next 24 hours before naming his squad at St George's Park on Thursday for next Wednesday's away friendly with Germany and a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley four days later. The 6ft 4in Geordie, who last played for England four years ago, returned from a slight groin injury to start West Ham's most recent league games — losses to Chelsea and Bournemouth. Carroll has made no secret of his desperation to force his way back into the international fold after injuries saw him fall down the pecking order. Wide-man Antonio, in line for a new deal at the London Stadium, was last called up by Sam Allardyce in August for his one and only squad as England boss but did not figure in the subsequent four matches under then-interim boss Southgate.
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Slaven Bilic's training methods questioned as Reece Oxford "surprised" by Reading's intensity
Oxford has been off the pace at new club Reading
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:49, 15 MAR 2017
Reading boss Jaap Stam has criticised at West Ham's pre-match preparation, saying that loanee Reece Oxford has been surprised at the Royals' training intensity. Oxford signed with the Championship side on loan for six months on deadline day, but until this past weekend the 18-year-old talent had yet to appear for his new club. That changed on Saturday when Oxford came on as a substitute in Reading's 3-0 defeat away at Preston North End in the but the teenager only managed to get 18 minutes of action under his belt after replacing Paul McShane. Stam's comments about Oxford's lack of preparation appear be a thinly veiled dig at the regime at Rush Green, which is something that another Hammers loanee, Enner Valencia, has also hinted at. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Friday's game against Sheffield Wednesday, former Manchester United defender Stam said: "Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to at West Ham. "Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that's why training is intense."
Back in September, Valencia – who is on loan at Everton this season – also threw shade at Hammers training methods, saying: "I have enjoyed training with my new team-mates, it's different to my last team - it is a little bit harder."
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Pitch size myth at West Ham's London Stadium busted by new report
HITC
Damien Lucas
The size of the pitch at West Ham United's new stadium has been cited as one of the reasons for their struggles this season. The Hammers have turned what was threatening to be a disastrous season around of late and they are now sitting in 11th place in the Premier League, although their form has dipped again recently. Many supporters and pundits have pointed the finger of blame for the huge contrast in form compared to their best ever Premier Leagues points total last term squarely at their controversial new 60,000 seater ground. Some fans believe blaming the stadium move is too easy an excuse, citing that other teams are having no trouble performing there.
But comments this season from Slaven Bilic himself, Scotland boss Gordon Strachan and Stoke City boss Mark Hughes have all suggested the size of the pitch and sight lines have impacted performances. The myth that the Hammers are suddenly playing on a pitch size completely alien to them has been well and truly busted, though, by a new report revealing Premier League surface sizes. And the report, published by the Daily Star, reveals West Ham in actual fact share the same size pitch as no fewer than eight fellow top flight clubs.
The London Stadium pitch is 7,140 square metres. That's the same size as Watford's Vicarage Road surface, West Brom's Hawthorns pitch, Sunderland's Stadium of Light, Swansea City's Liberty Stadium, Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium - where the Hammers lost 3-2 last time out - the pitches at both Old Trafford and the Etihad and Arsenal's Emirates. Only two pitches are bigger, Middlesbrough's Riverside (7,245sqm) and the biggest of the lot, Hull City's massive KCOM Stadium which is 8,436sqm. Stoke City's Bet365 ground (6,400sqm) and the pitches at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace (6,700sqm) are the smallest. Yes it is bigger than the pitch at Upton Park but not significantly enough to cause the team any undue problems.
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THE FULL BACK PROBLEM
By Tony Hanna 15 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The past few games have had their share of frustrations. Late goals conceded, being caught on the break, penalties conceded etc etc. The teams resurgence after the Payet saga that saw wins against Palace, Southampton and Boro has now diminished and we have now acquired just two points from the last four games. The winter break in Dubai might just have put the boys in holiday mood for the rest of the season? I made mention many moons ago in an article I wrote on the site about club managers and staff not seeing, or certainly not reacting to things that fans see quite plainly on the pitch that are going wrong. Perhaps I am deluded? Perhaps these highly paid professionals do know much better than us what is going on and we are just mere mortals that do not understand? But I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence here; many of us have been watching football nearly all our lives. Some of us watched West Ham play before some of today's players and managers were born. Fans, in general know football. Slaven might tell me otherwise? (ps; This article was written prior to Mark Noble's comments, so perhaps he might tell me otherwise as well)?
So, when we have been saying for two seasons now that we need a right back, why has the club done next to nothing? Sam Byram was always going to be a gamble. Youngsters stepping up from the lower divisions always are. In fairness, Bilic had no intention of playing him as early as he did, against Man City last January, but needs must at the time. He was meant to be one of those "works in progress" and wasn't even in the squad the day he made his debut. A late injury to James Tomkins got him onto the bench and then an injury to right back Carl Jenkinson in the 13th minute ensured he got an earlier than anticipated debut. Since then Bilic has used him sparingly when he has been fit. The Antonio project failed miserably and so far so has the ploy of playing one of our best midfielders there as well. What other club would play their leading goal scorer at right back? Perhaps in an injury crisis as an emergency, but for months on end when it clearly wasn't working? So, the summer transfer window comes around and a club of our stature would move heaven and earth to get a right back in, right? Nope! Well, we sort of did in the signing of Arbeloa but he was last seen flying over the Bermuda Triangle! The same thing happened on the other side at the beginning of the season. We went into a full season with one recognised, experienced left back. The only reason we bought Masuaku at the last moment was because Cresswell got a bad injury, otherwise we would have started the season with one left back and no right back, if you discount experiments, an ageing loan and the kids. This is simply not good enough. To make matters worse the winter window arrives and goes and still no developments?
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Shifting Kouyate back into the right back role has clearly taken the pressure off Bilic when it comes to determining the midfield set up. If we had a first class right back in place he would have some very difficult decisions to make should Kouyate be vying for one of those places? Whatever the lad might be saying to the media, I can't imagine he is overjoyed at playing right back and I would not be surprised if he is not at the club come next season. Bilic has been playing a lot of square pegs in round holes for a while now and as I said earlier, us fans are no mugs. We can see things that aren't working. We can see players when they are out of form, especially badly out of form. Which brings me to my next subject. A few weeks ago I wrote an article on what was our best midfield? Whilst the object was to gain readers opinions on the range of players available to choose from, it was thinly veiled to gauge what fans thought regarding Mark Noble's place in the team? I will not be as subtle with my next subject – Aaron Cresswell. My personal view is that the player has had a very poor season to date. The inability to stop crosses coming in, the rearing away from any physical challenges and the strange positional play that continually drags Winston Reid out from a central position to cover for Cresswell who in turn runs back to move into the central void left by Reid? This is in no way meant to come across as a personal attack on Cresswell. It is just my view that he is badly out of form. That can happen to any player and when it does occur we should be in a position to act and replace him with a competent alternative for as long as needed.
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The marauding runs and clever interplay with Payet are a distant memory. For what it's worth I have never rated Cresswell as a good defender, but what he brought in an attacking sense was at times superb and very entertaining. However, the master of the whipped in outswinging cross has rarely been seen in recent months and the defensive side of his duties are now being laid to bare. With his cover Masuaku being injured himself for many months now, Creswell has had no competition for his place. Earlier in the season Masuaku did get his chance, but at West Brom he put in an awful performance, coming up with an extraordinary handball in our own area conceding a penalty. Whilst that does nothing for the confidence of the fans or the player himself, the majority of other games he has played he has looked quite an assured player who is very comfortable on the ball. However, his sending off this week in the PL2 match puts another question mark on his suitability. A lot of fans have questioned the form of both Ogbonna, before his season ending injury, and Fonte since his arrival from Southampton. In my view if these central defenders are being let down on the flanks they are not going to be seen anywhere near their best and blaming them may be premature?
Back in my days of playing, at one time we had a superb back four. Booth was a combative right back and decent on the ball, Johnson was a Collins type defender, Myers was our Bobby Moore – tactically excellent and a great reader of the game, and Brophy was a young but very good left back. They all worked well together in front of the best keeper in the district. Then one year Booth decided to quit the club for personal reasons and Brophy joined the Navy. We brought in two full backs that were not really up to the same standard but what was telling was the drop off in play of both our centre backs, Johnson and Myers. From nowhere they were making mistakes and getting pulled ragged at times. The moral of the story is that two very decent centre backs who had always been solid were now a mess playing with two fullbacks that were not quite up to scratch. Ironically, one of the fullbacks really improved when we played him in midfield! I think you can draw your own conclusions from my little story when you relate it to West Ham?
So, no need to hit the panic button just yet, but Bilic must stop playing players that are out of form providing he has decent cover for them, and he must put a squad together next season where every position has a round peg in a round hole and has sufficient cover. At this point in time that means acquiring a proper right back and cover for him should Bilic have no intention of playing Byram if injuries demand. It also means getting a decent left back if Bilic is convinced Masuaku is not good enough. If that is the case get rid. If he does think he is good enough he should be playing him now, if only to refresh Cresswell and send the appropriate message that he needs to get his act together. It also means spending the large part of the kitty on a striker and letting either Carroll or Sakho go. I would love to keep both but history shows that their combined injury records makes that too huge a risk and I doubt both would stay if we got a new first class striker in anyway?
The upcoming Leicester game is another one where I feel the team need to respond and get out of the blocks right from the start to get the crowd behind them. We appear to be starting games very slowly and especially at home we seem determined to play it very tight from the start. This is statistically backed up as we are the worst team in the PL for leading at home half time stats – only once in 14 matches! To counter that, Leicester have been losing a staggering four more matches away from home at half time than any other PL club, trailing in 10 of their 13 away matches at the break. Thoughts?
A few weeks ago I wrote that I would be doing a Q&A with former Hammer Eddie Bovington. Unfortunately Ed has been unwell recently and that is why he hasn't been able to participate. I am pleased to say that Eddie is now well on the mend and the Q&A has been conducted. It will be published during the two week break after the Leicester game.
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