Joint-Chairman provides update on manager search
WHUFC.com
West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates. Joint Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
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Phillips: It's about getting players through the ranks
WHUFC.com
U18s coach and co-manager Mark Phillips takes a look back at the 2017/18 season at the West Ham United Academy...
It is always important to remember, when considering the season as a whole, that it's not about results or where you are in the league at this level, although obviously it's always nice to be near the top.
For us, Steve Potts and myself, as coaches of the West Ham United U18s, it's about getting players through the ranks, and this season I'm delighted to say we've had four players consistently representing the U23s in Ben Johnson, Domingos Quina, Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis. Each has consistently played for the U23s this campaign, and that's what the job Steve and I do is all about.
When I think about the ups and downs of the season, I think my most disappointing day of the campaign came in our very first game. We were away to Brighton & Hove Albion, and we'd looked at the fixture as one that we could take points from, but our side lost 3-1 and, to be honest, didn't play all that well.
However, that result was the beginning of a real learning curve for our lads and, slowly but surely, we began to get to grips with our competition, and really started to show what they were about towards the end of 2017.
From there, our team went on a very good run, winning five consecutive matches. That run came on the back of a change in style.
The quality we possessed at centre-back, along with the presence of two natural wing-backs in Jeremy Ngakia and Reece Hannam, meant that it was natural for us to move to a three-man defensive formation.
It was a move that proved highly successful for us. We didn't allow our playing philosophy to be compromised, but we just shifted slightly to a system that benefited our available personnel. All the credit goes to the players for quickly adapting, as they only had three days to learn the formation before the first time we used it. Winning that match against Leicester City in early February proved to all of us that it was the right move.
In the midst of this run and switch came my favourite game this season – the 2-0 home victory against Tottenham. Make no mistake, Tottenham are an exceptionally strong team and were one of only two sides to beat Chelsea, who have finished top of our division.
We entertained Spurs in a midweek contest in March and, to be fair, they were the better team in the first half. However, our boys showed their resolution and determination, containing Tottenham to only a handful of chances, before goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry gave us the win. That spirit and drive made this the most satisfying result, at least for me personally.
A few of our U18s have been in Zurich for the FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup, where they finished a creditable sixth, while a handful will also be involved in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens competition in Hong Kong. It's a very prestigious tournament and an excellent way for our players to showcase their ability at the end of the campaign.
The off-season is very important now. Undoubtedly, our lads need time to unwind, but it's essential that they come back in good shape, ready to hit the ground running.
The coming pre-season is a great opportunity for our U18s to prove themselves ahead of the new campaign. There will be some players who have done well at U16s level that will be looking to make an impact now they are with us. No doubts about it, it will be harder and we will expect more from them, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the new season holds for us at the West Ham United Academy.
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Obiang delighted to return to action
WHUFC.com
Seven points in three matches and a return to action after injury equalled a 'beautiful' end to the season for Pedro Obiang. The midfielder, who had been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic at the end of January, made his return to the field with a brief cameo in the closing minutes of West Ham's 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday. The appearance came after Obiang had been on the bench in the prior two matches, meaning the Spaniard watched on as the Hammers beat Leicester City 2-0 away before claiming a credible draw with Manchester United. With seven points claimed in the final run-in, Obiang was thrilled with how the Irons ended the 2017/18 campaign. "It was a perfect way to end the season," Obiang told West Ham TV. "It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season. But, sometimes it's beautiful to wait. "It's always important because we have to keep positive. In the last three games, we've played really good football and taken a lot of points, so to finish with three points is one of the most important things. You have to finish with something at the end."
A tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Wigan seemed to have ended Obiang's campaign at the start of 2018, with it originally believed that the 26-year-old would be back in time for pre-season. However, the midfielder insists he always believed he would be back on the pitch again this season.
"For even me, today was exciting because I was expecting this moment for a couple of weeks," he continued. "Even if I didn't feel 90 or 100 per cent, I have to be with the squad. I waited for my time and they gave it to me, which was really nice."
The midfielder has now called on the side to take the form from the final week of this season into next year, as the side looks to improve on the 13th placed finish achieved. Obiang added: "We have to take the summer but I think in the last month we've improved a lot. We have to continue that way."
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West Ham to appoint boss with 'proven record of success at highest level'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham say they will appoint "a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game" within the next seven days. The Hammers are looking for their fourth manager since 2015 after David Moyes left the club on Wednesday. Joint chairman David Sullivan said the Hammers had left "no stone unturned" in choosing the person they believe is the "right man to take West Ham forward".
Sullivan added they "are now very close to reaching an agreement". Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez are the bookmakers' favourites for the post. "This is an exciting time for our football club," Sullivan said. "We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
A West Ham statement on Thursday said the club was "extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football".
Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract in November with the club in the relegation zone. He presided over nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as the Hammers finished 13th in the Premier League, nine points clear of the drop zone.
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David Sullivan says West Ham 'very close' to appointing new manager
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:22pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists the club is "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. Moyes parted ways with the Hammers on Wednesday after coming to the end of his six-month contract with the club, who have since held talks with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini. Sky sources understand West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, while Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca has also been linked with the vacant role.
A statement released on West Ham's website on Thursday, read: "West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. "The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates."
Sullivan insists the club's efforts to recruit a new manager are "progressing entirely to plan" and that an agreement will be reached in the coming days. "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward," added Sullivan. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
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Newcastle United confident of keeping manager Rafa Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 7:41pm
SSN
Newcastle are confident manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club, despite reports linking him with a move away, Sky sources understand. United believe they have a water-tight contract with Benitez, which includes a large release clause. The Spaniard, who has one year remaining on his current deal, almost became West Ham boss in the summer of 2015 before joining Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez and said on Thursday that the club were "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. The club have since held talks with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini in their search to replace the Scotsman.
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Paulo Fonseca signs new two-year deal with Shakhtar Donetsk
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:38pm
SSN
Paulo Fonseca has committed his future to Shakhtar Donetsk by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. Fonseca first joined Donestk in 2016 after leaving Portuguese side Braga and has since guided the club to successive league and cup doubles in Ukraine. The 45-year-old had been linked with the vacant managerial role at West Ham but is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca, in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov has been impressed with Fonseca's impact since his arrival from Portugal in 2016. He said: "You remember how, two years ago, we invited Paulo to Shakhtar and everyone shouted: 'What will happen, what now with Shakhtar? Now everything will be bad with Shakhtar. Everything is bad, there will be problems. We do not know what to expect.' "And what do we see? Two championships, two Cups, one Super Bowl and a brilliant game in the Champions League. "This indicates that Shakhtar made the right decision two years ago, inviting Paulo and his assistants to the team. Now we have signed a new contract, and I am confident that new successes will await us. Paulo is a professional. "He is an ambitious man. An industrious man. And he has good ideas. He knows what to do."
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No decision from Fonseca
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca is yet to determine his future, despite reports suggesting that he has agreed to sign a new contract with the Ukrainian club.
The 45-year-old Portuguese manager met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan on Monday to discuss a potential move to West Ham, since when it has been reported that he is set to turn his back on West Ham and sign an extended contract with his current club. However those reports are thought to be wide of the mark, with Fonseca instead set to announce his intentions within the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile representatives of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini have also met West Ham's co-owner, with reports suggesting that the 64-year-old is demanding a salary worth in the region of £8million per year. And that's in addition to the compensation West Ham would have to pay Pellegrini's current club Hebei China Fortune, to whom he is contracted until summer 2019.
The third leading candidate for the role, Rafa Benitez, remains in contract negotiations with current club Newcastle United; the 64-year-old former Real and Liverpool boss has little more than a year to run on his current agreement with the North East club. However in order to land the Spaniard - or either Fonseca or Pellegrini - Sullivan would have to break his policy of refusing to pay compensation for a manager already employed elsewhere.
Avram Grant, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic and David Moyes - his four signings since purchasing a controlling share in West Ham - were all free agents when joining the Hammers. With that in mind, Claudio Ranieri's decision to leave Ligue 1 outfit Nantes by mutual agreement this morning - after just a single season in charge at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau - will no doubt raise a few eyebrows across the water. Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title two seasons ago may well be viewed as the perfect solution to West Ham's current needs, given his record of making the most of clubs with limited budgets.
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West Ham set to move for Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 11:02am
SSN
West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, according to Sky sources. The Spaniard almost became Hammers boss in the summer of 2015 before they were gazumped by Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez. Benitez is believed to have a £6m release clause in his Newcastle contract and wants assurances about his transfer budget before committing his long-term future to the club. The 58-year-old remains in discussions over a contract extension in the north-east, as his present deal has only 12 months left to run. Benitez has earned plaudits for guiding the Magpies to an impressive 10th-place finish in the Premier League, capped by a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on the final day.
Sky Sports News also reported on Wednesday that West Ham had met with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, although it is understood wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed earlier in the day that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next 10 days."
West Ham are also interested in Paulo Fonseca, manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Rafa Benitez to West Ham: Newcastle boss demands £100m transfer kitty plus full control
RAFA BENITEZ has outlined his terms to become West Ham's new manager: he wants a £100million budget, total control over transfers, and a £6m a year contract.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have made Benitez their No 1 choice to replace David Moyes, while Russian giants Zenit St Petersberg have identified the 58-year-old as Roberto Mancini's successor. Both would be willing to meet the £6m buy-out clause in his contract, with the Hammers ready to make a formal approach given any encouragement from Benitez' people. Benitez wants to stay at Newcastle - but only if he's satisfied the club can match his own ambitions. And Newcastle so far have yet to convince him the two parties share the same goals.
Benitez has just 12 months left on his current deal and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of Ashley for several weeks, but little progress has been made. The former Liverpool manager wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend what cash he is given how he likes. Ashley has said that he wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-to-face talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never previously walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court and if they don't accept his terms, it will prove to him they don't want him to be in charge in the long-term. While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year is not what he is looking for. West Ham have also approached Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann but been told he is staying, while Manuel Pellegrini, currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, has priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, on top of £5m compensation. Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery have also had talks.
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Paulo Fonseca and Manuel Pellegrini favourites to be next West Ham manager
By Billy Cundall
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:54am
SSN
Who could be West Ham's next manager? Sky Bet takes a look at the favourites following David Moyes' departure from the London Stadium. Moyes left the club on Wednesday despite steering them clear of relegation amid issues with the new stadium, fans, owners and players. Here's a look at the most likely candidates to be tasked with filling the vacancy...
Paulo Fonseca - 8/11 with Sky Bet
Early odds-on favourite for the vacancy is Shakhtar Donetsk's Paulo Fonseca, who has captured admirers with impressive displays both domestically and in Europe. The 45-year-old has also been linked with the vacant Everton job, although reports suggest that the Hammers have a head start by opening discussions prior to Moyes' departure. However, it remains to be seen how suited the Portuguese boss, who lacks any Premier League experience, would be to dealing with the pressures at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini - 7/4 with Sky Bet
A man that knows all about what it takes to compete in England's top tier is Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to their second Premier League title, as well as collecting two League Cup trophies along the way. The Chilean boss left the Etihad Stadium with his stock high and is currently managing in the Chinese Super League.
Rafael Benitez - 5/1 with Sky Bet
Rafael Benitez is a man in demand again thanks to his impressive work at Newcastle. The Spaniard steered the Magpies to the Sky Bet Championship title before retaining Premier League status in their first year back, ending with a respectable top half finish in 10th. However, while David Gold may be able to appeal to the 58-year-old with a bigger transfer budget, another volatile environment might cancel out the financial offering.
Unai Emery - 10/1 with Sky Bet
The recently departed PSG boss could look for a quick route back into football via the Hammers. Emery struggled to satisfy the high expectations of the Parisian club's owners and, after splashing cash on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the board terminated the 46-year-old's contract.
Claudio Ranieri - 20/1 with Sky Bet
After narrowly avoiding relegation, West Ham fans will be hoping for more next season. That is exactly what Claudio Ranieri did at Leicester, taking over following Nigel Pearson's great escape to achieve the unthinkable. While such aspirations of Premier League title glory might even be beyond the Hammers' ambitious owners, they could be forgiven for daring to dream that the 66-year-old, who has led Nantes to back-to-back top-half Ligue 1 finishes, could provide them with the sort of optimism desperately lacking at the London Stadium.
Eddie Howe - 20/1 with Sky Bet
Some might suggest that Eddie Howe's work at Bournemouth has been just as impressive. The 40-year-old has transformed a low-budget Bournemouth side into an established Premier League outfit. Howe achieved three promotions in five years, as well as winning Football League Manager of the Decade (2005-2015), to add to his already impressive list of achievements.
Alternative options
Next Everton manager favourite Marco Silva follows in the betting, with ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal another outsider for the job at 22/1 alongside Slavisa Jokanovic, although his availability is likely to be subject to Fulham's Sky Bet Championship play-off fortunes. Alan Pardew, Brendan Rodgers, Claude Puel, David Wagner and Martin O'Neil are all priced at 25/1 to get the role.
Sky Bet odds correct as of 0900 on 17/05/18 and subject to change.
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Rafa Benitez interested in becoming the next West Ham manager and is Hammers No1 target
KEN DYER
TONY EVANS
ES Football Newsletter
West Ham are poised to bring Rafa Benitez to the London Stadium - providing they make the right offer. The Spaniard is top of the club's short-list to replace David Moyes as manager and the 58-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at Newcastle. Benitez is in talks about his future with Lee Charnley, the managing director at St James' Park, but is not receiving the assurances he needs to remain in the north east. The former Liverpool manager is weighing up a number of offers but prefers to remain in the Premier League. If West Ham present the right package, Benitez would be willing to move south. It will cost West Ham more than £6million in compensation to get their man. Zenit St Petersburg are one of a number of clubs who are interested in Benitez but his preferred option would be to move to London. Benitez, a popular figure on Tyneside after guiding Newcastle to promotion last season and then to 10th in the Premier League, has a year left to run on his deal and West Ham would have to pay compensation of at least £6m - Benitez's annual salary. It is understood he is looking for an £80m transfer budget at St James' Park this summer. The east London club, who decided not to award Moyes a longer deal, despite the fact he guided them to 13th place in the Premier League final table - two points behind Newcastle - have other names on their short-list should Benitez decide to stay in the north east.
Co-owner David Sullivan (above) has already interviewed Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca and intends also to talk to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is in charge of Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune. Salary could be a problem but it is understood that the 64-year-old Chilean is keen to return to Europe. Unai Emery, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is also on the Premier League club's list, as is former Hull and Watford manager Marco Silva, who is also wanted by Everton.
West Ham are also among a number of clubs who have been impressed with the work of Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham. The Serbian looks likely to stay at Craven Cottage should they beat Aston Villa in the Championship Play-off Final but could be considering other options should Fulham not win promotion. Benitez, though, remains West Ham's first choice and there remains a degree of mutual respect following the club's failed attempt to land him in 2015, following the departure of Sam Allardyce. West Ham were close to landing their man then but Real Madrid joined the chase and the deal fell through. Benitez has since said: "I have a lot of respect for West Ham because, when I was in contact with them, they were really good and professional."
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West Ham news: Rafa Benitez Newcastle exit claim made by BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin
WEST HAM managerial target Rafa Benitez could leave Newcastle this summer - but not for the Hammers.
By JAMES BENSON
PUBLISHED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018 | UPDATED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
That's the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, who says he can see a top club making a move to recruit the Spaniard. West Ham are currently looking for a new manager after getting rid of David Moyes at the end of his short-term contract. And Newcastle boss Benitez has emerged as London Stadium chiefs' No 1 choice to replace the Scotsman in the dugout. Talks with Benitez are said to be on the cards next week as West Ham look to give themselves a jumpstart ahead of next season. Nevin sounds pretty convinced the former 58-year-old will not join Newcastle's Premier League rivals. But he says the former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid gaffer could leave St. James' Park for yet another elite side. "I'd be amazed if Rafa decided to go to West Ham," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "In terms of Rafa's history, where he's been, what he's done, what he's done recently. "But I wouldn't be surprised if a very, very, very big-name club showed interest in Rafa Benitez. He's done a phenomenal job [at Newcastle]."
Nevin's comments came after Newcastle hero Chris Waddle suggested it would take a mammoth offer to tempt Benitez into jumping ship for West Ham. "Benitez might look at it and think, 'You know at Newcastle, I've got that budget which is not obviously great' and he wants more and rightly so," said Waddle. "But going to West Ham it might be a very similar budget and he says at Newcastle, he's absolutely loved, the fans love him, and rightly so, he's one a great job. "He could go to West Ham, lose the first five games and it's like, 'What [are] you doing here?' "So for him to move it would have to be an unbelievable sort of deal to say, 'I'm allowed to spend a lot of money to bring certain players in I've identified who I'd probably like to bring to Newcastle, who are even bigger players.' "Where do you wanna be? That is the question for any manager going into West Ham. Where do you want to be? "Will it be a relegation battle? Will it be a mid-table or… Where actually does the club wanna go?" Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery are thought to be targets if West Ham fail to land Benitez.
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West Ham United fans want Gianluigi Buffon
HITC
John Verrall
Gianluigi Buffon has previously stated that he would like to play for West Ham United, and his contract is due to expire. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus speaks to the media during the Juventus Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Gianluigi Buffon has previously told the Independent that he wanted to play for West Ham United, and supporters at the London Stadium feel that they have a chance of landing the Italian legend now. Buffon has announced he is leaving Juventus, with other offers now flooding in for the goalkeeper. With West Ham needing a stopper, some of their more ambitious supporters are hoping that he is offered a contract with the Hammers.
Buffon would almost certainly have to take a wage cut to join West Ham, and he is likely to have interest from higher placed clubs. However, Buffon has previously suggested that he wants to play for West Ham because of the fans. He said to the Independent: 'I wanted to play for West Ham because of their supporters, they follow the Hammers with an extraordinary energy.'' If West Ham could get a deal over the line for Buffon it would be their most remarkable signing of the summer. The Hammers re known to be looking for a new goalkeeper, with both Adrian and Joe Hart struggling at the London Stadium over the past campaign.
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MOYES DEPARTS – ZOLA AND GRANT REVISITED?
By Blind Hammer 17 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer questions David Sullivan's expectations.
Expectations are the most dangerous element in football. Every club should have ambition but the tricky thing is adjusting these ambitions to achieve progress. Inappropriate expectations underlie the disasters which have seen many clubs tumble from the Premiership to protracted periods in the championship or even lower.
Three weeks ago a multi web site poll revealed only a small minority of West Ham supporters wanted to extend Moyes contract. Given he was, at appointment, a remarkably unpopular choice, this was not that surprising. He had much to do to win over some of us.
Nevertheless the picture by Sunday was less straightforward. A strong end to the season saw the Irons pick up a crucial 7 out of 9 points, and equally surprisingly turn on the style in the games against Leicester and Everton.
I give no credence to anybody who downplays these performances. The more I look at the Leicester game the more impressive it seems. This was a Leicester team that West Ham dominated and largely nullified. Our much vilified defence, criticised by me as much as anybody, barely gave them a sniff. Yet this was a Leicester team that, only a few days later, convincingly put 3 goals past Arsenal to win and spoil Wenger's final week. This same Leicester, so ineffectual against us, then romped into a 3-1 lead against Tottenham at Wembley. In the end their efforts against Arsenal only 72 hours earlier, caught up with them. They became leggy and suffered a late collapse. The fact is that, however, we had made a team look impotent which had then proceeded to score 7 goals against Arsenal and Tottenham in the space of 3 days.
Talking of late collapses and fitness, the lack of this discussion in relation to West Ham is an indication of the transformation that Moyes and his team have engineered. No pundit talked of tiredness against Everton despite performing only 72 hours after a high intensity battel against Manchester United. Mourinho had responded to Thursdays' exertions by making 9 changes. Moyes, in contrast, went with the same 11. Yet at no time did West Ham seem more leggy or unfit despite the advantage Everton enjoyed of a full week to prepare. More significantly nobody, to my surprise, even mentioned it as an issue. Whatever else Allardyce would have done he would not have allowed slackness in fitness. I am convinced that a West Ham team 12 months earlier would have struggled with the demands of playing 2 games within 72 hours.
What I have never had any doubts about is Moyes's abilities and experience as a man manager. I personally would prefer a Man like Bilic to manage me in any work situation. Yet the ever loyal Julian Dicks had revealed that when Bilic asked him where he had gone wrong, he simply said "you were too good to them". Dicks was obviously disgusted by the attitude of some in the squad who he felt had let Bilic down. In contrast Moyes and indeed his entire coaching team bristled with no nonsense man management skills. The result has been that when the inevitable tantrums of the spoilt and over paid emerge, these are dealt with in straightforward fashion and have not been allowed to developed into protracted soap operas and dramas. There have been plenty of opportunities for these to have advanced within Moyes's short tenure, from Arthur Masuaku irresponsible spitting to Carroll's juvenile throwing of his toys out of his pram. The calm management of these issues along with the transformation of Marko Arnautovic from wild boy to responsible club professional all testified to Moyes as a safe pair of Management hands. This is a much undervalued management virtue. The most striking aspect of Pardew's disastrous tenure at West Brom was his complete inability to instil any team discipline with terminal results. Even those who are considered allegedly the best managers in the world can struggle. José Mourinho was driven out of Chelsea by his inability to control his squad; Antonio Conte has had similar issues.
Of course there were question marks against a Moyes appointment. Apart from Mario's recruitment the January window was hare brained and risky. We gambled on selling a central defender and selling Ayew to a relegation rival. These gambles could easily have come back to haunt us. Hugehill shows no sign of confirming any inspired talent identification. Yet Moyes has identified talent in the past and judging on one Window seems unfair. The other main concern was that Moyes had not repaired the worst defence in the league. However this was a structural problem which has persisted for 2 years and patience had been earned with recent encouraging improvement. My final concern was whether Moyes had the tactical flexibility to adjust to the modern demands of the Premiership. Despite this the displays against Leicester, Manchester United and Everton persuaded me that Moyes was not as tactically limited as I feared. He was not a one trick strategic pony. The midfield interchange between Lanzini and Mario did not arrived spontaneously but would have been born out of hours of sessions at Rush Green.
So if I had been David Sullivan I would have knocked on Moyes's door at 6pm on Sunday and offered an immediate 1 year extension. Whether Moyes would have accepted this or held out for a 2 year deal we will never know. My instincts is that he would have accepted. I would have honestly explained the reservations and improvements I wanted and indicated my patience to see the progress we had made this season consolidated. If by January Moyes had continued realistic progress I would have then entered discussions for a further extension. The Moyes project had delivered safety but my gut feeling is that it would have offered stability and probable further progress. If expectations had not been met December would have been the time to seek a new Manager. For me the main agenda for West ham is to cease performing as a club in danger of relegations, a club which no longer yo yos regularly from Premiership to Championship and which can provide entertaining football without the constant stench of fear.
Instead in his wisdom David Sullivan has decided to take another path. Whether this path leads to the ever elusive glory which some believe is just around the corner is certainly a moot point. I am uncomfortably reminded of the similar minds set which saw the sacking of Zola and his replacement by Avram Grant. I was in the small minority at the time which regretted Zola's sacking. His removal was supposed to clear the way for West Ham to advance to the "next level". Whilst Zola never pulled up trees elsewhere I still feel he could have built a project with us. What is clear is that appointing Grant was a gamble which backfired massively. Instead we spiralled out of control with a demoralised and alienated squad into relegation and the championship. Grant's appointment was driven by ambitions and expectations of the club delivering a quick fix to an unrealistic timescale. I sometimes think nothing is learnt.
I desperately hope that I am proved wrong but replacing Moyes with a similar level Manager of proven calibre is not at all straightforward. I fear the new incarnation of Avram grant. Whoever is appointed will be in a hurry, with a contracted transfer window, with a need to engage positively with the existing squad to identify weaknesses strengths and opportunities. We are entering a period of high risk transformation. I hope that this time the wager the Board has made on our future is not as disastrous.
COYII
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, May 18
Thursday, May 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th May 2018
West Ham United Statement: David Moyes departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. "Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days."
The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed.
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Adrian: All the players gave everything until the end
WHUFC.com
Adrian was proud to have played his part in helping West Ham United retain their Premier League status in style. The Spaniard impressed on his return to the starting XI for the final three weeks of a challenging 2017/18 campaign, keeping two clean sheets as the Hammers collected seven points from victories over Leicester City and Everton and a hard-fought goalless draw with Manchester United. The popular goalkeeper admitted the squad had not hit the targets they set themselves at the start of the season, but was proud of the way they stuck together to secure a 13th-place finish, nine points clear of the bottom three and just two adrift of Newcastle United in tenth. "Of course, when you finish on top, you feel well, and in the last three games we played well," he told West Ham TV. "We kept two clean sheets and then we scored three goals at home in front of our fans in the last game. "I think this is the best way to finish after a season that everyone knows wasn't easy. All the players gave everything until the end. "I have said many times, I was really positive about my players and my teammates because I saw they are great players. We started the season not well enough, then we had many changes and injuries so, at the end of the day, we saved our position in the Premier League, which was the most important thing from the start of the season. "We finished with three points and a win at home, so we now need to enjoy our summer with our families."
Overall, Adrian conceded 29 goals in his 19 Premier League appearances, keeping half-a-dozen clean sheets and ending up on the losing side just six times. "I am happy to finish the season strongly, because this season was not the best for me," he continued. "I was not in the team from the beginning, so I was waiting to play against Man City, then a few more games. "I am happy to be playing and helping my teammates with my saves. That makes me feel proud, as I feel like I'm here helping West Ham, like I have for the last five seasons. That's it. That is my job."
Having hung up his gloves for the next seven weeks, Adrian and his wife and two young sons will fly back to their home city of Seville to spend some welcome time with their families and friends during the close-season. "We need to rest and recover our bodies and minds with our families and friends. I'll go back to Spain, with the good weather there, and relax!"
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Shortest reign ever - official!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes' seven-month stay at West Ham United is the shortest reign of any manager in the club's history. Although debate will rage over whether he should be considered, given the nature of the short-term contract he accepted back in November, there is no doubt that Moyes' reign is the shortest of any manager to have taken on a full-time role in the club's history. At just 191 days, Moyes tenure lasted exactly 40 days less than the previous record holder Lou Macari, who was sacked in February 1990 - exactly 231 days after being handed the role vacated by club legend John Lyall. The only other full-time manager to stay in his position for less than a calendar year is Avram Grant, who was fired three weeks shy of his first anniversary. By contrast the longest-serving manager in West Ham United's history is Sid King, who lasted an impressive 30 YEARS in the managerial hotseat!
West Ham's shortest-managerial reigns
1. David Moyes: 191 days, contract expired (2017-18)
2. Lou Macari: 231 days, sacked (1989-90)
3. Avram Grant: 347 days, sacked (2010-11)
4. Franco Zola: 610 days, sacked (2008-10)
5. Alan Curbishley: 631 days, left of own volition (2006-08)
6. Slaven Bilic: 880 days, sacked (2015-17)
7. Glenn Roeder: 838 days, sacked (2001-03)
8. Alan Pardew: 1,149 days, sacked (2003-06)
9. Sam Allardyce: 1,454 days, contract expired (2011-15)
10. Billy Bonds: 1,630 days, left of own volition (1990-94)
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Time to move on, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that David Moyes has left the club. A brief statement posted via the club's website on Wednesday lunchtime thanked the 55-year-old Scot for his assistance, whilst confirming that he and his back room staff of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have also departed. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," co-chairman David Sullivan told whufc.com. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. "They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days." "The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
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Now let's see what you are made of Mr.Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Paul Walker
Not really been your day, mate, has it? Not even your last few months really. But let's just concentrate of the week in hand. You may have wanted the eventual departure of David Moyes and all his staff to be a controlled, dignified exit, with you seemingly in full control. Chance would be a fine thing. In fact, it looks like just another day in the circus that is West Ham. No manager, no coaching staff, no director of football/recruitment officer. Not even a board all singing from the same page. Oh, and one of your potential new managers, the one that Jorge Mendes offered up for you on a plate, seems to have decided to stay where he is in war-torn Ukraine, seems safer there than Stratford. All I can say now pal, is you had better have this next bit under control, because the transfer window is about to open and it looks like you are standing on your own at the sharp end of the Titanic singing 'My heart will go on' in best Celine Dion style.
You just knew something was afoot when Ken Dyer's exclusive in the Evening Standard mid-morning said Moyes would tell you to stick any offer of a job because he felt he had been very poorly treated. (At this point I refer you to the KUMB piece last week about saying thanks.) Ken is the best around when it comes to West Ham, he has been covering the club since the more dignified days of John Lyall. So the piece was spot on.
It took what looked like an hour for the club to push out a statement saying Moyes, Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay had also left. And this less than 24 hours after your fellow joint chairman David Gold had said he would be happy if Moyes stayed on because he admired his professionalism. You wonder sometimes who writes these scripts. And no wonder Moyes got the hump. He was dumped out "on the street" as he put it at midnight on Sunday, with the euphoria of the win over Everton still fresh in all our minds.
Probably few of us really expected Moyes to get the gig full time even at that point, so much poison had been put down in previous weeks. But it could have been handled so much better. First we are told, via Sky (who else) that you have had a meeting with Moyes on Monday and it was highly unlikely he would get the job. Some media outlets suggested that the meeting was your usual one of the manager on a Monday, ignoring in fact that you didn't actually employ him any longer.
Other outlets said it was a "thank you" chat and to come back in a week, just in case we hadn't managed to land the big name to take us to the next level. Then we find out it was just a phone call. And guess what, it was leaked. You made that call to Moyes, and guess who was on air that morning, well Jim White of course. Just saying. No wonder Moyes wanted a change of culture. And not long after that call, Paulo Fonseca was being driven into Sullivan Towers for a chat, with Mendes in tow. That may well have been the point when Moyes lost the plot. He knew, however, that he was probably soon to be history on Sunday evening; he's a big boy, he knows the game so nothing should surprise him. Sullivan was looking for a replacement. That's life. But then Gold is on his feet telling folk he would be happy for Moyes to stay. Then the Standard's story followed by West Ham's statement.
Now we have all been wishing and hoping for a brave new world, a top manager, to take us on. Moyes may well have earned another year or two, but that's life, as I said. Fonseca was interesting. No really big time experience, but seemingly well thought of and with a very influential agent who has helped Wolves to win promotion who could easily have opened the way to some decent signings for us.
Fonseca has done well at Shakhtar Donetsk, admittedly with a big club in a very ordinary league. Dynamo Kiev and that's about it. Not able to use their stadium because of the war does not seem to have handicapped Fonseca, who more importantly did well in the Champions League and registered a win over Manchester City. He had an OK spell at Porto before being axed for being third… but then did well to turn Braga into a force. That's the club with the rock face behind one goal, a small town but one that acquired a reputation under Fonseca for flowing, attacking football helped by an abundance of Brazilian talent. But after his chat with Sullivan, Fonseca returned to Ukraine and now there's stories that he has agreed a new two year contract there. Was Sullivan about to appoint him in the wake of Moyes' departure? We will never know.
So now it looks like another crack at Rafa Benitez, with Manuel Pellegini seemingly too expensive and not in the bright, young, exciting category. But then neither is Rafa!
We can only hope that Sullivan now gets this right and has someone with class, integrity and skill in place sometime next week before the World Cup build up starts in earnest. Blimey, there's so much to do. Players going, lots needed, season tickets to sell, experienced old hands at the club to be placated. And Sullivan needs to do one thing, as far as I am concerned. He must dispel the suggestion that he is acting on fans' advice. He is supposed to have told Moyes on Monday that it was the fans who wanted a new face. I have touched on this before, fans' forums, blogs, polls, even pressure from fans' groups, are all well and good.
Polls are fun. We have done one, several of our website colleagues have done them. They are fun. They should not be leading the club's owner by the nose as if he is frightened to make a decision without upsetting someone.
But tomorrow's another day. Another manager as a target, more players being linked. Tedious isn't it?
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Manuel Pellegrini team meet West Ham over vacant manager position
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/05/18 6:46pm
SSN
West Ham have met with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini but Sky Sports News understands wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed on Wednesday that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. The announcement arrived barely 12 hours after club co-owner David Gold said he hoped 55-year-old former Manchester United and Everton boss, Moyes, would remain in charge. However, it seems former Manchester City boss Pellegrini is firmly on West Ham's radar despite the salary demands. The 64-year-old is currently managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune.
The Chilean spent three years in England as Man City manager, winning the Premier League and two League Cups. He has previously spent time in charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. Sky Sports News understands Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca are also on West Ham's shortlist.
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MOYES BECOMES SULLIVAN AND GOLD'S FIFTH MANAGERIAL VICTIM IN EIGHT YEARS
By Dan Coker 16 May 2018 at 12:48
WTID
David Moyes has left the building. The club's official statement reads:
"West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
"Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: 'I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days.
"The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
The Evening Standard is reporting that "Moyes ruled himself out of taking the job on a permanent basis after growing unhappy at his situation and treatment by the club".
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'I'm really fearful over what is going to happen' - Tony Cottee slams West Ham United board over managerial mishaps
By Joe Coleman - @JoeColeman1508
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
TalkSport
Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee has slammed the board for their handling of the current managerial situation. It was confirmed by the club on Tuesday morning that David Moyes would not be getting the job full-time, despite delivering a 13th-place finish after taking control when the club were in the bottom three. To make matters worse, Shakhtar Donestk manager Paulo Fonseca was pictured leaving David Sullivan's plush Essex mansion on Monday after holding talks about taking control of the club – even though Moyes had yet to be officially sacked. And Cottee, who scored 115 times during two spells for the Hammers, could not contain his frustration while appearing on the Hawskbee and Jacobs Show.
"Who on earth is going to appoint the new manager?" Cottee asked. "There is not one person on that board who has got any football experience or any knowledge about football. "They haven't got a Trevor Brooking anymore to advise the board, who is making the decision on who's going to be the next manager? "I'm reading they want a manger to take them to the next level; well the next level is to have some stability at the club, surely? "If you want stability, David Moyes is the man for the job. "I just don't understand it, I really don't understand what is going on at my football club. "And before anyone says anything about me just being a media pundit, I've got two season tickets, I pay a lot of money, I go to watch the team – I've got as much right as the average fan to give an opinion on it. "I'm so fed up of what is going on at my club; it's getting on my nerves now."
Although Moyes' contract had technically expired, the former Manchester United manager was still being considered for the role. Slaven Bilic was sacked in November 2017, with the club firmly entrenched in the bottom three. And although his successor kept the club in the Premier League, Cottee challenged the triumvirate of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady to find someone to take the club to the next level. He said: "We want someone to come in who knows what is expected at the club and can take the club forward. "We don't want someone to come in who's got no idea about English football and perhaps doesn't even speak the language! "Honestly, I'm really fearful about what is going to happen, they're saying ten days. "I'm really fearful over what is going to happen now."
After clashing with the fans and the board, Sam Allardyce was replaced with Bilic – and the success was instant. A seventh-placed finish in the final season at Upton Park seemed to suggest better times were just round the corner with a move to the Olympic Stadium around the corner. The move to the Olympic Stadium has alienated supporters from the club - and seen several flashes of violence But broken promises have left Hammers fans disenchanted with their club, and Cottee is not sure what the future now holds. "Anyone who comes to West Ham has got to be prepared to work with the current board," Cottee added. "I think history has proved that it can be very difficult to work under those board members. "So things aren't going to change, it's not going to happen overnight in terms of the football club changing round. "I think all West Ham fans toady were all scratching their heads and wondering where the club goes from here."
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Joe Hart furious at World Cup snub and blames West Ham manager David Moyes for his failure to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for Russia
Joe Hart has been told that he will not be named in England's World Cup squad
Manchester City goalkeeper Hart spent the season on loan at West Ham United
Hammers boss David Moyes left Hart on the bench for their final three games
Hart is furious at his England snub and believes that Moyes has cost him his spot
By Sami Mokbel and Matt Lawton for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 15 May 2018 | UPDATED: 23:28, 15 May 2018
Joe Hart is furious after being ruthlessly axed from England's World Cup squad. Hart took the call from manager Gareth Southgate graciously, but is devastated by the news. However, the goalkeeper is believed to be angry with West Ham manager David Moyes for leaving him out of the club's final three games of the season — which is understood to be a key reason behind Southgate's shock decision.
England's probable World Cup squad
GOALKEEPERS
Pickford, Butland, Pope
DEFENDERS
Stones, Cahill, Jones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Young, Rose
MIDFIELDERS
Dier, Henderson, Alli, Lallana, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Sterling, Delph
FORWARDS
Kane, Vardy, Welbeck, Rashford
Hart began qualification for this summer's tournament as first-choice keeper and has won 75 caps during a 10-year international career. He had seemed likely to go as back-up for Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland. But Southgate phoned the 31-year-old on Monday night to inform him he had not made the cut. Hart's absence means that Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will be rewarded for his excellent breakthrough season. Southgate will also show his ruthless side on Wednesday when he leaves out Jack Wilshere from his 23-man party to travel to Russia next month. The England coach rang the Arsenal midfielder to let him know on Tuesday morning. Although listed in Southgate's larger 35-man squad, which was submitted to FIFA on Monday and revealed by Sportsmail last week, he will not be named on the standby list.
Fabian Delph is also set to be named in the squad following an impressive season for Manchester City. Ashley Young of Manchester United and Danny Rose of Tottenham will be England's recognised left backs, which means Southampton's Ryan Bertrand will be on the standby list. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace, is set to gain a place in the squad, and Adam Lallana of Liverpool has assured Southgate of his fitness following a hamstring injury and should be named in the final party. Chelsea's Gary Cahill may make it at the expense of West Brom's Jake Livermore, who joins defenders Michael Keane of Everton, James Tarkowski of Burnley and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the standby group.
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West Ham will not receive extra money from transfer clause if Dimitri Payet wins Europa League with Marseille
Dimitri Payet will represent Marseille in Wednesday night's Europa League final
The 31-year-old is fit to take on Atletico Madrid at the Stade de Lyon in France
Marseille paid West Ham United £25m when Payet moved in January 2017
Deal included performance-related clauses but none related to Europa League
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 00:03, 16 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:03, 16 May 2018
West Ham will not be due a fee from Marseille for Dimitri Payet reaching or potentially winning the Europa League final because of a lack of clause in his contract.
The 31-year-old playmaker is set to star in the final against Atletico Madrid in Lyon on Wednesday night after leaving the Hammers in 2017. Payet has clauses in his contract but Sportsmail has been told winning Europe's second most prestigious competition is not among them. West Ham got £25million when they sold Payet and he signed a four-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year. Payet has scored 15 goals in one and a half seasons since leaving the Hammers. He was seen as a minor fitness doubt for Wednesday's game after sitting out Marseille's 3-3 draw at Guingamp last week, but he trained on the eve of the final.
Speaking on Tuesday, Payet said: 'I feel a lot better. Yes, I feel I can play tomorrow. I've been feeling very good, especially since the beginning of 2018. 'I haven't changed anything except I have been injured less and when you have no injuries it's must easier to play and feel better on the pitch.'
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West Ham rebuffed in attempts to sign Inter Milan wonderkid on loan next season - report
Latest West Ham transfer news includes an update on Yann Karamoh
Football London
By Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
07:00, 16 MAY 2018
West Ham United have reportedly seen a loan bid for Inter Milan forward Yann Karamoh rejected. The 19-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Caen on a two-year loan spell during last summer's transfer window and has gone on to make a total of 16 first-team appearances across all competitions so far this season.
An injury to club captain and first-choice striker Mauro Icardi at the beginning of the year afforded the teenager more playing time in the senior team. He made his first league start during the 2-1 victory over Bologna back in February and marked the special occasion with the winning goal just after the hour mark at the San Siro. Inter have an obligation to sign Karamoh on a permanent basis once his loan deal expires at the end of next season, but that hasn't stopped talk that the winger could be on the move again this summer. According to According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers have attempted to sign Karamoh on loan for next season. However, it has been claimed that the Nerazzurri have rebuffed those attempts as it is understood that they aren't willing to let the teenager leave even on a temporary basis. The report does go on to state that due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Inter might just have consider a permanent offer for Karamoh, amid alleged interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco who could look to replace Keita Balde Diao. This would be the second straight summer in which the Irons have missed out on the starlet as it was reported that they had an £8.7m bid rejected from Caen a year ago. It's also been reported that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen admirers of Karamoh and are willing to do battle over the £25million-rated youngster.
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First David Sullivan's sons...now David Gold's daughter is talking about West Ham's transfer business online
HITC
Damien Lucas
One of the biggest grievances of West Ham United fans has been the all too public way the club's affairs are played out in the media. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been criticised for their public profile in the past. The majority of Hammers fans want vice-chairman Karren Brady to cease her column in The Sun where she regularly discusses club affairs and even takes pot shots at supporters. Supporters grew tired of constant interviews on intimate West Ham dealings from Sullivan and Gold and demanded Sullivan's sons Jack and Dave stopped posting about transfers and the like on Twitter. But Brady's column aside things have been awfully quiet from the West Ham boardroom since fans highlighted it as one of their biggest grievances during protests and meetings this season.
However it appears that there is another voice revealing club business online in the form of Jacqueline Gold, the daughter of David. Speculation has been building that West Ham star Manuel Lanzini is interesting Liverpool, as reported by the likes of The Sun. The rumour has been gathering momentum on social media with claims and counter claims that the Argentine would be moving to Anfield today. But Jacqueline Gold took to Twitter to shoot down such talk in what appears to be the first time she has got involved in transfer discussion.
Jacqueline Gold CBE
✔
@Jacqueline_Gold
Not true https://twitter.com/exwhuemployee/status/995358767997947904 …
1:54 PM - May 13, 2018
151
While many fans were exasperated at seeing yet another voice from the club airing business in public at least it was good news on this occasion. Lanzini is arguably West Ham's best player and signed off the season with a brace in the 3-1 win over Everton. Liverpool are believed to be looking for a player to replace Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the 25-year-old.
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HAMMERS ON HEAT West Ham chase Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart and solve goalkeeper problem
Hammers hoping to nab England star from Burnley after Nick Pope established himself at Turf Moor this season
The Sun
EXCLUSIVE
By Duncan Wright
15th May 2018, 2:10 pm
WEST HAM want England keeper Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart next season. The Hammers have targeted the £10million-rated Burnley star as they look to solve the problem position which has dogged them for the past two years. Hart's season-long loan from Manchester City turned into a major disappointment with the stopper being axed from the side and eventually losing out on a World Cup place this summer. Now West Ham are hoping to finally land a consistent top class stopper by pushing Burnley to let them sign highly-rated Heaton. The 32-year-old started this season as first choice and pushing for a place on the plane to Russia 2018. But he suffered a badly dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the campaign which sidelined him four five months - handing Nick Pope the chance to come in and establish himself. Boss Sean Dyche would prefer to keep the pair at Turf Moor, especially now the club faces the extra demands of Europa League football having finished seventh this season. But Dyche will struggle to keep both happy, and the Hammers believe they can tempt Heaton to the London Stadium with the offer of being first choice next season. Heaton has two years left on his existing deal and is understood to have been happy to stay at Burnley to see out the remainder of his contract.
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West Ham to table offer for £15m-rated Man City's Patrick Roberts
HITC
Will Butcher
West Ham and Leicester are expected to make bids for the England youth international. The Daily Express have claimed that Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City will table bids for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts in a matter of days. The 21-year-old remains on loan with Scottish champions Celtic and the Hoops face Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday. It is believed that after the match, bids will be made. Celtic are also said to remain keen on keeping the former Fulham ace north of the border with the Hoops, but Roberts admitted himself that he wants to be playing football in the Premier League last week. Now, the Hammers and the Foxes are keen on doing a deal for the £15million-rated trickster, who has failed to replicate the kind of form that saw him shine throughout the 2016-17 campaign. A number of injuries, including a long-term hamstring injury, limiting him to just 18 appearances with the Hoops. But after two and a half years with Celtic, Roberts has been involved in 44 goals in 78 games. Scoring 18, he has provided 26. Despite his injuries this season, Roberts has still managed to lay on five assists and scored a crucial Champions League goal against Anderlecht in the 3-0 win in Belgium. Roberts joined Man City on a permanent basis in 2015 and still has two years on the five-year deal he signed as a teenager. But it remains to be seen if he is in Pep Guardiola's plans, with City boasting plenty of attacking options
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. "Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days."
The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed.
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Adrian: All the players gave everything until the end
WHUFC.com
Adrian was proud to have played his part in helping West Ham United retain their Premier League status in style. The Spaniard impressed on his return to the starting XI for the final three weeks of a challenging 2017/18 campaign, keeping two clean sheets as the Hammers collected seven points from victories over Leicester City and Everton and a hard-fought goalless draw with Manchester United. The popular goalkeeper admitted the squad had not hit the targets they set themselves at the start of the season, but was proud of the way they stuck together to secure a 13th-place finish, nine points clear of the bottom three and just two adrift of Newcastle United in tenth. "Of course, when you finish on top, you feel well, and in the last three games we played well," he told West Ham TV. "We kept two clean sheets and then we scored three goals at home in front of our fans in the last game. "I think this is the best way to finish after a season that everyone knows wasn't easy. All the players gave everything until the end. "I have said many times, I was really positive about my players and my teammates because I saw they are great players. We started the season not well enough, then we had many changes and injuries so, at the end of the day, we saved our position in the Premier League, which was the most important thing from the start of the season. "We finished with three points and a win at home, so we now need to enjoy our summer with our families."
Overall, Adrian conceded 29 goals in his 19 Premier League appearances, keeping half-a-dozen clean sheets and ending up on the losing side just six times. "I am happy to finish the season strongly, because this season was not the best for me," he continued. "I was not in the team from the beginning, so I was waiting to play against Man City, then a few more games. "I am happy to be playing and helping my teammates with my saves. That makes me feel proud, as I feel like I'm here helping West Ham, like I have for the last five seasons. That's it. That is my job."
Having hung up his gloves for the next seven weeks, Adrian and his wife and two young sons will fly back to their home city of Seville to spend some welcome time with their families and friends during the close-season. "We need to rest and recover our bodies and minds with our families and friends. I'll go back to Spain, with the good weather there, and relax!"
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Shortest reign ever - official!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes' seven-month stay at West Ham United is the shortest reign of any manager in the club's history. Although debate will rage over whether he should be considered, given the nature of the short-term contract he accepted back in November, there is no doubt that Moyes' reign is the shortest of any manager to have taken on a full-time role in the club's history. At just 191 days, Moyes tenure lasted exactly 40 days less than the previous record holder Lou Macari, who was sacked in February 1990 - exactly 231 days after being handed the role vacated by club legend John Lyall. The only other full-time manager to stay in his position for less than a calendar year is Avram Grant, who was fired three weeks shy of his first anniversary. By contrast the longest-serving manager in West Ham United's history is Sid King, who lasted an impressive 30 YEARS in the managerial hotseat!
West Ham's shortest-managerial reigns
1. David Moyes: 191 days, contract expired (2017-18)
2. Lou Macari: 231 days, sacked (1989-90)
3. Avram Grant: 347 days, sacked (2010-11)
4. Franco Zola: 610 days, sacked (2008-10)
5. Alan Curbishley: 631 days, left of own volition (2006-08)
6. Slaven Bilic: 880 days, sacked (2015-17)
7. Glenn Roeder: 838 days, sacked (2001-03)
8. Alan Pardew: 1,149 days, sacked (2003-06)
9. Sam Allardyce: 1,454 days, contract expired (2011-15)
10. Billy Bonds: 1,630 days, left of own volition (1990-94)
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Time to move on, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that David Moyes has left the club. A brief statement posted via the club's website on Wednesday lunchtime thanked the 55-year-old Scot for his assistance, whilst confirming that he and his back room staff of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have also departed. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," co-chairman David Sullivan told whufc.com. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. "They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days." "The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
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Now let's see what you are made of Mr.Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Paul Walker
Not really been your day, mate, has it? Not even your last few months really. But let's just concentrate of the week in hand. You may have wanted the eventual departure of David Moyes and all his staff to be a controlled, dignified exit, with you seemingly in full control. Chance would be a fine thing. In fact, it looks like just another day in the circus that is West Ham. No manager, no coaching staff, no director of football/recruitment officer. Not even a board all singing from the same page. Oh, and one of your potential new managers, the one that Jorge Mendes offered up for you on a plate, seems to have decided to stay where he is in war-torn Ukraine, seems safer there than Stratford. All I can say now pal, is you had better have this next bit under control, because the transfer window is about to open and it looks like you are standing on your own at the sharp end of the Titanic singing 'My heart will go on' in best Celine Dion style.
You just knew something was afoot when Ken Dyer's exclusive in the Evening Standard mid-morning said Moyes would tell you to stick any offer of a job because he felt he had been very poorly treated. (At this point I refer you to the KUMB piece last week about saying thanks.) Ken is the best around when it comes to West Ham, he has been covering the club since the more dignified days of John Lyall. So the piece was spot on.
It took what looked like an hour for the club to push out a statement saying Moyes, Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay had also left. And this less than 24 hours after your fellow joint chairman David Gold had said he would be happy if Moyes stayed on because he admired his professionalism. You wonder sometimes who writes these scripts. And no wonder Moyes got the hump. He was dumped out "on the street" as he put it at midnight on Sunday, with the euphoria of the win over Everton still fresh in all our minds.
Probably few of us really expected Moyes to get the gig full time even at that point, so much poison had been put down in previous weeks. But it could have been handled so much better. First we are told, via Sky (who else) that you have had a meeting with Moyes on Monday and it was highly unlikely he would get the job. Some media outlets suggested that the meeting was your usual one of the manager on a Monday, ignoring in fact that you didn't actually employ him any longer.
Other outlets said it was a "thank you" chat and to come back in a week, just in case we hadn't managed to land the big name to take us to the next level. Then we find out it was just a phone call. And guess what, it was leaked. You made that call to Moyes, and guess who was on air that morning, well Jim White of course. Just saying. No wonder Moyes wanted a change of culture. And not long after that call, Paulo Fonseca was being driven into Sullivan Towers for a chat, with Mendes in tow. That may well have been the point when Moyes lost the plot. He knew, however, that he was probably soon to be history on Sunday evening; he's a big boy, he knows the game so nothing should surprise him. Sullivan was looking for a replacement. That's life. But then Gold is on his feet telling folk he would be happy for Moyes to stay. Then the Standard's story followed by West Ham's statement.
Now we have all been wishing and hoping for a brave new world, a top manager, to take us on. Moyes may well have earned another year or two, but that's life, as I said. Fonseca was interesting. No really big time experience, but seemingly well thought of and with a very influential agent who has helped Wolves to win promotion who could easily have opened the way to some decent signings for us.
Fonseca has done well at Shakhtar Donetsk, admittedly with a big club in a very ordinary league. Dynamo Kiev and that's about it. Not able to use their stadium because of the war does not seem to have handicapped Fonseca, who more importantly did well in the Champions League and registered a win over Manchester City. He had an OK spell at Porto before being axed for being third… but then did well to turn Braga into a force. That's the club with the rock face behind one goal, a small town but one that acquired a reputation under Fonseca for flowing, attacking football helped by an abundance of Brazilian talent. But after his chat with Sullivan, Fonseca returned to Ukraine and now there's stories that he has agreed a new two year contract there. Was Sullivan about to appoint him in the wake of Moyes' departure? We will never know.
So now it looks like another crack at Rafa Benitez, with Manuel Pellegini seemingly too expensive and not in the bright, young, exciting category. But then neither is Rafa!
We can only hope that Sullivan now gets this right and has someone with class, integrity and skill in place sometime next week before the World Cup build up starts in earnest. Blimey, there's so much to do. Players going, lots needed, season tickets to sell, experienced old hands at the club to be placated. And Sullivan needs to do one thing, as far as I am concerned. He must dispel the suggestion that he is acting on fans' advice. He is supposed to have told Moyes on Monday that it was the fans who wanted a new face. I have touched on this before, fans' forums, blogs, polls, even pressure from fans' groups, are all well and good.
Polls are fun. We have done one, several of our website colleagues have done them. They are fun. They should not be leading the club's owner by the nose as if he is frightened to make a decision without upsetting someone.
But tomorrow's another day. Another manager as a target, more players being linked. Tedious isn't it?
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Manuel Pellegrini team meet West Ham over vacant manager position
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/05/18 6:46pm
SSN
West Ham have met with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini but Sky Sports News understands wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed on Wednesday that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. The announcement arrived barely 12 hours after club co-owner David Gold said he hoped 55-year-old former Manchester United and Everton boss, Moyes, would remain in charge. However, it seems former Manchester City boss Pellegrini is firmly on West Ham's radar despite the salary demands. The 64-year-old is currently managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune.
The Chilean spent three years in England as Man City manager, winning the Premier League and two League Cups. He has previously spent time in charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. Sky Sports News understands Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca are also on West Ham's shortlist.
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MOYES BECOMES SULLIVAN AND GOLD'S FIFTH MANAGERIAL VICTIM IN EIGHT YEARS
By Dan Coker 16 May 2018 at 12:48
WTID
David Moyes has left the building. The club's official statement reads:
"West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
"Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: 'I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days.
"The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
The Evening Standard is reporting that "Moyes ruled himself out of taking the job on a permanent basis after growing unhappy at his situation and treatment by the club".
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'I'm really fearful over what is going to happen' - Tony Cottee slams West Ham United board over managerial mishaps
By Joe Coleman - @JoeColeman1508
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
TalkSport
Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee has slammed the board for their handling of the current managerial situation. It was confirmed by the club on Tuesday morning that David Moyes would not be getting the job full-time, despite delivering a 13th-place finish after taking control when the club were in the bottom three. To make matters worse, Shakhtar Donestk manager Paulo Fonseca was pictured leaving David Sullivan's plush Essex mansion on Monday after holding talks about taking control of the club – even though Moyes had yet to be officially sacked. And Cottee, who scored 115 times during two spells for the Hammers, could not contain his frustration while appearing on the Hawskbee and Jacobs Show.
"Who on earth is going to appoint the new manager?" Cottee asked. "There is not one person on that board who has got any football experience or any knowledge about football. "They haven't got a Trevor Brooking anymore to advise the board, who is making the decision on who's going to be the next manager? "I'm reading they want a manger to take them to the next level; well the next level is to have some stability at the club, surely? "If you want stability, David Moyes is the man for the job. "I just don't understand it, I really don't understand what is going on at my football club. "And before anyone says anything about me just being a media pundit, I've got two season tickets, I pay a lot of money, I go to watch the team – I've got as much right as the average fan to give an opinion on it. "I'm so fed up of what is going on at my club; it's getting on my nerves now."
Although Moyes' contract had technically expired, the former Manchester United manager was still being considered for the role. Slaven Bilic was sacked in November 2017, with the club firmly entrenched in the bottom three. And although his successor kept the club in the Premier League, Cottee challenged the triumvirate of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady to find someone to take the club to the next level. He said: "We want someone to come in who knows what is expected at the club and can take the club forward. "We don't want someone to come in who's got no idea about English football and perhaps doesn't even speak the language! "Honestly, I'm really fearful about what is going to happen, they're saying ten days. "I'm really fearful over what is going to happen now."
After clashing with the fans and the board, Sam Allardyce was replaced with Bilic – and the success was instant. A seventh-placed finish in the final season at Upton Park seemed to suggest better times were just round the corner with a move to the Olympic Stadium around the corner. The move to the Olympic Stadium has alienated supporters from the club - and seen several flashes of violence But broken promises have left Hammers fans disenchanted with their club, and Cottee is not sure what the future now holds. "Anyone who comes to West Ham has got to be prepared to work with the current board," Cottee added. "I think history has proved that it can be very difficult to work under those board members. "So things aren't going to change, it's not going to happen overnight in terms of the football club changing round. "I think all West Ham fans toady were all scratching their heads and wondering where the club goes from here."
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Joe Hart furious at World Cup snub and blames West Ham manager David Moyes for his failure to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for Russia
Joe Hart has been told that he will not be named in England's World Cup squad
Manchester City goalkeeper Hart spent the season on loan at West Ham United
Hammers boss David Moyes left Hart on the bench for their final three games
Hart is furious at his England snub and believes that Moyes has cost him his spot
By Sami Mokbel and Matt Lawton for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 15 May 2018 | UPDATED: 23:28, 15 May 2018
Joe Hart is furious after being ruthlessly axed from England's World Cup squad. Hart took the call from manager Gareth Southgate graciously, but is devastated by the news. However, the goalkeeper is believed to be angry with West Ham manager David Moyes for leaving him out of the club's final three games of the season — which is understood to be a key reason behind Southgate's shock decision.
England's probable World Cup squad
GOALKEEPERS
Pickford, Butland, Pope
DEFENDERS
Stones, Cahill, Jones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Young, Rose
MIDFIELDERS
Dier, Henderson, Alli, Lallana, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Sterling, Delph
FORWARDS
Kane, Vardy, Welbeck, Rashford
Hart began qualification for this summer's tournament as first-choice keeper and has won 75 caps during a 10-year international career. He had seemed likely to go as back-up for Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland. But Southgate phoned the 31-year-old on Monday night to inform him he had not made the cut. Hart's absence means that Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will be rewarded for his excellent breakthrough season. Southgate will also show his ruthless side on Wednesday when he leaves out Jack Wilshere from his 23-man party to travel to Russia next month. The England coach rang the Arsenal midfielder to let him know on Tuesday morning. Although listed in Southgate's larger 35-man squad, which was submitted to FIFA on Monday and revealed by Sportsmail last week, he will not be named on the standby list.
Fabian Delph is also set to be named in the squad following an impressive season for Manchester City. Ashley Young of Manchester United and Danny Rose of Tottenham will be England's recognised left backs, which means Southampton's Ryan Bertrand will be on the standby list. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace, is set to gain a place in the squad, and Adam Lallana of Liverpool has assured Southgate of his fitness following a hamstring injury and should be named in the final party. Chelsea's Gary Cahill may make it at the expense of West Brom's Jake Livermore, who joins defenders Michael Keane of Everton, James Tarkowski of Burnley and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the standby group.
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West Ham will not receive extra money from transfer clause if Dimitri Payet wins Europa League with Marseille
Dimitri Payet will represent Marseille in Wednesday night's Europa League final
The 31-year-old is fit to take on Atletico Madrid at the Stade de Lyon in France
Marseille paid West Ham United £25m when Payet moved in January 2017
Deal included performance-related clauses but none related to Europa League
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 00:03, 16 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:03, 16 May 2018
West Ham will not be due a fee from Marseille for Dimitri Payet reaching or potentially winning the Europa League final because of a lack of clause in his contract.
The 31-year-old playmaker is set to star in the final against Atletico Madrid in Lyon on Wednesday night after leaving the Hammers in 2017. Payet has clauses in his contract but Sportsmail has been told winning Europe's second most prestigious competition is not among them. West Ham got £25million when they sold Payet and he signed a four-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year. Payet has scored 15 goals in one and a half seasons since leaving the Hammers. He was seen as a minor fitness doubt for Wednesday's game after sitting out Marseille's 3-3 draw at Guingamp last week, but he trained on the eve of the final.
Speaking on Tuesday, Payet said: 'I feel a lot better. Yes, I feel I can play tomorrow. I've been feeling very good, especially since the beginning of 2018. 'I haven't changed anything except I have been injured less and when you have no injuries it's must easier to play and feel better on the pitch.'
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West Ham rebuffed in attempts to sign Inter Milan wonderkid on loan next season - report
Latest West Ham transfer news includes an update on Yann Karamoh
Football London
By Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
07:00, 16 MAY 2018
West Ham United have reportedly seen a loan bid for Inter Milan forward Yann Karamoh rejected. The 19-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Caen on a two-year loan spell during last summer's transfer window and has gone on to make a total of 16 first-team appearances across all competitions so far this season.
An injury to club captain and first-choice striker Mauro Icardi at the beginning of the year afforded the teenager more playing time in the senior team. He made his first league start during the 2-1 victory over Bologna back in February and marked the special occasion with the winning goal just after the hour mark at the San Siro. Inter have an obligation to sign Karamoh on a permanent basis once his loan deal expires at the end of next season, but that hasn't stopped talk that the winger could be on the move again this summer. According to According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers have attempted to sign Karamoh on loan for next season. However, it has been claimed that the Nerazzurri have rebuffed those attempts as it is understood that they aren't willing to let the teenager leave even on a temporary basis. The report does go on to state that due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Inter might just have consider a permanent offer for Karamoh, amid alleged interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco who could look to replace Keita Balde Diao. This would be the second straight summer in which the Irons have missed out on the starlet as it was reported that they had an £8.7m bid rejected from Caen a year ago. It's also been reported that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen admirers of Karamoh and are willing to do battle over the £25million-rated youngster.
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First David Sullivan's sons...now David Gold's daughter is talking about West Ham's transfer business online
HITC
Damien Lucas
One of the biggest grievances of West Ham United fans has been the all too public way the club's affairs are played out in the media. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been criticised for their public profile in the past. The majority of Hammers fans want vice-chairman Karren Brady to cease her column in The Sun where she regularly discusses club affairs and even takes pot shots at supporters. Supporters grew tired of constant interviews on intimate West Ham dealings from Sullivan and Gold and demanded Sullivan's sons Jack and Dave stopped posting about transfers and the like on Twitter. But Brady's column aside things have been awfully quiet from the West Ham boardroom since fans highlighted it as one of their biggest grievances during protests and meetings this season.
However it appears that there is another voice revealing club business online in the form of Jacqueline Gold, the daughter of David. Speculation has been building that West Ham star Manuel Lanzini is interesting Liverpool, as reported by the likes of The Sun. The rumour has been gathering momentum on social media with claims and counter claims that the Argentine would be moving to Anfield today. But Jacqueline Gold took to Twitter to shoot down such talk in what appears to be the first time she has got involved in transfer discussion.
Jacqueline Gold CBE
✔
@Jacqueline_Gold
Not true https://twitter.com/exwhuemployee/status/995358767997947904 …
1:54 PM - May 13, 2018
151
While many fans were exasperated at seeing yet another voice from the club airing business in public at least it was good news on this occasion. Lanzini is arguably West Ham's best player and signed off the season with a brace in the 3-1 win over Everton. Liverpool are believed to be looking for a player to replace Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the 25-year-old.
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HAMMERS ON HEAT West Ham chase Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart and solve goalkeeper problem
Hammers hoping to nab England star from Burnley after Nick Pope established himself at Turf Moor this season
The Sun
EXCLUSIVE
By Duncan Wright
15th May 2018, 2:10 pm
WEST HAM want England keeper Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart next season. The Hammers have targeted the £10million-rated Burnley star as they look to solve the problem position which has dogged them for the past two years. Hart's season-long loan from Manchester City turned into a major disappointment with the stopper being axed from the side and eventually losing out on a World Cup place this summer. Now West Ham are hoping to finally land a consistent top class stopper by pushing Burnley to let them sign highly-rated Heaton. The 32-year-old started this season as first choice and pushing for a place on the plane to Russia 2018. But he suffered a badly dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the campaign which sidelined him four five months - handing Nick Pope the chance to come in and establish himself. Boss Sean Dyche would prefer to keep the pair at Turf Moor, especially now the club faces the extra demands of Europa League football having finished seventh this season. But Dyche will struggle to keep both happy, and the Hammers believe they can tempt Heaton to the London Stadium with the offer of being first choice next season. Heaton has two years left on his existing deal and is understood to have been happy to stay at Burnley to see out the remainder of his contract.
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West Ham to table offer for £15m-rated Man City's Patrick Roberts
HITC
Will Butcher
West Ham and Leicester are expected to make bids for the England youth international. The Daily Express have claimed that Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City will table bids for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts in a matter of days. The 21-year-old remains on loan with Scottish champions Celtic and the Hoops face Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday. It is believed that after the match, bids will be made. Celtic are also said to remain keen on keeping the former Fulham ace north of the border with the Hoops, but Roberts admitted himself that he wants to be playing football in the Premier League last week. Now, the Hammers and the Foxes are keen on doing a deal for the £15million-rated trickster, who has failed to replicate the kind of form that saw him shine throughout the 2016-17 campaign. A number of injuries, including a long-term hamstring injury, limiting him to just 18 appearances with the Hoops. But after two and a half years with Celtic, Roberts has been involved in 44 goals in 78 games. Scoring 18, he has provided 26. Despite his injuries this season, Roberts has still managed to lay on five assists and scored a crucial Champions League goal against Anderlecht in the 3-0 win in Belgium. Roberts joined Man City on a permanent basis in 2015 and still has two years on the five-year deal he signed as a teenager. But it remains to be seen if he is in Pep Guardiola's plans, with City boasting plenty of attacking options
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th May 2018
Chicharito and Lanzini take step closer to World Cup
WHUFC.com
Chicharito and Manuel Lanzini have been named in their respective nations'
provisional 2018 FIFA World Cup squads. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer
Chicharito is in his country's 28-man selection, which will be whittled down
to the final 23 following warm-up matches with Wales and Scotland in Los
Angeles and Mexico City respectively. With 100 caps and 49 goals for his
country, the 29-year-old is almost certain to be named in the final 23,
barring injury. Mexico face Denmark in Copenhagen in their final warm-up
fixture before tackling Germany, South Korea and Sweden in Russia.
Lanzini has far less international experience, with three caps and one goal
for Argentina to his name. The 25-year-old, who scored twice in West Ham
United's 3-1 Premier League win over Everton at London Stadium on Sunday,
has been named in Cesar Sampaoli's star-studded 35-man provisional group.
Lanzini, who scored on his last appearance for Argentina in a friendly win
over Italy in March, will hope to impress in the South Americans' one and
only warm-up fixture against Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 29 May. The
two-time winners and 2014 runners-up face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in
the World Cup group-stage.
Edimilson Fernandes is still awaiting news of Switzerland's squad
announcement, while on-loan midfielder Joao Mario will learn if has made
European champions Portugal's squad on Thursday.
Away from the World Cup, Declan Rice is in the Republic of Ireland squad for
friendly internationals with France in Paris and the United States in
Dublin.
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Mario hails 'amazing day and amazing experience'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's final day victory over Everton capped an "amazing" six
months in London for Joao Mario, who has described his time with the Hammers
as "amazing experience". Two finishes from Manuel Lanzini and a Marko
Arnautovic strike secured the points for the Irons in Sunday's win against
the Toffees, earning West Ham seven points in their final three matches of
the campaign. Mario, who scored twice in 12 Premier League showing this
season for the Hammers, was delighted with the manner in which he and his
teammates secured a win in their season finale. "It was an amazing day and
an amazing game," Mario told West Ham TV. "The team played really well for
our supporters. Everyone is happy, and so are we. "It's definitely better
to end climbing up the table, so we're happy. Congratulations to everyone.
We've worked hard this season so everyone is happy."
The Portuguese midfielder had kind words for Sunday's goalscorers, Lanzini
and Arnautovic, hailing the quality of the two attackers. Mario also spoke
highly of the incredible Hammers support, who cheered the Irons to victory
before participating in the lap of honour after the contest. "They are two
really good, amazing players," Mario said of Lanzini and Arnautovic. "They
help us a lot and get a lot of goals, so for us it's perfect. "The West Ham
fans are incredible. Since I've arrived I have seen that they are fantastic.
They support the team so well and for us, as players, it's the best thing."
Having signed on loan from Internazionale in January, Mario has thoroughly
enjoyed his time in London with West Ham and is looking forward to what the
future holds. He added: "For me it's been an amazing experience. I want to
say thank you to West Ham for everything they've done, my teammates, and my
coaches.
"I'm really happy with the last six months and we will see what happens."
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Declan Rice 'proudly' reflects on first full season
WHUFC.com
There are not many West Ham United players that can look back on the 2017/18
campaign with as much fondness as Declan Rice. The defender, playing in his
first full season for the Irons after making his first team debut on the
final day of last season, made 31 senior appearances this campaign,
including 26 in the Premier League. The 19-year-old played in 18 of West
Ham's 19 Premier League contests in the second half of the season, something
Rice admits he is still pinching himself about. "I can't believe it," Rice
said. "I've been around some great players. We've had a change of manager
and luckily enough he's given me the chance to express myself and improve,
and I've thrived on that and now I can't wait for next season to start.
"When I was going into the last two minutes of the game (vs Everton) and we
were enjoying a bit of the ball, I was thinking 'I don't want this to end'.
It's been a great season for me personally. It's one I can look back on very
proudly."
Seven points earned in the final three games of the season, including a 3-1
win over Everton on Sunday, was a strong end to the campaign for the
Hammers, and Rice is thrilled with how he and his teammates closed the year.
The Young Hammer of the Year is now keen to continue his own personal good
form next season, and push West Ham higher up the league after this
campaign's 13th placed finish. "It's been a season full of ups and downs,"
he continued. "We've ended the last week strongly with the win at
Leicester, getting a good result against Manchester United, and then winning
against Everton was the icing on the cake. "It's not a bad finish, but if
you look at the points we've dropped late in games we could have been much
higher. We will take 13th. It's been disappointing but there's also been
some highs, so now we just look forward to next season."
Having graduated from the West Ham Academy, after joining the Club as a
14-year-old, Rice has been fully embraced by the fantastic Hammers
supporters, with the Republic of Ireland international thanking the fans.
The centre-back is now eager to kick on in the new season and continue to
develop with the Irons, committing himself to the side. Rice added: "The
fans have been excellent. At the start of this season they didn't really
know who I was but now they are singing my name and asking for stuff. It's
special. "I want to stay at West Ham. I want to keep playing for this club
and hopefully next season I can keep playing and make more appearances."
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MARK NOBLE – CLUB LEGEND?
AUTHOR: RICHARD DIXON. PUBLISHED: 14 MAY 2018 AT 9:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
There is a lot we don't agree on as West Ham fans at the moment, but one
thing we would all agree is that this has been a terrible season, both on
and off the pitch. When times are bad we football fans tend to look back and
remember happier times. At West Ham that will bring up a number of familiar
names, Moore, Hurst, Di Canio, Peters, Bonds and Brooking. So whilst there
may be some debate, these players are generally accepted as legends at our
club.
Now I'm willing to bet when you read that you were mentally adding more to
the list, Devonsonshire, Dicks, Cottee, McAvennie… I could go on and on. The
point being, that with certain notable exceptions club legends are
subjective and based on your own personal experience. It could be something
from your first West Ham game or maybe Modibo Maïga gave you his shirt after
a game where he scored (really really unlikely) or some other random act
that just chimed with you in some way. We all have our favourites, but few
make it to true legendary status.
It seems like a long time since we have had a widely accepted club legend, I
suppose Dimitri Payet was on course to achieve this accolade, mostly because
he was just so damned good. However, we all know what happened there, so
lets not dwell on our French ex-girlfriend, the man we just love to hate.
Payet is a lesson to those who throw the 'legend' title around lightly (or
worse get a tattoo!). What about our 2107/18 squad? The current fan
favourite is clearly Arnautovic. He has a long way to go, as stated, one
season does not a legend make, and the dour amongst us suspect that he won't
be here long enough to reach legendary status. A couple of other names pop
into your head as future legends, Collins, Rice and Lanzini are contenders,
but really there is only one name that really fits, and that is of course
Mark Noble.
Our current club captain is not going to be remembered as a skipper who
shepherded us to glory, it seems unlikely that he will ever lift a cup of
any note. Also there is much debate about his abilities on the pitch. If you
had no idea about him and tried to learn from Twitter I suspect you would
find out that his is brilliant, but his legs have gone and he is an awful
player and probably 50 other contradictory opinions. There is certainly no
consensus on his ability, but surely no one can argue about the man's
commitment to club? He now has over 400 appearances for the club, scored 50+
goals and been Hammer of the Year twice. What ever you think of his skills
this man is a West Ham player through and through. He made his senior debut
at 17 years old, back in August 2004, but after this his career at West Ham
faltered and he spent most of 2006 out on loan, first to Hull and then
Ipswich. It was under Alan Curbishley in the 2007/08 season that he really
established himself as a first team regular and he hasn't looked back since.
Coming right up to date his passion for the club, and temper, has been on
display this season. At the now infamous Burnley game Noble split opinion
with his "handling" of a pitch invader. We spoke to Mark briefly after the
game and when asked if he thought the club would fine him his response was
bullish, "they better fucking not!". I think his actions that day and his
subsequent response show that he feels the frustrations of the fans, others
may say they show he is a "thug". In the Manchester United "bore-draw"
Noble's tussle with Pogba again showed that he can let his feelings get the
better of him. I've seen comments that state this is why we love him, and
others saying that as Captain he should be above that type of behaviour.
However when I think of this season I prefer to think of his stunning right
footed volley against Leicester which put the game out of their reach and
ensured the Hammers Premier League survival. When that ball hit the back of
the net there was a look on Noble's face that told everyone what it meant to
him, and where did he run to celebrate? To the fans of course.
There has been the occasional rumour about other clubs wanting him, but can
anyone imagine him in anything except a West Ham shirt? He may not be our
greatest talent, but who amongst can deny that we would hate to see him pull
on another shirt? My suspicion is that as much as much as we wouldn't want
to see this, the person who would be the most pained is Mark Noble himself.
Mark Noble is a local boy (born in Canning Town) who has been granted the
freedom of the Borough of Newham and his heart is with us.
At 31 he is still going strong, the 'legs gone' comment is often made about
Mark, but he is still capable of galvanising the team, putting in a shift
and giving a great performance. It is clear that as the seasons progress he
will become a fringe player on the pitch, but off the pitch his influence
will continue. I am prepared to put it in writing I do not believe that he
will leave us for a lesser team to see out his career or move to the
USA/China for the money. It is my belief that he will stay at his beloved
West Ham and take a coaching role.
So considering it all, at this time I don't think Mark Noble is a legend,
but I have no doubt whatsoever that he will become one. Not because he has
won anything, or scored important or impressive goals, but because he is one
of us. Mark Noble is a destined to be a West Ham legend because he loves the
club as much as we do, and for that I salute him. Mark Noble is "Mr West
Ham".
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Hart axed from World Cup squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Joe Hart, who spent the duration of the 2017/18 season on loan at West Ham,
will not be part of England's squad in Russia this summer. The 31-year-old
goalkeeper, who ended the season on the bench at West Ham behind first
choice stopper Adrian has been told by England boss Gareth Southgate that he
will not be included in his 23-man, World Cup squad for Russia. Hart, who
has endured a second-successive difficult season following a year on loan in
Italy with Torino was handsomely paid by the Hammers but failed to offer
value for money, as a series of high-profile mistakes saw him dropped for
the Spaniard. And the consequence of two poor seasons is that Hart - who at
one stage was expected to be the nation's first choice goalkeeper for many
years to come - has slipped behind the likes of Nick Pope, Jack Butland and
Jordan Pickford (even though the latter had a particularly poor afternoon
against the Hammers on Sunday).
Hart represented West Ham on 24 occasions during his season-long stay in
east London, keeping just three clean sheets in the process. He has already
returned to his parent club, Manchester City, following the culmination of
his loan.
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WE NEED TO SORT OUT OUR DEFENCE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 8:39PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Nick Moore
(Written before the Man Utd game)
Although social media around West Ham has been viciously negative throughout
the season it does seem that most supporters always thought we would stay
up.
The line generally was that we should be much higher, that we have a good
squad and we are not delivering. I don't agree with this. This squad without
significant work will get us relegated. In every year, bar one, since the
premier league reduced to 20 clubs the team conceding most goals has been
relegated. We have conceded 67 goals in 36 games along with Stoke who have
played a game more. The truth is we can't defend. We have been leaking goals
since the back end of the final season at the Boleyn. Since then the
defenders we have brought in to change this have been
2016 -17 Masuaku, Arbeloa and Fonte.
2017 -18 Zabeleta and Evra.
Arbeloa and Fonte have come and gone and James Tomkins was sold. This is not
serious recruitment, given our growing defensive problems. Masuaku is
talented but his defending – being kind – is not his strong suit. The other
two are aging as is the whole squad. The squad lacks pace, mobility and
stamina.
Declan Rice – a great prospect – has emerged. Unusually for us he has come
through the youth system. But going into next season Ogbonna, Reid and
Chicharito will all be thirty. Noble will be thirty one. Zabeleta is 33.
Collins – should he stay- will be thirty five in August. Evra – brought in
to give us better defensive capabilities against City – will be 37.
However attack minded you are defending is half the game. Manchester City
are an attacking team full of creative players. They pressed us and squeezed
the space better than we did. None of these players will get any better.
Reid and Collins – both great servants – can't stay fit.
In midfield Mark Noble has been admirable and no one deserved to score the
goal that kept us up more. He said after the game he doesn't want another
season like this one. It will be exactly the same if the defensive side of
the game is not addressed both in defence and in midfield. The midfield
don't tracks runners. Defensively Obiang and Kouyate have been dreadful this
year. Where is the Kouyate who joined the club with the great motor, getting
up and down? Obiang defensively has consistently failed to win the ball
where he did before.
There is a goal we concede against teams with pace where you look up the
pitch and can see them jogging back. They'll be here in a minute…. Any
moment now….
Our goalkeeping troubles are well known. Hart came in on loan, proving that
none of our scouts watched the Euros. Randolph departed. Adrian has been
relegated to number two for much of the season. So we may well need two new
goalkeepers. Please do not sign Jack Buckland. We may have all been
distracted by Hart's present for Crouch but in the same game Buckland was
unconvincing. He flapped on crosses and has been throwing them in this year.
The defensive side of the game needs to be the focus for our recruitment. It
will be hard to get signings to fit all our short comings. Without changes,
some pace defensively, some younger players we will struggle. With better
defending we will be able to play further up the pitch which will help our
better attacking players.
It worries me that we are linked with older defenders and midfielders from
the relegated clubs. Maybe the odd one will strengthen us, but in general
the players linked looked like the same as what we have. The squad that gets
old together will get relegated together (as Stoke and WBA have already
shown).
One last point it's not about the stadium. We have won three games away all
season compared to six at home. Neither is good but it's so much easier to
win football matches if you don't concede nearly two goals a game.
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THE LOW DOWN ON PAULO FONSECA FROM A NON WEST HAM FAN
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 9:11PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Matt Brown @footballtyper
So, I was trawling through Twitter last night and came across an exclusive,
I think by Mail Online, which suggested that Paulo Fonseca had met with West
Ham regarding the manager's job at the club. After speaking briefly to Ex,
who everyone reading this will know is the most credible source when it
comes to West Ham United, it seems that this was the case and that Paulo had
impressed David Sullivan during their meeting.
With this, I felt like I would do another guest article for The West Ham Way
on a man I know a bit about and why I personally feel appointing him as the
next West Ham manager could be a very shrewd move by the club. While it's
understandable that some fans would be sceptical at such an appointment,
especially as many are wanting a proven name, there are a few reasons as to
why Fonseca makes sense.
I first became aware of Paulo through my own club, Sheffield Wednesday, in
2015. That summer our new owner Dejphon Chansiri decided that he wanted to
appoint a new manager at the club, and our main target was indeed Paulo
Fonseca, who had left his post in charge of Pacos Ferreira in Portugal. He
turned the chance to manage us down and instead took control at Braga and I
followed his progress from there.
In his sole season in charge at Braga, Fonseca managed to guide them to 30
victories from 57 games, which included 14 draws and 13 defeats. In
Portugal, the top three sides are Benfica, Sporting and Porto and aged 42
Fonseca did well steering Braga to a 4th place finish. He also managed to
guide them to Taca de Portugal success too, leaving the club with a win % of
50.88, averaging 1.82 points per match.
Looking a bit deeper into Paulo's history as a manager before he made the
move to Shakhtar, the only spell he will probably look back on with a bit of
disappointment is his second time in charge of Pacos de Ferreira where his
win ratio was 35.90%. He was extremely impressive in his other roles: Aves
(42.11%), Pacos de Ferreira (53.66%) and Porto (56.76%). Now, it would have
been quite easy for him to stay in Portugal, probably take up a role at one
of the top 3 sides, but instead he had bigger ambitions.
I think it's common knowledge that Portuguese managers aim to ply their
trade in one of Europe's top leagues eventually, with the Premier League the
target for most. Some may be quick to suggest that the job at Shakhtar is
easy or whatever as they are seen as comfortably the best side in the
division, but you have to remember that with that comes a lot of pressure
too.
Paulo didn't just go to Shakhtar and do what was expected of him, he
absolutely ripped it up there. He's managed them for a total of 93 games,
winning 73, drawing 8 and losing 12. His side have won league titles, cups
and this season narrowly missed out on making the Champions League quarter
finals, losing on away goals to Roma. Shakhtar under Fonseca have been
extremely impressive. They scored 205 goals in 93 games, conceding just 81.
They amassed a points haul of 227 and a points per match ratio of 2.44.
So, with his contract expiring next month, what can one of the game's most
promising managers bring to West Ham United? Well, first of all, he has the
personality and charisma that I feel will help once again reconnect the fans
with the club after what's been a pretty turbulent period. You only have to
watch Paulo dressed as Zorro after beating Manchester City in the Champions
League to see why fans will take to him immediately. Don't let that fool you
though, as he's a very professional manager too. He's not scared of saying
his piece either, especially when he feels the team hasn't performed.
Chopping and changing managers is something that every club should be aiming
not to do, and with Paulo being 45, he could well be at the help for a few
years which can only be beneficial for West Ham. It's highly likely that he
would be looking to get the club into a position where they can qualify for
Europe, and with his tactical nous, and backing from the board, there's no
reason why this shouldn't be possible.
It has already been suggested to me by some West Ham fans on social media
that the board won't spend money and that they will expect someone like
Fonseca to come in and work with what they've got. If Jorge Mendes is indeed
representing Fonseca, this could potentially open up a few more doors for
West Ham when it comes to transfers, which I'm sure the fans would be very
pleased about.
Mendes has his finger in many pies so to speak, with the ability to do
business with clubs in Portugal, while he also has ties to the likes of AC
Milan and Monaco. His work at Wolves is evident and while he wouldn't have
the same role at West Ham, Fonseca's connection to him would certainly be
advantageous and could help the board to be more successful in their
transfer dealings, both in and out.
If Paulo is appointed as manager, West Ham fans can expect nice, free
flowing, attacking and expansive football. They can expect a manager that
will do everything in his power to make a success of things with a Premier
League job his big chance to impress. He'll also be the kind of manager that
fans want managing their club personality wise.
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David Gold 'hopes' David Moyes remains manager of West Ham
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 15/05/18 9:08pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold says he "would like to think" David Moyes will
be the club's manager next season. Moyes guided the Hammers to Premier
League safety after replacing Slaven Bilic midway through the season.
However, Sky sources understand the Scot is unlikely to remain at the London
Stadium after holding talks about his future with the club. Gold insists
nothing has been decided and hopes Moyes will remain with the club for a
second campaign. "I've enjoyed David Moyes, I've enjoyed his company, I've
enjoyed working with him, he's a proper professional - his record speaks for
himself," said Gold. "As we speak David Moyes is on the list of managers and
we'll be selecting one in due course. I'd like to think it was David Moyes,
I really hope so."
Gold believes West Ham's slow start to the season can be partly blamed on
injuries and insists the club would have finished further up the table with
a fully-fit squad. "We were disappointed at our performance right the way
through the year. We changed our manager which is always a difficult time
for us," Gold added.
"When I look back, I'm looking to see why did it happen? Was it because of
the manager situation, was it because the players weren't good enough? "In
actual fact, what I have discovered, if you look at the injury list right
the way through the season, there was a time just before Christmas we had 12
senior players injured, unavailable for selection. "No team can suffer that
kind of situation."
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Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp to force West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini
into decision
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp could give West Ham star Manuel Lanzini a big
decision to make, according to reports.
By JACK OTWAY
PUBLISHED: 07:56, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 08:54, Tue, May 15, 2018
Express.co.uk
Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for West Ham star Lanzini ahead
of the summer transfer window. The Argentina international blossomed at the
weekend as the Hammers signed off a turbulent Premier League campaign with a
3-1 victory over Everton on Sunday. Liverpool are primed to pursue a
playmaker having lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona back in January.
Lanzini would fit the bill having established himself as a Premier League
star during his three seasons in English football. And the Mirror say Klopp
could give him a big decision to make.
West Ham are likely to overhaul their squad this summer after a turbulent
campaign under both Slaven Bilic and David Moyes. Fresh reports have claimed
another managerial tinkering is in the offing with Paulo Fonseca
interviewed. Uncertainty at the London Stadium could play into Liverpool's
hands when it comes to Lanzini, the Mirror add. The forward has long been
linked with a move to Anfield, with interest first surfacing back in 2015.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool target has praised West Ham supporters for their
backing this season. "I always say that the West Ham fans are amazing,"
Lanzini told WHUTV. "All season they have followed us at every Stadium and
for this has been really good for us. I want to say thank you to them. "I am
really happy because we've finished like this. We deserve this. "It was a
long season – sometimes good and sometimes not good – but we finished good.
"This is good for us and good for the people, for all of us."
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Unai Emery set to hold West Ham talks after Paulo Fonseca discusses
replacing David Moyes as boss
Moyes is set to leave the Hammers after guiding the club to safety
By Rob Guest
09:19, 15 MAY 2018
West Ham are set to hold talks with Unai Emery before the weekend about
potentially becoming their new manager, according to reports. With the
Premier League season concluding on Sunday, the Hammers are now stepping up
their search to find a replacement for David Moyes. Having signed a contract
until the end of the season when he was appointed back in November, the
Scotsman is expected to depart the London Stadium after guiding the club to
safety. Shakhtar Dontesk boss Paulo Fonseca, who has been linked with the
Everton job, held talks with co-owner David Sullivan at his home on Monday
after jetting into Luton Airport. Joined by super agent Jorge Mendes for the
75-minute meeting, Mirror Football understands that the Portuguese boss then
viewed a luxury property in the surrounding area following positive talks.
After speaking with Fonseca about the job, Emery is set to have discussions
regarding the position over the coming days. The Spaniard is rated very
highly in the game and has enjoyed success with Sevilla and Paris
Saint-Germain in recent years. The 46-year-old is currently in charge of the
Ligue 1 club, although he will depart at the end of the season with Thomas
Tuchel confirmed as his replacement. However, the only concern with Emery is
his lack of English. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is the
current favourite for the job at 4/5 with BetVictor, with Fonseca priced at
2/1. Emery is 8/1 to be in charge in east London come August.
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West Ham next manager: Jorge Mendes flies in for talks with Paulo Fonseca in
frame for job
WEST HAM have held positive talks with Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca
as they look to replace David Moyes.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 10:11, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 10:27, Tue, May 15, 2018
The Portuguese, 45, flew into Luton yesterday with super agent Jorge Mendes
- one of the most powerful men in world football. They were driven to the
Essex mansion of Hammers chairman David Sullivan where the possibility of
taking charge of West Ham was discussed. Fonseca is one of a number of names
on the club's wish-list with Unai Emery, Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez are
also in the frame. And it appears discussions with Fonseca went well,
according to club insider @ExWHUemployee. The respected in-the-know Twitter
user wrote last night: "Apparently it [the meeting with Fonseca] went well
but they have other managers lined up to be met with this week too so they
will judge the success on those."
Fonseca enjoyed a modest playing career where he turned out for the likes of
Maritimo, Vitoria Guimaraes and Estrela Amadora in Portugal. He retired
early, hanging up his boots at the age of 32, before moving into management.
Fonseca made his name at Pacos Ferreira and got the chance to manage
Portuguese giants Porto in 2013 - only for his reign to last less than
season as he was sacked after a poor run of results. Fonseca returned to
Pacos Ferreira, moved to Braga and then was plucked up by Shakhtar in 2016.
He won the league and cup double in his first season in Ukraine and was
handed the country's 'best coach' award.
Fonseca followed that up by winning the Ukrainian Premier League this season
and reaching the last-16 of the Champions League by beating Manchester City
2-1 in the group stages. He followed that by wearing a Zorro mask at his
press conference - fulfilling a promise he made at the beginning of the
competition if his side were to reach the knockouts.
David Moyes appeared to wave goodbye to Hammers fans on Sunday and has been
asked to put his future on hold because the club want to speak to other
candidates. Having appointed Moyes only until the end of the season, the
West Ham board have made it clear that they want to see what other names
might be available before a meeting between him and West Ham co-owner
Sullivan next week. But this could backfire, as early indications are that
Moyes is now prepared to wait to see what other opportunities become
available as opposed to remaining at a club where he is not truly
appreciated. One club source has put the chances of Moyes extending his stay
at just one in four. Moyes met the demands made of him by the owners when he
was appointed as successor to Slaven Bilic in November with the team
lurching towards a disastrous relegation just 15 months after moving to the
London Stadium. Not only did he steer West Ham to safety, but the final-day
win over Everton swelled the coffers by a further £4 million as the club
leapfrogged Watford and Brighton to finish 13th.
Dyche is top of the Hammers' wish list but there is an acceptance that it
will be hard to trade the stability of the project he has built at Burnley
for a move to a club still beset with so many off-field issues regarding the
fans and stadium ownership. Spaniard Benitez, however, is thickskinned
enough to tackle any environment and the board plan to ascertain whether he
is ready to leave the frying pan of Newcastle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The five-man wishlist for West Ham to replace David Moyes as manager
One candidate has already met with David Sullivan but he would like to catch
up with four others as well
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
10:19, 15 MAY 2018
Paulo Fonseca is the early front runner to be West Ham's next manager after
meeting with David Sullivan at his mansion on Monday for 75 minutes to
discuss replacing David Moyes. The Portuguese boss is out of contract with
Shakhtar Donetsk at the end of the Ukrainian league season and according to
our friends at Mirror Football, has already viewed some luxury apartments in
London after talks went well. Fonseca, who was also wanted by Everton when
the binned Ronald Koeman and still want him now, is the bookies favourite
but he is not the only manager that Hammers co-owner David Sullivan wants to
meet. Unai Emery, the former Paris St Germain manager, is set to meet with
Sullivan later this week though there are concerns over the Spaniard's lack
of English if he does take the job. He has pedigree though, having been boss
at PSG and winning trophies while also having a successful stint in charge
at Sevilla as well. Emery was also interested in taking the West Ham job
before Bilic got it three years ago.
Manuel Pellegrini is also on the list but it will prove extremely difficult
to entice him away from a lucrative contract in China with Hebei Fortune. He
signed a three-year contract with the Chinese Super League outfit in
September 2016. Also, the CSL season is currently in full swing with only
ten games of the season played so far and 20 still to go. There is a break
from the end of this week until July 11 in the CSL but Pellegrini is still
unlikely to leave and his club won't let him go without a big compensation
pay-off.
Marco Silva is in the frame as well but with Sam Allardyce seemingly on his
way out of Everton, the Portuguese boss is back in the frame to take over at
Goodison Park after he was blocked from doing so when they sacked Koeman by
his then club, Watford. Sullivan is a fan of Silva, who he wanted to take
over when Slaven Bilic was sacked last November but failed in his quest to
bring him to east London. Rafa Benitez is the one Sullivan really, really
wants. As with Pellegrini though, it might prove extremely difficult to lure
him away from Newcastle, where he is revered with God-like stature after
what he has achieved on Tyneside.
Benitez's representatives are asking Mike Ashley to bump the Spaniard's pay
up to £8m from the current £6.5m he earns as he enters the final year of his
contract with the Toon. So that's the asking prcie for Sullivan if he wants
to get the Spaniard to the capital. Then, of course, there is David Moyes,
who is set to meet with the owners early next week. While it's not 100 per
cent decided yet, it's seemingly clear that West Ham are going to head in a
different direction and away from the manager who kept them in the Premier
League this season.
The transfer window opens this Thursday and West Ham want a new manager in
place within the next eight days so they have enough time to work some magic
in the much-shortened window to overhaul the squad ahead of the 2018/19
Premier League season.
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Who is Paulo Fonseca? Shakhtar boss profiled after holding talks with West
Ham over replacing David Moyes
The 44-year-old, currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, is in
contention to replace David Moyes
By Chris Beesley Jon Livesey
10:23, 15 MAY 2018UPDATED10:24, 15 MAY 2018
West Ham have held talks with Paulo Fonseca over replacing David Moyes this
summer. Fonseca is currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and
has been linked with the Everton job. But he has met with the Hammers
hierarchy this week as they look to replace Moyes, despite him leading the
club to a 13th place finish. Mirror Football understands he even had a
viewing at a luxury one bedroom property in the surrounding area after
concluding positive talks.
But just who is the Portuguese boss? Here is all you need to know.
Fonseca learned his trade working relative wonders with one of Portuguese
football's lesser lights before a short spell with a major domestic club and
then winning a league title in a foreign country. His coaching career has
been more nomadic – he held no fewer than eight senior posts in Portuguese
club football before moving overseas.
His list of positions reads as follows:
1 de Dezembro 2007-08;
Odivelas 2008-09;
Pinhalnovense 2009-11;
Aves 2011-12;
Pacos Ferreira 2012-13;
Porto 2013-14;
Pacos Ferreira 2014-15;
Braga 2015-16.
Although his only trophy at Porto was the Portuguese Super Cup, Fonseca –
who like former Everton and Liverpool man Abel Xavier was born in the former
Portuguese colony of Mozambique – steered Braga to only their second
Portuguese Cup success in 2016. He promptly quit for Shakhtar Donetsk where
he promptly completed a clean sweep of honours in his first season in
Ukrainian football. Fonseca secured the Premier League, Cup and Super Cup
which unsurprisingly prompted him to be voted the Best Coach in the division
for 2016/17. Last month – before Koeman was sacked – Fonseca, who is
believed to have been a fellow contender for the Blues post in 2016
alongside the Dutchman after Roberto Martinez's dismissal, reiterated his
desire to work in the English game. He told the Telegraph: "I have this
dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If
it's soon or not, I have this dream. "I have a big, big passion about the
game and the atmosphere in England is amazing. I hope one day to live it.
It's the biggest league in the world. For any coach, to work in England can
be amazing. You have the best coaches and the best players."
A fluent English speaker, Fonseca was asked on the timescale of when he
would want to come to the Premier League and added: "I hope soon, but I
don't know when. "I finish my contract with Shakhtar at the end of this
season. They start to try to speak with me and we will see what happens. "At
this moment I am focused on our league and the Champions League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET'S THANK DAVID MOYES, BUT SAY GOODBYE...
By Iain Dale 15 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this on Monday evening, it looks pretty certain that David Moyes
will be leaving West Ham. In a strict contractual sense, he has already left
given that his contract apparently finished at midnight on Sunday. So, in
some ways it is entirely right and proper that the West Ham board should
cast their net far and wide in order to start next season with the best
manager possible. Moyes has tried to put a little pressure on David Sullivan
with some of his comments at the weekend, but if he is expecting it to work,
it looks as if he's mightily mistaken.
Moyes did what was asked of him. He ensured West Ham avoided relegation.
Seven out of nine points in the last three matches of the season saw to
that. And yet…
I'll put my cards on the table. I didn't want Moyes to replace Bilic. I
remember emailing David Sullivan almost pleading not to appoint him. But
we're a fickle lot, we supporters, and he actually won me around. He seemed
to inject a new, and some would say, much needed discipline into the team.
Their fitness levels seemed to improve, and after a rather dodgy start, we
started to win a few games. I'm sure we all remember the 1-0 victory against
Chelsea. There were some half decent performances too, even if the results
weren't always what they might have been. However, Moyes has always been
known for his 'let's get the defence right first' approach to football. But
he never really did that. We shipped goals like there was no tomorrow. The
results don't lie. We let in more goals over the season than any other club
in the league. Luckily we scored twelve more than Burnley, who finished 7th.
Of the 31 matches Moyes managed, six were lost by three goals or more. Yes,
he could cite defensive injuries, but when you sell one of your experienced
defenders in the transfer window when several of your other defenders are
injury prone, be careful what you wish for. Just imagine where we'd be if
young Declan Rice hadn't risen to the challenge.
It was in mid-March that I began to wonder whether my new found faith in
David Moyes had been misplaced. It was the Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal
matches which really did it for me. The team selections seemed to defy
logic. How he could think the same formations and lineups for Stoke at home
and Arsenal away beggared belief.
It was around that time that it emerged that at least six West Ham players
were hacked off with the manager. OK, there will always be players who are
unhappy for various reasons, but when you have such diverse characters as
Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Manuel Lanzini, Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll
and a couple of others all saying the same thing (apparently), you know
there is a problem. I don't believe in player power overruling a manager,
but it was hardly the best environment to launch a run in of very difficult
games, which, had we lost all of them, could have ended up with relegation.
In the end we missed relegation by 9 points, but it could have been very
different.
The fact that we got two wins and a draw against three decent teams in our
last three games shouldn't mask the inherent problems at West Ham. We got
those points against three teams with nothing to play for. Unlike us. I'll
admit to being surprised at the quality of the team performances in each of
those games, but it's easy to play well when the other team isn't operating
at 100% firepower. We have some outstanding individual players who often
play as if they have never met their teammates. That happened under Bilic
and it has happened far too often under Moyes. And too often he hasn't been
able to change tactics to get the best out many of the players, albeit with
one exception.
That exception has been Marko Arnautovic. I'd love to know what triggered
his transformation from a journeyman who couldn't be arsed under Bilic to
one of the Premier League's best players under Moyes. He scored for fun and
became a world beater. He clearly seemed to think he had a point to prove to
all of us, and he proved it with some panache. He's a player I've grown to
love watching. Is that down to David Moyes? I don't know.
When Slaven Bilic left we had 9 points from 11 games. Moyes has got 31
points from 27 games. In a full season that would have been a total of 43
points. Hardly earthshattering. If Bilic's record had continued we'd have
had 32 points and been relegated.
My honest feeling is that David Moyes isn't a West Ham kind of manager and
frankly never will be. I think it was the 3-0 capitulation at Wigan in the
FA Cup that started the rot in terms of him losing the fans. In truth,
though, we never took to him.
I know there are many people who believe he should be given a two year
contract. My fear is that we will have another Allardyce on our hands. He'll
do OK but won't play the kind of football we want to watch. I'll never
forget the despair I felt at various points during Allardyce's reign. It's
the only time I've actually dreaded going to a match because I knew I'd be
bored.
Having said that, when did we last have a West Ham kind of manager? Zola?
Pardew?
Looking at the candidates to replace Moyes, there are one or two who I doubt
would offer a different kind of football to Moyes. Benitez's teams, for
example, have never been at the cutting edge of entertaining football.
Talk of attracting the likes of Emery, Pellegrini, Nagelsmann or Ancelotti
is all well and good but are we really going to attract any of them? Really?
I'd love to believe it, but I have my doubts. But we should certainly be
aiming high if the club's ambition really is to proceed to the next level.
The fact that Paulo Fonseca, the Shakhtar Donetsk manager was seen being
driven into David Sullivan's Essex mansion yesterday evening is certainly an
encouraging sign.
There are, however, plenty of good managers already operating in England or
Scotland who would fit us well, if we can't get one of the top managers.
Brendan Rodgers would surely welcome a return to the Premier League. Would
Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche not be persuadable and relish a new challenge?
Could David Wagner be enticed away from Huddersfield? Marco Silva, the
former Watford manager, is said to interest the board. He did a cracking job
at Watford until his head was turned by Everton. He was never quite the same
again, and Watford eventually lost patience with him.
My conclusion is that David Moyes should be thanked for his work at West Ham
but we should then bid him farewell. There is, however, a but. If there
really is no one on the managerial market who fits the job better than
Moyes, then we may have to ask him to stay on. He may regard that as
insulting, and tell us to do one unless he is offered the job within the
next week. So be it. But the board owes it so us to get this appointment
right. We can't contemplate another Avram Grant situation. Time is rather of
the essence, given that the transfer window opens on Thursday.
Whoever becomes our next manager is going to need to start with a fairly
blank sheet of paper. There will be quite a few departures from the club
over the summer and I suspect we will be buying quite a few players. So
while there is no imperative to appoint a manager this week, we should
certainly be making an offer well before the World Cup finals start.
Nostrovia.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Chicharito and Manuel Lanzini have been named in their respective nations'
provisional 2018 FIFA World Cup squads. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer
Chicharito is in his country's 28-man selection, which will be whittled down
to the final 23 following warm-up matches with Wales and Scotland in Los
Angeles and Mexico City respectively. With 100 caps and 49 goals for his
country, the 29-year-old is almost certain to be named in the final 23,
barring injury. Mexico face Denmark in Copenhagen in their final warm-up
fixture before tackling Germany, South Korea and Sweden in Russia.
Lanzini has far less international experience, with three caps and one goal
for Argentina to his name. The 25-year-old, who scored twice in West Ham
United's 3-1 Premier League win over Everton at London Stadium on Sunday,
has been named in Cesar Sampaoli's star-studded 35-man provisional group.
Lanzini, who scored on his last appearance for Argentina in a friendly win
over Italy in March, will hope to impress in the South Americans' one and
only warm-up fixture against Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 29 May. The
two-time winners and 2014 runners-up face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in
the World Cup group-stage.
Edimilson Fernandes is still awaiting news of Switzerland's squad
announcement, while on-loan midfielder Joao Mario will learn if has made
European champions Portugal's squad on Thursday.
Away from the World Cup, Declan Rice is in the Republic of Ireland squad for
friendly internationals with France in Paris and the United States in
Dublin.
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Mario hails 'amazing day and amazing experience'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's final day victory over Everton capped an "amazing" six
months in London for Joao Mario, who has described his time with the Hammers
as "amazing experience". Two finishes from Manuel Lanzini and a Marko
Arnautovic strike secured the points for the Irons in Sunday's win against
the Toffees, earning West Ham seven points in their final three matches of
the campaign. Mario, who scored twice in 12 Premier League showing this
season for the Hammers, was delighted with the manner in which he and his
teammates secured a win in their season finale. "It was an amazing day and
an amazing game," Mario told West Ham TV. "The team played really well for
our supporters. Everyone is happy, and so are we. "It's definitely better
to end climbing up the table, so we're happy. Congratulations to everyone.
We've worked hard this season so everyone is happy."
The Portuguese midfielder had kind words for Sunday's goalscorers, Lanzini
and Arnautovic, hailing the quality of the two attackers. Mario also spoke
highly of the incredible Hammers support, who cheered the Irons to victory
before participating in the lap of honour after the contest. "They are two
really good, amazing players," Mario said of Lanzini and Arnautovic. "They
help us a lot and get a lot of goals, so for us it's perfect. "The West Ham
fans are incredible. Since I've arrived I have seen that they are fantastic.
They support the team so well and for us, as players, it's the best thing."
Having signed on loan from Internazionale in January, Mario has thoroughly
enjoyed his time in London with West Ham and is looking forward to what the
future holds. He added: "For me it's been an amazing experience. I want to
say thank you to West Ham for everything they've done, my teammates, and my
coaches.
"I'm really happy with the last six months and we will see what happens."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Declan Rice 'proudly' reflects on first full season
WHUFC.com
There are not many West Ham United players that can look back on the 2017/18
campaign with as much fondness as Declan Rice. The defender, playing in his
first full season for the Irons after making his first team debut on the
final day of last season, made 31 senior appearances this campaign,
including 26 in the Premier League. The 19-year-old played in 18 of West
Ham's 19 Premier League contests in the second half of the season, something
Rice admits he is still pinching himself about. "I can't believe it," Rice
said. "I've been around some great players. We've had a change of manager
and luckily enough he's given me the chance to express myself and improve,
and I've thrived on that and now I can't wait for next season to start.
"When I was going into the last two minutes of the game (vs Everton) and we
were enjoying a bit of the ball, I was thinking 'I don't want this to end'.
It's been a great season for me personally. It's one I can look back on very
proudly."
Seven points earned in the final three games of the season, including a 3-1
win over Everton on Sunday, was a strong end to the campaign for the
Hammers, and Rice is thrilled with how he and his teammates closed the year.
The Young Hammer of the Year is now keen to continue his own personal good
form next season, and push West Ham higher up the league after this
campaign's 13th placed finish. "It's been a season full of ups and downs,"
he continued. "We've ended the last week strongly with the win at
Leicester, getting a good result against Manchester United, and then winning
against Everton was the icing on the cake. "It's not a bad finish, but if
you look at the points we've dropped late in games we could have been much
higher. We will take 13th. It's been disappointing but there's also been
some highs, so now we just look forward to next season."
Having graduated from the West Ham Academy, after joining the Club as a
14-year-old, Rice has been fully embraced by the fantastic Hammers
supporters, with the Republic of Ireland international thanking the fans.
The centre-back is now eager to kick on in the new season and continue to
develop with the Irons, committing himself to the side. Rice added: "The
fans have been excellent. At the start of this season they didn't really
know who I was but now they are singing my name and asking for stuff. It's
special. "I want to stay at West Ham. I want to keep playing for this club
and hopefully next season I can keep playing and make more appearances."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARK NOBLE – CLUB LEGEND?
AUTHOR: RICHARD DIXON. PUBLISHED: 14 MAY 2018 AT 9:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
There is a lot we don't agree on as West Ham fans at the moment, but one
thing we would all agree is that this has been a terrible season, both on
and off the pitch. When times are bad we football fans tend to look back and
remember happier times. At West Ham that will bring up a number of familiar
names, Moore, Hurst, Di Canio, Peters, Bonds and Brooking. So whilst there
may be some debate, these players are generally accepted as legends at our
club.
Now I'm willing to bet when you read that you were mentally adding more to
the list, Devonsonshire, Dicks, Cottee, McAvennie… I could go on and on. The
point being, that with certain notable exceptions club legends are
subjective and based on your own personal experience. It could be something
from your first West Ham game or maybe Modibo Maïga gave you his shirt after
a game where he scored (really really unlikely) or some other random act
that just chimed with you in some way. We all have our favourites, but few
make it to true legendary status.
It seems like a long time since we have had a widely accepted club legend, I
suppose Dimitri Payet was on course to achieve this accolade, mostly because
he was just so damned good. However, we all know what happened there, so
lets not dwell on our French ex-girlfriend, the man we just love to hate.
Payet is a lesson to those who throw the 'legend' title around lightly (or
worse get a tattoo!). What about our 2107/18 squad? The current fan
favourite is clearly Arnautovic. He has a long way to go, as stated, one
season does not a legend make, and the dour amongst us suspect that he won't
be here long enough to reach legendary status. A couple of other names pop
into your head as future legends, Collins, Rice and Lanzini are contenders,
but really there is only one name that really fits, and that is of course
Mark Noble.
Our current club captain is not going to be remembered as a skipper who
shepherded us to glory, it seems unlikely that he will ever lift a cup of
any note. Also there is much debate about his abilities on the pitch. If you
had no idea about him and tried to learn from Twitter I suspect you would
find out that his is brilliant, but his legs have gone and he is an awful
player and probably 50 other contradictory opinions. There is certainly no
consensus on his ability, but surely no one can argue about the man's
commitment to club? He now has over 400 appearances for the club, scored 50+
goals and been Hammer of the Year twice. What ever you think of his skills
this man is a West Ham player through and through. He made his senior debut
at 17 years old, back in August 2004, but after this his career at West Ham
faltered and he spent most of 2006 out on loan, first to Hull and then
Ipswich. It was under Alan Curbishley in the 2007/08 season that he really
established himself as a first team regular and he hasn't looked back since.
Coming right up to date his passion for the club, and temper, has been on
display this season. At the now infamous Burnley game Noble split opinion
with his "handling" of a pitch invader. We spoke to Mark briefly after the
game and when asked if he thought the club would fine him his response was
bullish, "they better fucking not!". I think his actions that day and his
subsequent response show that he feels the frustrations of the fans, others
may say they show he is a "thug". In the Manchester United "bore-draw"
Noble's tussle with Pogba again showed that he can let his feelings get the
better of him. I've seen comments that state this is why we love him, and
others saying that as Captain he should be above that type of behaviour.
However when I think of this season I prefer to think of his stunning right
footed volley against Leicester which put the game out of their reach and
ensured the Hammers Premier League survival. When that ball hit the back of
the net there was a look on Noble's face that told everyone what it meant to
him, and where did he run to celebrate? To the fans of course.
There has been the occasional rumour about other clubs wanting him, but can
anyone imagine him in anything except a West Ham shirt? He may not be our
greatest talent, but who amongst can deny that we would hate to see him pull
on another shirt? My suspicion is that as much as much as we wouldn't want
to see this, the person who would be the most pained is Mark Noble himself.
Mark Noble is a local boy (born in Canning Town) who has been granted the
freedom of the Borough of Newham and his heart is with us.
At 31 he is still going strong, the 'legs gone' comment is often made about
Mark, but he is still capable of galvanising the team, putting in a shift
and giving a great performance. It is clear that as the seasons progress he
will become a fringe player on the pitch, but off the pitch his influence
will continue. I am prepared to put it in writing I do not believe that he
will leave us for a lesser team to see out his career or move to the
USA/China for the money. It is my belief that he will stay at his beloved
West Ham and take a coaching role.
So considering it all, at this time I don't think Mark Noble is a legend,
but I have no doubt whatsoever that he will become one. Not because he has
won anything, or scored important or impressive goals, but because he is one
of us. Mark Noble is a destined to be a West Ham legend because he loves the
club as much as we do, and for that I salute him. Mark Noble is "Mr West
Ham".
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Hart axed from World Cup squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Joe Hart, who spent the duration of the 2017/18 season on loan at West Ham,
will not be part of England's squad in Russia this summer. The 31-year-old
goalkeeper, who ended the season on the bench at West Ham behind first
choice stopper Adrian has been told by England boss Gareth Southgate that he
will not be included in his 23-man, World Cup squad for Russia. Hart, who
has endured a second-successive difficult season following a year on loan in
Italy with Torino was handsomely paid by the Hammers but failed to offer
value for money, as a series of high-profile mistakes saw him dropped for
the Spaniard. And the consequence of two poor seasons is that Hart - who at
one stage was expected to be the nation's first choice goalkeeper for many
years to come - has slipped behind the likes of Nick Pope, Jack Butland and
Jordan Pickford (even though the latter had a particularly poor afternoon
against the Hammers on Sunday).
Hart represented West Ham on 24 occasions during his season-long stay in
east London, keeping just three clean sheets in the process. He has already
returned to his parent club, Manchester City, following the culmination of
his loan.
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WE NEED TO SORT OUT OUR DEFENCE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 8:39PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Nick Moore
(Written before the Man Utd game)
Although social media around West Ham has been viciously negative throughout
the season it does seem that most supporters always thought we would stay
up.
The line generally was that we should be much higher, that we have a good
squad and we are not delivering. I don't agree with this. This squad without
significant work will get us relegated. In every year, bar one, since the
premier league reduced to 20 clubs the team conceding most goals has been
relegated. We have conceded 67 goals in 36 games along with Stoke who have
played a game more. The truth is we can't defend. We have been leaking goals
since the back end of the final season at the Boleyn. Since then the
defenders we have brought in to change this have been
2016 -17 Masuaku, Arbeloa and Fonte.
2017 -18 Zabeleta and Evra.
Arbeloa and Fonte have come and gone and James Tomkins was sold. This is not
serious recruitment, given our growing defensive problems. Masuaku is
talented but his defending – being kind – is not his strong suit. The other
two are aging as is the whole squad. The squad lacks pace, mobility and
stamina.
Declan Rice – a great prospect – has emerged. Unusually for us he has come
through the youth system. But going into next season Ogbonna, Reid and
Chicharito will all be thirty. Noble will be thirty one. Zabeleta is 33.
Collins – should he stay- will be thirty five in August. Evra – brought in
to give us better defensive capabilities against City – will be 37.
However attack minded you are defending is half the game. Manchester City
are an attacking team full of creative players. They pressed us and squeezed
the space better than we did. None of these players will get any better.
Reid and Collins – both great servants – can't stay fit.
In midfield Mark Noble has been admirable and no one deserved to score the
goal that kept us up more. He said after the game he doesn't want another
season like this one. It will be exactly the same if the defensive side of
the game is not addressed both in defence and in midfield. The midfield
don't tracks runners. Defensively Obiang and Kouyate have been dreadful this
year. Where is the Kouyate who joined the club with the great motor, getting
up and down? Obiang defensively has consistently failed to win the ball
where he did before.
There is a goal we concede against teams with pace where you look up the
pitch and can see them jogging back. They'll be here in a minute…. Any
moment now….
Our goalkeeping troubles are well known. Hart came in on loan, proving that
none of our scouts watched the Euros. Randolph departed. Adrian has been
relegated to number two for much of the season. So we may well need two new
goalkeepers. Please do not sign Jack Buckland. We may have all been
distracted by Hart's present for Crouch but in the same game Buckland was
unconvincing. He flapped on crosses and has been throwing them in this year.
The defensive side of the game needs to be the focus for our recruitment. It
will be hard to get signings to fit all our short comings. Without changes,
some pace defensively, some younger players we will struggle. With better
defending we will be able to play further up the pitch which will help our
better attacking players.
It worries me that we are linked with older defenders and midfielders from
the relegated clubs. Maybe the odd one will strengthen us, but in general
the players linked looked like the same as what we have. The squad that gets
old together will get relegated together (as Stoke and WBA have already
shown).
One last point it's not about the stadium. We have won three games away all
season compared to six at home. Neither is good but it's so much easier to
win football matches if you don't concede nearly two goals a game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE LOW DOWN ON PAULO FONSECA FROM A NON WEST HAM FAN
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 9:11PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Matt Brown @footballtyper
So, I was trawling through Twitter last night and came across an exclusive,
I think by Mail Online, which suggested that Paulo Fonseca had met with West
Ham regarding the manager's job at the club. After speaking briefly to Ex,
who everyone reading this will know is the most credible source when it
comes to West Ham United, it seems that this was the case and that Paulo had
impressed David Sullivan during their meeting.
With this, I felt like I would do another guest article for The West Ham Way
on a man I know a bit about and why I personally feel appointing him as the
next West Ham manager could be a very shrewd move by the club. While it's
understandable that some fans would be sceptical at such an appointment,
especially as many are wanting a proven name, there are a few reasons as to
why Fonseca makes sense.
I first became aware of Paulo through my own club, Sheffield Wednesday, in
2015. That summer our new owner Dejphon Chansiri decided that he wanted to
appoint a new manager at the club, and our main target was indeed Paulo
Fonseca, who had left his post in charge of Pacos Ferreira in Portugal. He
turned the chance to manage us down and instead took control at Braga and I
followed his progress from there.
In his sole season in charge at Braga, Fonseca managed to guide them to 30
victories from 57 games, which included 14 draws and 13 defeats. In
Portugal, the top three sides are Benfica, Sporting and Porto and aged 42
Fonseca did well steering Braga to a 4th place finish. He also managed to
guide them to Taca de Portugal success too, leaving the club with a win % of
50.88, averaging 1.82 points per match.
Looking a bit deeper into Paulo's history as a manager before he made the
move to Shakhtar, the only spell he will probably look back on with a bit of
disappointment is his second time in charge of Pacos de Ferreira where his
win ratio was 35.90%. He was extremely impressive in his other roles: Aves
(42.11%), Pacos de Ferreira (53.66%) and Porto (56.76%). Now, it would have
been quite easy for him to stay in Portugal, probably take up a role at one
of the top 3 sides, but instead he had bigger ambitions.
I think it's common knowledge that Portuguese managers aim to ply their
trade in one of Europe's top leagues eventually, with the Premier League the
target for most. Some may be quick to suggest that the job at Shakhtar is
easy or whatever as they are seen as comfortably the best side in the
division, but you have to remember that with that comes a lot of pressure
too.
Paulo didn't just go to Shakhtar and do what was expected of him, he
absolutely ripped it up there. He's managed them for a total of 93 games,
winning 73, drawing 8 and losing 12. His side have won league titles, cups
and this season narrowly missed out on making the Champions League quarter
finals, losing on away goals to Roma. Shakhtar under Fonseca have been
extremely impressive. They scored 205 goals in 93 games, conceding just 81.
They amassed a points haul of 227 and a points per match ratio of 2.44.
So, with his contract expiring next month, what can one of the game's most
promising managers bring to West Ham United? Well, first of all, he has the
personality and charisma that I feel will help once again reconnect the fans
with the club after what's been a pretty turbulent period. You only have to
watch Paulo dressed as Zorro after beating Manchester City in the Champions
League to see why fans will take to him immediately. Don't let that fool you
though, as he's a very professional manager too. He's not scared of saying
his piece either, especially when he feels the team hasn't performed.
Chopping and changing managers is something that every club should be aiming
not to do, and with Paulo being 45, he could well be at the help for a few
years which can only be beneficial for West Ham. It's highly likely that he
would be looking to get the club into a position where they can qualify for
Europe, and with his tactical nous, and backing from the board, there's no
reason why this shouldn't be possible.
It has already been suggested to me by some West Ham fans on social media
that the board won't spend money and that they will expect someone like
Fonseca to come in and work with what they've got. If Jorge Mendes is indeed
representing Fonseca, this could potentially open up a few more doors for
West Ham when it comes to transfers, which I'm sure the fans would be very
pleased about.
Mendes has his finger in many pies so to speak, with the ability to do
business with clubs in Portugal, while he also has ties to the likes of AC
Milan and Monaco. His work at Wolves is evident and while he wouldn't have
the same role at West Ham, Fonseca's connection to him would certainly be
advantageous and could help the board to be more successful in their
transfer dealings, both in and out.
If Paulo is appointed as manager, West Ham fans can expect nice, free
flowing, attacking and expansive football. They can expect a manager that
will do everything in his power to make a success of things with a Premier
League job his big chance to impress. He'll also be the kind of manager that
fans want managing their club personality wise.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold 'hopes' David Moyes remains manager of West Ham
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 15/05/18 9:08pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold says he "would like to think" David Moyes will
be the club's manager next season. Moyes guided the Hammers to Premier
League safety after replacing Slaven Bilic midway through the season.
However, Sky sources understand the Scot is unlikely to remain at the London
Stadium after holding talks about his future with the club. Gold insists
nothing has been decided and hopes Moyes will remain with the club for a
second campaign. "I've enjoyed David Moyes, I've enjoyed his company, I've
enjoyed working with him, he's a proper professional - his record speaks for
himself," said Gold. "As we speak David Moyes is on the list of managers and
we'll be selecting one in due course. I'd like to think it was David Moyes,
I really hope so."
Gold believes West Ham's slow start to the season can be partly blamed on
injuries and insists the club would have finished further up the table with
a fully-fit squad. "We were disappointed at our performance right the way
through the year. We changed our manager which is always a difficult time
for us," Gold added.
"When I look back, I'm looking to see why did it happen? Was it because of
the manager situation, was it because the players weren't good enough? "In
actual fact, what I have discovered, if you look at the injury list right
the way through the season, there was a time just before Christmas we had 12
senior players injured, unavailable for selection. "No team can suffer that
kind of situation."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp to force West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini
into decision
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp could give West Ham star Manuel Lanzini a big
decision to make, according to reports.
By JACK OTWAY
PUBLISHED: 07:56, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 08:54, Tue, May 15, 2018
Express.co.uk
Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for West Ham star Lanzini ahead
of the summer transfer window. The Argentina international blossomed at the
weekend as the Hammers signed off a turbulent Premier League campaign with a
3-1 victory over Everton on Sunday. Liverpool are primed to pursue a
playmaker having lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona back in January.
Lanzini would fit the bill having established himself as a Premier League
star during his three seasons in English football. And the Mirror say Klopp
could give him a big decision to make.
West Ham are likely to overhaul their squad this summer after a turbulent
campaign under both Slaven Bilic and David Moyes. Fresh reports have claimed
another managerial tinkering is in the offing with Paulo Fonseca
interviewed. Uncertainty at the London Stadium could play into Liverpool's
hands when it comes to Lanzini, the Mirror add. The forward has long been
linked with a move to Anfield, with interest first surfacing back in 2015.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool target has praised West Ham supporters for their
backing this season. "I always say that the West Ham fans are amazing,"
Lanzini told WHUTV. "All season they have followed us at every Stadium and
for this has been really good for us. I want to say thank you to them. "I am
really happy because we've finished like this. We deserve this. "It was a
long season – sometimes good and sometimes not good – but we finished good.
"This is good for us and good for the people, for all of us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unai Emery set to hold West Ham talks after Paulo Fonseca discusses
replacing David Moyes as boss
Moyes is set to leave the Hammers after guiding the club to safety
By Rob Guest
09:19, 15 MAY 2018
West Ham are set to hold talks with Unai Emery before the weekend about
potentially becoming their new manager, according to reports. With the
Premier League season concluding on Sunday, the Hammers are now stepping up
their search to find a replacement for David Moyes. Having signed a contract
until the end of the season when he was appointed back in November, the
Scotsman is expected to depart the London Stadium after guiding the club to
safety. Shakhtar Dontesk boss Paulo Fonseca, who has been linked with the
Everton job, held talks with co-owner David Sullivan at his home on Monday
after jetting into Luton Airport. Joined by super agent Jorge Mendes for the
75-minute meeting, Mirror Football understands that the Portuguese boss then
viewed a luxury property in the surrounding area following positive talks.
After speaking with Fonseca about the job, Emery is set to have discussions
regarding the position over the coming days. The Spaniard is rated very
highly in the game and has enjoyed success with Sevilla and Paris
Saint-Germain in recent years. The 46-year-old is currently in charge of the
Ligue 1 club, although he will depart at the end of the season with Thomas
Tuchel confirmed as his replacement. However, the only concern with Emery is
his lack of English. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is the
current favourite for the job at 4/5 with BetVictor, with Fonseca priced at
2/1. Emery is 8/1 to be in charge in east London come August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham next manager: Jorge Mendes flies in for talks with Paulo Fonseca in
frame for job
WEST HAM have held positive talks with Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca
as they look to replace David Moyes.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 10:11, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 10:27, Tue, May 15, 2018
The Portuguese, 45, flew into Luton yesterday with super agent Jorge Mendes
- one of the most powerful men in world football. They were driven to the
Essex mansion of Hammers chairman David Sullivan where the possibility of
taking charge of West Ham was discussed. Fonseca is one of a number of names
on the club's wish-list with Unai Emery, Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez are
also in the frame. And it appears discussions with Fonseca went well,
according to club insider @ExWHUemployee. The respected in-the-know Twitter
user wrote last night: "Apparently it [the meeting with Fonseca] went well
but they have other managers lined up to be met with this week too so they
will judge the success on those."
Fonseca enjoyed a modest playing career where he turned out for the likes of
Maritimo, Vitoria Guimaraes and Estrela Amadora in Portugal. He retired
early, hanging up his boots at the age of 32, before moving into management.
Fonseca made his name at Pacos Ferreira and got the chance to manage
Portuguese giants Porto in 2013 - only for his reign to last less than
season as he was sacked after a poor run of results. Fonseca returned to
Pacos Ferreira, moved to Braga and then was plucked up by Shakhtar in 2016.
He won the league and cup double in his first season in Ukraine and was
handed the country's 'best coach' award.
Fonseca followed that up by winning the Ukrainian Premier League this season
and reaching the last-16 of the Champions League by beating Manchester City
2-1 in the group stages. He followed that by wearing a Zorro mask at his
press conference - fulfilling a promise he made at the beginning of the
competition if his side were to reach the knockouts.
David Moyes appeared to wave goodbye to Hammers fans on Sunday and has been
asked to put his future on hold because the club want to speak to other
candidates. Having appointed Moyes only until the end of the season, the
West Ham board have made it clear that they want to see what other names
might be available before a meeting between him and West Ham co-owner
Sullivan next week. But this could backfire, as early indications are that
Moyes is now prepared to wait to see what other opportunities become
available as opposed to remaining at a club where he is not truly
appreciated. One club source has put the chances of Moyes extending his stay
at just one in four. Moyes met the demands made of him by the owners when he
was appointed as successor to Slaven Bilic in November with the team
lurching towards a disastrous relegation just 15 months after moving to the
London Stadium. Not only did he steer West Ham to safety, but the final-day
win over Everton swelled the coffers by a further £4 million as the club
leapfrogged Watford and Brighton to finish 13th.
Dyche is top of the Hammers' wish list but there is an acceptance that it
will be hard to trade the stability of the project he has built at Burnley
for a move to a club still beset with so many off-field issues regarding the
fans and stadium ownership. Spaniard Benitez, however, is thickskinned
enough to tackle any environment and the board plan to ascertain whether he
is ready to leave the frying pan of Newcastle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The five-man wishlist for West Ham to replace David Moyes as manager
One candidate has already met with David Sullivan but he would like to catch
up with four others as well
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
10:19, 15 MAY 2018
Paulo Fonseca is the early front runner to be West Ham's next manager after
meeting with David Sullivan at his mansion on Monday for 75 minutes to
discuss replacing David Moyes. The Portuguese boss is out of contract with
Shakhtar Donetsk at the end of the Ukrainian league season and according to
our friends at Mirror Football, has already viewed some luxury apartments in
London after talks went well. Fonseca, who was also wanted by Everton when
the binned Ronald Koeman and still want him now, is the bookies favourite
but he is not the only manager that Hammers co-owner David Sullivan wants to
meet. Unai Emery, the former Paris St Germain manager, is set to meet with
Sullivan later this week though there are concerns over the Spaniard's lack
of English if he does take the job. He has pedigree though, having been boss
at PSG and winning trophies while also having a successful stint in charge
at Sevilla as well. Emery was also interested in taking the West Ham job
before Bilic got it three years ago.
Manuel Pellegrini is also on the list but it will prove extremely difficult
to entice him away from a lucrative contract in China with Hebei Fortune. He
signed a three-year contract with the Chinese Super League outfit in
September 2016. Also, the CSL season is currently in full swing with only
ten games of the season played so far and 20 still to go. There is a break
from the end of this week until July 11 in the CSL but Pellegrini is still
unlikely to leave and his club won't let him go without a big compensation
pay-off.
Marco Silva is in the frame as well but with Sam Allardyce seemingly on his
way out of Everton, the Portuguese boss is back in the frame to take over at
Goodison Park after he was blocked from doing so when they sacked Koeman by
his then club, Watford. Sullivan is a fan of Silva, who he wanted to take
over when Slaven Bilic was sacked last November but failed in his quest to
bring him to east London. Rafa Benitez is the one Sullivan really, really
wants. As with Pellegrini though, it might prove extremely difficult to lure
him away from Newcastle, where he is revered with God-like stature after
what he has achieved on Tyneside.
Benitez's representatives are asking Mike Ashley to bump the Spaniard's pay
up to £8m from the current £6.5m he earns as he enters the final year of his
contract with the Toon. So that's the asking prcie for Sullivan if he wants
to get the Spaniard to the capital. Then, of course, there is David Moyes,
who is set to meet with the owners early next week. While it's not 100 per
cent decided yet, it's seemingly clear that West Ham are going to head in a
different direction and away from the manager who kept them in the Premier
League this season.
The transfer window opens this Thursday and West Ham want a new manager in
place within the next eight days so they have enough time to work some magic
in the much-shortened window to overhaul the squad ahead of the 2018/19
Premier League season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is Paulo Fonseca? Shakhtar boss profiled after holding talks with West
Ham over replacing David Moyes
The 44-year-old, currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, is in
contention to replace David Moyes
By Chris Beesley Jon Livesey
10:23, 15 MAY 2018UPDATED10:24, 15 MAY 2018
West Ham have held talks with Paulo Fonseca over replacing David Moyes this
summer. Fonseca is currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and
has been linked with the Everton job. But he has met with the Hammers
hierarchy this week as they look to replace Moyes, despite him leading the
club to a 13th place finish. Mirror Football understands he even had a
viewing at a luxury one bedroom property in the surrounding area after
concluding positive talks.
But just who is the Portuguese boss? Here is all you need to know.
Fonseca learned his trade working relative wonders with one of Portuguese
football's lesser lights before a short spell with a major domestic club and
then winning a league title in a foreign country. His coaching career has
been more nomadic – he held no fewer than eight senior posts in Portuguese
club football before moving overseas.
His list of positions reads as follows:
1 de Dezembro 2007-08;
Odivelas 2008-09;
Pinhalnovense 2009-11;
Aves 2011-12;
Pacos Ferreira 2012-13;
Porto 2013-14;
Pacos Ferreira 2014-15;
Braga 2015-16.
Although his only trophy at Porto was the Portuguese Super Cup, Fonseca –
who like former Everton and Liverpool man Abel Xavier was born in the former
Portuguese colony of Mozambique – steered Braga to only their second
Portuguese Cup success in 2016. He promptly quit for Shakhtar Donetsk where
he promptly completed a clean sweep of honours in his first season in
Ukrainian football. Fonseca secured the Premier League, Cup and Super Cup
which unsurprisingly prompted him to be voted the Best Coach in the division
for 2016/17. Last month – before Koeman was sacked – Fonseca, who is
believed to have been a fellow contender for the Blues post in 2016
alongside the Dutchman after Roberto Martinez's dismissal, reiterated his
desire to work in the English game. He told the Telegraph: "I have this
dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If
it's soon or not, I have this dream. "I have a big, big passion about the
game and the atmosphere in England is amazing. I hope one day to live it.
It's the biggest league in the world. For any coach, to work in England can
be amazing. You have the best coaches and the best players."
A fluent English speaker, Fonseca was asked on the timescale of when he
would want to come to the Premier League and added: "I hope soon, but I
don't know when. "I finish my contract with Shakhtar at the end of this
season. They start to try to speak with me and we will see what happens. "At
this moment I am focused on our league and the Champions League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET'S THANK DAVID MOYES, BUT SAY GOODBYE...
By Iain Dale 15 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this on Monday evening, it looks pretty certain that David Moyes
will be leaving West Ham. In a strict contractual sense, he has already left
given that his contract apparently finished at midnight on Sunday. So, in
some ways it is entirely right and proper that the West Ham board should
cast their net far and wide in order to start next season with the best
manager possible. Moyes has tried to put a little pressure on David Sullivan
with some of his comments at the weekend, but if he is expecting it to work,
it looks as if he's mightily mistaken.
Moyes did what was asked of him. He ensured West Ham avoided relegation.
Seven out of nine points in the last three matches of the season saw to
that. And yet…
I'll put my cards on the table. I didn't want Moyes to replace Bilic. I
remember emailing David Sullivan almost pleading not to appoint him. But
we're a fickle lot, we supporters, and he actually won me around. He seemed
to inject a new, and some would say, much needed discipline into the team.
Their fitness levels seemed to improve, and after a rather dodgy start, we
started to win a few games. I'm sure we all remember the 1-0 victory against
Chelsea. There were some half decent performances too, even if the results
weren't always what they might have been. However, Moyes has always been
known for his 'let's get the defence right first' approach to football. But
he never really did that. We shipped goals like there was no tomorrow. The
results don't lie. We let in more goals over the season than any other club
in the league. Luckily we scored twelve more than Burnley, who finished 7th.
Of the 31 matches Moyes managed, six were lost by three goals or more. Yes,
he could cite defensive injuries, but when you sell one of your experienced
defenders in the transfer window when several of your other defenders are
injury prone, be careful what you wish for. Just imagine where we'd be if
young Declan Rice hadn't risen to the challenge.
It was in mid-March that I began to wonder whether my new found faith in
David Moyes had been misplaced. It was the Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal
matches which really did it for me. The team selections seemed to defy
logic. How he could think the same formations and lineups for Stoke at home
and Arsenal away beggared belief.
It was around that time that it emerged that at least six West Ham players
were hacked off with the manager. OK, there will always be players who are
unhappy for various reasons, but when you have such diverse characters as
Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Manuel Lanzini, Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll
and a couple of others all saying the same thing (apparently), you know
there is a problem. I don't believe in player power overruling a manager,
but it was hardly the best environment to launch a run in of very difficult
games, which, had we lost all of them, could have ended up with relegation.
In the end we missed relegation by 9 points, but it could have been very
different.
The fact that we got two wins and a draw against three decent teams in our
last three games shouldn't mask the inherent problems at West Ham. We got
those points against three teams with nothing to play for. Unlike us. I'll
admit to being surprised at the quality of the team performances in each of
those games, but it's easy to play well when the other team isn't operating
at 100% firepower. We have some outstanding individual players who often
play as if they have never met their teammates. That happened under Bilic
and it has happened far too often under Moyes. And too often he hasn't been
able to change tactics to get the best out many of the players, albeit with
one exception.
That exception has been Marko Arnautovic. I'd love to know what triggered
his transformation from a journeyman who couldn't be arsed under Bilic to
one of the Premier League's best players under Moyes. He scored for fun and
became a world beater. He clearly seemed to think he had a point to prove to
all of us, and he proved it with some panache. He's a player I've grown to
love watching. Is that down to David Moyes? I don't know.
When Slaven Bilic left we had 9 points from 11 games. Moyes has got 31
points from 27 games. In a full season that would have been a total of 43
points. Hardly earthshattering. If Bilic's record had continued we'd have
had 32 points and been relegated.
My honest feeling is that David Moyes isn't a West Ham kind of manager and
frankly never will be. I think it was the 3-0 capitulation at Wigan in the
FA Cup that started the rot in terms of him losing the fans. In truth,
though, we never took to him.
I know there are many people who believe he should be given a two year
contract. My fear is that we will have another Allardyce on our hands. He'll
do OK but won't play the kind of football we want to watch. I'll never
forget the despair I felt at various points during Allardyce's reign. It's
the only time I've actually dreaded going to a match because I knew I'd be
bored.
Having said that, when did we last have a West Ham kind of manager? Zola?
Pardew?
Looking at the candidates to replace Moyes, there are one or two who I doubt
would offer a different kind of football to Moyes. Benitez's teams, for
example, have never been at the cutting edge of entertaining football.
Talk of attracting the likes of Emery, Pellegrini, Nagelsmann or Ancelotti
is all well and good but are we really going to attract any of them? Really?
I'd love to believe it, but I have my doubts. But we should certainly be
aiming high if the club's ambition really is to proceed to the next level.
The fact that Paulo Fonseca, the Shakhtar Donetsk manager was seen being
driven into David Sullivan's Essex mansion yesterday evening is certainly an
encouraging sign.
There are, however, plenty of good managers already operating in England or
Scotland who would fit us well, if we can't get one of the top managers.
Brendan Rodgers would surely welcome a return to the Premier League. Would
Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche not be persuadable and relish a new challenge?
Could David Wagner be enticed away from Huddersfield? Marco Silva, the
former Watford manager, is said to interest the board. He did a cracking job
at Watford until his head was turned by Everton. He was never quite the same
again, and Watford eventually lost patience with him.
My conclusion is that David Moyes should be thanked for his work at West Ham
but we should then bid him farewell. There is, however, a but. If there
really is no one on the managerial market who fits the job better than
Moyes, then we may have to ask him to stay on. He may regard that as
insulting, and tell us to do one unless he is offered the job within the
next week. So be it. But the board owes it so us to get this appointment
right. We can't contemplate another Avram Grant situation. Time is rather of
the essence, given that the transfer window opens on Thursday.
Whoever becomes our next manager is going to need to start with a fairly
blank sheet of paper. There will be quite a few departures from the club
over the summer and I suspect we will be buying quite a few players. So
while there is no imperative to appoint a manager this week, we should
certainly be making an offer well before the World Cup finals start.
Nostrovia.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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