Randolph - Carroll is unstoppable
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph believes Andy Carroll is 'unstoppable' at the moment and is
excited to see his new partnership with Michail Antonio in the West Ham
attack.
Carroll has scored three goals in the last two games which included a
contender for goal of the season after he scored a memorable scissor kick
against Crystal Palace at London Stadium.
The Hammers striker followed up his wonder goal with a brace against
Middlesbrough last Saturday and looks back to his best following a
frustrating start to the campaign after he was sidelined with a knee injury.
Randolph is excited to see Carroll producing his top form, but insists any
talk of an England call-up is premature at this stage and the experienced
forward just needs to concentrate on his club form and let his football do
the talking.
Randolph said: "Andy is unstoppable at the moment.When the service is right
and everything is going for him you cannot live with him and he is massive
for us.
"We are just happy to have him back fit again and he is playing regular
football. That is the most important thing for him at the moment.
"It is the same for any player that they need to concentrate on their club
form and everything else follows in terms of a national call-up."
DazzaRandolph has nothing but praise for the way Carroll and Antonio have
developed a formidable partnership in the West Ham attack.
After producing a hat-trick of assists against Crystal Palace, Antonio
turned provider once again when his low shot was only parried by Victor
Valdes and Carroll was in the right place to strike the ball into the corner
of the net.
The Hammers keeper feels they have the ideal qualities to play alongside
each other and says they can be a match for any team in the top flight.
Randolph added: "Michail is playing at the top of his game. When he is not
scoring he is creating assists and is another player who is on top form.
"When he plays alongside Andy they are going to cause anyone problems when
they play to strengths like they have done in the last few games and it is
tough for defences to play against.
"They compliment each other well with pace from Michail and the power that
both of them have. It is a tough combination to live with.
"Michail has also had a little taste of getting into the England squad
although he is yet to get on the pitch yet. It is something that will come
if his club performances keep going the way they are. There is only so long
that he can be ignored for."
Randolph has no doubts that the recent victories over Palace and
Middlesbrough has improved the team spirit and brought everyone closer
together.
FonteThe Republic of Ireland keeper believes the arrival of Jose Fonte from
Southampton will only improve the squad and can already see the quality he
will bring to the team.
"You can tell from the last couple of performances and results that we are
heading back in the right direction and it has come at a time when we all
needed to pull together. It is probably the best confidence we have had as a
squad this season because we are playing well and getting the results.
"Jose is a great addition to the squad. He has a lot of experience and it
can only be a good thing having him in the squad, especially as we are
playing so well at the moment.
"It is only going to add to the quality that we have and to the squad as
well. I have already seen in training that he is a leader. He is loud and
vocal and organises well. It should be a good addition."
Randolph is now preparing for another big home game against Manchester City
next Wednesday and says he would like to make it three wins in a row and
make up for the disappointing Emirates FA Cup defeat against Pep Guardiola's
side at the start of January.
The Hammers keeper hopes the fans can re-create another special atmosphere
at London Stadium and roar the team to victory.
"Personally I am not looking for revenge. I just want us to pick up more
points and move higher up the table.
"The London Stadium could become a fortress if we manage to re-create the
atmosphere that we saw against Palace.
"I know there was a lot of extra passion from the fans from the week leading
up to the game, but if we can see that kind of atmosphere every week we can
make the stadium a fortress and it will be a hard place for teams to come
to."
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Matrevics - Focus only on Swansea
WHUFC.com
Rihards Matrevics thinks it's important not to underestimate Swansea City
this weekend
The Latvian stopper also thinks the long journey won't affect the team
The U18 Hammers can go five games unbeaten with a victory
U18s goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics believes it is important not to
underestimate Swansea City this weekend.
Swansea have only won twice in the U18 Premier League South so far, but
provided a stern test for the Hammers when they visited Little Heath in
October.
Steve Potts' team won 3-2 that day but it was only thanks to a last minute
winner from Korrey Henry that the home side took all three points
Matrevics is calling on his teammates to make a fast start and focus on
their own performance as they aim to make it five games unbeaten.
"In this league, players come and go," said Matrevics. "Some players will
move up play for the U23s so you can't look at the league table and look at
lower teams and think they'll be bad because they may play better players.
"It's been a good season so far and we just need to keep it up now and stick
to our strengths. There aren't too many games to go so we've just got to
keep pushing and try and finish as high as we can and secure a top four
spot."
The U18s will make an eight-hour round trip to South Wales for the 1pm
kick-off on Saturday.
It's been a good season so far and we just need to keep it up now and stick
to our strengths
Rihards Matrevics
It will be their longest journey for a league game so far this season and
they will travel without top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram who is missing
through injury.
"It's obviously going to be a test because it's easier to play with Jahmal
but it's also a good challenge for the team," added Matrevics.
"We'll have to wake up early and it's a long drive but we have to make a
fast start. We have to get going quick because it's sometimes easy to fall
behind after a long journey.
"Most of our best performances have come at away games, but it's probably
just coincidence!"
West Ham United U18s take on Swansea City on Saturday at 1pm, with the match
taking place at the Landore Training Centre.
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Snodgrass signs!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United complete £10.2m signing of Scotland international Robert
Snodgrass
Attacking midfielder moves to London Stadium on a three-and-a-half year
contract
New No11 becomes second signing of January transfer window after defender
Jose Fonte
Scotland star Robert Snodgrass believes he has joined 'a Club with real
ambition' after completing his move to West Ham United.
The talented left-sided midfielder arrives at London Stadium on a
three-and-a-half year contract for a £10.2m fee, further strengthening a
squad already bolstered this month by the capture of UEFA Euro 2016 winner
Jose Fonte.
Snodgrass has been one of the Premier League's outstanding performers this
season, scoring seven goals and recording three assists in 20 appearances
for Hull City, and will add creativity and quality to Slaven Bilic's
attacking options.
The 29-year-old pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt for the first time at the
Club's iconic home on Friday evening before sitting down with West Ham TV to
talk about why he could not turn down a move to east London.
"I'm delighted because this is a massive Club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass, who is set to make his Hammers debut against Manchester City at
London Stadium on Wednesday evening.
"This is the sort of Club which speaks for itself, the fans who come here
and support week-in week-out and moving to and selling out this new stadium
is terrific and I want to be part of it.
"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started. I feel this is a Club with real ambition, with
the new stadium, great players and a manager of his calibre at Premier
League level.
"The lads will say we want to be up in the top half of last table and repeat
last year, so it's up to us. The Club has had a few good weeks with results
and if I can add to that, great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new
teammates and getting started."
Snodgrass is the latest in a line of Scottish stars to pull on a Claret and
Blue shirt, and the new No11 revealed he had spoken to Boys of '86 legend
Frank McAvennie before opting to move to east London.
"The traditions of the Club also attracted me and I spoke to Frank
McAvennie, who sold the Club really well, which was great," he said. "Ray
Stewart and Christian Dailly were also here, so if I can do as well as Frank
and the rest that would be great.
"This is my own chapter and it's about me and not them and I firmly believe
in my ability and that I can go and get a relationship with these fans and
my new teammates and really drive the team up the league."
Born in Glasgow, Snodgrass began his career with Livingston, where his
eye-catching displays reportedly saw him offered a trial by Spanish giants
Barcelona.
After scoring 24 times in 107 appearances north of the border, the
midfielder moved to Leeds United, where he played alongside West Ham
defender Sam Byram during a successful four-season spell at Elland Road.
Snodgrass's creativity and goal threat saw him net 41 goals and chalk up 45
assists in four seasons at Leeds, with whom he also won promotion in 2010.
Summer 2013 saw Norwich City and Premier League football come calling, and
Snodgrass had no trouble adapting to a step up in level, scoring 14 goals in
74 games for the Canaries over two seasons.
A £6m fee took the player to newly-promoted Hull City in 2014 and he quickly
established himself as a vital player for the Tigers, scoring four times and
adding seven assists in just 24 appearances to inspire his team to promotion
via the Championship Play-Offs.
At international level, Snodgrass has become a central figure for Scotland
since debuting against Northern Ireland in February 2011.
Highlights include a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying winner in Croatia in
2013 and a maiden international hat-trick against Malta in 2018 World Cup
qualifying last September.
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Ten Fast Facts – Robert Snodgrass
WHUFC.com
Find out more about West Ham United's second signing of the January transfer
window - Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass's first senior appearance came as a 65th-minute substitute
for now-defunct Scottish Premier Division side Livington in a 2-0 home
defeat by Kilmarnock on 11 September 2004 – four days after his 17th
birthday.
Snodgrass was an assist machine during his four seasons at Leeds United,
leading League One with 16 in 2008/09 and finishing with the second-highest
number in the Championship, 15, in 2011/12. In all, he tallied 45 in 193
appearances for the Yorkshire club.
Robert SnodgrassTwo of those assists came at the Boleyn Ground on 21 August
2011, when he set up goals for Ross McCormack and Adam Clayton – who faced
West Ham for Middlesbrough last weekend – in a 2-2 Championship draw.
Snodgrass's first Scotland goal was a winner as the Tartan Army scored a 2-1
friendly victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on 10 August 2011.
Snodgrass scored his maiden Premier League goal for Norwich City in a 1-1
draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 1 September 2012, steering a left-foot volley
into the bottom corner of Brad Friedel's net at White Hart Lane.
Snodgrass has a 100 per cent record against eight different clubs in his
career. He has enjoyed wins in all five matches against Bristol City, all
four against Scunthorpe United and Stockport County, two against Cheltenham
Town and Crewe Alexandra and one each against Blackburn Rovers, Rotherham
United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In those five wins against Bristol City, Snodgrass has scored three goals
and recorded four assists.
Snodgrass is in the goalscoring form of his life this season, netting 12
goals in 28 games for club and country, including his first career hat-trick
in Scotland's 5-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Malta in September. He
has already netted more Premier League goals, seven, than he did in any of
his three previous top-flight seasons.
Snodgrass's hat-trick was just the third scored by a Scotland player in the
21st century. In fact, bar Steven Fletcher's two trebles in UEFA Euro 2016
qualifiers against Gibraltar in 2015, Snodgrass's haul was the first
hat-trick by a Scot since Joe Harper bagged three against New Zealand in
June 1967.
With 1.8 per game, Snodgrass provides the fifth-highest number of crosses in
the Premier League. In 20 appearances this season, the Scot has put 36 balls
into the opposition penalty area from wide areas.
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I am delighted that we have managed to secure our second major signing
during the January transfer window. Robert Snodgrass is another hugely
talented player that we are bringing into the squad.
He has been Slaven's target for some time and we are thrilled that we have
now clinched his signature.
It has been well publicised that other top flight clubs were also interested
in signing him but I think it shows the ambition of the Club and the
direction we are heading that he chose to join West Ham United.
There is no question that he has been one of Hull's best players over the
last couple of years and he is a senior Premier League professional who will
fit straight into our squad.
We know from day one what kind of player we are getting and he has performed
in the top flight for a considerable period.
The current transfer window is always a tough one to get good players and I
have to pay tribute once again to David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic for
helping get another seasoned professional into the squad.
We signed a European Championship winner last week and have now signed one
of the best wingers in the Premier League.
You only have to look at his stats to see what kind of player we are
getting. He has put in 137 crosses in just 20 games this season and I am
sure Andy Carroll will be relishing the prospect of playing alongside him.
We could have another special partnership in the making and I am sure Andy
will be saying 'give me even more'.
Andy is on top form at the moment and I have got every confidence that he
can maintain this form and stay among the goals.
After seeing him score the wonder goal against Crystal Palace, he then
followed it up with two more against Middlesbrough and he looks back to his
best. Long may it continue.
We have had two important victories in the last two games against teams who
were below us in the table and we have managed to move well clear of the
bottom three.
We are now looking upwards and there is no reason why we cannot cement our
place in the top half of the table.
I want to say a special thank you once again to our magnificent fans who
made the long trip to the north east last weekend and were magnificent
throughout the whole game. We are very lucky to have that dedication.
We now want to make it three wins in a row when we play Manchester City next
week and we will be looking for revenge following the FA Cup defeat earlier
in the month.
It was a difficult night for everyone connected with the Club but we have
come a long way since that defeat and the players are now full of confidence
as we look to secure another big win at London Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United mark Holocaust Memorial Day
WHUFC.com
Holocaust Memorial DayWest Ham United today remember the millions of people
who have lost their lives through acts of genocide, including the six
million Jews who died in the Holocaust.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year. It's a time for
everyone to pause to remember the millions of people who have been murdered
or whose lives have been changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust,
Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and
Darfur.
Holocaust Memorial Day honours the survivors of these regimes and challenges
us to use the lessons of their experience to inform our lives today. January
27 marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp
during the Second World War.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 is 'How can life go on?' The
aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides continues to raise
challenging questions for individuals, communities and nations.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 asks audiences to think about what happens after
genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.
Holocaust Memorial DayAuthor and survivor of the Holocaust Elie Wiesel has
said: 'For the survivor death is not the problem. Death was an everyday
occurrence. We learned to live with Death. The problem is to adjust to life,
to living. You must teach us about living.'
West Ham United will pay further tribute to the memory of the six million
Holocaust victims ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against
Manchester City at London Stadium, when six commemoration candles will be
lit before kick-off and a short film presented by Sir Trevor Brooking will
be played on the big screens.
One of the candles will be lit by 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Harry
Spiro, who went on to build a happy life in England and a successful career
in London as a tailor, which included making the suits worn by Brooking and
West Ham United's triumphant FA Cup-winning team in 1980.
Here Harry gives a brief but moving account of his experience as a Holocaust
survivor:
"I was born in Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland on November 21, 1929. Before the
war I lived with my parents and younger sister Gita.
"In September 1939 the Germans occupied Poland and on November 1, 1939 they
set up the first Jewish ghetto in my home town. My life suddenly changed,
there was very little food and we lived in fear of the German soldiers.
"Although I was only 11 I managed to get a job working in a glass factory in
the ghetto. Due to my mother's premonition, I evaded being sent with my
family to Treblinka gas chambers. She pushed me out of the house against my
will, and I will always remember her saying to me: 'Let one of us survive!'
"When the Germans started to retreat out of Piotrkow Trybunalski, I found
myself ending up in the concentration camps, initially in Czestochowa, I
thought life was hard in the ghetto, but this was so much worse. Towards the
end of the war I was on a death march from Buchenwald to Thersienstadt. A
group of 3,000 people started the march and only 300 people survived.
"In August 1945 I had the opportunity to come to England, with a group of
other child survivors, known as 'The Boys'. I was looked after in Windermere
and then started a new life in London where I worked in menswear creating a
successful career. In 1957 I married a lovely girl called Pauline and
together we had three children and now have nine grandchildren.
"I am often asked about my experience, and what I now feel about Germany. I
always tell people that hatred doesn't achieve anything, my survival shows
that Hitler didn't win and that my Mother was right."
For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day 2017, click here.
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Supporter Advisory Board enjoy positive meeting
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's all-new Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) enjoyed a positive
and successful inaugural meeting at London Stadium on Tuesday evening.
As part of the Club's ongoing commitment to improving fan engagement,
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and other senior Club officials met face-to-face
with supporter groups with the clear message: ''We are listening and we are
here to help".
Following on from the successful Fan Feedback Forum hosted by the
Vice-Chairman in October, a panel made up of individuals representing
different sections of the Club's large and diverse fanbase met to discuss a
wide range of important topics at London Stadium following the move to our
iconic new home.
The evening began with an address from the Vice-Chairman, who thanked the
members for attending and reiterated that the purpose of the meeting was to
hold a very open, frank discussion about the issues supporters wanted to
raise as the Club continues to settle in to its new home and improve the
matchday experience, and that they were free to raise any topic or area of
concern.
Recent innovations she highlighted included the introduction of Supporter
Liaison Officers, with 30 scheduled to be assisting fans at Manchester City
on 1 February and experienced stewards now being positioned in the same
areas to build a rapport with supporters.
Joining the Vice-Chairman on the panel were Executive Director of Marketing
and Communications Tara Warren and Head of Ticketing Nicola Keye, while Head
of Concessions Nick Kendall and London Stadium 185 Safety Officer Peter
Smith were also present to answer questions.
During the two-hour meeting, a range of subjects were discussed including;
accessibility and facilities for disabled supporters, stewarding and
matchday operations, stadium security, ticketing and seat relocation, routes
to and from London Stadium, public transport links and the introduction of
more West Ham United imagery on the main route to the stadium.
The consensus among those attending was that stewarding has significantly
improved at recent matches and that good work should be built upon. The Club
also confirmed to supporters it has written to former Boleyn Ground stewards
encouraging them to work at London Stadium and will add more West Ham United
specific information to the matchday stewards' briefing, and encouraged fans
to contact Supporter Services with any feedback on all matters, including
stewarding at the Stadium.
Actions agreed on the night included working towards the creation of a
disabled supporters' advisory group, using 50 more search wands to assist
with searches of women and children, and the Vice Chairman writing to more
train companies encouraging them to add carriages to their services on
matchdays, in the hope of achieving more further positive results to add to
those already achieved in this area.
Supporter Advisory Board member Patricia Lamb said: "This forum is a
brilliant way for people representing supporter groups to voice any issues
or feedback that they have.
"When supporters know their voices are being heard, they won't be as
antagonistic, and perhaps a little more supportive. It's a big thing that
has been started up and it was a very positive meeting."
It was a view echoed by fellow SAB member Norman Collins, who is also a
member of the Trans-Pennine Irons Supporters' Club.
He added: "Everybody wants to know things, and it's important that we are
able to raise the issues that the supporters we represent care about.
"We've got a couple of hundred members of our group in the north of England
and there have not been a lot of complaints from people up north about the
Stadium. But it's obvious that there are a lot of things to discuss - and
it's great that the dialogue has been opened."
The next meeting of the Supporters Advisory Board is schedule to take place
on Wednesday 24 May, 2017 at 6pm.
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Hammers win Snodgrass race
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have beaten off a challenge from Burnley to land
Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass. Both United and the Clarets offered bids
worth £10million for the Scottish international, who has opted for a move to
London over Lancashire. News of the deal broke on the KUMB Forum late
Thursday night. West Ham will pay £8million for Snodgrass with a further
£2million to follow via add-ons. The player's exit was all but confirmed
earlier in the day by Tigers boss Marco Silva. "He has not trained since
they did a deal with West Ham," he told the media. "It is possible it will
be done in the next few hours. For 10 days he has not been available to work
with us and has told us he wants to leave."
West Ham had previously bid £6million for Snodgrass, who has made more than
100 appearances in the Premier League despite playing outside of the top
flight his entire career until joining Norwich in 2012. He has also
represented his country 21 times having previously appeared at Under 19, 20
and 21 youth levels.
Snodgrass is set to undergo a medical on Friday ahead of the move and should
be available for the visit of Manchester City next Wednesday (1 February).
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West Ham complete £10.2m signing of Robert Snodgrass from Hull
By James Dale
Last Updated: 27/01/17 8:50pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Robert Snodgrass from Hull City on a
three-and-a-half-year contract.
Snodgrass, who will wear the No11 shirt, has arrived at the London Stadium
for an initial £7m fee, potentially rising to £10.2m with add-ons, and is
set to be make his debut against Manchester City on Wednesday.
The Scotland international passed a medical and agreed personal terms with
West Ham on Friday, and has now become the club's second major signing of
the January transfer window following Jose Fonte's arrival from Southampton.
"I'm delighted because this is a massive club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass. "This is the sort of club which speaks for itself, the fans who
come here and support week-in week-out and moving to and selling out this
new stadium is terrific and I want to be part of it.
"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started. I feel this is a club with real ambition, with
the new stadium, great players and a manager of his calibre at Premier
League level.
"The lads will say we want to be up in the top half of last table and repeat
last year, so it's up to us. The club has had a few good weeks with results
and if I can add to that, great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new
team-mates and getting started."
Snodgrass had been the subject of offers from fellow Premier League sides
Burnley and Middlesbrough this month.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche had expressed doubts they would complete a deal
for the 29-year-old despite also having a £10m bid accepted, while
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka suggested his team's position in the
Premier League could deter Hull from selling to a rival - with the two sides
just four points apart.
Hull manager Marco Silva had insisted there was no problem between him and
Snodgrass following their EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United,
but that the player had made it clear he wanted to leave.
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Marseille and West Ham agreement over Dimitri Payet still 'miles away'
By Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 27/01/17 9:45pm
SSN
An agreement for Marseille to sign Dimitri Payet from West Ham is still
"miles away", Sky Sports News HQ has been told.
A senior source involved in talks between the clubs says no breakthrough has
been made after another day of negotiations on Friday.
The Ligue 1 side had been hoping that West Ham's £10.2m signing of Robert
Snodgrass from Hull would open the door for Payet's departure.
However the Hammers are still demanding at least £30m for Payet, while
Marseille have indicated they will not pay more than £25m.
As well as a difference of opinion on the attacker's value, there are also
significant disagreements over the structure of the deal.
Sky Sports News HQ has been told that "as long as the window is open it is
possible that the deal will be done but at the moment it's still miles
away".
Payet has been training with West Ham's Under-23 squad this week but, as
expected, he did not play in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Friday
night.
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Robert Snodgrass: West Ham sign Hull City midfielder for £10.2m
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have completed the signing of Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass
for a fee of £10.2m.
The Scotland player, 29, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at London
Stadium.
"I'm delighted, this is a massive club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass, who scored seven times in 20 Premier League games for Hull this
season.
He becomes West Ham's second signing this month after the arrival of
defender Jose Fonte from Southampton.
The Hammers saw off competition from Burnley and Middlesbrough to sign
Snodgrass, and boss Slaven Bilic could hand him his debut in the home league
match with Manchester City on Wednesday.
"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started," added Snodgrass, who joined Hull from Norwich in
2014 for a fee in excess of £6m.
"I feel this is a club with real ambition, with the new stadium, great
players and a manager of his calibre at Premier League level.
"The club has had a few good weeks with results and if I can add to that,
great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting
started."
Snodgrass made just three outings after joining Hull before he suffered a
career-threatening knee injury at QPR on the opening day of the 2014-15
season that kept him out of action for 16 months.
He recovered to play a significant role in the Tigers' promotion from the
Championship last season before starting this season in superb form, hitting
the winner in the opening-day victory over champions Leicester and rescuing
a point with a last-minute free-kick at Burnley.
Hull then triggered a one-year contract extension to tie him to the club
until the end of the 2017-18 season.
He is the second high-profile exit from the KCOM Stadium in January
following Jake Livermore's £10m move to West Brom.
Hull boss Marco Silva had been reluctant to part with Snodgrass, with the
club 19th in the Premier League, but has promised to bring in three or four
more players before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
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ormer Man Utd midfielder Ravel Morrison training with Queens Park Rangers
Last Updated: 27/01/17 9:55am
SSN
Former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is training
with Queens Park Rangers, according to Sky sources. The 23-year-old moved to
Italy just under a year ago but has not made an appearance for Lazio this
season and is seeking a return to England. He spent time training with Wigan
Athletic earlier in the month after being invited to the club by his former
United youth-team manager and current Latics boss Warren Joyce. Rangers
manager Ian Holloway is now running the rule over Morrison, who made 17
appearances on loan at Loftus Road between February and May 2014. Morrison
was tipped for a bright future in the game when he turned professional at
Old Trafford at the age of 17 in February 2010. But in January 2012 the
player was sold by United to West Ham, who were then in the Championship,
for an undisclosed fee. During his three-year stint at Upton Park, Morrison
was loaned to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.
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Dimitri Payet refuses to play for West Ham Under 23s against Aston Villa as
he tries to force Marseille return
Dimitri Payet is training with West Ham under 23s but won't play for them
Payet is trying to force his way out of east London and get a move to
Marseille
The winger, on £125,000-a-week wages, will not play for any West Ham team
The club are also wary of Payet picking up an injury which could end any
deal
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:57, 27 January 2017 | UPDATED: 10:32, 27 January 2017
Dimitri Payet is using West Ham's development squad to train – but will not
play for them either. The Hammers kids have been preparing to play Aston
Villa in Dagenham on Friday and joined by the £125,000-per-week player at
Chadwell Heath. Payet is trying to stay fit by taking part in their training
sessions but his refusal to play for West Ham extends to the Under 23s.
Payet is trying to force his way out of east London. West Ham will also be
wary of risking the 29-year-old picking up an injury in a Premier League 2
match, which could scupper any deal with Marseille. Slaven Bilic has kept
Payet away from his first team in a bid to stop him unsettling his squad.
West Ham's manager is also planning a winter training camp in Dubai next
month and their want-away winger is not invited. The Premier League side
have secured successive wins since Payet was taken out of the squad, beating
Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. He is angling for a move back to
Marseille, who have seen multiple offers turned down so far. Their latest
was only an improvement of 1million euros (£860,000) and angered West Ham,
as revealed by Sportsmail this week. Their first bid was £20m and their
second was £22m.
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West Ham confident of striking Reece Oxford loan deal with Rangers, could
stay at Ibrox next season
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham youngster Reece Oxford could join Rangers on loan.
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers' proposed move to land West Ham
United wonderkid Reece Oxford may be extended for the whole of next season –
but the Gers have to let a defender go to sign him.
Oxford, 18, has been billed as one English football's top prospects having
come up through the ranks with West Ham, even earning comparisons to former
Hammers youth product Rio Ferdinand.
The teenager shot to prominence on the opening weekend of last season, as he
turned in an almost perfect performance in an unfamiliar holding midfield
role against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Since then, Oxford has struggled for first-team football with the Hammers,
and whilst he committed his future to the club by signing a new contract in
December, he continues to be linked with a loan move away from the London
Stadium.
Now, The Scottish Sun report that Rangers have made a move to bring Oxford
on loan until the end of the season, and they claim that West Ham and Oxford
are confident that a deal can be struck before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Whilst it's stated that Rangers' initial offer is just until the end of the
season, there may well be an option to extend the loan move for the duration
of next season, with West Ham seemingly keen to get Oxford playing as much
as he possibly can.
However, the problem for Rangers is that they allegedly need to make room
for Oxford in order to sign him. Manager Mark Warburton already has four
centre backs at his disposal in Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Clint Hill and
Philippe Senderos, and one reportedly has to go in order for Oxford to
arrive at Ibrox.
Given that Hill and Senderos are both out of contract at the end of the
season, they would be the favourites to go, especially Senderos, who has
barely featured for Rangers since a disastrous debut against Celtic in
September, which saw him red carded in a 5-1 defeat.
Both players are ageing and fighting for new contracts, but it may not be a
huge surprise to see Rangers move Senderos out of the club in order to
accommodate Oxford this month.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, January 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th January 2017
Westley - Development is key
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley given his thoughts on the decisions behind the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez as they moved out on loan
The December PL2 Player of the Month nominees have departed the club on loan for the rest of the season
Westley has also called on the younger players at the Academy to step up
Academy boss Terry Westley has revealed the coaches in charge of Wigan Athletic and Oxford United were key factors in the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez. Warren Joyce (manager of Wigan) and Michael Appleton (manager of Oxford) both have a history of developing young players at Premier League clubs. With Browne moving to the Latics and Martinez to the U's, Westley believes the moves are vital to take their development to the next level. "They've been two of the stand out players for us and in the league," said Westley. "There was a lot of interest for both of the players. "We knew Warren Joyce from his days at Man United as a coach and a developer [bringing through] Marcus Rashford, Ashley Fletcher and Danny Welbeck, so that had a bearing on where we were going to send Browne. "Hopefully he goes and plays matches. That's the key to any loan. He's started very well, he was on the bench on Saturday and then played a behind-closed-doors match this week. They won 3-0 and Marcus scored twice as well as being brought down for a penalty. "Toni's was very similar. We knew the manager and we knew he has a history of developing players from his time at West Brom. "Oxford, to be fair to them, really showed a desire to want to take him to the football club. He's settled in very well, with the help of Greg de Carnys, our Head of Performance, who speaks Spanish and has been over there helping Toni settle in. I'm sure he's going to get some game time. "So they are two very good loans. The next step is getting matches under their belt, return to us pre-season with the thought process of pushing them to establish themselves as West Ham players."
The departures of Browne and Martinez mean the Academy of Football currently has 13 players out on loan, which means there is a necessity for younger players to make the step up into the U23s side. Second year scholars like Declan Rice, Nathan Trott, Vashon Neufville, Dan Kemp, Alfie Lewis and Tunji Akinola have all made significant contributions in Premier League 2 this season and Westley says there will be more chances for other players to break into his squad. "At the end of the day we are developers. We have to try and find ways to get young players into the first team and help Slaven, his staff and the club," declared Westley. "The results are good and we want to try and win football matches and we think if we can win five matches before the end of the season, we'll be in the play-off group. "When you think of who is missing and the team we could have, we've done very well both ways in terms of how many games we've won and the amount of development time we've given our scholars."
West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
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Kemp - We are being noticed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 take on Aston Villa in Premier League 2 on Friday evening
The match is being played at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium and is free to watch for season ticket holders
Winger Dan Kemp is expecting an improved performance from the Hammers after their defeat in the reverse fixture
Dan Kemp thinks the PL2 side's performances this season have been the catalyst behind a number of loan moves for players at the Academy of Football this month. Kemp was speaking ahead of Friday's match at home to Aston Villa and said that recent loan moves for Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez show that strong displays for the U23s are being noted by Club managers up and down the country. The pacy winger, 18, also admitted he is surprised at his rapid rise after holding down a place in Terry Westley's squad over recent months and says he aims to earn a loan move of his own next season. "The way that the team has been playing this season is getting us noticed as a group," said Kemp. "We've got lots of good players and for me personally, if I can keep playing well, I can get a good loan and further my development. "I'm very pleased. I didn't expect to break into the U23s so early on in the season and now I've had a lot of games and a lot of starts but I'm not happy with this. I want to keep going and keep pushing forward and make sure I keep my place. "The boys that have gone out on loan means there's a opportunity for us other players to impress. It's time for the boys that have been in the team from the start to step up and help the boys that are coming into the team. "So we're all looking to help each other out and we've got a lot of quality in the U23s and U18s teams so whoever plays can do a job."
Kemp admits the recent postponement of Monday's Premier League Cup match with Leicester City was "frustrating" but thinks the Hammers have unfinished business with Friday's opponents. Westley's men were beaten 2-0 by Villa in the reverse fixture at the home of Walsall FC, and Kemp is hoping for a much better display this time around. "It was frustrating because obviously we were prepped, ready for the game and looking to get the win. These things happen and it gives us more time to go into Friday and hopefully get a win then," Kemp continued. "We should all be quite fresh for Friday so hopefully we'll get a good performance and a win. "Obviously last time they beat us 2-0 so this time we'll be looking to get back at them and show them what we've got. We're looking for a better performance than the one when we played them away."
West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: SNODGRASS FEE AGREED, BILIC RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL, PAYET TERMS AGREED?!
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 26 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Afternoon Hammers, here is a round up the news this lunchtime.
Hull have accepted West Ham's offer for Robert Snodgrass, which is believed to be higher than Burnley's offer yesterday. (BBC)
Snodgrass reportedly prefers a move to West Ham over Burnley and Middlesbrough. (ESPN)
Its a good signing if we get him. I just hope we haven't paid too much more than Burnley for him.
Slaven Bilic has been released from hospital after suffering from a bad bout of flu. (Mirror)
After the fixture against Chelsea was changed to a Monday night, the Hammers have been assured that there will be no repeat of the events that occurred back in October. (Express)
I would hope there is no trouble, as it is just unwanted press for the club. The media will always try to just bring everyone down again.
Aaron Cresswell has shared something that disappointed him about West Ham's win over Middlesbrough last weekend. (HITC)
I agree with him, but a win is a win. We cannot grumble about that.
Dimitri Payet has reportedly agreed personal terms with Marseille, despite the two clubs failing to have agreed on a fee for the Frenchman. (GFFN)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that not tapping up? If so, then I hope we do the right thing and report Marseille for this. It is not fair how they have gone about this whole situation.
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Cole linked with County role
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole could be set to make his return to English football - alongside former team mate Kevin Nolan. Former Hammers' striker Cole has not played since leaving Celtic at the beginning of the current campaign, but could be set for a sensational return to league football with Notts County. The League 2 side - who are under a transfer embargo at present due to outstading funds owed to HMRC - are currently managed by ex-Hammers captain Kevin Nolan, who was named as their new boss earlier this month. And one of his first tasks was to call Cole to discover whether the 33-year-old striker would be interested in joining him at Meadow Lane. "We have had a chat," Nolan told BBC Nottingham Sport. "It would be fantastic if I could bring him over. "The best thing is to see if he is interested and we can work something out. He has a few things in the fire. "He would be a breath of fresh air. He is a top pro and a good player. If we can make it happen and the embargo gets lifted, then we will try our best to do that."
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Robert Snodgrass: West Ham bid more than Burnley for Hull midfielder
BBC.co.uk
West Ham and Burnley will compete for the signing of Hull City top scorer Robert Snodgrass after the Hammers had a bid accepted.
Burnley had an offer accepted on Wednesday and, while both are believed to be in the region of £10m, West Ham's is higher. The Tigers, who are 19th in the Premier League, rejected a bid from the Hammers earlier this month. The Scotland midfielder, 29, has scored seven Premier League goals this season. The Tigers say the move is now down to the player and he has not yet gone for a medical at Burnley. Hull previously rejected offers of up to £6m from West Ham for Snodgrass, who missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea with what manager Marco Silva described as "a small injury in the knee".
Silva is reluctant to part with Snodgrass, having already sold midfielder Jake Livermore to West Brom for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m. Snodgrass has been linked with a move since December, before Hull triggered a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017-18 season.
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Two-way battle for Snodgrass
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Both West Ham and Premier League rivals Burnley are understood to have had bids of £10million for Hull winger Robert Snodgrass accepted. According to reports, West Ham have returned with an improved bid for the former Leeds and Norwich player after the Clarets usurped United's previous offer. And the 29-year-old is said to be considering both offers ahead of the end of the window next week - whilst Middlesbrough are also thought to be interested.
West Ham had previously bid up to £6million for Snodgrass, who would effectively replace the outgoing Dimitri Payet in Slaven Bilic's styarting XI. The Scottish international has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League despite playing outside of the top flight his entire career until joining Norwich in 2012. He has also represented his country 21 times having previously appeared at Under 19, 20 and 21 youth levels.
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West Ham still looking to sign Scott Hogan from Brentford
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 26/01/17 12:33pm
SSN
West Ham have not given up on signing Brentford forward Scott Hogan, according to Sky sources. Sources close to the 24-year-old believe the deal is hinging on the situation with wantaway Hammers midfielder Dimitri Payet. West Ham have agreed to pay £9m up-front for Hogan, who has 18 months left on his contract at the Sky Bet Championship club. Brentford value Hogan at £15m and want a further £6m structured into the deal, but West Ham have so far only offered £3m in additional payments. Sky sources understand West Ham have had three bids for the former Rochdale forward turned down. Hogan has enjoyed a prolific campaign in front of goal and has netted 14 goals in 26 matches for Brentford. He has not featured for Brentford since January 2 due to a combination of injury and West Ham's interest. The Hammers have made one signing so far during the January transfer window, securing the services of defender Jose Fonte from Southampton for £8m.
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West Ham transfer latest: Manager reveals all on £15m striker bid
DEAN SMITH has told West Ham to pay up or miss out on Scott Hogan.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 16:02, Thu, Jan 26, 2017 | UPDATED: 16:09, Thu, Jan 26, 2017
Express.co.uk
West Ham are trying to bring Hogan to the London Stadium to boost their striking options. They have had three bids turned down but have yet to reach Brenford's £15m valuation. Hogan has been left out of the Bees' squad in recent weeks with speculation over his future unsettling him. But the 24-year-old is set to return against Chelsea in the FA Cup. And Brentford boss Smith has told them to up their bid or go without. "We would let any of our players go anywhere for the right money, because everybody has a value at any club," Smith said. "We've had offers from different clubs for Scott Hogan and all of them have not met the valuation.
"We keep our business strictly private. We'll say no to people if we don't think the value is met and then it's up to them to come up with a deal that does meet ours."
Hogan was withdrawn from the Bees squad for last weekend's loss at Wigan after suggestions a renewed bid was imminent. "Scott's available for selection. He's trained all week, again, as he did last week," added Smith. "It will be my decision whether he's starting, whether he's on the bench or whether he's not involved.
"I think we made that abundantly clear last week at the end of the game that we're not going to be affected by phone calls."
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West Ham's £25m double swoop for Robert Snodgrass and Scott Hogan on hold until Dimitri Payet future resolved
KEN DYER, JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham's £25million twin bid to sign Robert Snodgrass from Hull and Brentford's Scott Hogan remains on hold until there is more clarity on Dimitri Payet's future. The club have had a £10m offer for Scotland international Snodgrass accepted by Hull and they remain interested in the £15m-rated Hogan. The signs are, though, that there will be no definite movement on either player until Marseille significantly improve their last offer of £22.5m for Payet, who they sold to West Ham in 2015 for £10.7m. Club co-chairman David Sullivan, who is handling the negotiations, wants £30m for Payet and remains determined that Marseille will not acquire the player on the cheap. The deal could go all the way to the wire with the transfer window set to close next Tuesday. Burnley and Middlesbrough have also had £10m bids for Snodgrass accepted by Hull but a decision on his future could again have to wait until next week. Reece Oxford, West Ham's teenage defender, could go on loan to Rangers until the end of the season. The Scottish club are keen on signing Oxford, who recently agreed a new long-term contract. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is intending to return to the club's training ground this weekend after spending two days in hospital with flu. Bilic felt unwell after last weekend's match at Middlesbrough and was admitted to the London Hospital for treatment. He is currently at home resting but has targeted a return to the club this weekend.
West Ham are confident their Premier League game against Chelsea at the London Stadium in March will be played without a repeat of the ugly scenes which marred the teams' EFL Cup tie three months ago. Sky Sports announced yesterday they will show West Ham's match with their London rivals on 6 March at 8pm as part of their Monday Night Football show. West Ham co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter on Wednesday to apologise to one fan about the timing of the fixture, writing: "Sorry Danny but we don't move the game, Sky do. We hate it as much as you. DG".
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Dimitri Payet agrees terms with Marseille as West Ham hold out for £35m for wantaway Frenchman
The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons with Marseille having multiple bids rejected for the 29-year-old
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
Dimitri Payet has agreed terms on a return to Marseille - and is willing to take a £25,000 pay cut to secure the move. The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons. Marseille have made multiple bids for the 29-year-old, with their latest offer of £25m plus £3m in add-ons rejected. Talks have reached an impasse over a fee with West Ham holding out for £35m for last season's player of the year . But the player has agreed terms on a £100,000-a-week deal, which would represent a £25,000 pay cut from the contract Payet agreed last February. Marseille are still hoping a loan deal could be brokered with a fixed price in the summer. High flying Ligue 1 outfit Nice are also looking into a loan deal for the Euro 2016 star. Payet has been training with the club's Under-23s at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground. He has told the club he is facing a family crisis, with wife Ludivine determined to raise the couple's three children in their homeland. In his absence, West Ham have won their last two Premier League matches to climb into the top half of the Premier League.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after suffering from bad bout of flu
The Croatian is set to return to take Hammers training in the next few days having been released from a London hospital on Tuesday
The Mirror
BYPRESS ASSOCIATION
11:15, 26 JAN 2017
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is expected to return to take training over the next few days following a stay in hospital with a bad case of flu. Press Association Sport understands the Croatian was discharged from a London hospital on Tuesday and is now resting at home.
Bilic felt unwell following the 3-1 Premier League win at Middlesbrough on Saturday and after returning to the capital, went to hospital where he was subsequently kept in for observation. West Ham have seen some of their other staff and players hit by a sickness bug, with winger Michail Antonio having been ill before the win over Crystal Palace on January 14. The Irons are not in FA Cup action this weekend, so when he returns, Bilic will be preparing the squad for the visit of Manchester City on February 1. Earlier this month, Pep Guardiola's men romped to a 5-0 win at the London Stadium in the FA Cup third-round tie.
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WEST HAM STILL IN WITH A CHANCE TO SIGN HELDER COSTA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
It was reported earlier this month by Portuguese source O Jogo that West Ham were one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolves loanee Helder Costa this month.
The 23-year-old is on loan with Wolves for the season from Liga NOS outfit Benfica and the deal contains an option for the Championship side to make it permanent for a fee of €15m.
Costa, a former Portugal U21 international, has been in fine form for Wolves this season, scoring seven goals and tallying five assists in 25 Championship appearances this season. Those totals rise to nine goals and six assists when you factor in all competitions.
O Jogo are now reporting that Wolves plan on exercising their option to sign Costa permanently in a €15m deal this month, amid interest from Premier League clubs. Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira is travelling to London today to finalise the permanent transfer to Wolves.
However, aware of the interest in their star winger, Wolves plan on cashing in straight away on Costa before the end of the January transfer window and making a quick but sizeable profit on him.
West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs keen on signing Costa once his permanent transfer to Wolves is finalised, but they face competition from Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton, Middlesbrough and Hull for his services.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after severe bout of flu
The Hammers boss has been under the weather this week and was kept under observation by doctors
football.london
BY ALASDAIR GOLD
10:13, 26 JAN 2017UPDATED10:19, 26 JAN 2017
West Ham United have confirmed that manager Slaven Bilic was hospitalised earlier this week with a severe bout of flu. The boss was knocked back after feeling unwell following the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday and took himself off to a London hospital the following day. Doctors kept Bilic under observation for 48 hours but he was released from hospital on Tuesday. Bilic picked up the virus after Michail Antonio was also struck down by it, but managed to shrug it off in time to face Crystal Palace and recover fully for the trip for the Boro. A club source told football.london: "This one is true. He was discharged on Tuesday and will link up with the team in the next few days after recuperating at home."
This weekend coming up is handy for Bilic to recover with the Hammers not in Premier League action and he should be fighting fit and ready to go for the visit of Manchester City to the London Stadium on Wednesday.
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Aaron Cresswell insists West Ham want to put things right against Manchester City after chastening FA Cup exit
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham are determined to right the wrongs of their FA Cup exit when they face Manchester City in the Premier League next week, according to Aaron Cresswell. The Hammers' Cup campaign was ended by City in devastating fashion earlier this month as Pep Guardiola's side scored five unanswered goals at London Stadium. Such a chastening exit was difficult for West Ham to take but Slaven Bilic's side have returned to form in recent weeks by winning back-to-back fixtures against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. West Ham now occupy 10th place in the table and Cresswell is keen for the east Londoners to prove that they can match City under the lights at their new home next Wednesday. "They're one of the toughest teams to play. It was difficult to go out of the FA cup in the manner that we did," Cresswell told the club's official website. "We want to rectify that and put it right. "We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season," he added. Andy Carroll's form in front of goal has been key to West Ham's resurgence. The England international has scored four goals in his last five League appearances and Cresswell is hopeful his countryman can fire West Ham on towards a respectable finish. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table," said the left back.
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Ghana star Andre Ayew 'blasts' referee Bakary Gassama for defeat to Egypt
Published on: 26 January 2017
ghanasoccernet
Ghana's forward Andre Ayew (L) challenges Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Ghana in Port-Gentil on January 25, 2017 AFP
Ghana star Andre Ayew had issues with referee Bakary Gassama following his side's 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Wednesday night in their final Group D match.
The West Ham United player said "refereeing should have been better" after the match.
A superb free kick from AS Roma star Mohamed Salah in the first half, however, meant the Ghanaians were relegated to second spot – as they set up a last-eight clash with Group C winners DR Congo on Sunday.
"Refereeing should have been better towards us," Ayew told BeIN Sports channel after the game, without elaborating further.
"We were dominant for long spells especially in the second half. Egypt didn't create many clear-cut chances apart from the free-kick goal."
Group D winners Egypt will now face North African rivals Morocco for a place in the semis when both sides clash at Stade de Port-Gentil on Sunday night.
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Rio Ferdinand sale offers lessons for West Ham's Payet transfer crisis
ESPN
As the Dimitri Payet saga continues, Gab Marcotti gives his views on player power and whether it is affecting the game. With the transfer deadline looming and the situation regarding Dimitri Payet still rumbling on, ex-Hammer Rio Ferdinand has joined the debate about the French International's intention to force a move away from Stratford.
In proclaiming that Payet should "respect the fans" and having urged Slaven Bilic to "let the player rot" rather than sell him to Marseille for less than the Hammers' asking rate, the former England International has aligned himself firmly with supporters.
Whatever the strong words from Ferdinand however, the former England international knows full well the reality of the situation. In transfer matters, the club do not always have a strong hand and the general consensus is that having an unhappy player on the books does no club any favours. Indeed, while it doesn't always work to the benefit of the selling club, the transfer fee does also allow a team to invest in players who will hopefully make the side stronger.
The problem with this particular transfer tussle isn't that Payet has just signalled his unhappiness with life in the East End, it's more the way the 27-year-old has gone about it that has caused such resentment.
In refusing to play and going on strike, Payet has appalled fans, all of whom would dearly love the opportunity to play for the club they support. Similarly, Bilic and the owners are all obviously shocked and disappointed at the way the France international has responded to the huge contract agreed just last year. He may have his family reason but it's certainly the sense of betrayal that hurts.
Dimitri Payet's future is unclear as Marseille have failed to meet the Hammers' asking price. However, most fans realise the economics of modern football and few blame the opportunity Ferdinand himself took when he left the club in November 2000 to play for Leeds United in the Champions League. Nevertheless, hidden behind the accepted front of any transfer, there often lies a deeper truth -- and Ferdinand himself is testament to the fact.
At the time the Hammers sold Ferdinand for a club record of £18 million to Leeds, as the Yorkshire club and West Ham sat next to each other just outside the top six of the Premier League. It's true that, having won the league title the season before, Leeds were also playing Champions League football, but supporters were torn on the decision to sell Ferdinand at that time.
Some argued that the £18m -- then a British transfer record that made Ferdinand the world's most expensive defender -- could be used to strengthen a Hammers team just outside the accepted elite of the English Premier League. Others felt that West Ham, under no pressure to sell the player, should utilise the skills of the then 20-year-old for a few more years and wait for the inevitable sale to a bigger club later on. Those in the latter camp largely found themselves vindicated when the £18m disappeared in a flurry of poor purchases, while Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for an estimated fee of £30m just two year later.
Rio Ferdinand started his Premier League career with West Ham before moving on to join Leeds United. Had West Ham held onto Ferdinand for another couple of years, the history of the club in the early part of the century would have been manifestly different. As it was, the sale of the popular defender signalled an end to the Hammers' "Golden Generation" and within a short while, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson had all left for greener and more lucrative pastures.
Now it's true that the Dimitri Payet situation isn't following the accepted pattern of West Ham transfers and it's certainly not the case that the sale of the Frenchman will trigger a mass exodus. Nevertheless, it is hard to see any benefit in forcing Payet to stay and, with a bigger stadium and a higher profile, any profit of £10-£15m-plus on the Frenchman should enable the club to bring in some good players. Behind the bluster though, there is some acknowledgment that when, as he surely will, Payet leaves, West Ham will lose a world-class player that they will almost certainly be unable to replace for the money. In that sense, there are parallels with the Ferdinand situation. It's probably this rather than economics of any deal that has made the Hammers play hardball with Payet. On 2016 form, Payet is well worth £30m and West Ham are right to hold out for it.
Where will the standoff end? Well, with the larger gates in their new home, the Hammers believe they can afford to keep the midfielder until the summer, but don't be surprised if some "added extras" deal isn't struck before next week. Ultimately however, there are no winners in this sorry episode and, while it would offer some satisfaction to believe that Payet himself will be the biggest loser, it's likely to be West Ham who will suffer the most.
Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is ESPN FC's West Ham blogger.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley given his thoughts on the decisions behind the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez as they moved out on loan
The December PL2 Player of the Month nominees have departed the club on loan for the rest of the season
Westley has also called on the younger players at the Academy to step up
Academy boss Terry Westley has revealed the coaches in charge of Wigan Athletic and Oxford United were key factors in the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez. Warren Joyce (manager of Wigan) and Michael Appleton (manager of Oxford) both have a history of developing young players at Premier League clubs. With Browne moving to the Latics and Martinez to the U's, Westley believes the moves are vital to take their development to the next level. "They've been two of the stand out players for us and in the league," said Westley. "There was a lot of interest for both of the players. "We knew Warren Joyce from his days at Man United as a coach and a developer [bringing through] Marcus Rashford, Ashley Fletcher and Danny Welbeck, so that had a bearing on where we were going to send Browne. "Hopefully he goes and plays matches. That's the key to any loan. He's started very well, he was on the bench on Saturday and then played a behind-closed-doors match this week. They won 3-0 and Marcus scored twice as well as being brought down for a penalty. "Toni's was very similar. We knew the manager and we knew he has a history of developing players from his time at West Brom. "Oxford, to be fair to them, really showed a desire to want to take him to the football club. He's settled in very well, with the help of Greg de Carnys, our Head of Performance, who speaks Spanish and has been over there helping Toni settle in. I'm sure he's going to get some game time. "So they are two very good loans. The next step is getting matches under their belt, return to us pre-season with the thought process of pushing them to establish themselves as West Ham players."
The departures of Browne and Martinez mean the Academy of Football currently has 13 players out on loan, which means there is a necessity for younger players to make the step up into the U23s side. Second year scholars like Declan Rice, Nathan Trott, Vashon Neufville, Dan Kemp, Alfie Lewis and Tunji Akinola have all made significant contributions in Premier League 2 this season and Westley says there will be more chances for other players to break into his squad. "At the end of the day we are developers. We have to try and find ways to get young players into the first team and help Slaven, his staff and the club," declared Westley. "The results are good and we want to try and win football matches and we think if we can win five matches before the end of the season, we'll be in the play-off group. "When you think of who is missing and the team we could have, we've done very well both ways in terms of how many games we've won and the amount of development time we've given our scholars."
West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
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Kemp - We are being noticed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 take on Aston Villa in Premier League 2 on Friday evening
The match is being played at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium and is free to watch for season ticket holders
Winger Dan Kemp is expecting an improved performance from the Hammers after their defeat in the reverse fixture
Dan Kemp thinks the PL2 side's performances this season have been the catalyst behind a number of loan moves for players at the Academy of Football this month. Kemp was speaking ahead of Friday's match at home to Aston Villa and said that recent loan moves for Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez show that strong displays for the U23s are being noted by Club managers up and down the country. The pacy winger, 18, also admitted he is surprised at his rapid rise after holding down a place in Terry Westley's squad over recent months and says he aims to earn a loan move of his own next season. "The way that the team has been playing this season is getting us noticed as a group," said Kemp. "We've got lots of good players and for me personally, if I can keep playing well, I can get a good loan and further my development. "I'm very pleased. I didn't expect to break into the U23s so early on in the season and now I've had a lot of games and a lot of starts but I'm not happy with this. I want to keep going and keep pushing forward and make sure I keep my place. "The boys that have gone out on loan means there's a opportunity for us other players to impress. It's time for the boys that have been in the team from the start to step up and help the boys that are coming into the team. "So we're all looking to help each other out and we've got a lot of quality in the U23s and U18s teams so whoever plays can do a job."
Kemp admits the recent postponement of Monday's Premier League Cup match with Leicester City was "frustrating" but thinks the Hammers have unfinished business with Friday's opponents. Westley's men were beaten 2-0 by Villa in the reverse fixture at the home of Walsall FC, and Kemp is hoping for a much better display this time around. "It was frustrating because obviously we were prepped, ready for the game and looking to get the win. These things happen and it gives us more time to go into Friday and hopefully get a win then," Kemp continued. "We should all be quite fresh for Friday so hopefully we'll get a good performance and a win. "Obviously last time they beat us 2-0 so this time we'll be looking to get back at them and show them what we've got. We're looking for a better performance than the one when we played them away."
West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: SNODGRASS FEE AGREED, BILIC RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL, PAYET TERMS AGREED?!
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 26 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Afternoon Hammers, here is a round up the news this lunchtime.
Hull have accepted West Ham's offer for Robert Snodgrass, which is believed to be higher than Burnley's offer yesterday. (BBC)
Snodgrass reportedly prefers a move to West Ham over Burnley and Middlesbrough. (ESPN)
Its a good signing if we get him. I just hope we haven't paid too much more than Burnley for him.
Slaven Bilic has been released from hospital after suffering from a bad bout of flu. (Mirror)
After the fixture against Chelsea was changed to a Monday night, the Hammers have been assured that there will be no repeat of the events that occurred back in October. (Express)
I would hope there is no trouble, as it is just unwanted press for the club. The media will always try to just bring everyone down again.
Aaron Cresswell has shared something that disappointed him about West Ham's win over Middlesbrough last weekend. (HITC)
I agree with him, but a win is a win. We cannot grumble about that.
Dimitri Payet has reportedly agreed personal terms with Marseille, despite the two clubs failing to have agreed on a fee for the Frenchman. (GFFN)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that not tapping up? If so, then I hope we do the right thing and report Marseille for this. It is not fair how they have gone about this whole situation.
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Cole linked with County role
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole could be set to make his return to English football - alongside former team mate Kevin Nolan. Former Hammers' striker Cole has not played since leaving Celtic at the beginning of the current campaign, but could be set for a sensational return to league football with Notts County. The League 2 side - who are under a transfer embargo at present due to outstading funds owed to HMRC - are currently managed by ex-Hammers captain Kevin Nolan, who was named as their new boss earlier this month. And one of his first tasks was to call Cole to discover whether the 33-year-old striker would be interested in joining him at Meadow Lane. "We have had a chat," Nolan told BBC Nottingham Sport. "It would be fantastic if I could bring him over. "The best thing is to see if he is interested and we can work something out. He has a few things in the fire. "He would be a breath of fresh air. He is a top pro and a good player. If we can make it happen and the embargo gets lifted, then we will try our best to do that."
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Robert Snodgrass: West Ham bid more than Burnley for Hull midfielder
BBC.co.uk
West Ham and Burnley will compete for the signing of Hull City top scorer Robert Snodgrass after the Hammers had a bid accepted.
Burnley had an offer accepted on Wednesday and, while both are believed to be in the region of £10m, West Ham's is higher. The Tigers, who are 19th in the Premier League, rejected a bid from the Hammers earlier this month. The Scotland midfielder, 29, has scored seven Premier League goals this season. The Tigers say the move is now down to the player and he has not yet gone for a medical at Burnley. Hull previously rejected offers of up to £6m from West Ham for Snodgrass, who missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea with what manager Marco Silva described as "a small injury in the knee".
Silva is reluctant to part with Snodgrass, having already sold midfielder Jake Livermore to West Brom for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m. Snodgrass has been linked with a move since December, before Hull triggered a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017-18 season.
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Two-way battle for Snodgrass
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Both West Ham and Premier League rivals Burnley are understood to have had bids of £10million for Hull winger Robert Snodgrass accepted. According to reports, West Ham have returned with an improved bid for the former Leeds and Norwich player after the Clarets usurped United's previous offer. And the 29-year-old is said to be considering both offers ahead of the end of the window next week - whilst Middlesbrough are also thought to be interested.
West Ham had previously bid up to £6million for Snodgrass, who would effectively replace the outgoing Dimitri Payet in Slaven Bilic's styarting XI. The Scottish international has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League despite playing outside of the top flight his entire career until joining Norwich in 2012. He has also represented his country 21 times having previously appeared at Under 19, 20 and 21 youth levels.
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West Ham still looking to sign Scott Hogan from Brentford
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 26/01/17 12:33pm
SSN
West Ham have not given up on signing Brentford forward Scott Hogan, according to Sky sources. Sources close to the 24-year-old believe the deal is hinging on the situation with wantaway Hammers midfielder Dimitri Payet. West Ham have agreed to pay £9m up-front for Hogan, who has 18 months left on his contract at the Sky Bet Championship club. Brentford value Hogan at £15m and want a further £6m structured into the deal, but West Ham have so far only offered £3m in additional payments. Sky sources understand West Ham have had three bids for the former Rochdale forward turned down. Hogan has enjoyed a prolific campaign in front of goal and has netted 14 goals in 26 matches for Brentford. He has not featured for Brentford since January 2 due to a combination of injury and West Ham's interest. The Hammers have made one signing so far during the January transfer window, securing the services of defender Jose Fonte from Southampton for £8m.
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West Ham transfer latest: Manager reveals all on £15m striker bid
DEAN SMITH has told West Ham to pay up or miss out on Scott Hogan.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 16:02, Thu, Jan 26, 2017 | UPDATED: 16:09, Thu, Jan 26, 2017
Express.co.uk
West Ham are trying to bring Hogan to the London Stadium to boost their striking options. They have had three bids turned down but have yet to reach Brenford's £15m valuation. Hogan has been left out of the Bees' squad in recent weeks with speculation over his future unsettling him. But the 24-year-old is set to return against Chelsea in the FA Cup. And Brentford boss Smith has told them to up their bid or go without. "We would let any of our players go anywhere for the right money, because everybody has a value at any club," Smith said. "We've had offers from different clubs for Scott Hogan and all of them have not met the valuation.
"We keep our business strictly private. We'll say no to people if we don't think the value is met and then it's up to them to come up with a deal that does meet ours."
Hogan was withdrawn from the Bees squad for last weekend's loss at Wigan after suggestions a renewed bid was imminent. "Scott's available for selection. He's trained all week, again, as he did last week," added Smith. "It will be my decision whether he's starting, whether he's on the bench or whether he's not involved.
"I think we made that abundantly clear last week at the end of the game that we're not going to be affected by phone calls."
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West Ham's £25m double swoop for Robert Snodgrass and Scott Hogan on hold until Dimitri Payet future resolved
KEN DYER, JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham's £25million twin bid to sign Robert Snodgrass from Hull and Brentford's Scott Hogan remains on hold until there is more clarity on Dimitri Payet's future. The club have had a £10m offer for Scotland international Snodgrass accepted by Hull and they remain interested in the £15m-rated Hogan. The signs are, though, that there will be no definite movement on either player until Marseille significantly improve their last offer of £22.5m for Payet, who they sold to West Ham in 2015 for £10.7m. Club co-chairman David Sullivan, who is handling the negotiations, wants £30m for Payet and remains determined that Marseille will not acquire the player on the cheap. The deal could go all the way to the wire with the transfer window set to close next Tuesday. Burnley and Middlesbrough have also had £10m bids for Snodgrass accepted by Hull but a decision on his future could again have to wait until next week. Reece Oxford, West Ham's teenage defender, could go on loan to Rangers until the end of the season. The Scottish club are keen on signing Oxford, who recently agreed a new long-term contract. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is intending to return to the club's training ground this weekend after spending two days in hospital with flu. Bilic felt unwell after last weekend's match at Middlesbrough and was admitted to the London Hospital for treatment. He is currently at home resting but has targeted a return to the club this weekend.
West Ham are confident their Premier League game against Chelsea at the London Stadium in March will be played without a repeat of the ugly scenes which marred the teams' EFL Cup tie three months ago. Sky Sports announced yesterday they will show West Ham's match with their London rivals on 6 March at 8pm as part of their Monday Night Football show. West Ham co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter on Wednesday to apologise to one fan about the timing of the fixture, writing: "Sorry Danny but we don't move the game, Sky do. We hate it as much as you. DG".
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Dimitri Payet agrees terms with Marseille as West Ham hold out for £35m for wantaway Frenchman
The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons with Marseille having multiple bids rejected for the 29-year-old
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
Dimitri Payet has agreed terms on a return to Marseille - and is willing to take a £25,000 pay cut to secure the move. The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons. Marseille have made multiple bids for the 29-year-old, with their latest offer of £25m plus £3m in add-ons rejected. Talks have reached an impasse over a fee with West Ham holding out for £35m for last season's player of the year . But the player has agreed terms on a £100,000-a-week deal, which would represent a £25,000 pay cut from the contract Payet agreed last February. Marseille are still hoping a loan deal could be brokered with a fixed price in the summer. High flying Ligue 1 outfit Nice are also looking into a loan deal for the Euro 2016 star. Payet has been training with the club's Under-23s at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground. He has told the club he is facing a family crisis, with wife Ludivine determined to raise the couple's three children in their homeland. In his absence, West Ham have won their last two Premier League matches to climb into the top half of the Premier League.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after suffering from bad bout of flu
The Croatian is set to return to take Hammers training in the next few days having been released from a London hospital on Tuesday
The Mirror
BYPRESS ASSOCIATION
11:15, 26 JAN 2017
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is expected to return to take training over the next few days following a stay in hospital with a bad case of flu. Press Association Sport understands the Croatian was discharged from a London hospital on Tuesday and is now resting at home.
Bilic felt unwell following the 3-1 Premier League win at Middlesbrough on Saturday and after returning to the capital, went to hospital where he was subsequently kept in for observation. West Ham have seen some of their other staff and players hit by a sickness bug, with winger Michail Antonio having been ill before the win over Crystal Palace on January 14. The Irons are not in FA Cup action this weekend, so when he returns, Bilic will be preparing the squad for the visit of Manchester City on February 1. Earlier this month, Pep Guardiola's men romped to a 5-0 win at the London Stadium in the FA Cup third-round tie.
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WEST HAM STILL IN WITH A CHANCE TO SIGN HELDER COSTA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
It was reported earlier this month by Portuguese source O Jogo that West Ham were one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolves loanee Helder Costa this month.
The 23-year-old is on loan with Wolves for the season from Liga NOS outfit Benfica and the deal contains an option for the Championship side to make it permanent for a fee of €15m.
Costa, a former Portugal U21 international, has been in fine form for Wolves this season, scoring seven goals and tallying five assists in 25 Championship appearances this season. Those totals rise to nine goals and six assists when you factor in all competitions.
O Jogo are now reporting that Wolves plan on exercising their option to sign Costa permanently in a €15m deal this month, amid interest from Premier League clubs. Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira is travelling to London today to finalise the permanent transfer to Wolves.
However, aware of the interest in their star winger, Wolves plan on cashing in straight away on Costa before the end of the January transfer window and making a quick but sizeable profit on him.
West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs keen on signing Costa once his permanent transfer to Wolves is finalised, but they face competition from Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton, Middlesbrough and Hull for his services.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after severe bout of flu
The Hammers boss has been under the weather this week and was kept under observation by doctors
football.london
BY ALASDAIR GOLD
10:13, 26 JAN 2017UPDATED10:19, 26 JAN 2017
West Ham United have confirmed that manager Slaven Bilic was hospitalised earlier this week with a severe bout of flu. The boss was knocked back after feeling unwell following the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday and took himself off to a London hospital the following day. Doctors kept Bilic under observation for 48 hours but he was released from hospital on Tuesday. Bilic picked up the virus after Michail Antonio was also struck down by it, but managed to shrug it off in time to face Crystal Palace and recover fully for the trip for the Boro. A club source told football.london: "This one is true. He was discharged on Tuesday and will link up with the team in the next few days after recuperating at home."
This weekend coming up is handy for Bilic to recover with the Hammers not in Premier League action and he should be fighting fit and ready to go for the visit of Manchester City to the London Stadium on Wednesday.
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Aaron Cresswell insists West Ham want to put things right against Manchester City after chastening FA Cup exit
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham are determined to right the wrongs of their FA Cup exit when they face Manchester City in the Premier League next week, according to Aaron Cresswell. The Hammers' Cup campaign was ended by City in devastating fashion earlier this month as Pep Guardiola's side scored five unanswered goals at London Stadium. Such a chastening exit was difficult for West Ham to take but Slaven Bilic's side have returned to form in recent weeks by winning back-to-back fixtures against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. West Ham now occupy 10th place in the table and Cresswell is keen for the east Londoners to prove that they can match City under the lights at their new home next Wednesday. "They're one of the toughest teams to play. It was difficult to go out of the FA cup in the manner that we did," Cresswell told the club's official website. "We want to rectify that and put it right. "We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season," he added. Andy Carroll's form in front of goal has been key to West Ham's resurgence. The England international has scored four goals in his last five League appearances and Cresswell is hopeful his countryman can fire West Ham on towards a respectable finish. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table," said the left back.
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Ghana star Andre Ayew 'blasts' referee Bakary Gassama for defeat to Egypt
Published on: 26 January 2017
ghanasoccernet
Ghana's forward Andre Ayew (L) challenges Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Ghana in Port-Gentil on January 25, 2017 AFP
Ghana star Andre Ayew had issues with referee Bakary Gassama following his side's 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Wednesday night in their final Group D match.
The West Ham United player said "refereeing should have been better" after the match.
A superb free kick from AS Roma star Mohamed Salah in the first half, however, meant the Ghanaians were relegated to second spot – as they set up a last-eight clash with Group C winners DR Congo on Sunday.
"Refereeing should have been better towards us," Ayew told BeIN Sports channel after the game, without elaborating further.
"We were dominant for long spells especially in the second half. Egypt didn't create many clear-cut chances apart from the free-kick goal."
Group D winners Egypt will now face North African rivals Morocco for a place in the semis when both sides clash at Stade de Port-Gentil on Sunday night.
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Rio Ferdinand sale offers lessons for West Ham's Payet transfer crisis
ESPN
As the Dimitri Payet saga continues, Gab Marcotti gives his views on player power and whether it is affecting the game. With the transfer deadline looming and the situation regarding Dimitri Payet still rumbling on, ex-Hammer Rio Ferdinand has joined the debate about the French International's intention to force a move away from Stratford.
In proclaiming that Payet should "respect the fans" and having urged Slaven Bilic to "let the player rot" rather than sell him to Marseille for less than the Hammers' asking rate, the former England International has aligned himself firmly with supporters.
Whatever the strong words from Ferdinand however, the former England international knows full well the reality of the situation. In transfer matters, the club do not always have a strong hand and the general consensus is that having an unhappy player on the books does no club any favours. Indeed, while it doesn't always work to the benefit of the selling club, the transfer fee does also allow a team to invest in players who will hopefully make the side stronger.
The problem with this particular transfer tussle isn't that Payet has just signalled his unhappiness with life in the East End, it's more the way the 27-year-old has gone about it that has caused such resentment.
In refusing to play and going on strike, Payet has appalled fans, all of whom would dearly love the opportunity to play for the club they support. Similarly, Bilic and the owners are all obviously shocked and disappointed at the way the France international has responded to the huge contract agreed just last year. He may have his family reason but it's certainly the sense of betrayal that hurts.
Dimitri Payet's future is unclear as Marseille have failed to meet the Hammers' asking price. However, most fans realise the economics of modern football and few blame the opportunity Ferdinand himself took when he left the club in November 2000 to play for Leeds United in the Champions League. Nevertheless, hidden behind the accepted front of any transfer, there often lies a deeper truth -- and Ferdinand himself is testament to the fact.
At the time the Hammers sold Ferdinand for a club record of £18 million to Leeds, as the Yorkshire club and West Ham sat next to each other just outside the top six of the Premier League. It's true that, having won the league title the season before, Leeds were also playing Champions League football, but supporters were torn on the decision to sell Ferdinand at that time.
Some argued that the £18m -- then a British transfer record that made Ferdinand the world's most expensive defender -- could be used to strengthen a Hammers team just outside the accepted elite of the English Premier League. Others felt that West Ham, under no pressure to sell the player, should utilise the skills of the then 20-year-old for a few more years and wait for the inevitable sale to a bigger club later on. Those in the latter camp largely found themselves vindicated when the £18m disappeared in a flurry of poor purchases, while Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for an estimated fee of £30m just two year later.
Rio Ferdinand started his Premier League career with West Ham before moving on to join Leeds United. Had West Ham held onto Ferdinand for another couple of years, the history of the club in the early part of the century would have been manifestly different. As it was, the sale of the popular defender signalled an end to the Hammers' "Golden Generation" and within a short while, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson had all left for greener and more lucrative pastures.
Now it's true that the Dimitri Payet situation isn't following the accepted pattern of West Ham transfers and it's certainly not the case that the sale of the Frenchman will trigger a mass exodus. Nevertheless, it is hard to see any benefit in forcing Payet to stay and, with a bigger stadium and a higher profile, any profit of £10-£15m-plus on the Frenchman should enable the club to bring in some good players. Behind the bluster though, there is some acknowledgment that when, as he surely will, Payet leaves, West Ham will lose a world-class player that they will almost certainly be unable to replace for the money. In that sense, there are parallels with the Ferdinand situation. It's probably this rather than economics of any deal that has made the Hammers play hardball with Payet. On 2016 form, Payet is well worth £30m and West Ham are right to hold out for it.
Where will the standoff end? Well, with the larger gates in their new home, the Hammers believe they can afford to keep the midfielder until the summer, but don't be surprised if some "added extras" deal isn't struck before next week. Ultimately however, there are no winners in this sorry episode and, while it would offer some satisfaction to believe that Payet himself will be the biggest loser, it's likely to be West Ham who will suffer the most.
Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is ESPN FC's West Ham blogger.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 26
Daily WHUFC News -
Superb effort by U17s in Germany
WHUFC.com
Jeremy Ngakia scored the fastest goal in the Wiesbaden Liliencup's 25 year history as West Ham United's U17s finished third at the indoor tournament in Germany at the weekend. The prestigious competition takes place near Frankfurt and the Hammers travelled to the tournament for the very first time. Their group featured U18 regulars Conor Coventry, Ben Johnson and Reece Hannam, and the young Irons showed their class from the get-go. The Hammers were drawn in a group along with Young Boys (Switzerland), SV Darmstadt, SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Mainz 05 and Schalke 04 (all Germany).
Despite playing on German soil and against an array of well-supported German teams, the U17s swept the floor with their opponents, only dropping points in one match throughout the whole group stage. They topped Group B with 13 points ahead of Young Boys, who the Hammers beat 2-1 in a match that will be remembered for Ngakia scoring the fastest goal in the tournament's history. The Group B winners set up a semi-final against Group A runners-up Hamburg, but were unfortunately beaten 2-1 in a close fought contest. However, the Hammers ended the competition on a positive note, thrashing Young Boys 3-0 in the third place match.
Our congratulations goes to all the U17 players and staff for their fantastic achievements!
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Harewood - I couldn't wait to get my shirt off!
HUFC.com
West Ham United defeated Middlesbrough on Saturday - as they did in 2006 FA Cup semi-final
Marlon Harewood was the Hammers' match-winner at Villa Park eleven seasons ago
The former striker reminisced over that unforgettable campaign on a recent visit to London Stadium
If you ask any West Ham United supporter to list their cult heroes, the name Marlon Harewood will appear high on many of them. The whole-hearted centre forward enjoyed three-and-a-half eventful seasons with the Hammers, reaching two Play-Off finals and one FA Cup final and causing a touchline scuffle between then-manager Alan Pardew and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger. The Hampstead-born striker moved to east London in November 2003 after five seasons scoring regularly for his first club Nottingham Forest, with the £500,000 fee paid by Pardew turning out to be one of the many bargains of his successful reign. In 2004/05, Harewood banged in 23 goals in all competitions to help the Hammers to promotion back to the Premier League. The following season, his extra-time strike against Middlesbrough took Pardew's side through to the Club's first FA Cup final in 26 years.
In November of the same year, 2006, the forward's last-gasp goal scored a much-needed 1-0 win for the struggling Hammers over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground. With the mounting pressure on him momentarily lifted, Pardew celebrated wildly along the touchline, angering Wenger to such an extent that the pair engaged in some unsavoury handbags.
In spring 2007, Harewood lost his starting place as Pardew's replacement Alan Curbishley opted for a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Bobby Zamora, and in July the likeable frontman was sold to Aston Villa for a £4m fee. A decade on, the 37-year-old has recently hung up his boots after completing a career spanning 12 clubs, including Chinese outfit Guangzhou R&F and non-league Nuneaton Town, and is concentrating on his successful luxury car business AC13 Premier, providing eye-catching wheels to footballers up and down the country.
Earlier this month, Harewood was back in east London as a guest of the Hammers for the Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester City, where he and former strike partner Dean Ashton caught up with West Ham TV presenter Chris Scull. "The FA Cup semi-final back in 2006 was an amazing day, wasn't it?" Harewood recalled. "It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year. "I couldn't wait to get my shirt off to celebrate!"
Unfortunately for Harewood, his memories of the final as less positive, particularly when Scull reminded him of the late chance that went begging at the Millennium Stadium. Pepe Reina had tipped Nigel Reo-Coker's header onto the post and when the ball fell to a cramp-stricken Harewood, he could only slice his shot wide. It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year
A few minutes later, Liverpool were celebrating a penalty shootout victory and the Hammers were left wondering what might have been.
"It's scary how so many people all remember that moment from a 120-minute plus game!" he recalled with a wry smile. "I couldn't even walk and it's funny how people don't think about me walking, but of me missing the chance! "At that time I was just walking around the pitch because I couldn't get anywhere and we were holding out, then we had a free-kick in the last minute and everyone was in the box, the ball came over and I just tried to swing my leg, and everyone remembers that momen in my life now – especially West Ham fans, obviously! "I was usually penalty-taker and I couldn't take one because I couldn't walk! I would have loved to have taken one and hopefully I'd have scored, but you can't really tell until you've taken one to find out what would have really happened. I'd definitely have been up there."
Fast forward to the present day and Harewood was introduced to the Claret and Blue Army to a rousing reception at London Stadium.
"It's definitely an upgrade and it's nice to come here and watch the lads play," he concluded.
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Cresswell lauds attacking duo
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell hails the form of Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll
Attacking duo have been in outstanding form for West Ham United in recent weeks
Hammers are on a run of five wins in their last seven Premier League matches
Aaron Cresswell says Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are showing the form every West Ham United player knows they are capable of.
Argentine Lanzini has revelled in the No10 role he has filled in the Premier League wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, scoring once against the Eagles and assisting twice at Boro. The left-back has thoroughly enjoyed watching the former River Plate starlet in action and has backed him to continue his form when Manchester City visit London Stadium on Wednesday 1 February. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell confirmed. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first ten games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No10 role and take chances and make chances."
Another player who has been in unstoppable form in recent weeks is Carroll, scoring five times in ten appearances since his return from a knee injury in December. Like everyone else in the Hammers' dressing room Cresswell has been delighted for the popular No9 and observed that the recent upturn in form has coincided with a strong team spirit in the squad. Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," the No3 observed. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."
"We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season. All we can do as professionals is do our job and do it well for the Club and the lads we've got in that dressing room will do that. "Manchester City one of the toughest teams to play against and it was obviously disappointing to go out of the FA Cup the way we did, but we want to rectify that and put things right."
While Manchester City have beaten West Ham in both previous meetings this season – 3-1 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in August and 5-0 at London Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup third round ea lier this month – Cresswell says confidence is high ahead of next week's fixture after victory at Middlesbrough. "That's back-to-back wins, which is not easy," he observed. "We did it over Christmas when we got three wins after a draw, so it's always positives and always puts you up the league, so we want to keep the positivity around the place and keep doing that and we'll be OK. "We played some good stuff in the first half on Saturday and, in some ways, it was disappointing not to score more than two. That said, Andy scored just before half-time, which always helps, and then we managed to get the third goal late on and kill the game off."
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Chelsea match moved
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that the Premier League fixture with Chelsea at London Stadium will now be played on Monday 6 March at 8pm.
The match has been moved to be broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, with the derby set to capture the imagination of football fans the world over. The Hammers and the Blues have met twice already this season, with Antonio Conte's side securing a controversial 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture in August, before Slaven Bilic's side edged a thrilling EFL Cup fourth-round tie by the same scoreline in Stratford in October. In all, the two London clubs have met 41 times in the Premier League, with Chelsea holding the overall edge with 23 wins to West Ham's eleven, with seven draws. Last season, the Hammers scored a memorable 2-1 win over the Stamford Bridge club on their final visit to the Boleyn Ground in October 2015, when Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll scored the goals. Ticket details for this fixture will be announced shortly on whufc.com.
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Here to help
WHUFC.com
London Stadium stewards are settling into life at West Ham United's iconic new home
Many stewards are Hammers fans who previously worked at the Boleyn Ground
Among them are school secretary Helen Matthews and sales adviser Naveed Zahid
Every London Stadium matchday, around a thousand committed stewards give their all to ensure supporters experience a safe and enjoyable visit. The team is drawn from across east London and beyond, from all backgrounds and occupations, but all have two goals in mind – customer service and crowd safety. Employed by stadium operator London Stadium 185, stewards are involved in a wide variety of roles, working on the turnstiles, in the general admission and corporate seating areas and Club London lounges and bars, tunnel and dressing room areas and outside the Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Andrew Bracken is an experienced crowd safety professional and one of a group of outstanding safety officers employed to train and manage London Stadium's stewards. The 33-year-old from north London has enjoyed watching his team grow and settle into life at London Stadium as part of the West Ham family.
"Our staff here have a two-pronged approach – there is a customer service element and a crowd safety element – and they are the only things a steward is responsible for," he explained. "Primarily, it is a customer service role and hopefully the crowd safely element is not required. "If we can be helping customers get to their seats and helping them deal with any queries that they have, particularly in a new stadium like this, that's what we want them to do."
Bracken explained every steward is fully trained and either has, or is working towards, the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Spectator Safety. "In terms of inclusivity, literally anyone and everyone, male or female, can work in what is a customer service role", explained Bracken "It's nice to have a diverse team drawing people from all over east London and offering everything great about the local area."
Six months on from moving into London Stadium, Bracken believes the stewards – like the supporters – are starting to feel at home.
"I think we've come on leaps and bounds," he confirmed. "At the start we had the same psychological barriers to overcome as the supporters moving into a new venue which we weren't used to. "It took time to bed in, but the fans have started to settle in, as have the staff. We're starting to build that rapport that the fans and stewards had at the old ground. Hopefully, that familiarity will breed friendship."
Many of the thousand-plus enthusiastic stewards – the number varies based on a number of match-specific factors – have travelled with West Ham from the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium. Among them are school secretary and mother Helen Matthews and London City Airport sales adviser Naveed Zahid. Both are enjoying their new home and encouraged other Hammers fans to join them in caring for the needs of their fellow supporters. "I come from a family of West Ham supporters and lived locally to the ground in Plaistow, the job was advertised and I've now been stewarding at the Club for 15 years," Matthews, 52, revealed. "I enjoyed it at Upton Park and I've been doing it ever since. "We have a great relationship with the fans and some of them have even invited me to their weddings and send me Christmas cards! It really is a good job and a fun job. "Crowd safety is the main priority, as is making sure the fans have the best-possible experience when they come to the match, whatever the result. "As long as you know nothing untoward has happened in your area and the fans have had a good experience and will enjoy coming back, you can go home happy and take real satisfaction from the job you have done."
Zahid may be just 23, but he has already been stewarding at Hammers matches for seven seasons, and is looking forward to doing so for many more years to come. "I really enjoyed my role as a steward at Upton Park and am enjoying it at London Stadium too," he said. "It's a very good opportunity to take on, as you gain a lot of experience from it and can learn a lot from your supervisors and managers. "I've done my NVQ Level 2 and have an SIA (Security Industry Authority) Licence and am working towards my Level 3 to become a supervisor and then take on a full-time role. "I enjoy every matchday, getting to know people and the fans. I see a lot of the same people from Upton Park and it's been pleasurable getting to know them again at London Stadium. "I'm watching the crowd rather than the game, but I do enjoy seeing myself on Match of the Day!"
*If you are interested in becoming a London Stadium matchday steward, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk for information about how to apply.
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West Ham and Burnley have Robert Snodgrass bids accepted by Hull - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 10:20pm
SSN
West Ham and Burnley have bids accepted for Hull City's Robert Snodgrass, Sky sources say. West Ham, Burnley and Middlesbrough have all been bidding for the Scotland international since the transfer window opened, and the Clarets were successful with an offer of around £10m on Wednesday. The Hammers responded by raising their own offer - a third - which was accepted by Hull later in the day. Sky Sports News HQ understands Middlesbrough's current offer also totals £10m but is structured differently to the new bid from Burnley. Snodgrass is Hull's top scorer this season, with nine goals in all competitions, and was on target in the 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor back in September. Hull activated an option to extend the 29-year-old's contract in December, and his current deal is now due to expire in the summer of 2018. The club's new head coach Marco Silva has been busy adding to his squad since his arrival in the first week of January and sources say the club are looking to bring in four or five additional new players before the window shuts. Evandro Goebel has joined on a permanent deal from FC Porto, while Oumar Niasse and Omar Elabdellaoui have signed on loan from Everton and Olympiakos respectively. And on Monday, Silva was able to complete the signing of winger Lazar Markovic from Liverpool on loan for the rest of the season. They have also allowed Jake Livermore to join West Brom for a fee in the region of £10m, while goalkeeper Allan McGregor has signed for Cardiff on loan.
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Manuel Lanzini can become West Ham's main playmaker, says Aaron Cresswell
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 25/01/17 3:16pm
SSNHQ
Aaron Cresswell has praised Manuel Lanzini for his recent good form and backed the Argentine to become West Ham's main playmaker.
The Hammers have won back-to-back Premier League matches without wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, who is currently training with the club's U23s as negotiations continue over his proposed return to Marseille. Lanzini has stepped up in the France international's absence, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and providing two assists in last Saturday's 3-1 at Middlesbrough. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell told the club's website. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first 10 games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No 10 role and take chances and make chances."
Cresswell also praised fit-again Andy Carroll after the forward followed up his sensational bicycle kick goal against Palace with another two strikes at the Riverside. Carroll returned from a three-month lay-off with a knee injury in December and has featured 10 times for Slaven Bilic's side, scoring five times. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," Cresswell added. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."
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Peter Odemwingie sides with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:28pm
SSN
Peter Odemwingie believes football supporters show no loyalty to players let go by clubs and has sided with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham. Payet is currently attempting to force through a move back to the former club Marseille and has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave. Odemwingie infamously attempted to secure a Deadline Day switch from West Bromwich Albion to Queens Park Rangers in January 2013, which saw him drive to Loftus Road despite no fee being agreed between the clubs. He was subsequently disciplined by the Baggies for his actions, but did return to first-team action under then-manager Steve Clarke before sealing a move to Cardiff City In September 2013. "Personally, I will always take the side of the player because you can't go against the club, you are just an individual," the 35-year-old, now of Rotherham United, told Premier League Daily. "You will get to a stage where if the club chooses to move you, sometimes a club gets a transfer list of players they don't want, but fans don't stick up for those players who the club said they did not want. "They are showing no loyalty to those players that maybe came back from injury and all they think is that they want to go for better players. Fans don't talk about players that the club has moved on. "Every individual has a choice to make for himself and it's his own decision. "In the case of Payet, he has done well for the club, they are not making any losses and a good judgement has to be made because Slaven Bilic said last week this situation is not good for anyone."
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Marseille tell West Ham they will pay no more than £25m for Dimitri Payet
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 12:24pm
SSN
Marseille have told West Ham they will not pay more than £25m to sign Dimitri Payet, Sky Sports News HQ understands. Sky sources understand a split has emerged between Marseille officials, with some wanting to abandon their pursuit of the 29-year-old and some still keen to continue negotiations with West Ham. A source involved in the negotiations has told SSNHQ that it is looking more likely the French club's pursuit of Payet will go to Deadline Day when they will try and take the France international on loan.
Payet has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave the club before the close of the January transfer window. The Hammers have rejected three bids for Payet from his former club, the last of which was worth £22.5m, and value him at £30m. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer of 2015, wants to return to the south of France because of family reasons. He has scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham and was rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal last February. West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League matches without Payet, which has lifted them into the top half of the table.
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Rangers in advanced talks with West Ham over Reece Oxford loan
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:24pm
SSN
Rangers are in advanced talks to sign West Ham defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season, according to Sky sources.
The centre-half, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, recently signed a new deal with the Hammers tying him to the London Stadium until the summer of 2021. He could now join Mark Warburton's squad as Rangers push for a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and success in the Scottish Cup. Before signing his contract last month, Oxford had been linked with a move away from West Ham and Manchester United were among those credited with an interest in him. Oxford became West Ham's youngest-ever first-team player at the age of 16 years and 198 days when he started their Europa League qualifier against Andorran side FC Lusitanos in July 2015. He went on to make a total of 12 appearances for the club in 2015/16 and became the second youngest Premier League player of all time as he impressed in a 2-0 win at Arsenal. This season his outings have been more limited - he has played only twice at senior level - but he has just recovered from an ankle injury. Oxford, an England U20 international, will become Rangers' third loan signing of the January transfer window if he moves following the arrivals of Jon Toral from Arsenal and Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman.
The teenager would compete for a starting berth with Clint Hill, Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan and Philippe Senderos.
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Mauro Zarate returns to the Premier League with Watford
Date published: Wednesday 25th January 2017 3:33
Mauro Zarate West Ham TEAMtalk
Watford have signed Argentinian forward Mauro Zarate from Fiorentina, the club have announced. The 29-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal from the Serie A outfit where he has scored four goals in nine starts this season. Zarate returns to the Premier League following previous spells with West Ham, QPR and Birmingham.
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West Ham United considering Glasgow Rangers' approach for Reece Oxford
Aiden Cusick
Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton is trying to land the West Ham United defender on loan. Glasgow Rangers have made a loan enquiry for West Ham United's Reece Oxford, according to the Daily Mail. And it is claimed the Hammers are mulling over whether or not to allow the teenage defender to move to Ibrox on a temporary basis. Rangers have already acquired two loan signings from English Premier League sides this month, with Emerson Hyndman and Jon Toral arriving from Bournemouth and Arsenal respectively. And with the pair both midfielders, it is likely that the versatile Oxford is being earmarked for a central defensive role by Gers boss Mark Warburton. Oxford burst on to the scene on the opening day of last season, impressing in West Ham's 2-0 win at Arsenal at the age of 16. Now 18, the England youth international is yet to feature in a Premier League fixture this season, but remains part of the Hammers' long term plans having signed a new four-and-a-half year deal in December.
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Dimitri Payet's transfer standstill is holding up a complex chain of moves affecting at least five clubs
The Frenchman's protracted departure is affecting clubs at home and abroad, as well as up and down the football pyramid
Jack Pitt-Brooke @jackpittbrooke
The Independent Football
Negotiations between West Ham United and Marseille for Dimitri Payet has created a chain of transfers that cannot be completed until Payet is sold. The chain leads through the Championship all the way down to Coventry City, currently at the bottom of League One.
Payet has made no secret of his desperation to return to Marseille for family reasons. West Ham accept that a sale is the best option for all parties but they have not yet received an offer anywhere near their valuation from the French club.
Marseille have made three bids for Payet so far, the third of which was just under £23million. West Ham's initial asking price was £35m, far beyond Marseille's reach, but there is now confidence in France that West Ham will sell for somewhere just above £25m. Marseille are in no rush, though, and want to push West Ham all the way until the end of window to get the best deal for the player they sold to West Ham for £10.7m in 2015.
But until Payet is sold to Marseille, West Ham are reluctant to close the deal for Scott Hogan, the Brentford forward they are chasing. West Ham and Brentford have agreed a basic fee close to £12m but are still haggling over add-ons that could take the total deal closer to £15m. No deal between the clubs has been reached yet but Hogan has been left out of Brentford's side recently in expectation that it will.
Brentford have already lined up the players they want to sign when Hogan is sold. Dean Smith wants more talented youngsters in his side so has targeted Sergi Canos, so impressive at Griffin Park last year, and Ben Stevenson of Coventry City. Norwich City will sell Canos for £2.5million, the fee they paid for him, but Brentford cannot make a formal bid until they have the Hogan money. Canos would like to return to Brentford, but Leeds United are also keen.
Brentford made two bids of £500,000 and £1m for Stevenson at the start of the month and wanted the deal done quickly. Coventry were initially looking for £1.5m but now that they know Brentford are likely to sell Hogan, they want closer to £2.5m for their most talented youngster.
The likelihood is that all four deals will be completed by the end of the month although Payet will have to be sold for the rest of the deals to happen, leaving Brentford, Norwich and Coventry waiting.
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Rangers make enquiry about a loan for West Ham defender Reece Oxford
Sportsmail understand Rangers made contact with West Ham this week
West Ham consider Reece Oxford to have tremendous potential
Slaven Bilic has said Oxford has the ability to become a world class player
By Riath Al-Samarrai for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:02, 25 January 2017 | UPDATED: 12:04, 25 January 2017
Rangers have made contact with West Ham in a bid to take defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season. Sportsmail understands an enquiry was made this week and is being mulled over by West Ham, who see tremendous potential in the 18-year-old but have been unable to give him game time this season. Slaven Bilic has previously stated his belief that Oxford will go on to become 'world class' and it is known that Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal monitored him before he was handed a four-and-a-half year deal on his birthday in December. But an ankle injury kept him out for two months this season, with the centre-back appearing only in the Europa League qualifiers at the start of the campaign. He made West Ham's bench three times in January, but is yet to play in a league game this season. Rangers now hope West Ham will be tempted to let Oxford leave temporarily this month to gain some playing time. Speaking in December, after West Ham extended Oxford's contract, Bilic said: 'I really believe he has got everything. 'On paper he has all the abilities to become a world-class player and it is now up to him to train hard and for us to manage him well for him to fulfil it.' Oxford was the second youngest player to start a Premier League match when he made his competitive debut against Arsenal, aged 16, at the start of last season.
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West Ham unlikely to match £10m Robert Snodgrass fee agreed between Hull and Burnley
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are not expected to match the roughly £10million fee agreed between Burnley and Hull for Robert Snodgrass. The Scottish winger has been at the centre of a bidding war involving several Premier League clubs, including the Hammers, who saw a £6m bid rejected earlier in the transfer window. Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace have also been linked with Hull's top scorer but Standard Sport understands that interest in Snodgrass has cooled at the London Stadium since West Ham saw their second bid rejected. Sofiane Feghouli's improved form at least partly explains why West Ham may have moved on from Snodgrass, who would be competing with the Algerian for a wide berth in Slaven Bilic's side that can also be filled by Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini. Hull head coach Marco Silva has already made plans for life without Snodgrass, bringing in Lazar Markovic on loan from Liverpool. Snodgrass will not feature for Hull in tomorrow's EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
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Leave him to rot' - Rio Ferdinand slams Dimitri Payet for 'lack of respect' to West Ham
The former Hammers and Manchester United man has had his say on the Frenchman's behaviour
BYOLIVER HARBORD
10:52, 25 JAN 2017
Football.London
Former West Ham defender turned pundit Rio Ferdinand has launched an extraordinary tirade on wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet.
The Frenchman still remains in east London following three rejected bids by the Hammers from Payet's former club, Marseille, to take him back to France. It's been more than a fortnight since the 29-year-old downed tools, informing Slaven Bilic he no longer wanted to play for the club and has been banished to the U23s at Chadwell Heath ever since. In the meantime, the Hammers have won two games in a row without Payet in the side against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, showing that he and his toxic ways are no longer welcome. Payet has been booted out of the players' Whatsapp group and banned from the next team night out.
West Ham are expecting a fourth bid from Marseille before the transfer window shuts but with the club in no rush to sell and preferring a summer sale with a more open market, it's not a necessity that the attacking midfielder will be on his way in January.
Speaking to the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show on TalkSport, Ferdinand – who came through the youth ranks at West Ham before going on to play for Leeds and Manchester United – said manager Slaven Bilic and the club must continue to take their hard-line stance with the exile.
Ferdinand said: "If I was the gaffer there I would say, 'listen, until I get what I want for you money-wise, you can sit and rot'. That's the way I'd be. The club is bigger than any football player, and if the respect has been taken out of the situation then you've got to deal with it accordingly. "I can understand the frustration and the anger among the West Ham fans. I think every West Ham fan – or every football fan – if you gave them a chance to play for their club they would cut their right arm off to play. They can't understand why he's being paid so much money [but refusing to play]."A bit more respect is due from Payet because without West Ham, would he have gone to the Euros [last summer]? Would we all be speaking about him? And would he be on the type of money he is now? I don't think he would because West Ham gave him the platform to become what he is now. "Sometimes, not just from clubs but from players as well, there are short memories in this game. He's got to be a bit more respectful, although saying that we don't know the ins and outs of the story and what's gone on behind the scenes, so we have to reserve judgement in some capacity."
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Sofiane Feghouli admits struggling to settle but insists he won't do a Dimitri Payet at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has lifted the lid on his struggles but insists he won't be doing a Dimitri Payet. France star Payet rocked the Hammers earlier this month when he told manager Slaven Bilic he would never kick a ball for the club again if they did not sell him back to former club Marseille. Payet is reportedly homesick and is desperate to return to France to be with his family who failed to settle in London. Bilic and West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan insist Payet will only be sold if Marseille meet their valuation and he is currently training with the club's development team away from the first team squad. Captain Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid have all hinted the team spirit is better without Payet's brooding attitude. Results on the pitch have backed that up with back-to-back 3-0 and 3-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively pushing the Hammers into the top half of the Premier League table. In Payet's absence one of Bilic's summer signings Sofiane Feghouli has stepped up to the plate with vastly improved performances. The skillful Algerian looked like he may be offloaded to Roma after struggling to impress during West Ham's torrid first half of the season.
And while the former Valencia man has admitted on the club's official website he has struggled to adapt to life in London, he insists his family will not be forcing him to do a Payet. "To begin with it was tough when I was struggling to be given a chance," Feghouli told whufc.com. "London doesn't quite feel like home just yet, but it's a lovely city and people are very open here. "It's hard when things aren't going as well on the pitch, it's harder to feel at home but things are looking up in that regard and I'm very happy here.
"My family is very happy here too. The Club always does everything they can to help new players settle in, too."
A first league goal for the Hammers against Palace seems to have done Feghouli the world of good as he slowly rediscovers the confidence which made him a favourite at Valencia. His lack of game time saw him left out of Algeria's African Nations squad. But that could turn out to be a blessing in disguise after they were knocked out after just two games.
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IVAN PERISIC: THE MAN THAT SLAV MADE
By Zaman Siddiqui
WTID
Guest post by Aleksandar Babac
NOTE FROM ZAMAN: The author writes from a Croatian perspective on the potential signing of Ivan Perisic. He is also the creator of the largest West Ham-based Croatian Facebook page.
"I was very honoured when Slaven Bilic called me for my first international duty with the Croatian national team – it was just a month after my 22nd birthday. A month later, for my second cap, Slaven put me into the starting XI for a friendly against France. Slaven showed me that he counted on me and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life."
With those chosen words, Ivan Perisic, the world class Inter Milan left-winger, spoke about Slaven Bilic. Croatian fans and newspapers are absolutely delighted about the possibility that Slaven could line up an ambitious move for the experienced 27 year-old, who could become only the sixth Croat in the Claret and Blue jersey. He will take the place of Payet.
However, in the last few days, media from Croatia, France, and Spain have said that the move is very unlikely to take place. Internazionale Milano must sell some players in accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, and they are ready to sacrifice Ivan Perisic on whom they have already put a price tag of €40M.
But just who is Ivan Perisic? Well, he is one of the best Croatian players at the moment and is a star for Inter. This fast, powerful, and skillful left winger is very strong in aerial duels. On top of that, he is good on both feet.
Ivan was born in Split (the second-largest city of Croatia) and started his youth career in Hajduk Split… just like our very own Slav! He was just 17 when he moved to Sochaux in Ligue 1. Four years later in 2011, he was the top league scorer playing for Club Brugge at the time, and received the best player award in the Belgian Jupiler League.
After Slaven's call to the Croatian National team, Ivan established himself as irreplaceable member of the Croatian team earning 55 caps and scoring 16 goals. Under Slaven's command, Ivan participated at EURO 2012 playing in the group matches. Scoring six goals in the EURO 2016 qualifying round, Perisic become Croatia's top scorer in qualification adding two more in the tournament, which included the winner against Spain.
Bilic actually "invented" Ivan Perisic, and there is a strong bond between them. Ivan's style of play is the product of Hajduk's youth academy which he joined in 2000. At the time, Slaven was the manager of the club. Croatian fans simply adore Ivan Perisic, as well as Slav! In 2014, Croatian supporters officially gave him the Vatrena Krila – an award for the "Best and Biggest Hearted Player". In the same year, Slaven won the lifetime achievement award.
But it is not just Croatian fans who adore him. He is often booked for his rather passionate goal celebrations with the fans… and keep in mind he scores a lot of goals, so the cards do pile up! During his eight seasons spent at Clubb Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, and Inter Milan, he has scored 72 league goals in 235 matches, which statistically makes him more effective than the money-grabbing snake.
Whilst the chances of us actually signing him are slim to none, there is a sense of optimism here that Slaven will do all he possibly can to bring Perisic to the East End of London. George Dobson will have to make way with his no. 44 shirt for the new marquee signing!
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West Ham to allow bigger flags at London Stadium... but only if they are approved by club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham fans have been granted their wish to bring flags to the London Stadium… but only if they are approved by the club in advance.
In a meeting between vice-chairman Karren Brady and fan representatives the London Stadium match day experience was a key concern.
The club have entered negotiations with the stadium operators to allow fans to bring bigger flags to the ground; current regulations limit the size of any flag to 2m x 2m. However to have any new flag approved supporters must contact the club 72 hours in advance, with West Ham confirming in their statement on the club website that the following information must be provided:
A picture of the flag
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Supporter's season ticket seat number
Brady also announced new measures to improve stewarding at the stadium, which experienced several high-profile cases of supporter unrest in the early months of the season. These measures include inviting all ex-West Ham stewards to work at the London Stadium and consistently deploying staff in the same area "wherever possible". "We always knew it would take time for everyone – the team, the board, supporters and stewards – to settle into life at our new home, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction," Brady said. "We are working with the other stakeholders to ensure that we can take real action to deal with the issues our fans have raised."
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MLS Moves: Orlando City snags Spector
by Ridge Mahoney, January 25th, 2017 1:39AM
Soccer America Daily
More than a decade after kick-starting his career with the U.S. Residency program in Bradenton, Florida, Jonathan Spector has returned to the state to play for its MLS team. Orlando City confirmed Tuesday the acquisition of Spector, 30, as a Discovery Player. He has played more than 270 league matches in England, and earned 36 U.S. senior caps from 2004 to 2015. "It's no secret we have been looking for another defender," said Lions general manager Niki Budalic in a team statement. "Jonathan brings the leadership and character we've been looking for. His experience will be a valuable asset to build a competitive squad."
The native of Arlington Heights, Ill., started his pro career with Manchester United after playing for the U.S. at the 2003 FIFA U-17 world championships in Finland. He played on loan with Charlton Athletic and represented the U.S. in the U-20 World Cup in 2005 before joining West Ham United, for which he played 115 league and cup games from 2006 to 2011. He then joined Birmingham City of the League Championship and played 179 games prior to his release this week that paved the way for him to sign with Orlando City. He had played 23 matches (22 in the League Championship) for Birmingham City this season prior to his release. "I've been playing in England for 14 years and now just sort of felt like the right time to make the move back to the States for a number of reasons," said Spector in a team press release. "For one, it will obviously be a great opportunity for me and my family, but also important is the opportunity to play in the States again.
"I've had a few different clubs there over my 14-year career thus far and I don't know, it just seems right coming back to Florida, and certainly what the ownership and Niki is doing here as well as [head coach] Jason Kreis, I spoke to him. He talked to me about the club, certainly the support of the club here from the fans and within the community. It all just kind of felt right and everything seems to be falling into place for me in this very short period of time."
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West Ham star Winston Reid looks to have aimed a not-so-subtle dig at Dimitri Payet
HITC
Damien Lucas
Kicked out of the team WhatsApp, criticised by Mark Noble and Andy Carroll, has Winston Reid now had a pop at West Ham United outcast Dimitri Payet? A forlorn Slaven Bilic told the world's press earlier this month that his talismanic Frenchman was effectively on strike and refusing to play for the club. Despite not reaching the same levels he set last season and at the European Championships with France, this term Payet has still statistically been West Ham's most creative player this season. But his attitude and application has been questioned by Hammers fans all season, long before the recent revelations that the player is desperate to force through a return to former club Marseille. Bilic, along with Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, have insisted the player will not be sold unless their valuation is met. In Payet's absence, West Ham have won back-to-back league games 3-0 and 3-1 against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively to climb to a season high 10th place in the table. It has prompted many to suggest that a brooding Payet was actually having a negative impact on the team as a whole. And now Hammers favourite Winston Reid has seemingly posted a not-so-subtle dig at the Frenchman on Instagram. The New Zealand skipper posted a picture of him and his teammates celebrating after victory on Teeside with the simple message: "Teamwork, perfect." It comes after Andy Carroll told Sky Sports that the Payet situation would not derail the team's morale and insisted no player is bigger than the club. Mark Noble also revealed his previously close relationship with Payet was no more, telling The Sun he has not spoken to him 'for weeks'.
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West Ham forward Andre Ayew denies reports he contracted malaria on Africa Cup of Nations duty
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham forward Andre Ayew has denied reports claiming he has contracted malaria while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ayew plays for Ghana and is currently in Gabon representing his nation as they bid to lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history. Ghana have already booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, having beaten Uganada and Mali in their opening two games. The Black Stars face Egypt in their final Group D this evening and Ayew has moved to deny incorrect reports suggesting he has been suffering from the infectious disease. "'I wasn't feeling well," he told West Ham's official website. "I had some temperature and therefore had little training for two days but the medical team treated me well. "I felt I could help and I gave it my all and I'm very happy we got the qualification."
Ghana, who are managed by former West Ham boss Avram Grant, need to avoid defeat against Egypt to ensure they finish top of their group. Meanwhile, Ayew's fellow Hammers representative Cheikhou Kouyate will also feature in the latter stages of the tournament.
The midfielder represents Senegal, who have progressed to the quarter finals, where they will face Cameroon.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jeremy Ngakia scored the fastest goal in the Wiesbaden Liliencup's 25 year history as West Ham United's U17s finished third at the indoor tournament in Germany at the weekend. The prestigious competition takes place near Frankfurt and the Hammers travelled to the tournament for the very first time. Their group featured U18 regulars Conor Coventry, Ben Johnson and Reece Hannam, and the young Irons showed their class from the get-go. The Hammers were drawn in a group along with Young Boys (Switzerland), SV Darmstadt, SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Mainz 05 and Schalke 04 (all Germany).
Despite playing on German soil and against an array of well-supported German teams, the U17s swept the floor with their opponents, only dropping points in one match throughout the whole group stage. They topped Group B with 13 points ahead of Young Boys, who the Hammers beat 2-1 in a match that will be remembered for Ngakia scoring the fastest goal in the tournament's history. The Group B winners set up a semi-final against Group A runners-up Hamburg, but were unfortunately beaten 2-1 in a close fought contest. However, the Hammers ended the competition on a positive note, thrashing Young Boys 3-0 in the third place match.
Our congratulations goes to all the U17 players and staff for their fantastic achievements!
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Harewood - I couldn't wait to get my shirt off!
HUFC.com
West Ham United defeated Middlesbrough on Saturday - as they did in 2006 FA Cup semi-final
Marlon Harewood was the Hammers' match-winner at Villa Park eleven seasons ago
The former striker reminisced over that unforgettable campaign on a recent visit to London Stadium
If you ask any West Ham United supporter to list their cult heroes, the name Marlon Harewood will appear high on many of them. The whole-hearted centre forward enjoyed three-and-a-half eventful seasons with the Hammers, reaching two Play-Off finals and one FA Cup final and causing a touchline scuffle between then-manager Alan Pardew and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger. The Hampstead-born striker moved to east London in November 2003 after five seasons scoring regularly for his first club Nottingham Forest, with the £500,000 fee paid by Pardew turning out to be one of the many bargains of his successful reign. In 2004/05, Harewood banged in 23 goals in all competitions to help the Hammers to promotion back to the Premier League. The following season, his extra-time strike against Middlesbrough took Pardew's side through to the Club's first FA Cup final in 26 years.
In November of the same year, 2006, the forward's last-gasp goal scored a much-needed 1-0 win for the struggling Hammers over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground. With the mounting pressure on him momentarily lifted, Pardew celebrated wildly along the touchline, angering Wenger to such an extent that the pair engaged in some unsavoury handbags.
In spring 2007, Harewood lost his starting place as Pardew's replacement Alan Curbishley opted for a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Bobby Zamora, and in July the likeable frontman was sold to Aston Villa for a £4m fee. A decade on, the 37-year-old has recently hung up his boots after completing a career spanning 12 clubs, including Chinese outfit Guangzhou R&F and non-league Nuneaton Town, and is concentrating on his successful luxury car business AC13 Premier, providing eye-catching wheels to footballers up and down the country.
Earlier this month, Harewood was back in east London as a guest of the Hammers for the Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester City, where he and former strike partner Dean Ashton caught up with West Ham TV presenter Chris Scull. "The FA Cup semi-final back in 2006 was an amazing day, wasn't it?" Harewood recalled. "It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year. "I couldn't wait to get my shirt off to celebrate!"
Unfortunately for Harewood, his memories of the final as less positive, particularly when Scull reminded him of the late chance that went begging at the Millennium Stadium. Pepe Reina had tipped Nigel Reo-Coker's header onto the post and when the ball fell to a cramp-stricken Harewood, he could only slice his shot wide. It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year
A few minutes later, Liverpool were celebrating a penalty shootout victory and the Hammers were left wondering what might have been.
"It's scary how so many people all remember that moment from a 120-minute plus game!" he recalled with a wry smile. "I couldn't even walk and it's funny how people don't think about me walking, but of me missing the chance! "At that time I was just walking around the pitch because I couldn't get anywhere and we were holding out, then we had a free-kick in the last minute and everyone was in the box, the ball came over and I just tried to swing my leg, and everyone remembers that momen in my life now – especially West Ham fans, obviously! "I was usually penalty-taker and I couldn't take one because I couldn't walk! I would have loved to have taken one and hopefully I'd have scored, but you can't really tell until you've taken one to find out what would have really happened. I'd definitely have been up there."
Fast forward to the present day and Harewood was introduced to the Claret and Blue Army to a rousing reception at London Stadium.
"It's definitely an upgrade and it's nice to come here and watch the lads play," he concluded.
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Cresswell lauds attacking duo
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell hails the form of Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll
Attacking duo have been in outstanding form for West Ham United in recent weeks
Hammers are on a run of five wins in their last seven Premier League matches
Aaron Cresswell says Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are showing the form every West Ham United player knows they are capable of.
Argentine Lanzini has revelled in the No10 role he has filled in the Premier League wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, scoring once against the Eagles and assisting twice at Boro. The left-back has thoroughly enjoyed watching the former River Plate starlet in action and has backed him to continue his form when Manchester City visit London Stadium on Wednesday 1 February. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell confirmed. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first ten games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No10 role and take chances and make chances."
Another player who has been in unstoppable form in recent weeks is Carroll, scoring five times in ten appearances since his return from a knee injury in December. Like everyone else in the Hammers' dressing room Cresswell has been delighted for the popular No9 and observed that the recent upturn in form has coincided with a strong team spirit in the squad. Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," the No3 observed. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."
"We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season. All we can do as professionals is do our job and do it well for the Club and the lads we've got in that dressing room will do that. "Manchester City one of the toughest teams to play against and it was obviously disappointing to go out of the FA Cup the way we did, but we want to rectify that and put things right."
While Manchester City have beaten West Ham in both previous meetings this season – 3-1 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in August and 5-0 at London Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup third round ea lier this month – Cresswell says confidence is high ahead of next week's fixture after victory at Middlesbrough. "That's back-to-back wins, which is not easy," he observed. "We did it over Christmas when we got three wins after a draw, so it's always positives and always puts you up the league, so we want to keep the positivity around the place and keep doing that and we'll be OK. "We played some good stuff in the first half on Saturday and, in some ways, it was disappointing not to score more than two. That said, Andy scored just before half-time, which always helps, and then we managed to get the third goal late on and kill the game off."
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Chelsea match moved
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that the Premier League fixture with Chelsea at London Stadium will now be played on Monday 6 March at 8pm.
The match has been moved to be broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, with the derby set to capture the imagination of football fans the world over. The Hammers and the Blues have met twice already this season, with Antonio Conte's side securing a controversial 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture in August, before Slaven Bilic's side edged a thrilling EFL Cup fourth-round tie by the same scoreline in Stratford in October. In all, the two London clubs have met 41 times in the Premier League, with Chelsea holding the overall edge with 23 wins to West Ham's eleven, with seven draws. Last season, the Hammers scored a memorable 2-1 win over the Stamford Bridge club on their final visit to the Boleyn Ground in October 2015, when Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll scored the goals. Ticket details for this fixture will be announced shortly on whufc.com.
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Here to help
WHUFC.com
London Stadium stewards are settling into life at West Ham United's iconic new home
Many stewards are Hammers fans who previously worked at the Boleyn Ground
Among them are school secretary Helen Matthews and sales adviser Naveed Zahid
Every London Stadium matchday, around a thousand committed stewards give their all to ensure supporters experience a safe and enjoyable visit. The team is drawn from across east London and beyond, from all backgrounds and occupations, but all have two goals in mind – customer service and crowd safety. Employed by stadium operator London Stadium 185, stewards are involved in a wide variety of roles, working on the turnstiles, in the general admission and corporate seating areas and Club London lounges and bars, tunnel and dressing room areas and outside the Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Andrew Bracken is an experienced crowd safety professional and one of a group of outstanding safety officers employed to train and manage London Stadium's stewards. The 33-year-old from north London has enjoyed watching his team grow and settle into life at London Stadium as part of the West Ham family.
"Our staff here have a two-pronged approach – there is a customer service element and a crowd safety element – and they are the only things a steward is responsible for," he explained. "Primarily, it is a customer service role and hopefully the crowd safely element is not required. "If we can be helping customers get to their seats and helping them deal with any queries that they have, particularly in a new stadium like this, that's what we want them to do."
Bracken explained every steward is fully trained and either has, or is working towards, the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Spectator Safety. "In terms of inclusivity, literally anyone and everyone, male or female, can work in what is a customer service role", explained Bracken "It's nice to have a diverse team drawing people from all over east London and offering everything great about the local area."
Six months on from moving into London Stadium, Bracken believes the stewards – like the supporters – are starting to feel at home.
"I think we've come on leaps and bounds," he confirmed. "At the start we had the same psychological barriers to overcome as the supporters moving into a new venue which we weren't used to. "It took time to bed in, but the fans have started to settle in, as have the staff. We're starting to build that rapport that the fans and stewards had at the old ground. Hopefully, that familiarity will breed friendship."
Many of the thousand-plus enthusiastic stewards – the number varies based on a number of match-specific factors – have travelled with West Ham from the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium. Among them are school secretary and mother Helen Matthews and London City Airport sales adviser Naveed Zahid. Both are enjoying their new home and encouraged other Hammers fans to join them in caring for the needs of their fellow supporters. "I come from a family of West Ham supporters and lived locally to the ground in Plaistow, the job was advertised and I've now been stewarding at the Club for 15 years," Matthews, 52, revealed. "I enjoyed it at Upton Park and I've been doing it ever since. "We have a great relationship with the fans and some of them have even invited me to their weddings and send me Christmas cards! It really is a good job and a fun job. "Crowd safety is the main priority, as is making sure the fans have the best-possible experience when they come to the match, whatever the result. "As long as you know nothing untoward has happened in your area and the fans have had a good experience and will enjoy coming back, you can go home happy and take real satisfaction from the job you have done."
Zahid may be just 23, but he has already been stewarding at Hammers matches for seven seasons, and is looking forward to doing so for many more years to come. "I really enjoyed my role as a steward at Upton Park and am enjoying it at London Stadium too," he said. "It's a very good opportunity to take on, as you gain a lot of experience from it and can learn a lot from your supervisors and managers. "I've done my NVQ Level 2 and have an SIA (Security Industry Authority) Licence and am working towards my Level 3 to become a supervisor and then take on a full-time role. "I enjoy every matchday, getting to know people and the fans. I see a lot of the same people from Upton Park and it's been pleasurable getting to know them again at London Stadium. "I'm watching the crowd rather than the game, but I do enjoy seeing myself on Match of the Day!"
*If you are interested in becoming a London Stadium matchday steward, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk for information about how to apply.
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West Ham and Burnley have Robert Snodgrass bids accepted by Hull - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 10:20pm
SSN
West Ham and Burnley have bids accepted for Hull City's Robert Snodgrass, Sky sources say. West Ham, Burnley and Middlesbrough have all been bidding for the Scotland international since the transfer window opened, and the Clarets were successful with an offer of around £10m on Wednesday. The Hammers responded by raising their own offer - a third - which was accepted by Hull later in the day. Sky Sports News HQ understands Middlesbrough's current offer also totals £10m but is structured differently to the new bid from Burnley. Snodgrass is Hull's top scorer this season, with nine goals in all competitions, and was on target in the 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor back in September. Hull activated an option to extend the 29-year-old's contract in December, and his current deal is now due to expire in the summer of 2018. The club's new head coach Marco Silva has been busy adding to his squad since his arrival in the first week of January and sources say the club are looking to bring in four or five additional new players before the window shuts. Evandro Goebel has joined on a permanent deal from FC Porto, while Oumar Niasse and Omar Elabdellaoui have signed on loan from Everton and Olympiakos respectively. And on Monday, Silva was able to complete the signing of winger Lazar Markovic from Liverpool on loan for the rest of the season. They have also allowed Jake Livermore to join West Brom for a fee in the region of £10m, while goalkeeper Allan McGregor has signed for Cardiff on loan.
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Manuel Lanzini can become West Ham's main playmaker, says Aaron Cresswell
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 25/01/17 3:16pm
SSNHQ
Aaron Cresswell has praised Manuel Lanzini for his recent good form and backed the Argentine to become West Ham's main playmaker.
The Hammers have won back-to-back Premier League matches without wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, who is currently training with the club's U23s as negotiations continue over his proposed return to Marseille. Lanzini has stepped up in the France international's absence, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and providing two assists in last Saturday's 3-1 at Middlesbrough. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell told the club's website. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first 10 games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No 10 role and take chances and make chances."
Cresswell also praised fit-again Andy Carroll after the forward followed up his sensational bicycle kick goal against Palace with another two strikes at the Riverside. Carroll returned from a three-month lay-off with a knee injury in December and has featured 10 times for Slaven Bilic's side, scoring five times. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," Cresswell added. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."
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Peter Odemwingie sides with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:28pm
SSN
Peter Odemwingie believes football supporters show no loyalty to players let go by clubs and has sided with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham. Payet is currently attempting to force through a move back to the former club Marseille and has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave. Odemwingie infamously attempted to secure a Deadline Day switch from West Bromwich Albion to Queens Park Rangers in January 2013, which saw him drive to Loftus Road despite no fee being agreed between the clubs. He was subsequently disciplined by the Baggies for his actions, but did return to first-team action under then-manager Steve Clarke before sealing a move to Cardiff City In September 2013. "Personally, I will always take the side of the player because you can't go against the club, you are just an individual," the 35-year-old, now of Rotherham United, told Premier League Daily. "You will get to a stage where if the club chooses to move you, sometimes a club gets a transfer list of players they don't want, but fans don't stick up for those players who the club said they did not want. "They are showing no loyalty to those players that maybe came back from injury and all they think is that they want to go for better players. Fans don't talk about players that the club has moved on. "Every individual has a choice to make for himself and it's his own decision. "In the case of Payet, he has done well for the club, they are not making any losses and a good judgement has to be made because Slaven Bilic said last week this situation is not good for anyone."
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Marseille tell West Ham they will pay no more than £25m for Dimitri Payet
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 12:24pm
SSN
Marseille have told West Ham they will not pay more than £25m to sign Dimitri Payet, Sky Sports News HQ understands. Sky sources understand a split has emerged between Marseille officials, with some wanting to abandon their pursuit of the 29-year-old and some still keen to continue negotiations with West Ham. A source involved in the negotiations has told SSNHQ that it is looking more likely the French club's pursuit of Payet will go to Deadline Day when they will try and take the France international on loan.
Payet has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave the club before the close of the January transfer window. The Hammers have rejected three bids for Payet from his former club, the last of which was worth £22.5m, and value him at £30m. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer of 2015, wants to return to the south of France because of family reasons. He has scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham and was rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal last February. West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League matches without Payet, which has lifted them into the top half of the table.
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Rangers in advanced talks with West Ham over Reece Oxford loan
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:24pm
SSN
Rangers are in advanced talks to sign West Ham defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season, according to Sky sources.
The centre-half, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, recently signed a new deal with the Hammers tying him to the London Stadium until the summer of 2021. He could now join Mark Warburton's squad as Rangers push for a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and success in the Scottish Cup. Before signing his contract last month, Oxford had been linked with a move away from West Ham and Manchester United were among those credited with an interest in him. Oxford became West Ham's youngest-ever first-team player at the age of 16 years and 198 days when he started their Europa League qualifier against Andorran side FC Lusitanos in July 2015. He went on to make a total of 12 appearances for the club in 2015/16 and became the second youngest Premier League player of all time as he impressed in a 2-0 win at Arsenal. This season his outings have been more limited - he has played only twice at senior level - but he has just recovered from an ankle injury. Oxford, an England U20 international, will become Rangers' third loan signing of the January transfer window if he moves following the arrivals of Jon Toral from Arsenal and Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman.
The teenager would compete for a starting berth with Clint Hill, Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan and Philippe Senderos.
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Mauro Zarate returns to the Premier League with Watford
Date published: Wednesday 25th January 2017 3:33
Mauro Zarate West Ham TEAMtalk
Watford have signed Argentinian forward Mauro Zarate from Fiorentina, the club have announced. The 29-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal from the Serie A outfit where he has scored four goals in nine starts this season. Zarate returns to the Premier League following previous spells with West Ham, QPR and Birmingham.
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West Ham United considering Glasgow Rangers' approach for Reece Oxford
Aiden Cusick
Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton is trying to land the West Ham United defender on loan. Glasgow Rangers have made a loan enquiry for West Ham United's Reece Oxford, according to the Daily Mail. And it is claimed the Hammers are mulling over whether or not to allow the teenage defender to move to Ibrox on a temporary basis. Rangers have already acquired two loan signings from English Premier League sides this month, with Emerson Hyndman and Jon Toral arriving from Bournemouth and Arsenal respectively. And with the pair both midfielders, it is likely that the versatile Oxford is being earmarked for a central defensive role by Gers boss Mark Warburton. Oxford burst on to the scene on the opening day of last season, impressing in West Ham's 2-0 win at Arsenal at the age of 16. Now 18, the England youth international is yet to feature in a Premier League fixture this season, but remains part of the Hammers' long term plans having signed a new four-and-a-half year deal in December.
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Dimitri Payet's transfer standstill is holding up a complex chain of moves affecting at least five clubs
The Frenchman's protracted departure is affecting clubs at home and abroad, as well as up and down the football pyramid
Jack Pitt-Brooke @jackpittbrooke
The Independent Football
Negotiations between West Ham United and Marseille for Dimitri Payet has created a chain of transfers that cannot be completed until Payet is sold. The chain leads through the Championship all the way down to Coventry City, currently at the bottom of League One.
Payet has made no secret of his desperation to return to Marseille for family reasons. West Ham accept that a sale is the best option for all parties but they have not yet received an offer anywhere near their valuation from the French club.
Marseille have made three bids for Payet so far, the third of which was just under £23million. West Ham's initial asking price was £35m, far beyond Marseille's reach, but there is now confidence in France that West Ham will sell for somewhere just above £25m. Marseille are in no rush, though, and want to push West Ham all the way until the end of window to get the best deal for the player they sold to West Ham for £10.7m in 2015.
But until Payet is sold to Marseille, West Ham are reluctant to close the deal for Scott Hogan, the Brentford forward they are chasing. West Ham and Brentford have agreed a basic fee close to £12m but are still haggling over add-ons that could take the total deal closer to £15m. No deal between the clubs has been reached yet but Hogan has been left out of Brentford's side recently in expectation that it will.
Brentford have already lined up the players they want to sign when Hogan is sold. Dean Smith wants more talented youngsters in his side so has targeted Sergi Canos, so impressive at Griffin Park last year, and Ben Stevenson of Coventry City. Norwich City will sell Canos for £2.5million, the fee they paid for him, but Brentford cannot make a formal bid until they have the Hogan money. Canos would like to return to Brentford, but Leeds United are also keen.
Brentford made two bids of £500,000 and £1m for Stevenson at the start of the month and wanted the deal done quickly. Coventry were initially looking for £1.5m but now that they know Brentford are likely to sell Hogan, they want closer to £2.5m for their most talented youngster.
The likelihood is that all four deals will be completed by the end of the month although Payet will have to be sold for the rest of the deals to happen, leaving Brentford, Norwich and Coventry waiting.
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Rangers make enquiry about a loan for West Ham defender Reece Oxford
Sportsmail understand Rangers made contact with West Ham this week
West Ham consider Reece Oxford to have tremendous potential
Slaven Bilic has said Oxford has the ability to become a world class player
By Riath Al-Samarrai for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:02, 25 January 2017 | UPDATED: 12:04, 25 January 2017
Rangers have made contact with West Ham in a bid to take defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season. Sportsmail understands an enquiry was made this week and is being mulled over by West Ham, who see tremendous potential in the 18-year-old but have been unable to give him game time this season. Slaven Bilic has previously stated his belief that Oxford will go on to become 'world class' and it is known that Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal monitored him before he was handed a four-and-a-half year deal on his birthday in December. But an ankle injury kept him out for two months this season, with the centre-back appearing only in the Europa League qualifiers at the start of the campaign. He made West Ham's bench three times in January, but is yet to play in a league game this season. Rangers now hope West Ham will be tempted to let Oxford leave temporarily this month to gain some playing time. Speaking in December, after West Ham extended Oxford's contract, Bilic said: 'I really believe he has got everything. 'On paper he has all the abilities to become a world-class player and it is now up to him to train hard and for us to manage him well for him to fulfil it.' Oxford was the second youngest player to start a Premier League match when he made his competitive debut against Arsenal, aged 16, at the start of last season.
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West Ham unlikely to match £10m Robert Snodgrass fee agreed between Hull and Burnley
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are not expected to match the roughly £10million fee agreed between Burnley and Hull for Robert Snodgrass. The Scottish winger has been at the centre of a bidding war involving several Premier League clubs, including the Hammers, who saw a £6m bid rejected earlier in the transfer window. Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace have also been linked with Hull's top scorer but Standard Sport understands that interest in Snodgrass has cooled at the London Stadium since West Ham saw their second bid rejected. Sofiane Feghouli's improved form at least partly explains why West Ham may have moved on from Snodgrass, who would be competing with the Algerian for a wide berth in Slaven Bilic's side that can also be filled by Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini. Hull head coach Marco Silva has already made plans for life without Snodgrass, bringing in Lazar Markovic on loan from Liverpool. Snodgrass will not feature for Hull in tomorrow's EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
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Leave him to rot' - Rio Ferdinand slams Dimitri Payet for 'lack of respect' to West Ham
The former Hammers and Manchester United man has had his say on the Frenchman's behaviour
BYOLIVER HARBORD
10:52, 25 JAN 2017
Football.London
Former West Ham defender turned pundit Rio Ferdinand has launched an extraordinary tirade on wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet.
The Frenchman still remains in east London following three rejected bids by the Hammers from Payet's former club, Marseille, to take him back to France. It's been more than a fortnight since the 29-year-old downed tools, informing Slaven Bilic he no longer wanted to play for the club and has been banished to the U23s at Chadwell Heath ever since. In the meantime, the Hammers have won two games in a row without Payet in the side against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, showing that he and his toxic ways are no longer welcome. Payet has been booted out of the players' Whatsapp group and banned from the next team night out.
West Ham are expecting a fourth bid from Marseille before the transfer window shuts but with the club in no rush to sell and preferring a summer sale with a more open market, it's not a necessity that the attacking midfielder will be on his way in January.
Speaking to the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show on TalkSport, Ferdinand – who came through the youth ranks at West Ham before going on to play for Leeds and Manchester United – said manager Slaven Bilic and the club must continue to take their hard-line stance with the exile.
Ferdinand said: "If I was the gaffer there I would say, 'listen, until I get what I want for you money-wise, you can sit and rot'. That's the way I'd be. The club is bigger than any football player, and if the respect has been taken out of the situation then you've got to deal with it accordingly. "I can understand the frustration and the anger among the West Ham fans. I think every West Ham fan – or every football fan – if you gave them a chance to play for their club they would cut their right arm off to play. They can't understand why he's being paid so much money [but refusing to play]."A bit more respect is due from Payet because without West Ham, would he have gone to the Euros [last summer]? Would we all be speaking about him? And would he be on the type of money he is now? I don't think he would because West Ham gave him the platform to become what he is now. "Sometimes, not just from clubs but from players as well, there are short memories in this game. He's got to be a bit more respectful, although saying that we don't know the ins and outs of the story and what's gone on behind the scenes, so we have to reserve judgement in some capacity."
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Sofiane Feghouli admits struggling to settle but insists he won't do a Dimitri Payet at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has lifted the lid on his struggles but insists he won't be doing a Dimitri Payet. France star Payet rocked the Hammers earlier this month when he told manager Slaven Bilic he would never kick a ball for the club again if they did not sell him back to former club Marseille. Payet is reportedly homesick and is desperate to return to France to be with his family who failed to settle in London. Bilic and West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan insist Payet will only be sold if Marseille meet their valuation and he is currently training with the club's development team away from the first team squad. Captain Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid have all hinted the team spirit is better without Payet's brooding attitude. Results on the pitch have backed that up with back-to-back 3-0 and 3-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively pushing the Hammers into the top half of the Premier League table. In Payet's absence one of Bilic's summer signings Sofiane Feghouli has stepped up to the plate with vastly improved performances. The skillful Algerian looked like he may be offloaded to Roma after struggling to impress during West Ham's torrid first half of the season.
And while the former Valencia man has admitted on the club's official website he has struggled to adapt to life in London, he insists his family will not be forcing him to do a Payet. "To begin with it was tough when I was struggling to be given a chance," Feghouli told whufc.com. "London doesn't quite feel like home just yet, but it's a lovely city and people are very open here. "It's hard when things aren't going as well on the pitch, it's harder to feel at home but things are looking up in that regard and I'm very happy here.
"My family is very happy here too. The Club always does everything they can to help new players settle in, too."
A first league goal for the Hammers against Palace seems to have done Feghouli the world of good as he slowly rediscovers the confidence which made him a favourite at Valencia. His lack of game time saw him left out of Algeria's African Nations squad. But that could turn out to be a blessing in disguise after they were knocked out after just two games.
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IVAN PERISIC: THE MAN THAT SLAV MADE
By Zaman Siddiqui
WTID
Guest post by Aleksandar Babac
NOTE FROM ZAMAN: The author writes from a Croatian perspective on the potential signing of Ivan Perisic. He is also the creator of the largest West Ham-based Croatian Facebook page.
"I was very honoured when Slaven Bilic called me for my first international duty with the Croatian national team – it was just a month after my 22nd birthday. A month later, for my second cap, Slaven put me into the starting XI for a friendly against France. Slaven showed me that he counted on me and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life."
With those chosen words, Ivan Perisic, the world class Inter Milan left-winger, spoke about Slaven Bilic. Croatian fans and newspapers are absolutely delighted about the possibility that Slaven could line up an ambitious move for the experienced 27 year-old, who could become only the sixth Croat in the Claret and Blue jersey. He will take the place of Payet.
However, in the last few days, media from Croatia, France, and Spain have said that the move is very unlikely to take place. Internazionale Milano must sell some players in accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, and they are ready to sacrifice Ivan Perisic on whom they have already put a price tag of €40M.
But just who is Ivan Perisic? Well, he is one of the best Croatian players at the moment and is a star for Inter. This fast, powerful, and skillful left winger is very strong in aerial duels. On top of that, he is good on both feet.
Ivan was born in Split (the second-largest city of Croatia) and started his youth career in Hajduk Split… just like our very own Slav! He was just 17 when he moved to Sochaux in Ligue 1. Four years later in 2011, he was the top league scorer playing for Club Brugge at the time, and received the best player award in the Belgian Jupiler League.
After Slaven's call to the Croatian National team, Ivan established himself as irreplaceable member of the Croatian team earning 55 caps and scoring 16 goals. Under Slaven's command, Ivan participated at EURO 2012 playing in the group matches. Scoring six goals in the EURO 2016 qualifying round, Perisic become Croatia's top scorer in qualification adding two more in the tournament, which included the winner against Spain.
Bilic actually "invented" Ivan Perisic, and there is a strong bond between them. Ivan's style of play is the product of Hajduk's youth academy which he joined in 2000. At the time, Slaven was the manager of the club. Croatian fans simply adore Ivan Perisic, as well as Slav! In 2014, Croatian supporters officially gave him the Vatrena Krila – an award for the "Best and Biggest Hearted Player". In the same year, Slaven won the lifetime achievement award.
But it is not just Croatian fans who adore him. He is often booked for his rather passionate goal celebrations with the fans… and keep in mind he scores a lot of goals, so the cards do pile up! During his eight seasons spent at Clubb Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, and Inter Milan, he has scored 72 league goals in 235 matches, which statistically makes him more effective than the money-grabbing snake.
Whilst the chances of us actually signing him are slim to none, there is a sense of optimism here that Slaven will do all he possibly can to bring Perisic to the East End of London. George Dobson will have to make way with his no. 44 shirt for the new marquee signing!
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West Ham to allow bigger flags at London Stadium... but only if they are approved by club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham fans have been granted their wish to bring flags to the London Stadium… but only if they are approved by the club in advance.
In a meeting between vice-chairman Karren Brady and fan representatives the London Stadium match day experience was a key concern.
The club have entered negotiations with the stadium operators to allow fans to bring bigger flags to the ground; current regulations limit the size of any flag to 2m x 2m. However to have any new flag approved supporters must contact the club 72 hours in advance, with West Ham confirming in their statement on the club website that the following information must be provided:
A picture of the flag
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Supporter's season ticket seat number
Brady also announced new measures to improve stewarding at the stadium, which experienced several high-profile cases of supporter unrest in the early months of the season. These measures include inviting all ex-West Ham stewards to work at the London Stadium and consistently deploying staff in the same area "wherever possible". "We always knew it would take time for everyone – the team, the board, supporters and stewards – to settle into life at our new home, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction," Brady said. "We are working with the other stakeholders to ensure that we can take real action to deal with the issues our fans have raised."
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MLS Moves: Orlando City snags Spector
by Ridge Mahoney, January 25th, 2017 1:39AM
Soccer America Daily
More than a decade after kick-starting his career with the U.S. Residency program in Bradenton, Florida, Jonathan Spector has returned to the state to play for its MLS team. Orlando City confirmed Tuesday the acquisition of Spector, 30, as a Discovery Player. He has played more than 270 league matches in England, and earned 36 U.S. senior caps from 2004 to 2015. "It's no secret we have been looking for another defender," said Lions general manager Niki Budalic in a team statement. "Jonathan brings the leadership and character we've been looking for. His experience will be a valuable asset to build a competitive squad."
The native of Arlington Heights, Ill., started his pro career with Manchester United after playing for the U.S. at the 2003 FIFA U-17 world championships in Finland. He played on loan with Charlton Athletic and represented the U.S. in the U-20 World Cup in 2005 before joining West Ham United, for which he played 115 league and cup games from 2006 to 2011. He then joined Birmingham City of the League Championship and played 179 games prior to his release this week that paved the way for him to sign with Orlando City. He had played 23 matches (22 in the League Championship) for Birmingham City this season prior to his release. "I've been playing in England for 14 years and now just sort of felt like the right time to make the move back to the States for a number of reasons," said Spector in a team press release. "For one, it will obviously be a great opportunity for me and my family, but also important is the opportunity to play in the States again.
"I've had a few different clubs there over my 14-year career thus far and I don't know, it just seems right coming back to Florida, and certainly what the ownership and Niki is doing here as well as [head coach] Jason Kreis, I spoke to him. He talked to me about the club, certainly the support of the club here from the fans and within the community. It all just kind of felt right and everything seems to be falling into place for me in this very short period of time."
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West Ham star Winston Reid looks to have aimed a not-so-subtle dig at Dimitri Payet
HITC
Damien Lucas
Kicked out of the team WhatsApp, criticised by Mark Noble and Andy Carroll, has Winston Reid now had a pop at West Ham United outcast Dimitri Payet? A forlorn Slaven Bilic told the world's press earlier this month that his talismanic Frenchman was effectively on strike and refusing to play for the club. Despite not reaching the same levels he set last season and at the European Championships with France, this term Payet has still statistically been West Ham's most creative player this season. But his attitude and application has been questioned by Hammers fans all season, long before the recent revelations that the player is desperate to force through a return to former club Marseille. Bilic, along with Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, have insisted the player will not be sold unless their valuation is met. In Payet's absence, West Ham have won back-to-back league games 3-0 and 3-1 against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively to climb to a season high 10th place in the table. It has prompted many to suggest that a brooding Payet was actually having a negative impact on the team as a whole. And now Hammers favourite Winston Reid has seemingly posted a not-so-subtle dig at the Frenchman on Instagram. The New Zealand skipper posted a picture of him and his teammates celebrating after victory on Teeside with the simple message: "Teamwork, perfect." It comes after Andy Carroll told Sky Sports that the Payet situation would not derail the team's morale and insisted no player is bigger than the club. Mark Noble also revealed his previously close relationship with Payet was no more, telling The Sun he has not spoken to him 'for weeks'.
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West Ham forward Andre Ayew denies reports he contracted malaria on Africa Cup of Nations duty
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham forward Andre Ayew has denied reports claiming he has contracted malaria while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ayew plays for Ghana and is currently in Gabon representing his nation as they bid to lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history. Ghana have already booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, having beaten Uganada and Mali in their opening two games. The Black Stars face Egypt in their final Group D this evening and Ayew has moved to deny incorrect reports suggesting he has been suffering from the infectious disease. "'I wasn't feeling well," he told West Ham's official website. "I had some temperature and therefore had little training for two days but the medical team treated me well. "I felt I could help and I gave it my all and I'm very happy we got the qualification."
Ghana, who are managed by former West Ham boss Avram Grant, need to avoid defeat against Egypt to ensure they finish top of their group. Meanwhile, Ayew's fellow Hammers representative Cheikhou Kouyate will also feature in the latter stages of the tournament.
The midfielder represents Senegal, who have progressed to the quarter finals, where they will face Cameroon.
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