Ayew nets crucial equaliser
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew netted the crucial equaliser to help West Ham secure a well
deserved 1-1 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road. Ayew came off the
substitutes bench to score his second goal for the Hammers following his
Club record move from Swansea last summer. Michail Antonio had done all the
hard work when he superbly raced past Younes Kaboul and saw his shot come
back off both posts. The Ghana international has only just returned from a
long-term thigh injury, but he was in the right place at the right time to
convert the rebound. It was the least the Hammers deserved after they fell
behind early in the game when Troy Deeney struck a penalty past Darren
Randolph. Slaven Bilic's side dominated the game and had a number of chances
to get on the scoresheet. The only downside for the Hammers was the late
sending off for Antonio who was sent off for two bookable offences and will
now miss the big London derby against Chelsea at London Stadium.
Watford got off to a dream start when they opened the scoring after just two
minutes. Cheikhou Kouyate was adjudged to have brought down Zarate inside
the box. Referee Craig Pawson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and
Deeney fired the spot kick past Darren Randolph into the bottom corner.
Watford could have doubled their lead on six minutes when M'Baye Niang burst
clear towards the Hammers penalty box and fired a powerful shot which flew
just over the bar.
The Hammers were getting frustrated as they looked to find a way back into
the game and Robert Snodgrass sliced a shot well wide of the post on 32
minutes.
The away side continued to create the best openings and Antonio was doing
everything he could to help the Hammers get back into the game. The Hammers
forward went on another great run into the penalty box on 40 minutes but saw
his close-range shot deflect just over the bar by Younes Kaboul. There was
another golden chance for West Ham on the stroke of half-time after Aaron
Cresswell raced to the byeline and saw his cross only parried by Heurelho
Gomes. Snodgrass was following in but was inches away from striking the ball
into the back of the net.
Former Hammer Mauro Zarate was carried off on a stretcher on the stroke of
half-time after damaging his knee when he slipped and was later taken to
hospital.
The Hammers had strong claims for a penalty turned down on 50 minutes after
Cheikhou Kouyate appeared to be brought down by Niang but the referee waved
for play to continue, much to the fury of the West Ham fans behind the goal.
It was all one-way traffic as West Ham threw everything at the Watford goal.
Lanzini's teasing cross into the box on 59 minute was parried away by Gomes
but there was no West Ham player to follow the rebound in and Watford were
able to clear. Gomes came to Watford's rescue on 62 minutes after a
Snodgrass free-kick was headed back across goal by Kouyate and Fonte saw his
close-range header produce a superb save by the Watford keeper diving away
to his left hand side. The Hammers must have started to fear it was not
going to be their day after Cresswell played a superb cross in from the left
hand side and Antonio beat Miguel Britos to the ball but saw his header fall
inches past the post. But the away side were finally rewarded for all their
dominance in the game and Antonio played a major role in the equaliser for
substitute Ayew on 73 minutes. The Hammers forward used all his pace to take
the ball past Kaboul and fired a superb shot which beat Gomes and hit both
posts. The rebound fell perfectly for Ayew and he has the easy task of
striking the ball into an empty net. The game ended on a sour note for West
Ham after Antonio was sent off for his second bookable offence after he
handled the ball on the floor.
Watford could have stolen all three points with the final kick of the game
after Deeney headed the ball on and substitute Isaac Success was just yards
from putting the ball into the back of the net, but he somehow failed to
make any connection. Bilic and his players will count themselves unlucky
that they were not able to pick up all three points, but they can take a
number of positives from this impressive display as they prepare for another
big London derby against Chelsea in the next game.
Watford: Gomes; Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zarate (Doucoure 45), Deeney, Niang (Success 82)
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Zuniga, Okaka
Bookings: Janmaat, Cleverley, Holebas
West Ham: Randolph; Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell; Obiang, Noble;
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90), Snodgrass (Ayew 65); Antonio
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri
Bookings: Antonio, Kouyate
Red Card: Antonio
Referee: Craig Pawson
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Ayew - It was a fair result
WHUFC.com
Second half substitute Andre Ayew scores West Ham United's equaliser in
Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford
Ghana forward strokes home after Michail Antonio's shot comes back off both
posts
Hammers' point moves them up to ninth in the Premier League table
Andre Ayew announced his return from the Africa Cup of Nations in style on
Saturday, climbing off the bench to rescue a point for the Hammers at
Watford.
After helping Ghana to a fourth place finish in Equatorial Guinea last
month, he had to wait two weeks for his chance to slot back in Claret and
Blue - but he grabbed the opportunity with both hands with an impressive
cameo. It took him just eight minutes after his introduction to score the
crucial goal, adding the finishing touch after Michail Antonio's shot
cannoned off both posts. The 73rd minute strike cancelled out Troy Deeney's
early penalty and ensured the visitors' heavy second half pressure gained
the result it deserved. He said: "I think in the first half they got control
of the ball, they put us under pressure and we couldn't really play our
game. In the second half we managed to come out and play how we know how to
play. "It's a fair result - they had the first half and we had the second.
It was a tough game, this is the Premier League. We just need to keep
working hard and hopefully we'll get the results we want. "For the goal the
ball came to me off both posts, and sometimes that's the game and that's how
it comes. Sometimes it doesn't [drop for you], but that's football. For me
it was important to score, it's my first game back from the Africa Cup of
Nations. "I will continue to work hard and hopefully I can get some more
goals."
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Bilic - We deserved more than a point
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic felt his side deserved more than a point and has nothing but
praise for the character his side showed during the 1-1 draw at Vicarage
Road.
After falling behind after just two minutes when Troy Deeney fired a penalty
past Darren Randolph, the Hammers showed all their fighting qualities to
find a way back into the game and Club record signing Andre Ayew netted the
crucial equaliser.
It could have easily been all three points for the Bilic's side as they
dominated the second half and had a number of chances to get on the
scoresheet.
The Hammers boss was unhappy with the late dismissal of Michail Antonio, but
says he was more focused on taking the positives from the game and felt his
team showed more quality throughout the ninety minutes.
Bilic said: "Considering the way we played I think we deserved more than a
point from the way that we played through the whole game.
"I told the guys at the end that okay it was a good point and a great
performance in the second half but we cannot start like that, especially
away and it is hard to turn the game around.
"If I was Watford manager, I was after a penalty. Mauro Zarate went down
very easy. If that was given then I'm expecting the same for us. But it
didn't have to be, of course, it was not blatant.
"The red card - OK, I just spoke to the referee. He had a good game. It was
a difficult game. "Although Michail Antonio's reaction is an instinctive one
he din't stop them gaining anything. He acted by the book and the book says
it is a red card.
"In the second half it was all us until the end of the game when they had a
good chance, but I am so glad how we came back in the second half and we
deserved at least a point. We were excellent.
"This is a good point because it is hard to come from behind. But in terms
of which team showed more quality, it was definitely us."
Bilic had nothing but praise for the way Ayew has overcome a frustrating
start to his Hammers career and grabbed his second goal for the Club
following his return from a long-term groin injury.
The Hammers boss feels the Ghana international is now getting back to his
best form and will grow even stronger over the coming weeks and months.
Bilic added: "We have to praise Ayew from the bench. He got a big injury in
his first game against Chelsea. He has come back from the African Cup and is
looking back to his best.
"We have enough quality and we showed that today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s beaten at home by Chelsea
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s were beaten 3-0 at home by Chelsea
The Hammers now have to rely on other results so to determine their final
league position
Mark Phillips said his side didn't deserve to be beaten by a margin of three
goals
West Ham United U18s rounded off the U18 Premier League South campaign with
a undeserving 3-0 defeat at home to league leaders Chelsea.
Three second half goals from the Blues made it four defeats in a row for the
Hammers but they can take heart from another battling display.
"I thought we performed very well against them today. They've leading at the
top by a mile but we could well have beaten them today," said assistant
manager Mark Phillips.
"A little bit of better finishing would have helped us but overall I think
we did alright today."
"We had four U16s playing for us today and they did very well. I'm very
pleased for them."
The U18's resources were stretched with absentees including Conor Coventry,
Joe Powell, Alfie Lewis, Ben Wells and Rosaire Longelo.
But their relative inexperience did not seem to matter in the first half as
the Hammers edged a tight opening 45 minutes.
Chances were at a premium with Jeremy Ngakia's shot flying over the bar ten
minutes before half-time providing the only real goalmouth action.
However, the Hammers were hit by a suckerpunch just minutes after the
interval when Chelsea captain Luke McCormick slotted home from the penalty
spot after a foul by Reece Hannam.
Jahmal Hector-Ingram could, and probably should, have equalised for the home
side minutes later, although he couldn't quite guide substitute Yiannis
Constantinou's cross on target.
Chelsea showed their class in a five-minute spell midway through the second
half. First, Tariq Uwakwe let fly on the half volley from 25 yards and found
the top corner, before Cole Da Silva started and finished an intricate move
to make it 3-0.
And that's how it finished, with the Hammers knowing they have to rely on
other results to see if they will finish 4th and, as a result, make it into
the Elite Merit Group.
"I still think it's 50/50 as to whether we'll be in the top four because
Fulham have to beat Norwich next week and Norwich aren't a bad side," added
Phillips.
"If we end up in the middle four, we'll go and compete with those teams.
There's still some tough tests in there."
West Ham: Matrevics; Eggleton, Akinola, Alese, Hannam (Constantinou, 59);
Mingi; Ngakia, Henry, Johnson, Scully; Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Watson, Forde, Rosa, Spyrides.
Bookings: Alese, Hannam.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford 1-1 West Ham United
By Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport
Substitute Andre Ayew scored a second-half equaliser to earn West Ham a
Premier League point against Watford. The hosts went ahead on three minutes
through Troy Deeney's penalty after Mauro Zarate was brought down in the box
by Cheikhou Kouyate. Just three minutes later they could have doubled their
advantage but M'Baye Niang's powerful drive flew narrowly over the crossbar.
The game was held up for a lengthy period just before half-time when
Watford's Zarate went down with a knee injury. He was taken to hospital for
a scan to determine the extent of the problem. Watford goalkeeper Heurelho
Gomes brilliantly kept out Jose Fonte's header with a full-stretch save,
before Michail Antonio's low shot struck both posts and Ayew was on hand to
tuck in the rebound. Hammers midfielder Antonio was dismissed with five
minutes to go after receiving a second yellow card for deliberate handball.
The result moved both sides up a place in the table. The Hornets climbed to
12th, while the Hammers go ninth.
Mixed match for West Ham
Slaven Bilic's side had fallen behind early in the game, but showed their
fight by continuing to push forward and getting their reward in the second
half to gain a point. Striker Ayew came off the bench to claim just his
second goal in a Hammers shirt as the ball kindly fell to him inside the box
following Antonio's effort.
It was Ayew's 14th Premier League goal and the the Ghanaian has now netted
against 13 different teams in the division Having hit the woodwork, former
Nottingham Forest man Antonio should have got on the scoresheet but headed
narrowly wide from close range after Aaron Cresswell's cross. His
unfortunate match got worse late on when he was given the first red card of
his professional career and West Ham also had Argentine Zarate - who won the
penalty - taken off on a stretcher after appearing to twist his knee in the
first half.
Leaky Watford
Deeney's spot-kick was his fourth goal in his past five games and Watford's
only shot on target in the entire match. Since the start of last season,
Deeney has scored nine penalties, the joint highest tally with Tottenham's
Harry Kane. If they failed to trouble West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph
after the penalty, it looked like the Hornets might at least hold out at the
other end, but Walter Mazzarri's side now have just just one clean sheet in
their past 16 games. They could even have snatched a win in injury time, but
substitute Isaac Success was not able to get any contact on Deeney's
knock-down in the box.
Man of the match - Michail Antonio (West Ham)
West Ham's driving force. His brilliant run and shot eventually resulted in
the equaliser. His day was somewhat spoilt by the red card, but that came
after he had
brought the Hammers back into the game
'This season is to grow'
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic speaking to BBC Sport: "Considering we were in
good form and how well we played today, especially in second half, it's two
points dropped. "On the other hand, considering we are playing away against
a good team and we conceded an early goal, there's always a danger you will
concede a second then you can lose the game. "If you ask me which team today
showed more quality in every department, especially on the ball, that was
[us], especially in the second half. I told the guys we have to give them
some credit."
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri speaking to BBC Sport: "I saw Mauro Zarate
in a lot of pain. Unfortunately it is not a good sign. He was also making a
lot of difference on the pitch. Hopefully it is not too bad. He was making a
difference on the pitch. "If we speak about the game, I didn't like how we
went down in the second half. "We also commit some silly mistakes that we
can avoid. It's not acceptable to allow them a goal on counter-attack when
you are winning 1-0. The injury didn't allow me to make all the
substitutions I wanted. "This is our first season and this season is to
grow, to prepare and to grow. Year by year the objective is to make the next
step forward."
Ton up under Bilic - the stats
Troy Deeney has scored nine of his 21 Premier League goals from penalties
(43%).
Watford have kept only one clean sheet in their past 16 Premier League
matches.
Jose Holebas picked up his 12th yellow card of the season in this match -
more than any other Premier League player in 2016-17.
West Ham have now lost just one of their past seven Premier League away
games (won three, drawn three, lost one).
Andre Ayew's goal was the 100th scored in the Premier League for West Ham
under Slaven Bilic.
What next?
Watford host Southampton in the league next Saturday (kick-off 15:00 GMT),
while West Ham face Chelsea on Monday, 6 March (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WATFORD 1-1 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 25 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham drew even today to Watford 1-1 in a late day Premier League match
at Vicarage Road. Goals by Troy Deeney from the spot, and an equaliser late
from Andre Ayew, in his first match back from international duty, were all
the scoring action on the day that saw Slaven Bilic's side earn a
hard-fought point.
West Ham came to Watford without Andy Carroll, and the hosts were without
Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele due to their recent injuries. Despite
the absences, Walter Mazzarri's side had an enthusiastic crowd at their home
grounds for the final league match of a successful February for the Hornets.
The Hammers had hoped to avenge a September 2-4 defeat in which Watford came
back from a 2-0 deficit to embarrass West Ham in their new stadium.
Early on it looked like they were in store for another embarrassment as
Cheikhou Kouyaté, playing in the back, unnecessarily took down his former
teammate Mauro Zarate in the penalty area to earn a penalty kick in only the
third minute of play. Troy Deeney's kick was outside the reach of the diving
Darren Randolph and almost immediately the Hornet's had a lead.
West Ham, late in the first half, had an opportunity when Watford keeper
Heurelho Gomes pushed an Aaron Cresswell cross towards Robert Snodgrass.
From short distance Snodgrass was unable to get the clean shot.
Late in the second half, West Ham did find their needed goal as Manuel
Lanzini found Antonio ahead of the defense, and his shot hit both posts
before deflecting into the path of a fortunate Andre Ayew, who sunk the ball
into the net.
The enthusiasm grew as the Hammers looked to collect all three points but
waned quickly when Antonio was awarded his second yellow card with only four
minutes remaining. Down ten men West Ham seemed content to hang on for the
draw, and other than a frightening corner kick from Watford in the closing
minutes of stoppage time, the visiting club was able to hold on for a single
point.
Once again, West Ham was probably lucky to secure a point without a true
striker on the pitch. Andy Carroll has been absent for the last two matches,
and Diafra Sakho is still a month away from contributing. All Bilic's other
options "up top" seem to be patches and not solutions. The gaffer seems to
be resolved in that he can plug Michail Antonio into any spot on the pitch.
As a forward Antonio showed great spirit but needed quicker pace from his
supporting attackers. Bilic's placement of Kouyate in a defending position
looked especially awkward in the opening moments. Zarate all but baited
Kouyate into the challenge that resulted in the early penalty kick. Other
than that mistake, the club did keep the hosts out of the goal for the
remainder of the match.
West Ham has a few days to regroup until their March 6 visit by
league-leading Chelsea. With Carroll expected to return, this will be the
ultimate test of both the club and the supporters as they try to make London
Stadium as unfriendly a ground as possible for the London Derby.
Wishes for a new striker and right back won't be granted until at least this
summer. Until then, Bilic will have to make do with his, now healthy, squad.
Watford: Gomes, Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zárate (Doucoure 45), Deeney (c), Niang (Success 82).
Subs Not Used: Arlauskis, Prödl, Zúñiga, Okaka.
Goal: Deeney (P)
Yellow Cards: Janmaat, Cleverley, Dourcoure, Holebas
West Ham: Randolph; Kouyate, Reid, Fonte, Cresswell; Obiang, Noble (c);
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90), Snodgrass (Ayew 65); Antonio.
Subs Not Used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri
Goal: Ayew
Red Card: Antonio
Yellow Card: Kouyate
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Under 18s: West Ham Utd 0-3 Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Under 18s were heavily beaten at Little Heath this morning
by London rivals Chelsea.
The visitors ran out 3-0 winners in the end - with all goals coming in the
second half - after strikes from Luke McCormick, Tariq Uwakwe and Cole
Dasilva gave the Blues an unassailable lead.
After a fairly even opening half, high-flying Chelsea - who have won five on
the bounce and beat Brighton 13-0 last weekend - took the lead just two
minutes after the restart, when McCormick converted from the spot after
McEachran went down inside the area.
And the Blues found themselves two up just ahead of the hour mark when
Uwakwe lobbed Hammers' 'keeper from som considerable distrance.
The win was all but confirmed on 70 minutes when Chelsea made it 3-0 through
Dasilva, who both started and ended the move.
West Ham Utd: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinopla (c), Alese, Hannam, Mingi,
Ngakia, Henry, Johnson, Scully, Hector_ingram.
Chelsea: Cumming, C.Dasilva, James, Guehi, Panzo, McCormick, Uwakwe,
Gallagher, St Clair, McEachran, Castillo.
Goals: McCormick (47p), Uwakwe (59), Dasilva (70).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford 1-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham failed to turn their superiority into goals at Watford tonight -
but could count themselves extremely unlucky to leave Vicarage Road with
only one point.
Slaven Bilic's side were the better of the two teams overall but still had
to rely on a late Andre Ayew equaliser to earn a point from a well-fought,
yet far from memorable Premier League encounter. That's because the Hammers
found themselves a goal behind within three minutes as Watford - through
captain Troy Deeney - took an early advantage from the penalty spot, after
makeshift right-back Cheikhou Kouyate was adjudged to have unfairly impended
former Iron Mauro Zarate.
That Zarate appeared to have orchestrated the challenge by charging into
Kouyate from his blind side went unnoticed - or was ignored - by referee
Craig Pawson, making just the first of several key decisions in the home
side's favour. As the game progressed West Ham were to find themselves
frustrated on several more occasions by Pawson; Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell and
Michail Antonio all saw equally viable penalty claims ignored - the latter a
victim of his own honesty, having been clearly shoved off-balance as he
lined up to strike.
And in the end Bilic's battlers had to rely on a brilliantly-crafted and
swiftly executed counter attack to earn a point; fashioned by Manuel
Lanzini, forced into enemy territory by the electric Antonio and finished by
an alert (substitute) Ayew, who pounced after the #30's shot had rebounded
off both posts. The Hammers may well have gone on to win the game in the
closing stages had (the otherwise excellent) Antonio not picked up a second
yellow card four minutes from full time, which crucially rules him out of
United's next Premier League fixture with Chelsea.
And whilst there will be a certain degree of frustration and dissatisfaction
in the Hammers camp that they were unable to record a win, on a day in which
both Everton and West Bromwich Albion won to extend the gap above, it was
overall a respectable point - if not a game that will love long in the
memory.
West Ham Utd: Randolph, Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Obiang, Noble,
Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 90+1), Snodgrass (Ayew 65), Antonio.
Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku, Collins, Calleri.
Goals: Ayew (73).
Booked: Antonio, Kouyate.
Sent Off: Antonio (86).
Watford: Gomes, Janmaat (Cathcart 52), Kaboul, Britos, Holebas, Cleverley,
Behrami, Capoue; Zarate (Doucoure 45), Deeney, Niang.
Subs not used: Arlauskis, Prodl, Success, Zuniga, Okaka.
Goals: Deeney (3 pen).
Booked: Janmaat, Cleverley, Holebas.
Referee: Craig Pawson
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Slaven Bilic left with mixed emotions after West Ham draw at Watford
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 25/02/17 9:41pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic was left with "mixed emotions" after West Ham came from behind
to rescue a 1-1 draw at Watford. The Hammers boss saw his side fall behind
to a Troy Deeney penalty after only three minutes, but Andre Ayew climbed
off the bench to snatch a point. In an eventful encounter, Bilic was
infuriated that West Ham were not awarded a second-half spot-kick for an
almost identical incident to the one which gave Watford the lead. They also
had to hold out for the final five minutes with 10 men after Michail Antonio
was sent off after collecting a second yellow card for handball. "I'm so
pleased with the way we played, especially in the second half, but I'm not
happy with the way we started the game, so it's mixed emotions," said Bilic.
"We reacted good in the first half, and the second half was one of our best
performances and we definitely deserved the point. In my point of view we
deserved to win."
Mauro Zarate had an immediate impact against his former side after he was
sent sprawling to the turf by Cheikhou Kouyate, with Deeney doing the
honours from the spot. Bilic was fined for throwing a television microphone
in frustration after West Ham conceded a late equaliser against West Brom
last time out. So perhaps sensibly, the TV company did not leave any in his
vicinity at Vicarage Road as in the second half the Croatian was furious
when Kouyate was wrestled to the ground by M'Baye Niang in the area, only
for referee Craig Pawson to wave play on. But Bilic added: "I spoke with
the ref after the game and there are no hard feelings. "If I was Watford
manager I would say there's was a penalty. As West Ham manager I say he went
down easily. But we are both right. And the second one was very similar."
The leveller arrived in bizarre fashion in the 73rd minute when Antonio's
shot clipped the near post, rolled along the goal-line and back out off the
far post.
Fortunately for the Hammers record signing Ayew was lurking and side-footed
in his second goal for the club. Antonio, who had been booked in the first
half, blotted his copybook by deliberately handling the ball after he had
been tackled to be shown a second yellow card.
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Watford 1-1 West Ham: Zarate haunts his old club before being carried off on
a stretcher - 5 things we learned
The Argentine won a penalty against his former side, but was later carried
from the field with a serious-looking knee injury before Andre Ayew found an
equaliser
The Mirror
BYMIKE WALTERS
19:37, 25 FEB 2017UPDATED19:49, 25 FEB 2017
In the battle for ninth place at Vicarage Road, sub Andre Ayew salvaged a
deserved point for West Ham. It could have been more for the Hammers –
although their tenacious display also included a late red card for Michail
Antonio. And for Watford, a hard-earned point was overshadowed by the loss
of new signing Mauro Zarate to a serious knee injury. With Mauro Zarate
eager to impress against his former club, it took just 105 seconds for the
Argentine playmaker to make his presence felt. Cheikhou Kouyate, tracking
Zarate into the box, needlessly sent him crashing with a clumsy foul,
referee Craig Pawson pointed inevitably to the spot and Troy Deeney tucked
away his eighth goal of the season. The Hammers' response was spirited, but
Robert Snodgrass was slow to react when Heurelho Gomes could only parry
Aaron Cresswell's cross-shot. And at the other end, M'Baye Niang sent a
long-range missile whistling inches over the top before Zarate, who had made
a scintillating start, was carried off in first-half stoppage time after
appearing to twist his right knee. Such was the concern for Zarate that the
first 45 minutes turned out to be 56 by the time Pawson's stopwatch had
finished ticking. Watford were discomfited by the enforced reshuffle, and
within five minutes of the restart they were fortunate not to concede a
reciprocal penalty when Kouyate went down under Niang's untidy escort. It
only seemed a matter of time before the Hammers' pressure would tell, and 17
minutes from time their pressure was finally rewarded. Michail Antonio's
low shot ricocheted off BOTH posts but fell into Andre Ayew's path and the
substitute, who had only been on the pitch seven minutes, couldn't miss.
West Ham looked the likelier winners until Antonio's dismissal, four minutes
from time, for a second caution.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Deeney was like a dog with a rabona
Watford skipper Troy Deeney was unimpressed with West Ham's party tricks in
the Hornets' 4-2 win in the return fixture last September, accusing the
Hammers of trying to "mug off" their opponents with assorted Rabonas and
fancy-dan tricks. There was only one possible outcome when Deeney stepped up
to put Watford in front after just three minutes from the spot: No Panenka
chip, no Rabona, just a tidy finish into the bottom corner.
2. Missing you, Andy
Andy Carroll had scored five goals in six starts before his latest sicknote
with a groin strain, and West Ham boss Slaven Bilic decided to take no risks
with his injury on a dam, blowy evening in Hertfordshire. Michail Antonio's
industry, versatility and goals have been major assets for the Hammers this
season when Bilic has been short of recognised strikers. But the Eastenders'
attack often lacked a focal point for the stream of crosses – high and low –
from the flanks here. For long periods, West Ham enjoyed more possession and
territory, but until sub Andre Ayew's equaliser, there was not enough end
product.
3. Double Vision
In 136 years, Watford had never completed a home-and-away League double
against West Ham. Ten years ago, they did beat the Hammers 1-0 twice in a
fortnight at Upton Park – in the FA Cup fourth round and again in the League
– but it proved a false dawn in a season which ended in relegation under
Aidy Boothroyd. So impoverished was the Hornets' highlights reel in season
in 2006-7 that Darius Henderson's decisive penalty in the second of those
triumphs in binary featured on the shortlist for Watford's goal of the
season. No kidding.
4. These Hammers bite
Once upon a soft touch, West Ham would have buckled under when they fell
behind inside three minutes away from home. But Slaven Bilic's men produced
a spirited response to their early setback. They were resolute and backed up
their ability on the ball with tenacity in the challenge. Michail Antonio is
not a natural centre forward, but he put himself about, with and without the
ball, until his late red card for two bookable offences.
5. What a strange comment
Nothing to do with the match, but when Karren Brady takes to her high horse
about the behaviour of Millwall fans, she is playing with fire. In her
weekly sermon for a right-wing red-top, the Duchess of Knightsbridge
observed: "Yes, I know a few West Ham fans like a ruckus but they are not in
the same league as some of Millwall's who made a mess of their FA Cup win."
Mmm... does the Manchester United team coach ring any bells?
It was a strange remark for the vice-chair of a Premier League club to make.
We all love a chorus of Knees Up Mother Brown on the old joanna, and
mainstream West Ham fans are salt of the earth, but as one of Lady Brady's
critics on Twitter, Samantha Rowles, put it: Nothing about that statement is
cool.
Watford player ratings
Gomes 7 - Several crucial interventions, notably flying save from Fonte
header
Janmaat 6 - Booked. Robust foul on Antonio was worth every shade of yellow
Kaboul 8 - Impressive block to deny Snodgrass and commanding display all
round
Britos 6 - Headed over from yawning late chance to nick all the points
Holebas 6 - Booked. Most-booked player in the Premier League this season was
at it again
Behrami 7 - Give him a mop and bucket, he'd make a brilliant cleaner – swept
up admirably
Cleverley 6 - Booked. Industrious as ever but never managed to find 'killer'
pass
Capoue 5 - Covered miles of ground but his athleticism had little
discernible effect
Zarate 7 - Scintillating start, and chopped down for early penalty, before
he was carried off
Niang 5 - Peripheral influence apart from one fierce shot and dodgy
challenge on Kouyate
Deeney 6 - Back among the goals, but probably not back among the nightclubs
this time
Subs: Doucoure (booked, Zarate, 45) 4, Cathcart (Janmaat, 52) 6, Success
(Niang, 82)
West Ham player ratings
Randolph 6 - Move along, nothing to see here apart from last-gasp scare
Kouyate 6 - Booked. Impetuous challenge to concede needless penalty, then
denied one himself
Reid 7 - No major issues, Kiwi international held the fort diligently
Fonte 8 - Marked the muscular Deeney well and close to heading the equaliser
Cresswell 6 - Provided usual mix of width, energy and attacking intent
Obiang 7 - Good stuff, never shirked a challenge, like the cut of his jib
Noble 6 - Always looking for openings but too often chose the sideways
option
Feghouli 6 - Barely involved for 45 minutes but stepped it up after break
Lanzini 7 - Took over from his compatriot Zarate in running the show
Snodgrass 5 - Wasted a stack of corners by failing to clear the first
defender
Antonio 8 – MOM Sent off. Amazing shot against both posts, all-action
display including red card
Subs: Ayew (Snodgrass, 65) 7 , Fernandes (Lanzini, 90)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 26
Daily WHUFC News II - 25th February 2017
Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com
BilicGood morning everyone,
We are preparing for another big game at Vicarage Road and the players are
full of confidence following our successful trip to Dubai. We are a
different team from the one who faced Watford back in September.
I was asked in the pre-match press conference about Troy Deeney's comments
after the game that my players were showboating and it helped motivate the
Watford players to stage a remarkable comeback.
I was annoyed that we lost a game when we were at home and two up. Troy
Deeney said that, but it was a good moment for him to say that, to show the
spirit of that team - but we didn't annoy them and we didn't try to
humiliate them.
Back then we had players like Payet and Lanzini who had just come back from
injuries or the European Championships and didn't do a proper pre-season, or
players like Zaza, who had just come to the club.
Sakho, Carroll and Ayew were injured and we didn't have any option other
than to put those players in the starting line-up.
That's why we crumbled, basically, after they scored the fourth goal,
psychologically and also physically we couldn't cope with it.
Now the situation is totally different. We are a team that is in good form
and we didn't want a gap because we already had good momentum but I am
expecting us to continue how we finished.
I was asked if I will use his comments as part of my pre-match talk to the
players. To be fair extra motivation can never harm you if it doesn't
produce a chip on your shoulder or a negative kind of pressure.
I have a feeling that we don't need extra motivation now, we have a big
motivation in training and I'm expecting it to be even bigger in games.
I'm probably going to say something, not just about that but something to
give them a kind of injection before the game.
There is still a long way to go in the Premier League. We want to climb the
table and what we definitely don't want is to come back again into the dodgy
zone because we know how it feels when you are there. So, the motivation
will not be a problem on Saturday.
Watford are doing a good job in terms of recruiting the players. Maybe in
England they are not big names but they are very experienced and all have a
lot of games in the big leagues.
I rate them as a very experienced group of players with big quality.
We are in pretty good shape going into the game. Aaron Cresswell is good and
looks sharp. Robert Snodgrass missed training during the week with diarrhoea
but he was back in training on Thursday. Diafra Sakho is very happy now.
He's running and doesn't feel any problems. Hopefully the back problems that
were causing all those problems with his hamstrings, which the doctor says
is quite common (have gone away). In a few weeks time he will start to train
with us. He will be a like a great new signing.
Arthur Masuaku is back and sharp, looks really good. So we have options now
in basically every position. Even Angelo Ogbonna is recovering really good
from his knee operation. So it's good.
We want to climb the table. Our plan is very simple. We will try to win as
many games as we can. First of all we want to be safe. We're still not safe.
If we are talking about the teams above us, West Brom is there and
reachable.
There is a big gap now with Everton, but we just need to keep playing well
in every game and then everything is possible. There are still an awful lot
of points to be played for and everything is open. It's not over yet.
Enjoy the game this afternoon.
Slaven
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio – Our squad has great unity
WHUFC.com
West Ham United face Watford on Saturday and Michail Antonio believes his
side can claim the victory
The winger thinks the feeling of togetherness in the squad could have a huge
impact on the Hammers' performance at Vicarage Road
Slaven Bilic's team will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the
Hornets in September
Michail Antonio believes the current feeling of unity in the West Ham United
squad can play a huge part in leaving Vicarage Road on Saturday with three
points in the bag. The Hammers take on Watford in the late kick off this
weekend and will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the Hornets at
London Stadium earlier this season. And having just returned from a five-day
team trip to Dubai for warm weather training, Antonio thinks the
togetherness amongst the players can help them claim a victory in
Hertfordshire. He said: "The trip was definitely good for the team unity,
and it's one of those things where you're away from home for five days solid
with each other. At training, we're together for four hours then you go
home, but out there, it was 24/7. It's good for the team. "The feeling's
very good [in the squad]. We've had a couple of good results over the past
few weeks, so the boys are ready to keep kicking on and keep going forward.
"There's definitely that unity in the squad right now. Everyone that's here
wants to be here and play their football here. We're enjoying our football
right now. "[The new boys] Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have settled
well, as well. They've gelled and they're a good set of boys. I knew Jose
from Southampton and Snodgrass has come in and he has got a bit of banter
about him."
Antonio was on the scoresheet twice back in September against the Hornets,
putting Slaven Bilic's side two goals up before their opponents scored four
without reply to stun the Claret and Blue Army. There's definitely unity in
the squad right now. Everyone that's here wants to be here and play their
football here. We believe we have got the players to go to Watford and get
the three points. But the 26-year-old believes the team has grown in
confidence since their early-season struggles, and they can come away from
Vicarage Road having got revenge over Walter Mazzarri's team. "Watford are
doing very well at the moment, so it's a tricky place to go," he continued.
"But we really do believe we have got the players to go there and get the
three points. So, that's the mission we're looking to set for ourselves.
"[The defeat against Watford] is definitely one of those things in football
where what happens in the past has happened and you just have to keep
looking forward. "[Against West Brom last time out], we also had some
frustration in not getting the win, but we need to make sure we get those
points back on Saturday. "After that, we have Chelsea at home and they're
having an unbelievable season and have probably already won the Premier
League. It's one of those things where we have just got to go out in every
game and set our own targets and keep fighting."
Antonio is West Ham's top scorer this season with eight league goals and is
enjoying his time as a key player for the side in east London. "I definitely
see my future here and I am loving my time here. They give me the
opportunity to play in the Premier League and there'd be no reason to leave,
really. "[Being linked away] is not distracting at all, because I take it as
a compliment, as to how I'm playing on the field. But if I stop that, those
reports will stop because I'm not playing so well so I need to just continue
that. "My Mum is from south London and when I lived up north, it was
difficult for me to get down as much to see her, so now I can see her
weekly. It's more relaxed here for me and it's more of a chilled vibe.
"That's why, probably, I'll be playing the rest of my career here in
London."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Feghouli - We hope to put on a good show
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli thanks West Ham United fans for their support this season
Algerian believes Hammers played near to their best against West Brom a
fortnight ago
No7 says squad 'owe it' to travelling fans to go for a win at Watford on
Saturday
Sofiane Feghouli has thanked the Claret and Blue Army for their support
during his maiden season at West Ham United.
The No7 endured a difficult start to his time in English football, suffering
a hamstring injury just weeks after completing his summer move from Spanish
giants Valencia. A fit-again Feghouli then struggled to force his way back
into Slaven Bilic's team before establishing himself as a regular starter
this calendar year.
Throughout 2016/17, Hammers fans have stuck with the Algeria star, and their
faith has been rewarded with a series of impressive performances in West
Ham's recent improved run of form and results.
Already hugely popular among supporters in his homeland, Feghouli's
popularity continues to grow among those in this country, and the winger is
pleased he has been given the chance to repay the faith they have placed in
him.
"It's very important for me to have a relationship with the fans," he told
whufc.com. "After the match at Southampton [which West Ham came from behind
to win 3-1], I received messages from supporters on social media and the
support from the 3,000 fans who travelled to the game was excellent.
"The atmosphere at all of our recent games has been superb and that drives
us on to go and get the wins, which is especially important in England
because every game is so difficult here.
"Algerian fans are particularly fanatical about Algerian players who are
playing abroad, so naturally they are interested in West Ham and how we are
getting on."
West Ham are getting on pretty well of late, winning six and drawing three
of their last 12 Premier League matches.
However, the most recent of them ended in disappointment as West Bromwich
Albion snatched a late equaliser to deny the Hammers a deserved victory at
London Stadium a fortnight ago.
"It was great frustration for us to concede in the final minute and
immediately after the match we were all extremely disappointed with both the
result and some of the decisions made, but that is the nature of football
and we need to stay positive," Feghouli confirmed.
"In terms of the quality of our football, though, I thought we played one of
our best matches of the season so far.
"We need to continue to play in that way and go into every game with the
attitude that we need to 'Win, win, win!'. We owe that to our supporters."
West Ham's next Premier League fixture at Watford will be screened live by
BT Sport 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday evening.
Around 2,000 Hammers will also make the relatively short trip to Vicarage
Road and Feghouli is determined to reward them with a third straight away
league win.
"Watford is a very important game for us," he observed. "Of course we will
prepare ourselves as best as possible with the staff and we will be going
there with the aim of getting three points.
"We hope to put on a good show for our fans and move higher up the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Key Battles - Watford
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United look to avenge September's 4-2 defeat to Watford on
Saturday at Vicarage Road, whufc.com takes a look at three key battles
battles on the pitch in Hertfordshire which could prove crucial.
The Hammers stormed into a two-goal lead earlier this season against Walter
Mazzarri's team, but were pegged back as the Hornets equalised prior to the
half time whistle before completing the comeback in the second period.
Slaven Bilic's outfit are a different beast these days, however, and have
won their last three Premier League matches on the road.
Having never lost back-to-back games against Watford in the league before,
they'll be keen to ensure that record is still in tact at 7:15pm on
Saturday.
Behrami v Kouyate
In and out of the Hornets' starting XI in recent games, ex-Hammer Valon
Behrami will hope he is selected to face his former club. His team have only
won three matches from their last 13 in the top flight, and the Swiss
midfielder started in all three.
Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate returned to the Hammers' squad for the
Southampton victory, after he was missing due to the African Cup of Nations.
He played full-back against the Saints as well as in the recent 2-2 draw
with West Brom, however with Sam Byram now fit, he could move into midfield.
In terms of comparing the two, the Senegalese seems to get around the pitch
and have an impact more than his 31-year-old counterpart.
Kouyate makes more interceptions and clearances per game and his energy in
the middle of the park could prove to be important on Saturday.
Cleverley v Snodgrass
Next up are two relatively new boys for Watford and West Ham; Tom Cleverley
and Robert Snodgrass. The former re-joined the Hornets on loan from Everton
in January, while Snodgrass left Hull City for London Stadium last month.
Since returning to Vicarage Road, Cleverley has had a big impact on
Watford's form, helping the side take eight points from 15 while they had
gained just one in the previous five games.
He's set up two goals, too – against Bournemouth and Arsenal – and looks to
be rediscovering the form which impressed Sir Alex Ferguson so much at
Manchester United.
And though Scotsman Snodgrass is yet to register a goal or an assist for
West Ham, his influence is already clear – he drives the team forward,
completing over two key passes per match and always looks to line himself up
for an attempt on goal where he can.
Amrabat v Feghouli
As well as physically looking relatively similar, Sofiane Feghouli and
Nordin Amrabat's style of play on the pitch is also comparable.
Both flying wingers who look to set goals up for their teammates, the
African pair are dangers for any defence.
Feghouli has really hit some form of late, and goals against Crystal Palace
and West Brom added to the two assists he also has this season in the
Premier League.
Amrabat is certainly one to look out for on Saturday, too. He has made three
goals for teammates this term and loves to get to the byline and pull back a
cross.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club accounts released
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
The 2015/16 accounts for WH Holding Ltd - West Ham United's parent company -
have been released. Co-owner David Sullivan says he was "extremely
satisfied" with the achievements made by West Ham during the 2015/16 season
- a year in which the club spent £53m on players prior to the start of the
campaign and a further £45m thereafter, in preparation for the current term.
However the chairman's subsequent claim that "we took Simone Zaza, Jonathan
Calleri and Gokhan Tore on loan, thereby strengthening and improving our
squad," has been questioned by a number of supporters already.
The key points of this year's statement are as follows:
* WHUFC achieved operating profit of £31.5m - an increase of £4.5m from
2014/15 accounts
* But club makes loss of £4.9m overall
* TV revenue up from £79m to £87m
* And turnover up from £121m to £142m
* The club took out a £30m loan - repayable in July 2017 - against future TV
rights revenue
* £45m was invested in the squad prior to the 2016/17 campaign
* Overall debt under £100m for the first time during Sullivan & Gold's
tenure
* Vice Chair Karren Brady enjoyed a 40 per cent wage increase
* Co-owners draw £6.1m dividends - incvluding 7 per cent interest
* £8m profit on sale of the Boleyn Ground
* Necessary improvements at the OS cost WHUFC £4m
KUMB will provide a detailed analysis of the new WH Holding accounts next
week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
BilicGood morning everyone,
We are preparing for another big game at Vicarage Road and the players are
full of confidence following our successful trip to Dubai. We are a
different team from the one who faced Watford back in September.
I was asked in the pre-match press conference about Troy Deeney's comments
after the game that my players were showboating and it helped motivate the
Watford players to stage a remarkable comeback.
I was annoyed that we lost a game when we were at home and two up. Troy
Deeney said that, but it was a good moment for him to say that, to show the
spirit of that team - but we didn't annoy them and we didn't try to
humiliate them.
Back then we had players like Payet and Lanzini who had just come back from
injuries or the European Championships and didn't do a proper pre-season, or
players like Zaza, who had just come to the club.
Sakho, Carroll and Ayew were injured and we didn't have any option other
than to put those players in the starting line-up.
That's why we crumbled, basically, after they scored the fourth goal,
psychologically and also physically we couldn't cope with it.
Now the situation is totally different. We are a team that is in good form
and we didn't want a gap because we already had good momentum but I am
expecting us to continue how we finished.
I was asked if I will use his comments as part of my pre-match talk to the
players. To be fair extra motivation can never harm you if it doesn't
produce a chip on your shoulder or a negative kind of pressure.
I have a feeling that we don't need extra motivation now, we have a big
motivation in training and I'm expecting it to be even bigger in games.
I'm probably going to say something, not just about that but something to
give them a kind of injection before the game.
There is still a long way to go in the Premier League. We want to climb the
table and what we definitely don't want is to come back again into the dodgy
zone because we know how it feels when you are there. So, the motivation
will not be a problem on Saturday.
Watford are doing a good job in terms of recruiting the players. Maybe in
England they are not big names but they are very experienced and all have a
lot of games in the big leagues.
I rate them as a very experienced group of players with big quality.
We are in pretty good shape going into the game. Aaron Cresswell is good and
looks sharp. Robert Snodgrass missed training during the week with diarrhoea
but he was back in training on Thursday. Diafra Sakho is very happy now.
He's running and doesn't feel any problems. Hopefully the back problems that
were causing all those problems with his hamstrings, which the doctor says
is quite common (have gone away). In a few weeks time he will start to train
with us. He will be a like a great new signing.
Arthur Masuaku is back and sharp, looks really good. So we have options now
in basically every position. Even Angelo Ogbonna is recovering really good
from his knee operation. So it's good.
We want to climb the table. Our plan is very simple. We will try to win as
many games as we can. First of all we want to be safe. We're still not safe.
If we are talking about the teams above us, West Brom is there and
reachable.
There is a big gap now with Everton, but we just need to keep playing well
in every game and then everything is possible. There are still an awful lot
of points to be played for and everything is open. It's not over yet.
Enjoy the game this afternoon.
Slaven
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio – Our squad has great unity
WHUFC.com
West Ham United face Watford on Saturday and Michail Antonio believes his
side can claim the victory
The winger thinks the feeling of togetherness in the squad could have a huge
impact on the Hammers' performance at Vicarage Road
Slaven Bilic's team will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the
Hornets in September
Michail Antonio believes the current feeling of unity in the West Ham United
squad can play a huge part in leaving Vicarage Road on Saturday with three
points in the bag. The Hammers take on Watford in the late kick off this
weekend and will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to the Hornets at
London Stadium earlier this season. And having just returned from a five-day
team trip to Dubai for warm weather training, Antonio thinks the
togetherness amongst the players can help them claim a victory in
Hertfordshire. He said: "The trip was definitely good for the team unity,
and it's one of those things where you're away from home for five days solid
with each other. At training, we're together for four hours then you go
home, but out there, it was 24/7. It's good for the team. "The feeling's
very good [in the squad]. We've had a couple of good results over the past
few weeks, so the boys are ready to keep kicking on and keep going forward.
"There's definitely that unity in the squad right now. Everyone that's here
wants to be here and play their football here. We're enjoying our football
right now. "[The new boys] Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have settled
well, as well. They've gelled and they're a good set of boys. I knew Jose
from Southampton and Snodgrass has come in and he has got a bit of banter
about him."
Antonio was on the scoresheet twice back in September against the Hornets,
putting Slaven Bilic's side two goals up before their opponents scored four
without reply to stun the Claret and Blue Army. There's definitely unity in
the squad right now. Everyone that's here wants to be here and play their
football here. We believe we have got the players to go to Watford and get
the three points. But the 26-year-old believes the team has grown in
confidence since their early-season struggles, and they can come away from
Vicarage Road having got revenge over Walter Mazzarri's team. "Watford are
doing very well at the moment, so it's a tricky place to go," he continued.
"But we really do believe we have got the players to go there and get the
three points. So, that's the mission we're looking to set for ourselves.
"[The defeat against Watford] is definitely one of those things in football
where what happens in the past has happened and you just have to keep
looking forward. "[Against West Brom last time out], we also had some
frustration in not getting the win, but we need to make sure we get those
points back on Saturday. "After that, we have Chelsea at home and they're
having an unbelievable season and have probably already won the Premier
League. It's one of those things where we have just got to go out in every
game and set our own targets and keep fighting."
Antonio is West Ham's top scorer this season with eight league goals and is
enjoying his time as a key player for the side in east London. "I definitely
see my future here and I am loving my time here. They give me the
opportunity to play in the Premier League and there'd be no reason to leave,
really. "[Being linked away] is not distracting at all, because I take it as
a compliment, as to how I'm playing on the field. But if I stop that, those
reports will stop because I'm not playing so well so I need to just continue
that. "My Mum is from south London and when I lived up north, it was
difficult for me to get down as much to see her, so now I can see her
weekly. It's more relaxed here for me and it's more of a chilled vibe.
"That's why, probably, I'll be playing the rest of my career here in
London."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Feghouli - We hope to put on a good show
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli thanks West Ham United fans for their support this season
Algerian believes Hammers played near to their best against West Brom a
fortnight ago
No7 says squad 'owe it' to travelling fans to go for a win at Watford on
Saturday
Sofiane Feghouli has thanked the Claret and Blue Army for their support
during his maiden season at West Ham United.
The No7 endured a difficult start to his time in English football, suffering
a hamstring injury just weeks after completing his summer move from Spanish
giants Valencia. A fit-again Feghouli then struggled to force his way back
into Slaven Bilic's team before establishing himself as a regular starter
this calendar year.
Throughout 2016/17, Hammers fans have stuck with the Algeria star, and their
faith has been rewarded with a series of impressive performances in West
Ham's recent improved run of form and results.
Already hugely popular among supporters in his homeland, Feghouli's
popularity continues to grow among those in this country, and the winger is
pleased he has been given the chance to repay the faith they have placed in
him.
"It's very important for me to have a relationship with the fans," he told
whufc.com. "After the match at Southampton [which West Ham came from behind
to win 3-1], I received messages from supporters on social media and the
support from the 3,000 fans who travelled to the game was excellent.
"The atmosphere at all of our recent games has been superb and that drives
us on to go and get the wins, which is especially important in England
because every game is so difficult here.
"Algerian fans are particularly fanatical about Algerian players who are
playing abroad, so naturally they are interested in West Ham and how we are
getting on."
West Ham are getting on pretty well of late, winning six and drawing three
of their last 12 Premier League matches.
However, the most recent of them ended in disappointment as West Bromwich
Albion snatched a late equaliser to deny the Hammers a deserved victory at
London Stadium a fortnight ago.
"It was great frustration for us to concede in the final minute and
immediately after the match we were all extremely disappointed with both the
result and some of the decisions made, but that is the nature of football
and we need to stay positive," Feghouli confirmed.
"In terms of the quality of our football, though, I thought we played one of
our best matches of the season so far.
"We need to continue to play in that way and go into every game with the
attitude that we need to 'Win, win, win!'. We owe that to our supporters."
West Ham's next Premier League fixture at Watford will be screened live by
BT Sport 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday evening.
Around 2,000 Hammers will also make the relatively short trip to Vicarage
Road and Feghouli is determined to reward them with a third straight away
league win.
"Watford is a very important game for us," he observed. "Of course we will
prepare ourselves as best as possible with the staff and we will be going
there with the aim of getting three points.
"We hope to put on a good show for our fans and move higher up the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Key Battles - Watford
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United look to avenge September's 4-2 defeat to Watford on
Saturday at Vicarage Road, whufc.com takes a look at three key battles
battles on the pitch in Hertfordshire which could prove crucial.
The Hammers stormed into a two-goal lead earlier this season against Walter
Mazzarri's team, but were pegged back as the Hornets equalised prior to the
half time whistle before completing the comeback in the second period.
Slaven Bilic's outfit are a different beast these days, however, and have
won their last three Premier League matches on the road.
Having never lost back-to-back games against Watford in the league before,
they'll be keen to ensure that record is still in tact at 7:15pm on
Saturday.
Behrami v Kouyate
In and out of the Hornets' starting XI in recent games, ex-Hammer Valon
Behrami will hope he is selected to face his former club. His team have only
won three matches from their last 13 in the top flight, and the Swiss
midfielder started in all three.
Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate returned to the Hammers' squad for the
Southampton victory, after he was missing due to the African Cup of Nations.
He played full-back against the Saints as well as in the recent 2-2 draw
with West Brom, however with Sam Byram now fit, he could move into midfield.
In terms of comparing the two, the Senegalese seems to get around the pitch
and have an impact more than his 31-year-old counterpart.
Kouyate makes more interceptions and clearances per game and his energy in
the middle of the park could prove to be important on Saturday.
Cleverley v Snodgrass
Next up are two relatively new boys for Watford and West Ham; Tom Cleverley
and Robert Snodgrass. The former re-joined the Hornets on loan from Everton
in January, while Snodgrass left Hull City for London Stadium last month.
Since returning to Vicarage Road, Cleverley has had a big impact on
Watford's form, helping the side take eight points from 15 while they had
gained just one in the previous five games.
He's set up two goals, too – against Bournemouth and Arsenal – and looks to
be rediscovering the form which impressed Sir Alex Ferguson so much at
Manchester United.
And though Scotsman Snodgrass is yet to register a goal or an assist for
West Ham, his influence is already clear – he drives the team forward,
completing over two key passes per match and always looks to line himself up
for an attempt on goal where he can.
Amrabat v Feghouli
As well as physically looking relatively similar, Sofiane Feghouli and
Nordin Amrabat's style of play on the pitch is also comparable.
Both flying wingers who look to set goals up for their teammates, the
African pair are dangers for any defence.
Feghouli has really hit some form of late, and goals against Crystal Palace
and West Brom added to the two assists he also has this season in the
Premier League.
Amrabat is certainly one to look out for on Saturday, too. He has made three
goals for teammates this term and loves to get to the byline and pull back a
cross.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club accounts released
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
The 2015/16 accounts for WH Holding Ltd - West Ham United's parent company -
have been released. Co-owner David Sullivan says he was "extremely
satisfied" with the achievements made by West Ham during the 2015/16 season
- a year in which the club spent £53m on players prior to the start of the
campaign and a further £45m thereafter, in preparation for the current term.
However the chairman's subsequent claim that "we took Simone Zaza, Jonathan
Calleri and Gokhan Tore on loan, thereby strengthening and improving our
squad," has been questioned by a number of supporters already.
The key points of this year's statement are as follows:
* WHUFC achieved operating profit of £31.5m - an increase of £4.5m from
2014/15 accounts
* But club makes loss of £4.9m overall
* TV revenue up from £79m to £87m
* And turnover up from £121m to £142m
* The club took out a £30m loan - repayable in July 2017 - against future TV
rights revenue
* £45m was invested in the squad prior to the 2016/17 campaign
* Overall debt under £100m for the first time during Sullivan & Gold's
tenure
* Vice Chair Karren Brady enjoyed a 40 per cent wage increase
* Co-owners draw £6.1m dividends - incvluding 7 per cent interest
* £8m profit on sale of the Boleyn Ground
* Necessary improvements at the OS cost WHUFC £4m
KUMB will provide a detailed analysis of the new WH Holding accounts next
week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th February 2017
Preview - Watford
WHUFC.com
When and where?
Watford v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 25 February 2017, 5.30pm GMT
Vicarage Road
What's the story?
West Ham United make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on
Saturday with a teatime trip to Watford.
Two weeks have passed since they were last in action, so Slaven Bilic's men
will be itching to take on the Hornets - especially as they suffered a 4-2
defeat to them at London Stadium back in September.
That scoreline looked unlikely when Michail Antonio stooped to head in
following a Dimitri Payet rabona cross and put the Hammers 2-0 up with 33
minutes played.
But Watford came back strongly to level before the break, then score two
more in the second half to leave the Hammers deflated.
That was the Hammers' first league defeat at London Stadium, but they have
looked up since and head into this game tenth in the table - seven places
higher than they were following defeat to Watford.
Walter Mazzarri's team are 13th in the Premier League, two points behind the
Hammers after successive victories at the start of the month ended a
seven-game winless run.
Those 2-1 successes against Arsenal and Burnley were followed by a 2-0 loss
at Manchester United, but the Hornets will be feeling more comfortable than
they were a month ago.
Team news
West Ham United will assess Andy Carroll's fitness ahead of Saturday's game,
after the striker has been absent from training since picking up a minor
groin niggle recently.
Bilic remains hopeful of being able to call upon the big No9, while Arthur
Masuaku is available after a knee injury and Aaron Cresswell has shaken off
a knock.
Andre Ayew is available following his participation at the Africa Cup of
Nations, but Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Diafra Sakho (back) are sidelined.
The Hornets could be without six players for the visit of the Hammers, with
a number of issues in defence.
Christian Kabasele has not recovered from a muscle injury, while Walter
Mazzarri has doubts over Sebastian Prodl and Craig Cathcart.
Nordin Amrabat remains sidelined and former Hammer Valon Behrami is listed
as a doubt. Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon completes the injured list.
Player head-to-head
Tom Cleverley v Robert Snodgrass head-to-head
How do I get to the game?
Watford have produced a guide for visiting supporters, which can be accessed
by clicking here.
Accessibility supporters can view a guide to Vicarage Road by clicking here.
If you're travelling to the game by train, London Midland and London
Overground services from Euston serve Watford Junction station, while London
Overground services also call at Watford High Street. Check tfl.gov.uk or
nationalrail.co.uk for up-to-the-minute travel information.
The latest news on the roads can be found by clicking here.
How can I watch the game?
This match is being broadcast live in the UK on BT Sport. You can also
follow all the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio
commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Join
the conversation on social using the hashtag #WATWHU
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford betting preview with Betway
WHUFC.com
It's been almost two weeks since West Ham's last game. Since then, the
Hammers squad have travelled to Dubai to soak up some sun and put in the
hard yards at a warm weather training camp.
As well as vital fitness work, the trip will have been an opportunity for
the latest additions to the squad to get to know their teammates better and
help develop those all-important on-pitch relationships.
They'll hope all their efforts will bear fruit on Saturday evening when they
travel to Vicarage Road to play an unpredictable Watford side.
The Hornets' home advantage gives them the slight edge in terms of the odds,
with a Watford win at 8/5, a West Ham victory at 19/10 and the draw at
21/10.
The Hammers will be looking to avenge their defeat at London Stadium when
the two sides met earlier in the season.
It was a game that saw six goals, and given that there have been four goals
in each of West Ham's four previous games, we could be looking at another
high scoring encounter.
It's 19/20 for over 2.5 Total Goals in the match and 11/5 for more than 3.5
Total Goals.
The Hammers have only lost once in their last five fixtures and picked up 10
points in the process. Another victory today with both teams to score is
9/2.
A large part of the Hammers' recent success has been because of in-form Andy
Carroll. The talismanic striker has four goals in his last four appearances
and could make the difference again on Saturday evening.
Carroll is 6/1 to open the scoring and 9/4 to score at any time during the
match. You can also get him at 6/1 to be the last goalscorer.
Michail Antonio scored a brace when the sides last met in September, and is
20/1 to repeat the feat. He's also 11/4 to score at any time.
You might also want to think about when the Hammers are likely to score.
Seven of their last 11 goals have come after the first 45 minutes, and
they're 4/5 to put the ball in the Hornets' net in the second half.
Slaven Bilic's men are also developing a knack for late goals. Four of their
last 11 have come in the 76th minute or later.
If you think there could be another last gasp Irons goal, you can back them
to score their final goal between the 76th and 90th minute at 13/5.
This weekend there are more than 100 markets on the game available at
Betway. And if you're an existing customer, why not join our Free Bet Club?
You can guarantee yourself £10 in Free Bets every week. Just opt in at
Betway and place at least £25 on football multiples (trebles or higher)
before midnight every Friday*.
Visit betway.com or download our app from the App Store or Google Play for
more.
*Available to new and existing customers. Opt-in required. Minimum stake(s)
per week: £25. No minimum stake per multiple. Enhanced prices excluded.
Single Line Multiples including 3 or more Football selections only. Min.
overall odds: 2/1. Real money bets only. Total Amount of Free Bets Awarded:
£10. Two £5 Free Bets, per customer, per promotion week. Free Bets credited
in two instalments on Saturday and Monday. Bets must be settled between
Saturday 00:00 GMT and the following Friday 23:59 GMT to count towards the
promotion for that particular week. Other conditions apply. All odds correct
at the time of writing.
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Obiang relishing Mazzarri reunion
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang was signed by Watford manager Walter Mazzarri for Sampdoria at
the age of 16
Midfielder says Italian sought his advice before taking the top job at
Vicarage Road last summer
No14 is also looking forward to meeting former teammate and friend Mauro
Zarate
Pedro Obiang should not be surprised by Watford's tactics at Vicarage Road
on Saturday. Hornets manager Walter Mazzarri signed the then 16-year-old
midfielder for Italian club Sampdoria back in summer 2008, immediately
adding the young Spaniard to his first-team squad. So impressed was Mazzarri
with Obiang's potential that he named the teenaged midfielder on the
substitutes' bench for two Serie A fixtures in January 2009 - still two
months short of his 17th birthday. Eight years on and both men are now
plying their trade in the Premier League, with West Ham United's in-form
midfielder revealing that Mazzarri had sought his advice before following
him to England last summer. "I know Mister Mazzarri well," the No14 told
whufc.com. "I met him last summer and he told me he was going to Watford. He
told me he didn't speak English, but I told him not to worry because I
didn't speak English when I arrived at West Ham, either! "He is an Italian
coach and wants to talk about tactics and normally this would be a problem
because he speaks only Italian, but many of his players also speak Italian,
so while it is still difficult for him to communicate with all his squad, he
can do so either directly or through a translator. Walter Mazzarri"Watford
is a good team in a good moment and I have a lot of friends in this club. I
know Walter Mazzarri very well, as he was my first manager in Sampdoria when
I was 16, 17, so I know him and he knows me.
"Watford are not so much of an offensive team, as they normally try to
defend, but they have important strikers and can cause you pain. We are a
good team, too, and we want to demonstrate that our defeat at home to
Watford was a mistake. "We need some points because we lost two important
points in the last game at home to West Brom, so we need to take three
points from this game."
After a decent playing career, Mazzarri started out as a coach with Napoli
in 1998 before taking his first managerial role with Sicilian Serie C2 club
Acireale in 2001. He then took a seat in the dugout at Pistoiese, Livorno
and Reggina prior to his aforementioned two-year spell with Sampdoria
between 2007 and 2009. After leaving the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Mazzarri
guided Napoli to second in Serie A and Coppa Italia glory before spending
the 2013/14 season with Internazionale. In July 2016, he was appointed
manager of Watford by the club's Italian owner, Gino Pozzo.
Obiang has been impressed with his former mentor's start to life in English
football and offered his observations on how Mazzarri likes his teams to
play.
"He likes to always play with the same system, 3-5-2, and we arrived sixth
in Serie A and reached the Coppa Italia final when he was in Sampdoria,
while he also arrived in second place and won the Coppa Italia with Napoli,"
he observed. "Tactically he is good, like most Italian managers. He doesn't
like to take a lot of risks, though, so maybe that will be good for us.
"Personality-wise, he was good for us. He didn't talk to the players too
much, because his assistant Nicolo Frustalupi, who is with him always, is a
good person who likes to laugh and talk and demonstrate things, like Edin
[Terzic] does here at West Ham. "It's a good experience for them here in
England, because it is not easy to come here and be good in the first year."
Mazzari will not be the only friendly face Obiang meets at Vicarage Road, as
former West Ham forward Mauro Zarate joined Watford from Fiorentina in
January. The midfielder revealed how the Argentine helped him to settle into
life in east London, and even admitted he would not begrudge Zarate a goal
on Saturday, as long as West Ham win the game! "Mauro is our friend and we
miss him! I want to tell him not to score on Saturday because we are
friends, but if he does score I am happy for him because this is football
and I know he is a good player and a good person," Obiang smiled. "He has
changed team and this is a chance for him to demonstrate that. "Mauro is a
good guy with a beautiful family and when I came to West Ham he and Adrian
helped me with everything. We went to dinner together and so, for me, he is
a good boy!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - We are a different force
WHUFC.com
Bilic wants to make amends for the 4-2 defeat back in September
The Hammers manager says his team will have a different look
Bilic wants to see his side get straight back on the winning trail
Slaven Bilic is determined to make amends for the disappointing home defeat
against Watford back in September and says his team will have a completely
different look on Saturday. The Hammers looked strong favourites to secure
all three points against the Hornets after Michail Antonio's brace had fired
them into a two-goal lead. But the home side suffered a nightmare end to the
first half when they conceded two goals in the final five minutes and went
on to lose the game 4-2. Following a successful trip to Dubai last week,
Bilic say his players will be looking to gain some revenge over Watford and
knows they will be a totally different force at Vicarage Road. Bilic said:
"Yes we are a different team. We are the same team but a lot has changed. At
the beginning of September we had so many players injured and some not
totally fit. "We had to push them. We had no other options but to put them
in from the start, ideally it would have been better if they had played 45
or 60mins. "Now it is totally different. I see it not only in results but in
training, in the restaurant, on the coach, we are in much better shape now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Five Talking Points - Watford
WHUFC.com
The big topics for discussion as West Ham United prepare to head to Vicarage
Road to face Watford in the Premier League on Saturday...
Shared responsibility
Before Dimitri Payet's departure in January, it almost went without saying
that he would be the most-creative player in each of West Ham United's
Premier League matches. In each of his 18 Premier League appearances this
season, the Frenchman made more key passes than any other Hammer in ten, and
the joint-highest number of key passes in five more. On just three occasions
- away at Crystal Palace and Leicester City and at home to Arsenal - was
another West Ham player more creative than the No27. Times, of course, have
changed, and now the role of opening up opposition defences is being shared
around Slaven Bilic's team. In the five matches since Payet returned to
France, Michail Antonio chalked up three assists against Crystal Palace,
Manuel Lanzini and Robert Snodgrass have each topped the key passes charts
once, while four players shared the creative load at Southampton - Antonio,
Snodgrass, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate. Payet assisted both goals in
the home defeat by Watford in September, so the question is who will step
into his key passing void at Vicarage Road?
AC does it?
One question, if not two, on the lips of every West Ham United fan ahead of
Saturday's game is 'Will AC be available?'. AC, of course, could refer to
either Andy Carroll, who missed the home draw with West Bromwich Albion due
to a groin injury, or Aaron Cresswell, who limped off at half-time with a
dead leg. Carroll's return would be most welcome, seeing as the No9 has been
in blistering form since Christmas, while Cresswell himself will want to
keep his starting place seeing as Arthur Masuaku is now in full training
after his own lay-off with a knee problem.
Inconsistent Hornets
While West Ham United's season has been split between victories over
opponents in the bottom half and defeats by those above them, Watford's
season has been wildly inconsistent by comparison. The Hornets have neither
won nor lost more than two Premier League games in a row, while Walter
Mazzarri's side have beaten three of the top seven - Manchester United,
Everton and Arsenal - and picked up 16 of their 30 points from matches
against teams currently above them in the table. Even on their visit to
London Stadium back in September, Watford were outplayed for 40 minutes,
fell two goals down but ended by winning in style 4-2. Throw in defeats by
League One Gillingham and Millwall in the two domestic cup competitions and
trying to predict Watford's form and results is approaching impossible!
Two former Hammers
West Ham United will face two familiar faces when they head to Vicarage Road
on Saturday. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami played 63 times in Claret and
Blue between August 2008 and January 2011, scoring five goals, while
Argentine forward Mauro Zarate scored seven times in 29 appearances between
August 2014 and January 2016. Both players attracted something of a cult
during their spells in east London - Behrami for his non-stop running and
work-rate and Zarate for his enigmatic forward play and spectacular goals.
Now 31, Behrami joined Watford from German side Hamburger SV in summer 2015
and is approaching 50 appearances for the Hornets, while 29-year-old Zarate
moved to Hertfordshire from Italian club Fiorentina last month.
Away comforts
Just as they did last season, West Ham United have hit some real form on the
road in recent weeks. Pre-Christmas draws at Manchester United and Liverpool
were followed by a thumping 4-1 victory at Swansea City on Boxing Day. An
undeserved 1-0 New Year's Eve defeat at Leicester City proved to be just a
blip as Slaven Bilic's side kicked-off 2017 with 3-1 wins at Middlesbrough
and Southampton.
With eleven points from their last five matches on their Premier League
travels, the Hammers will travel around the M25 in confident mood on
Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hector-Ingram - They're just humans in blue kit!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s face Chelsea this Saturday at Little Heath
The Hammers know a win will ensure qualification for the Elite Merit Group
Jahmal Hector-Ingram has called on his teammates to forget Chelsea's current
form and most recent result
Jahmal Hector-Ingram has urged his teammates to forget Chelsea's recent
results and form as West Ham's U18s take on the Blues in their last U18
Premier League South fixture of the season. After this weekend, the North
and South divisions will merge into three separate leagues, with the Hammers
needing a positive result against the Blues on Saturday to finish in the top
four and qualify for the Elite Merit Group. Hector-Ingram admits his team
have been through a tough spell but knows a strong result at Little Heath on
Saturday will show that the Hammers can compete with the top teams in the
country. "We've been on a bad run but I do believe we can turn things round
against Chelsea," declared Hector-Ingram. "I just see Chelsea as human
beings in blue kit and, as far as I'm concerned, we can play against them
and do what we need to do on Saturday. "It's been a good season, full of ups
and downs which is part and parcel of the game but we want to be playing
against the best of the best. Beating Chelsea would lead us to be playing
teams like Man City and what not.
"We competed with Arsenal and we were very unfortunate. With Chelsea, we
need to play with the same mindset like we did against Arsenal and finish
our chances. Hector-Ingram also admits the team are fully aware of Chelsea's
mammoth victory over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, but insists the
Hammers are confident of getting something from the match. "Obviously I've
heard about them beating Brighton 13-0, which I don't understand how that
happened! I can say that won't be happening to us. I reckon we can actually
get something from the game."
Hector-Ingram has been the U18s main goal outlet this year, scoring 12 goals
in all competitions, as well as two for Terry Westley's U23s. Despite
missing a period through injury, the striker is keen to get back on the
scoresheet and continue his progression this season . "I'm pleased but I've
set my target for 20+ goals before the end of the season," Hector-Ingram
continued. "I've still got a few games left to get that done so I'm content
with what I've done so far but there's loads more to come from me. There's
always something you can improve on. "I would love to get more starts for
the U23s. Things are starting to get quite interesting so now that I'm back
from injury and I've got a couple of games under my belt and there'll
hopefully be a few surprises before the end of the season."
West Ham United U18s take on league leaders Chelsea on Saturday (11am
kick-off) at Little Heath Sports Ground. Parking and admission are both
free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It really was a huge honour'
WHUFC.com
Lorne MacFadyen played the part of Bobby Moore in ITV drama series Tina and
Bobby
Scottish actor relished taking on the role of West Ham United and England's
greatest captain
Twenty-six year old championed the work of the Moore Family Foundation
As acting jobs go, they do not get much better than playing a national icon.
For Lorne MacFadyen, that meant taking on the role of the late, great West
Ham United and England captain Bobby Moore in the acclaimed ITV drama Tina
and Bobby.
Cast opposite award-winning actress Michelle Keegan, who played Bobby's
first wife Tina, MacFadyen spent endless hours researching the role of the
legendary No6, perfecting his mannerisms and distinctive east London accent.
Lorne MacFadyenFor the Isle of Skye-born 26-year-old, who only embarked on
an acting career in 2014, the challenge was one he relished.
"It really was a huge honour to take on such an iconic role," MacFadyen told
West Ham TV. "It was a huge surprise for me and a massive honour to take on
the part, as Bobby is such a legend to so many people, not only in this part
of the world but everywhere.
"Everyone appreciates what a true gentleman and sporting icon Bobby Moore
was.
"I watched a lot of interviews with Bobby and I read Tina Moore's book,
which the series is based on, to get an insight into what he was like not
only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well, which was really important for
the story we were telling.
"In terms of the accent, I just sort of mimicked what I had watched and I
hope I did a good job. It was an ongoing process as, even though we had
started filming, I kept on perfecting it all the way through."
Tina and Bobby attracted more than five million viewers to each of its three
episodes, which were screened earlier this year in a prime-time Friday
evening slot. The series won widespread praise from critics, leaving
MacFadyen feeling immensely proud.
"You just have to do your job and hope that people appreciate your telling
of the story, that's the main thing," he said, modestly. "It was an
incredible journey that Bobby went on with his wife Tina, an incredible
rollercoaster for them both and I've had a lot of great support. Everyone
has been very kind, so it's been great.
"Michelle was an absolute gem on set and really welcoming. I'm obviously not
quite as experienced as her, as I'm quite new to the acting game. It was
really nice to have someone to have a laugh with and she's a great actress
and really talented as well."
Lorne MacFadyenMacFadyen was invited to London Stadium by Bobby's daughter
Roberta for the Premier League fixture with Manchester City on 1 February,
where he was part of the Moore Family Foundation awareness match.
Founded in 2014, the Foundation has provided life-changing opportunities for
more than 10,000 Year 6 students in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking &
Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon. Trust mentors will support
pupils with literacy and numeracy, while the children also visit London
Stadium to experience an authentic Hammers matchday for themselves.
"It's a huge honour to visit London Stadium with Roberta and see the Bobby
Moore Stand as well.," the actor confirmed. "It's a special night.
"It's an incredible thing. You have your football club who you support,
which is a ritual which you follow every matchday, but I think it's good
that there are other things to get involved with, like making changes in the
community, which is fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roberta Moore - Dad's legacy lives on
WHUFC.com
Roberta Moore told West Ham TV of her pride in seeing her father Bobby's
legacy live on in the Moore Family Foundation.
Launched three years ago in memory of the late, great West Ham United and
England captain, who died 24 years ago today, the Foundation - a registered
charity - is providing life-changing opportunities to thousands of Year 6
students in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking & Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood
and Basildon.
Roberta explained how, working in conjunction with the West Ham United
Foundation, mentors support pupils with literacy and numeracy, while also
accompanying them on unforgettable matchday visits to London Stadium.
"I'm really proud that we have come as far as we have since the Foundation
started, which was in 2014," Roberta told West Ham TV. "With the help of the
Club and the fantastic team of mentors which we've got, we've so far reached
more than 16,000 children in Year 6 across the boroughs think we work with.
"I believe 11,000 children have now been to our Healthy Lifestyle workshops
and the number is up to around 1,320 vulnerable children who have received
one-on-one mentoring in the key academic subjects, so their literacy and
numeracy skills have really increased, which has a knock-on effect to their
attainment levels and their confidence. It's brilliant and I'm really proud
of that.
"For me, I want Dad's legacy to continue and we tried to build into the core
of the programme the values that I and everyone else recognises in Dad -
self-discipline, kindness and working hard. We're trying to put those
messages across to the children we engage with and are trying to give a
positive message to them to help them to achieve their potential."
Roberta and her family have retained close links with the Club her father
represented 646 times between 1958 and 1974, playing a central role in the
closing of the Boleyn Ground and the opening of the Hammers' new home on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The legendary No6 turned out the Boleyn Ground lights for the final time in
May last year, before Bobby's grandson Freddie opened the new Bobby Moore
Stand at London Stadium in August.
"I take great comfort from the close relationship my family retains with the
Club," Roberta confirmed. "My son Freddie opened the Bobby Moore Stand here
at London Stadium last summer, which was really special, because my children
did not get to meet my Dad. For them to be able to connect on a very
personal level is really important to me.
"I love being involved with the Club. It has a real family feel and it's
always really special as we receive such a warm welcome.
"The Club have been brilliant and working alongside the Club, they have been
amazing in helping us deliver the Foundation scheme into so many schools. We
couldn't have done it without the Club."
Roberta Moore with Bobby and Tina actor Lorne MacFadyen and West Ham United
Foundation CEO Joe Lyons
Meanwhile, a new generation of football fans - and ordinary television
viewers - were brought into the lives of the Moore family by the
recently-aired acclaimed ITV drama Tina and Bobby.
In the three-part series, actors Lorne MacFadyen and Michelle Keegan took on
the roles of Roberta's parents, taking viewers through the defender's rise
from East End boy to national icon.
Charting his ascension to the role of West Ham's FA Cup and European Cup
Winners' Cup and England's 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning captain, Tina and
Bobby was enjoyed by more than five million viewers.
"I really enjoyed it," Roberta confirmed. "It was surreal for me to see my
family life played out on screen, but I thought Lorne and Michelle did a
great job of playing my Dad and Mum and they obviously paid a lot of
information to the detail of the costumes, the soundtrack and I loved all
that stuff.
"It was a bit odd to watch it, but I loved it. I don't go on Twitter much,
but I did go on there during the show and I saw it was trending and it has
opened up Dad's life to a whole new audience and that makes it very
special."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsene Wenger's critics have gone over the top, the Arsenal manager does not
deserve a witch-hunt writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
I would like to say something about Arsene Wenger and the criticism he has
taken recently. Okay, it is part of the job and all that but at the end of
the day, sometimes it is too much. Social media has added significantly to
the intensity and what I really don't understand is the feeling, among some,
that the more you earn, the more you should be immune to criticism. I
doesn't matter if Arsene earns £1million or £5m - at the end of the day he
is human. He is not doing his job now for the money. We can all get the
sack, of course, and you can take fair criticism but some of it crosses the
line and it can develop into a witch-hunt. Nobody deserves that, least of
all Arsene. You can't say he made Arsenal because that club have a great
history and were at or near the top for many years before he went there. The
fact is though, that in this modern era, he took the club to another level -
and kept them there.
We don't play Arsenal for another month, tomorrow we are up against Watford
and go into the game having come back from Dubai. The trip was really good,
I would say perfect apart from the weather which wasn't the best but still
good for training. The temperature was warm enough but we didn't see a lot
of sun. We trained really hard, more than we would have trained here and the
squad went out a couple of times, which was planned and there were no major
issues which clubs have had in the past. We had one dinner altogether - the
players and staff - which was brilliant and there is no doubt it helps team
bonding. You can have a really good atmosphere in the squad at home but when
the players have even more time together, they mix more and that helps. Some
players open up more than when they're back here and I am expecting a big
benefit from this trip.
We're looking forward now, to the game with Watford. Back in September we
were 2-0 up against them but conceded two goals in a couple of minutes just
before half-time and lost 4-2. Okay, you can say it was level at half-time
and still everything to play for but it's hard when, three minutes before
half-time, you are leading 2-0 and then you go in at 2-2. Psychologically
that's tough. In their dressing-room they are punching the air but in ours
it was understandably not so positive. The game was in a period where we had
a few injuries and we had players who were either new or just back in
training after injury which meant physically, we weren't at our best.
We are in much better shape now and the only negative was that we didn't
play last weekend. Somehow, because we have been used to playing every week,
we just got out of the rhythm of playing. Ideally we wanted to keep that
momentum going and although it was only one blank weekend, psychologically
it seems much longer.
So what is left for us this season?
First of all, we are not safe. Yes, we are in mid-table with 32 points, two
more than Watford but we still have ambitions for the remainder of this
season. Yes, maybe it used to be the case where teams in mid-table at this
time, would switch-off a little but not now. Because of the media exposure
now, whether written or broadcasting, you have always to be on your toes.
There is competition for places in every training session and in every game
you have to try and show your quality, not only to your home fans - but to
the world on TV. The players are fighting for call-ups to their national
teams, for new contracts, for moves so they have to continue at their best
level.
Of course, when you are down near the bottom, you have that extra survival
motivation because they are fighting for their lives but still, it is my job
and that of my staff, to keep our players fully motivated, right to the end.
I repeat, though, we are not safe if it that is a fact, then West Brom, who
have five points more than us and even Everton - who are nine points ahead -
are not safe from us.
I see that Scott Hogan, who was linked with us before moving from Brentford
to Aston Villa during the transfer window, suffered a bad ankle injury
earlier this week. I am sorry to see this, mainly for the player but for
Villa as well. Most of us managers are control freaks - you want to have
complete control. While there are many things in this job that you can
influence, injuries are so vital.
Look at the clubs who have won major trophies through history. Mostly they
were lucky with injuries. Look at Chelsea this season. You have the feeling,
although it's not strictly accurate, that they play every game with the same
team.
In training, you can have an influence. If you train like crazy, you can
pick up a pulled muscle. If you don't train, then the effort you have to
show in games can lead to injury, so the balance is important.
Unfortunately, though, it's not always down to you. Sometimes, you have to
take risks when you are buying players.
There are a couple of things with new players.
Sometimes, when they arrive, they have to do some things they didn't do
before at their previous club, although mostly the differences are not big
ones.
Secondly - and it is something I have thought about a lot - when new players
come in they want to impress you. They want to show a little bit more - and
then they get injured. Sometimes you tell them, "Hey, we bought you for four
years, not four days", but still they want to impress you by trying that
little bit harder.
Injuries are crucial, though. If Jermain Defoe had been injured this season,
for instance, it would have been game over for Sunderland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pedro Obiang can give Slaven Bilic the inside track on Walter Mazzarri
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Should Slaven Bilic be looking for that extra edge over his Watford
counterpart Walter Mazzarri tomorrow, then he need look no further than one
of his players. Midfielder Pedro Obiang was a young player at Sampdoria when
Mazzarri was manager there and he has a good idea of the way the Watford
head coach sets up his teams. The 24-year-old Spaniard, who has been one of
the successes of West Ham's season so far, said: "I know him well. I even
met him as recently as last summer and he told me he was going to Watford.
"He told me he didn't speak English but I told him not to worry because I
didn't speak English when I arrived at West Ham, either. "He was my first
manager in Sampdoria when I was 16, so I know him and he knows me. "He
likes always to play with the same system, 3-5-2. We were sixth in Serie A
and reached the Coppa Italia final when he was with Sampdoria. He also
finished second and won the Coppa Italia with Napoli. "Tactically he is
good, like most Italian managers. He doesn't like to take a lot of risks,
though, so maybe that will be good for us. "He is an Italian coach and
wants to talk about tactics and normally this would be a problem because he
speaks only Italian. But many of his players also speak Italian, so while it
is still difficult for him to communicate with all his squad, he can do so
either directly or through a translator. "He didn't talk to the players too
much at Sampdoria because his assistant Nicolo Frustalupi, who is with him
always, is a good person who likes to laugh, talk and demonstrate things, a
bit like our coach Edin Terzic does here at West Ham."
Yet another connection between tomorrow's sides, who are separated by just
two points in the Premier League, is Mauro Zarate. The Argentine left West
Ham to join Fiorentina last season, before moving to Watford in January. "I
want to tell him not to score tomorrow because we are friends but if he does
score I am happy for him because this is football and I know he is a good
player and a good person," said Obiang. "Mauro is a good guy and when I came
to West Ham, he and our goalkeeper Adrian helped me with everything."
Obiang scored his first goal for West Ham in their recent 3-1 win at
Southampton and is eager, now that he has broken his duck, to add to his
tally. He said: "It was an amazing moment for me because I had waited for a
year to score a goal and when it happened, I started to think: 'Oh my, I've
scored!' "For a moment I couldn't believe it. Now I want to score more
because when you feel like this, you want to feel the same way again. So,
against Watford, I will try to score again."
Obiang (below) had to wait until this season to tie down a regular place in
Bilic's team but has since impressed sufficiently to win the club's player
of the month award for November. "Yes, I want to show my all-round qualities
but you have to demonstrate this every time you go out on the pitch," said
Obiang, who has been capped by Spain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21
level. "This is what you must do if you want to become an important player
in this team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: CARROLL TO MAKE BENCH, BACCA STAYING AT MILAN, ANTONIO
PLEDGES FUTURE TO HAMMERS
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 24 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 1:27PM
TheWestHamWayc.o.uk
Andy Carroll is set to return to the bench for tomorrow's clash against
Watford. (Daily Mail)
We all know how much better we are with Andy, but we are also capable of
getting results without him. If he is fit enough to play then great, but I
think we need to manage him so very carefully to prevent him getting
injuries.
Shaka Hislop has urged Luke Shaw to leave Manchester United and join West
Ham. (Express)
This would be a very unneeded and a very poor signing. He is injury prone
and is still only young, and I do not even think he is that good. I think we
should stay away from him.
Carlos Bacca's agent has insisted that the Colombian striker will stay at AC
Milan this summer. (Talksport)
I do not think we should go in for him again. We wasted too much time
chasing him last year and we need to go for other targets. He messed us
around last summer and I believe the board need to be smarter and move on.
Michail Antonio has brushed off rumours of a move by insisting that his
future is at the London Stadium. (ClubCall)
I do believe that Michail is happy here and that he wants to stay. I feel he
is at the perfect place right now and that there is no need for him to move.
He is a massive part of our plans to move forward as a club.
Slaven Bilic says West Ham are a different force to what they were the last
time they faced Watford in the league. (West Ham United)
We are exactly that. We are much better and more confident than what we were
back in September. I am very excited about the game tomorrow.
Pedro Obiang says he is relishing a reunion with Walter Mazzari tomorrow.
(West Ham United)
We need another top performance from Pedro tomorrow, and I am sure he won't
disappoint us. He deserves a new deal at the club for his outstanding
performances this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham United
SAT, 25 FEB 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
17:30
Venue: Vicarage Road
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Watford are still without Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele, who are
sidelined with ankle and knee problems respectively. Sebastian Prodl, Craig
Cathcart and Valon Behrami all face fitness test on minor injuries.
West Ham will assess Andy Carroll's groin problem ahead of the game.
Left-back Aaron Cresswell is fit after a hamstring niggle, and forward Andre
Ayew is available for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Martin Fisher: "Watford's season effectively kicked off 41 minutes into
their match against West Ham at the London Stadium in mid-September.
"Trailing 2-0, a deflected shot from Odion Ighalo reduced the arrears and
proved the catalyst to a stunning revival.
"A 4-2 victory saw them soar out of the bottom three, early relegation fears
were eased and they've not looked in serious trouble since. "Improving on
last season's finish of 13th looks within their reach, but that bid could be
checked by a Hammers side that has been so impressive on the road since
Christmas. "Goals aplenty too along the way: 10 scored in victories at
Swansea, Middlesbrough and Southampton."
Twitter: @mfisherfootball
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri on the brilliant winning fightback
against West Ham in September: "We cannot compare [Saturday's game] with
that game. "It was a long time ago. They had some problems in that period
and we were coming from a particular period, too.
"We did a very good game after losing at the beginning. They are doing very
well now."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on that reverse fixture: "We are a different
team now. A lot of things have changed. "When we played them in September we
had a lot of players injured and we had to push players in who were not
totally fit because we had no other options. "We are in much better shape
now."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Watford have had their wobble and, like West Ham, I think their relegation
worries are over. The Hornets mounted a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to
beat the Hammers at the London Stadium earlier in the season, but this
should be a more straightforward win for them.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Watford could do the league double against West Ham for the first time.
The last two Premier League meetings have produced 10 goals.
Watford
Watford have lost just one of their last five league matches (W2, D2).
The Hornets have the oldest starting XI on average in the Premier League
this season, aged 29 years and 301 days.
They have conceded 17 set-piece goals in this season's Premier League, the
second-highest total in the division.
Troy Deeney has scored three goals in his last four Premier League games.
West Ham United
Like Watford, West Ham have lost just one of their last five league matches
(W3, D1).
The Hammers have won three of their last four away games in the Premier
League.
West Ham have scored 17 set-piece goals in this season's Premier League, the
highest total in the division.
Andy Carroll has scored five times in his last six league starts for the
Hammers.
Manuel Lanzini has scored two goals and provided two assists in his last
five Premier League games, after a run of seven games without a goal or an
assist.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 25%
Probability of home win: 38% Probability of away win: 37%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The wizards of Oz: West Ham planning summer tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 24th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set for a double date on the other side of the world this
summer. The Hammers are in talks with both Adelaide United and Perth Glory
regarding a whistle-stop tour of Australia this coming pre-season, ahead of
the club's second campaign at the Olympic Stadium.
According to the WA, Slaven Bilic and his squad are set to open their tour
at the Adelaide Oval this July before flying to Perth, the home state of
former Hammers Dylan Tombides, for a second fixture. A spokesman for Glory -
who erected a staue of Tombides outside their ground in 2015 - confirmed
that negotiations were under way, but added there was nothing to announce at
this stage.
West Ham most recently visited Australia in 2014 under Sam Allardyce when
they were beaten 3-1 by Sydney FC - a matter of days after suffering a 2-1
defeat against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.
The team that day - 26 July - was as follows: Adrian, Demel, O'Brien, Reid,
Collins, Noble, Diame, Nolan, Downing, Jarvis, Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford sweating on key injuries
kumb.COM
Filed: Friday, 24th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
Watford could be missing up to SIX players when they host West Ham at
Vicarage Road in the Premier League this weekend. Hornets boss Walter
Mazzarri revealed that he could be without half a team when his side,
currently three places below West Ham in the Premier League table take on
Slaven Bilic's squad on Saturday afternoon. Christian Kabasele, Sebastian
Prodl, Craig Cathcart, Nordin Amrabat, goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and
former Hammer Valon Behrami are all either struggling for fitness or
definitely out of the game, which takes place tomorrow at 3pm.
"I have written a list," Mazzarri told reporters at his pre-match press
conference. "Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele are injured while Prodl,
Cathcart and Valon Behrami are doubts. "They had some problems during
training but we need to evaluate. The three of them are not badly injured so
I hope to have them ready for the game. Now we have the most complete squad
for a long time so it is not a big problem."
Mazzarri is also preparing himself for a far tougher test that they last
occasion on which the two sides met, when Watford overturned an early
deficit to win 4-2 at the Olympic Stadium. "We cannot really compare with
that game," he insisted. "It seems a long time ago now but West Ham had some
problems in that period. Now they are doing very well and this is a
completely different time, so we cannot really compare."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham preview: Injury concerns for both teams
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 24/02/17 11:27am
SSN
Both Watford and West Ham have injury concerns ahead of their Premier League
clash at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening. Andy Carroll is a doubt for the
Hammers with a groin problem but Slaven Bilic has confirmed he could feature
from the bench. For the hosts, Sebastian Prodl, Valon Behrami and Craig
Cathcart will all need to be assessed ahead of kick-off due to various
ailments.
West Ham used their free week to head to Dubai for warm-weather training and
they will hope to extend their solid run of form upon their return to league
action. Bilic's side have lost just one of their last five matches in the
competition, although that was a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
Team news
Christian Kabasele is sidelined by a calf muscle injury for the Hornets,
while Prodl and Cathcart are both doubts. Behrami has been carrying a
hamstring problem, so will also be monitored. Nordin Amrabat (ankle) and
goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon (ankle) also continue their rehabilitation.
Carroll is doubtful for West Ham but Aaron Cresswell is fit after a
hamstring niggle and Andre Ayew is in contention for the first time since
returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Diafra
Sakho (back) remain long-term absentees.
Opta stats
After a run of just one win in 22 league games against the Hammers, Watford
have won two of their last three against them - including a 4-2 win at the
London Stadium back in September.
West Ham have never lost back-to-back league games against Watford in their
history.
The Hornets have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with
West Ham, though two of those wins have been away from home.
Watford's 2-0 victory in this exact fixture last season ended a run of 11
league games without a win against West Ham at Vicarage Road.
Carroll has scored 49 Premier League goals in 177 appearances; with 29 of
those goals coming for West Ham. He has scored five times in his last six
league starts.
Tom Cleverley has created 10 goalscoring chances in five apps for Watford in
the Premier League; two more than in his previous 27 appearances for Everton
(8).
Manuel Lanzini has scored two goals and provided two assists in his last
five top-flight games for West Ham, this after a run of seven games without
a goal or an assist.
Watford have seen players from 19 different countries represent them in the
Premier League this season; a joint-high alongside Sunderland.
Troy Deeney (103 goals) - who has scored three goals in his last four
Premier League appearances - is just two goals away from becoming the
joint-third highest goalscorer in Watford history alongside Cliff Holton
(105 goals).
Watford have named the oldest starting XI on average in the Premier League
this season (29y 301d).
Merson's prediction
This is a hard one to call. Watford are doing well and West Ham have some
great results every now and then. They are both pretty inconsistent over the
season. There isn't a lot to split these two, so I have to go for a draw.
For me, they are both safe from relegation. I don't think Watford get enough
credit because really, they should be fighting the drop.
MERSON PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Watford are Sky Bet's 7/5 favourites for the victory with West Ham 19/10
while the draw is priced at 23/10. B
Both sides are considered long-priced outsiders to be dragged into the
relegation battle at 28/1 and 250/1 respectively.
Deeney is 6/1 to score the first goal of the game while Mauro Zarate for the
visitors has been price boosted to 9/1 from 6/1 to do the same.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must target Watford win to get closer to magical mark of 41
ESPN
Slaven Bilic has spoken about West Ham's Dubai visit, Rooney's future,
'piegate' and Carroll's fitness ahead of Watford.
West Ham make the relatively short journey to Hertfordshire on Saturday to
take on Watford in another mid-table clash.
With 41 points the accepted target needed for any club in the bottom half of
the table to beat the drop, there seems no chance of the Hammers getting
involved in the relegation battle. Another nine points to take the total to
41 should be easily achievable by Slaven Bilic's men and Saturday's game
becomes just another in-the-middle melee, where it all comes down to pride
and the financial incentive of finishing as high as possible.
For West Ham to be comfortable before the end of February comes as something
of a surprise. After struggling in early December, many supporters were
openly speaking of relegation and replacing Bilic.
But apart from the two heavy cup defeats against both Manchester sides that
ended their Wembley dreams, the intervening league games have produced some
vital points, even if the entertainment quotient has sometimes been low. Now
the talk is of mid-table tedium and the lack of excitement involved. It all
goes to show the difficulties involved in running a Premier League outfit.
Fresh from their warm weather training in Dubai, the trip seems to have had
the desired effect for the owners. There will be talk of recharging the
batteries for the remaining games of the season, but the real reason the
club went to the Persian Gulf coast was to keep the club's profile high
among fans in the Middle East. If anyone else took an interest in the club
then even better.
Photographs of players happily chatting to fans and signing autographs were
swiftly made available to the media and Mark Noble was quick to praise the
opportunities the visit enabled. The time for selling may be a while off
yet. But make no mistake; West Ham will continually be in the shop window
from here on in. While David Gold and David Sullivan have made it clear they
have no intention of selling the club yet, Gold is 80 years old and Sullivan
68 and neither will want to suffer the pressures inherent in club ownership
forever.
Gold and Sullivan have raised the club to a new level with the London
stadium move, and despite early problems have largely steadied the bad
feeling about the relocation. There will be those who remember the Boleyn,
who will talk affectionately about the old place, but when managers like
Tony Pulis, completely unprompted, praise the atmosphere in Stratford -- as
the West Brom boss did after the 2-2 draw at the beginning of the month --
you can be certain perceptions are changing.
West Ham United
West Ham are nine points away from reaching the 41-point mark in the Premier
League.
When Gold and Sullivan have had enough though, they will want to ensure the
future legacy of the club is upward and, in a prime location in East London,
West Ham will be a fascinating investment for some enterprising billionaire.
When the decision to sell comes, the deal can't be made quickly though, so
trips like those last week are just laying a solid foundation on which any
future talks may hinge. Don't be surprised if the next cup defeat sees some
training in the Far East.
On the pitch now then, all the Hammers can do is to try to hang on to the
coattails of the leading seven clubs and try to invest in a structure that
moves them forward. Despite the toxic atmosphere created by the uncertainty
over Dimitri Payet, there is no doubt the loss of the talismanic France
international will be keenly felt when the season's dust settles. Payet
moved the Hammers up a notch and his type of skill is virtually
irreplaceable for a club the size of West Ham. Bilic and the owners will
need to work hard in the summer to keep the club at the current level, let
alone put pressure on the likes of Everton and Liverpool.
In the short term, gaining revenge over Watford for the 4-2 defeat back in
September will be the prime objective. Long term however, the Hammers need
to win these mid-table games and keep themselves in striking distance of the
leading pack.
Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is ESPN FC's West Ham
blogger.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek revenge on Watford after Troy Deeney's comments
Football London
BySam Inkersole
14:58, 24 FEB 2017
West Ham take on Watford this weekend with a bit of extra incentive ahead of
the game. Last September, Watford skipper Troy Deeney accused West Ham of
"'trying to mug Watford off' but it would be Deeney who would have the last
laugh. Manuel Lanzini tried a rabona shot from 20 yards which flew wide,
while Dimitri Payet also produced a rabona cross, which was headed in by
Michail Antonio to give the Hammers a 2-0 lead at the London Stadium.
Watford then proceeded to blast home four goals in 22 minutes in the second
half to win 4-2 and leave West Ham struggling in the Premier League. At the
time, Deeney said: "West Ham tried to mug us off. They started doing the
flicks and the tricks after 30 minutes. "You can appreciate good skill and
that was great skill for the second goal, but as a professional you cannot
allow someone to do that to you. "You see that in the playground with six
and seven-year-olds, and we are grown men. I can appreciate a rabona when a
team is 5-0 up with ten minutes to go but not when it makes it 2-0 and we're
still in the first half. It felt disrespectful."
Slaven Bilic was asked in his press conference on Thursday whether he'd use
Deeney's comments as motivation and he replied: "No. Well, maybe." Word to
the wise then for this weekend, West Ham - don't do a rabona and certainly
don't annoy Deeney.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
M'Baye Niang reveals why he chose Watford over West Ham despite Hammers' bid
The Frenchman turned down the Hammers for the Hornets
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
09:24, 24 FEB 2017
Watford striker M'Baye Niang has revealed why he snubbed interest from West
Ham in January to join the Hornets. The Hammers were heavily rumoured to be
in the market for the French forward on loan for the remainder of the season
but he chose to head to Vicarage Road.
Watford have a £14m option to buy Niang from his current club, AC Milan,
should the remainder of his loan spell go according to plan with the
Hornets. Niang told the official Watford website the Hammers just didn't
want him as much as Watford did. "I had other offers, from Everton and West
Ham," he said. "But they did not get to the same level as Watford in terms
of how much they wanted me.
"It was mainly the manager (Walter Mazzarri) who got me here. He was very
determined to have me here and it was because of him that I made the
decision to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He was the spirit and heartbeat of England' - A tribute to West Ham legend
Bobby Moore
Our Hammers writer Sam Inkersole looks at what made the defender so great
Fiootball London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:46, 24 FEB 2017
The word legend is thrown around carelessly these days but 24 years ago
today, a true legend was taken from us at the age of just 51.
Bobby Moore, West Ham and England's finest ever captain passed away from
cancer on February 24, 1993. I was only four years old when the great man
passed on but the Boleyn Ground gates draped in claret and blue memorabilia
within hours of Moore's death, the outpouring of grief and emotion, speaks
volumes even to this day. Moore was born on April 12, 1941 in Barking,
Essex, and joined West Ham as a 15-year-old in 1956. He would go on to make
646 appearances in claret and blue after making his debut for the club
against Manchester United in 1958. He'd leave the club to play for Fulham in
the twilight of his career in January 1974 but those 16 years in between
made him the legend he is today. Moore, a defender, was the antithesis of
the then West Ham way - fast, attacking, free-flowing football - but when
Pele says you are the best defender he has ever faced, you know you're on to
something. An uncompromising defender, Moore was not. His immaculate reading
of the game often bailed him out as Moore was neither quick, nor strong in
the air. In 1960, he was called into the England U23 squad and just two
years later, he jetted off with the Three Lions for Chile to play in his
first World Cup, where England were beaten by Brazil in the quarter finals.
The following year, aged just 22, he would skipper England for the first
time in place of the injured Jimmy Armfield, just his 12 cap for his
country. But, it wasn't all about England. Between 1964 and 1966 - we all
know how that period ended - was Moore's heyday. He lifted the Hammers'
first ever FA Cup triumph in 1964 and also won the Footballer of the Year
award in England. In 1965, he was on the trophy winning trail again, winning
the European Cup Winners Cup for the Hammers with a 2-0 win over 1860 Munich
at Wembley.
Then, 1966. The greatest game of football ever witnessed on the turf at
Wembley, the 4-2 World Cup final win over West Germany, with Moore the man
to lift the famous Jules Rimet trophy, becoming a national hero and a West
Ham legend. The rest of his career would never reach the heights of those
four years but that's not to say he wasn't one of the best of his
generation. Moore would play for West Ham for eight more years, winning
Hammer of the Year four times and being runner-up in the other four. He was
the first footballer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966
and was awarded an OBE the following year. Moore would lead England in the
1970 World Cup in Mexico, a tournament shrouded in controversy, with a story
leaked to the world's media of Moore stealing a bracelet in Bogota,
Columbia, something that was never proven and the case dropped. England were
2-0 up in the quarter final against Germany but would go on to lose 3-2.
In 1973, Moore would win his 108 and final England cap, his 90 as captain
before playing his last game for the Hammers the following year, an FA Cup
tie against Hereford United and then moving on to Fulham. Moore would face
his former side in an FA Cup final the following season, which West Ham won
2-0, his last appearance at Wembley. Managing didn't suit Moore, with spells
at Southend United, Eastern AA in Hong Kong and Oxford City without much
success. On February 14, 1993, Moore announced he had bowel and liver
cancer. Ten days later, he was gone. The South Stand at Upton Park was named
after him and he now has a stand in his honour at West Ham's new home, the
London Stadium. "Moore than a football club." Bobby Moore - gone but never
forgotten. Perhaps Moore's World Cup-winning England manager, Sir Alf
Ramsey, sums it up the best: "My captain, my leader, my right hand man. He
was the spirit and heartbeat of the team. A cool calculating footballer I
could trust with my life. He was the supreme professional, the best I ever
worked with. Without him England would never have won the World Cup."
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Slaven Bilic must make five changes for Watford revenge mission
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic must make five changes to his side if they
are to beat Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are sitting in the relative
comfort of midtable knowing a win at Vicarage Road could give them hope of
chasing a European place. Victory for the Hornets on the other hand would
see them leapfrog the East Londoners. West Ham have been in good form of
late and were desperately unlucky to be held to a 2-2 draw by West Bromwich
Albion last time out. Performances and injury situations mean Bilic must
make five changes to his side to give the Hammers the best possible chance
of beating Walter Mazzarri's men and exacting some revenge for a 4-2 defeat
in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Adrian in for Randolph
In many supporters' eyes their two goalkeepers are as good as eachother. But
many have been left unconvinced by Randolph's all round game in recent weeks
and feel their cult hero Spaniard deserves to come back into the side.
Adrian was dropped for a loss of form and it could be argued Randolph has
simply not been making saves to warrant keeping his place, particularly as
he looks very suspect on crosses into the box.
Kouyate alongside Fonte and Reid in back three
Bilic should switch to the 3-4-3 formation for this one. Midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate is West Ham's Mr Versatile having played right back in the games
against Southampton and West Brom. While he is sorely missed in the engine
room he has been excellent in the shielding role as part of a back three. He
helps the Hammers break out on counter attacks with his boundless energy and
pace and could prove vital.
Antonio at right wing back
With Kouyate in a back three, Antonio should drop into the right wing back
role where he can rampage up and down and cause Watford plenty of problems
while also pinning back the adventurous Jose Holebas. While he prefers
playing as the striker or at least on the wing, Antonio actually has a
better scoring and assist ratio when he attacks from deeper positions.
Fernandes in for Noble
The most unlikely change of all but one many Hammers fans would agree with,
Edimilson Fernandes coming into the side for Mark Noble.
The Hammers have plenty of leaders in the side now with the likes of Fonte,
Reid and Snodgrass so there is not the issue over the captaincy and
leadership. Noble is a steady Premier League player but Fernandes offers
much more pace, energy even an eye for goal. With Kouyate having to play out
of position Pedro Obiang needs a more energetic presence alongside him in
the middle of the park and Fernandes provides that, as well as an infectious
youthful exuberance.
Ayew in for Feghouli
Andre Ayew is back from African Nations duty and has declared himself fit
and finally fully recovered from the thigh injury which has blighted his
debut season following the £20.5 million move from Swansea City.
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Biabiany agent reveals reason for Chelsea snub; 'likes West Ham'
Date published: Friday 24th February 2017 10:41
teamTalk
Inter winger Jonathan Biabiany's agent has revealed why his client rejected
a move to Chelsea and declares he wants West Ham deal.
Biabiany looked set to be joining Antonio Conte at Chelsea at the end of the
January transfer window, with a loan move agreed between the London club and
Inter Milan. Conte is a big fan of the winger, having watched the player
during his time in Italy, and it was expected that the out-of-favour
Biabiany would join him at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old is without a
league appearance for Inter this season and the proposal would have given
the Blues the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
However, the transfer fell through. Now his agent, Davide Bega, has revealed
to Calciomercato why his client rejected the chance to join Chelsea.
"Yes, I can confirm [Chelsea wanted to sign Biabiany]. "Conte wanted him and
personally talked to Jonathan to persuade him to move to Chelsea. Chelsea's
offer, however, was late. "They called us on Sunday night and the transfer
window was closing two days later. There was no time to finalise a deal."
His agent also opened the door for a move to Chelsea's London neighbours,
West Ham United. The winger was linked with a move to the Hammers in the
transfer window, and it appears that a potential move in the summer could
materialise. When asked on whether his client would join West Ham, Bega
replied: "Yes, he likes the Hammers."
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Andy Carroll out does Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez, if only he
could stay fit
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is officially better than Manchester
United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez... when he's
fit. The Hammers hero looks set to miss another match against Watford this
weekend as his persistent injury problems continue to wreak havoc on his
career. Just when the big Geordie looked to be finding fitness and supreme
form he has been laid low by a groin problem. Supporters were told it was
only a minor complaint and the striker would be back soon. But Slaven Bilic
has now admitted it has taken longer than expected to clear up. And that is
the story of Carroll's career. The all-action striker is often written off
as nothing more than a head on a stick. But when fit he has proved -
particularly with some of his goals and performances recently - that he is
much more than that. Further proof if it was needed comes in the form of a
new stat which shows Carroll in fact has a better goals to game ratio than
Red Devils superstar Zlatan and Gunners striker Sanchez... just with
considerably less games. Carroll has six goals in 12 Premier League
appearances this season, a goal every other game - but it is actually more
like six goals in eight games as he has completed just 800 minutes.
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Manchester United star urged to join West Ham by club legend
MANCHESTER UNITED star Luke Shaw should leave Old Trafford on loan next
season.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 06:25, Fri, Feb 24, 2017 | UPDATED: 06:55, Fri, Feb 24, 2017
Express.co.uk
That is of the opinion of Shaka Hislop, who claims West Ham would be an
ideal place for the out-of-favour left-back. Shaw hasn't featured for
Manchester United in the Premier League since the end of October after
suffering a lengthy groin injury. The England international has been
available for the past few weeks but has failed to even make Jose Mourinho's
matchday squad. And former West Ham goalkeeper Hislop believes Shaw should
move to the London Stadium on loan next season to gain regular game time.
"If I'm Luke Shaw or his agent, I'm thinking: 'Yes, it's time to move on',"
Hislop told ESPN. "I don't see him fitting into Jose Mourinho's plans and
maybe it's time to seek pastures new. "From a Manchester United perspective,
Luke Shaw is a highly-regarded player who they spent a lot of money on.
"He's back from his horrific injury and he's still only 21 years old. "If
I'm Man United I don't want to give this player up yet, I don't want to give
up on him. "Maybe the option for them if he doesn't fit into Mourinho's
immediate plans is to send him out on loan. "Maybe to a club like West Ham
who have a history of bringing players through. "But if I'm Luke Shaw's
agent and I can get a big-money move away, I would seriously consider that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: WATFORD V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 24 Feb 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Billy Bonds' West Ham United arrived at Vicarage Road, the home of this
weekend's opponents Watford, for a Second Division fixture on 13th March
1990 while en route to a seventh-place finish.
Beats International featuring Lindy Layton were number one with 'Dub Be Good
To Me' and Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington were in UK cinemas with
Glory as the Hammers recorded a 1-0 victory in front of 15,682 thanks to a
strike from centre-forward Trevor Morley (pictured above), his second goal
of 70 for the club in 214 appearances. Watford would finish the 1989/90
campaign in 15th position, while Julian Dicks would end the season as Hammer
of the Year and the Irons' top goalscorer in all competitions.
West Ham United: Ludek Miklosko, George Parris, Colin Foster, Tony Gale,
Julian Dicks, Kevin Keen, Martin Allen, Ian Bishop, Stuart Slater, Trevor
Morley, Jimmy Quinn.
Club Connections
Former Hammers Valon Behrami and Mauro Zarate are both now on Watford's
books. Other players to have represented both clubs, divided by position,
include:
Goalkeepers: Ted Hufton, David James, Perry Suckling, Manuel Almunia, Jack
Rutherford, Joe Webster.
Defenders: Jon Harley, Calum Davenport, Lucas Neill, Chris Powell.
Midfielders: Henri Lansbury, Alan Devonshire, Alessandro Diamanti, Stuart
Slater, Jobi McAnuff, Jimmy Lindsay, Joe Blythe, Jimmy Carr, Mark Robson,
Carl Fletcher.
Strikers: David Connolly, Roger Hugo, Billy Jennings.
Len Goulden played for West Ham and managed Watford, while Malky Mackay
played for both clubs and went on to manage the Vicarage Road club.
Gianfranco Zola has managed both the Hammers and the Hornets.
This week's focus though is on a midfielder who represented both clubs in
the early years of this century. David Noble was born in Hitchin on the 2nd
February 1982 and started his career as a trainee with Arsenal, with whom he
won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 before joining Gianluca Vialli's First Division
Watford on loan in August 2001. He made his debut as a 72nd-minute
substitute in a 3-0 home win over Wimbledon on 9th September 2001 and scored
his only goal for the club in the 44th minute of a 3-0 win at Grimsby on
20th October 2001, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Danny Coyne before
walking it into an empty net.
Noble played in a League Cup quarter-final while with the Hornets but was
substituted at half-time as Sheffield Wednesday triumphed 4-0 at
Hillsborough to reach the last four. After a promising start for the
creative midfielder at Vicarage Road, his impact and appearances began to
wane. His final appearance for the club came in a 2-1 defeat at Stockport on
1st April 2002 - after one goal in 18 appearances at Watford, Noble returned
to parent club Arsenal.
After an appearance-less half-season back with the Gunners, Noble signed for
Glenn Roeder's West Ham United on a three-month permanent contract in
February 2003. He was re-united with Joe Cole, with whom he had spent two
years at Lilleshall. Noble, who played for England at youth level before
making a single appearance for Scotland B in 2003, failed to force himself
into the first-team reckoning as the Hammers eventually succumbed to
relegation.
The 21-year-old extended his contract with the club in the summer of 2003
however and made his debut for the Hammers under Roeder in a 3-1 League Cup
first round win over Rushden & Diamonds at the Boleyn Ground on 13th August
2003, his only start for the club. He made his first league appearance as a
substitute in a 0-0 home draw against Sheffield United three days later. His
only other appearances for the Irons came as a substitute under caretaker
manager Trevor Brooking, in a 3-0 win at Crewe and 2-0 defeat at Gillingham.
After four goalless appearances for West Ham United, Noble was released by
Alan Pardew in early 2004, joining Third Division Boston United.
After two years at Boston, Noble joined Bristol City. He helped the Robins
win promotion from League One and also scored in the Championship Play-Off
semi-final against Crystal Palace the following season. After a loan spell
with Yeovil in 2008/09, he was released and signed for League One Exeter. He
moved to Rotherham in 2012 and, following a loan spell with Cheltenham,
signed for Oldham in 2014. After only two appearances for Oldham, he
re-joined Exeter on loan before making his return to Devon permanent in
January 2015. After a year and a half back with the Grecians, Noble signed
for St Albans City in the National League South last summer, taking his
experience of over 300 Football League appearances to Clarence Park. Now 35,
Noble has made 23 appearances for St Albans this season, with five assists
to his name.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Craig Pawson; 2016/17 is Pawson's fifth as a
Premier League referee. In 2014/15 he refereed West Ham's 3-1 home win over
Liverpool and sent off Adrian in our 0-0 draw at Southampton, a decision
that was later overturned. He was also the man in the middle for our 4-1
Capital One Cup home defeat to Wigan four seasons ago and our 3-1 loss at
Stoke's Britannia Stadium three seasons ago. His Hammers appointments last
season were both at the Boleyn Ground, for our 2-2 draw with Manchester City
in January 2016 and the 3-3 draw with Arsenal last April.
Pawson's matches in charge of West Ham United so far this season saw him
send off Harry Arter as the Hammers defeated Bournemouth 1-0 in August,
while he also officiated in our 2-1 home win over Chelsea in the fourth
round of the League Cup in October. His most recent Hammers appointment was
our 5-1 home defeat to Arsenal in December.
Possible line-ups
Costel Pantilimon, Christian Kabasele, Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra
are out for Watford, while Craig Cathcart, Sebastian Prodl and ex-Hammer
Valon Behrami all face late fitness tests. Mauro Zarate is in line to start
against the Hammers for the first time since leaving the club.
For West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Andre Ayew are all
available, while Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test and may not be
risked from the start. Angelo Ogbonna, Gokhan Tore and Diafra Sakho are the
only definite absentees from Slaven Bilic's squad. The Hammers have lost
only one of their last 12 league matches at Watford, although this defeat
came in our last visit, a 2-0 defeat in October 2015.
Possible Watford XI: Gomes; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kaboul, Britos; Capoue,
Cleverley; Niang, Zarate, Holebas; Deeney.
Possible West Ham United XI: Randolph; Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell;
Noble, Obiang; Feghouli, Lanzini, Snodgrass; Antonio.
Enjoy the game - Come On You Irons!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
When and where?
Watford v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 25 February 2017, 5.30pm GMT
Vicarage Road
What's the story?
West Ham United make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on
Saturday with a teatime trip to Watford.
Two weeks have passed since they were last in action, so Slaven Bilic's men
will be itching to take on the Hornets - especially as they suffered a 4-2
defeat to them at London Stadium back in September.
That scoreline looked unlikely when Michail Antonio stooped to head in
following a Dimitri Payet rabona cross and put the Hammers 2-0 up with 33
minutes played.
But Watford came back strongly to level before the break, then score two
more in the second half to leave the Hammers deflated.
That was the Hammers' first league defeat at London Stadium, but they have
looked up since and head into this game tenth in the table - seven places
higher than they were following defeat to Watford.
Walter Mazzarri's team are 13th in the Premier League, two points behind the
Hammers after successive victories at the start of the month ended a
seven-game winless run.
Those 2-1 successes against Arsenal and Burnley were followed by a 2-0 loss
at Manchester United, but the Hornets will be feeling more comfortable than
they were a month ago.
Team news
West Ham United will assess Andy Carroll's fitness ahead of Saturday's game,
after the striker has been absent from training since picking up a minor
groin niggle recently.
Bilic remains hopeful of being able to call upon the big No9, while Arthur
Masuaku is available after a knee injury and Aaron Cresswell has shaken off
a knock.
Andre Ayew is available following his participation at the Africa Cup of
Nations, but Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Diafra Sakho (back) are sidelined.
The Hornets could be without six players for the visit of the Hammers, with
a number of issues in defence.
Christian Kabasele has not recovered from a muscle injury, while Walter
Mazzarri has doubts over Sebastian Prodl and Craig Cathcart.
Nordin Amrabat remains sidelined and former Hammer Valon Behrami is listed
as a doubt. Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon completes the injured list.
Player head-to-head
Tom Cleverley v Robert Snodgrass head-to-head
How do I get to the game?
Watford have produced a guide for visiting supporters, which can be accessed
by clicking here.
Accessibility supporters can view a guide to Vicarage Road by clicking here.
If you're travelling to the game by train, London Midland and London
Overground services from Euston serve Watford Junction station, while London
Overground services also call at Watford High Street. Check tfl.gov.uk or
nationalrail.co.uk for up-to-the-minute travel information.
The latest news on the roads can be found by clicking here.
How can I watch the game?
This match is being broadcast live in the UK on BT Sport. You can also
follow all the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio
commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Join
the conversation on social using the hashtag #WATWHU
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford betting preview with Betway
WHUFC.com
It's been almost two weeks since West Ham's last game. Since then, the
Hammers squad have travelled to Dubai to soak up some sun and put in the
hard yards at a warm weather training camp.
As well as vital fitness work, the trip will have been an opportunity for
the latest additions to the squad to get to know their teammates better and
help develop those all-important on-pitch relationships.
They'll hope all their efforts will bear fruit on Saturday evening when they
travel to Vicarage Road to play an unpredictable Watford side.
The Hornets' home advantage gives them the slight edge in terms of the odds,
with a Watford win at 8/5, a West Ham victory at 19/10 and the draw at
21/10.
The Hammers will be looking to avenge their defeat at London Stadium when
the two sides met earlier in the season.
It was a game that saw six goals, and given that there have been four goals
in each of West Ham's four previous games, we could be looking at another
high scoring encounter.
It's 19/20 for over 2.5 Total Goals in the match and 11/5 for more than 3.5
Total Goals.
The Hammers have only lost once in their last five fixtures and picked up 10
points in the process. Another victory today with both teams to score is
9/2.
A large part of the Hammers' recent success has been because of in-form Andy
Carroll. The talismanic striker has four goals in his last four appearances
and could make the difference again on Saturday evening.
Carroll is 6/1 to open the scoring and 9/4 to score at any time during the
match. You can also get him at 6/1 to be the last goalscorer.
Michail Antonio scored a brace when the sides last met in September, and is
20/1 to repeat the feat. He's also 11/4 to score at any time.
You might also want to think about when the Hammers are likely to score.
Seven of their last 11 goals have come after the first 45 minutes, and
they're 4/5 to put the ball in the Hornets' net in the second half.
Slaven Bilic's men are also developing a knack for late goals. Four of their
last 11 have come in the 76th minute or later.
If you think there could be another last gasp Irons goal, you can back them
to score their final goal between the 76th and 90th minute at 13/5.
This weekend there are more than 100 markets on the game available at
Betway. And if you're an existing customer, why not join our Free Bet Club?
You can guarantee yourself £10 in Free Bets every week. Just opt in at
Betway and place at least £25 on football multiples (trebles or higher)
before midnight every Friday*.
Visit betway.com or download our app from the App Store or Google Play for
more.
*Available to new and existing customers. Opt-in required. Minimum stake(s)
per week: £25. No minimum stake per multiple. Enhanced prices excluded.
Single Line Multiples including 3 or more Football selections only. Min.
overall odds: 2/1. Real money bets only. Total Amount of Free Bets Awarded:
£10. Two £5 Free Bets, per customer, per promotion week. Free Bets credited
in two instalments on Saturday and Monday. Bets must be settled between
Saturday 00:00 GMT and the following Friday 23:59 GMT to count towards the
promotion for that particular week. Other conditions apply. All odds correct
at the time of writing.
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Obiang relishing Mazzarri reunion
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang was signed by Watford manager Walter Mazzarri for Sampdoria at
the age of 16
Midfielder says Italian sought his advice before taking the top job at
Vicarage Road last summer
No14 is also looking forward to meeting former teammate and friend Mauro
Zarate
Pedro Obiang should not be surprised by Watford's tactics at Vicarage Road
on Saturday. Hornets manager Walter Mazzarri signed the then 16-year-old
midfielder for Italian club Sampdoria back in summer 2008, immediately
adding the young Spaniard to his first-team squad. So impressed was Mazzarri
with Obiang's potential that he named the teenaged midfielder on the
substitutes' bench for two Serie A fixtures in January 2009 - still two
months short of his 17th birthday. Eight years on and both men are now
plying their trade in the Premier League, with West Ham United's in-form
midfielder revealing that Mazzarri had sought his advice before following
him to England last summer. "I know Mister Mazzarri well," the No14 told
whufc.com. "I met him last summer and he told me he was going to Watford. He
told me he didn't speak English, but I told him not to worry because I
didn't speak English when I arrived at West Ham, either! "He is an Italian
coach and wants to talk about tactics and normally this would be a problem
because he speaks only Italian, but many of his players also speak Italian,
so while it is still difficult for him to communicate with all his squad, he
can do so either directly or through a translator. Walter Mazzarri"Watford
is a good team in a good moment and I have a lot of friends in this club. I
know Walter Mazzarri very well, as he was my first manager in Sampdoria when
I was 16, 17, so I know him and he knows me.
"Watford are not so much of an offensive team, as they normally try to
defend, but they have important strikers and can cause you pain. We are a
good team, too, and we want to demonstrate that our defeat at home to
Watford was a mistake. "We need some points because we lost two important
points in the last game at home to West Brom, so we need to take three
points from this game."
After a decent playing career, Mazzarri started out as a coach with Napoli
in 1998 before taking his first managerial role with Sicilian Serie C2 club
Acireale in 2001. He then took a seat in the dugout at Pistoiese, Livorno
and Reggina prior to his aforementioned two-year spell with Sampdoria
between 2007 and 2009. After leaving the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Mazzarri
guided Napoli to second in Serie A and Coppa Italia glory before spending
the 2013/14 season with Internazionale. In July 2016, he was appointed
manager of Watford by the club's Italian owner, Gino Pozzo.
Obiang has been impressed with his former mentor's start to life in English
football and offered his observations on how Mazzarri likes his teams to
play.
"He likes to always play with the same system, 3-5-2, and we arrived sixth
in Serie A and reached the Coppa Italia final when he was in Sampdoria,
while he also arrived in second place and won the Coppa Italia with Napoli,"
he observed. "Tactically he is good, like most Italian managers. He doesn't
like to take a lot of risks, though, so maybe that will be good for us.
"Personality-wise, he was good for us. He didn't talk to the players too
much, because his assistant Nicolo Frustalupi, who is with him always, is a
good person who likes to laugh and talk and demonstrate things, like Edin
[Terzic] does here at West Ham. "It's a good experience for them here in
England, because it is not easy to come here and be good in the first year."
Mazzari will not be the only friendly face Obiang meets at Vicarage Road, as
former West Ham forward Mauro Zarate joined Watford from Fiorentina in
January. The midfielder revealed how the Argentine helped him to settle into
life in east London, and even admitted he would not begrudge Zarate a goal
on Saturday, as long as West Ham win the game! "Mauro is our friend and we
miss him! I want to tell him not to score on Saturday because we are
friends, but if he does score I am happy for him because this is football
and I know he is a good player and a good person," Obiang smiled. "He has
changed team and this is a chance for him to demonstrate that. "Mauro is a
good guy with a beautiful family and when I came to West Ham he and Adrian
helped me with everything. We went to dinner together and so, for me, he is
a good boy!"
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Bilic - We are a different force
WHUFC.com
Bilic wants to make amends for the 4-2 defeat back in September
The Hammers manager says his team will have a different look
Bilic wants to see his side get straight back on the winning trail
Slaven Bilic is determined to make amends for the disappointing home defeat
against Watford back in September and says his team will have a completely
different look on Saturday. The Hammers looked strong favourites to secure
all three points against the Hornets after Michail Antonio's brace had fired
them into a two-goal lead. But the home side suffered a nightmare end to the
first half when they conceded two goals in the final five minutes and went
on to lose the game 4-2. Following a successful trip to Dubai last week,
Bilic say his players will be looking to gain some revenge over Watford and
knows they will be a totally different force at Vicarage Road. Bilic said:
"Yes we are a different team. We are the same team but a lot has changed. At
the beginning of September we had so many players injured and some not
totally fit. "We had to push them. We had no other options but to put them
in from the start, ideally it would have been better if they had played 45
or 60mins. "Now it is totally different. I see it not only in results but in
training, in the restaurant, on the coach, we are in much better shape now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Five Talking Points - Watford
WHUFC.com
The big topics for discussion as West Ham United prepare to head to Vicarage
Road to face Watford in the Premier League on Saturday...
Shared responsibility
Before Dimitri Payet's departure in January, it almost went without saying
that he would be the most-creative player in each of West Ham United's
Premier League matches. In each of his 18 Premier League appearances this
season, the Frenchman made more key passes than any other Hammer in ten, and
the joint-highest number of key passes in five more. On just three occasions
- away at Crystal Palace and Leicester City and at home to Arsenal - was
another West Ham player more creative than the No27. Times, of course, have
changed, and now the role of opening up opposition defences is being shared
around Slaven Bilic's team. In the five matches since Payet returned to
France, Michail Antonio chalked up three assists against Crystal Palace,
Manuel Lanzini and Robert Snodgrass have each topped the key passes charts
once, while four players shared the creative load at Southampton - Antonio,
Snodgrass, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate. Payet assisted both goals in
the home defeat by Watford in September, so the question is who will step
into his key passing void at Vicarage Road?
AC does it?
One question, if not two, on the lips of every West Ham United fan ahead of
Saturday's game is 'Will AC be available?'. AC, of course, could refer to
either Andy Carroll, who missed the home draw with West Bromwich Albion due
to a groin injury, or Aaron Cresswell, who limped off at half-time with a
dead leg. Carroll's return would be most welcome, seeing as the No9 has been
in blistering form since Christmas, while Cresswell himself will want to
keep his starting place seeing as Arthur Masuaku is now in full training
after his own lay-off with a knee problem.
Inconsistent Hornets
While West Ham United's season has been split between victories over
opponents in the bottom half and defeats by those above them, Watford's
season has been wildly inconsistent by comparison. The Hornets have neither
won nor lost more than two Premier League games in a row, while Walter
Mazzarri's side have beaten three of the top seven - Manchester United,
Everton and Arsenal - and picked up 16 of their 30 points from matches
against teams currently above them in the table. Even on their visit to
London Stadium back in September, Watford were outplayed for 40 minutes,
fell two goals down but ended by winning in style 4-2. Throw in defeats by
League One Gillingham and Millwall in the two domestic cup competitions and
trying to predict Watford's form and results is approaching impossible!
Two former Hammers
West Ham United will face two familiar faces when they head to Vicarage Road
on Saturday. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami played 63 times in Claret and
Blue between August 2008 and January 2011, scoring five goals, while
Argentine forward Mauro Zarate scored seven times in 29 appearances between
August 2014 and January 2016. Both players attracted something of a cult
during their spells in east London - Behrami for his non-stop running and
work-rate and Zarate for his enigmatic forward play and spectacular goals.
Now 31, Behrami joined Watford from German side Hamburger SV in summer 2015
and is approaching 50 appearances for the Hornets, while 29-year-old Zarate
moved to Hertfordshire from Italian club Fiorentina last month.
Away comforts
Just as they did last season, West Ham United have hit some real form on the
road in recent weeks. Pre-Christmas draws at Manchester United and Liverpool
were followed by a thumping 4-1 victory at Swansea City on Boxing Day. An
undeserved 1-0 New Year's Eve defeat at Leicester City proved to be just a
blip as Slaven Bilic's side kicked-off 2017 with 3-1 wins at Middlesbrough
and Southampton.
With eleven points from their last five matches on their Premier League
travels, the Hammers will travel around the M25 in confident mood on
Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hector-Ingram - They're just humans in blue kit!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s face Chelsea this Saturday at Little Heath
The Hammers know a win will ensure qualification for the Elite Merit Group
Jahmal Hector-Ingram has called on his teammates to forget Chelsea's current
form and most recent result
Jahmal Hector-Ingram has urged his teammates to forget Chelsea's recent
results and form as West Ham's U18s take on the Blues in their last U18
Premier League South fixture of the season. After this weekend, the North
and South divisions will merge into three separate leagues, with the Hammers
needing a positive result against the Blues on Saturday to finish in the top
four and qualify for the Elite Merit Group. Hector-Ingram admits his team
have been through a tough spell but knows a strong result at Little Heath on
Saturday will show that the Hammers can compete with the top teams in the
country. "We've been on a bad run but I do believe we can turn things round
against Chelsea," declared Hector-Ingram. "I just see Chelsea as human
beings in blue kit and, as far as I'm concerned, we can play against them
and do what we need to do on Saturday. "It's been a good season, full of ups
and downs which is part and parcel of the game but we want to be playing
against the best of the best. Beating Chelsea would lead us to be playing
teams like Man City and what not.
"We competed with Arsenal and we were very unfortunate. With Chelsea, we
need to play with the same mindset like we did against Arsenal and finish
our chances. Hector-Ingram also admits the team are fully aware of Chelsea's
mammoth victory over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, but insists the
Hammers are confident of getting something from the match. "Obviously I've
heard about them beating Brighton 13-0, which I don't understand how that
happened! I can say that won't be happening to us. I reckon we can actually
get something from the game."
Hector-Ingram has been the U18s main goal outlet this year, scoring 12 goals
in all competitions, as well as two for Terry Westley's U23s. Despite
missing a period through injury, the striker is keen to get back on the
scoresheet and continue his progression this season . "I'm pleased but I've
set my target for 20+ goals before the end of the season," Hector-Ingram
continued. "I've still got a few games left to get that done so I'm content
with what I've done so far but there's loads more to come from me. There's
always something you can improve on. "I would love to get more starts for
the U23s. Things are starting to get quite interesting so now that I'm back
from injury and I've got a couple of games under my belt and there'll
hopefully be a few surprises before the end of the season."
West Ham United U18s take on league leaders Chelsea on Saturday (11am
kick-off) at Little Heath Sports Ground. Parking and admission are both
free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It really was a huge honour'
WHUFC.com
Lorne MacFadyen played the part of Bobby Moore in ITV drama series Tina and
Bobby
Scottish actor relished taking on the role of West Ham United and England's
greatest captain
Twenty-six year old championed the work of the Moore Family Foundation
As acting jobs go, they do not get much better than playing a national icon.
For Lorne MacFadyen, that meant taking on the role of the late, great West
Ham United and England captain Bobby Moore in the acclaimed ITV drama Tina
and Bobby.
Cast opposite award-winning actress Michelle Keegan, who played Bobby's
first wife Tina, MacFadyen spent endless hours researching the role of the
legendary No6, perfecting his mannerisms and distinctive east London accent.
Lorne MacFadyenFor the Isle of Skye-born 26-year-old, who only embarked on
an acting career in 2014, the challenge was one he relished.
"It really was a huge honour to take on such an iconic role," MacFadyen told
West Ham TV. "It was a huge surprise for me and a massive honour to take on
the part, as Bobby is such a legend to so many people, not only in this part
of the world but everywhere.
"Everyone appreciates what a true gentleman and sporting icon Bobby Moore
was.
"I watched a lot of interviews with Bobby and I read Tina Moore's book,
which the series is based on, to get an insight into what he was like not
only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well, which was really important for
the story we were telling.
"In terms of the accent, I just sort of mimicked what I had watched and I
hope I did a good job. It was an ongoing process as, even though we had
started filming, I kept on perfecting it all the way through."
Tina and Bobby attracted more than five million viewers to each of its three
episodes, which were screened earlier this year in a prime-time Friday
evening slot. The series won widespread praise from critics, leaving
MacFadyen feeling immensely proud.
"You just have to do your job and hope that people appreciate your telling
of the story, that's the main thing," he said, modestly. "It was an
incredible journey that Bobby went on with his wife Tina, an incredible
rollercoaster for them both and I've had a lot of great support. Everyone
has been very kind, so it's been great.
"Michelle was an absolute gem on set and really welcoming. I'm obviously not
quite as experienced as her, as I'm quite new to the acting game. It was
really nice to have someone to have a laugh with and she's a great actress
and really talented as well."
Lorne MacFadyenMacFadyen was invited to London Stadium by Bobby's daughter
Roberta for the Premier League fixture with Manchester City on 1 February,
where he was part of the Moore Family Foundation awareness match.
Founded in 2014, the Foundation has provided life-changing opportunities for
more than 10,000 Year 6 students in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking &
Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon. Trust mentors will support
pupils with literacy and numeracy, while the children also visit London
Stadium to experience an authentic Hammers matchday for themselves.
"It's a huge honour to visit London Stadium with Roberta and see the Bobby
Moore Stand as well.," the actor confirmed. "It's a special night.
"It's an incredible thing. You have your football club who you support,
which is a ritual which you follow every matchday, but I think it's good
that there are other things to get involved with, like making changes in the
community, which is fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roberta Moore - Dad's legacy lives on
WHUFC.com
Roberta Moore told West Ham TV of her pride in seeing her father Bobby's
legacy live on in the Moore Family Foundation.
Launched three years ago in memory of the late, great West Ham United and
England captain, who died 24 years ago today, the Foundation - a registered
charity - is providing life-changing opportunities to thousands of Year 6
students in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking & Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood
and Basildon.
Roberta explained how, working in conjunction with the West Ham United
Foundation, mentors support pupils with literacy and numeracy, while also
accompanying them on unforgettable matchday visits to London Stadium.
"I'm really proud that we have come as far as we have since the Foundation
started, which was in 2014," Roberta told West Ham TV. "With the help of the
Club and the fantastic team of mentors which we've got, we've so far reached
more than 16,000 children in Year 6 across the boroughs think we work with.
"I believe 11,000 children have now been to our Healthy Lifestyle workshops
and the number is up to around 1,320 vulnerable children who have received
one-on-one mentoring in the key academic subjects, so their literacy and
numeracy skills have really increased, which has a knock-on effect to their
attainment levels and their confidence. It's brilliant and I'm really proud
of that.
"For me, I want Dad's legacy to continue and we tried to build into the core
of the programme the values that I and everyone else recognises in Dad -
self-discipline, kindness and working hard. We're trying to put those
messages across to the children we engage with and are trying to give a
positive message to them to help them to achieve their potential."
Roberta and her family have retained close links with the Club her father
represented 646 times between 1958 and 1974, playing a central role in the
closing of the Boleyn Ground and the opening of the Hammers' new home on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The legendary No6 turned out the Boleyn Ground lights for the final time in
May last year, before Bobby's grandson Freddie opened the new Bobby Moore
Stand at London Stadium in August.
"I take great comfort from the close relationship my family retains with the
Club," Roberta confirmed. "My son Freddie opened the Bobby Moore Stand here
at London Stadium last summer, which was really special, because my children
did not get to meet my Dad. For them to be able to connect on a very
personal level is really important to me.
"I love being involved with the Club. It has a real family feel and it's
always really special as we receive such a warm welcome.
"The Club have been brilliant and working alongside the Club, they have been
amazing in helping us deliver the Foundation scheme into so many schools. We
couldn't have done it without the Club."
Roberta Moore with Bobby and Tina actor Lorne MacFadyen and West Ham United
Foundation CEO Joe Lyons
Meanwhile, a new generation of football fans - and ordinary television
viewers - were brought into the lives of the Moore family by the
recently-aired acclaimed ITV drama Tina and Bobby.
In the three-part series, actors Lorne MacFadyen and Michelle Keegan took on
the roles of Roberta's parents, taking viewers through the defender's rise
from East End boy to national icon.
Charting his ascension to the role of West Ham's FA Cup and European Cup
Winners' Cup and England's 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning captain, Tina and
Bobby was enjoyed by more than five million viewers.
"I really enjoyed it," Roberta confirmed. "It was surreal for me to see my
family life played out on screen, but I thought Lorne and Michelle did a
great job of playing my Dad and Mum and they obviously paid a lot of
information to the detail of the costumes, the soundtrack and I loved all
that stuff.
"It was a bit odd to watch it, but I loved it. I don't go on Twitter much,
but I did go on there during the show and I saw it was trending and it has
opened up Dad's life to a whole new audience and that makes it very
special."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsene Wenger's critics have gone over the top, the Arsenal manager does not
deserve a witch-hunt writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
I would like to say something about Arsene Wenger and the criticism he has
taken recently. Okay, it is part of the job and all that but at the end of
the day, sometimes it is too much. Social media has added significantly to
the intensity and what I really don't understand is the feeling, among some,
that the more you earn, the more you should be immune to criticism. I
doesn't matter if Arsene earns £1million or £5m - at the end of the day he
is human. He is not doing his job now for the money. We can all get the
sack, of course, and you can take fair criticism but some of it crosses the
line and it can develop into a witch-hunt. Nobody deserves that, least of
all Arsene. You can't say he made Arsenal because that club have a great
history and were at or near the top for many years before he went there. The
fact is though, that in this modern era, he took the club to another level -
and kept them there.
We don't play Arsenal for another month, tomorrow we are up against Watford
and go into the game having come back from Dubai. The trip was really good,
I would say perfect apart from the weather which wasn't the best but still
good for training. The temperature was warm enough but we didn't see a lot
of sun. We trained really hard, more than we would have trained here and the
squad went out a couple of times, which was planned and there were no major
issues which clubs have had in the past. We had one dinner altogether - the
players and staff - which was brilliant and there is no doubt it helps team
bonding. You can have a really good atmosphere in the squad at home but when
the players have even more time together, they mix more and that helps. Some
players open up more than when they're back here and I am expecting a big
benefit from this trip.
We're looking forward now, to the game with Watford. Back in September we
were 2-0 up against them but conceded two goals in a couple of minutes just
before half-time and lost 4-2. Okay, you can say it was level at half-time
and still everything to play for but it's hard when, three minutes before
half-time, you are leading 2-0 and then you go in at 2-2. Psychologically
that's tough. In their dressing-room they are punching the air but in ours
it was understandably not so positive. The game was in a period where we had
a few injuries and we had players who were either new or just back in
training after injury which meant physically, we weren't at our best.
We are in much better shape now and the only negative was that we didn't
play last weekend. Somehow, because we have been used to playing every week,
we just got out of the rhythm of playing. Ideally we wanted to keep that
momentum going and although it was only one blank weekend, psychologically
it seems much longer.
So what is left for us this season?
First of all, we are not safe. Yes, we are in mid-table with 32 points, two
more than Watford but we still have ambitions for the remainder of this
season. Yes, maybe it used to be the case where teams in mid-table at this
time, would switch-off a little but not now. Because of the media exposure
now, whether written or broadcasting, you have always to be on your toes.
There is competition for places in every training session and in every game
you have to try and show your quality, not only to your home fans - but to
the world on TV. The players are fighting for call-ups to their national
teams, for new contracts, for moves so they have to continue at their best
level.
Of course, when you are down near the bottom, you have that extra survival
motivation because they are fighting for their lives but still, it is my job
and that of my staff, to keep our players fully motivated, right to the end.
I repeat, though, we are not safe if it that is a fact, then West Brom, who
have five points more than us and even Everton - who are nine points ahead -
are not safe from us.
I see that Scott Hogan, who was linked with us before moving from Brentford
to Aston Villa during the transfer window, suffered a bad ankle injury
earlier this week. I am sorry to see this, mainly for the player but for
Villa as well. Most of us managers are control freaks - you want to have
complete control. While there are many things in this job that you can
influence, injuries are so vital.
Look at the clubs who have won major trophies through history. Mostly they
were lucky with injuries. Look at Chelsea this season. You have the feeling,
although it's not strictly accurate, that they play every game with the same
team.
In training, you can have an influence. If you train like crazy, you can
pick up a pulled muscle. If you don't train, then the effort you have to
show in games can lead to injury, so the balance is important.
Unfortunately, though, it's not always down to you. Sometimes, you have to
take risks when you are buying players.
There are a couple of things with new players.
Sometimes, when they arrive, they have to do some things they didn't do
before at their previous club, although mostly the differences are not big
ones.
Secondly - and it is something I have thought about a lot - when new players
come in they want to impress you. They want to show a little bit more - and
then they get injured. Sometimes you tell them, "Hey, we bought you for four
years, not four days", but still they want to impress you by trying that
little bit harder.
Injuries are crucial, though. If Jermain Defoe had been injured this season,
for instance, it would have been game over for Sunderland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pedro Obiang can give Slaven Bilic the inside track on Walter Mazzarri
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Should Slaven Bilic be looking for that extra edge over his Watford
counterpart Walter Mazzarri tomorrow, then he need look no further than one
of his players. Midfielder Pedro Obiang was a young player at Sampdoria when
Mazzarri was manager there and he has a good idea of the way the Watford
head coach sets up his teams. The 24-year-old Spaniard, who has been one of
the successes of West Ham's season so far, said: "I know him well. I even
met him as recently as last summer and he told me he was going to Watford.
"He told me he didn't speak English but I told him not to worry because I
didn't speak English when I arrived at West Ham, either. "He was my first
manager in Sampdoria when I was 16, so I know him and he knows me. "He
likes always to play with the same system, 3-5-2. We were sixth in Serie A
and reached the Coppa Italia final when he was with Sampdoria. He also
finished second and won the Coppa Italia with Napoli. "Tactically he is
good, like most Italian managers. He doesn't like to take a lot of risks,
though, so maybe that will be good for us. "He is an Italian coach and
wants to talk about tactics and normally this would be a problem because he
speaks only Italian. But many of his players also speak Italian, so while it
is still difficult for him to communicate with all his squad, he can do so
either directly or through a translator. "He didn't talk to the players too
much at Sampdoria because his assistant Nicolo Frustalupi, who is with him
always, is a good person who likes to laugh, talk and demonstrate things, a
bit like our coach Edin Terzic does here at West Ham."
Yet another connection between tomorrow's sides, who are separated by just
two points in the Premier League, is Mauro Zarate. The Argentine left West
Ham to join Fiorentina last season, before moving to Watford in January. "I
want to tell him not to score tomorrow because we are friends but if he does
score I am happy for him because this is football and I know he is a good
player and a good person," said Obiang. "Mauro is a good guy and when I came
to West Ham, he and our goalkeeper Adrian helped me with everything."
Obiang scored his first goal for West Ham in their recent 3-1 win at
Southampton and is eager, now that he has broken his duck, to add to his
tally. He said: "It was an amazing moment for me because I had waited for a
year to score a goal and when it happened, I started to think: 'Oh my, I've
scored!' "For a moment I couldn't believe it. Now I want to score more
because when you feel like this, you want to feel the same way again. So,
against Watford, I will try to score again."
Obiang (below) had to wait until this season to tie down a regular place in
Bilic's team but has since impressed sufficiently to win the club's player
of the month award for November. "Yes, I want to show my all-round qualities
but you have to demonstrate this every time you go out on the pitch," said
Obiang, who has been capped by Spain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21
level. "This is what you must do if you want to become an important player
in this team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: CARROLL TO MAKE BENCH, BACCA STAYING AT MILAN, ANTONIO
PLEDGES FUTURE TO HAMMERS
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 24 FEBRUARY 2017 AT 1:27PM
TheWestHamWayc.o.uk
Andy Carroll is set to return to the bench for tomorrow's clash against
Watford. (Daily Mail)
We all know how much better we are with Andy, but we are also capable of
getting results without him. If he is fit enough to play then great, but I
think we need to manage him so very carefully to prevent him getting
injuries.
Shaka Hislop has urged Luke Shaw to leave Manchester United and join West
Ham. (Express)
This would be a very unneeded and a very poor signing. He is injury prone
and is still only young, and I do not even think he is that good. I think we
should stay away from him.
Carlos Bacca's agent has insisted that the Colombian striker will stay at AC
Milan this summer. (Talksport)
I do not think we should go in for him again. We wasted too much time
chasing him last year and we need to go for other targets. He messed us
around last summer and I believe the board need to be smarter and move on.
Michail Antonio has brushed off rumours of a move by insisting that his
future is at the London Stadium. (ClubCall)
I do believe that Michail is happy here and that he wants to stay. I feel he
is at the perfect place right now and that there is no need for him to move.
He is a massive part of our plans to move forward as a club.
Slaven Bilic says West Ham are a different force to what they were the last
time they faced Watford in the league. (West Ham United)
We are exactly that. We are much better and more confident than what we were
back in September. I am very excited about the game tomorrow.
Pedro Obiang says he is relishing a reunion with Walter Mazzari tomorrow.
(West Ham United)
We need another top performance from Pedro tomorrow, and I am sure he won't
disappoint us. He deserves a new deal at the club for his outstanding
performances this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham United
SAT, 25 FEB 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
17:30
Venue: Vicarage Road
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Watford are still without Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele, who are
sidelined with ankle and knee problems respectively. Sebastian Prodl, Craig
Cathcart and Valon Behrami all face fitness test on minor injuries.
West Ham will assess Andy Carroll's groin problem ahead of the game.
Left-back Aaron Cresswell is fit after a hamstring niggle, and forward Andre
Ayew is available for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Martin Fisher: "Watford's season effectively kicked off 41 minutes into
their match against West Ham at the London Stadium in mid-September.
"Trailing 2-0, a deflected shot from Odion Ighalo reduced the arrears and
proved the catalyst to a stunning revival.
"A 4-2 victory saw them soar out of the bottom three, early relegation fears
were eased and they've not looked in serious trouble since. "Improving on
last season's finish of 13th looks within their reach, but that bid could be
checked by a Hammers side that has been so impressive on the road since
Christmas. "Goals aplenty too along the way: 10 scored in victories at
Swansea, Middlesbrough and Southampton."
Twitter: @mfisherfootball
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri on the brilliant winning fightback
against West Ham in September: "We cannot compare [Saturday's game] with
that game. "It was a long time ago. They had some problems in that period
and we were coming from a particular period, too.
"We did a very good game after losing at the beginning. They are doing very
well now."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on that reverse fixture: "We are a different
team now. A lot of things have changed. "When we played them in September we
had a lot of players injured and we had to push players in who were not
totally fit because we had no other options. "We are in much better shape
now."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Watford have had their wobble and, like West Ham, I think their relegation
worries are over. The Hornets mounted a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to
beat the Hammers at the London Stadium earlier in the season, but this
should be a more straightforward win for them.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Watford could do the league double against West Ham for the first time.
The last two Premier League meetings have produced 10 goals.
Watford
Watford have lost just one of their last five league matches (W2, D2).
The Hornets have the oldest starting XI on average in the Premier League
this season, aged 29 years and 301 days.
They have conceded 17 set-piece goals in this season's Premier League, the
second-highest total in the division.
Troy Deeney has scored three goals in his last four Premier League games.
West Ham United
Like Watford, West Ham have lost just one of their last five league matches
(W3, D1).
The Hammers have won three of their last four away games in the Premier
League.
West Ham have scored 17 set-piece goals in this season's Premier League, the
highest total in the division.
Andy Carroll has scored five times in his last six league starts for the
Hammers.
Manuel Lanzini has scored two goals and provided two assists in his last
five Premier League games, after a run of seven games without a goal or an
assist.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 25%
Probability of home win: 38% Probability of away win: 37%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The wizards of Oz: West Ham planning summer tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 24th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set for a double date on the other side of the world this
summer. The Hammers are in talks with both Adelaide United and Perth Glory
regarding a whistle-stop tour of Australia this coming pre-season, ahead of
the club's second campaign at the Olympic Stadium.
According to the WA, Slaven Bilic and his squad are set to open their tour
at the Adelaide Oval this July before flying to Perth, the home state of
former Hammers Dylan Tombides, for a second fixture. A spokesman for Glory -
who erected a staue of Tombides outside their ground in 2015 - confirmed
that negotiations were under way, but added there was nothing to announce at
this stage.
West Ham most recently visited Australia in 2014 under Sam Allardyce when
they were beaten 3-1 by Sydney FC - a matter of days after suffering a 2-1
defeat against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.
The team that day - 26 July - was as follows: Adrian, Demel, O'Brien, Reid,
Collins, Noble, Diame, Nolan, Downing, Jarvis, Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford sweating on key injuries
kumb.COM
Filed: Friday, 24th February 2017
By: Staff Writer
Watford could be missing up to SIX players when they host West Ham at
Vicarage Road in the Premier League this weekend. Hornets boss Walter
Mazzarri revealed that he could be without half a team when his side,
currently three places below West Ham in the Premier League table take on
Slaven Bilic's squad on Saturday afternoon. Christian Kabasele, Sebastian
Prodl, Craig Cathcart, Nordin Amrabat, goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and
former Hammer Valon Behrami are all either struggling for fitness or
definitely out of the game, which takes place tomorrow at 3pm.
"I have written a list," Mazzarri told reporters at his pre-match press
conference. "Nordin Amrabat and Christian Kabasele are injured while Prodl,
Cathcart and Valon Behrami are doubts. "They had some problems during
training but we need to evaluate. The three of them are not badly injured so
I hope to have them ready for the game. Now we have the most complete squad
for a long time so it is not a big problem."
Mazzarri is also preparing himself for a far tougher test that they last
occasion on which the two sides met, when Watford overturned an early
deficit to win 4-2 at the Olympic Stadium. "We cannot really compare with
that game," he insisted. "It seems a long time ago now but West Ham had some
problems in that period. Now they are doing very well and this is a
completely different time, so we cannot really compare."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham preview: Injury concerns for both teams
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 24/02/17 11:27am
SSN
Both Watford and West Ham have injury concerns ahead of their Premier League
clash at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening. Andy Carroll is a doubt for the
Hammers with a groin problem but Slaven Bilic has confirmed he could feature
from the bench. For the hosts, Sebastian Prodl, Valon Behrami and Craig
Cathcart will all need to be assessed ahead of kick-off due to various
ailments.
West Ham used their free week to head to Dubai for warm-weather training and
they will hope to extend their solid run of form upon their return to league
action. Bilic's side have lost just one of their last five matches in the
competition, although that was a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
Team news
Christian Kabasele is sidelined by a calf muscle injury for the Hornets,
while Prodl and Cathcart are both doubts. Behrami has been carrying a
hamstring problem, so will also be monitored. Nordin Amrabat (ankle) and
goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon (ankle) also continue their rehabilitation.
Carroll is doubtful for West Ham but Aaron Cresswell is fit after a
hamstring niggle and Andre Ayew is in contention for the first time since
returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Diafra
Sakho (back) remain long-term absentees.
Opta stats
After a run of just one win in 22 league games against the Hammers, Watford
have won two of their last three against them - including a 4-2 win at the
London Stadium back in September.
West Ham have never lost back-to-back league games against Watford in their
history.
The Hornets have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with
West Ham, though two of those wins have been away from home.
Watford's 2-0 victory in this exact fixture last season ended a run of 11
league games without a win against West Ham at Vicarage Road.
Carroll has scored 49 Premier League goals in 177 appearances; with 29 of
those goals coming for West Ham. He has scored five times in his last six
league starts.
Tom Cleverley has created 10 goalscoring chances in five apps for Watford in
the Premier League; two more than in his previous 27 appearances for Everton
(8).
Manuel Lanzini has scored two goals and provided two assists in his last
five top-flight games for West Ham, this after a run of seven games without
a goal or an assist.
Watford have seen players from 19 different countries represent them in the
Premier League this season; a joint-high alongside Sunderland.
Troy Deeney (103 goals) - who has scored three goals in his last four
Premier League appearances - is just two goals away from becoming the
joint-third highest goalscorer in Watford history alongside Cliff Holton
(105 goals).
Watford have named the oldest starting XI on average in the Premier League
this season (29y 301d).
Merson's prediction
This is a hard one to call. Watford are doing well and West Ham have some
great results every now and then. They are both pretty inconsistent over the
season. There isn't a lot to split these two, so I have to go for a draw.
For me, they are both safe from relegation. I don't think Watford get enough
credit because really, they should be fighting the drop.
MERSON PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Watford are Sky Bet's 7/5 favourites for the victory with West Ham 19/10
while the draw is priced at 23/10. B
Both sides are considered long-priced outsiders to be dragged into the
relegation battle at 28/1 and 250/1 respectively.
Deeney is 6/1 to score the first goal of the game while Mauro Zarate for the
visitors has been price boosted to 9/1 from 6/1 to do the same.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must target Watford win to get closer to magical mark of 41
ESPN
Slaven Bilic has spoken about West Ham's Dubai visit, Rooney's future,
'piegate' and Carroll's fitness ahead of Watford.
West Ham make the relatively short journey to Hertfordshire on Saturday to
take on Watford in another mid-table clash.
With 41 points the accepted target needed for any club in the bottom half of
the table to beat the drop, there seems no chance of the Hammers getting
involved in the relegation battle. Another nine points to take the total to
41 should be easily achievable by Slaven Bilic's men and Saturday's game
becomes just another in-the-middle melee, where it all comes down to pride
and the financial incentive of finishing as high as possible.
For West Ham to be comfortable before the end of February comes as something
of a surprise. After struggling in early December, many supporters were
openly speaking of relegation and replacing Bilic.
But apart from the two heavy cup defeats against both Manchester sides that
ended their Wembley dreams, the intervening league games have produced some
vital points, even if the entertainment quotient has sometimes been low. Now
the talk is of mid-table tedium and the lack of excitement involved. It all
goes to show the difficulties involved in running a Premier League outfit.
Fresh from their warm weather training in Dubai, the trip seems to have had
the desired effect for the owners. There will be talk of recharging the
batteries for the remaining games of the season, but the real reason the
club went to the Persian Gulf coast was to keep the club's profile high
among fans in the Middle East. If anyone else took an interest in the club
then even better.
Photographs of players happily chatting to fans and signing autographs were
swiftly made available to the media and Mark Noble was quick to praise the
opportunities the visit enabled. The time for selling may be a while off
yet. But make no mistake; West Ham will continually be in the shop window
from here on in. While David Gold and David Sullivan have made it clear they
have no intention of selling the club yet, Gold is 80 years old and Sullivan
68 and neither will want to suffer the pressures inherent in club ownership
forever.
Gold and Sullivan have raised the club to a new level with the London
stadium move, and despite early problems have largely steadied the bad
feeling about the relocation. There will be those who remember the Boleyn,
who will talk affectionately about the old place, but when managers like
Tony Pulis, completely unprompted, praise the atmosphere in Stratford -- as
the West Brom boss did after the 2-2 draw at the beginning of the month --
you can be certain perceptions are changing.
West Ham United
West Ham are nine points away from reaching the 41-point mark in the Premier
League.
When Gold and Sullivan have had enough though, they will want to ensure the
future legacy of the club is upward and, in a prime location in East London,
West Ham will be a fascinating investment for some enterprising billionaire.
When the decision to sell comes, the deal can't be made quickly though, so
trips like those last week are just laying a solid foundation on which any
future talks may hinge. Don't be surprised if the next cup defeat sees some
training in the Far East.
On the pitch now then, all the Hammers can do is to try to hang on to the
coattails of the leading seven clubs and try to invest in a structure that
moves them forward. Despite the toxic atmosphere created by the uncertainty
over Dimitri Payet, there is no doubt the loss of the talismanic France
international will be keenly felt when the season's dust settles. Payet
moved the Hammers up a notch and his type of skill is virtually
irreplaceable for a club the size of West Ham. Bilic and the owners will
need to work hard in the summer to keep the club at the current level, let
alone put pressure on the likes of Everton and Liverpool.
In the short term, gaining revenge over Watford for the 4-2 defeat back in
September will be the prime objective. Long term however, the Hammers need
to win these mid-table games and keep themselves in striking distance of the
leading pack.
Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is ESPN FC's West Ham
blogger.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek revenge on Watford after Troy Deeney's comments
Football London
BySam Inkersole
14:58, 24 FEB 2017
West Ham take on Watford this weekend with a bit of extra incentive ahead of
the game. Last September, Watford skipper Troy Deeney accused West Ham of
"'trying to mug Watford off' but it would be Deeney who would have the last
laugh. Manuel Lanzini tried a rabona shot from 20 yards which flew wide,
while Dimitri Payet also produced a rabona cross, which was headed in by
Michail Antonio to give the Hammers a 2-0 lead at the London Stadium.
Watford then proceeded to blast home four goals in 22 minutes in the second
half to win 4-2 and leave West Ham struggling in the Premier League. At the
time, Deeney said: "West Ham tried to mug us off. They started doing the
flicks and the tricks after 30 minutes. "You can appreciate good skill and
that was great skill for the second goal, but as a professional you cannot
allow someone to do that to you. "You see that in the playground with six
and seven-year-olds, and we are grown men. I can appreciate a rabona when a
team is 5-0 up with ten minutes to go but not when it makes it 2-0 and we're
still in the first half. It felt disrespectful."
Slaven Bilic was asked in his press conference on Thursday whether he'd use
Deeney's comments as motivation and he replied: "No. Well, maybe." Word to
the wise then for this weekend, West Ham - don't do a rabona and certainly
don't annoy Deeney.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
M'Baye Niang reveals why he chose Watford over West Ham despite Hammers' bid
The Frenchman turned down the Hammers for the Hornets
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
09:24, 24 FEB 2017
Watford striker M'Baye Niang has revealed why he snubbed interest from West
Ham in January to join the Hornets. The Hammers were heavily rumoured to be
in the market for the French forward on loan for the remainder of the season
but he chose to head to Vicarage Road.
Watford have a £14m option to buy Niang from his current club, AC Milan,
should the remainder of his loan spell go according to plan with the
Hornets. Niang told the official Watford website the Hammers just didn't
want him as much as Watford did. "I had other offers, from Everton and West
Ham," he said. "But they did not get to the same level as Watford in terms
of how much they wanted me.
"It was mainly the manager (Walter Mazzarri) who got me here. He was very
determined to have me here and it was because of him that I made the
decision to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He was the spirit and heartbeat of England' - A tribute to West Ham legend
Bobby Moore
Our Hammers writer Sam Inkersole looks at what made the defender so great
Fiootball London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:46, 24 FEB 2017
The word legend is thrown around carelessly these days but 24 years ago
today, a true legend was taken from us at the age of just 51.
Bobby Moore, West Ham and England's finest ever captain passed away from
cancer on February 24, 1993. I was only four years old when the great man
passed on but the Boleyn Ground gates draped in claret and blue memorabilia
within hours of Moore's death, the outpouring of grief and emotion, speaks
volumes even to this day. Moore was born on April 12, 1941 in Barking,
Essex, and joined West Ham as a 15-year-old in 1956. He would go on to make
646 appearances in claret and blue after making his debut for the club
against Manchester United in 1958. He'd leave the club to play for Fulham in
the twilight of his career in January 1974 but those 16 years in between
made him the legend he is today. Moore, a defender, was the antithesis of
the then West Ham way - fast, attacking, free-flowing football - but when
Pele says you are the best defender he has ever faced, you know you're on to
something. An uncompromising defender, Moore was not. His immaculate reading
of the game often bailed him out as Moore was neither quick, nor strong in
the air. In 1960, he was called into the England U23 squad and just two
years later, he jetted off with the Three Lions for Chile to play in his
first World Cup, where England were beaten by Brazil in the quarter finals.
The following year, aged just 22, he would skipper England for the first
time in place of the injured Jimmy Armfield, just his 12 cap for his
country. But, it wasn't all about England. Between 1964 and 1966 - we all
know how that period ended - was Moore's heyday. He lifted the Hammers'
first ever FA Cup triumph in 1964 and also won the Footballer of the Year
award in England. In 1965, he was on the trophy winning trail again, winning
the European Cup Winners Cup for the Hammers with a 2-0 win over 1860 Munich
at Wembley.
Then, 1966. The greatest game of football ever witnessed on the turf at
Wembley, the 4-2 World Cup final win over West Germany, with Moore the man
to lift the famous Jules Rimet trophy, becoming a national hero and a West
Ham legend. The rest of his career would never reach the heights of those
four years but that's not to say he wasn't one of the best of his
generation. Moore would play for West Ham for eight more years, winning
Hammer of the Year four times and being runner-up in the other four. He was
the first footballer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966
and was awarded an OBE the following year. Moore would lead England in the
1970 World Cup in Mexico, a tournament shrouded in controversy, with a story
leaked to the world's media of Moore stealing a bracelet in Bogota,
Columbia, something that was never proven and the case dropped. England were
2-0 up in the quarter final against Germany but would go on to lose 3-2.
In 1973, Moore would win his 108 and final England cap, his 90 as captain
before playing his last game for the Hammers the following year, an FA Cup
tie against Hereford United and then moving on to Fulham. Moore would face
his former side in an FA Cup final the following season, which West Ham won
2-0, his last appearance at Wembley. Managing didn't suit Moore, with spells
at Southend United, Eastern AA in Hong Kong and Oxford City without much
success. On February 14, 1993, Moore announced he had bowel and liver
cancer. Ten days later, he was gone. The South Stand at Upton Park was named
after him and he now has a stand in his honour at West Ham's new home, the
London Stadium. "Moore than a football club." Bobby Moore - gone but never
forgotten. Perhaps Moore's World Cup-winning England manager, Sir Alf
Ramsey, sums it up the best: "My captain, my leader, my right hand man. He
was the spirit and heartbeat of the team. A cool calculating footballer I
could trust with my life. He was the supreme professional, the best I ever
worked with. Without him England would never have won the World Cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic must make five changes for Watford revenge mission
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic must make five changes to his side if they
are to beat Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are sitting in the relative
comfort of midtable knowing a win at Vicarage Road could give them hope of
chasing a European place. Victory for the Hornets on the other hand would
see them leapfrog the East Londoners. West Ham have been in good form of
late and were desperately unlucky to be held to a 2-2 draw by West Bromwich
Albion last time out. Performances and injury situations mean Bilic must
make five changes to his side to give the Hammers the best possible chance
of beating Walter Mazzarri's men and exacting some revenge for a 4-2 defeat
in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Adrian in for Randolph
In many supporters' eyes their two goalkeepers are as good as eachother. But
many have been left unconvinced by Randolph's all round game in recent weeks
and feel their cult hero Spaniard deserves to come back into the side.
Adrian was dropped for a loss of form and it could be argued Randolph has
simply not been making saves to warrant keeping his place, particularly as
he looks very suspect on crosses into the box.
Kouyate alongside Fonte and Reid in back three
Bilic should switch to the 3-4-3 formation for this one. Midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate is West Ham's Mr Versatile having played right back in the games
against Southampton and West Brom. While he is sorely missed in the engine
room he has been excellent in the shielding role as part of a back three. He
helps the Hammers break out on counter attacks with his boundless energy and
pace and could prove vital.
Antonio at right wing back
With Kouyate in a back three, Antonio should drop into the right wing back
role where he can rampage up and down and cause Watford plenty of problems
while also pinning back the adventurous Jose Holebas. While he prefers
playing as the striker or at least on the wing, Antonio actually has a
better scoring and assist ratio when he attacks from deeper positions.
Fernandes in for Noble
The most unlikely change of all but one many Hammers fans would agree with,
Edimilson Fernandes coming into the side for Mark Noble.
The Hammers have plenty of leaders in the side now with the likes of Fonte,
Reid and Snodgrass so there is not the issue over the captaincy and
leadership. Noble is a steady Premier League player but Fernandes offers
much more pace, energy even an eye for goal. With Kouyate having to play out
of position Pedro Obiang needs a more energetic presence alongside him in
the middle of the park and Fernandes provides that, as well as an infectious
youthful exuberance.
Ayew in for Feghouli
Andre Ayew is back from African Nations duty and has declared himself fit
and finally fully recovered from the thigh injury which has blighted his
debut season following the £20.5 million move from Swansea City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Biabiany agent reveals reason for Chelsea snub; 'likes West Ham'
Date published: Friday 24th February 2017 10:41
teamTalk
Inter winger Jonathan Biabiany's agent has revealed why his client rejected
a move to Chelsea and declares he wants West Ham deal.
Biabiany looked set to be joining Antonio Conte at Chelsea at the end of the
January transfer window, with a loan move agreed between the London club and
Inter Milan. Conte is a big fan of the winger, having watched the player
during his time in Italy, and it was expected that the out-of-favour
Biabiany would join him at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old is without a
league appearance for Inter this season and the proposal would have given
the Blues the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
However, the transfer fell through. Now his agent, Davide Bega, has revealed
to Calciomercato why his client rejected the chance to join Chelsea.
"Yes, I can confirm [Chelsea wanted to sign Biabiany]. "Conte wanted him and
personally talked to Jonathan to persuade him to move to Chelsea. Chelsea's
offer, however, was late. "They called us on Sunday night and the transfer
window was closing two days later. There was no time to finalise a deal."
His agent also opened the door for a move to Chelsea's London neighbours,
West Ham United. The winger was linked with a move to the Hammers in the
transfer window, and it appears that a potential move in the summer could
materialise. When asked on whether his client would join West Ham, Bega
replied: "Yes, he likes the Hammers."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll out does Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez, if only he
could stay fit
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is officially better than Manchester
United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez... when he's
fit. The Hammers hero looks set to miss another match against Watford this
weekend as his persistent injury problems continue to wreak havoc on his
career. Just when the big Geordie looked to be finding fitness and supreme
form he has been laid low by a groin problem. Supporters were told it was
only a minor complaint and the striker would be back soon. But Slaven Bilic
has now admitted it has taken longer than expected to clear up. And that is
the story of Carroll's career. The all-action striker is often written off
as nothing more than a head on a stick. But when fit he has proved -
particularly with some of his goals and performances recently - that he is
much more than that. Further proof if it was needed comes in the form of a
new stat which shows Carroll in fact has a better goals to game ratio than
Red Devils superstar Zlatan and Gunners striker Sanchez... just with
considerably less games. Carroll has six goals in 12 Premier League
appearances this season, a goal every other game - but it is actually more
like six goals in eight games as he has completed just 800 minutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United star urged to join West Ham by club legend
MANCHESTER UNITED star Luke Shaw should leave Old Trafford on loan next
season.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 06:25, Fri, Feb 24, 2017 | UPDATED: 06:55, Fri, Feb 24, 2017
Express.co.uk
That is of the opinion of Shaka Hislop, who claims West Ham would be an
ideal place for the out-of-favour left-back. Shaw hasn't featured for
Manchester United in the Premier League since the end of October after
suffering a lengthy groin injury. The England international has been
available for the past few weeks but has failed to even make Jose Mourinho's
matchday squad. And former West Ham goalkeeper Hislop believes Shaw should
move to the London Stadium on loan next season to gain regular game time.
"If I'm Luke Shaw or his agent, I'm thinking: 'Yes, it's time to move on',"
Hislop told ESPN. "I don't see him fitting into Jose Mourinho's plans and
maybe it's time to seek pastures new. "From a Manchester United perspective,
Luke Shaw is a highly-regarded player who they spent a lot of money on.
"He's back from his horrific injury and he's still only 21 years old. "If
I'm Man United I don't want to give this player up yet, I don't want to give
up on him. "Maybe the option for them if he doesn't fit into Mourinho's
immediate plans is to send him out on loan. "Maybe to a club like West Ham
who have a history of bringing players through. "But if I'm Luke Shaw's
agent and I can get a big-money move away, I would seriously consider that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: WATFORD V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 24 Feb 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Billy Bonds' West Ham United arrived at Vicarage Road, the home of this
weekend's opponents Watford, for a Second Division fixture on 13th March
1990 while en route to a seventh-place finish.
Beats International featuring Lindy Layton were number one with 'Dub Be Good
To Me' and Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington were in UK cinemas with
Glory as the Hammers recorded a 1-0 victory in front of 15,682 thanks to a
strike from centre-forward Trevor Morley (pictured above), his second goal
of 70 for the club in 214 appearances. Watford would finish the 1989/90
campaign in 15th position, while Julian Dicks would end the season as Hammer
of the Year and the Irons' top goalscorer in all competitions.
West Ham United: Ludek Miklosko, George Parris, Colin Foster, Tony Gale,
Julian Dicks, Kevin Keen, Martin Allen, Ian Bishop, Stuart Slater, Trevor
Morley, Jimmy Quinn.
Club Connections
Former Hammers Valon Behrami and Mauro Zarate are both now on Watford's
books. Other players to have represented both clubs, divided by position,
include:
Goalkeepers: Ted Hufton, David James, Perry Suckling, Manuel Almunia, Jack
Rutherford, Joe Webster.
Defenders: Jon Harley, Calum Davenport, Lucas Neill, Chris Powell.
Midfielders: Henri Lansbury, Alan Devonshire, Alessandro Diamanti, Stuart
Slater, Jobi McAnuff, Jimmy Lindsay, Joe Blythe, Jimmy Carr, Mark Robson,
Carl Fletcher.
Strikers: David Connolly, Roger Hugo, Billy Jennings.
Len Goulden played for West Ham and managed Watford, while Malky Mackay
played for both clubs and went on to manage the Vicarage Road club.
Gianfranco Zola has managed both the Hammers and the Hornets.
This week's focus though is on a midfielder who represented both clubs in
the early years of this century. David Noble was born in Hitchin on the 2nd
February 1982 and started his career as a trainee with Arsenal, with whom he
won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 before joining Gianluca Vialli's First Division
Watford on loan in August 2001. He made his debut as a 72nd-minute
substitute in a 3-0 home win over Wimbledon on 9th September 2001 and scored
his only goal for the club in the 44th minute of a 3-0 win at Grimsby on
20th October 2001, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Danny Coyne before
walking it into an empty net.
Noble played in a League Cup quarter-final while with the Hornets but was
substituted at half-time as Sheffield Wednesday triumphed 4-0 at
Hillsborough to reach the last four. After a promising start for the
creative midfielder at Vicarage Road, his impact and appearances began to
wane. His final appearance for the club came in a 2-1 defeat at Stockport on
1st April 2002 - after one goal in 18 appearances at Watford, Noble returned
to parent club Arsenal.
After an appearance-less half-season back with the Gunners, Noble signed for
Glenn Roeder's West Ham United on a three-month permanent contract in
February 2003. He was re-united with Joe Cole, with whom he had spent two
years at Lilleshall. Noble, who played for England at youth level before
making a single appearance for Scotland B in 2003, failed to force himself
into the first-team reckoning as the Hammers eventually succumbed to
relegation.
The 21-year-old extended his contract with the club in the summer of 2003
however and made his debut for the Hammers under Roeder in a 3-1 League Cup
first round win over Rushden & Diamonds at the Boleyn Ground on 13th August
2003, his only start for the club. He made his first league appearance as a
substitute in a 0-0 home draw against Sheffield United three days later. His
only other appearances for the Irons came as a substitute under caretaker
manager Trevor Brooking, in a 3-0 win at Crewe and 2-0 defeat at Gillingham.
After four goalless appearances for West Ham United, Noble was released by
Alan Pardew in early 2004, joining Third Division Boston United.
After two years at Boston, Noble joined Bristol City. He helped the Robins
win promotion from League One and also scored in the Championship Play-Off
semi-final against Crystal Palace the following season. After a loan spell
with Yeovil in 2008/09, he was released and signed for League One Exeter. He
moved to Rotherham in 2012 and, following a loan spell with Cheltenham,
signed for Oldham in 2014. After only two appearances for Oldham, he
re-joined Exeter on loan before making his return to Devon permanent in
January 2015. After a year and a half back with the Grecians, Noble signed
for St Albans City in the National League South last summer, taking his
experience of over 300 Football League appearances to Clarence Park. Now 35,
Noble has made 23 appearances for St Albans this season, with five assists
to his name.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Craig Pawson; 2016/17 is Pawson's fifth as a
Premier League referee. In 2014/15 he refereed West Ham's 3-1 home win over
Liverpool and sent off Adrian in our 0-0 draw at Southampton, a decision
that was later overturned. He was also the man in the middle for our 4-1
Capital One Cup home defeat to Wigan four seasons ago and our 3-1 loss at
Stoke's Britannia Stadium three seasons ago. His Hammers appointments last
season were both at the Boleyn Ground, for our 2-2 draw with Manchester City
in January 2016 and the 3-3 draw with Arsenal last April.
Pawson's matches in charge of West Ham United so far this season saw him
send off Harry Arter as the Hammers defeated Bournemouth 1-0 in August,
while he also officiated in our 2-1 home win over Chelsea in the fourth
round of the League Cup in October. His most recent Hammers appointment was
our 5-1 home defeat to Arsenal in December.
Possible line-ups
Costel Pantilimon, Christian Kabasele, Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra
are out for Watford, while Craig Cathcart, Sebastian Prodl and ex-Hammer
Valon Behrami all face late fitness tests. Mauro Zarate is in line to start
against the Hammers for the first time since leaving the club.
For West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Andre Ayew are all
available, while Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test and may not be
risked from the start. Angelo Ogbonna, Gokhan Tore and Diafra Sakho are the
only definite absentees from Slaven Bilic's squad. The Hammers have lost
only one of their last 12 league matches at Watford, although this defeat
came in our last visit, a 2-0 defeat in October 2015.
Possible Watford XI: Gomes; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kaboul, Britos; Capoue,
Cleverley; Niang, Zarate, Holebas; Deeney.
Possible West Ham United XI: Randolph; Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell;
Noble, Obiang; Feghouli, Lanzini, Snodgrass; Antonio.
Enjoy the game - Come On You Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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