Slaven: This season has made us all stronger
WHUFC.com
Asked this week to identify the turning point in a season that has seen West
Ham United bounce back from early troubles to climb into the top half of the
Premier League table, Slaven Bilic's answer was clear. There hasn't been
one. "It isn't a turning point that has made the difference," said the
Hammers boss. "We can talk about the game against Crystal Palace away in
October, we can talk about the two wins we had at home against Burnley and
Hull in the space of three days - two 1-0 wins, two penalties. "We can talk
about that period when we had four big games against Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool, and got two points away at United and
Liverpool. "But the reason we have turned things around is that we didn't
stop believing. "We continued to fight and knew that the only way that we
were going to get out was, basically, by sticking together and working hard.
And that is the key."
As he prepares to take his team into Monday night's mouth-watering London
derby against Premier League leaders Chelsea - for which tickets are still
available on the Ticket Exchange - Bilic is understandably proud of the
spirit and togetherness that has underpinned a run of six wins and three
draws in the last 12 league matches. And the Croatian, who is now
approaching his 12th year in management, admitted that he and his players
are stronger for the experience of the campaign so far. Nor would he swap
the ups and downs of this season for a less eventful ride. "I consider this
season as a great one," he said. "For me individually, and for the team, and
for the club, because this season we experienced some negative things, some
positive things, but mainly a lot of new things.
"I am 48 now. I was manager of my country and I was manager of Besiktas in
Turkey where the pressure is basically bigger than here. "So I got used to
the job a little bit. But was it hard? Yes. It's still hard. Of course I
wasn't enjoying the defeats but sometimes you have to sacrifice something to
get something. "They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
"It's great because now I can see it as a great experience. For me
personally, for the players, and for the club.
"I wouldn't change it. I would change September and October. But after that,
when you've made it and you get out of that, the experience is priceless and
you benefit from it in the future. "I wouldn't swap when I was under
pressure or the team was under pressure. I wouldn't swap it for a steady
season."
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Dicks - The boys have pulled together
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks says everyone at West Ham United is working towards the same
goal
Coaching assistant believes team spirit has improved since departure of
Dimitri Payet
Fans' favourite has also been pleased for manager and long-time friend
Slaven Bilic
Julian Dicks says everyone at West Ham United is working towards the same
goal ahead of Monday's visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea. The Blues
visit London Stadium well clear at the top of the table, having lost just
four matches in all competitions all season long. However, the Hammers are
also in their best form of the campaign at present, having lost just three
of their last 12 league matches to climb to the relative comfort of ninth.
Coaching assistant Dicks puts West Ham's improvement down to the removal of
distractions and the squad's willingness to work hard for each other every
time they take to the pitch. "We've had some good results," said the fans'
favourite. "Obviously, things weren't so good when Dimi [Payet] was here,
because everything was focused on him, but now he's gone and we seem to have
a better team spirit, to be honest. The boys have pulled together and
results have shown that. "You have to stick together because nobody is
bigger than the Club. Yes, Dimi was a good player and, on his day, we miss
him, but it isn't about one player, but about the squad and we've come
through that period at the moment and results are good. "The boys are
grinding out results as well. We went 1-0 down at Watford and came back and
really dominated the game so, yes, things are good at the moment. "We've
always been a good team but a lack of work-rate was costing us in some
games. We've got good players and they have been brought closer together.
You can see that by the way they scrap for each other on the pitch and the
way they work incredibly hard in training. "They've all pulled together and
the results have been good over the last two or three months."
Dicks is also pleased for manager, former teammate and long-time friend
Slaven Bilic, who has silenced any doubters with his ability to come through
a challenging period with flying colours. "To be a manager is a difficult
position to be in became, when things are going well, the players get the
credit but, when things are going wrong, the manager gets the stick," Dicks
observed. "I've known Slav a long, long time and sometimes you have to bite
your lip when people are saying things about you when they don't know the
reasons why. "We talked and discussed the reasons why he had to make [the
Payet situation] public, and one of those was for him, and the other was for
the sake of the other players as well. "When it came out about Dimi, it
doesn't matter who you are, if you disrespect the Club, the fans are not
going to like it. That's the way it is. A few players have done it and I'm
sure there will be a few more in the future. "The fans are fantastic and it
was nice to hear them singing Slav's name, not just once or twice but for
the whole 90 minutes. It must give him a buzz, as well."
*Don't miss part two of our exclusive chat with Julian Dicks on Sunday
afternoon, when the Terminator discusses his passion for London derbies with
Chelsea.
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Rice signs new deal until 2020
WHUFC.com
Defender Declan Rice has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with West
Ham United
Rice has been in brilliant form this season, captaining the U23s and
appearing on the bench for the first team on Boxing Day
The 18-year-old said it's an "amazing feeling" to have signed his new deal
Defender Declan Rice has pledged his long-term future to West Ham United,
signing a new contract to keep him at the club until 2020. The 18-year-old
is captain of the PL2 side and has enjoyed a brilliant season under the
guidance of Terry Westley and Liam Manning. Rice was also on the bench for
Slaven Bilic's first team in the Boxing Day win at Swansea City and said he
is pleased to have been rewarded with a new 3-and-a-half-year deal. "I'm
delighted to have been rewarded with a new contract," said Rice. "It has
been an amazing season for me, I think I've kicked on and progressed. "I'm
happy now that the contract has been signed and I can just focus on trying
to improve even more and hopefully get a game for the first team before the
end of the season. "After the season I've had, being on the bench for the
first team and captaining the U23s in every game, it's been amazing. I've
trained with the first team quite a bit as well and that makes me want to
kick on even more."
Rice joined West Ham from Chelsea as a youngster and quickly became one of
the hottest prospects at the Academy of Football. He made his U18s debut in
2014 and was named the Dylan Tombides Academy Player of the Year at the end
of the following season. His development has continued this season after
being named as U23s captain at the start of the campaign. Rice has also
experienced playing on the international stage - he was selected for the
Republic of Ireland U21s at the age of just 17 after impressing for the
U19s. "I got my first call up for the U21s a couple of months ago and that
was a great experience to be with a different set of lads and learn from
coaches who have a different style," Rice continued. "We've got the Euros
with the U19s coming up next month and I haven't been with them in a while
so I cannot wait to play with them again."
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Lanzini - I like this pressure
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini is relishing the extra responsibility of being West Ham
United's playmaker
No10 has assumed a more influential role since the departure of Dimitri
Payet
Argentine tells Official Programme the Hammers are in good form ahead of
visit of Chelsea
Manuel Lanzini welcomes the extra responsibility on him to be West Ham
United's playmaker since the departure of Dimitri Payet. While some players
may have withered under the added pressue, Lanzini has relished the
opportunity to reprise a role he filled as a youngster with River Plate.
There, his outstanding technical ability, elusive dribbling, perceptive
passing, accurate shooting and winning mentality brought him 13 goals and 14
assists in 89 first-team appearances - the majority of which he made before
his 20th birthday - and an Argentine Primera Division Final Tournament title
in May 2014. For the 24-year-old, being relied upon is something to be proud
of, rather than something to be intimidated by, and he is hoping to rise to
the challenge again when Premier League leaders Chelsea visit London Stadium
on Monday evening. "I like this pressure," he told Monday's Official
Programme for the visit of the Blues. "I like to take the ball and play for
the team and I need this for my personality. "I need the pressure and I need
to feel that the team is relying on me. This is important for me."
With Lanzini at the hub of the majority of good things about West Ham
United's attacking play over the last three months, the team has lost just
three of their last 12 Premier League matches, rising from the edge of the
relegation zone into the top half of the table. The South American himself
netted a superb third in the 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace, before
scoring a long-range special in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at
London Stadium. Add two assists in the 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough in
between and it is easy to see why the No10 has become such an integral part
of Bilic's starting XI. "The team is good and we're playing good football at
the moment and this is important," he confirmed."
Elsewhere in Monday's issue, Ian 'Moose' Abrahams chats to West
Ham-supporting Emirates FA Cup giant-killers Danny and Nicky Cowley of
Lincoln City and Jamie Collins of Sutton United, while Evening Standard
columnist Ken Dyer talks to Lincoln's goalkeeper coach and former Hammers
stopper Jimmy Walker. Steve Blowers hears from ex-West Ham and Chelsea
midfielder Alan Dickens in They Wore the Claret & Blue, while there is an
educational interview with East Ham-born University Challenge semi-finalist
Bobby Seagull in Final Whistle. Joint-Chairman David Gold, manager Slaven
Bilic and captain Mark Noble all pen exclusive columns, while there is
plenty of information about Antonio Conte's visitors. With the very latest
from the Club's Premier League 2, Academy and Ladies teams, including
Student of the Game Alfie Lewis, plus updates from around London Stadium and
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Monday's Official Programme is a must-read for
any fan.
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Slaven Bilic says this season has provided 'priceless' experience for
himself and West Ham
Last Updated: 03/03/17 11:22pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham's turbulent season has been one of the toughest
of his career, but says he would not swap it for a less exciting one. The
Hammers have had to deal with moving to the London Stadium, fan unrest,
crowd trouble, an early exit from the Europa League, and the saga of Dimitri
Payet's move to Marseille. But the Hammers have emerged from that tricky
period and have climbed into the top half ahead of Monday's visit from
leaders Chelsea, live on Sky Sports 1. And Bilic, who has also managed in
Russia and Turkey as well as his national team, Croatia, says he and his
players are stronger for the experience.
Bilic said: "I consider this season as a great one for me individually, and
for the team, and for the club, because this season we experienced a lot of
negatives, a lot of positive things, but mainly a lot of new things. "I was
manager of my country and I was manager of Besiktas in Turkey, where the
pressure is basically bigger than here. "So, I got used to the job a little
bit. But was it hard? Yes. It's still hard. But you know that saying: 'What
doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'? "It's great because now it's a great
experience. For me personally, for every player, for the team and for the
club. "We don't want to start next season like we started this one. Was I
enjoying September? No, of course I wasn't enjoying September. Or October.
"But I wouldn't change it. I would change September and October. But, after
that, when you've made it and you get out of that, the experience is
priceless. "I wouldn't swap when I was under pressure or the team was under
pressure. I wouldn't swap it for a steady season."
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"F*** him!" - West Ham fan Ray Winstone sends message to Dimitri Payet at
premiere of Iron Men movie
Funnily enough, the Hollywood Hammer is no longer a fan of the Frenchman
The Mirror
BYFREDDIE HARDING
15:53, 4 MAR 2017
When Dimitri Payet decided to turn his back on the West Ham fans that adored
him so much, and force through a move back to Marseille, there were few men
he would have wanted to run into less than Ray Winstone . When Raymondo's
not playing the intimidating villain on the big screen, or telling us the
latest live betting odds, he's almost definitely watching his beloved
Hammers. And given that he grew up less than a mile from the Boleyn Ground,
supporting the Hammers all his life, it's no surprise to hear what he though
of the Frenchman's lack of loyalty. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football
at the premiere of 'Iron Men', Ray said: "It just shows how easily
footballers can be upset. "When you box, you are one, you haven't got to
rely on anyone else, but when someone in the dressing room is upsetting
everyone else, well, the proof's in the pudding. "So, f*** him, he's gone."
Following Payet's departure, Slaven Bilic's side seemed to have turned a
corner, and after a tough start in their new home they now sit in ninth
ahead of Chelsea's visit to the London Stadium on Monday. And big Ray
believes the squad have started to play for each other now that last
season's Hammer of the year is back at Marseille. "I think this squad are
starting to knit together. We got bashed up against Man City, but we bounced
back. "We've got Chelsea on Monday, so let's see how we do."
Winstone featured heavily in the documentary about the Hammers' move from
Upton Park to Stratford's London Stadium, that followed what it meant to the
fans to leave the old ground behind. But if he had the opportunity to star
in a movie as one of the West Ham first team, there's only one man he could
see himself playing. "He's a bit shorter than me, but Mark Noble, I suppose.
"He's been the epitome of what West Ham's about and he's been there for a
long, long while. "I couldn't play the Geordie (Andy Carroll) because I
can't do the accent!"
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 5
Saturday, March 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th March 2017
Holland up for PL2 Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
West Ham United winger Nathan Holland has been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for February. The 18-year-old has dazzled since joining the club in January and joins fellow Hammers Toni Martinez, Marcus Browne and Domingos Quina as a nominee for the award. Holland played twice in Premier League 2 last month and scored the historic first ever PL2 goal at London Stadium against Fulham on 20 February in the Hammers 2-0 victory. After the match, manager Terry Westley compared the Manchester-born forward to a "young Ryan Giggs". Speaking after the win over the Cottagers, Westley said: "I'd probably say Nathan Holland [was brilliant], particularly in the first half. "What a talent we've got on our hands. He was skipping past players, reminding me of a really young Ryan Giggs. I think he particularly caught people eyes tonight." He also scored in two consecutive Premier League Cup fixtures, opening his account against Leicester City in a 2-2 draw and netting in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Holland faces stiff competition for the award, coming up against Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers). The winner of the award will be announced at the end of next of week.
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Nobes - AC's return would be massive boost WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says Andy Carroll's return against Chelsea would be 'massive' for West Ham United Centre forward fit again after a two-match absence with a groin injury Blues go into the weekend ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table
Mark Noble says Andy Carroll would give West Ham United a huge boost going into Monday's Premier League derby with Chelsea. The Hammers hope to welcome their talismanic No9 back for the visit of the leaders to London Stadium after a two-game absence with a groin injury. Captain Noble says the whole squad will be lifted if the England centre forward, who scored home and away against the Blues in the Premier League last season, is passed fit to face Antonio Conte's men. Carroll netted six goals in eleven appearances over Christmas and New Year, helping the Hammers to rise up the table, and the skipper says his physical presence and all-round qualities would give Chelsea something extra to think about at London Stadium. "Andy is massive for us whenever he is fit and everyone knows it," said Noble. "He was fit for eleven matches over Christmas and New Year and scored six goals, so we need to keep him available. I don't know how to do that, to be honest, but when he is fit he is a massive plus for us. "Andy knows how important he is to our team and he hates not being involved with the lads on the training pitch. Having a fit Andy Carroll is a massive boost for us."
Whether Carroll is ready to start the game or not, Noble says West Ham will need to be at their very best to beat Chelsea for the second time this season, having already done so in the EFL Cup fourth round back in October. As one of only four sides to have defeated Conte's high-fliers this term, the No16 says the Hammers can take inspiration from their knockout victory, but knows they will need all their ducks in a row if they are to repeat that result. "We face a top, top Chelsea team," he observed. "Anyone who can go ten points clear at the top of the Premier League at this stage is having an incredible season and we're going to need to be at 100 per cent to beat them on Monday night. "They are a great team – you've got to say that. They've taken this league by storm, are great at scoring goals, are great at defending and are strong in midfield, so we have to be at our best and, if they're not quite on it, we can get a result. I must admit I enjoy watching Chelsea play because they go to places which are really hard and get a result. They play fantastic football, but they can also mix it up and grind it out when they need to with a ball over the top to Diego Costa. They can win in different ways and they know how to win. "That said, we need to believe that we can win. We're at home, we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're playing well at the moment and we can prove something."
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Sakho getting closer to return
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Diafra Sakho could be set for a return to action in less than a month
The Senegalese forward has missed the majority of the season after undergoing back surgery
Manager also gave update on Angelo Ogbonna's rehab after his knee surgery
West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho could be available for selection in less than a month's time, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers boss confirmed Sakho, who has missed the majority of the campaign with a back problem, is progressing well with his recovery after undergoing surgery before Christmas and could be set to join the squad in the near future. Bilic also provided an update on Angelo Ogbonna, who recently underwent knee surgery after the Club's win over Middlesbrough at the end of January. "Sakho is coming back," Bilic said. "He's travelling to see the specialist in Bordeaux, to see the surgeon who will hopefully give him the green light to push up more. "If that meeting goes well, which we are expecting, he could be back and available – if he keeps progressing like he has been – in three or four weeks. "Angelo is also doing really good, after his surgery on his knee. Apart from that, there are some small knocks which you always have in a Club, but we are good."
As well as the injured pair, Bilic will be without Michail Antonio for Monday's meeting against Chelsea at London Stadium as he serves a one-match suspension after receiving a red card at Vicarage Road in last weekend's draw with Watford. Having scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign, Antonio has been one of the standout performers for Bilic's outfit and the Croatian believes he is close to agreeing a new deal with the Club. "It's just Michail is suspended, and of course that's a big blow for us," he continued. "Michail has got a contract here but the Club wants to reward him with a new contract, a better contract.
"We want to give him that because he has done really great for us. That's what the Chairman told me, and I think it's going to be done very soon."
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MARK WARD WRITES: WE CAN UPSET THE FORM BOOK IN OUR ULTIMATE TEST!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 3 MARCH 2017 AT 8:19PM
TheWestHaMWayc.o.uk
This is our new weekly feature from former West Ham winger and member of the "Boys of 86" squad Mark Ward. Wardy is also the host of our prematch events and we will be getting his weekly opinion on all things West Ham. If you want to discuss anything the scouser says with him in person, you know where to find him on a match day!
The up coming game v Chelsea is a great game for the Hammers as it is the ultimate test for them as it looks as if this Chelsea team will be Champions. It is important to remember though that West Ham over the years have more than once took a top scalp and upset the form book. We should remember that twice we stopped a team winning the league. Beating Manchester United in 1992 with a goal from Kenny Brown and a host of Ludek Miklosko saves stopping them winning the League in 1995.
John Moncur, our last guest, told a funny story about his words with Roy Keane. They were having a few words with each other during the game in 1995 and Moncs told Keane "You wont be winning the title this year". In reply Keane said " I will seeing you in the tunnel after the game". Moncs replied with "I wont be in the tunnel I will be celebrating on the pitch!"
I've got a fantastic memory of beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 0-4 in 1985/86 season. It was a complete demolition of a good team which made the football world realise the HAMMERS were proper title contenders! It still hurts we didn't win it that season.
Lets hope the Hammers can put up a decent performance and have a strong end to the season. COYI
Mark Ward is hosting a number of events. He is the regular host at our event and will be doing a Q and A session with West Ham legend Phil Parkes. You can get tour tickets here: http://bit.ly/TWHWTICKET6
He is also hosting an event with another West Ham legend Alvin Martin at Crowlands golf club on the 31st March. You can call 02089847373 for tickets to that. Or if you want to hear Wardy and Steve Lomas you can meet them at The George II in Hornchurch on the 24th March. Tickets are £25 on the door.
COYI
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Get Snodgrass! Polis issue warrant
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
A warrant has been issued for West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass after he failed to attend a court hearing in Glasgow. The 29-year-old Scottish international was due in court to answer a charge of driving "while a baby was being held by a passenger" but failed to attend as "he didn't think he had to", according to defence lawyer Martin Black. The incident is said to have occurred on the city's Duke Street on 17 April 2016. Snodgrass is accused of being in control of the car whilst a passenger held the child, as there was no baby seat present. The incident is unlikely to affect the winger's selection for West Ham's London derby with Chelsea at the Olympic Stadium.
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Going Dutch? Nathan nominated
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's in-form Academy star Nathan Holland has been nominated for January's PL2 Player of the Month award. The young Hammer, who moved to the club from Everton in January is one of five young stars nominated for the award, which follows a fantastic first month at West Ham for Holland. The attacking midfielder, who signed a three-and-a-half year contract when completing his switch scored against Leicester in the Premier League Cup on his debut before notching against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Holland is vying with Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers) for the award, thew winner of which will be announced next week.
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Chelsea sweating on Hazard fitness
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Eden Hazard is a slight concern for Chelsea ahead of Monday night's clash with West Ham at the Olympic Stadium. The Belgian international has been in top form for his side this season but is a minor doubt for Monday's meeting after sustaining a knock during training this week, according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
During his pre-match press conference, Conte - who urged his team to go and exact revenge for the EFL Cup defeat last October - also warned his players to keep an eye on Andy Carroll, United's in-form striker who is preparing to return from injury against Chelsea.
And he insisted that former Hammer, Victor Moses was derseving of a new contract having become a valuable member of the first team at Stamford Bridge this season.
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West Ham v Chelsea preview: Blues travel east for spicy London derby
Last Updated: 03/03/17 3:42pm
SSN
Premier League title favourites Chelsea travel east to take on West Ham United in what should be a spicy London derby on Monday Night Football. Only four teams in Premier League history have had more points at this stage of a season than Chelsea's 63 points. The only team with 63 or more points after 26 games not to go on to win the title was Arsenal in 2007/08. Chelsea have won 17 of 19 Premier League games against teams outside top-six this season but have lost their last two away games against West Ham. One of those defeats came earlier in the season when the Hammers knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup.
Team news
Andy Carroll is set to replace Michail Antonio in the West Ham squad. Striker Carroll is fit after missing the last two games with a groin injury but winger Antonio is suspended following his red card at Watford last weekend. Diafra Sakho (back) and Angelo Ogbonna (knee) are the only injury absentees.
Eden Hazard is expected to be fit for Chelsea despite a knock. Hazard was on the receiving end of a kick in training, but head coach Antonio Conte expects the Belgium playmaker to be available at the London Stadium. Chelsea, leaders by 10 points entering into this weekend's fixtures, have no other injury concerns.
Ways to watch
Coverage of Monday Night Football starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports 1 with presenter David Jones joined by Jamie Carragher and special guest Frank Lampard and you can also watch all the action in UHD via Sky Q.
Not able to watch the game? Sky Sports still has you covered, with minute-by-minute commentary across all digital platforms as well as in-game clips, half-time and full-time highlights available on the mobile app and in the Football Score Centre with a free Sky iD.
Match stats
This is the first league meeting between the sides at the London Stadium - the Hammers won just two of their last 10 Premier League games against Chelsea at Upton Park (D1 L7).
Chelsea have lost only two of their last 21 Premier League games against West Ham United (W15 D4).
However, the Hammers eliminated Chelsea from the EFL Cup at the fourth round stage this season; winning 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Conte has lost two of his three away London derbies in the Premier League, suffering defeat by Arsenal in September and Tottenham in January, while beating Crystal Palace in the other game.
Carroll has scored five goals in his last three home London derbies in the Premier League.
Carroll is one goal away from his 50th strike in the Premier League and has scored in two of his last three games against Chelsea.
Cesc Fabregas recorded his 102nd Premier League assist in what was his 300th Premier League game last weekend. He needs one more to move outright second ahead of Frank Lampard (also 102).
Fabregas has already matched his total of assists from last season (seven) and assisted twice in last Premier League game against West Ham in March 2016.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in seven of his 11 Premier League London derby appearances (seven goals). He's scored four goals in 38 Premier League appearances against non-London sides.
The suspended Antonio has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other West Ham player this season (11).
Diego Costa has scored 48 goals in 78 Premier League appearances. Should he score two or more goals in this game, he'll be the fifth quickest to 50 goals in the competition after Andrew Cole (65 apps), Alan Shearer (66 apps), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68 apps) and Fernando Torres (72 apps).
Merson's prediction
Chelsea look like a well-oiled machine at the moment which is showing now signs of any faults. They did lose to West Ham at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup earlier in the season, but I do not expect a repeat performance. I expect Chelsea to win this game. West Ham have struggled in front of their own fans and are a better side away from home.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Chelsea are just 8/13 with Sky Bet to take another crucial step towards the Premier League title by beating West Ham, who are 17/4 to upset their rivals with a win and 3/1 to hold out for a draw.
Conte's men headed into the weekend as 1/8 shots to lift the trophy while their hosts are 8/11 to secure a top-half finish. Costa heads the first goalscorer betting at 100/30 with Andy Carroll considered the hosts' main threat at 15/2, while the strike duo are 9/2 both to find the net.
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West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass issued with warrant after failing to attend court
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 03/03/17 10:29pm
SSN
A warrant has been issued for West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass after he failed to turn up for a court trial. The Scotland international, who joined the Hammers in a £10.2m deal from Hull during the January transfer window, is charged with driving a car while a baby was being held by a passenger. Snodgrass is alleged to have driven on Duke Street, Glasgow, on April 17 2016 with too many people in the vehicle to fit a baby seat in. The baby is alleged to have been in the arms of a rear seat passenger. Snodgrass, who was born in the city, did not attend the city's Justice of the Peace Court when the case was called. Defence lawyer Martin Black told the court "he didn't think he had to be" when asked why his client was not present. The Crown requested a warrant, which was granted by JP Eunice Paton.
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Slaven Bilic admits West Ham's turbulent season has been one of the toughest of his career
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 3 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic admits his troubled season at West Ham has been one of the toughest of his career. The 46-year-old former Besiktas, Croatia and Lokomotiv Moscow coach leads his team into battle against league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. It is to his credit that he does so with the Hammers confident of a top-10 finish after a nightmare first half of the season. "You pretend at home that you are OK because you don't want it to affect your family," said Bilic. "But inside of course you are hurting. This is not the kind of job that you can leave in your office and go home."
Hammers, who challenged for the top four last year, crashed out of Europa League qualifying to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu for the second successive year. It wrecked the owners' dream of bringing European football to the London Stadium in their first season. West Ham, ravaged by injury, went on to lose five of their opening six matches to leave Bilic under pressure. Although they beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup in October, that match was marred by violent clashes while fans complained that the new stadium did not match their expectations. A 4-1 defeat at Manchester United put the club out of the EFL Cup in November while a 5-1 humiliation at home to Arsenal four days later left Hammers in relegation trouble. A 5-0 FA Cup demolition, again at home, by Manchester City in January coincided with Dimitri Payet's insistence that he no longer wanted to play for the club.
Since the Frenchman's departure, West Ham have lost just one of their last six and the dressing room appears firmly behind the manager. Bilic believes a tough campaign has left strengthened him as a boss. He added: "Of course I wasn't enjoying the defeats but sometimes you have to sacrifice something to get something. "The experience is priceless. They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. "It's great because now I can see it as a great experience. For me personally, for the players, and for the club. "When you go home a part of you is affected by what happened during the day, with your bosses or colleagues or some fans who said something on social media. "In football it is not only the players or the manager who are getting the criticism, now the media gets it as well.
"Every one of you is very reachable from every fan around the world. I'm sure that you can say 'I am not bothered' but it affects your mood, your private mood.
"On a bigger scale of course it affects ours. And that is a good thing because if it was not affecting me or other managers then we would lose our determination and spirit for our job."
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West Ham midfielder Gokhan Tore sees his season derailed by one of his own team-mates
Tore was forced to undergo knee surgery and is now back in Turkey regaining fitness
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACS
18:52, 3 MAR 2017
West Ham United midfielder Gokhan Tore reveals his season has been wrecked by ONE of his own team-mates, but has vowed to come back even stronger and prove his critics wrong. Tore has suffered a nightmare spell in English football following his season long-loan from Besiktas last summer. The 25-year-old only started three Premier League games before he picked up a knee injury during training and has been forced to undergo surgery. Tore has now returned to Turkey where he is slowly building his way back to full fitness and says he will never forget the moment that one of his own team-mates accidentally collided with him in the build-up to the Crystal Palace game and ended his season. West Ham stewards will continue to use cameras at London Stadium as they prepare for Chelsea visit Tore said: " Slaven Bilic was always like my brother, a teacher I love so much, I also like working with him. "I was transferred to England at the beginning of the season. I picked up a knee injury in the pre-season camp in the summer which put me back 3-4 weeks from match form. "After that I made a great effort to return to the first team. I went on to play six matches but there was another problem. During the preparations for the Crystal Palace match I was injured three minutes before the end of my workout. "My team mate entered a tackle hard and I felt something in my knees. The doctors looked and decided to carry out surgery"
Tore is determined to regain the form which saw him break into the Turkey side and says he will return to Besiktas a much stronger player. Tore added: "I'm in the recovery process now. I want to try to get stronger. I want to see a better Gokhan Tore for the Turkish people. I will return stronger. "I am in Istanbul, I do my individual recovery here. I get up at 8am every day, I'm brushing my teeth, I am jogging, I am having breakfast. I go to the gym at noon. I see a physical therapist for four hours each day. I am riding a bike and building up stamina. "The treatment and recovery program is very busy for me. I go home afterwards when special physical treatment continues. Then I go to the movies and read books. Besiktas supporters make feel you are a very special player. I hope to return stronger for them. "I am in my own country, I speak Turkish. To speak English in the UK I needed an interpreter. I feel more comfortable here. I cannot wait to return (to Besiktas) I believe everything will be beautiful after the recovery of my heath first."
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic to be offered a new deal and the opportunity to splash some cash
West Ham are ready to back Slaven Bilic in the transfer market next summer
They want the Croat to bring European football to the London Stadium
Bilic impressed last summer with his handling of the Dimitri Payet transfer saga
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:39, 3 March 2017 | UPDATED: 22:39, 3 March 2017
West Ham United will hand Slaven Bilic a new contract in the summer and are ready to back him in the transfer market in a bid to bring European football to the London Stadium. Bilic's current deal expires at the end of next season, but a two-year extension tying the Croat to West Ham until 2020 is in the pipeline.
Talks were due to be held in January but they were put back. The board and Bilic are in no rush to finalise terms, with results improving and pushing the Hammers into the top half of the table. Insiders say it is acknowledged West Ham's squad is not on a par with those of rival Premier League clubs targeting Europe and that they overachieved last season by finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. This summer, though, West Ham are prepared to hand Bilic the funds to bridge that gap, with signing a striker their priority. The £20.5million deal to bring in Andre Ayew from Swansea last year was a club record but it is expected to be smashed in the search for a proven goalscorer. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce in June 2015 on a three-year contract, gets on well with the West Ham board and was impressive in his handling of the Dimitri Payet saga. West Ham's suffered a poor start to the season but the former Croatia manager was never in any danger of the sack and he has steadied the ship. The Hammers sit ninth in the table and are preparing to play runaway league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. Gareth Southgate is expected at the London Stadium for the game, which will probably be the only one the England manager attends this weekend as he prepares to name his squad for this month's friendly in Germany and the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. It gives Andy Carroll another chance to impress, but another England hopeful, Michail Antonio, is suspended following his red card at Watford last Saturday.
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham have done a 'great job' combating crowd trouble By PA Sport Last Updated: 03/03/17 12:08am SSN
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham have solved their crowd trouble issues ahead of Monday's match with Chelsea. The EFL Cup clash between the London rivals at the London Stadium in October was marred by coin throwing and fighting between rival fans. But moves to improve the segregation, policing and stewarding have meant that such ugly scenes have all but disappeared since that night. Vice-chairman Karren Brady has worked hard to put an end to disorder in the stands, and Bilic is confident she has succeeded. "It is not that I think it, it is definitely the truth," the Hammers manager said. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems. "She, or we, have done it, so I am not expecting [a repeat]. "Of course, there could be individual things that may happen, but the club has done a really great job regarding that. "They have approached it since that game really seriously. We have done it, yes."
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Why Kevin Malcuit is the perfect solution to Slaven Bilic's right-back problem at West Ham The St Etienne full-back is West Ham target as they look to sign a qualified option in the position and Andrew Gibney believes Malcuit fits the bill Football London BYANDREW GIBNEY 11:40, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED11:43, 3 MAR 2017
When AS Monaco were relegated to Ligue 2 in 2011, the whole team shifted in direction. Big stars moved on, the squad was ripped apart and a lot of the youth system were expected to sink or swim in the principality. Left-back Layvin Kurzawa flourished, on the other flank, Kévin Malcuit, went on loan to OC Vannes before moving locally to Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël. Just turned 21, he had to rebuild his career in the lower divisions, five years later he is looking set for a move to West Ham United or Manchester United in the summer.
Now 25 years old, the defender has paid his dues, climbing up the ladder with Chamois Niortais, before Saint-Étienne snapped him up in 2015. "In Fréjus, I learned about real life. I was away from one of the best training centres in France, where everyone was very attentive to me and where I could afford to only think about football," Malcuit admitted looking back on his early career. "In the National, it isn't as comfortable. Honestly, I needed that to bounce back. I got a good slap. This gave me strength and determination."
Saint Etienne defender Kevin Malcuit is reportedly close to agreeing a move to West Ham (Photo: PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images) At the Stade Louis II, he managed 21 minutes of a Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse in 2010, there would be a five-year gap before he featured at the top level again. He admitted that he needed that kick to get his career back on track, knowing that it wasn't a permanent drop, that he would make his return. Even when he joined Sainté, he wasn't Christophe Galtier's first-choice, not until this term has he convinced his coach that he can be trusted with the role. That doesn't mean he hadn't impressed. Whenever he was called upon, Malcuit was defensively sound, playing well against Paris Saint-Germain on several occasions. After nine appearances last season, he's made 19 this term, excelling regardless of whether it was 5-3-2 or 4-4-2. Playing against Manchester United, Les Stephanois may have lost the tie 4-0, but the right-back did enough to catch Jose Mourinho's attention and the Old Trafford boss is contemplating challenging the Hammers for his signature.
Slaven Bilic has used a few players on the right of the defence in the Premier League. From Håvard Nordtveit, Sam Byram and even midfielder, Cheikhou Kouyaté. It's an obvious problem area, so the continued link to Malcuit makes perfect sense. An eager attacker, the full-back is very good at getting up and down the flank, showing a fearlessness regardless of who they are playing. Malcuit has made more attempted tackles than anyone in the Hammers squad that has played in that role, plus the Frenchman has three assists this campaign. In Ligue 1, the 25-year-old is averaging 2.8 interceptions per 90 minutes, Nordtveit is up at 2.9 and Kouyaté is just behind on 2.6. Malcuit was quick enough to track the runs of Marcus Rashford and he's shown that side to his game a lot this season, able to read the game, he looks to get in the way of opposition passes, but always has the pace to get back and recovery. He has been successful with 2.7 of his 4.7 dribbles per 90 minutes this term, superb numbers for a full-back and testament to his attacking prowess. To compare, Dimitri Payet was completing successful in 2.8 of his 4.8 dribble attempts before moving to Marseille.
Contracted till 2019, Saint-Étienne already refused a €10 million bid in January and compared to what the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Jordan Amavi and Djibril Sidibe were all sold for recently, because he is older, the French club would be looking for around €12-15million in the summer. Maybe then, with a move to the Olympic Stadium, Malcuit can get revenge on Anthony Martial for when the fellow former Monegasque youngster draw blood when he smacked him with his arm at Old Trafford.
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West Ham will issue stewards with video cameras in bid to avoid potential fan trouble during Chelsea clash The Hammers will look to avoid scenes from the previous encounter between the sides in the EFL Cup last October The Mirror BYJACK RATHBORN 10:51, 3 MAR 2017
West Ham will provide stewards with video cameras for the London derby against Chelsea in a bid to avoid a repeat of fan trouble between sets of supporters. The London Stadium officials will be issued with handheld video cameras for the Monday night fixture after trouble erupted during the last meeting between the clubs. Hundreds of fans were seen launching bottles, seats and coins at each other during the EFL Cup tie last October. Seven arrests were made and 71 fans were subsequently banned from the Hammers' new home.
In addition to video cameras for stewards, the club will also introduce a larger segregation between supporters and clearer exit routes to avoid confrontation upon leaving the stadium. Manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that he has held monthly meetings with Baroness Brady in a bid to solve the issue. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. We have talked a lot and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems," Bilic said. "We have done it so I am not expecting a repeat of the trouble. Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that, they have approached it since that game really seriously."
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Exclusive: Michail Antonio's two word West Ham admission By James Jones - Mar 3, 2017 0
westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham fans love a hard worker, someone who gives everything to the cause at all times. So it's no real surprise that Michail Antonio has become one of the most loved players at West Ham since he arrived from Nottingham Forest 18 months ago. For Antonio, the £7m transfer to east London marked the latest chapter in what has been one of English football's less documented rags to riches stories. While Jamie Vardy had his six year journey from non-league Stocksbridge Park Steels to lifting the Premier League title with Leicester City, Antonio had his own story to tell.
In 2008 Antonio was turning out for Tooting & Mitcham United. Since then he has climbed the Football League ladder with the likes of Reading, Cheltenham Town, Southampton, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and, of course, Nottingham Forest. It was his performances for Forest in the Championship that convinced Slaven Bilic that he was good enough to have his chance in the biggest league in the world. And after having to wait patiently for a real chance to show the Premier League what he has to offer, Michail Antonio has not looked back since being given his first start for the club four months after signing.
If you fast forward to today, it has been an incredible 18 months or so for Antonio. He has scored 17 goals in 65 first team appearances for the Hammers and was rewarded for such consistency with a first ever call-up to the England squad in August 2016.
It is fair to say that the forward is enjoying the best form of his career to date, and as I sit down to discuss life at the club with him as part of Heineken's HammerHeads competition at Rush Green, there are only two words Antonio has to describe what it's like playing for West Ham United.
"I'm home," he tells me, with a big grin on his face. It's an admission that every West Ham fan will be delighted to hear. Put simply, Antonio is one of the most effective players at the club right now. But as I mentioned earlier, his journey from new arrival to first name on the team sheet has not been easy for the 26-year-old. "It's difficult being a player that, for the last five or six years of my career, if I was fit I would have been playing," Antonio admits when I ask him about his first few months at the club.
"At clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Colchester, I always played. So coming here and not playing was quite difficult because it was new to me."
So, how does a player so used to playing every week adapt and remain focused on forcing his way in to the manager's plans? "I'm the kind of person who always believes in my ability, I believe in myself and I always told myself that if I ever get an opportunity, I'm going to take it. "I always knew I was good enough to play in the Premier League, that's what kept me going and what kept me motivated."
That self-belief and motivation has been evident to those who have seen Antonio turn out for the Hammers week in, week out. Having netted 17 goals for the club so far and currently topping the squad's scoring charts with eight in all competitions this season, Antonio has become a vital source of goals for Bilic's side. But how does a player who has played in a number of different positions for West Ham still manage to find his way on the scoresheet. "I just always want to get in the box," he tells me. "I'm the sort of player who always wants to be around the goal and more often than not, if you're in the box, the ball might drop for you. "It's one of those things where I'm always going to be there, I'm always going to make sure I'm around."
His goalscoring antics have been amplified somewhat by his fun and quirky celebrations. We all know the story behind why he celebrates goals the way he does, but the burning question I have to wrap up the short chat we had at Rush Green was; do you have another celebration lined up and can he tell us what it is? "Yeah, I have another one lined up but I'm not even giving you hint!"
It was the answer I was expecting, but you can't knock a guy for trying. Antonio hasn't scored since the 4-1 Boxing Day win over Swansea City but, given the season he's having, I don't think it'll be long before we see his next celebration in action.
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Aaron Cresswell: West Ham aren't going to 'pack our suitcases' and accept 10th place this season VAISHALI BHARDWAJ Evening Standard
Aaron Cresswell insists the West Ham players are not thinking about their summer break already, saying the Hammers will fight to finish in the top ten this season. Slaven Bilic's side have recovered from a poor start to the campaign in what is their first season at the London Stadium to lose just three of their last 12 Premier League games. The upturn in results since the beginning of December has lifted West Ham into ninth position in the league standings, with defender Winston Reid telling Standard Sport recently a ninth, eighth or seventh-placed finish this term would be "acceptable" considering the start the Hammers had.
Cresswell has echoed Reid's thoughts, admitting the team are working hard to ensure they end in the top 10 ahead of West Ham's London derby clash with Chelsea on Monday night. "We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," Cresswell told West Ham's official website. "With the lads we've got here, we're not going to rest on our laurels and accept tenth or twelfth position. "While there are points to play for, we'll give it everything we've got week-in, week-out and try to get as many points on the board as we can between now and 21 May."
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Slaven Bilic insists there will be no repeat of violent clashes between West Ham and Chelsea fans on Monday night The Hammers are ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week The Mirror BYDARREN LEWIS 23:10, 2 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic insists he is confident there will be no repeat of the violent clashes that marred West Ham's League Cup win over Chelsea on Monday night. Missiles — including seats, coins and bottles — were thrown by both hooligans within sets of fans towards the end of October 26 tie. Seven arrests were made on the night. Hammers officials have since worked with the police to identify 97 supporters through CCTV footage with banning orders imposed on them. The club are now ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week. The fixture, at the 57,000-seater stadium, has been given the highest security category. Bilic said: "It is not that I think [there will not be a repeat], it is definitely the truth. "I have been spending a lot of time thinking about it. I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put in to solving those problems. "She or we have done it so I am not expecting (a repeat). Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that. They have approached it since that game really seriously."
West Ham have drafted a 'five-point plan' which they hope will avoid a repeat of the appalling scenes. Stewards will be given hand-held cameras to film troublemakers. The segregation areas between rival fans will be widened and there will also be higher physical barriers between the home and away sections. Exit routes after the game will also be blocked off to keep rival factions apart after fights which followed the League Cup tie. Meanwhile Bilic is refusing to get carried away by suggestions he has done enough to earn a new deal at the London Stadium. The Croat has lost just one of his last six games, winning three, since seeing his side demolished 5-0 by Manchester City at home in the FA Cup. But Bilic used the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, dismissed a year after winning the League, to point out that no manager in football is ever safe. He said: "The last example of Ranieri is the biggest one or the best example. "If you asked anyone who has anything to do with football who had had the safest job before the season started?
"We would all say - 100% in all countries - Ranieri, Ranieri. But then what happened was that. So I'm not bothered about it, to be fair."
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Iron Men premiere review: The tales you didn't know about the Boleyn and even some booing for Payet Sam Inkersole assesses the new Iron Men film and what it means to Hammers fans following last night's premiere Football London BYSAM INKERSOLE 07:45, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED07:49, 3 MAR 2017
The media, West Ham players, staff and fans all descended on the Genesis Cinema in Mile End on Thursday for the anticipated premiere of Iron Men – the film documenting the final days of the Boleyn Ground and the move to the London Stadium. After the players were photographed hundreds of times – Jonathan Calleri looked like a rabbit in headlights and Pedro Obiang was the only player to bring his Mrs – and interviews with us press folk, the film got underway. The Oscars, this certainly was not. Immediately, we were greeted with the image of Ray Winstone in a car, wondering where the pub was he used to frequent, which is now a Tesco Express. Then, the first – and very loud – boos of the evening as we were treated to a close up of Dimitri Payet taking a set piece. Hisses were evident as well.
There was almost a tension around screen one as we looked back at the Boleyn Ground – first for the FA Cup tie quarter final replay with Manchester United. A game which Winstone describes as "s**t." Lots of Iron Men, particularly the opening moments, is dedicated to the traders who are losing out by the club moving. The man who sells the West Ham fanzine "Over Land and Sea" and has done for 40 years, Nathan's Pie and Eels in Green Street, "The Rib Man" Mark Gevaux, the sweet store seller outside Upton Park and The Boleyn pub.
We get up close and personal with David Gold, Mark Noble and Slaven Bilic. People who are media trained so even we don't get to see them up this close. "It's gonna be strange," says Noble, Bilic alludes to if he wanted to have the best atmosphere, he would remain at the Boleyn. "It's something we have to do, it is the future," adds Gold as he surveys where he grew up, where he then owned and where the club was moving to in one shot.
Slaven Bilic spoke about how he hopes to retain the Boleyn Ground atmosphere at the London Stadium (Photo: West Ham United FC) We then meet the star of the show, Hammers 100-year-old superfan Mabel Arnold, who went to her first game in east London in 1934.
As the documentary meanders towards that final game on May 7 against United, Mabel tells us West Ham are "doing her nut in" by moving to Stratford, Noble takes us to Canning Town where he grew up, Ray Winstone does likewise 1.5 miles from Upton Park. Karren Brady – such a divisive figure among West Ham fans – appears and she talks about the London Stadium. There are a few murmurs in the cinema, nothing more.
The documentary is trying to convince any remaining doubters that the move to E20 from E13 was the right thing to do, but there is always that lingering doubt that some are still not convinced. We reach the crescendo, that famous 3-2 win against United on that wet Monday night at the Boleyn. We see Winston Reid score the final goal, the cinema erupts in applause. We see Mabel Arnold, tears streaming down her face. It really was an emotional night.
The film ends with some captions telling us the man who sold the fanzine has kept his promise and not been to the London Stadium, Mabel has been to every home game in E20 and the Rib Man, Mr Gevaux, has moved too even though he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip.
"I am the Rib Man of West Ham," the man who lost his left leg in a car accident tells the camera. "I have a new home," he adds. Let's hope that West Ham United Football Club can truly make the London Stadium their home, just like the Boleyn was for those glorious 112 years.
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Nigel Reo-Coker concedes he learned to appreciate West Ham the hard way HITC Damien Lucas
Nigel Reo-Coker had a fractured relationship with West Ham United fans and has admitted he didn't appreciate the club while he was there. Reo-Coker came within minutes of eclipsing Hammers great Bobby Moore as the youngest captain in the club's history to lift the FA Cup. Steven Gerrard stole that honour away from him, though, in that epic final against Liverpool back in 2006 and the rest as they say is history. A firm favourite with Hammers fans, Reo-Coker enjoyed a memorable three and a half years in East London. But it ended somewhat acrimoniously as his relationship with the club's fans soured in the wake of suggestions from manager Alan Curbishley of a 'Baby Bentley Brigade' at the club during their fight against relegation.
Reo-Coker risked the wrath of supporters when he cupped his ear to the crowd after scoring at the Boleyn Ground. He moved on to Aston Villa after the club's Great Escape was sealed by Carlos Tevez in 2007 and was booed on his return. And in an interview with the whufc.com, Reo-Coker - now 32 and without a club - has conceded he did not appreciate what he had at West Ham until he left. "I can say this now because I've been away for a few years and I've travelled around a bit and been to different places – I truly realise how big and special this club is," Reo-Coker told West Ham TV. "It's the part of my career that has really stayed with me. It's something that I've never forgotten and it's something that I truly appreciate. "Everywhere I go, I'm always remembered and recognised from my time at West Ham. There have been so many Hammers fans I have met worldwide, and that's when you understand how big the fanbase is."
The former midfielder's words will not be lost on West Ham fans who appreciate what he did for the club during his time there. He was the club's brave young captain who helped lead them back to the Premier League under Alan Pardew and then onto a strong finish in the Premier League and that FA Cup final. That season also saw West Ham qualify for what was then the UEFA Cup, although their stay in the competition was shortlived after a heavy two-legged defeat to Palermo. Despite only being 32, Reo-Coker has been out of action for over a year after having his contract at Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact terminated by mutual consent in January 2016.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United winger Nathan Holland has been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for February. The 18-year-old has dazzled since joining the club in January and joins fellow Hammers Toni Martinez, Marcus Browne and Domingos Quina as a nominee for the award. Holland played twice in Premier League 2 last month and scored the historic first ever PL2 goal at London Stadium against Fulham on 20 February in the Hammers 2-0 victory. After the match, manager Terry Westley compared the Manchester-born forward to a "young Ryan Giggs". Speaking after the win over the Cottagers, Westley said: "I'd probably say Nathan Holland [was brilliant], particularly in the first half. "What a talent we've got on our hands. He was skipping past players, reminding me of a really young Ryan Giggs. I think he particularly caught people eyes tonight." He also scored in two consecutive Premier League Cup fixtures, opening his account against Leicester City in a 2-2 draw and netting in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Holland faces stiff competition for the award, coming up against Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers). The winner of the award will be announced at the end of next of week.
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Nobes - AC's return would be massive boost WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says Andy Carroll's return against Chelsea would be 'massive' for West Ham United Centre forward fit again after a two-match absence with a groin injury Blues go into the weekend ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table
Mark Noble says Andy Carroll would give West Ham United a huge boost going into Monday's Premier League derby with Chelsea. The Hammers hope to welcome their talismanic No9 back for the visit of the leaders to London Stadium after a two-game absence with a groin injury. Captain Noble says the whole squad will be lifted if the England centre forward, who scored home and away against the Blues in the Premier League last season, is passed fit to face Antonio Conte's men. Carroll netted six goals in eleven appearances over Christmas and New Year, helping the Hammers to rise up the table, and the skipper says his physical presence and all-round qualities would give Chelsea something extra to think about at London Stadium. "Andy is massive for us whenever he is fit and everyone knows it," said Noble. "He was fit for eleven matches over Christmas and New Year and scored six goals, so we need to keep him available. I don't know how to do that, to be honest, but when he is fit he is a massive plus for us. "Andy knows how important he is to our team and he hates not being involved with the lads on the training pitch. Having a fit Andy Carroll is a massive boost for us."
Whether Carroll is ready to start the game or not, Noble says West Ham will need to be at their very best to beat Chelsea for the second time this season, having already done so in the EFL Cup fourth round back in October. As one of only four sides to have defeated Conte's high-fliers this term, the No16 says the Hammers can take inspiration from their knockout victory, but knows they will need all their ducks in a row if they are to repeat that result. "We face a top, top Chelsea team," he observed. "Anyone who can go ten points clear at the top of the Premier League at this stage is having an incredible season and we're going to need to be at 100 per cent to beat them on Monday night. "They are a great team – you've got to say that. They've taken this league by storm, are great at scoring goals, are great at defending and are strong in midfield, so we have to be at our best and, if they're not quite on it, we can get a result. I must admit I enjoy watching Chelsea play because they go to places which are really hard and get a result. They play fantastic football, but they can also mix it up and grind it out when they need to with a ball over the top to Diego Costa. They can win in different ways and they know how to win. "That said, we need to believe that we can win. We're at home, we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're playing well at the moment and we can prove something."
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Sakho getting closer to return
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Diafra Sakho could be set for a return to action in less than a month
The Senegalese forward has missed the majority of the season after undergoing back surgery
Manager also gave update on Angelo Ogbonna's rehab after his knee surgery
West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho could be available for selection in less than a month's time, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers boss confirmed Sakho, who has missed the majority of the campaign with a back problem, is progressing well with his recovery after undergoing surgery before Christmas and could be set to join the squad in the near future. Bilic also provided an update on Angelo Ogbonna, who recently underwent knee surgery after the Club's win over Middlesbrough at the end of January. "Sakho is coming back," Bilic said. "He's travelling to see the specialist in Bordeaux, to see the surgeon who will hopefully give him the green light to push up more. "If that meeting goes well, which we are expecting, he could be back and available – if he keeps progressing like he has been – in three or four weeks. "Angelo is also doing really good, after his surgery on his knee. Apart from that, there are some small knocks which you always have in a Club, but we are good."
As well as the injured pair, Bilic will be without Michail Antonio for Monday's meeting against Chelsea at London Stadium as he serves a one-match suspension after receiving a red card at Vicarage Road in last weekend's draw with Watford. Having scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign, Antonio has been one of the standout performers for Bilic's outfit and the Croatian believes he is close to agreeing a new deal with the Club. "It's just Michail is suspended, and of course that's a big blow for us," he continued. "Michail has got a contract here but the Club wants to reward him with a new contract, a better contract.
"We want to give him that because he has done really great for us. That's what the Chairman told me, and I think it's going to be done very soon."
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MARK WARD WRITES: WE CAN UPSET THE FORM BOOK IN OUR ULTIMATE TEST!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 3 MARCH 2017 AT 8:19PM
TheWestHaMWayc.o.uk
This is our new weekly feature from former West Ham winger and member of the "Boys of 86" squad Mark Ward. Wardy is also the host of our prematch events and we will be getting his weekly opinion on all things West Ham. If you want to discuss anything the scouser says with him in person, you know where to find him on a match day!
The up coming game v Chelsea is a great game for the Hammers as it is the ultimate test for them as it looks as if this Chelsea team will be Champions. It is important to remember though that West Ham over the years have more than once took a top scalp and upset the form book. We should remember that twice we stopped a team winning the league. Beating Manchester United in 1992 with a goal from Kenny Brown and a host of Ludek Miklosko saves stopping them winning the League in 1995.
John Moncur, our last guest, told a funny story about his words with Roy Keane. They were having a few words with each other during the game in 1995 and Moncs told Keane "You wont be winning the title this year". In reply Keane said " I will seeing you in the tunnel after the game". Moncs replied with "I wont be in the tunnel I will be celebrating on the pitch!"
I've got a fantastic memory of beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 0-4 in 1985/86 season. It was a complete demolition of a good team which made the football world realise the HAMMERS were proper title contenders! It still hurts we didn't win it that season.
Lets hope the Hammers can put up a decent performance and have a strong end to the season. COYI
Mark Ward is hosting a number of events. He is the regular host at our event and will be doing a Q and A session with West Ham legend Phil Parkes. You can get tour tickets here: http://bit.ly/TWHWTICKET6
He is also hosting an event with another West Ham legend Alvin Martin at Crowlands golf club on the 31st March. You can call 02089847373 for tickets to that. Or if you want to hear Wardy and Steve Lomas you can meet them at The George II in Hornchurch on the 24th March. Tickets are £25 on the door.
COYI
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Get Snodgrass! Polis issue warrant
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
A warrant has been issued for West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass after he failed to attend a court hearing in Glasgow. The 29-year-old Scottish international was due in court to answer a charge of driving "while a baby was being held by a passenger" but failed to attend as "he didn't think he had to", according to defence lawyer Martin Black. The incident is said to have occurred on the city's Duke Street on 17 April 2016. Snodgrass is accused of being in control of the car whilst a passenger held the child, as there was no baby seat present. The incident is unlikely to affect the winger's selection for West Ham's London derby with Chelsea at the Olympic Stadium.
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Going Dutch? Nathan nominated
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's in-form Academy star Nathan Holland has been nominated for January's PL2 Player of the Month award. The young Hammer, who moved to the club from Everton in January is one of five young stars nominated for the award, which follows a fantastic first month at West Ham for Holland. The attacking midfielder, who signed a three-and-a-half year contract when completing his switch scored against Leicester in the Premier League Cup on his debut before notching against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Holland is vying with Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers) for the award, thew winner of which will be announced next week.
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Chelsea sweating on Hazard fitness
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Eden Hazard is a slight concern for Chelsea ahead of Monday night's clash with West Ham at the Olympic Stadium. The Belgian international has been in top form for his side this season but is a minor doubt for Monday's meeting after sustaining a knock during training this week, according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
During his pre-match press conference, Conte - who urged his team to go and exact revenge for the EFL Cup defeat last October - also warned his players to keep an eye on Andy Carroll, United's in-form striker who is preparing to return from injury against Chelsea.
And he insisted that former Hammer, Victor Moses was derseving of a new contract having become a valuable member of the first team at Stamford Bridge this season.
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West Ham v Chelsea preview: Blues travel east for spicy London derby
Last Updated: 03/03/17 3:42pm
SSN
Premier League title favourites Chelsea travel east to take on West Ham United in what should be a spicy London derby on Monday Night Football. Only four teams in Premier League history have had more points at this stage of a season than Chelsea's 63 points. The only team with 63 or more points after 26 games not to go on to win the title was Arsenal in 2007/08. Chelsea have won 17 of 19 Premier League games against teams outside top-six this season but have lost their last two away games against West Ham. One of those defeats came earlier in the season when the Hammers knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup.
Team news
Andy Carroll is set to replace Michail Antonio in the West Ham squad. Striker Carroll is fit after missing the last two games with a groin injury but winger Antonio is suspended following his red card at Watford last weekend. Diafra Sakho (back) and Angelo Ogbonna (knee) are the only injury absentees.
Eden Hazard is expected to be fit for Chelsea despite a knock. Hazard was on the receiving end of a kick in training, but head coach Antonio Conte expects the Belgium playmaker to be available at the London Stadium. Chelsea, leaders by 10 points entering into this weekend's fixtures, have no other injury concerns.
Ways to watch
Coverage of Monday Night Football starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports 1 with presenter David Jones joined by Jamie Carragher and special guest Frank Lampard and you can also watch all the action in UHD via Sky Q.
Not able to watch the game? Sky Sports still has you covered, with minute-by-minute commentary across all digital platforms as well as in-game clips, half-time and full-time highlights available on the mobile app and in the Football Score Centre with a free Sky iD.
Match stats
This is the first league meeting between the sides at the London Stadium - the Hammers won just two of their last 10 Premier League games against Chelsea at Upton Park (D1 L7).
Chelsea have lost only two of their last 21 Premier League games against West Ham United (W15 D4).
However, the Hammers eliminated Chelsea from the EFL Cup at the fourth round stage this season; winning 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Conte has lost two of his three away London derbies in the Premier League, suffering defeat by Arsenal in September and Tottenham in January, while beating Crystal Palace in the other game.
Carroll has scored five goals in his last three home London derbies in the Premier League.
Carroll is one goal away from his 50th strike in the Premier League and has scored in two of his last three games against Chelsea.
Cesc Fabregas recorded his 102nd Premier League assist in what was his 300th Premier League game last weekend. He needs one more to move outright second ahead of Frank Lampard (also 102).
Fabregas has already matched his total of assists from last season (seven) and assisted twice in last Premier League game against West Ham in March 2016.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in seven of his 11 Premier League London derby appearances (seven goals). He's scored four goals in 38 Premier League appearances against non-London sides.
The suspended Antonio has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other West Ham player this season (11).
Diego Costa has scored 48 goals in 78 Premier League appearances. Should he score two or more goals in this game, he'll be the fifth quickest to 50 goals in the competition after Andrew Cole (65 apps), Alan Shearer (66 apps), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68 apps) and Fernando Torres (72 apps).
Merson's prediction
Chelsea look like a well-oiled machine at the moment which is showing now signs of any faults. They did lose to West Ham at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup earlier in the season, but I do not expect a repeat performance. I expect Chelsea to win this game. West Ham have struggled in front of their own fans and are a better side away from home.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Chelsea are just 8/13 with Sky Bet to take another crucial step towards the Premier League title by beating West Ham, who are 17/4 to upset their rivals with a win and 3/1 to hold out for a draw.
Conte's men headed into the weekend as 1/8 shots to lift the trophy while their hosts are 8/11 to secure a top-half finish. Costa heads the first goalscorer betting at 100/30 with Andy Carroll considered the hosts' main threat at 15/2, while the strike duo are 9/2 both to find the net.
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West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass issued with warrant after failing to attend court
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 03/03/17 10:29pm
SSN
A warrant has been issued for West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass after he failed to turn up for a court trial. The Scotland international, who joined the Hammers in a £10.2m deal from Hull during the January transfer window, is charged with driving a car while a baby was being held by a passenger. Snodgrass is alleged to have driven on Duke Street, Glasgow, on April 17 2016 with too many people in the vehicle to fit a baby seat in. The baby is alleged to have been in the arms of a rear seat passenger. Snodgrass, who was born in the city, did not attend the city's Justice of the Peace Court when the case was called. Defence lawyer Martin Black told the court "he didn't think he had to be" when asked why his client was not present. The Crown requested a warrant, which was granted by JP Eunice Paton.
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Slaven Bilic admits West Ham's turbulent season has been one of the toughest of his career
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 3 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic admits his troubled season at West Ham has been one of the toughest of his career. The 46-year-old former Besiktas, Croatia and Lokomotiv Moscow coach leads his team into battle against league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. It is to his credit that he does so with the Hammers confident of a top-10 finish after a nightmare first half of the season. "You pretend at home that you are OK because you don't want it to affect your family," said Bilic. "But inside of course you are hurting. This is not the kind of job that you can leave in your office and go home."
Hammers, who challenged for the top four last year, crashed out of Europa League qualifying to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu for the second successive year. It wrecked the owners' dream of bringing European football to the London Stadium in their first season. West Ham, ravaged by injury, went on to lose five of their opening six matches to leave Bilic under pressure. Although they beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup in October, that match was marred by violent clashes while fans complained that the new stadium did not match their expectations. A 4-1 defeat at Manchester United put the club out of the EFL Cup in November while a 5-1 humiliation at home to Arsenal four days later left Hammers in relegation trouble. A 5-0 FA Cup demolition, again at home, by Manchester City in January coincided with Dimitri Payet's insistence that he no longer wanted to play for the club.
Since the Frenchman's departure, West Ham have lost just one of their last six and the dressing room appears firmly behind the manager. Bilic believes a tough campaign has left strengthened him as a boss. He added: "Of course I wasn't enjoying the defeats but sometimes you have to sacrifice something to get something. "The experience is priceless. They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. "It's great because now I can see it as a great experience. For me personally, for the players, and for the club. "When you go home a part of you is affected by what happened during the day, with your bosses or colleagues or some fans who said something on social media. "In football it is not only the players or the manager who are getting the criticism, now the media gets it as well.
"Every one of you is very reachable from every fan around the world. I'm sure that you can say 'I am not bothered' but it affects your mood, your private mood.
"On a bigger scale of course it affects ours. And that is a good thing because if it was not affecting me or other managers then we would lose our determination and spirit for our job."
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West Ham midfielder Gokhan Tore sees his season derailed by one of his own team-mates
Tore was forced to undergo knee surgery and is now back in Turkey regaining fitness
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACS
18:52, 3 MAR 2017
West Ham United midfielder Gokhan Tore reveals his season has been wrecked by ONE of his own team-mates, but has vowed to come back even stronger and prove his critics wrong. Tore has suffered a nightmare spell in English football following his season long-loan from Besiktas last summer. The 25-year-old only started three Premier League games before he picked up a knee injury during training and has been forced to undergo surgery. Tore has now returned to Turkey where he is slowly building his way back to full fitness and says he will never forget the moment that one of his own team-mates accidentally collided with him in the build-up to the Crystal Palace game and ended his season. West Ham stewards will continue to use cameras at London Stadium as they prepare for Chelsea visit Tore said: " Slaven Bilic was always like my brother, a teacher I love so much, I also like working with him. "I was transferred to England at the beginning of the season. I picked up a knee injury in the pre-season camp in the summer which put me back 3-4 weeks from match form. "After that I made a great effort to return to the first team. I went on to play six matches but there was another problem. During the preparations for the Crystal Palace match I was injured three minutes before the end of my workout. "My team mate entered a tackle hard and I felt something in my knees. The doctors looked and decided to carry out surgery"
Tore is determined to regain the form which saw him break into the Turkey side and says he will return to Besiktas a much stronger player. Tore added: "I'm in the recovery process now. I want to try to get stronger. I want to see a better Gokhan Tore for the Turkish people. I will return stronger. "I am in Istanbul, I do my individual recovery here. I get up at 8am every day, I'm brushing my teeth, I am jogging, I am having breakfast. I go to the gym at noon. I see a physical therapist for four hours each day. I am riding a bike and building up stamina. "The treatment and recovery program is very busy for me. I go home afterwards when special physical treatment continues. Then I go to the movies and read books. Besiktas supporters make feel you are a very special player. I hope to return stronger for them. "I am in my own country, I speak Turkish. To speak English in the UK I needed an interpreter. I feel more comfortable here. I cannot wait to return (to Besiktas) I believe everything will be beautiful after the recovery of my heath first."
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic to be offered a new deal and the opportunity to splash some cash
West Ham are ready to back Slaven Bilic in the transfer market next summer
They want the Croat to bring European football to the London Stadium
Bilic impressed last summer with his handling of the Dimitri Payet transfer saga
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:39, 3 March 2017 | UPDATED: 22:39, 3 March 2017
West Ham United will hand Slaven Bilic a new contract in the summer and are ready to back him in the transfer market in a bid to bring European football to the London Stadium. Bilic's current deal expires at the end of next season, but a two-year extension tying the Croat to West Ham until 2020 is in the pipeline.
Talks were due to be held in January but they were put back. The board and Bilic are in no rush to finalise terms, with results improving and pushing the Hammers into the top half of the table. Insiders say it is acknowledged West Ham's squad is not on a par with those of rival Premier League clubs targeting Europe and that they overachieved last season by finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. This summer, though, West Ham are prepared to hand Bilic the funds to bridge that gap, with signing a striker their priority. The £20.5million deal to bring in Andre Ayew from Swansea last year was a club record but it is expected to be smashed in the search for a proven goalscorer. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce in June 2015 on a three-year contract, gets on well with the West Ham board and was impressive in his handling of the Dimitri Payet saga. West Ham's suffered a poor start to the season but the former Croatia manager was never in any danger of the sack and he has steadied the ship. The Hammers sit ninth in the table and are preparing to play runaway league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. Gareth Southgate is expected at the London Stadium for the game, which will probably be the only one the England manager attends this weekend as he prepares to name his squad for this month's friendly in Germany and the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. It gives Andy Carroll another chance to impress, but another England hopeful, Michail Antonio, is suspended following his red card at Watford last Saturday.
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham have done a 'great job' combating crowd trouble By PA Sport Last Updated: 03/03/17 12:08am SSN
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham have solved their crowd trouble issues ahead of Monday's match with Chelsea. The EFL Cup clash between the London rivals at the London Stadium in October was marred by coin throwing and fighting between rival fans. But moves to improve the segregation, policing and stewarding have meant that such ugly scenes have all but disappeared since that night. Vice-chairman Karren Brady has worked hard to put an end to disorder in the stands, and Bilic is confident she has succeeded. "It is not that I think it, it is definitely the truth," the Hammers manager said. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems. "She, or we, have done it, so I am not expecting [a repeat]. "Of course, there could be individual things that may happen, but the club has done a really great job regarding that. "They have approached it since that game really seriously. We have done it, yes."
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Why Kevin Malcuit is the perfect solution to Slaven Bilic's right-back problem at West Ham The St Etienne full-back is West Ham target as they look to sign a qualified option in the position and Andrew Gibney believes Malcuit fits the bill Football London BYANDREW GIBNEY 11:40, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED11:43, 3 MAR 2017
When AS Monaco were relegated to Ligue 2 in 2011, the whole team shifted in direction. Big stars moved on, the squad was ripped apart and a lot of the youth system were expected to sink or swim in the principality. Left-back Layvin Kurzawa flourished, on the other flank, Kévin Malcuit, went on loan to OC Vannes before moving locally to Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël. Just turned 21, he had to rebuild his career in the lower divisions, five years later he is looking set for a move to West Ham United or Manchester United in the summer.
Now 25 years old, the defender has paid his dues, climbing up the ladder with Chamois Niortais, before Saint-Étienne snapped him up in 2015. "In Fréjus, I learned about real life. I was away from one of the best training centres in France, where everyone was very attentive to me and where I could afford to only think about football," Malcuit admitted looking back on his early career. "In the National, it isn't as comfortable. Honestly, I needed that to bounce back. I got a good slap. This gave me strength and determination."
Saint Etienne defender Kevin Malcuit is reportedly close to agreeing a move to West Ham (Photo: PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images) At the Stade Louis II, he managed 21 minutes of a Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse in 2010, there would be a five-year gap before he featured at the top level again. He admitted that he needed that kick to get his career back on track, knowing that it wasn't a permanent drop, that he would make his return. Even when he joined Sainté, he wasn't Christophe Galtier's first-choice, not until this term has he convinced his coach that he can be trusted with the role. That doesn't mean he hadn't impressed. Whenever he was called upon, Malcuit was defensively sound, playing well against Paris Saint-Germain on several occasions. After nine appearances last season, he's made 19 this term, excelling regardless of whether it was 5-3-2 or 4-4-2. Playing against Manchester United, Les Stephanois may have lost the tie 4-0, but the right-back did enough to catch Jose Mourinho's attention and the Old Trafford boss is contemplating challenging the Hammers for his signature.
Slaven Bilic has used a few players on the right of the defence in the Premier League. From Håvard Nordtveit, Sam Byram and even midfielder, Cheikhou Kouyaté. It's an obvious problem area, so the continued link to Malcuit makes perfect sense. An eager attacker, the full-back is very good at getting up and down the flank, showing a fearlessness regardless of who they are playing. Malcuit has made more attempted tackles than anyone in the Hammers squad that has played in that role, plus the Frenchman has three assists this campaign. In Ligue 1, the 25-year-old is averaging 2.8 interceptions per 90 minutes, Nordtveit is up at 2.9 and Kouyaté is just behind on 2.6. Malcuit was quick enough to track the runs of Marcus Rashford and he's shown that side to his game a lot this season, able to read the game, he looks to get in the way of opposition passes, but always has the pace to get back and recovery. He has been successful with 2.7 of his 4.7 dribbles per 90 minutes this term, superb numbers for a full-back and testament to his attacking prowess. To compare, Dimitri Payet was completing successful in 2.8 of his 4.8 dribble attempts before moving to Marseille.
Contracted till 2019, Saint-Étienne already refused a €10 million bid in January and compared to what the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Jordan Amavi and Djibril Sidibe were all sold for recently, because he is older, the French club would be looking for around €12-15million in the summer. Maybe then, with a move to the Olympic Stadium, Malcuit can get revenge on Anthony Martial for when the fellow former Monegasque youngster draw blood when he smacked him with his arm at Old Trafford.
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West Ham will issue stewards with video cameras in bid to avoid potential fan trouble during Chelsea clash The Hammers will look to avoid scenes from the previous encounter between the sides in the EFL Cup last October The Mirror BYJACK RATHBORN 10:51, 3 MAR 2017
West Ham will provide stewards with video cameras for the London derby against Chelsea in a bid to avoid a repeat of fan trouble between sets of supporters. The London Stadium officials will be issued with handheld video cameras for the Monday night fixture after trouble erupted during the last meeting between the clubs. Hundreds of fans were seen launching bottles, seats and coins at each other during the EFL Cup tie last October. Seven arrests were made and 71 fans were subsequently banned from the Hammers' new home.
In addition to video cameras for stewards, the club will also introduce a larger segregation between supporters and clearer exit routes to avoid confrontation upon leaving the stadium. Manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that he has held monthly meetings with Baroness Brady in a bid to solve the issue. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. We have talked a lot and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems," Bilic said. "We have done it so I am not expecting a repeat of the trouble. Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that, they have approached it since that game really seriously."
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Exclusive: Michail Antonio's two word West Ham admission By James Jones - Mar 3, 2017 0
westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham fans love a hard worker, someone who gives everything to the cause at all times. So it's no real surprise that Michail Antonio has become one of the most loved players at West Ham since he arrived from Nottingham Forest 18 months ago. For Antonio, the £7m transfer to east London marked the latest chapter in what has been one of English football's less documented rags to riches stories. While Jamie Vardy had his six year journey from non-league Stocksbridge Park Steels to lifting the Premier League title with Leicester City, Antonio had his own story to tell.
In 2008 Antonio was turning out for Tooting & Mitcham United. Since then he has climbed the Football League ladder with the likes of Reading, Cheltenham Town, Southampton, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and, of course, Nottingham Forest. It was his performances for Forest in the Championship that convinced Slaven Bilic that he was good enough to have his chance in the biggest league in the world. And after having to wait patiently for a real chance to show the Premier League what he has to offer, Michail Antonio has not looked back since being given his first start for the club four months after signing.
If you fast forward to today, it has been an incredible 18 months or so for Antonio. He has scored 17 goals in 65 first team appearances for the Hammers and was rewarded for such consistency with a first ever call-up to the England squad in August 2016.
It is fair to say that the forward is enjoying the best form of his career to date, and as I sit down to discuss life at the club with him as part of Heineken's HammerHeads competition at Rush Green, there are only two words Antonio has to describe what it's like playing for West Ham United.
"I'm home," he tells me, with a big grin on his face. It's an admission that every West Ham fan will be delighted to hear. Put simply, Antonio is one of the most effective players at the club right now. But as I mentioned earlier, his journey from new arrival to first name on the team sheet has not been easy for the 26-year-old. "It's difficult being a player that, for the last five or six years of my career, if I was fit I would have been playing," Antonio admits when I ask him about his first few months at the club.
"At clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Colchester, I always played. So coming here and not playing was quite difficult because it was new to me."
So, how does a player so used to playing every week adapt and remain focused on forcing his way in to the manager's plans? "I'm the kind of person who always believes in my ability, I believe in myself and I always told myself that if I ever get an opportunity, I'm going to take it. "I always knew I was good enough to play in the Premier League, that's what kept me going and what kept me motivated."
That self-belief and motivation has been evident to those who have seen Antonio turn out for the Hammers week in, week out. Having netted 17 goals for the club so far and currently topping the squad's scoring charts with eight in all competitions this season, Antonio has become a vital source of goals for Bilic's side. But how does a player who has played in a number of different positions for West Ham still manage to find his way on the scoresheet. "I just always want to get in the box," he tells me. "I'm the sort of player who always wants to be around the goal and more often than not, if you're in the box, the ball might drop for you. "It's one of those things where I'm always going to be there, I'm always going to make sure I'm around."
His goalscoring antics have been amplified somewhat by his fun and quirky celebrations. We all know the story behind why he celebrates goals the way he does, but the burning question I have to wrap up the short chat we had at Rush Green was; do you have another celebration lined up and can he tell us what it is? "Yeah, I have another one lined up but I'm not even giving you hint!"
It was the answer I was expecting, but you can't knock a guy for trying. Antonio hasn't scored since the 4-1 Boxing Day win over Swansea City but, given the season he's having, I don't think it'll be long before we see his next celebration in action.
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Aaron Cresswell: West Ham aren't going to 'pack our suitcases' and accept 10th place this season VAISHALI BHARDWAJ Evening Standard
Aaron Cresswell insists the West Ham players are not thinking about their summer break already, saying the Hammers will fight to finish in the top ten this season. Slaven Bilic's side have recovered from a poor start to the campaign in what is their first season at the London Stadium to lose just three of their last 12 Premier League games. The upturn in results since the beginning of December has lifted West Ham into ninth position in the league standings, with defender Winston Reid telling Standard Sport recently a ninth, eighth or seventh-placed finish this term would be "acceptable" considering the start the Hammers had.
Cresswell has echoed Reid's thoughts, admitting the team are working hard to ensure they end in the top 10 ahead of West Ham's London derby clash with Chelsea on Monday night. "We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," Cresswell told West Ham's official website. "With the lads we've got here, we're not going to rest on our laurels and accept tenth or twelfth position. "While there are points to play for, we'll give it everything we've got week-in, week-out and try to get as many points on the board as we can between now and 21 May."
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Slaven Bilic insists there will be no repeat of violent clashes between West Ham and Chelsea fans on Monday night The Hammers are ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week The Mirror BYDARREN LEWIS 23:10, 2 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic insists he is confident there will be no repeat of the violent clashes that marred West Ham's League Cup win over Chelsea on Monday night. Missiles — including seats, coins and bottles — were thrown by both hooligans within sets of fans towards the end of October 26 tie. Seven arrests were made on the night. Hammers officials have since worked with the police to identify 97 supporters through CCTV footage with banning orders imposed on them. The club are now ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week. The fixture, at the 57,000-seater stadium, has been given the highest security category. Bilic said: "It is not that I think [there will not be a repeat], it is definitely the truth. "I have been spending a lot of time thinking about it. I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put in to solving those problems. "She or we have done it so I am not expecting (a repeat). Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that. They have approached it since that game really seriously."
West Ham have drafted a 'five-point plan' which they hope will avoid a repeat of the appalling scenes. Stewards will be given hand-held cameras to film troublemakers. The segregation areas between rival fans will be widened and there will also be higher physical barriers between the home and away sections. Exit routes after the game will also be blocked off to keep rival factions apart after fights which followed the League Cup tie. Meanwhile Bilic is refusing to get carried away by suggestions he has done enough to earn a new deal at the London Stadium. The Croat has lost just one of his last six games, winning three, since seeing his side demolished 5-0 by Manchester City at home in the FA Cup. But Bilic used the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, dismissed a year after winning the League, to point out that no manager in football is ever safe. He said: "The last example of Ranieri is the biggest one or the best example. "If you asked anyone who has anything to do with football who had had the safest job before the season started?
"We would all say - 100% in all countries - Ranieri, Ranieri. But then what happened was that. So I'm not bothered about it, to be fair."
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Iron Men premiere review: The tales you didn't know about the Boleyn and even some booing for Payet Sam Inkersole assesses the new Iron Men film and what it means to Hammers fans following last night's premiere Football London BYSAM INKERSOLE 07:45, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED07:49, 3 MAR 2017
The media, West Ham players, staff and fans all descended on the Genesis Cinema in Mile End on Thursday for the anticipated premiere of Iron Men – the film documenting the final days of the Boleyn Ground and the move to the London Stadium. After the players were photographed hundreds of times – Jonathan Calleri looked like a rabbit in headlights and Pedro Obiang was the only player to bring his Mrs – and interviews with us press folk, the film got underway. The Oscars, this certainly was not. Immediately, we were greeted with the image of Ray Winstone in a car, wondering where the pub was he used to frequent, which is now a Tesco Express. Then, the first – and very loud – boos of the evening as we were treated to a close up of Dimitri Payet taking a set piece. Hisses were evident as well.
There was almost a tension around screen one as we looked back at the Boleyn Ground – first for the FA Cup tie quarter final replay with Manchester United. A game which Winstone describes as "s**t." Lots of Iron Men, particularly the opening moments, is dedicated to the traders who are losing out by the club moving. The man who sells the West Ham fanzine "Over Land and Sea" and has done for 40 years, Nathan's Pie and Eels in Green Street, "The Rib Man" Mark Gevaux, the sweet store seller outside Upton Park and The Boleyn pub.
We get up close and personal with David Gold, Mark Noble and Slaven Bilic. People who are media trained so even we don't get to see them up this close. "It's gonna be strange," says Noble, Bilic alludes to if he wanted to have the best atmosphere, he would remain at the Boleyn. "It's something we have to do, it is the future," adds Gold as he surveys where he grew up, where he then owned and where the club was moving to in one shot.
Slaven Bilic spoke about how he hopes to retain the Boleyn Ground atmosphere at the London Stadium (Photo: West Ham United FC) We then meet the star of the show, Hammers 100-year-old superfan Mabel Arnold, who went to her first game in east London in 1934.
As the documentary meanders towards that final game on May 7 against United, Mabel tells us West Ham are "doing her nut in" by moving to Stratford, Noble takes us to Canning Town where he grew up, Ray Winstone does likewise 1.5 miles from Upton Park. Karren Brady – such a divisive figure among West Ham fans – appears and she talks about the London Stadium. There are a few murmurs in the cinema, nothing more.
The documentary is trying to convince any remaining doubters that the move to E20 from E13 was the right thing to do, but there is always that lingering doubt that some are still not convinced. We reach the crescendo, that famous 3-2 win against United on that wet Monday night at the Boleyn. We see Winston Reid score the final goal, the cinema erupts in applause. We see Mabel Arnold, tears streaming down her face. It really was an emotional night.
The film ends with some captions telling us the man who sold the fanzine has kept his promise and not been to the London Stadium, Mabel has been to every home game in E20 and the Rib Man, Mr Gevaux, has moved too even though he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip.
"I am the Rib Man of West Ham," the man who lost his left leg in a car accident tells the camera. "I have a new home," he adds. Let's hope that West Ham United Football Club can truly make the London Stadium their home, just like the Boleyn was for those glorious 112 years.
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Nigel Reo-Coker concedes he learned to appreciate West Ham the hard way HITC Damien Lucas
Nigel Reo-Coker had a fractured relationship with West Ham United fans and has admitted he didn't appreciate the club while he was there. Reo-Coker came within minutes of eclipsing Hammers great Bobby Moore as the youngest captain in the club's history to lift the FA Cup. Steven Gerrard stole that honour away from him, though, in that epic final against Liverpool back in 2006 and the rest as they say is history. A firm favourite with Hammers fans, Reo-Coker enjoyed a memorable three and a half years in East London. But it ended somewhat acrimoniously as his relationship with the club's fans soured in the wake of suggestions from manager Alan Curbishley of a 'Baby Bentley Brigade' at the club during their fight against relegation.
Reo-Coker risked the wrath of supporters when he cupped his ear to the crowd after scoring at the Boleyn Ground. He moved on to Aston Villa after the club's Great Escape was sealed by Carlos Tevez in 2007 and was booed on his return. And in an interview with the whufc.com, Reo-Coker - now 32 and without a club - has conceded he did not appreciate what he had at West Ham until he left. "I can say this now because I've been away for a few years and I've travelled around a bit and been to different places – I truly realise how big and special this club is," Reo-Coker told West Ham TV. "It's the part of my career that has really stayed with me. It's something that I've never forgotten and it's something that I truly appreciate. "Everywhere I go, I'm always remembered and recognised from my time at West Ham. There have been so many Hammers fans I have met worldwide, and that's when you understand how big the fanbase is."
The former midfielder's words will not be lost on West Ham fans who appreciate what he did for the club during his time there. He was the club's brave young captain who helped lead them back to the Premier League under Alan Pardew and then onto a strong finish in the Premier League and that FA Cup final. That season also saw West Ham qualify for what was then the UEFA Cup, although their stay in the competition was shortlived after a heavy two-legged defeat to Palermo. Despite only being 32, Reo-Coker has been out of action for over a year after having his contract at Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact terminated by mutual consent in January 2016.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, March 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd March 2017
Bilic - Carroll should be fit
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is feeling optimistic about Andy
Carroll's fitness ahead of Monday's clash against Chelsea
The big forward has missed the Hammers' last two matches but looks set for
his return at London Stadium
Bilic also dismissed rumours linking the striker with a potential move to
China
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is confident key man Andy Carroll will be
fit to face Chelsea when the Blues visit London Stadium on Monday.
The forward was back in full training with the rest of the squad on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin problem that kept him out of the
recent draws against West Bromwich Albion and Watford.
And having scored twice against Chelsea last season, the Hammers manager
believes Carroll can make a huge impact should he return to the team for the
clash with the west Londoners.
Bilic said: "Andy trained individually for the last few days and did
everything with those medical guys, and then he joined us yesterday.
Usually, the press conference is two days before a game, but this time, it's
four days.
"We still have three training days before the game but it looks good,
especially for him. Altogether, it will be a good week of training for him.
That should be enough for him to be fit for the game.
"It will have been a good week of training for him. That should be enough
for him to be fit for the game. I'm very optimistic.
Andy Carroll and Slaven Bilic"I'm very optimistic about if he is fit or not,
but it looks good. It means a lot to have him back.
"We have done well without him in the last few games but I'm sure we would
have done better with him because he is one of our key players. It will be
great to have him on the pitch on Monday."
Bilic was also quick to dismiss rumours linking Carroll with a move away
from London Stadium, with China being reported as a possible destination for
the 28-year-old.
"Andy knows how much we and I rate him," the Croatian continued. "He is one
of our best players and we want to keep him. As far as I know, the Chinese
clubs sent representatives to watch our game. Apparently they were watching
other players but fell in love with Andy.
"It's certainly not the Club that has asked an agent to try and sell him.
That's not the case. I suppose Andy would have been flattered as it's nice
that people have a good opinion of you, but me and him didn't talk about it
at all.
"We haven't been bombed with offers from China, so it hasn't affected me or
Andy.
"It wasn't like we had three or four offers for our players from China. I
heard the rumours and saw it in the papers but it didn't affect any
relationships with the players or with Andy, so that's it basically. There
is nothing to talk about there."
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Thursday 02 Mar Updated Thursday 02 Mar 13:05
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell feels he is approaching his best form after an
injury-affected campaign
Left-back produced an impressing display in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League
draw at Watford
Defender says West Ham United will battle for every last point in their
final 12 matches
Aaron Cresswell feels he is getting back to his best after recovering fully
from the first major injury lay-off of his career.
The left-back missed just one Premier League game in his first two seasons
with West Ham United, but a knee injury suffered in a late challenge in a
pre-season match against German club Karlsruher SC last July.
The injury kept him out until mid-October and, although his form was
sufficient to earn a first England cap against Spain at Wembley in November,
Cresswell admitted it took time to rediscover his normal match-fitness and
sharpness.
Those appeared to be back in abundance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford,
when the No3 produced arguably his best performance of the season so far.
"As of late, it has not been too good for me personally injury-wise this
season, but I just needed to keep my head down, work hard and I hoped things
would come good," he said.
"Pre-season is the foundation for your season, so to be out for three or
four months with a knee injury was never easy, and it was the first time in
my career that I'd had a serious injury and been out for quite some time.
"All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and
now I feel fine. I have felt fine physically for a long time, but missing
pre-season and a few months was not easy. That's football, so you've got to
learn to deal with it and get on with it."
All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and now
I feel fine
Aaron CresswellHaving returned to form, Cresswell has been part of a
successful period for the Hammers, which has seen them lose just three of
their last 12 Premier League matches.
Next up is the visit of runaway leaders Chelsea to London Stadium on Monday
evening, followed by arguably more winnable fixtures against AFC
Bournemouth, Leicester City and Hull City.
With 12 games to go, the left-back says West Ham are targeting a strong
conclusion to 2016/17 and are not about to settle for a mid-table finish.
"We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," he confirmed.
"With the lads we've got here, we're not going to rest on our laurels and
accept tenth or twelfth position.
"While there are points to play for, we'll give it everything we've got
week-in, week-out and try to get as many points on the board as we can
between now and 21 May."
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Bilic backs new boys to shine
WHUFC.com
Manager says Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have 'clicked' immediately with
their new teammates
January signings made their debuts against Manchester City and could both
start at Southampton
Bilic says Fonte has the experience to handle the challenge of facing his
former club on Saturday
Slaven Bilic says his two new signings in the January transfer window have
'clicked' immediately and has backed them to help West Ham United return to
winning ways at Southampton tomorrow.
Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass made their debuts in Wednesday's 4-0 defeat
at the hands of Manchester City and, while it was hardly the ideal start,
Bilic has already been impressed by the impact that both have made in their
short time here so far.
For former Saints captain Fonte, Saturday's return promises to be an
emotional one, but the manager has backed the defender to show all his
experience and poise at St Mary's.
"Jose has settled in really well, and we expected that from him because he
is almost a British player, having spent so many years here [with Crystal
Palace and Southampton]," says the Hammers boss.
"Both of the new players have clicked straight away, into the group and with
training. Okay, we didn't have a great game against Manchester City on
Wednesday, but we are going to benefit from having Jose big time.
"It is the same with Robert. He is 100 per cent British and those players
don't need time to adjust. Okay, it is not just about swapping jerseys but
for British players it is much easier – they don't have any problem with the
language, they know about the intensity of the game here.
"His situation was only that he hadn't trained for ten or eleven days, and
he needs a little bit of time to be 100 per cent match fit. But he came on
and looked good against City, and I am glad about that."
For Fonte, tomorrow's trip to the south coast provides an almost immediate
return to the club where he spent the last seven years, making 260
appearances and helping lead Southampton from League One into the Premier
League.
Bilic has no doubts that the 33-year-old will approach the game in the right
frame of mind and admits his knowledge of Claude Puel's side can be of help.
"He is an experienced player and very strong," he says. "We spoke about
Southampton and he has nothing but good memories. He was the captain there
and he is looking forward to going back.
"Of course we spoke about their team, he knows them well and it is always
good to have that kind of information from someone who knows the
opposition."
Hammers travel to St Mary's tomorrow with key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate
available for selection again following his return from the Africa Cup of
Nations, which ended in a quarter-final defeat for his Senegal team at the
hands of Cameroon, and Bilic is confident of having no new injury worries
for the weekend.
"There is nothing serious," he says. "Sam Byram felt his hamstring after
Wednesday's game and we are going to check on him today but it looks okay."
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Fans and players enjoy Iron Men premiere
WHUFC.com
IRON MEN, the historic, emotional story of West Ham United's final season at
the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, was screened at an exclusive
worldwide premiere in east London on Thursday evening, ahead of its launch
on Friday.
The entire Hammers squad, led by manager Slaven Bilic and captain Mark
Noble, attended the premiere to re-live the incredible scenes of the final
day when the side were 3-2 winners against Manchester United.
Many other celebrities and famous Hammers names – including star of IRON MEN
Ray Winstone – were also there to watch the first screening.
Released on DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, you can pre-order for just £10 now by
clicking here - and the film will also be available as a digital download in
43 countries worldwide from iTunes, Google Play and on Xbox.
Supporters from all over the country turned out to attend the premiere and
after watching the production and quizzing Slaven Bilic and Mark Noble in a
live Q&A, they certainly enjoyed their evening.
Dave Batchelor, from Hornchurch said: "It was a really good reflection on
how all the fans feel and our emotions on that amazing night.
"I was at the last game and all those emotions came rushing back. Re-living
the Manchester United game and all the emotions of that was amazing.
"West Ham fans who haven't seen it, it's a must watch. I've got a couple of
copies for friends and I'd very much urge fans to watch it."
Tom and Hayley Chapman, who brought their young son Frank to the premiere,
also loved the screening.
Tom said: "It really showed our journey to the new Stadium, so it was so
emotional. It's more about the fans – that's what it is all about.
"It's about their journey and their experiences and it's well worth a watch,
for sure. The last day at the ground was one of the best days of our life,
so it was great to be here tonight."
And Rebecca Reynolds, who travelled from Milton Keynes, was delighted to be
in east London for the night.
"It was an amazing film – just amazing," she said. "That night, West Ham
didn't let us fans down. We knew they wouldn't. It was great to see it all
again.
"You've got to get the DVD – it's emotional, and everything came flooding
back. I'm proud to be here."
Directed by Paul Crompton and Suri Krishnamma and produced by independent
production company Iron Men Films, IRON MEN will be a must-have for each and
every member of the Claret and Blue Army.
The film has won widespread praise from critics, with The Independent's
Jacob Stolworthy calling IRON MEN 'An unparalleled love letter for fans',
and talkSPORT regaling 'If you ever wanted to convince someone why football
matters, show them this film'.
Mirror Sport call IRON MEN an 'Incredible up-close and personal docu-film
about leaving Upton Park'.
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ALL THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 2 MARCH 2017 AT 8:51PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Here are all the questions and answers from Bilic's press conference earlier
today.
What is the latest with Andy Carroll?
He had trained on his own for a few days. He joined the squad yesterday and
we still have four days until the match. So he feels good and altogether it
will be a week of good training which should be enough for him to be fit for
the game. I am very optimistic that he will play but it looks good. So far
so good.
How important is it to have him fit for Chelsea?
It is very important. We have done well against Chelsea without him before
but he is one of our key players and it would be great to have him on the
pitch on Monday. It would be a big blow for us if he didn't make it. I am
always optimistic but this time it is not crazy optimistic. I am confident
we will have him on the pitch on Monday.
Is it true that the club gave permission to his agent to sell him to do a
deal with a Chinese Club?
No, no way, you know how much I rate him, how much we rate him and I said a
couple of minutes ago he is one of our best players and we want to keep him.
As far as I know the Chinese club's sent their representatives to watch a
game and other players and they fell in love with Andy. It is not the club
who asked the agents to sell him.
How has Andy been? Did he ask you about it? (The move to China)
No not at all. He probably heard it but I suppose he was flattered, it is
nice to have options. It is good to have other clubs want you but we didn't
talk about it at all.
Is it a relief to have the window shut now?
Well we haven't been loaded with offers from China so it didn't affect me, I
didn't wait for it to finish.
Did the club turn down an offer from China?
Yeah but you told me about them closing the window, it's not like we had 4,
5 or 6 offers for our players. We had an offer for Andy but as we told you
we didn't speak about it so that's it basically. Not a lot to talk about.
In terms of team news for Monday, Antonio is out, is anyone struggling?
No it is just Micky who is suspended for us which is a big blow. Only Sakho
and Ogbonna are out. Sakho is coming back he is going to see the surgeon in
Bordeaux and if that meeting goes well he could be available in 3-4 weeks
and Angelo is doing really good after his surgery on his knee. There are a
few knocks, like you always, have but we are good.
Can you clarify the situation with Antonio's contract?
I told you last time, he has a contract but the club wants to reward him
with a new contract to show recognition because he has done great for us.
It will be done very soon.
What about you, will you get a new deal?
I have spoken about this, I am happy, I have a contract and I am very happy
here. I treat my next few games as my contract. I don't think that much
about it.
It would be nice to get it done?
As I told you I have a year and a half contract and nowadays in football,
contract lengths do not make much difference in football nowadays. Ranieri
is the best example of this. Before the season we would say he has the
safest job in football and then what happened. So I am not bothered to be
fair.
You are one of the few clubs to have beaten Chelsea this year, do you have
the measure of Chelsea?
It will be harsh to say this. We beat them and this was well deserved, some
would say they didn't play with their strongest team but in the second half
they brought subs on and did and we beat them. It means a lot, we have done
it recently and they have improved since then and we have improved. It is a
game that we are knowing we need to be big time on top of our game.
Do you think some teams think it is impossible to get something from
Chelsea?
No, no. I watched the game v West Brom. They gave them a very hard game.
They didn't have a shot on target in the first half. In the Premier League
anyone can beat anyone which is why this is the best league in the world.
Can anyone catch Chelsea?
It is still very open, there are still many points. There is a chance if
Chelsea slip up.
Can I ask you about Victor Moses, has he surprised you?
Not surprised, I am pleased for him. He has said he has good memories of
his time here, I am glad for him. His potential, his characteristics were
always amazing. His pace, stamina, everything….he is top top class.
Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in and day out and now he is
doing it. Once I spoke to Payet and Payet said including himself; Victor
and him are the best players at West Ham.
Just a question on Lanzini, how important is he?
Of course when your best players improve, you improve as a team. He is
making all the players around him better. He started the season with a big
injury and a big disappointment that he couldn't go to the Olympics with
Argentina. He took a while to get back into the team but he is a top player
and he makes the players around him feel more confident alongside him.
Has this been one of the hardest seasons for you as a manager?
It was a hard season but every season is hard. I see this season as great
for me individually and for the club. This season we experienced a lot of
negative, positive and new things. We moved stadiums, training grounds and
we had a strange pre-season because of Euro 2016 and the Europa League. We
were then hit with a lot of injuries. We didn't have some players in some
positions. We started the season ok but we lost four games in September
which we had to come through and we want to improve but things look much
stronger now. This gives you experience for the future.
What was the turning point and do you have a points target from the
remaining games?
No the plan is simple, guarantee safety and then try and approach each game.
We can talk about the Palace away game, or the Hull and Burnley hard fought
wins, we can even talk about that period when we approached those 5 big
games and we got a couple of away points against Liverpool and Manchester
United. You could pick them but there was no turning point as we continued
to believe. The only way to get out was by sticking together.
What have you made of the job Conte has done at Chelsea?
I am surprised by the streak that they are on as it is not very common. I
was expecting him to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. I
knew him at Juventus and I studied his game and I expected him to do great
long term. In the first season it is a surprise that they are 10 points
clear but he is a great manager. He did it at Juve and at Italy.
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Andy Carroll: Chinese clubs fell in love with West Ham striker, says Slaven
Bilic
BBC.co.uk
Chinese Super League clubs "fell in love" with striker Andy Carroll when
scouting the Premier League this season, says manager Slaven Bilic. But
Bilic says there was "no way" West Ham were going to sell the 28-year-old in
the January transfer window. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker has
scored six times in 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers despite an
injury-hit campaign.
"He is one of our best players and we want to keep him," said Bilic.
"Chinese clubs send their representatives over to investigate. They were
watching other players, but they fell in love with Andy. The club didn't try
to sell him."
Bilic says Carroll heard about the interest and was no doubt "flattered by
it", but that it had not been discussed. Former Hammers defender Bilic
rejoined the club as manager in 2015 and has 18 months to run on his current
deal, but cited ex-Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri as an example when
suggesting he was not stressing about his contract at the minute. He said:
"The way I see it. I'm very happy. I have a contract and I am very happy. I
don't think that much about it. "I wouldn't lie, yes, it would be nice but I
have a year-and-a-half contract and there's no difference when you consider
what happened to Ranieri. The biggest one and the best one.
"Who has the safest job? We would all say Ranieri. Everyone would have said
that. Ranieri. And then what happened with that? So I'm not that bothered
about that to be fair."
West Ham finished seventh in Bilic's first season in charge, but a move to
London Stadium and the loss of influential playmaker Dimitri Payet to
Marseille have contributed to a difficult second term. Bilic said: "Well it
was a hard season, but every season is hard. I consider this season as a
great season for me individually for the team and club. "This season we
experience negative things, we moved the stadium, the training ground, a
very strange pre-season. And then we were hit of lots of injuries, some
positions we didn't have any players. "To come out of that in such a good
way, of course we want to improve but it looks pretty good now. It makes you
stronger. It's different if you are eighth, ninth and 10th and stay there.
This way you enjoy it and it gives you more experience for the future."
'Chelsea can still slip up'
West Ham face Premier League leaders Chelsea on Monday, having knocked them
out of the EFL Cup in October. And Bilic is a fan of Blues boss Antonio
Conte. He said: "I'm surprised how good they have been. I was expecting him
to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. "I watched Juve quite
a lot and I was studying his game. I didn't know because no-one knows. "I
expected him to do great long term and it is a surprise they are 10 points
clear. Conte is a great manager, he done it at Juve, he done it with Italy.
A brilliant manager of course. "It [the title race] is still very open.
Many, many points. If they slip up, which you can in every game, other teams
need to be ready."
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AA on the road to stardom?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham youngster Ajibola Alese is reported to be on the summer wish list
of both Manchester City and Liverpool. The 16-year-old defender is just the
latest in a long line of Academy talents to be chased by fellow Premier
League clubs and according to media reports, is being targeted by both North
West clubs.
A regular in the Under 18s this season, schoolboy Alese made his debut for
the side as a 14-year-old at Leicester in August 2015 when replacing the
unavailable Declan Rice. However the defender's appearances have been
limited so far this season, with Alese making just three appearances for the
18s so far this season. Current first team coach Slaven Bilic is reported to
be a huge admirer of Alese's, and is said to have taken a keen interest in
his recent development.
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Who needs Payet? Lanzini has shown why he's now our diamond geezer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
His performances against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich
Albion have shown Manuel Lanzini has grasped the chance to drive the Irons'
creativity and attacking play. But is the Jewel ready to step out of Dimitri
Payet's shadow and become a star for West Ham for years to come? Or, as many
people have pointed out recently, has he ever truly been second fiddle to
Payet – or merely getting on with his job whilst Payet stole the headlines?
The topic is covered in the February issue of Blowing Bubbles with writer
Stuart Plant suggesting the young Argentine has everything it takes to step
up a level.
"It's calming to see Lanzini providing the early signs of evidence that he
can slide straight into the void left by Payet. "Importantly though we must
remember that Lanzini is six years younger, still learning, and hasn't even
reached his peak. This is scary that he still needs to be afforded some
leeway due to his age in relation to his talent. "We now have to put our
trust in him and build our side around him. If we do stick with Lanzini, it
will surely pay dividends for years to come but we'll have to give him the
time to develop and become an even better player than he is now."
Elsewhere in the February issue of the popular monthly magazine, Blowing
Bubbles chats to Clyde Best on his journey from Bermuda to east London and
why he would not allow the many racists to drive him out of English
football.
Blowing Bubbles also asks if Lanzini can step out of Payet's shadow and
become a star for West Ham for years to come and whether or not Mark Noble
still deserves a place in our first choice XI.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic expects West Ham to 'get something' from Chelsea clash
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Stadnard
Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham can secure at least a draw when the
Hammers host league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. West Ham were only
narrowly beaten by Antonio Conte's side in the reverse fixture on the
opening day of the season back in August, but followed up the 2-1 loss by
overcoming Chelsea at home in the EFL Cup two months later. The Hammers,
who sit in ninth place in the Premier League standings, now welcome
high-flying Chelsea to the London Stadium on Monday night and Bilic believes
his side will walk away from the derby with at least a point, if not all
three. "It's harsh to say we have the measure of them because we beat them
last time but it does mean a lot, it shows it is not impossible," Bilic said
on Thursday. "They are not a different team now but they have improved from
that game when we beat them. "It is not a bonus game for us. We are at home
and [it is] a game we are expecting to get something from."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio set for new West Ham deal and Slaven Bilic 'very happy' amid
contract talks
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic said today he is "very happy" at West Ham amid reports he is
set to be offered a new contract. Bilic's deal runs until the summer of 2018
and it was reported this morning that West Ham will present him with new
terms at the end of what has often been a difficult first season at the
London Stadium. "I have a contract and I'm very happy here," said the West
Ham manager. "At the start of the season we would have said, if anyone was
safe in his job, we would all say Claudio Ranieri and look what happened to
him."
Bilic also revealed that Michail Antonio is in line for a new, improved deal
in the near future. The versatile Hammer was given a new contract last
summer following a strong first season with the club and has continued that
progress this term, leading to an England call-up. "We want to give him
another contract because he's been great for us and, hopefully, it will be
done soon," said Bilic. Antonio is suspended for Monday's game against
Chelsea but Bilic is optimistic Andy Carroll will be fit for the derby at
the London Stadium. The striker has missed two games with a groin problem
and West Ham are desperate for their front man to be cleared to play.
"Hopefully, he will be fit," said Bilic. "He trained individually for the
last few days and then joined us yesterday. We have another few days and it
should be enough for him. I'm very optimistic. It would mean a lot to have
him for the Chelsea game. "We have done well without him for a couple of
games but we would have been even better with him because he is one of our
key players."
Carroll has not represented England since October 2012 but club-mate James
Collins believes the striker should be recalled by national boss Gareth
Southgate. "I think Andy Carroll should be [in the England squad]," he
said. "A fit Andy Carroll is a handful for any defender. I know if I was
playing against him and he was in the opposite team, I'd be in for a tough
afternoon. It gives [England] something different. "What Andy can do; I've
never trained against a lad or played against a lad who is as physical and
as good in the air as Andy, so I think it's a no brainer."
West Ham knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup in October, defeating the
Premier League leaders 2-1. "Some would say they didn't play their
strongest line-up in that game but we beat them and it means a lot because
at least we know it is not impossible," said Bilic. "Even then, they were
winning games easily but have improved since, as we have. "We know we will
have to be big-time on top of our game on Monday and if we play like that —
and have a little bit of luck — then who knows? The Premier League is like
that. "It's still open. There are still a lot of points at stake. Even us,
we are not afraid of our position but we still need points to be safe. It is
the same up there with Chelsea and the clubs who are behind them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy Rosenior tells Sky Sports News HQ that racism stopped his family from
seeing him play
By Jefferson Lake
Last Updated: 02/03/17 10:51am
SSN
Leroy Rosenior has opened up on the racist abuse he suffered as a player and
how it stopped his family from watching him. Rosenior made more than 300
appearances for Fulham, QPR, West Ham and Bristol City but just one of those
games was witnessed by his family members. In his autobiography, It's Only
Banter, the former Torquay and Brentford manager details the shocking abuse
he received and on Thursday he gave a moving account of his experiences on
Sky Sports News HQ.
In the book, Rosenior revealed how his sisters were horrified by the abuse
their brother suffered from the stands and that they never again returned to
see him in action. Rosenior made his professional debut in 1982 and learned
very quickly that racist abuse - even from fellow players - was something he
simply "had to deal with". "I was a bit wet behind the ears and I went
straight into football from school," he said on SSNHQ. "A couple of players
started abusing me and they must have had it rehearsed because they had it
down to an absolute tee. "For 90 minutes of the game my head had just
absolutely gone, I was in an absolute whirl but it taught me a very serious
lesson, that if I wanted to play football at a professional level I'd have
to deal with that. "I saw lots of players who reacted aggressively to it but
I knew if I wanted a career in football I just had to get on with it."
The line, however, was crossed for his team-mates when they witnessed the
racist abuse go from vocal to physical. In his book, Rosenior recalls an
incident in which he was spat on by a member of the crowd and how he had to
explain to his colleagues that he drew no distinction between the different
forms of abuse. "I'd had bananas thrown at me and whatever by then, and when
I got in the dressing room I lost my rag," he said. "I said to my team-mates
than when people were doing Nazi salutes or monkey chants they didn't do
anything but as soon as they saw something physical they reacted. "But I
felt the same from the chants and from that moment on they understood what I
was going through. I was still a young man as well and I wasn't really able
to express how I felt to those people."
Such problems no longer exist for Rosenior, who has learned through his
career as a player and a manager - and away from the game - that education
and communication are crucial. "I've learned how to speak to people about it
over the years," he said. "I did a radio show and the presenter referred to
me as being coloured. "I said to her that I've always preferred to just be
called black, that I regard myself as black. She hadn't ever thought that
that might be the case."
And then, a long time after those early days as a confused teenager left "in
a whirl" by racist abuse, the circle was completed for Rosenior. "I even saw
one of the players who racially abused me on the pitch, about 25 years after
it happened," he recalls. "I bumped into him and I was surprised to see him.
"He mentioned what had happened and his tone was very conciliatory. I took
that as an apology."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic denies West Ham gave agent permission to sell Andy Carroll to
Chinese Super League
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 02/03/17 11:14am
SSN
Slaven Bilic insists there is "no way" West Ham gave permission for an agent
to sell Andy Carroll to China. Reports in the national press on Wednesday
claimed the Hammers wrote to agent Mark Curtis giving him permission to
negotiate a deal to sell Carroll to one of three Super League clubs before
Tuesday's Chinese transfer deadline. Ahead of West Ham's clash with Chelsea
on Monday Night Football, Bilic admitted he did know about interest in
Carroll from the clubs in the Far East nation. But asked if the newspaper
reports were true, Bilic replied: "No way, no way. You know how much I rate
him. He is one of our best players and we want to keep him. "As far as I
know, the Chinese clubs sent representatives to watch the game. Apparently
they were watching other players but they fell in love with Andy. But it was
not the club that asked an agent to sell the player. "Definitely Andy heard
it (the interest). I suppose that he was flattered. It is nice to have
options and have a good opinion about you at other clubs. But we didn't talk
about it at all.
"We haven't been bombed with offers from China so it didn't affect us. It
wasn't like we had three or four or five offers from China for players.
"(Interest) it happened with Andy, I heard it, and I saw it in the papers.
But it didn't affect our training. There is not a lot to talk about."
Carroll, who has six goals in 16 appearances this season including four in
his last four Premier League games, returned to full training this week
after a groin problem. And Bilic says he is "optimistic" Carroll can return
against the league leaders at the London Stadium after nearly a month on the
sidelines. "He trained individually over the last few days, then he joined
us yesterday. Still we have four days and he is training today with us," he
said. "It looks good and, especially with him, altogether it will be a week
of good training, and enough for him to be fit for the game. I am very
optimistic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic set to be rewarded with new West Ham contract
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 02/03/17 6:05am
SSN
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to give manager Slaven Bilic a new
contract at the end of the season. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce as
manager in June 2015, currently has 15 months left on his three-year
contract. Talks about a new improved deal were due to take place before
Christmas, but were postponed after West Ham's poor start to the season. But
results have improved significantly and Bilic is set to be rewarded with a
new deal. Since the start of December, West Ham have won six and drawn two
of 11 Premier League games. As well as better performances on the pitch, the
West Ham board have been impressed with the way Bilic handled the
acrimonious sale of Dimitri Payet to Marseille last month. They also
demonstrated their faith in Bilic by making significant funds available for
the signings of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from Hull
City. Bilic will be given more money to spend this summer, with a striker
and a right back top of his shopping list.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham received £32m bid for Andy Carroll from Chinese Super League
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
2 MARCH 2017 • 12:22PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United received a tentative offer of £32million from a Chinese
Super League club to sign Andy Carroll. Three clubs - Tianjin Quanjian,
Hebei China Fortune and Shandong Luneng – expressed an initial interest in
Carroll via an agent but no formal bid was eventually submitted. West Ham
did not encourage the offer because it came at the beginning of February,
after the January transfer window had closed, and they would not have been
able to sign a replacement for the 28-year-old striker. It is also unclear
as to whether Carroll, who cost West Ham £17.5million when he signed a
six-year deal from Liverpool in 2013 and earns £90,000-a-week, would have
been willing to make the move. It may well be, therefore, that West Ham will
consider offers for Carroll in the summer but would have left themselves
desperately short in forward areas had they sold him now. However manager
Slaven Bilic insisted on Thursday that he has no plans to sell Carroll. "No
way, no way," he said. "He's one of our best players and we want to keep
him. We wouldn't want to sell him to China."
Diafra Sakho is expected to return from injury next month but Bilic, with
Carroll out again injured, has been forced to play Michail Antonio as a
central striker. It is hoped that Carroll, who returned to training on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin injury will be available for
Monday's home match against league leaders, Chelsea. There is no doubt of
Carroll's importance to West Ham when he is fit as has been evidenced by the
fact that he has scored four goals in his last four appearances. Bilic also
spoke on Thursday about whether he was close to agreeing a new deal at West
Ham with 16 months left on his current contract. The Croatian wants to
remain at the club but the policy from the board is to review contracts at
the end of the season. There are very positive noises that Bilic will be
offered an extension, with West Ham having recovered from a poor start to
the season, and sitting ninth in the Premier League table after a run of six
wins and two draws in their last 11 league games. Bilic also had to deal
with the acrimonious departure of Dimitri Payet in January and a raft of
injuries to his squad as well as the move to the new stadium. "I have a
contract and I am very happy here and I always treat my next few games as my
contract, and I don't think that much about it," Bilic said.
"Of course it would be nice but I have a year-and-a-half left on my
contract. Nowadays in football id you have that or four years left there is
no difference at all. "The last example of Claudio Ranieri is the biggest
and best one. If you asked anyone in or related to football who has the
safest job, we would all say 100 per cent Ranieri. And then what happened
with that? So I am not bothered about it to be fair."
A clear sign that Bilic is staying is that West Ham listened to him in the
January window when he advised the club not to make any more signings,
beyond the arrival of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from
Hull City, to allow him additional funds to help re-shape the squad in the
summer. A new contract is expected to be offered to Antonio, also, at the
end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: Why West Ham decided against Chelsea transfer despite Dimitri
Payet protests
SLAVEN BILIC admits Dimitri Payet told him Victor Moses was the best player
he had at West Ham last season.
The STar
By Jon West / Published 2nd March 2017
Moses returns to his former club on Monday as part of a Chelsea team on
course to win the Premier League in Antonio Conte's debut season. Conte has
turned the Nigeria international, 26, into a wing-back winner following
years of being a nearly man. The Hammers had a clause in their season-long
loan agreement to make the move permanent but decided not to trigger it -
despite Payet's plaudits.
Bilic said: "Of course he had it in him. I remember once we had I spoke to
Payet during last season. It was him I think and a couple of other players.
"Payet said that even including himself Victor was the best player that we
have in West Ham. I mean seriously. "It was about time to show what he had
in himself and explode in a positive way – he has done it. "He looks on the
pitch very concentrated and very serious. He became a tough player."
Bilic gave a hint of why the Hammers had passed on the permanent option. He
said: "His pace, quality on the ball and stamina is basically top top class.
"Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in day out and now he is doing
it. "But he proved himself. And if you add on top of that he is playing in a
position that is not basically his ideal position – or wasn't his ideal
position. "It makes his achievement even greater and he should be very proud
of what he has done since the start of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic needed to 'push' Moses to be the star he's now at Chelsea and Payet
said he was the best Hammer
West Ham will come up against their former loan star when Chelsea visit on
Monday
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:36, 2 MAR 2017UPDATED11:39, 2 MAR 2017
Dimitri Payet hailed Victor Moses as the best player at West Ham – including
the Frenchman himself – during the Chelsea star's loan spell at the Hammers,
according to Slaven Bilic but the boss admitted he had to push the player on
occasions. Moses signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea yesterday
(Wednesday) after becoming a mainstay in the Blues side at right wing back
as they charge towards the Premier League title. Moses spent a season on
loan at the Hammers in the 2015/16 campaign, making 21 appearances in a
season disrupted by injury and Bilic decided not to make his move permanent.
But, the Nigerian international has been a shining light for Antonio Conte's
side this season and has been rewarded for his impressive form. Bilic,
speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference at Rush Green on Thursday
morning, said: "I remember last season when we had [Dimitri] Payet and he
said Victor, including himself, was the best we had at West Ham. "It was
about time for him (Moses) to show his talents and explode in a positive
way. "I am very pleased for Victor, I am blessed for him. "His pace, his
stamina, his quality on the ball, Victor was top class. Sometimes, you
really had to push him to do it and do the things you wanted him to do, day
in, day out but now he's doing it. "He has done amazing to keep his place in
a good side. He has proved himself and he is playing in a position that
wasn't ideal.
"It has made his achievement even greater and he should be proud of what he
has done."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll in contention to start against Chelsea, says David
Gold
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could start the Hammers' London derby clash
with Chelsea on Monday night after recovering from injury.
The 28-year-old has missed West Ham's last two league games with a
persistent groin injury, which he has been carrying for several weeks.
Carroll travelled with the Hammers team for a warm weather training camp in
Dubai last week, but the issue prevented the England international from
training normally. But West Ham co-chairman David Gold today revealed that
Carroll has fully recovered from the problem and could make Slaven Bilic's
matchday squad for the club's Premier League game with Chelsea on Monday
night.
"Andy Carroll is fit and training with the first team squad and should be
available for selection against Chelsea," Gold tweeted on Thursday morning.
The news will be a huge boost for Bilic, with Carroll having scored four
Premier League goals in his last four appearances. One of those strikes
included a superb acrobatic overhead kick in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace
two months ago, which earned Carroll the January Goal of the Month award.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini proves team spirit is thriving at West Ham after Dimitri
Payet departure
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are a much happier bunch nowadays after the departure of
wantaway star Dimitri Payet in January. Payet was reluctantly sold back to
former club Marseille for £25 million in January. Slaven Bilic brought in
Robert Snodgrass from Hull City for £10 million and Jose Fonte from
Southampton for £8 million. Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been
more united and results have improved drastically as a result with the club
sitting ninth in the Premier League. Reports claimed Payet's brooding
attitude was hurting team morale. Captain Mark Noble says divisions had
formed in the dressing room off the back of discontent caused by Payet's
actions, as reported by the likes of the Daily Star.
Improved and spirited performances since the Frenchman left showed morale
has improved compared to the first half of the season.
And now the man who has stepped out of Payet's shadow, Manuel Lanzini, has
proved team spirit is better than ever with a post on Instagram. The
skillful Argentine playmaker posted a picture of himself at the centre of a
huddle of West Ham players laughing and joking during training ahead of
Monday night's London derby with rivals Chelsea. Lanzini said in the post:
"Team Spanish win today."
Skipper Noble, fellow Argentine Jonathan Calleri, goalkeeper Adrian, outcast
Alvaro Arbeloa, Fonte and midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Havard
Nordtveit and Domingos Quina all feature in the picture which will bring a
smile to the face of any Hammers fan.
Some fans could not resist a tongue-in-cheek dig, though, pointing out that
number one 'keeper Darren Randolph is being "left out" in the background
looking on. Given the run Chelsea are on West Ham will need all the team
spirit they can muster. But given the comfortable position Slaven Bilic's
side find themselves in, the East Londoners won't be an easy proposition for
the runaway Premier League leaders.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan watch: How Slaven Bilic's 11 loanees are doing - and what the
future could hold for them
We've had a closer look at all of the Hammers loan stars
Football London
BYADAM JONES
17:45, 1 MAR 2017UPDATED17:46, 1 MAR 2017
West Ham have 11 players out on loan at the minute - with many looking for
added game time to return to West ham as stronger players.
Some have better prospects of a Hammers future than others, it has to be
said - with some perhaps playing for a permanent move away from the club in
the next transfer window.
Enner Valencia
Club: Everton
Appearances: 15
It's been a bit stop-start for Enner Valencia during his time at Everton. He
took a while to get his feet off the ground, only making a smattering of
substitute appearances nearer the start of the season. However, the West Ham
man did go through a spell in the line-up for the Toffees and found himself
in good form around the Christmas period - during which he bagged his only
goal for Ronald Koeman's side against Watford. He's seemingly Everton's
back-up striker ahead of Arouna Kone - but youngsters Dominic Calvert-Lewin
and Ademola Lookman are both threatening that position. He doesn't look
likely to stay at Goodison beyond this season, and hasn't really done enough
to earn himself a place back with West Ham.
Reece Oxford
Club: Reading
Appearances: 0
Such an exciting prospect at West Ham, but clearly struggling for game time
whilst on loan at Reading. The young Hammer has struggled with a minor
injury recently, but even before then couldn't break in to the starting
line-up for the Championship side. He was brought in as injury cover, and
he's not seeing enough minutes on the pitch. That will definitely be
frustrating Slaven Bilic.
Reece Burke
Club: Wigan
Appearances: 8
It's been a somewhat different story for Reece Burke whilst he's been on
loan at Wigan. A fellow Championship side, but the defender has already
managed much more game-time than his Hammers teammate. He's even bagged
himself a goal for the Latics whilst he's been there - scoring in a 2-1 win
against high-flying Huddersfield back in November. For a player who took
part in West Ham's Europa League campaign earlier in the season, it's good
to see him getting more game time - and definitely won't hurt his chances of
breaking in to the Hammers' side.
Stephen Hendrie
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Appearances: 8
Stephen Hendrie has already managed more appearances this season than he
ever has for West Ham. After a successful short-term loan spell at Southend
last campaign - Hendrie has already turned out eight times for Blackburn
Rovers this season. Only four of those have come in the league though, and
all of his action only amounts to around 590 minutes of time on the pitch
this campaign.
Probably not going to be helping his chances of making it at West Ham.
Josh Cullen
Club: Bradford City
Appearances: 26
Well here's a real success story. Josh Cullen was fantastic when sent out to
Bradford City on loan last season - so much so that they brought him back to
play for them this campaign as well. And he hasn't disappointed. The
midfielder has made 26 appearances so far for the club this season, bagging
himself one goal, which came against MK Dons back in August. The Bradford
fans seriously love him and Cullen has become an integral member of their
side with some terrier-like performances in the centre of midfield.
Toni Martinez
Club: Oxford United
Appearances: 7
Well, as starts to loan spells go, they don't usually get much better than
Toni Martinez at Oxford United. The forward has been in brilliant form since
going out on loan in January, bagging two goals already this campaign -
including one against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. He definitely looks like
he could have a future at West Ham.
George Dobson
Club: Walsall
Appearances: 17
Another loan star who's finding game time a bit easier to come by. The
midfielder's 17 appearances so far this season have yielded one goal - which
is always going to help him. Boyhood Hammer Dobson has recently claimed
that, whilst he would of course like to make the grade at West Ham, his loan
spell has taught him that there is a career to be made a division or two
lower.
Martin Samuelson
Club: Peterborough
Appearances: 3
Martin Samuelson hasn't found it at all easy this season. The former
Manchester City academy player has been sent out on loan twice by West Ham
this season - and has only managed seven appearances between both spells.
Samuelson's loan at Blackburn was terminated earlier in the season due to a
lack of playing time having made only four appearances.
Jaanai Gordon
Club: Newport County
Appearances: 4
Well, all you can say so far is that he's started his loan spell very well.
His four first team appearances have yielded one goal - and he's knocking on
the door quite loudly for a regular starting place in the Newport County
side. One to keep an eye on...
Alex Pike
Club: Cheltenham Town
Appearances: 5
This is another loan spell just getting off the ground. The versatile
20-year-old Alex Pike only moved to Cheltenham Town on January 12, but has
already made five appearances for his temporary club. A solid start
definitely, and good to see from a young prospect.
Marcus Browne
Club: Wigan Athletic
Appearances: 1
Unfortunately, this loan spell has been blighted by injury so far. Marcus
Browne has only managed 14 minutes of FA Cup action for Wigan Athletic so
far this season, which is frustrating both for him and his parent club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham can't afford to miss out on Daniel Sturridge this summer
The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool
Football London
BYADAM JONES
20:00, 1 MAR 2017
We may have only just entered March, but transfer rumours are still
dominating the news - as they always seem to be in the world of football.
For West Ham, this inevitably leads to talk of a new striker. Obviously the
names of Alexandre Lacazette and Troy Deeney have already been thrown up,
but there is one more interesting option that West Ham are still favourites
to sign in the summer. Now, instantly, you might be thinking of his injury
record and you'd be forgiven for that - what with Andy Carroll already being
the Hammers' main man up front. But, you have to see past that and towards
the true quality that Sturridge possesses. He's still at Liverpool for a
reason - and that reason is surely because Jurgen Klopp still believes he
can perform at a high level for Liverpool when he is in top form. To hit top
form, though, you need more minutes. And Sturridge just isn't getting that
luxury at the moment.
Why is anyone's guess really. One option could be that he's disillusioned
with the lack of game time he is already receiving. Of course, the flip side
of that is, maybe, his attitude is wrong in training and that's why Klopp
doesn't want to play him. It would undeniably be a risk for West Ham to sign
Sturridge in the summer transfer window - but it's a risk that the club
really can't afford to miss out on. Yes, he might be an injury worry - but
he's also a proven Premier League goalscorer. Get him playing like Liverpool
did in that 2013/14 season and there isn't a defence in England that's able
to contain him - he just knows where the back of the net is. If there is any
attitude problem, a move to West Ham in which he will be looking to
seriously prove himself and regain some of his reputation will definitely
nip that in the bud. And, from the point of view of the Hammers, they're
getting a genuine top-notch striker - who could seriously put himself
amongst the league's top scorers if he had enough game time to do it. Pace,
power and the ability to create a goal out of almost nothing. How could
Slaven Bilic possibly turn that opportunity down? The move really makes
sense for both parties - and could definitely be one to look out for in the
summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marseille chief must eat his words after taunting West Ham over Dimitri
Payet transfer
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United were taunted by Marseille this week, a month after being
forced to sell Dimitri Payet back to them. The Hammers were forced to sell
wantaway star Dimitri Payet back to Marseille for £25 million in January.
Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been more united and results have
improved drastically as a result. Reports claimed Payet's brooding attitude
was hurting team morale and if performances on the pitch are anything to go
by there is nothing wrong with the team spirit now. It was galling for West
Ham this week when Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud appeared
delighted to have "won" the transfer "game" over Payet.
Speaking to La Provence, Eyraud boasted they got Payet at a knockdown price,
admitting he was worth nearly double what his club paid.
But Eyraud's antagonistic comments will only serve to amuse West Ham fans,
who will be quick to point out that his club paid more than double the £10m
they sold Payet to West Ham for in the first place just to get him back a
year later. And given the poisonous atmosphere Payet's actions created in
East London, supporters would even go as far as to say Marseille have done
them a favour taking him off their hands. It was an impossible situation for
Slaven Bilic but one the manager and club handled well.
And so far West Ham don't seem to be missing much as the Frenchman has
struggled to recapture his imperious form of last season.
A solitary goal - a wicked deflection from a free-kick - against Guingamp in
front of a half empty Stade Velodrome is all Payet has to show since his
return and was ineffective as Marseille were hammered 5-1 by Paris Saint
Germain last time out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to offer utility man Michail Antonio a new contract
which could double his wages
Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for good
form
Winger and striker Antonio could be set to double his wages to
£70,000-a-week
West Ham are keen to secure him after departure of Dimitri Payet in January
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 1 March 2017 | UPDATED: 23:32, 1 March 2017
Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for
turning into one of Slaven Bilic's most reliable stars this season. The
London club are aware of interest in Antonio, with Premier League leaders
Chelsea among those who have looked at the versatile 26-year-old. Antonio's
current contract sees him paid about £35,000 per week but that is to
significantly increase if he agrees to sign. It could double to £70,000,
depending on talks. The departure of Dimitri Payet, who was their
highest-paid player on £125,000 per week, saw West Ham lose their main man
in January. Antonio has helped fill the void and this season showed himself
as a key player for Bilic, particularly in the absence of Andy Carroll. Club
officials have been impressed by Antonio's commitment and ability as a
makeshift centre forward, and want to make sure they do not lose him in the
summer. It was his shot which hit one post then the other before being
tapped in by Andre Ayew that saw West Ham avoid losing to Watford at the
weekend.
Michail Antonio has been involved in 11 of West Ham's 35 league goals this
term (eight goals and three assists) — more than any other player.
Ex-favourite Dimitri Payet is next with eight (two goals andsix assists).
Yet a second yellow card in that same match means Antonio will be
unavailable for the visit of Chelsea on Monday, which comes as a blow to
Bilic. In his absence, West Ham are banking on Carroll being fit after the
striker returned to first-team training at Rush Green yesterday following a
groin injury. Bilic had hoped to have him back on Tuesday but, with Carroll
being monitored closely by the club's medical department, they gave him an
additional day. The plan is to see whether Carroll can come through the next
four days unscathed, before deciding if he is fit to start on Monday.
Carroll was absent for almost a month with his latest injury with his last
appearance against Southampton on February 4. West Ham drew 2-2 at home to
West Bromwich Albion then 1-1 at Watford in the two games he missed. They
both saw Antonio, who has already scored as many Premier League goals as he
did last season, lead the line. The West Ham workhorse joined from
Nottingham Forest for £7million in 2015 and was also handed a new contract
last July.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is feeling optimistic about Andy
Carroll's fitness ahead of Monday's clash against Chelsea
The big forward has missed the Hammers' last two matches but looks set for
his return at London Stadium
Bilic also dismissed rumours linking the striker with a potential move to
China
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is confident key man Andy Carroll will be
fit to face Chelsea when the Blues visit London Stadium on Monday.
The forward was back in full training with the rest of the squad on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin problem that kept him out of the
recent draws against West Bromwich Albion and Watford.
And having scored twice against Chelsea last season, the Hammers manager
believes Carroll can make a huge impact should he return to the team for the
clash with the west Londoners.
Bilic said: "Andy trained individually for the last few days and did
everything with those medical guys, and then he joined us yesterday.
Usually, the press conference is two days before a game, but this time, it's
four days.
"We still have three training days before the game but it looks good,
especially for him. Altogether, it will be a good week of training for him.
That should be enough for him to be fit for the game.
"It will have been a good week of training for him. That should be enough
for him to be fit for the game. I'm very optimistic.
Andy Carroll and Slaven Bilic"I'm very optimistic about if he is fit or not,
but it looks good. It means a lot to have him back.
"We have done well without him in the last few games but I'm sure we would
have done better with him because he is one of our key players. It will be
great to have him on the pitch on Monday."
Bilic was also quick to dismiss rumours linking Carroll with a move away
from London Stadium, with China being reported as a possible destination for
the 28-year-old.
"Andy knows how much we and I rate him," the Croatian continued. "He is one
of our best players and we want to keep him. As far as I know, the Chinese
clubs sent representatives to watch our game. Apparently they were watching
other players but fell in love with Andy.
"It's certainly not the Club that has asked an agent to try and sell him.
That's not the case. I suppose Andy would have been flattered as it's nice
that people have a good opinion of you, but me and him didn't talk about it
at all.
"We haven't been bombed with offers from China, so it hasn't affected me or
Andy.
"It wasn't like we had three or four offers for our players from China. I
heard the rumours and saw it in the papers but it didn't affect any
relationships with the players or with Andy, so that's it basically. There
is nothing to talk about there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thursday 02 Mar Updated Thursday 02 Mar 13:05
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell feels he is approaching his best form after an
injury-affected campaign
Left-back produced an impressing display in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League
draw at Watford
Defender says West Ham United will battle for every last point in their
final 12 matches
Aaron Cresswell feels he is getting back to his best after recovering fully
from the first major injury lay-off of his career.
The left-back missed just one Premier League game in his first two seasons
with West Ham United, but a knee injury suffered in a late challenge in a
pre-season match against German club Karlsruher SC last July.
The injury kept him out until mid-October and, although his form was
sufficient to earn a first England cap against Spain at Wembley in November,
Cresswell admitted it took time to rediscover his normal match-fitness and
sharpness.
Those appeared to be back in abundance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford,
when the No3 produced arguably his best performance of the season so far.
"As of late, it has not been too good for me personally injury-wise this
season, but I just needed to keep my head down, work hard and I hoped things
would come good," he said.
"Pre-season is the foundation for your season, so to be out for three or
four months with a knee injury was never easy, and it was the first time in
my career that I'd had a serious injury and been out for quite some time.
"All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and
now I feel fine. I have felt fine physically for a long time, but missing
pre-season and a few months was not easy. That's football, so you've got to
learn to deal with it and get on with it."
All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and now
I feel fine
Aaron CresswellHaving returned to form, Cresswell has been part of a
successful period for the Hammers, which has seen them lose just three of
their last 12 Premier League matches.
Next up is the visit of runaway leaders Chelsea to London Stadium on Monday
evening, followed by arguably more winnable fixtures against AFC
Bournemouth, Leicester City and Hull City.
With 12 games to go, the left-back says West Ham are targeting a strong
conclusion to 2016/17 and are not about to settle for a mid-table finish.
"We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," he confirmed.
"With the lads we've got here, we're not going to rest on our laurels and
accept tenth or twelfth position.
"While there are points to play for, we'll give it everything we've got
week-in, week-out and try to get as many points on the board as we can
between now and 21 May."
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Bilic backs new boys to shine
WHUFC.com
Manager says Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have 'clicked' immediately with
their new teammates
January signings made their debuts against Manchester City and could both
start at Southampton
Bilic says Fonte has the experience to handle the challenge of facing his
former club on Saturday
Slaven Bilic says his two new signings in the January transfer window have
'clicked' immediately and has backed them to help West Ham United return to
winning ways at Southampton tomorrow.
Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass made their debuts in Wednesday's 4-0 defeat
at the hands of Manchester City and, while it was hardly the ideal start,
Bilic has already been impressed by the impact that both have made in their
short time here so far.
For former Saints captain Fonte, Saturday's return promises to be an
emotional one, but the manager has backed the defender to show all his
experience and poise at St Mary's.
"Jose has settled in really well, and we expected that from him because he
is almost a British player, having spent so many years here [with Crystal
Palace and Southampton]," says the Hammers boss.
"Both of the new players have clicked straight away, into the group and with
training. Okay, we didn't have a great game against Manchester City on
Wednesday, but we are going to benefit from having Jose big time.
"It is the same with Robert. He is 100 per cent British and those players
don't need time to adjust. Okay, it is not just about swapping jerseys but
for British players it is much easier – they don't have any problem with the
language, they know about the intensity of the game here.
"His situation was only that he hadn't trained for ten or eleven days, and
he needs a little bit of time to be 100 per cent match fit. But he came on
and looked good against City, and I am glad about that."
For Fonte, tomorrow's trip to the south coast provides an almost immediate
return to the club where he spent the last seven years, making 260
appearances and helping lead Southampton from League One into the Premier
League.
Bilic has no doubts that the 33-year-old will approach the game in the right
frame of mind and admits his knowledge of Claude Puel's side can be of help.
"He is an experienced player and very strong," he says. "We spoke about
Southampton and he has nothing but good memories. He was the captain there
and he is looking forward to going back.
"Of course we spoke about their team, he knows them well and it is always
good to have that kind of information from someone who knows the
opposition."
Hammers travel to St Mary's tomorrow with key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate
available for selection again following his return from the Africa Cup of
Nations, which ended in a quarter-final defeat for his Senegal team at the
hands of Cameroon, and Bilic is confident of having no new injury worries
for the weekend.
"There is nothing serious," he says. "Sam Byram felt his hamstring after
Wednesday's game and we are going to check on him today but it looks okay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans and players enjoy Iron Men premiere
WHUFC.com
IRON MEN, the historic, emotional story of West Ham United's final season at
the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, was screened at an exclusive
worldwide premiere in east London on Thursday evening, ahead of its launch
on Friday.
The entire Hammers squad, led by manager Slaven Bilic and captain Mark
Noble, attended the premiere to re-live the incredible scenes of the final
day when the side were 3-2 winners against Manchester United.
Many other celebrities and famous Hammers names – including star of IRON MEN
Ray Winstone – were also there to watch the first screening.
Released on DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, you can pre-order for just £10 now by
clicking here - and the film will also be available as a digital download in
43 countries worldwide from iTunes, Google Play and on Xbox.
Supporters from all over the country turned out to attend the premiere and
after watching the production and quizzing Slaven Bilic and Mark Noble in a
live Q&A, they certainly enjoyed their evening.
Dave Batchelor, from Hornchurch said: "It was a really good reflection on
how all the fans feel and our emotions on that amazing night.
"I was at the last game and all those emotions came rushing back. Re-living
the Manchester United game and all the emotions of that was amazing.
"West Ham fans who haven't seen it, it's a must watch. I've got a couple of
copies for friends and I'd very much urge fans to watch it."
Tom and Hayley Chapman, who brought their young son Frank to the premiere,
also loved the screening.
Tom said: "It really showed our journey to the new Stadium, so it was so
emotional. It's more about the fans – that's what it is all about.
"It's about their journey and their experiences and it's well worth a watch,
for sure. The last day at the ground was one of the best days of our life,
so it was great to be here tonight."
And Rebecca Reynolds, who travelled from Milton Keynes, was delighted to be
in east London for the night.
"It was an amazing film – just amazing," she said. "That night, West Ham
didn't let us fans down. We knew they wouldn't. It was great to see it all
again.
"You've got to get the DVD – it's emotional, and everything came flooding
back. I'm proud to be here."
Directed by Paul Crompton and Suri Krishnamma and produced by independent
production company Iron Men Films, IRON MEN will be a must-have for each and
every member of the Claret and Blue Army.
The film has won widespread praise from critics, with The Independent's
Jacob Stolworthy calling IRON MEN 'An unparalleled love letter for fans',
and talkSPORT regaling 'If you ever wanted to convince someone why football
matters, show them this film'.
Mirror Sport call IRON MEN an 'Incredible up-close and personal docu-film
about leaving Upton Park'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ALL THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 2 MARCH 2017 AT 8:51PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Here are all the questions and answers from Bilic's press conference earlier
today.
What is the latest with Andy Carroll?
He had trained on his own for a few days. He joined the squad yesterday and
we still have four days until the match. So he feels good and altogether it
will be a week of good training which should be enough for him to be fit for
the game. I am very optimistic that he will play but it looks good. So far
so good.
How important is it to have him fit for Chelsea?
It is very important. We have done well against Chelsea without him before
but he is one of our key players and it would be great to have him on the
pitch on Monday. It would be a big blow for us if he didn't make it. I am
always optimistic but this time it is not crazy optimistic. I am confident
we will have him on the pitch on Monday.
Is it true that the club gave permission to his agent to sell him to do a
deal with a Chinese Club?
No, no way, you know how much I rate him, how much we rate him and I said a
couple of minutes ago he is one of our best players and we want to keep him.
As far as I know the Chinese club's sent their representatives to watch a
game and other players and they fell in love with Andy. It is not the club
who asked the agents to sell him.
How has Andy been? Did he ask you about it? (The move to China)
No not at all. He probably heard it but I suppose he was flattered, it is
nice to have options. It is good to have other clubs want you but we didn't
talk about it at all.
Is it a relief to have the window shut now?
Well we haven't been loaded with offers from China so it didn't affect me, I
didn't wait for it to finish.
Did the club turn down an offer from China?
Yeah but you told me about them closing the window, it's not like we had 4,
5 or 6 offers for our players. We had an offer for Andy but as we told you
we didn't speak about it so that's it basically. Not a lot to talk about.
In terms of team news for Monday, Antonio is out, is anyone struggling?
No it is just Micky who is suspended for us which is a big blow. Only Sakho
and Ogbonna are out. Sakho is coming back he is going to see the surgeon in
Bordeaux and if that meeting goes well he could be available in 3-4 weeks
and Angelo is doing really good after his surgery on his knee. There are a
few knocks, like you always, have but we are good.
Can you clarify the situation with Antonio's contract?
I told you last time, he has a contract but the club wants to reward him
with a new contract to show recognition because he has done great for us.
It will be done very soon.
What about you, will you get a new deal?
I have spoken about this, I am happy, I have a contract and I am very happy
here. I treat my next few games as my contract. I don't think that much
about it.
It would be nice to get it done?
As I told you I have a year and a half contract and nowadays in football,
contract lengths do not make much difference in football nowadays. Ranieri
is the best example of this. Before the season we would say he has the
safest job in football and then what happened. So I am not bothered to be
fair.
You are one of the few clubs to have beaten Chelsea this year, do you have
the measure of Chelsea?
It will be harsh to say this. We beat them and this was well deserved, some
would say they didn't play with their strongest team but in the second half
they brought subs on and did and we beat them. It means a lot, we have done
it recently and they have improved since then and we have improved. It is a
game that we are knowing we need to be big time on top of our game.
Do you think some teams think it is impossible to get something from
Chelsea?
No, no. I watched the game v West Brom. They gave them a very hard game.
They didn't have a shot on target in the first half. In the Premier League
anyone can beat anyone which is why this is the best league in the world.
Can anyone catch Chelsea?
It is still very open, there are still many points. There is a chance if
Chelsea slip up.
Can I ask you about Victor Moses, has he surprised you?
Not surprised, I am pleased for him. He has said he has good memories of
his time here, I am glad for him. His potential, his characteristics were
always amazing. His pace, stamina, everything….he is top top class.
Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in and day out and now he is
doing it. Once I spoke to Payet and Payet said including himself; Victor
and him are the best players at West Ham.
Just a question on Lanzini, how important is he?
Of course when your best players improve, you improve as a team. He is
making all the players around him better. He started the season with a big
injury and a big disappointment that he couldn't go to the Olympics with
Argentina. He took a while to get back into the team but he is a top player
and he makes the players around him feel more confident alongside him.
Has this been one of the hardest seasons for you as a manager?
It was a hard season but every season is hard. I see this season as great
for me individually and for the club. This season we experienced a lot of
negative, positive and new things. We moved stadiums, training grounds and
we had a strange pre-season because of Euro 2016 and the Europa League. We
were then hit with a lot of injuries. We didn't have some players in some
positions. We started the season ok but we lost four games in September
which we had to come through and we want to improve but things look much
stronger now. This gives you experience for the future.
What was the turning point and do you have a points target from the
remaining games?
No the plan is simple, guarantee safety and then try and approach each game.
We can talk about the Palace away game, or the Hull and Burnley hard fought
wins, we can even talk about that period when we approached those 5 big
games and we got a couple of away points against Liverpool and Manchester
United. You could pick them but there was no turning point as we continued
to believe. The only way to get out was by sticking together.
What have you made of the job Conte has done at Chelsea?
I am surprised by the streak that they are on as it is not very common. I
was expecting him to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. I
knew him at Juventus and I studied his game and I expected him to do great
long term. In the first season it is a surprise that they are 10 points
clear but he is a great manager. He did it at Juve and at Italy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: Chinese clubs fell in love with West Ham striker, says Slaven
Bilic
BBC.co.uk
Chinese Super League clubs "fell in love" with striker Andy Carroll when
scouting the Premier League this season, says manager Slaven Bilic. But
Bilic says there was "no way" West Ham were going to sell the 28-year-old in
the January transfer window. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker has
scored six times in 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers despite an
injury-hit campaign.
"He is one of our best players and we want to keep him," said Bilic.
"Chinese clubs send their representatives over to investigate. They were
watching other players, but they fell in love with Andy. The club didn't try
to sell him."
Bilic says Carroll heard about the interest and was no doubt "flattered by
it", but that it had not been discussed. Former Hammers defender Bilic
rejoined the club as manager in 2015 and has 18 months to run on his current
deal, but cited ex-Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri as an example when
suggesting he was not stressing about his contract at the minute. He said:
"The way I see it. I'm very happy. I have a contract and I am very happy. I
don't think that much about it. "I wouldn't lie, yes, it would be nice but I
have a year-and-a-half contract and there's no difference when you consider
what happened to Ranieri. The biggest one and the best one.
"Who has the safest job? We would all say Ranieri. Everyone would have said
that. Ranieri. And then what happened with that? So I'm not that bothered
about that to be fair."
West Ham finished seventh in Bilic's first season in charge, but a move to
London Stadium and the loss of influential playmaker Dimitri Payet to
Marseille have contributed to a difficult second term. Bilic said: "Well it
was a hard season, but every season is hard. I consider this season as a
great season for me individually for the team and club. "This season we
experience negative things, we moved the stadium, the training ground, a
very strange pre-season. And then we were hit of lots of injuries, some
positions we didn't have any players. "To come out of that in such a good
way, of course we want to improve but it looks pretty good now. It makes you
stronger. It's different if you are eighth, ninth and 10th and stay there.
This way you enjoy it and it gives you more experience for the future."
'Chelsea can still slip up'
West Ham face Premier League leaders Chelsea on Monday, having knocked them
out of the EFL Cup in October. And Bilic is a fan of Blues boss Antonio
Conte. He said: "I'm surprised how good they have been. I was expecting him
to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. "I watched Juve quite
a lot and I was studying his game. I didn't know because no-one knows. "I
expected him to do great long term and it is a surprise they are 10 points
clear. Conte is a great manager, he done it at Juve, he done it with Italy.
A brilliant manager of course. "It [the title race] is still very open.
Many, many points. If they slip up, which you can in every game, other teams
need to be ready."
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AA on the road to stardom?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham youngster Ajibola Alese is reported to be on the summer wish list
of both Manchester City and Liverpool. The 16-year-old defender is just the
latest in a long line of Academy talents to be chased by fellow Premier
League clubs and according to media reports, is being targeted by both North
West clubs.
A regular in the Under 18s this season, schoolboy Alese made his debut for
the side as a 14-year-old at Leicester in August 2015 when replacing the
unavailable Declan Rice. However the defender's appearances have been
limited so far this season, with Alese making just three appearances for the
18s so far this season. Current first team coach Slaven Bilic is reported to
be a huge admirer of Alese's, and is said to have taken a keen interest in
his recent development.
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Who needs Payet? Lanzini has shown why he's now our diamond geezer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd March 2017
By: Staff Writer
His performances against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich
Albion have shown Manuel Lanzini has grasped the chance to drive the Irons'
creativity and attacking play. But is the Jewel ready to step out of Dimitri
Payet's shadow and become a star for West Ham for years to come? Or, as many
people have pointed out recently, has he ever truly been second fiddle to
Payet – or merely getting on with his job whilst Payet stole the headlines?
The topic is covered in the February issue of Blowing Bubbles with writer
Stuart Plant suggesting the young Argentine has everything it takes to step
up a level.
"It's calming to see Lanzini providing the early signs of evidence that he
can slide straight into the void left by Payet. "Importantly though we must
remember that Lanzini is six years younger, still learning, and hasn't even
reached his peak. This is scary that he still needs to be afforded some
leeway due to his age in relation to his talent. "We now have to put our
trust in him and build our side around him. If we do stick with Lanzini, it
will surely pay dividends for years to come but we'll have to give him the
time to develop and become an even better player than he is now."
Elsewhere in the February issue of the popular monthly magazine, Blowing
Bubbles chats to Clyde Best on his journey from Bermuda to east London and
why he would not allow the many racists to drive him out of English
football.
Blowing Bubbles also asks if Lanzini can step out of Payet's shadow and
become a star for West Ham for years to come and whether or not Mark Noble
still deserves a place in our first choice XI.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic expects West Ham to 'get something' from Chelsea clash
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Stadnard
Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham can secure at least a draw when the
Hammers host league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. West Ham were only
narrowly beaten by Antonio Conte's side in the reverse fixture on the
opening day of the season back in August, but followed up the 2-1 loss by
overcoming Chelsea at home in the EFL Cup two months later. The Hammers,
who sit in ninth place in the Premier League standings, now welcome
high-flying Chelsea to the London Stadium on Monday night and Bilic believes
his side will walk away from the derby with at least a point, if not all
three. "It's harsh to say we have the measure of them because we beat them
last time but it does mean a lot, it shows it is not impossible," Bilic said
on Thursday. "They are not a different team now but they have improved from
that game when we beat them. "It is not a bonus game for us. We are at home
and [it is] a game we are expecting to get something from."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio set for new West Ham deal and Slaven Bilic 'very happy' amid
contract talks
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic said today he is "very happy" at West Ham amid reports he is
set to be offered a new contract. Bilic's deal runs until the summer of 2018
and it was reported this morning that West Ham will present him with new
terms at the end of what has often been a difficult first season at the
London Stadium. "I have a contract and I'm very happy here," said the West
Ham manager. "At the start of the season we would have said, if anyone was
safe in his job, we would all say Claudio Ranieri and look what happened to
him."
Bilic also revealed that Michail Antonio is in line for a new, improved deal
in the near future. The versatile Hammer was given a new contract last
summer following a strong first season with the club and has continued that
progress this term, leading to an England call-up. "We want to give him
another contract because he's been great for us and, hopefully, it will be
done soon," said Bilic. Antonio is suspended for Monday's game against
Chelsea but Bilic is optimistic Andy Carroll will be fit for the derby at
the London Stadium. The striker has missed two games with a groin problem
and West Ham are desperate for their front man to be cleared to play.
"Hopefully, he will be fit," said Bilic. "He trained individually for the
last few days and then joined us yesterday. We have another few days and it
should be enough for him. I'm very optimistic. It would mean a lot to have
him for the Chelsea game. "We have done well without him for a couple of
games but we would have been even better with him because he is one of our
key players."
Carroll has not represented England since October 2012 but club-mate James
Collins believes the striker should be recalled by national boss Gareth
Southgate. "I think Andy Carroll should be [in the England squad]," he
said. "A fit Andy Carroll is a handful for any defender. I know if I was
playing against him and he was in the opposite team, I'd be in for a tough
afternoon. It gives [England] something different. "What Andy can do; I've
never trained against a lad or played against a lad who is as physical and
as good in the air as Andy, so I think it's a no brainer."
West Ham knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup in October, defeating the
Premier League leaders 2-1. "Some would say they didn't play their
strongest line-up in that game but we beat them and it means a lot because
at least we know it is not impossible," said Bilic. "Even then, they were
winning games easily but have improved since, as we have. "We know we will
have to be big-time on top of our game on Monday and if we play like that —
and have a little bit of luck — then who knows? The Premier League is like
that. "It's still open. There are still a lot of points at stake. Even us,
we are not afraid of our position but we still need points to be safe. It is
the same up there with Chelsea and the clubs who are behind them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy Rosenior tells Sky Sports News HQ that racism stopped his family from
seeing him play
By Jefferson Lake
Last Updated: 02/03/17 10:51am
SSN
Leroy Rosenior has opened up on the racist abuse he suffered as a player and
how it stopped his family from watching him. Rosenior made more than 300
appearances for Fulham, QPR, West Ham and Bristol City but just one of those
games was witnessed by his family members. In his autobiography, It's Only
Banter, the former Torquay and Brentford manager details the shocking abuse
he received and on Thursday he gave a moving account of his experiences on
Sky Sports News HQ.
In the book, Rosenior revealed how his sisters were horrified by the abuse
their brother suffered from the stands and that they never again returned to
see him in action. Rosenior made his professional debut in 1982 and learned
very quickly that racist abuse - even from fellow players - was something he
simply "had to deal with". "I was a bit wet behind the ears and I went
straight into football from school," he said on SSNHQ. "A couple of players
started abusing me and they must have had it rehearsed because they had it
down to an absolute tee. "For 90 minutes of the game my head had just
absolutely gone, I was in an absolute whirl but it taught me a very serious
lesson, that if I wanted to play football at a professional level I'd have
to deal with that. "I saw lots of players who reacted aggressively to it but
I knew if I wanted a career in football I just had to get on with it."
The line, however, was crossed for his team-mates when they witnessed the
racist abuse go from vocal to physical. In his book, Rosenior recalls an
incident in which he was spat on by a member of the crowd and how he had to
explain to his colleagues that he drew no distinction between the different
forms of abuse. "I'd had bananas thrown at me and whatever by then, and when
I got in the dressing room I lost my rag," he said. "I said to my team-mates
than when people were doing Nazi salutes or monkey chants they didn't do
anything but as soon as they saw something physical they reacted. "But I
felt the same from the chants and from that moment on they understood what I
was going through. I was still a young man as well and I wasn't really able
to express how I felt to those people."
Such problems no longer exist for Rosenior, who has learned through his
career as a player and a manager - and away from the game - that education
and communication are crucial. "I've learned how to speak to people about it
over the years," he said. "I did a radio show and the presenter referred to
me as being coloured. "I said to her that I've always preferred to just be
called black, that I regard myself as black. She hadn't ever thought that
that might be the case."
And then, a long time after those early days as a confused teenager left "in
a whirl" by racist abuse, the circle was completed for Rosenior. "I even saw
one of the players who racially abused me on the pitch, about 25 years after
it happened," he recalls. "I bumped into him and I was surprised to see him.
"He mentioned what had happened and his tone was very conciliatory. I took
that as an apology."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic denies West Ham gave agent permission to sell Andy Carroll to
Chinese Super League
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 02/03/17 11:14am
SSN
Slaven Bilic insists there is "no way" West Ham gave permission for an agent
to sell Andy Carroll to China. Reports in the national press on Wednesday
claimed the Hammers wrote to agent Mark Curtis giving him permission to
negotiate a deal to sell Carroll to one of three Super League clubs before
Tuesday's Chinese transfer deadline. Ahead of West Ham's clash with Chelsea
on Monday Night Football, Bilic admitted he did know about interest in
Carroll from the clubs in the Far East nation. But asked if the newspaper
reports were true, Bilic replied: "No way, no way. You know how much I rate
him. He is one of our best players and we want to keep him. "As far as I
know, the Chinese clubs sent representatives to watch the game. Apparently
they were watching other players but they fell in love with Andy. But it was
not the club that asked an agent to sell the player. "Definitely Andy heard
it (the interest). I suppose that he was flattered. It is nice to have
options and have a good opinion about you at other clubs. But we didn't talk
about it at all.
"We haven't been bombed with offers from China so it didn't affect us. It
wasn't like we had three or four or five offers from China for players.
"(Interest) it happened with Andy, I heard it, and I saw it in the papers.
But it didn't affect our training. There is not a lot to talk about."
Carroll, who has six goals in 16 appearances this season including four in
his last four Premier League games, returned to full training this week
after a groin problem. And Bilic says he is "optimistic" Carroll can return
against the league leaders at the London Stadium after nearly a month on the
sidelines. "He trained individually over the last few days, then he joined
us yesterday. Still we have four days and he is training today with us," he
said. "It looks good and, especially with him, altogether it will be a week
of good training, and enough for him to be fit for the game. I am very
optimistic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic set to be rewarded with new West Ham contract
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 02/03/17 6:05am
SSN
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to give manager Slaven Bilic a new
contract at the end of the season. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce as
manager in June 2015, currently has 15 months left on his three-year
contract. Talks about a new improved deal were due to take place before
Christmas, but were postponed after West Ham's poor start to the season. But
results have improved significantly and Bilic is set to be rewarded with a
new deal. Since the start of December, West Ham have won six and drawn two
of 11 Premier League games. As well as better performances on the pitch, the
West Ham board have been impressed with the way Bilic handled the
acrimonious sale of Dimitri Payet to Marseille last month. They also
demonstrated their faith in Bilic by making significant funds available for
the signings of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from Hull
City. Bilic will be given more money to spend this summer, with a striker
and a right back top of his shopping list.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham received £32m bid for Andy Carroll from Chinese Super League
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
2 MARCH 2017 • 12:22PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United received a tentative offer of £32million from a Chinese
Super League club to sign Andy Carroll. Three clubs - Tianjin Quanjian,
Hebei China Fortune and Shandong Luneng – expressed an initial interest in
Carroll via an agent but no formal bid was eventually submitted. West Ham
did not encourage the offer because it came at the beginning of February,
after the January transfer window had closed, and they would not have been
able to sign a replacement for the 28-year-old striker. It is also unclear
as to whether Carroll, who cost West Ham £17.5million when he signed a
six-year deal from Liverpool in 2013 and earns £90,000-a-week, would have
been willing to make the move. It may well be, therefore, that West Ham will
consider offers for Carroll in the summer but would have left themselves
desperately short in forward areas had they sold him now. However manager
Slaven Bilic insisted on Thursday that he has no plans to sell Carroll. "No
way, no way," he said. "He's one of our best players and we want to keep
him. We wouldn't want to sell him to China."
Diafra Sakho is expected to return from injury next month but Bilic, with
Carroll out again injured, has been forced to play Michail Antonio as a
central striker. It is hoped that Carroll, who returned to training on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin injury will be available for
Monday's home match against league leaders, Chelsea. There is no doubt of
Carroll's importance to West Ham when he is fit as has been evidenced by the
fact that he has scored four goals in his last four appearances. Bilic also
spoke on Thursday about whether he was close to agreeing a new deal at West
Ham with 16 months left on his current contract. The Croatian wants to
remain at the club but the policy from the board is to review contracts at
the end of the season. There are very positive noises that Bilic will be
offered an extension, with West Ham having recovered from a poor start to
the season, and sitting ninth in the Premier League table after a run of six
wins and two draws in their last 11 league games. Bilic also had to deal
with the acrimonious departure of Dimitri Payet in January and a raft of
injuries to his squad as well as the move to the new stadium. "I have a
contract and I am very happy here and I always treat my next few games as my
contract, and I don't think that much about it," Bilic said.
"Of course it would be nice but I have a year-and-a-half left on my
contract. Nowadays in football id you have that or four years left there is
no difference at all. "The last example of Claudio Ranieri is the biggest
and best one. If you asked anyone in or related to football who has the
safest job, we would all say 100 per cent Ranieri. And then what happened
with that? So I am not bothered about it to be fair."
A clear sign that Bilic is staying is that West Ham listened to him in the
January window when he advised the club not to make any more signings,
beyond the arrival of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from
Hull City, to allow him additional funds to help re-shape the squad in the
summer. A new contract is expected to be offered to Antonio, also, at the
end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: Why West Ham decided against Chelsea transfer despite Dimitri
Payet protests
SLAVEN BILIC admits Dimitri Payet told him Victor Moses was the best player
he had at West Ham last season.
The STar
By Jon West / Published 2nd March 2017
Moses returns to his former club on Monday as part of a Chelsea team on
course to win the Premier League in Antonio Conte's debut season. Conte has
turned the Nigeria international, 26, into a wing-back winner following
years of being a nearly man. The Hammers had a clause in their season-long
loan agreement to make the move permanent but decided not to trigger it -
despite Payet's plaudits.
Bilic said: "Of course he had it in him. I remember once we had I spoke to
Payet during last season. It was him I think and a couple of other players.
"Payet said that even including himself Victor was the best player that we
have in West Ham. I mean seriously. "It was about time to show what he had
in himself and explode in a positive way – he has done it. "He looks on the
pitch very concentrated and very serious. He became a tough player."
Bilic gave a hint of why the Hammers had passed on the permanent option. He
said: "His pace, quality on the ball and stamina is basically top top class.
"Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in day out and now he is doing
it. "But he proved himself. And if you add on top of that he is playing in a
position that is not basically his ideal position – or wasn't his ideal
position. "It makes his achievement even greater and he should be very proud
of what he has done since the start of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic needed to 'push' Moses to be the star he's now at Chelsea and Payet
said he was the best Hammer
West Ham will come up against their former loan star when Chelsea visit on
Monday
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:36, 2 MAR 2017UPDATED11:39, 2 MAR 2017
Dimitri Payet hailed Victor Moses as the best player at West Ham – including
the Frenchman himself – during the Chelsea star's loan spell at the Hammers,
according to Slaven Bilic but the boss admitted he had to push the player on
occasions. Moses signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea yesterday
(Wednesday) after becoming a mainstay in the Blues side at right wing back
as they charge towards the Premier League title. Moses spent a season on
loan at the Hammers in the 2015/16 campaign, making 21 appearances in a
season disrupted by injury and Bilic decided not to make his move permanent.
But, the Nigerian international has been a shining light for Antonio Conte's
side this season and has been rewarded for his impressive form. Bilic,
speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference at Rush Green on Thursday
morning, said: "I remember last season when we had [Dimitri] Payet and he
said Victor, including himself, was the best we had at West Ham. "It was
about time for him (Moses) to show his talents and explode in a positive
way. "I am very pleased for Victor, I am blessed for him. "His pace, his
stamina, his quality on the ball, Victor was top class. Sometimes, you
really had to push him to do it and do the things you wanted him to do, day
in, day out but now he's doing it. "He has done amazing to keep his place in
a good side. He has proved himself and he is playing in a position that
wasn't ideal.
"It has made his achievement even greater and he should be proud of what he
has done."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll in contention to start against Chelsea, says David
Gold
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could start the Hammers' London derby clash
with Chelsea on Monday night after recovering from injury.
The 28-year-old has missed West Ham's last two league games with a
persistent groin injury, which he has been carrying for several weeks.
Carroll travelled with the Hammers team for a warm weather training camp in
Dubai last week, but the issue prevented the England international from
training normally. But West Ham co-chairman David Gold today revealed that
Carroll has fully recovered from the problem and could make Slaven Bilic's
matchday squad for the club's Premier League game with Chelsea on Monday
night.
"Andy Carroll is fit and training with the first team squad and should be
available for selection against Chelsea," Gold tweeted on Thursday morning.
The news will be a huge boost for Bilic, with Carroll having scored four
Premier League goals in his last four appearances. One of those strikes
included a superb acrobatic overhead kick in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace
two months ago, which earned Carroll the January Goal of the Month award.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini proves team spirit is thriving at West Ham after Dimitri
Payet departure
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are a much happier bunch nowadays after the departure of
wantaway star Dimitri Payet in January. Payet was reluctantly sold back to
former club Marseille for £25 million in January. Slaven Bilic brought in
Robert Snodgrass from Hull City for £10 million and Jose Fonte from
Southampton for £8 million. Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been
more united and results have improved drastically as a result with the club
sitting ninth in the Premier League. Reports claimed Payet's brooding
attitude was hurting team morale. Captain Mark Noble says divisions had
formed in the dressing room off the back of discontent caused by Payet's
actions, as reported by the likes of the Daily Star.
Improved and spirited performances since the Frenchman left showed morale
has improved compared to the first half of the season.
And now the man who has stepped out of Payet's shadow, Manuel Lanzini, has
proved team spirit is better than ever with a post on Instagram. The
skillful Argentine playmaker posted a picture of himself at the centre of a
huddle of West Ham players laughing and joking during training ahead of
Monday night's London derby with rivals Chelsea. Lanzini said in the post:
"Team Spanish win today."
Skipper Noble, fellow Argentine Jonathan Calleri, goalkeeper Adrian, outcast
Alvaro Arbeloa, Fonte and midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Havard
Nordtveit and Domingos Quina all feature in the picture which will bring a
smile to the face of any Hammers fan.
Some fans could not resist a tongue-in-cheek dig, though, pointing out that
number one 'keeper Darren Randolph is being "left out" in the background
looking on. Given the run Chelsea are on West Ham will need all the team
spirit they can muster. But given the comfortable position Slaven Bilic's
side find themselves in, the East Londoners won't be an easy proposition for
the runaway Premier League leaders.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan watch: How Slaven Bilic's 11 loanees are doing - and what the
future could hold for them
We've had a closer look at all of the Hammers loan stars
Football London
BYADAM JONES
17:45, 1 MAR 2017UPDATED17:46, 1 MAR 2017
West Ham have 11 players out on loan at the minute - with many looking for
added game time to return to West ham as stronger players.
Some have better prospects of a Hammers future than others, it has to be
said - with some perhaps playing for a permanent move away from the club in
the next transfer window.
Enner Valencia
Club: Everton
Appearances: 15
It's been a bit stop-start for Enner Valencia during his time at Everton. He
took a while to get his feet off the ground, only making a smattering of
substitute appearances nearer the start of the season. However, the West Ham
man did go through a spell in the line-up for the Toffees and found himself
in good form around the Christmas period - during which he bagged his only
goal for Ronald Koeman's side against Watford. He's seemingly Everton's
back-up striker ahead of Arouna Kone - but youngsters Dominic Calvert-Lewin
and Ademola Lookman are both threatening that position. He doesn't look
likely to stay at Goodison beyond this season, and hasn't really done enough
to earn himself a place back with West Ham.
Reece Oxford
Club: Reading
Appearances: 0
Such an exciting prospect at West Ham, but clearly struggling for game time
whilst on loan at Reading. The young Hammer has struggled with a minor
injury recently, but even before then couldn't break in to the starting
line-up for the Championship side. He was brought in as injury cover, and
he's not seeing enough minutes on the pitch. That will definitely be
frustrating Slaven Bilic.
Reece Burke
Club: Wigan
Appearances: 8
It's been a somewhat different story for Reece Burke whilst he's been on
loan at Wigan. A fellow Championship side, but the defender has already
managed much more game-time than his Hammers teammate. He's even bagged
himself a goal for the Latics whilst he's been there - scoring in a 2-1 win
against high-flying Huddersfield back in November. For a player who took
part in West Ham's Europa League campaign earlier in the season, it's good
to see him getting more game time - and definitely won't hurt his chances of
breaking in to the Hammers' side.
Stephen Hendrie
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Appearances: 8
Stephen Hendrie has already managed more appearances this season than he
ever has for West Ham. After a successful short-term loan spell at Southend
last campaign - Hendrie has already turned out eight times for Blackburn
Rovers this season. Only four of those have come in the league though, and
all of his action only amounts to around 590 minutes of time on the pitch
this campaign.
Probably not going to be helping his chances of making it at West Ham.
Josh Cullen
Club: Bradford City
Appearances: 26
Well here's a real success story. Josh Cullen was fantastic when sent out to
Bradford City on loan last season - so much so that they brought him back to
play for them this campaign as well. And he hasn't disappointed. The
midfielder has made 26 appearances so far for the club this season, bagging
himself one goal, which came against MK Dons back in August. The Bradford
fans seriously love him and Cullen has become an integral member of their
side with some terrier-like performances in the centre of midfield.
Toni Martinez
Club: Oxford United
Appearances: 7
Well, as starts to loan spells go, they don't usually get much better than
Toni Martinez at Oxford United. The forward has been in brilliant form since
going out on loan in January, bagging two goals already this campaign -
including one against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. He definitely looks like
he could have a future at West Ham.
George Dobson
Club: Walsall
Appearances: 17
Another loan star who's finding game time a bit easier to come by. The
midfielder's 17 appearances so far this season have yielded one goal - which
is always going to help him. Boyhood Hammer Dobson has recently claimed
that, whilst he would of course like to make the grade at West Ham, his loan
spell has taught him that there is a career to be made a division or two
lower.
Martin Samuelson
Club: Peterborough
Appearances: 3
Martin Samuelson hasn't found it at all easy this season. The former
Manchester City academy player has been sent out on loan twice by West Ham
this season - and has only managed seven appearances between both spells.
Samuelson's loan at Blackburn was terminated earlier in the season due to a
lack of playing time having made only four appearances.
Jaanai Gordon
Club: Newport County
Appearances: 4
Well, all you can say so far is that he's started his loan spell very well.
His four first team appearances have yielded one goal - and he's knocking on
the door quite loudly for a regular starting place in the Newport County
side. One to keep an eye on...
Alex Pike
Club: Cheltenham Town
Appearances: 5
This is another loan spell just getting off the ground. The versatile
20-year-old Alex Pike only moved to Cheltenham Town on January 12, but has
already made five appearances for his temporary club. A solid start
definitely, and good to see from a young prospect.
Marcus Browne
Club: Wigan Athletic
Appearances: 1
Unfortunately, this loan spell has been blighted by injury so far. Marcus
Browne has only managed 14 minutes of FA Cup action for Wigan Athletic so
far this season, which is frustrating both for him and his parent club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham can't afford to miss out on Daniel Sturridge this summer
The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool
Football London
BYADAM JONES
20:00, 1 MAR 2017
We may have only just entered March, but transfer rumours are still
dominating the news - as they always seem to be in the world of football.
For West Ham, this inevitably leads to talk of a new striker. Obviously the
names of Alexandre Lacazette and Troy Deeney have already been thrown up,
but there is one more interesting option that West Ham are still favourites
to sign in the summer. Now, instantly, you might be thinking of his injury
record and you'd be forgiven for that - what with Andy Carroll already being
the Hammers' main man up front. But, you have to see past that and towards
the true quality that Sturridge possesses. He's still at Liverpool for a
reason - and that reason is surely because Jurgen Klopp still believes he
can perform at a high level for Liverpool when he is in top form. To hit top
form, though, you need more minutes. And Sturridge just isn't getting that
luxury at the moment.
Why is anyone's guess really. One option could be that he's disillusioned
with the lack of game time he is already receiving. Of course, the flip side
of that is, maybe, his attitude is wrong in training and that's why Klopp
doesn't want to play him. It would undeniably be a risk for West Ham to sign
Sturridge in the summer transfer window - but it's a risk that the club
really can't afford to miss out on. Yes, he might be an injury worry - but
he's also a proven Premier League goalscorer. Get him playing like Liverpool
did in that 2013/14 season and there isn't a defence in England that's able
to contain him - he just knows where the back of the net is. If there is any
attitude problem, a move to West Ham in which he will be looking to
seriously prove himself and regain some of his reputation will definitely
nip that in the bud. And, from the point of view of the Hammers, they're
getting a genuine top-notch striker - who could seriously put himself
amongst the league's top scorers if he had enough game time to do it. Pace,
power and the ability to create a goal out of almost nothing. How could
Slaven Bilic possibly turn that opportunity down? The move really makes
sense for both parties - and could definitely be one to look out for in the
summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marseille chief must eat his words after taunting West Ham over Dimitri
Payet transfer
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United were taunted by Marseille this week, a month after being
forced to sell Dimitri Payet back to them. The Hammers were forced to sell
wantaway star Dimitri Payet back to Marseille for £25 million in January.
Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been more united and results have
improved drastically as a result. Reports claimed Payet's brooding attitude
was hurting team morale and if performances on the pitch are anything to go
by there is nothing wrong with the team spirit now. It was galling for West
Ham this week when Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud appeared
delighted to have "won" the transfer "game" over Payet.
Speaking to La Provence, Eyraud boasted they got Payet at a knockdown price,
admitting he was worth nearly double what his club paid.
But Eyraud's antagonistic comments will only serve to amuse West Ham fans,
who will be quick to point out that his club paid more than double the £10m
they sold Payet to West Ham for in the first place just to get him back a
year later. And given the poisonous atmosphere Payet's actions created in
East London, supporters would even go as far as to say Marseille have done
them a favour taking him off their hands. It was an impossible situation for
Slaven Bilic but one the manager and club handled well.
And so far West Ham don't seem to be missing much as the Frenchman has
struggled to recapture his imperious form of last season.
A solitary goal - a wicked deflection from a free-kick - against Guingamp in
front of a half empty Stade Velodrome is all Payet has to show since his
return and was ineffective as Marseille were hammered 5-1 by Paris Saint
Germain last time out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to offer utility man Michail Antonio a new contract
which could double his wages
Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for good
form
Winger and striker Antonio could be set to double his wages to
£70,000-a-week
West Ham are keen to secure him after departure of Dimitri Payet in January
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 1 March 2017 | UPDATED: 23:32, 1 March 2017
Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for
turning into one of Slaven Bilic's most reliable stars this season. The
London club are aware of interest in Antonio, with Premier League leaders
Chelsea among those who have looked at the versatile 26-year-old. Antonio's
current contract sees him paid about £35,000 per week but that is to
significantly increase if he agrees to sign. It could double to £70,000,
depending on talks. The departure of Dimitri Payet, who was their
highest-paid player on £125,000 per week, saw West Ham lose their main man
in January. Antonio has helped fill the void and this season showed himself
as a key player for Bilic, particularly in the absence of Andy Carroll. Club
officials have been impressed by Antonio's commitment and ability as a
makeshift centre forward, and want to make sure they do not lose him in the
summer. It was his shot which hit one post then the other before being
tapped in by Andre Ayew that saw West Ham avoid losing to Watford at the
weekend.
Michail Antonio has been involved in 11 of West Ham's 35 league goals this
term (eight goals and three assists) — more than any other player.
Ex-favourite Dimitri Payet is next with eight (two goals andsix assists).
Yet a second yellow card in that same match means Antonio will be
unavailable for the visit of Chelsea on Monday, which comes as a blow to
Bilic. In his absence, West Ham are banking on Carroll being fit after the
striker returned to first-team training at Rush Green yesterday following a
groin injury. Bilic had hoped to have him back on Tuesday but, with Carroll
being monitored closely by the club's medical department, they gave him an
additional day. The plan is to see whether Carroll can come through the next
four days unscathed, before deciding if he is fit to start on Monday.
Carroll was absent for almost a month with his latest injury with his last
appearance against Southampton on February 4. West Ham drew 2-2 at home to
West Bromwich Albion then 1-1 at Watford in the two games he missed. They
both saw Antonio, who has already scored as many Premier League goals as he
did last season, lead the line. The West Ham workhorse joined from
Nottingham Forest for £7million in 2015 and was also handed a new contract
last July.
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