Newcastle and West Ham raided by HMRC after investigation into clubs' transfer dealings
Former Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has been arrested as part of the probe
Ed Malyon Sports Editor
The Independent
Newcastle United and West Ham have been raided by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs after an investigation into the clubs' transfer dealings. Both St. James' Park and the London Stadium were the subject of warrants, and Newcastle's managing director, Lee Charnley, has been arrested. Charnley has been a key cog in Mike Ashley's regime on Tyneside, running the club and being largely responsible for first-team recruitment. The 39-year-old doled out a net spend of some £70million in 2016.
Speaking of the club's recruitment strategy last month, he said: "Our approach, following relegation, was to make further sizeable investment in our playing squad in preparation for the EFL Championship season ahead and our annual wage bill is, we believe, still above and beyond many current Premier League teams. "Whilst not without financial risks, this strategy was adopted in order to maximise our chances of promotion at the first time of asking."
It is a stunning blow for the Magpies, who were flying high after securing their return to the Premier League on Monday night with a win over Preston. HMRC say they have arrested "several men working within professional football industry for suspected income tax & national insurance fraud." "180 HMRC officers have been deployed across the UK and France today. Investigators have searched a number of premises in the North East and South East of England and arrested the men and also seized business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones. "The French authorities are assisting the UK investigation, have made arrests and several locations have been searched in France.
"This criminal investigation sends a clear message that, whoever you are, if you commit tax fraud you can expect to face the consequences. As this is an ongoing investigation HMRC is unable to provide any further detail at this time."
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Newcastle and West Ham raided in HMRC probe
BBc.co.uk
Newcastle United and West Ham's grounds have been raided in a fraud investigation. HMRC said it deployed 180 officers across the UK and France, resulting in the arrests of several men working within professional football. It said investigators had searched a number of premises in the north east and south east of England. A spokesman added it had also seized business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones. The arrests were connected to a suspected income tax and National Insurance fraud, he added. BBC Sports editor Dan Roan has tweeted that West Ham United was one of the clubs involved. Newcastle United's St. James' Park ground has also been searched.
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West Ham United and Newcastle's offices raided by tax officials
JONATHAN MITCHELL
Evening Standard
The offices of West Ham United and Newcastle United were raided this morning by officials investigating suspected income tax and national insurance fraud. Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley was arrested in connection with the raids, it is understood.
Investigators have siezed a number business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones from the two clubs and "several" arrests have been made. Raids took place at Newcastle United's St. James' Park stadium and training ground Darlsey Park.
Dan Roan ✔ @danroan
I'm told around 50 HMRC officers raided West Ham's offices at the London Olympic stadium at 8am today. Club has had to hand over documents
9:52 AM - 26 Apr 2017
200 200 Retweets 125 125 likes
A spokesman for HMRC said: "HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud. "Investigators have searched a number of premises in the North East and South East of England and arrested the men and also seized business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones. "The French authorities are assisting the UK investigation, have made arrests and several locations have been searched in France. "This criminal investigation sends a clear message that, whoever you are, if you commit tax fraud you can expect to face the consequences."
The raids come after Newcastle United secured promotion to the Premier League at the weekend following a 4-1 win over Preston.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th April 2017
Holland - It was our best team performance
WHUFC.com
Nathan Holland scored and assisted as West Ham United PL2 beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 on Monday evening
Holland's goal was West Ham's third on the night and came from a stunning 30-yard free-kick
The performances comes just two days after earning his first call up to Slaven Bilic's match day squad
It has been a week to remember for Nathan Holland. The young midfielder earned his first call up to Slaven Bilic's matchday squad in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton before then playing a starring role in the PL2 side's 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening. Holland scored a spectacular 30-yard free-kick and produced a touch of quality to assist Martin Samuelsen's second goal as he helped his side in to the PL2 Division Two play-offs.
Holland 1The four-pronged attack of Dan Kemp, Grady Diangana, Martin Samuelsen and Holland proved too much for West Brom's defence, who conceded as early as the third minute on a night to forget for the hosts. "I'm delighted to be back on the scoresheet after being out for a few weeks" Holland explained. "I couldn't have asked for a better way to come back really".
The eighteen-year old only joined the Hammers in January but has already stamped his mark on the side; scoring four times since his arrival. "I think we all played well, it's the best team performance since I've been here. "All the lads put a lot of hard work in, we knew what we had to do. We've got the three points and luckily the results have gone our way and we can get ready for the play-offs and hopefully play like that again."
Monday night's third goal was a stunning free-kick by Holland, who was clearly delighted with the strike: "To be honest, it was quite far out when I was thinking about it. "I was thinking to go for power but then I saw the way the keeper lined the wall up. I thought if I got it over the wall then it would have a chance and luckily I connected with it perfectly and it went in!"
The fourth was a perfectly timed diving header by Norwegian international, Martin Samuelsen, but Holland was still involved, turning provider this time with a perfectly placed cross. "I'm definitely happy with that one!" he said. When I caught it, I saw Martin move and it's a brilliant ball but I still think he had a lot to do - he's finished it off perfectly."
It will have been performances akin to Monday night which would have caught Slaven Bilic's eye and having featured among the First Team substitutes on Saturday, Holland is looking forward to more opportunities at London Stadium: "It was an amazing experience, just to see what the atmosphere was like. "Getting out at London Stadium, it felt quite surreal against my old club to be honest, but I just want more of that. "I've got to keep working hard and hopefully I'll get my chance."
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We all follow the West Ham!
WHUFC.com
British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin is spreading the West Ham Way throughout Andre Ayew's homeland...
Jon Benjamin has appeared on whufc.com before, back in 2013 when he was British Ambassador to Chile and tracked down Javier Margas in the capital, Santiago.
The following year, Benjamin swapped countries to become British High Commissioner to Ghana and non-resident Ambassador to neighbouring Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso.
He finishes there at the end of June to return to the Foreign Office in London for a three-year home posting – which means he will finally get to see his beloved Hammers play in their new London Stadium home.
"I have supported West Ham all my life, given my family's East End origins, first watching games at Upton Park in the early 1970s," he began. "I particularly remember a 4-3 win over Everton in 1974 and was at our FA Cup final win over Arsenal in 1980. Back then, my favourites were of course Brooking, Bonds and Devonshire."
Subsequently, he was a loyal Season Ticket Holder, at least whenever on a home posting in London. That has not been that often though, as a 31-year Foreign Office career has so far taken him to Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and the United States (New York), as well as to Chile and now Ghana as ambassador.
He is not the only Hammer amongst the senior ranks of the Foreign Office though: Tom Fletcher, former Ambassador to Lebanon and Mark Lyall Grant, a previous Ambassador to the US and now the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser are big West Ham fans too.
"In Ghana, I oversee a High Commission of nearly 200 staff, of whom about 75 per cent are Ghanaians, representing 12 different departments of Her Majesty's Government," he explained. "My tasks include overseeing bilateral political, trade, aid, cultural, defence, law enforcement and immigration relations, and a lot of media work.
"I am also in touch with the UK's vibrant Ghanaian community too: there are at least a quarter of a million Brits who claim Ghanaian heritage, including the actor Idris Elba, the fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, TV personality June Sarpong and footballer Danny Welbeck."
The high commissioner also knows the four Ghanaians currently playing in the Premier League Daniel Amartey at Leicester City, Jeffrey Schlupp at Palace, Jordan Ayew who recently joined Swansea and, of course, our very own Andre Ayew.
In Accra, Jon often sees Jordan and Andre's Dad – Abedi 'Pele' Ayew, who in his own right is perhaps Ghana's most famous player ever in his home country. Benjamin is also in touch with John Paintsil, another Ghana-West Ham connection of course.
"Ghana is a football mad nation which follows the Premier League closely with virtually every game live on cable TV – which often means several games on simultaneously" he continued. "Yes, that's right, you can catch virtually every West Ham game live from a sofa on Accra!
"I've become good friends with some of Ghana's best-known national team players, such as Asamoah Gyan, and already knew Andre Ayew well before he joined the Hammers. When he did, some Ghanaians even thought I had personally brokered the deal!
"On one trip back to Ghana last year, Andre brought Ashley Fletcher with him on a Betway promotional trip, and I was fortunate enough to catch up with them for dinner with legendary former captain of Ghana's national team, Stephen Appiah. "
Benjamin's influence during his three years in west Africa have also included the launch of a twitter account dedicated to Hammers fans in Ghana, which you can follow now at @GhHammers.
You can also follow Jon Benjamin's personal account on twitter at @JonBenjamin19.
Keep your eyes peeled to whufc.com for more stories about some of the people who make West Ham United much more than just a football club.
#WeAreWestHam
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
James Collins says a strong finish to the Premier League campaign can help West Ham United to start next season in a positive frame of mind. The Hammers head to Stoke City on Saturday on a three-match unbeaten run, having followed up a vital home win over Swansea City with a point at Sunderland and impressive goalless draw at home to Everton. Collins and company have kept two clean sheets out of three and only conceded two freakish goals in drawing 2-2 at the Stadium of Light, and the centre-back believes they have turned a corner heading into the final month of 2016/17. After travelling to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, West Ham welcome high-flying Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to London Stadium before ending the campaign at Burnley, and he believes those games could have bearing on how Slaven Bilic's side kick-off the new season in August.
James, that's five points from the last three games, culminating in a good performance in Saturday's draw with Everton, so are you now looking up rather than over your shoulder as you approach the final four Premier League fixtures?
"We want to finish as strong as possible. I've been in the game a long time now and I know if you finish the season well, you can move onto the next season and look to continue that form, so that's what we're looking to do. "It's been a tricky season on and off the pitch, for the manager and for the boys getting used to new surroundings, but it's about finishing strong and looking forward to next season."
After five straight defeats and with key players out injured, you must be pleased with how the squad has come together in the last three games?
"The Swansea game we played at home the other week was played down a little bit, but it was a huge game. We had to get nothing less than three points there and luckily we did. "We knew Everton would also be a tough game but a point pushes us on up the table and we're looking up and can look forward to our four remaining games."
The general consensus is that West Ham shaded Saturday's draw with Everton – would you agree with that assessment?
"Looking back at the game, I think we were quite comfortable defending. I can't think of them having too many clear-cut chances and we probably had one or two at the other end that we should have done better with."
Did you have a specific game plan to stop Romelu Lukaku, who went into the game with a perfect scoring record for Everton against West Ham and as the Premier League's leading scorer?
"We didn't single him out especially. We know he is in good form and he is a tremendous player, but even though we conceded two at Sunderland the previous Saturday, we've been defending quite well the last few games. "We just went out there and played our game. We can't concentrate everything on one player because they've got a team full of class players, and luckily we've defended well, but unfortunately we didn't get one at the other end."
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I FOR ONE WOULD WELCOME JOHN GEORGE TERRY TO THE LONDON STADIUM
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 25 APRIL 2017 AT 9:26PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
It's time to bring the boy from Barking, who started his career at the club home. I accept that many of you will disagree with this post, but I think at this stage of his career, West Ham could do with John Terry. John Terry could do with West Ham. Providing we could get him on reasonable wages and a year's contract, with an option of another year should both parties want it? It's a no brainer. He could have a similar impact at the club as Teddy Sheringham had when he arrived, in the twilight of his great career. The mere presence of Sheringham on the training ground lifted the whole squad
Yes, John Terry has had his fair share of controversies on and off the field over the years. But he is a winner, has seen it all and done it all. I once read an article on one of the greatest managers of all time. Brian Clough, Clough had an extremely difficult choice to make before Nottingham Forest's vital European Cup semi –final. Clough explains that he had two outstanding centre half's in Larry Lloyd and David Needham and could not choose between them.
As people they were totally different, Needham "Was a lovely lad, someone you would proud to have as a son in law. While Lloyd was late for training and an arrogant loud mouth "recalled Clough. Clough is in the hotel lobby still unable to decide who to pick. So he asks both players the same question: "If I walked into a pub what would you do"? Needham replied: "I would have bought you a pint Mr Clough "was Needham's reply. Lloyd sneered and replied: "I would buy you a pint, pour it over your head and walk out! "I thought YOU BASTARD! But I had my answer, I needed a bastard in my defence" said Brian Clough.
How West Ham could have done with a bastard like John Terry, especially from the 80th minute onwards when game after game our defence resembled the keystone cops! An absolute shambles! Someone to cajole and organise things at the back! Many have rightly said both Randolph and Adrian are weak at crosses. A good defence cuts out crosses, John Terry's experience would have been invaluable in that regard.
It is not just on the pitch that Terry would prove his worth. He would be of enormous help to both Reece Oxford and Reece Burke .We need both in the team and on the bench! I can't see the point of sending our player's out on loan after loan. Sometimes a player just lands up getting frustrated for whatever reason. I'm not sure what Reece Oxford's loan has done for him confidence wise. Or the talented Martin Samuelsen being sent back by Peterborough and the manager publically saying; "He lost confidence "Talk about trying to destroy a lad or what? Let's get John George Terry in to provide leadership on and off the pitch! We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!
COYI'S!
FarehamHammer
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West Ham 0-0 Everton (And Other Ramblings)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th April 2017
By: HeadHammerShark
1. The To-Be-Forgotten
In the end, this was the kind of game to make you question your short term memory. I got home and immediately began to worry about why I could barely remember anything of the ninety minutes, before reassuring myself that this was less likely to be due to amnesia and more due to the fact that barely anything happened.
And for those of us who went into this expecting a largely traumatic experience, that was pretty good news.
Matches against Everton - or "make Romelu Lukaku your Fantasy League captain day" as they are known locally - have been largely depressing affairs for quite some time now, with just two Hammers victories in the last nineteen encounters. These came courtesy of last years burglary at Goodison Park and a Bobby Zamora long range beauty as part of the 2007 Great Escape. Overall, we have just seven wins from forty one Premier League encounters with the Toffees, meaning that there have been more Olympic Games than West Ham victories in this period.
So a draw, and a comfortable one at that, is not to be sniffed at in the context of our historical ineptitude in this fixture. Interestingly the first of those victories came in 1994, when the Sylvester Stallone film Demolition Man was knocking about in cinemas.
Slightly incredibly this movie was partly based on an Aldous Huxley novel, and involved people being cryogenically frozen and then waking up years later in a dystopian future where swearing is outlawed and guns no longer exist, and then loads of stuff explodes because Hollywood.
I'd like to shoehorn some questionable comparison here whereby I imagine waking up a West Ham fan from 1993 and showing them the current lot, but primarily I mention it because I think Arthur Masuaku and Edmilson Fernandes went to the barbers with a picture of Wesley Snipes' character from that film and said "make us look this stupid please".
2. The Two Men
There was a slight shock before the game when it was announced that Adrian would be replacing Darren Randolph, after the latter managed to concede two goals to a Sunderland team genetically incapable of scoring last week.
In the end we could have put a bag of flour in goal here and kept a clean sheet, so inept were the visitors, but it was somewhat reassuring to have the crazy Spaniard back between the sticks. Things started serenely enough but after a full fifteen minutes of peace he decided that was quite enough of that and signalled that Fernandes should lob a thrown in back to him.
As Lukaku wandered in to close him down with all the intensity of a teenage boy making his bed, Adrian promptly miscontrolled the head high pass, stuck a false moustache on, produced a bowler hat, did a quick mime and put a curly red wig on before finishing his routine up with a knee high lunge at Kevin Mirallas as the Belgian bore down on a open goal.
This was simultaneously heart stopping, as it reminded us all of the slightly frenetic air that always surrounds the Spaniard, and marvellous as this was literally the closest Everton came to scoring all game.
I have felt for a while that Adrian needed to come back in to the team as Randolph seemed not to have that crucial ability to keep us in games by producing big saves at big moments. By contrast, Adrian is unorthodox but effective and if he can revert to last years form it would be a huge boon for these last few games. Whether either will survive the summer is perhaps questionable as Joe Hart ticks all the David Sullivan boxes (heard of him, expensive, possibly in decline, no one else wants him), but in general I think that upgrade would be so marginal that it really wouldn't be worth the cost involved.
3. He Never Expected Much
Ahead of this game it seemed the height of optimism to expect a positive result. Byram and Noble were suspended, while Obiang, Antonio, Carroll, Snodgrass, Feghouli (Our wingers! Our ineffective wingers!) and Ogbonna were all absent with late season West Ham syndrome. This led to a number of youngsters being on the bench and had the effect of making an already deeply unimpressive squad look like they were having a "bring your child to work" day.
But then a funny thing happened - the game started and we weren't terrible. In fact, far from it. This was the kind of determined, "fuck-the-circumstances" type of performance that fans love but West Ham seem to so rarely produce.
Havard Nordtveit was the best player on the pitch, despite a start where he looked as nervous as Ross Barkley in a nightclub. The Norwegian grew into the game and by the end had so thoroughly subdued Barkley that it's entirely possible he took him home in his back pocket. No mean feat given the Evertonians impressive recent form.
We managed to stop Lukaku from scoring for the first time ever as an Everton player (not an exaggeration), primarily by snuffing out his supply and if that failed by swarming him with rugged centre halves.
The returning Winston Reid was supreme in this role and was ably assisted by Fonte and Collins, each of whom benefited hugely from the extra layer of support provided by the 3-5-2 system. Outside them Masuaku was excellent, in spite of his terrible hair, whilst Fernandes provided the athleticism and near total lack of positional awareness that Bilic seems to demand from his right sided defenders.
As the below shot map from @11tegen11 shows, we were pretty dominant all game without really carving out the one big chance we needed to secure the points. Our best hope was probably a Lanzini effort that was blocked by the excellent Phil Jagielka, quite possibly at the expense of some of his teeth. As for Everton - nil shots on target nil hope, and a big LOL at those shot locations.
Sadly, up front Jonathan Calleri endured an afternoon to consign to the wastepaper basket as he toiled in a lone striker role to no noticeable effect. More than any other player, he seems to visibly lack confidence and will presumably disappear back to the bench once they get the plaster cast off Sakho or Carroll next week.
Behind him, however, Andre Ayew actually started to look the part as he benefited from the lack of mobility in Everton's back four to float around and, startlingly, link our play with some effectiveness. With Lanzini a constant menace, it would be a significant boost if Ayew could step up his play to provide a second player in the final third with the ability to carve out chances. He still seems ponderous at times, and is infuriatingly slow to run at defenders but he worked hard here and his high pressing was one of the reasons that Everton never looked remotely threatening. With all of that being said, he should be leaving the free kicks to Lanzini though.
Still, all things considered, I'm going to take Sam Allardyce's advice and respect the fuck out of that point and order a nice pint of wine to celebrate being a point closer to mid table oblivion.
4. Moments Of Vision
There was a moment in the second half that demands a little commentary all of it's own. Manuel Lanzini - our light in the gloom - picked up the ball on the left and cut inside to loft a pass to Ayew, who in turn flicked it back to him via an aerial backheel.
The Argentine sprinted through in pursuit before pulling another magical Rabona cross from nowhere. Naturally it went in to an empty box because we have no strikers, but in these days of respecting the point and hoping Hull lose at Stoke, it's nice to see some bona fide brilliance from time to time.
5. The Self-Unseeing
Over lunch recently with a friend, we got on to the topic of Ross Barkley's hair. Having stuck rigidly to local law by having the same haircut for 25 years, the youngster has suddenly allowed his locks to grow out a little. We posited the theory that this was due to the arrival of Tom Davies and his long flowing locks and low shin pads. Davies was Barkley's Summer of Love, his sexual revolution, and now young Ross is sporting a barnet like a mushroom and getting knocked out in nightclubs. Good for him - Stevie G will be proud. But somehow, that little act of growing his hair seems to symbolise a new found belief in Barkley and has coincided with a very good season, or had done until this stinker of a performance at least.
I don't have huge amounts of time for the more unscientific side of analysing sport. I have written before of my disdain for the concept of passion, and I subscribe to Mike Atherton's view that "team spirit is an illusion glimpsed in victory". In both cases it strikes me that these are stock phrases used by people to cover up a lack of knowledge or because spouting cliches is far easier than thinking about things.
As an example, it strikes me that quite often James Collins is reduced to making full length diving blocks because of a poor bit of positional play, rather then because he's full of passion. But one is easier to explain than the other, so here we are.
However, one area which I do believe impacts on the game hugely is confidence, both of individuals and a team. At the start of this game, two of our players were obviously struggling - Nordtveit and Calleri - but only one overcame it. Nordtveit is a better, more experienced player and you could see that he wanted to ease himself into the match. He barely attempted anything other than a five yard pass and was robbed at least twice in dangerous positions. But as the game progressed he started to feel his way and by the end of the second half was using his physicality impressively to regain possession in our defensive third, and starting attacks wisely with intelligent use of the ball.
He is actually a more naturally defensive midfielder than any other player we have, and he screened our back three superbly. This solidity has been lacking all season, and it was actually refreshing to see a good performance against a good team being built on such foundations. Although Obiang and Noble offer much going forward, neither of them quite have the positional awareness or physical gifts of Nordtveit and with SARS sweeping through the dressing room, he has a chance to cement a place for the next few games.
By contrast, Calleri looks lost. He looks like a cockney Atlas, with the world on his shoulders except for the fact that if that were true he would have lost possession of it by now. I suspect he'll go on to play elsewhere and have some success. There is the germ of a good player there, but here he just looked unathletic and bereft of any self belief.
6. Song Of Hope
Confidence takes many forms and it seems that the team are starting to rediscover some after a long fallow period. Some of that may just be because the some of them are getting fit again and can now trust in their bodies to do what they want them to. It certainly seems to be the case that we have rushed far too many players back from injury and paid the price when they have either had relapses or simply taken an age to get up to speed.
Think of how frustrating it is to try and play a sport with an injury and an unresponsive body, and then multiply that by a million for these men who rely on their health for their living. Fans see a player on the pitch and expect him to be completely fit and capable, without ever really giving any grace and favour period for recovery.
Both Nordtveit and Ayew suffered injuries early on in the season and only now seem to have recovered. Likewise Sakho returned here and looked fairly ginger as he ran around, presumably wondering where the fuck everyone had gone from the last time he played a home game. Aaron Cresswell, meanwhile, doesn't appear to have recovered at all and was only seen here in a late cameo at right wing back because it's required by law that West Ham always have someone in that position who doesn't know how to play there.
That failure to have a fully fit squad has exploded in our face this year as several players without obvious replacements (Byram, Carroll and Ogbonna) got injured, necessitating either panicky transfer business or ludicrous decisions to play people out of position to cover them. When the time comes to fire up Jack Sullivan's Xbox in the summer and search on FIFA 17 for new players, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to put health as a main criteria for any new purchases.
Ignoring our ongoing fitness travails, however, there was a pleasing solidity to this performance as the players at last looked as though they had some belief in the system they were playing. It was slightly odd that Everton didn't try to exploit the spaces out wide behind the Demolition Men, as this is traditionally how teams nullify wing backs, but without Seamus Coleman they probably lacked the personnel to do so.
Whether this form will continue next week, or survive intact against the better teams to come, is another story but one worth keeping an eye on. For all his flaws, Bilic has successfully got the team able to switch from system to another without much of an issue, and deserves praise for that.
7. The Dead Man Walking
Talking of the manager, this nascent unbeaten run seems like an opportune moment to reflect on his position and wonder whether he will make it all the way to next year. The signs are that he will, although my fears over his tactical shortcomings would lead me to move him on in the summer, given the choice. Which I won't be. So ignore me.
However, it's a nuanced situation when one considers the vagaries of the stadium move, the Board he has to work for, Payet, the terrible transfers and the oft ignored fact that the top six in the Premier League have absolutely destroyed everybody else this season. You could cogently argue that Bilic himself must take some blame for those issues, but in the end the point here is that all of that stuff has made his job incredibly difficult this season. In the circumstances, perhaps time will show he has done a better job than we are currently acknowledging, although as I write this we have won just once in ten games which still feels very Allardycian.
Perhaps the most galling part is that for so long last year we felt we were on the verge of joining that elite, but the harsh reality is that one misstep in the fast moving world of the Premier League can cost a team badly. Think of Newcastle's tumble from Champions League contenders to Championship runners up, if you need a live example of how hubris and boardroom incompetence can kneecap a promising revolution before it gets any momentum.
Even standing still isn't enough - as Arsenal are finding out now – and the reality is that given our low starting position we have little hope of getting back in touch with the top six any time soon. Indeed, ignoring the evidence of this game, we have a huge job on our hands just to get back in touch with Everton. So the question with Bilic is how much blame must he take for the transfer window and how much do we think he can improve in that area? The sad fact is that none of the other people involved in our summer transfer shambles will pay the price for our failures there, and thus it is Bilic who is always at risk.
As an outsider I would guess that this is probably one of the reasons why Bilic agreed to safety first, uninspired signings this January when we probably needed to push the boat out and try to attract some younger, less rounded players in the hope of later harnessing their upside, as Spurs have done with Dele Alli and Saints have done with Nathan Redmond.
Sullivan and Gold don't like to fire managers, so I suspect he may get another year. However, as our season will open up with three games on the road next year due to the stadium not being ready after the summer athletics – God bless that track – it will be very difficult to get off to a good start. I can't help thinking that any hint of a repeat next season will be met with a fairly swift visit to the executioner.
8. Night In The Old Home
There were some noticeable moments where the atmosphere on Saturday was edging towards decent. In fact, I suspect if you were in one of the noisier hotspots you might even have felt it was pretty good altogether. Sadly, the London Stadium is so large that it has yet to truly ignite and take the whole crowd with it, and it wasn't about to do that for a game so dreary it could have been written by Ed Sheeran.
But there were signs, as the home fans grew in belief after each minute that ticked past with Lukaku no closer to breaking a sweat, that the general mood was turning a little. There's no doubt that the stadium can be intermittently loud, but it doesn't have that same capacity to swell with excitement as Upton Park did. I have a theory that this might be due to the upper tier spectators being divided from the action by an obvious and distracting thirty foot gap, covered by claret tarpaulin, temporary gangways and comatose stewards. But here, in the sun and facing a team on their holidays, there was a hint of life.
For those pining for the Boleyn, this is all grist to the mill, but perhaps the Spurs game on a Friday night might be the spark that sets the whole fire roaring. On the flip side, I'm fairly friendly with a senior Met Police crowd control officer who will be working that night, and when I asked him how he felt about it he went pale, whispered "the horror, the horror" and put his head in his hands. Good ol' Sky Sports.
9. Leipzig
An interesting conversation from Saturday.
How much would you be prepared to put up with in the pursuit of glory? For some fans we already know that the stadium move was a leap too far, and they've abandoned us – possibly for Leyton Orient, which I imagine is working out well.
But what of the rest of us? Looking at the Premier League, realistically the only way we can dare to dream is with new ownership pushing us upwards with the help of a cash injection and the strategic thinking that is evidently beyond the current board. I won't go over all the old ground of recent weeks, but events of the last season would suggest that the Board have done a very good job with the balance sheet, but have probably reached a level in terms of team affairs where it has become evident that they don't have the strategic vision, experience or self-awareness to make the necessary decisions to push the team forward. To be honest, there is no shame in that particularly, but rather more in the failure to internally critique their performance and either hire in people who can do the job or standing aside for new investors.
On that point, remember when the Club announced they had turned down a £650m bid via a teenagers Twitter account, as all top tier businesses tend to do? The assumption at the time was that this was a bid from Red Bull, the Austrian soft drink company who have cornered the market in weird flying events and producing mixers for vodka that can convince middle aged English people to dance at weddings. However, they also do an interesting sideline in footballing ventures, with clubs owned in Austria, the US and most successfully of all, Germany.
There they took SSV Markranstädt, a team from the fifth tier of German football, to the very tip of the Bundesliga. They created enemies all over Germany as they went, as well as renaming the club RB Leipzig. I don't claim any level of expertise on their rise and would recommend this as a primer on why they are so hated, but it did make me think a little about how West Ham fans might have taken to such a takeover.
For me, the support of my team has become tarnished by the fact that the very league they play in is determined not have any competitive balance. And I say that knowing full well that West Ham are a well-funded, well supported team who benefit from this in our own way. (Also Leicester - but fuck Leicester as their victory made zero sense). As an example, our general incompetence this year will net us a whopping £90m of TV money while a team like Huddersfield in the tier below won't pick up even 10% of that, despite being far more successful, relatively. Such is the iniquitous nature of English football.
But to jump up again we need money. Even Spurs, who I laud for their off field thinking, are supplementing that policy with enormous sums of cash. Nowhere the likes of the Manchester clubs, but still many multiples of what a team like Burnley can spend. It's a rigged casino and the only way to challenge the house is to have more money. So, it's a worthwhile question to ponder – how much change could we stomach? A new badge and a new ground have already been and gone. No more claret and blue? How about RB West Ham? What about staying as West Ham United but finding Manuel Lanzini has joined RB Leipzig in a cut price deal because they are in the Champions League and we aren't?
I'd probably need several thousand more words to properly articulate how I feel about all of that, and there isn't a right and a wrong answer anyway, but if we truly want the investment required to get us to the top trough of English football, at some point we might have to face up to some hard truths. Everything has a cost.
10. The House Of Hospitalities
I can't finish up without admitting I watched this game from a hospitality suite. This might well render everything I have ever said, or will ever say again, redundant but I don't care - it was ace. I'll happily point out the flaws of West Ham's transfer policy forever, but I won't hear a word against their chocolate orange brownie.
My sincere thanks to Andy Ellis for the invite. I have no qualms at all about saying that the meal was more entertaining than the game.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Who is Onur Kivrak? Everything you need to know about the rumoured West Ham target
Reports in Turkey have linked the Hammers with a move for the goalkeeper
Football London
BYADAM JONES
14:27, 25 APR 2017
West Ham have long been linked with a move for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window - and reports in Turkey now believe they have found their man. Trabzonspor stopper Onur Kivrak is the latest name being linked with a move to the London Stadium, a player Slaven Bilic has tried to sign once before during his time at Besiktas.
So, who is the 29-year-old?
We have a look:
Career so far
Onur Kivrak has spent the majority of his senior career with Trabzonspor. He joined the club in January 2008 from Karsiyaka - and has made 169 appearances for the Super Lig side since, winning a Turkish Cup and a Turkish Super Cup in that time. He renewed his contract in 2013, in a deal which reportedly put a 10 million euro buyout clause in his deal.
The stats behind his season so far
In 27 appearances so far this season, Onur Kivrak has been making, on average, 2.7 saves per game. For context, Adrian has made an average of three saves per game in his 12 league matches. However, it must be said that Trabzonspor are fifth in the Turkish Super Lig table - having conceded 32 goals less than West Ham this season in just six less games. So, it's very probable that Kivrak is facing less shots, but still saving nearly as many as West Ham's current goalkeeper.
Is he an international?
He is, and has been for a while. The goalkeeper represented his country at every youth level before making his full debut for his national team around seven years ago. Kivrak made his debut for the Turkish national side in a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland back in May 2010. Since then, the goalkeeper has made a further 12 appearances for his country, including being called up for Euro 2016.
Does he fit the bill at West Ham?
Well, West Ham definitely need a goalkeeper - so he fits the bill in that sense. And there's no doubting the Kivrak is a handy stopper, but he's not the big name that many will be looking for in goal to replace Adrian.
How likely is he to leave?
Trabzonspor consider their goalkeeper as one of their best talents, so they won't let him go easily. However, the pull of the Premier League and the London Stadium can't be ignored. Surely you'd have to believe Kivrak would be interested on some level.
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The Loan Report: Burke Makes Long Awaited Return and Cullen Shines For Bradford
POSTED BY: CIARAN JUDGE 25/04/2017
Enner Valencia – Everton
Did not feature in the game against his parent club.
Reece Burke – Wigan Athletic
Burke made his first appearance since December in Wigan's 0-0 draw with Cardiff, which put a dent in the Latics chances of surviving relegation to League one. Burke shone at right-back in the stalemate and spoke to Latics website after the game "It's been frustrating to have been out for so long but that happens in football and you've just got to deal with it. I was glad to be back in the team today but obviously, the draw wasn't what we wanted. "I spoke to Graham to see if he wanted me to come back here and be involved, and he wanted me so I appreciate that. I was happy to get 90 minutes today."
Discussing his own personal performance, Burke was pleased with his display but admitted the team were left frustrated at the final whistle. "In the first half I thought I did well but then in the second, I started blowing. Graham (Wigan Manager Graham Barrow) kept telling me to push through though and keep giving it more. "The referee might have got a couple of penalty decisions wrong today but that happens in football. If things don't go your way you can't then start looking at the officials to help you."
Burke will return to West Ham at the end of his loan spell at the DW Stadium but admits he has been grateful for the opportunity given to him by the club. "I can't thank Wigan enough really for giving me the opportunity to come here and get some game time. It's hard when you go out on loan sometimes as a young player because you're not guaranteed that football. "It's probably not been one of my best seasons with everything that's happened but I'm glad I got fit before the end of the season and just want to kick on now."
Josh Cullen – Bradford City
The midfielder played in Bradford City's 3-0 over AFC Wimbledon which confirmed the Bantams play-off place this season. Cullen won the penalty for the first goal and played a significant role in the win which meant Bradford ave remained unbeaten at home through the whole League campaign
George Dobson – Walsall
Dobson came on for the second half in the Saddlers disappointing 1-0 defeat away to already relegated Coventry. Walsall are currently 13th in League One.
Jaanai Gordon (Newport County) was an unused substitute in County's vital 1-0 win over Accrington which leaves Newport 2 points clear of the drop zone with two games left to play.
Tony Martinez (Oxford United) did not feature for Oxford in their 3-0 trouncing of Millwall at the weekend.
Reece Oxford (Reading) was an unused substitute during the Royals 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest, The defeat leaves the Royals in 3rd Place in the Championship.
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HAMMERS MAKE OFFER FOR ETIENNE FULL BACK
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham have made an offer for Saint-Etienne full back Kévin Malcuit, along with newly-promoted Newcastle United. According to FranceFootball, both clubs have made offers for Malcuit ahead of a potential summer switch to the Premier League. The report claims that the two clubs have made approaches for the Frenchman, who is in his second season at Etienne. It is said that offers for Malcuit have ranged from €8-10m, although it is not confirmed whether Saint-Etienne are willing to part with him for those fees. Malcuit has played 20 times at right-back this season, with a few appearances across the board when needed – in midfield and on the wing. West Ham have struggled with the right-back slot this season, so bringing in Malcuit would suit a purpose as they look to improve their squad over the summer. The 25-year-old joined Etienne in 2015 for €800k from Chamois Niortais. He is yet to score for his current club.
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If Martin Samuelsen ends the season well with West Ham's U23s it could be the catalyst for a bright 2018
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United teenager needs to start performing consistently. After a few brief sightings of midfielder Martin Samuelsen in action, the majority of West Ham United fans knew they had quite a player on their hands. Unfortunately for the young Norwegian, he has been unable to build on his impressive initial loan spell at Peterborough United, failing to get much of a look-in at Blackburn Rovers before struggling second time around with the Posh. However, a two-goal haul in his return to under-23 action for West Ham suggests he could yet end the season on something of a high, giving Hammers manager Slaven Bilic something to think about in the process. Samuelsen needs to work hard on certain areas of his game, but his struggles may have come at the perfect time, ensuring he understands the need to keep building on his undeniable talent. With West Ham reaching the under-23 play-offs Samuelsen has a few more matches to prove his worth with the second string, and if he plays to his full potential, expect more goals and assists before he puts his feet up this summer. Given his recent struggles it would be foolish to suggest that Samuelsen will become a regular starter for West Ham as early as next season. However if he ends this campaign well, it could give him the boost needed to ensure he remains at the London Stadium next year and begins to make waves in the Premier League.
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West Ham one of three English sides in pursuit of Ludogorets striker Jonathan CafuFeatured Image
Date: 25th April 2017 at 12:33pm
Written by: Marcus Oades
shoot.co.uk
West Ham are one of three English clubs thought to be keeping tabs on Ludogorets striker Jonathan Cafu, according to Sport Witness.
The 25-year-old forward has been in impressive form for the Bulgarian champions this term, netting 14 goals and laying on nine assists in 39 appearances in all competitions, including scoring in their Champions League campaign against FC Basel and Arsenal. And after scoring seven times in his debut season at the club last time out, Cafu appears to have adapted well to European football, and as a result is attracting interest from several sides in England. It is thought that Chris Hughton's Brighton, who were promoted to the Premier League on Easter Monday after a 34-year absence from the top tier, are monitoring Cafu's situation in Bulgaria, while Sport Witness report that top-flight champions Leicester and Slaven Bilic's West Ham are looking to speak the 25-year-old in the near future.
It has also been reported that the Brazilian striker has a €12 million release clause in his contract, a figure unlikely to deter the aforementioned three sides, and with there believed to be interest from around Europe as well, any side hoping to land Cafu will need to act fast in the summer window. Brighton will be looking to strengthen ahead of their first ever Premier League campaign, while both Leicester and West Ham will be searching for signings that can take them into the top half after frustrating seasons this time around.
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400 appearances up - Mark Noble's four most memorable games for West Ham
After reaching the big milestone, the Hammers skipper looks back on his favourite matches
Football London
BYANDY HA
12:24, 25 APR 2017
West Ham captain Mark Noble was presented with a special award to mark his 400th West Ham United appearance at Saturday's game against Everton. Noble reached the landmark in the recent 1-0 victory over Swansea City and Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking was on hand to give the award to the West Ham skipper. The midfielder, who turns 30 in May, joined the club at the age of 11 and is now West Ham's current longest-serving player and was made captain of his boyhood club in 2015. Looking back on his career at Upton Park, and now the London Stadium, Noble told West Ham's official site about his four most memorable games.
West Ham 1-0 Preston North End - 2004/5 Championship Play-Off final
"I remember travelling to the 2005 Play-Off final and it was the biggest game I had been involved in at that time," Noble recalled.
"I was warming-up behind the goal with Teddy [Sheringham] when Matty [Etherington] put the cross in and Bobby [Zamora] scored and the feeling was unreal. "After Bobby scored that goal we had that celebration and I came on after and I always remember trying to chip the goalie from 25 yards! "I didn't even think Pards [Alan Pardew] was going to bring me on, but before coming on I remember standing there looking up at the crowd and thinking 'Oh my God, this is unbelievable!' and it was an incredible day."
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham - 2006/07
"I remember being on the coach on the way to Old Trafford and I was sitting opposite Ginge at the time and we were all nervous because we needed to win to stay up and they'd already won the league, so we thought they would just go out and enjoy themselves," Noble explained. "Ginge looked at me and said 'I've got a good feeling about today!' and it gave me a buzz, then Carlos [Tevez] scored! "I remember looking up at the clock and thinking we've still got another half to cope, then another 15 minutes then another five and thinking 'They've got to score two'."
Blackpool 1-2 West Ham - 2011/12 Championship Play-Off final
Noble described the 2012 Championship Play-Off final victory over Blackpool as 'so important', as he was getting married a week later. What a fortnight for the skipper.
West Ham 3-2 Manchester United - 2015/16
"That game was so special with the way it went, for me. To be able to come back and win in that atmosphere, to top off the best season I'd ever had as a West Ham player and a West Ham fan, was incredible. "We all wanted to leave Upton Park on a high and to leave it the way we did was amazing. I'll never forget it."
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West Ham are a 'couple of players' away from fighting for Europe, says Michail Antonio
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham will challenge for a place in Europe next season if Slaven Bilic adds to his squad this summer, according to Michail Antonio.
The Hammers moved into the London Stadium amid high hopes they could force their way into continental competition, having secured a seventh-place finish in their final season at the Boleyn Ground. Yet poor form in the early stages of the season saw such lofty ambitions quickly evaporate. West Ham have recovered to pull clear of the relegation zone and could force their way back into the top-10 before the campaign draws to a close. But Antonio is adamant West Ham could soon be in contention at the right end of the table if the club brings in a handful of new additions. "We need to sign a couple of players - a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers - and get more goals. "If we can do that, we will be up there for European places," he told ESPN. A hamstring injury has brought the current campaign to a premature end for Antonio. But the 27-year-old is aiming to return to fitness in time to take part in pre-season. Antonio's career in east London proved to be a slow burner but he is now a key member of Bilic's side and a firm fans' favourite. The Croatian manager has found himself under pressure of late but Antonio is adamant Bilic's presence has been key to his rise. Antonio added: "He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch. "I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that."
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Pundit Dean Saunders savages West Ham hierarchy, his brutally honest rant in full
HITC
Damien Lucas
It has been a turbulent season for West Ham United and speculation has been rife over Slaven Bilic's future. The Hammers had been in freefall and found themselves perilously close to the danger zone after five defeats on the bounce. But Bilic's side have gone unbeaten in their last three games to ease relegation fears although the East Londoners still have some work to do to secure safety in what has been a hugely disappointing season compared to the record-breaking campaign the club enjoyed last term. As a result of West Ham's poor form of late Bilic's future has been the subject of intense media speculation with the likes of Jaap Stam, Roberto Mancini, Rafa Benitez, Slavisa Jokanovic and most recently Lazio boss SImone Inzaghi tipped to replace him in various reports.
Many supporters blame co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold for the club's struggles this season after a woeful season of recruitment and broken promises over investment. Fans and pundits have also been highly critical of the very public way Sullivan, Gold and Brady talk about the club. Fans have also been critical of Sullivan's sons David and Jack for discussing club affairs and transfers on Twitter.
A bizarre columnist dubbed The Insider - which openly discussed transfer targets and fees amongst other things - was pulled from the club's official website on the orders of Brady earlier this season after she was inundated with complaints from supporters. Fans also reacted with anger to the revelation from Jack Sullivan that he is to write a twice monthly column for national newspaper The Sun. Now pundit and Wales legend Dean Saunders has spoken out on BBC's Final Score to defend Bilic, savaging the owners in the process."Yea (they should stick with Bilic), in my opinion he has been treated awfully," Saunders told Final Score. "It's undermined him and some of the bad results he's got has been down to the way he's been treated. "I heard at the start of the season there was a shortlist drawn up for his job while he's still in the job. If that was me as a manager and I heard they were looking at other managers, I'd just resign... I'm totally undermined. "I'm going into a dressing room trying to manage a group of players, and there's voices at West Ham coming from all angles. "One of the owners tweeted after the Leicester game (a 3-2 defeat) saying 'I want to apologise for that result' - no, it's not your place to apologise, it's the manager's job to comment on the team, you just run the club."
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Referee for Stoke City v West Ham will officiate first Hammers game in FOUR years
The official is taking charge of just his second game of the season this weekend
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:15, 25 APR 2017
WEST HAM
The referee has been announced for West Ham's clash with Stoke City this weekend and the official is getting a very rare outing indeed.
Lee Probert will take charge of just his second game of the campaign on Saturday, having knocked around in the Football League for all of this season bar one game. Probert missed the whole of last season through injury and his only other top flight game this season was Watford versus Sunderland and the Hornets scraped a 1-0 win at Vicarage Road. In fact, the last time he has officiated a West Ham game was way back in 2013 when he oversaw the Hammers 3-0 win away at Spurs at White Hart Lane when Winston Reid, Stewart Downing and Ricardo Vaz Te were on target for the visitors.
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West Ham coach hits back at criticism of Martin Samuelsen after superb u23 performance
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham youngster Martin Samuelsen impressed for the under-23s last night, returning from his Peterborough loan to play in the fixture.
West Ham coach Graham Westley has raved about teenage talent Martin Samuelsen and sought to deflect recent criticism of him. Samuelsen scored two goals as West Ham's under-23 side beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 last night, with his second an impressive diving header.
Speaking to the club website after the game, Westley defended Samuelsen after recent comments from his Peterborough manager Grant McCann.
Samuelsen has not been included in Peterborough's last three squads and was permitted to return to the Hammers to play in last night's under-23 fixture, with his deal terminated early. Westley said: "I read an article this week about Martin Samuelsen and confidence. People give players confidence, and you saw tonight what an absolutely outstanding talent we have on our hands. "He's only 19 and we had too much for them. Let's not forget how talented some of our players really are."
Westley's comments are a real shot at McCann, calling him out and suggesting he should be providing the Norwegian youngster with confidence. McCann told Peterborough's official Youtube channel that he felt Samuelsen had lost his spark after an unsuccessful loan spell at Blackburn in between his two tenures with the League One side. He said: ""He didn't have the confidence to try things that he once did, when he was here. I wanted him to express himself more. "He needs to get somewhere where he can play week in week out. He should've come here at the start of the season, but he decided to go to the Championship. He's a great kid, he'll have a massive future in the game."
Last night's performance was huge, but it does help highlight the gulf in quality between playing under-23 football and the competitive nature of the Football League. It at least should help repair Samuelsen's confidence, and in Graham Westley, Samuelsen evidently has a manager who has full faith in him.
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HAVARD NORDTVEIT FINALLY COMES GOOD - WATCH OUT MARK NOBLE!
By Iain Dale 25 Apr 2017 at 08:00
WTID
I was quite excited when I heard we had signed the Borussia Moenchengladbach captain, Havard Nordtveit. What was not to like? People don't become captain of their side without having something about them. And he could play in a variety of positions. Just the sort of player we needed. Or so I thought.
In pre-season he looked totally out of sorts. As the season started he didn't improve. Every performance was terrible. He looked hapless. What a turkey, we all thought. But there was a nagging doubt in my mind. He mainly played at right back and once or twice in central defence. But wasn't he a central midfielder? Wasn't that his preferred position? Clearly with Kouyate, Noble and Obiang playing well, he didn't get a look in there. Until Saturday.
Against Everton I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was as if Nordtveit had become a different player. Cool, calm and tenacious. Spraying balls over the field. Running with the ball. Attacking. Shooting. He wasn't far off being my man of the match. On that performance he deserves to keep his place and the chance to show us more of what he can do.
Mark Noble is under real pressure. Edimilson Fernandes, and now Nordtveit, have shown that there is real competition for the second central midfield space. And that is surely only a good thing.
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Michail Antonio: West Ham can push for Europe with summer signings
ESPN
West Ham's Michail Antonio takes on ESPN's quick-fire questions.
West Ham United midfielder Michail Antonio is an example of a player that is becoming increasingly rare in the Premier League: a late bloomer.
Having spent his formative years at non- and lower-league level, the versatile winger finally got his chance in the top flight with West Ham United in 2015 and hasn't looked back.
Since Antonio's £7 million move from Nottingham Forest, he has scored 17 goals in 52 Premier League starts. And, after rejecting a call-up from Jamaica, he has been called up to the England squad.
While injury has brought his season to a premature end, Antonio is looking forward to next season and he spoke to ESPN FC at an Umbro event about West Ham's future prospects, his international ambitions and how he is still learning as a player.
ESPN FC: What is the timetable for your recovery?
Michail Antonio: "I am looking to be back around July, basically getting ready for beginning of next season. I'm hoping to be involved in the majority of preseason training. I might miss the first week, but I'll hopefully be back for the rest of it."
FC: Which position do you prefer to play in?
MA: "I'm an attacking player -- I prefer left wing, right wing. They're quite even for me. But I am a team player and don't mind playing in other positions but, if I had to choose, it would be left or right."
FC: How important is versatility in modern game?
MA: "It's very important; this day and age, the Premier League, football comes at you fast and that takes its toll on players' bodies. I'm injured right now. It's good to have the option to have someone else who can come in and play in different positions."
FC: Has playing full-back helped you as winger?
MA: "Definitely. When people run at me, I see what I don't like for myself. When I'm running at people I understand now what full-backs don't like and what they do like."
FC: Your England call-up came at a fairly late age (26). Is that something that can help inspire other players, showing the door is not closed?
MA: "Definitely. I got signed at a very late age and had to work my way up through the leagues and get opportunities where I can be chosen [for England]. I've always believed the door is never closed and have had past experience with Ian Wright and Rickie Lambert, who got a call-up at the age of 30, so I have always had that belief that the door is never closed."
Michail Antonio received his first England call-up under former West Ham Sam Allardyce.
FC: What was your reaction to Sam Allardyce getting sacked?
MA: "It was very surprising, with all the stories that came from it. But there's always surprises that happen and you have to live with them and move on. In football, managers get sacked, teams lose players. You just have to get on with it and keep being professional."
FC: Did it affect your England chances?
MA: "Not at all; I was called up to Gareth Southgate's first England camp and have been playing games. I'm not going to be involved in the summer because of the injury, but hopefully next season I can be called up again."
FC: Players like you and Jamie Vardy have been in the lower leagues. How does it benefit you when you get to the Premier League?
MA: "We have a 'never say die' attitude. We have belief in ourselves because we finally managed to get there, and we believe that we can always push on."
FC: Is there a difference between players who have always been in the Premier League and those who have had to fight it out in the lower leagues?
MA: "Players that come from non-league don't ever want to go back there, so they have more fight in them to make sure they don't go back to the 9-5 life and build up a strong career."
FC: You turned down a chance to play for Jamaica. Is that a decision you would ever look to change your mind on if you don't become a regular with England?
MA: "I believe in my ability, and I believe I can become a regular for England. I've never really had a step back to think about that. Hopefully I will keep playing the way I play and keep getting called up."
West Ham's Michail Antonio belives they are four signings off of Europe.
FC: How has West Ham manager Slaven Bilic improved your game?
MA: "Massively. He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch. I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that."
FC: What do West Ham need to do to fight for Europe next season?
MA: "We need to sign a couple of players -- a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers -- and get more goals. If we can do that, we will be up there for European places."
FC: Which is the best team you have faced in the league?
MA: "I'm going to have to say Man City. We played them twice [at the London Stadium], and I think they got more than four in both games [5-0 in the FA Cup third round, 4-0 in the Premier League]. It shows the quality they have and the individuals they have, but they haven't been doing it consistently this year. But the team they have and the way they play is frightening."
FC: Do you prefer watching Real Madrid or Barcelona?
MA: "I prefer watching Barcelona because the football they play is beautiful."
FC: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
MA: "It used to be Ronaldo, but now it's Messi. His all-round play... the amount of assists he gets, the amount of goals he gets -- he's better for a team."
FC: You've had some creative goal celebrations. Do you have your ideas beforehand or is it spur of the moment?
MA: "I always think of them beforehand. The night before, I rack my brain about the next celebration. So there is always good planning and I also ask the fans to send me ideas on Twitter. My teammates think they are crazy and don't have a clue why I'm doing it. But I'm enjoying my football, and that comes out in my celebrations. I have some more ideas -- but I'm not going to share them."
Follow @ESPNFC on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.
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West Ham suffer transfer blow as Fleetwood confirm goalkeeper Alex Cairns has signed new deal
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United were linked with a move for Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Alex Cairns, but it now appears that they will have to switch their attention elsewhere. West Ham's transfer plans appear to have suffered a minor blow after Fleetwood Town confirmed on their official Twitter account that goalkeeper Alex Cairns has signed a new contract at Highbury Stadium. A recent report from the Daily Mail suggested that the 24-year-old was attracting Slaven Bilic's attention after an excellent year with the League One promotion chasers.
The Hammers' two first-choice stoppers - Darren Randolph and Adrian - have both struggled to take full advantage of the opportunities that they have been given with neither really cementing themselves as number one. The Mail suggests that that had prompted Bilic to target Cairns to try and provide some further competition in the goalkeeping department, but it seems that the hopes of bringing him in have now suffered a setback. Fleetwood have now confirmed on their official Twitter page that the former Leeds United youngster has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Trawlermen, that they say is a long-term contract.
Fleetwood Town FC ✔ @ftfc
✍️ BREAKING: #ftfc are also delighted to announce that @AlexCairns30 has signed a long term contract with the club! #CairnsSigns 👏
7:04 PM - 24 Apr 2017
While West Ham would surely have the funds to make a move still happen, the fact that the confirmation of the new deal has come out after news of the Hammers' interest has come to light suggests that he sees staying with Uwe Rosler's men as the best decision for his development. Despite keeping 15 clean sheets this season, it seems difficult to imagine that he would move ahead of the current pair in the pecking order straight away, and thus, staying put may prove to be the wise decision.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Nathan Holland scored and assisted as West Ham United PL2 beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 on Monday evening
Holland's goal was West Ham's third on the night and came from a stunning 30-yard free-kick
The performances comes just two days after earning his first call up to Slaven Bilic's match day squad
It has been a week to remember for Nathan Holland. The young midfielder earned his first call up to Slaven Bilic's matchday squad in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton before then playing a starring role in the PL2 side's 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening. Holland scored a spectacular 30-yard free-kick and produced a touch of quality to assist Martin Samuelsen's second goal as he helped his side in to the PL2 Division Two play-offs.
Holland 1The four-pronged attack of Dan Kemp, Grady Diangana, Martin Samuelsen and Holland proved too much for West Brom's defence, who conceded as early as the third minute on a night to forget for the hosts. "I'm delighted to be back on the scoresheet after being out for a few weeks" Holland explained. "I couldn't have asked for a better way to come back really".
The eighteen-year old only joined the Hammers in January but has already stamped his mark on the side; scoring four times since his arrival. "I think we all played well, it's the best team performance since I've been here. "All the lads put a lot of hard work in, we knew what we had to do. We've got the three points and luckily the results have gone our way and we can get ready for the play-offs and hopefully play like that again."
Monday night's third goal was a stunning free-kick by Holland, who was clearly delighted with the strike: "To be honest, it was quite far out when I was thinking about it. "I was thinking to go for power but then I saw the way the keeper lined the wall up. I thought if I got it over the wall then it would have a chance and luckily I connected with it perfectly and it went in!"
The fourth was a perfectly timed diving header by Norwegian international, Martin Samuelsen, but Holland was still involved, turning provider this time with a perfectly placed cross. "I'm definitely happy with that one!" he said. When I caught it, I saw Martin move and it's a brilliant ball but I still think he had a lot to do - he's finished it off perfectly."
It will have been performances akin to Monday night which would have caught Slaven Bilic's eye and having featured among the First Team substitutes on Saturday, Holland is looking forward to more opportunities at London Stadium: "It was an amazing experience, just to see what the atmosphere was like. "Getting out at London Stadium, it felt quite surreal against my old club to be honest, but I just want more of that. "I've got to keep working hard and hopefully I'll get my chance."
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We all follow the West Ham!
WHUFC.com
British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin is spreading the West Ham Way throughout Andre Ayew's homeland...
Jon Benjamin has appeared on whufc.com before, back in 2013 when he was British Ambassador to Chile and tracked down Javier Margas in the capital, Santiago.
The following year, Benjamin swapped countries to become British High Commissioner to Ghana and non-resident Ambassador to neighbouring Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso.
He finishes there at the end of June to return to the Foreign Office in London for a three-year home posting – which means he will finally get to see his beloved Hammers play in their new London Stadium home.
"I have supported West Ham all my life, given my family's East End origins, first watching games at Upton Park in the early 1970s," he began. "I particularly remember a 4-3 win over Everton in 1974 and was at our FA Cup final win over Arsenal in 1980. Back then, my favourites were of course Brooking, Bonds and Devonshire."
Subsequently, he was a loyal Season Ticket Holder, at least whenever on a home posting in London. That has not been that often though, as a 31-year Foreign Office career has so far taken him to Australia, Indonesia, Turkey and the United States (New York), as well as to Chile and now Ghana as ambassador.
He is not the only Hammer amongst the senior ranks of the Foreign Office though: Tom Fletcher, former Ambassador to Lebanon and Mark Lyall Grant, a previous Ambassador to the US and now the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser are big West Ham fans too.
"In Ghana, I oversee a High Commission of nearly 200 staff, of whom about 75 per cent are Ghanaians, representing 12 different departments of Her Majesty's Government," he explained. "My tasks include overseeing bilateral political, trade, aid, cultural, defence, law enforcement and immigration relations, and a lot of media work.
"I am also in touch with the UK's vibrant Ghanaian community too: there are at least a quarter of a million Brits who claim Ghanaian heritage, including the actor Idris Elba, the fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, TV personality June Sarpong and footballer Danny Welbeck."
The high commissioner also knows the four Ghanaians currently playing in the Premier League Daniel Amartey at Leicester City, Jeffrey Schlupp at Palace, Jordan Ayew who recently joined Swansea and, of course, our very own Andre Ayew.
In Accra, Jon often sees Jordan and Andre's Dad – Abedi 'Pele' Ayew, who in his own right is perhaps Ghana's most famous player ever in his home country. Benjamin is also in touch with John Paintsil, another Ghana-West Ham connection of course.
"Ghana is a football mad nation which follows the Premier League closely with virtually every game live on cable TV – which often means several games on simultaneously" he continued. "Yes, that's right, you can catch virtually every West Ham game live from a sofa on Accra!
"I've become good friends with some of Ghana's best-known national team players, such as Asamoah Gyan, and already knew Andre Ayew well before he joined the Hammers. When he did, some Ghanaians even thought I had personally brokered the deal!
"On one trip back to Ghana last year, Andre brought Ashley Fletcher with him on a Betway promotional trip, and I was fortunate enough to catch up with them for dinner with legendary former captain of Ghana's national team, Stephen Appiah. "
Benjamin's influence during his three years in west Africa have also included the launch of a twitter account dedicated to Hammers fans in Ghana, which you can follow now at @GhHammers.
You can also follow Jon Benjamin's personal account on twitter at @JonBenjamin19.
Keep your eyes peeled to whufc.com for more stories about some of the people who make West Ham United much more than just a football club.
#WeAreWestHam
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
James Collins says a strong finish to the Premier League campaign can help West Ham United to start next season in a positive frame of mind. The Hammers head to Stoke City on Saturday on a three-match unbeaten run, having followed up a vital home win over Swansea City with a point at Sunderland and impressive goalless draw at home to Everton. Collins and company have kept two clean sheets out of three and only conceded two freakish goals in drawing 2-2 at the Stadium of Light, and the centre-back believes they have turned a corner heading into the final month of 2016/17. After travelling to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, West Ham welcome high-flying Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to London Stadium before ending the campaign at Burnley, and he believes those games could have bearing on how Slaven Bilic's side kick-off the new season in August.
James, that's five points from the last three games, culminating in a good performance in Saturday's draw with Everton, so are you now looking up rather than over your shoulder as you approach the final four Premier League fixtures?
"We want to finish as strong as possible. I've been in the game a long time now and I know if you finish the season well, you can move onto the next season and look to continue that form, so that's what we're looking to do. "It's been a tricky season on and off the pitch, for the manager and for the boys getting used to new surroundings, but it's about finishing strong and looking forward to next season."
After five straight defeats and with key players out injured, you must be pleased with how the squad has come together in the last three games?
"The Swansea game we played at home the other week was played down a little bit, but it was a huge game. We had to get nothing less than three points there and luckily we did. "We knew Everton would also be a tough game but a point pushes us on up the table and we're looking up and can look forward to our four remaining games."
The general consensus is that West Ham shaded Saturday's draw with Everton – would you agree with that assessment?
"Looking back at the game, I think we were quite comfortable defending. I can't think of them having too many clear-cut chances and we probably had one or two at the other end that we should have done better with."
Did you have a specific game plan to stop Romelu Lukaku, who went into the game with a perfect scoring record for Everton against West Ham and as the Premier League's leading scorer?
"We didn't single him out especially. We know he is in good form and he is a tremendous player, but even though we conceded two at Sunderland the previous Saturday, we've been defending quite well the last few games. "We just went out there and played our game. We can't concentrate everything on one player because they've got a team full of class players, and luckily we've defended well, but unfortunately we didn't get one at the other end."
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I FOR ONE WOULD WELCOME JOHN GEORGE TERRY TO THE LONDON STADIUM
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 25 APRIL 2017 AT 9:26PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
It's time to bring the boy from Barking, who started his career at the club home. I accept that many of you will disagree with this post, but I think at this stage of his career, West Ham could do with John Terry. John Terry could do with West Ham. Providing we could get him on reasonable wages and a year's contract, with an option of another year should both parties want it? It's a no brainer. He could have a similar impact at the club as Teddy Sheringham had when he arrived, in the twilight of his great career. The mere presence of Sheringham on the training ground lifted the whole squad
Yes, John Terry has had his fair share of controversies on and off the field over the years. But he is a winner, has seen it all and done it all. I once read an article on one of the greatest managers of all time. Brian Clough, Clough had an extremely difficult choice to make before Nottingham Forest's vital European Cup semi –final. Clough explains that he had two outstanding centre half's in Larry Lloyd and David Needham and could not choose between them.
As people they were totally different, Needham "Was a lovely lad, someone you would proud to have as a son in law. While Lloyd was late for training and an arrogant loud mouth "recalled Clough. Clough is in the hotel lobby still unable to decide who to pick. So he asks both players the same question: "If I walked into a pub what would you do"? Needham replied: "I would have bought you a pint Mr Clough "was Needham's reply. Lloyd sneered and replied: "I would buy you a pint, pour it over your head and walk out! "I thought YOU BASTARD! But I had my answer, I needed a bastard in my defence" said Brian Clough.
How West Ham could have done with a bastard like John Terry, especially from the 80th minute onwards when game after game our defence resembled the keystone cops! An absolute shambles! Someone to cajole and organise things at the back! Many have rightly said both Randolph and Adrian are weak at crosses. A good defence cuts out crosses, John Terry's experience would have been invaluable in that regard.
It is not just on the pitch that Terry would prove his worth. He would be of enormous help to both Reece Oxford and Reece Burke .We need both in the team and on the bench! I can't see the point of sending our player's out on loan after loan. Sometimes a player just lands up getting frustrated for whatever reason. I'm not sure what Reece Oxford's loan has done for him confidence wise. Or the talented Martin Samuelsen being sent back by Peterborough and the manager publically saying; "He lost confidence "Talk about trying to destroy a lad or what? Let's get John George Terry in to provide leadership on and off the pitch! We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!
COYI'S!
FarehamHammer
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West Ham 0-0 Everton (And Other Ramblings)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th April 2017
By: HeadHammerShark
1. The To-Be-Forgotten
In the end, this was the kind of game to make you question your short term memory. I got home and immediately began to worry about why I could barely remember anything of the ninety minutes, before reassuring myself that this was less likely to be due to amnesia and more due to the fact that barely anything happened.
And for those of us who went into this expecting a largely traumatic experience, that was pretty good news.
Matches against Everton - or "make Romelu Lukaku your Fantasy League captain day" as they are known locally - have been largely depressing affairs for quite some time now, with just two Hammers victories in the last nineteen encounters. These came courtesy of last years burglary at Goodison Park and a Bobby Zamora long range beauty as part of the 2007 Great Escape. Overall, we have just seven wins from forty one Premier League encounters with the Toffees, meaning that there have been more Olympic Games than West Ham victories in this period.
So a draw, and a comfortable one at that, is not to be sniffed at in the context of our historical ineptitude in this fixture. Interestingly the first of those victories came in 1994, when the Sylvester Stallone film Demolition Man was knocking about in cinemas.
Slightly incredibly this movie was partly based on an Aldous Huxley novel, and involved people being cryogenically frozen and then waking up years later in a dystopian future where swearing is outlawed and guns no longer exist, and then loads of stuff explodes because Hollywood.
I'd like to shoehorn some questionable comparison here whereby I imagine waking up a West Ham fan from 1993 and showing them the current lot, but primarily I mention it because I think Arthur Masuaku and Edmilson Fernandes went to the barbers with a picture of Wesley Snipes' character from that film and said "make us look this stupid please".
2. The Two Men
There was a slight shock before the game when it was announced that Adrian would be replacing Darren Randolph, after the latter managed to concede two goals to a Sunderland team genetically incapable of scoring last week.
In the end we could have put a bag of flour in goal here and kept a clean sheet, so inept were the visitors, but it was somewhat reassuring to have the crazy Spaniard back between the sticks. Things started serenely enough but after a full fifteen minutes of peace he decided that was quite enough of that and signalled that Fernandes should lob a thrown in back to him.
As Lukaku wandered in to close him down with all the intensity of a teenage boy making his bed, Adrian promptly miscontrolled the head high pass, stuck a false moustache on, produced a bowler hat, did a quick mime and put a curly red wig on before finishing his routine up with a knee high lunge at Kevin Mirallas as the Belgian bore down on a open goal.
This was simultaneously heart stopping, as it reminded us all of the slightly frenetic air that always surrounds the Spaniard, and marvellous as this was literally the closest Everton came to scoring all game.
I have felt for a while that Adrian needed to come back in to the team as Randolph seemed not to have that crucial ability to keep us in games by producing big saves at big moments. By contrast, Adrian is unorthodox but effective and if he can revert to last years form it would be a huge boon for these last few games. Whether either will survive the summer is perhaps questionable as Joe Hart ticks all the David Sullivan boxes (heard of him, expensive, possibly in decline, no one else wants him), but in general I think that upgrade would be so marginal that it really wouldn't be worth the cost involved.
3. He Never Expected Much
Ahead of this game it seemed the height of optimism to expect a positive result. Byram and Noble were suspended, while Obiang, Antonio, Carroll, Snodgrass, Feghouli (Our wingers! Our ineffective wingers!) and Ogbonna were all absent with late season West Ham syndrome. This led to a number of youngsters being on the bench and had the effect of making an already deeply unimpressive squad look like they were having a "bring your child to work" day.
But then a funny thing happened - the game started and we weren't terrible. In fact, far from it. This was the kind of determined, "fuck-the-circumstances" type of performance that fans love but West Ham seem to so rarely produce.
Havard Nordtveit was the best player on the pitch, despite a start where he looked as nervous as Ross Barkley in a nightclub. The Norwegian grew into the game and by the end had so thoroughly subdued Barkley that it's entirely possible he took him home in his back pocket. No mean feat given the Evertonians impressive recent form.
We managed to stop Lukaku from scoring for the first time ever as an Everton player (not an exaggeration), primarily by snuffing out his supply and if that failed by swarming him with rugged centre halves.
The returning Winston Reid was supreme in this role and was ably assisted by Fonte and Collins, each of whom benefited hugely from the extra layer of support provided by the 3-5-2 system. Outside them Masuaku was excellent, in spite of his terrible hair, whilst Fernandes provided the athleticism and near total lack of positional awareness that Bilic seems to demand from his right sided defenders.
As the below shot map from @11tegen11 shows, we were pretty dominant all game without really carving out the one big chance we needed to secure the points. Our best hope was probably a Lanzini effort that was blocked by the excellent Phil Jagielka, quite possibly at the expense of some of his teeth. As for Everton - nil shots on target nil hope, and a big LOL at those shot locations.
Sadly, up front Jonathan Calleri endured an afternoon to consign to the wastepaper basket as he toiled in a lone striker role to no noticeable effect. More than any other player, he seems to visibly lack confidence and will presumably disappear back to the bench once they get the plaster cast off Sakho or Carroll next week.
Behind him, however, Andre Ayew actually started to look the part as he benefited from the lack of mobility in Everton's back four to float around and, startlingly, link our play with some effectiveness. With Lanzini a constant menace, it would be a significant boost if Ayew could step up his play to provide a second player in the final third with the ability to carve out chances. He still seems ponderous at times, and is infuriatingly slow to run at defenders but he worked hard here and his high pressing was one of the reasons that Everton never looked remotely threatening. With all of that being said, he should be leaving the free kicks to Lanzini though.
Still, all things considered, I'm going to take Sam Allardyce's advice and respect the fuck out of that point and order a nice pint of wine to celebrate being a point closer to mid table oblivion.
4. Moments Of Vision
There was a moment in the second half that demands a little commentary all of it's own. Manuel Lanzini - our light in the gloom - picked up the ball on the left and cut inside to loft a pass to Ayew, who in turn flicked it back to him via an aerial backheel.
The Argentine sprinted through in pursuit before pulling another magical Rabona cross from nowhere. Naturally it went in to an empty box because we have no strikers, but in these days of respecting the point and hoping Hull lose at Stoke, it's nice to see some bona fide brilliance from time to time.
5. The Self-Unseeing
Over lunch recently with a friend, we got on to the topic of Ross Barkley's hair. Having stuck rigidly to local law by having the same haircut for 25 years, the youngster has suddenly allowed his locks to grow out a little. We posited the theory that this was due to the arrival of Tom Davies and his long flowing locks and low shin pads. Davies was Barkley's Summer of Love, his sexual revolution, and now young Ross is sporting a barnet like a mushroom and getting knocked out in nightclubs. Good for him - Stevie G will be proud. But somehow, that little act of growing his hair seems to symbolise a new found belief in Barkley and has coincided with a very good season, or had done until this stinker of a performance at least.
I don't have huge amounts of time for the more unscientific side of analysing sport. I have written before of my disdain for the concept of passion, and I subscribe to Mike Atherton's view that "team spirit is an illusion glimpsed in victory". In both cases it strikes me that these are stock phrases used by people to cover up a lack of knowledge or because spouting cliches is far easier than thinking about things.
As an example, it strikes me that quite often James Collins is reduced to making full length diving blocks because of a poor bit of positional play, rather then because he's full of passion. But one is easier to explain than the other, so here we are.
However, one area which I do believe impacts on the game hugely is confidence, both of individuals and a team. At the start of this game, two of our players were obviously struggling - Nordtveit and Calleri - but only one overcame it. Nordtveit is a better, more experienced player and you could see that he wanted to ease himself into the match. He barely attempted anything other than a five yard pass and was robbed at least twice in dangerous positions. But as the game progressed he started to feel his way and by the end of the second half was using his physicality impressively to regain possession in our defensive third, and starting attacks wisely with intelligent use of the ball.
He is actually a more naturally defensive midfielder than any other player we have, and he screened our back three superbly. This solidity has been lacking all season, and it was actually refreshing to see a good performance against a good team being built on such foundations. Although Obiang and Noble offer much going forward, neither of them quite have the positional awareness or physical gifts of Nordtveit and with SARS sweeping through the dressing room, he has a chance to cement a place for the next few games.
By contrast, Calleri looks lost. He looks like a cockney Atlas, with the world on his shoulders except for the fact that if that were true he would have lost possession of it by now. I suspect he'll go on to play elsewhere and have some success. There is the germ of a good player there, but here he just looked unathletic and bereft of any self belief.
6. Song Of Hope
Confidence takes many forms and it seems that the team are starting to rediscover some after a long fallow period. Some of that may just be because the some of them are getting fit again and can now trust in their bodies to do what they want them to. It certainly seems to be the case that we have rushed far too many players back from injury and paid the price when they have either had relapses or simply taken an age to get up to speed.
Think of how frustrating it is to try and play a sport with an injury and an unresponsive body, and then multiply that by a million for these men who rely on their health for their living. Fans see a player on the pitch and expect him to be completely fit and capable, without ever really giving any grace and favour period for recovery.
Both Nordtveit and Ayew suffered injuries early on in the season and only now seem to have recovered. Likewise Sakho returned here and looked fairly ginger as he ran around, presumably wondering where the fuck everyone had gone from the last time he played a home game. Aaron Cresswell, meanwhile, doesn't appear to have recovered at all and was only seen here in a late cameo at right wing back because it's required by law that West Ham always have someone in that position who doesn't know how to play there.
That failure to have a fully fit squad has exploded in our face this year as several players without obvious replacements (Byram, Carroll and Ogbonna) got injured, necessitating either panicky transfer business or ludicrous decisions to play people out of position to cover them. When the time comes to fire up Jack Sullivan's Xbox in the summer and search on FIFA 17 for new players, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to put health as a main criteria for any new purchases.
Ignoring our ongoing fitness travails, however, there was a pleasing solidity to this performance as the players at last looked as though they had some belief in the system they were playing. It was slightly odd that Everton didn't try to exploit the spaces out wide behind the Demolition Men, as this is traditionally how teams nullify wing backs, but without Seamus Coleman they probably lacked the personnel to do so.
Whether this form will continue next week, or survive intact against the better teams to come, is another story but one worth keeping an eye on. For all his flaws, Bilic has successfully got the team able to switch from system to another without much of an issue, and deserves praise for that.
7. The Dead Man Walking
Talking of the manager, this nascent unbeaten run seems like an opportune moment to reflect on his position and wonder whether he will make it all the way to next year. The signs are that he will, although my fears over his tactical shortcomings would lead me to move him on in the summer, given the choice. Which I won't be. So ignore me.
However, it's a nuanced situation when one considers the vagaries of the stadium move, the Board he has to work for, Payet, the terrible transfers and the oft ignored fact that the top six in the Premier League have absolutely destroyed everybody else this season. You could cogently argue that Bilic himself must take some blame for those issues, but in the end the point here is that all of that stuff has made his job incredibly difficult this season. In the circumstances, perhaps time will show he has done a better job than we are currently acknowledging, although as I write this we have won just once in ten games which still feels very Allardycian.
Perhaps the most galling part is that for so long last year we felt we were on the verge of joining that elite, but the harsh reality is that one misstep in the fast moving world of the Premier League can cost a team badly. Think of Newcastle's tumble from Champions League contenders to Championship runners up, if you need a live example of how hubris and boardroom incompetence can kneecap a promising revolution before it gets any momentum.
Even standing still isn't enough - as Arsenal are finding out now – and the reality is that given our low starting position we have little hope of getting back in touch with the top six any time soon. Indeed, ignoring the evidence of this game, we have a huge job on our hands just to get back in touch with Everton. So the question with Bilic is how much blame must he take for the transfer window and how much do we think he can improve in that area? The sad fact is that none of the other people involved in our summer transfer shambles will pay the price for our failures there, and thus it is Bilic who is always at risk.
As an outsider I would guess that this is probably one of the reasons why Bilic agreed to safety first, uninspired signings this January when we probably needed to push the boat out and try to attract some younger, less rounded players in the hope of later harnessing their upside, as Spurs have done with Dele Alli and Saints have done with Nathan Redmond.
Sullivan and Gold don't like to fire managers, so I suspect he may get another year. However, as our season will open up with three games on the road next year due to the stadium not being ready after the summer athletics – God bless that track – it will be very difficult to get off to a good start. I can't help thinking that any hint of a repeat next season will be met with a fairly swift visit to the executioner.
8. Night In The Old Home
There were some noticeable moments where the atmosphere on Saturday was edging towards decent. In fact, I suspect if you were in one of the noisier hotspots you might even have felt it was pretty good altogether. Sadly, the London Stadium is so large that it has yet to truly ignite and take the whole crowd with it, and it wasn't about to do that for a game so dreary it could have been written by Ed Sheeran.
But there were signs, as the home fans grew in belief after each minute that ticked past with Lukaku no closer to breaking a sweat, that the general mood was turning a little. There's no doubt that the stadium can be intermittently loud, but it doesn't have that same capacity to swell with excitement as Upton Park did. I have a theory that this might be due to the upper tier spectators being divided from the action by an obvious and distracting thirty foot gap, covered by claret tarpaulin, temporary gangways and comatose stewards. But here, in the sun and facing a team on their holidays, there was a hint of life.
For those pining for the Boleyn, this is all grist to the mill, but perhaps the Spurs game on a Friday night might be the spark that sets the whole fire roaring. On the flip side, I'm fairly friendly with a senior Met Police crowd control officer who will be working that night, and when I asked him how he felt about it he went pale, whispered "the horror, the horror" and put his head in his hands. Good ol' Sky Sports.
9. Leipzig
An interesting conversation from Saturday.
How much would you be prepared to put up with in the pursuit of glory? For some fans we already know that the stadium move was a leap too far, and they've abandoned us – possibly for Leyton Orient, which I imagine is working out well.
But what of the rest of us? Looking at the Premier League, realistically the only way we can dare to dream is with new ownership pushing us upwards with the help of a cash injection and the strategic thinking that is evidently beyond the current board. I won't go over all the old ground of recent weeks, but events of the last season would suggest that the Board have done a very good job with the balance sheet, but have probably reached a level in terms of team affairs where it has become evident that they don't have the strategic vision, experience or self-awareness to make the necessary decisions to push the team forward. To be honest, there is no shame in that particularly, but rather more in the failure to internally critique their performance and either hire in people who can do the job or standing aside for new investors.
On that point, remember when the Club announced they had turned down a £650m bid via a teenagers Twitter account, as all top tier businesses tend to do? The assumption at the time was that this was a bid from Red Bull, the Austrian soft drink company who have cornered the market in weird flying events and producing mixers for vodka that can convince middle aged English people to dance at weddings. However, they also do an interesting sideline in footballing ventures, with clubs owned in Austria, the US and most successfully of all, Germany.
There they took SSV Markranstädt, a team from the fifth tier of German football, to the very tip of the Bundesliga. They created enemies all over Germany as they went, as well as renaming the club RB Leipzig. I don't claim any level of expertise on their rise and would recommend this as a primer on why they are so hated, but it did make me think a little about how West Ham fans might have taken to such a takeover.
For me, the support of my team has become tarnished by the fact that the very league they play in is determined not have any competitive balance. And I say that knowing full well that West Ham are a well-funded, well supported team who benefit from this in our own way. (Also Leicester - but fuck Leicester as their victory made zero sense). As an example, our general incompetence this year will net us a whopping £90m of TV money while a team like Huddersfield in the tier below won't pick up even 10% of that, despite being far more successful, relatively. Such is the iniquitous nature of English football.
But to jump up again we need money. Even Spurs, who I laud for their off field thinking, are supplementing that policy with enormous sums of cash. Nowhere the likes of the Manchester clubs, but still many multiples of what a team like Burnley can spend. It's a rigged casino and the only way to challenge the house is to have more money. So, it's a worthwhile question to ponder – how much change could we stomach? A new badge and a new ground have already been and gone. No more claret and blue? How about RB West Ham? What about staying as West Ham United but finding Manuel Lanzini has joined RB Leipzig in a cut price deal because they are in the Champions League and we aren't?
I'd probably need several thousand more words to properly articulate how I feel about all of that, and there isn't a right and a wrong answer anyway, but if we truly want the investment required to get us to the top trough of English football, at some point we might have to face up to some hard truths. Everything has a cost.
10. The House Of Hospitalities
I can't finish up without admitting I watched this game from a hospitality suite. This might well render everything I have ever said, or will ever say again, redundant but I don't care - it was ace. I'll happily point out the flaws of West Ham's transfer policy forever, but I won't hear a word against their chocolate orange brownie.
My sincere thanks to Andy Ellis for the invite. I have no qualms at all about saying that the meal was more entertaining than the game.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Who is Onur Kivrak? Everything you need to know about the rumoured West Ham target
Reports in Turkey have linked the Hammers with a move for the goalkeeper
Football London
BYADAM JONES
14:27, 25 APR 2017
West Ham have long been linked with a move for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window - and reports in Turkey now believe they have found their man. Trabzonspor stopper Onur Kivrak is the latest name being linked with a move to the London Stadium, a player Slaven Bilic has tried to sign once before during his time at Besiktas.
So, who is the 29-year-old?
We have a look:
Career so far
Onur Kivrak has spent the majority of his senior career with Trabzonspor. He joined the club in January 2008 from Karsiyaka - and has made 169 appearances for the Super Lig side since, winning a Turkish Cup and a Turkish Super Cup in that time. He renewed his contract in 2013, in a deal which reportedly put a 10 million euro buyout clause in his deal.
The stats behind his season so far
In 27 appearances so far this season, Onur Kivrak has been making, on average, 2.7 saves per game. For context, Adrian has made an average of three saves per game in his 12 league matches. However, it must be said that Trabzonspor are fifth in the Turkish Super Lig table - having conceded 32 goals less than West Ham this season in just six less games. So, it's very probable that Kivrak is facing less shots, but still saving nearly as many as West Ham's current goalkeeper.
Is he an international?
He is, and has been for a while. The goalkeeper represented his country at every youth level before making his full debut for his national team around seven years ago. Kivrak made his debut for the Turkish national side in a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland back in May 2010. Since then, the goalkeeper has made a further 12 appearances for his country, including being called up for Euro 2016.
Does he fit the bill at West Ham?
Well, West Ham definitely need a goalkeeper - so he fits the bill in that sense. And there's no doubting the Kivrak is a handy stopper, but he's not the big name that many will be looking for in goal to replace Adrian.
How likely is he to leave?
Trabzonspor consider their goalkeeper as one of their best talents, so they won't let him go easily. However, the pull of the Premier League and the London Stadium can't be ignored. Surely you'd have to believe Kivrak would be interested on some level.
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The Loan Report: Burke Makes Long Awaited Return and Cullen Shines For Bradford
POSTED BY: CIARAN JUDGE 25/04/2017
Enner Valencia – Everton
Did not feature in the game against his parent club.
Reece Burke – Wigan Athletic
Burke made his first appearance since December in Wigan's 0-0 draw with Cardiff, which put a dent in the Latics chances of surviving relegation to League one. Burke shone at right-back in the stalemate and spoke to Latics website after the game "It's been frustrating to have been out for so long but that happens in football and you've just got to deal with it. I was glad to be back in the team today but obviously, the draw wasn't what we wanted. "I spoke to Graham to see if he wanted me to come back here and be involved, and he wanted me so I appreciate that. I was happy to get 90 minutes today."
Discussing his own personal performance, Burke was pleased with his display but admitted the team were left frustrated at the final whistle. "In the first half I thought I did well but then in the second, I started blowing. Graham (Wigan Manager Graham Barrow) kept telling me to push through though and keep giving it more. "The referee might have got a couple of penalty decisions wrong today but that happens in football. If things don't go your way you can't then start looking at the officials to help you."
Burke will return to West Ham at the end of his loan spell at the DW Stadium but admits he has been grateful for the opportunity given to him by the club. "I can't thank Wigan enough really for giving me the opportunity to come here and get some game time. It's hard when you go out on loan sometimes as a young player because you're not guaranteed that football. "It's probably not been one of my best seasons with everything that's happened but I'm glad I got fit before the end of the season and just want to kick on now."
Josh Cullen – Bradford City
The midfielder played in Bradford City's 3-0 over AFC Wimbledon which confirmed the Bantams play-off place this season. Cullen won the penalty for the first goal and played a significant role in the win which meant Bradford ave remained unbeaten at home through the whole League campaign
George Dobson – Walsall
Dobson came on for the second half in the Saddlers disappointing 1-0 defeat away to already relegated Coventry. Walsall are currently 13th in League One.
Jaanai Gordon (Newport County) was an unused substitute in County's vital 1-0 win over Accrington which leaves Newport 2 points clear of the drop zone with two games left to play.
Tony Martinez (Oxford United) did not feature for Oxford in their 3-0 trouncing of Millwall at the weekend.
Reece Oxford (Reading) was an unused substitute during the Royals 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest, The defeat leaves the Royals in 3rd Place in the Championship.
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HAMMERS MAKE OFFER FOR ETIENNE FULL BACK
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham have made an offer for Saint-Etienne full back Kévin Malcuit, along with newly-promoted Newcastle United. According to FranceFootball, both clubs have made offers for Malcuit ahead of a potential summer switch to the Premier League. The report claims that the two clubs have made approaches for the Frenchman, who is in his second season at Etienne. It is said that offers for Malcuit have ranged from €8-10m, although it is not confirmed whether Saint-Etienne are willing to part with him for those fees. Malcuit has played 20 times at right-back this season, with a few appearances across the board when needed – in midfield and on the wing. West Ham have struggled with the right-back slot this season, so bringing in Malcuit would suit a purpose as they look to improve their squad over the summer. The 25-year-old joined Etienne in 2015 for €800k from Chamois Niortais. He is yet to score for his current club.
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If Martin Samuelsen ends the season well with West Ham's U23s it could be the catalyst for a bright 2018
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United teenager needs to start performing consistently. After a few brief sightings of midfielder Martin Samuelsen in action, the majority of West Ham United fans knew they had quite a player on their hands. Unfortunately for the young Norwegian, he has been unable to build on his impressive initial loan spell at Peterborough United, failing to get much of a look-in at Blackburn Rovers before struggling second time around with the Posh. However, a two-goal haul in his return to under-23 action for West Ham suggests he could yet end the season on something of a high, giving Hammers manager Slaven Bilic something to think about in the process. Samuelsen needs to work hard on certain areas of his game, but his struggles may have come at the perfect time, ensuring he understands the need to keep building on his undeniable talent. With West Ham reaching the under-23 play-offs Samuelsen has a few more matches to prove his worth with the second string, and if he plays to his full potential, expect more goals and assists before he puts his feet up this summer. Given his recent struggles it would be foolish to suggest that Samuelsen will become a regular starter for West Ham as early as next season. However if he ends this campaign well, it could give him the boost needed to ensure he remains at the London Stadium next year and begins to make waves in the Premier League.
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West Ham one of three English sides in pursuit of Ludogorets striker Jonathan CafuFeatured Image
Date: 25th April 2017 at 12:33pm
Written by: Marcus Oades
shoot.co.uk
West Ham are one of three English clubs thought to be keeping tabs on Ludogorets striker Jonathan Cafu, according to Sport Witness.
The 25-year-old forward has been in impressive form for the Bulgarian champions this term, netting 14 goals and laying on nine assists in 39 appearances in all competitions, including scoring in their Champions League campaign against FC Basel and Arsenal. And after scoring seven times in his debut season at the club last time out, Cafu appears to have adapted well to European football, and as a result is attracting interest from several sides in England. It is thought that Chris Hughton's Brighton, who were promoted to the Premier League on Easter Monday after a 34-year absence from the top tier, are monitoring Cafu's situation in Bulgaria, while Sport Witness report that top-flight champions Leicester and Slaven Bilic's West Ham are looking to speak the 25-year-old in the near future.
It has also been reported that the Brazilian striker has a €12 million release clause in his contract, a figure unlikely to deter the aforementioned three sides, and with there believed to be interest from around Europe as well, any side hoping to land Cafu will need to act fast in the summer window. Brighton will be looking to strengthen ahead of their first ever Premier League campaign, while both Leicester and West Ham will be searching for signings that can take them into the top half after frustrating seasons this time around.
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400 appearances up - Mark Noble's four most memorable games for West Ham
After reaching the big milestone, the Hammers skipper looks back on his favourite matches
Football London
BYANDY HA
12:24, 25 APR 2017
West Ham captain Mark Noble was presented with a special award to mark his 400th West Ham United appearance at Saturday's game against Everton. Noble reached the landmark in the recent 1-0 victory over Swansea City and Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking was on hand to give the award to the West Ham skipper. The midfielder, who turns 30 in May, joined the club at the age of 11 and is now West Ham's current longest-serving player and was made captain of his boyhood club in 2015. Looking back on his career at Upton Park, and now the London Stadium, Noble told West Ham's official site about his four most memorable games.
West Ham 1-0 Preston North End - 2004/5 Championship Play-Off final
"I remember travelling to the 2005 Play-Off final and it was the biggest game I had been involved in at that time," Noble recalled.
"I was warming-up behind the goal with Teddy [Sheringham] when Matty [Etherington] put the cross in and Bobby [Zamora] scored and the feeling was unreal. "After Bobby scored that goal we had that celebration and I came on after and I always remember trying to chip the goalie from 25 yards! "I didn't even think Pards [Alan Pardew] was going to bring me on, but before coming on I remember standing there looking up at the crowd and thinking 'Oh my God, this is unbelievable!' and it was an incredible day."
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham - 2006/07
"I remember being on the coach on the way to Old Trafford and I was sitting opposite Ginge at the time and we were all nervous because we needed to win to stay up and they'd already won the league, so we thought they would just go out and enjoy themselves," Noble explained. "Ginge looked at me and said 'I've got a good feeling about today!' and it gave me a buzz, then Carlos [Tevez] scored! "I remember looking up at the clock and thinking we've still got another half to cope, then another 15 minutes then another five and thinking 'They've got to score two'."
Blackpool 1-2 West Ham - 2011/12 Championship Play-Off final
Noble described the 2012 Championship Play-Off final victory over Blackpool as 'so important', as he was getting married a week later. What a fortnight for the skipper.
West Ham 3-2 Manchester United - 2015/16
"That game was so special with the way it went, for me. To be able to come back and win in that atmosphere, to top off the best season I'd ever had as a West Ham player and a West Ham fan, was incredible. "We all wanted to leave Upton Park on a high and to leave it the way we did was amazing. I'll never forget it."
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West Ham are a 'couple of players' away from fighting for Europe, says Michail Antonio
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham will challenge for a place in Europe next season if Slaven Bilic adds to his squad this summer, according to Michail Antonio.
The Hammers moved into the London Stadium amid high hopes they could force their way into continental competition, having secured a seventh-place finish in their final season at the Boleyn Ground. Yet poor form in the early stages of the season saw such lofty ambitions quickly evaporate. West Ham have recovered to pull clear of the relegation zone and could force their way back into the top-10 before the campaign draws to a close. But Antonio is adamant West Ham could soon be in contention at the right end of the table if the club brings in a handful of new additions. "We need to sign a couple of players - a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers - and get more goals. "If we can do that, we will be up there for European places," he told ESPN. A hamstring injury has brought the current campaign to a premature end for Antonio. But the 27-year-old is aiming to return to fitness in time to take part in pre-season. Antonio's career in east London proved to be a slow burner but he is now a key member of Bilic's side and a firm fans' favourite. The Croatian manager has found himself under pressure of late but Antonio is adamant Bilic's presence has been key to his rise. Antonio added: "He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch. "I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that."
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Pundit Dean Saunders savages West Ham hierarchy, his brutally honest rant in full
HITC
Damien Lucas
It has been a turbulent season for West Ham United and speculation has been rife over Slaven Bilic's future. The Hammers had been in freefall and found themselves perilously close to the danger zone after five defeats on the bounce. But Bilic's side have gone unbeaten in their last three games to ease relegation fears although the East Londoners still have some work to do to secure safety in what has been a hugely disappointing season compared to the record-breaking campaign the club enjoyed last term. As a result of West Ham's poor form of late Bilic's future has been the subject of intense media speculation with the likes of Jaap Stam, Roberto Mancini, Rafa Benitez, Slavisa Jokanovic and most recently Lazio boss SImone Inzaghi tipped to replace him in various reports.
Many supporters blame co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold for the club's struggles this season after a woeful season of recruitment and broken promises over investment. Fans and pundits have also been highly critical of the very public way Sullivan, Gold and Brady talk about the club. Fans have also been critical of Sullivan's sons David and Jack for discussing club affairs and transfers on Twitter.
A bizarre columnist dubbed The Insider - which openly discussed transfer targets and fees amongst other things - was pulled from the club's official website on the orders of Brady earlier this season after she was inundated with complaints from supporters. Fans also reacted with anger to the revelation from Jack Sullivan that he is to write a twice monthly column for national newspaper The Sun. Now pundit and Wales legend Dean Saunders has spoken out on BBC's Final Score to defend Bilic, savaging the owners in the process."Yea (they should stick with Bilic), in my opinion he has been treated awfully," Saunders told Final Score. "It's undermined him and some of the bad results he's got has been down to the way he's been treated. "I heard at the start of the season there was a shortlist drawn up for his job while he's still in the job. If that was me as a manager and I heard they were looking at other managers, I'd just resign... I'm totally undermined. "I'm going into a dressing room trying to manage a group of players, and there's voices at West Ham coming from all angles. "One of the owners tweeted after the Leicester game (a 3-2 defeat) saying 'I want to apologise for that result' - no, it's not your place to apologise, it's the manager's job to comment on the team, you just run the club."
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Referee for Stoke City v West Ham will officiate first Hammers game in FOUR years
The official is taking charge of just his second game of the season this weekend
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:15, 25 APR 2017
WEST HAM
The referee has been announced for West Ham's clash with Stoke City this weekend and the official is getting a very rare outing indeed.
Lee Probert will take charge of just his second game of the campaign on Saturday, having knocked around in the Football League for all of this season bar one game. Probert missed the whole of last season through injury and his only other top flight game this season was Watford versus Sunderland and the Hornets scraped a 1-0 win at Vicarage Road. In fact, the last time he has officiated a West Ham game was way back in 2013 when he oversaw the Hammers 3-0 win away at Spurs at White Hart Lane when Winston Reid, Stewart Downing and Ricardo Vaz Te were on target for the visitors.
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West Ham coach hits back at criticism of Martin Samuelsen after superb u23 performance
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham youngster Martin Samuelsen impressed for the under-23s last night, returning from his Peterborough loan to play in the fixture.
West Ham coach Graham Westley has raved about teenage talent Martin Samuelsen and sought to deflect recent criticism of him. Samuelsen scored two goals as West Ham's under-23 side beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 last night, with his second an impressive diving header.
Speaking to the club website after the game, Westley defended Samuelsen after recent comments from his Peterborough manager Grant McCann.
Samuelsen has not been included in Peterborough's last three squads and was permitted to return to the Hammers to play in last night's under-23 fixture, with his deal terminated early. Westley said: "I read an article this week about Martin Samuelsen and confidence. People give players confidence, and you saw tonight what an absolutely outstanding talent we have on our hands. "He's only 19 and we had too much for them. Let's not forget how talented some of our players really are."
Westley's comments are a real shot at McCann, calling him out and suggesting he should be providing the Norwegian youngster with confidence. McCann told Peterborough's official Youtube channel that he felt Samuelsen had lost his spark after an unsuccessful loan spell at Blackburn in between his two tenures with the League One side. He said: ""He didn't have the confidence to try things that he once did, when he was here. I wanted him to express himself more. "He needs to get somewhere where he can play week in week out. He should've come here at the start of the season, but he decided to go to the Championship. He's a great kid, he'll have a massive future in the game."
Last night's performance was huge, but it does help highlight the gulf in quality between playing under-23 football and the competitive nature of the Football League. It at least should help repair Samuelsen's confidence, and in Graham Westley, Samuelsen evidently has a manager who has full faith in him.
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HAVARD NORDTVEIT FINALLY COMES GOOD - WATCH OUT MARK NOBLE!
By Iain Dale 25 Apr 2017 at 08:00
WTID
I was quite excited when I heard we had signed the Borussia Moenchengladbach captain, Havard Nordtveit. What was not to like? People don't become captain of their side without having something about them. And he could play in a variety of positions. Just the sort of player we needed. Or so I thought.
In pre-season he looked totally out of sorts. As the season started he didn't improve. Every performance was terrible. He looked hapless. What a turkey, we all thought. But there was a nagging doubt in my mind. He mainly played at right back and once or twice in central defence. But wasn't he a central midfielder? Wasn't that his preferred position? Clearly with Kouyate, Noble and Obiang playing well, he didn't get a look in there. Until Saturday.
Against Everton I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was as if Nordtveit had become a different player. Cool, calm and tenacious. Spraying balls over the field. Running with the ball. Attacking. Shooting. He wasn't far off being my man of the match. On that performance he deserves to keep his place and the chance to show us more of what he can do.
Mark Noble is under real pressure. Edimilson Fernandes, and now Nordtveit, have shown that there is real competition for the second central midfield space. And that is surely only a good thing.
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Michail Antonio: West Ham can push for Europe with summer signings
ESPN
West Ham's Michail Antonio takes on ESPN's quick-fire questions.
West Ham United midfielder Michail Antonio is an example of a player that is becoming increasingly rare in the Premier League: a late bloomer.
Having spent his formative years at non- and lower-league level, the versatile winger finally got his chance in the top flight with West Ham United in 2015 and hasn't looked back.
Since Antonio's £7 million move from Nottingham Forest, he has scored 17 goals in 52 Premier League starts. And, after rejecting a call-up from Jamaica, he has been called up to the England squad.
While injury has brought his season to a premature end, Antonio is looking forward to next season and he spoke to ESPN FC at an Umbro event about West Ham's future prospects, his international ambitions and how he is still learning as a player.
ESPN FC: What is the timetable for your recovery?
Michail Antonio: "I am looking to be back around July, basically getting ready for beginning of next season. I'm hoping to be involved in the majority of preseason training. I might miss the first week, but I'll hopefully be back for the rest of it."
FC: Which position do you prefer to play in?
MA: "I'm an attacking player -- I prefer left wing, right wing. They're quite even for me. But I am a team player and don't mind playing in other positions but, if I had to choose, it would be left or right."
FC: How important is versatility in modern game?
MA: "It's very important; this day and age, the Premier League, football comes at you fast and that takes its toll on players' bodies. I'm injured right now. It's good to have the option to have someone else who can come in and play in different positions."
FC: Has playing full-back helped you as winger?
MA: "Definitely. When people run at me, I see what I don't like for myself. When I'm running at people I understand now what full-backs don't like and what they do like."
FC: Your England call-up came at a fairly late age (26). Is that something that can help inspire other players, showing the door is not closed?
MA: "Definitely. I got signed at a very late age and had to work my way up through the leagues and get opportunities where I can be chosen [for England]. I've always believed the door is never closed and have had past experience with Ian Wright and Rickie Lambert, who got a call-up at the age of 30, so I have always had that belief that the door is never closed."
Michail Antonio received his first England call-up under former West Ham Sam Allardyce.
FC: What was your reaction to Sam Allardyce getting sacked?
MA: "It was very surprising, with all the stories that came from it. But there's always surprises that happen and you have to live with them and move on. In football, managers get sacked, teams lose players. You just have to get on with it and keep being professional."
FC: Did it affect your England chances?
MA: "Not at all; I was called up to Gareth Southgate's first England camp and have been playing games. I'm not going to be involved in the summer because of the injury, but hopefully next season I can be called up again."
FC: Players like you and Jamie Vardy have been in the lower leagues. How does it benefit you when you get to the Premier League?
MA: "We have a 'never say die' attitude. We have belief in ourselves because we finally managed to get there, and we believe that we can always push on."
FC: Is there a difference between players who have always been in the Premier League and those who have had to fight it out in the lower leagues?
MA: "Players that come from non-league don't ever want to go back there, so they have more fight in them to make sure they don't go back to the 9-5 life and build up a strong career."
FC: You turned down a chance to play for Jamaica. Is that a decision you would ever look to change your mind on if you don't become a regular with England?
MA: "I believe in my ability, and I believe I can become a regular for England. I've never really had a step back to think about that. Hopefully I will keep playing the way I play and keep getting called up."
West Ham's Michail Antonio belives they are four signings off of Europe.
FC: How has West Ham manager Slaven Bilic improved your game?
MA: "Massively. He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch. I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that."
FC: What do West Ham need to do to fight for Europe next season?
MA: "We need to sign a couple of players -- a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers -- and get more goals. If we can do that, we will be up there for European places."
FC: Which is the best team you have faced in the league?
MA: "I'm going to have to say Man City. We played them twice [at the London Stadium], and I think they got more than four in both games [5-0 in the FA Cup third round, 4-0 in the Premier League]. It shows the quality they have and the individuals they have, but they haven't been doing it consistently this year. But the team they have and the way they play is frightening."
FC: Do you prefer watching Real Madrid or Barcelona?
MA: "I prefer watching Barcelona because the football they play is beautiful."
FC: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
MA: "It used to be Ronaldo, but now it's Messi. His all-round play... the amount of assists he gets, the amount of goals he gets -- he's better for a team."
FC: You've had some creative goal celebrations. Do you have your ideas beforehand or is it spur of the moment?
MA: "I always think of them beforehand. The night before, I rack my brain about the next celebration. So there is always good planning and I also ask the fans to send me ideas on Twitter. My teammates think they are crazy and don't have a clue why I'm doing it. But I'm enjoying my football, and that comes out in my celebrations. I have some more ideas -- but I'm not going to share them."
Follow @ESPNFC on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.
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West Ham suffer transfer blow as Fleetwood confirm goalkeeper Alex Cairns has signed new deal
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United were linked with a move for Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Alex Cairns, but it now appears that they will have to switch their attention elsewhere. West Ham's transfer plans appear to have suffered a minor blow after Fleetwood Town confirmed on their official Twitter account that goalkeeper Alex Cairns has signed a new contract at Highbury Stadium. A recent report from the Daily Mail suggested that the 24-year-old was attracting Slaven Bilic's attention after an excellent year with the League One promotion chasers.
The Hammers' two first-choice stoppers - Darren Randolph and Adrian - have both struggled to take full advantage of the opportunities that they have been given with neither really cementing themselves as number one. The Mail suggests that that had prompted Bilic to target Cairns to try and provide some further competition in the goalkeeping department, but it seems that the hopes of bringing him in have now suffered a setback. Fleetwood have now confirmed on their official Twitter page that the former Leeds United youngster has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Trawlermen, that they say is a long-term contract.
Fleetwood Town FC ✔ @ftfc
✍️ BREAKING: #ftfc are also delighted to announce that @AlexCairns30 has signed a long term contract with the club! #CairnsSigns 👏
7:04 PM - 24 Apr 2017
While West Ham would surely have the funds to make a move still happen, the fact that the confirmation of the new deal has come out after news of the Hammers' interest has come to light suggests that he sees staying with Uwe Rosler's men as the best decision for his development. Despite keeping 15 clean sheets this season, it seems difficult to imagine that he would move ahead of the current pair in the pecking order straight away, and thus, staying put may prove to be the wise decision.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th April 2017
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic is keen for his West Ham United side to build on their run of five points from their last three Premier League games as the 2016/17 finishing line comes into sight. After picking up a useful point against Europe-chasing Everton on Saturday, the Hammers moved ever closer to the first target of 40 points - but the boss is still aiming higher with the top half of the table within reach.
Next up is a trip to Stoke City, with Bilic aiming to add a cutting edge to the solidity shown against the Toffees. He said: "Maybe 38 points will be enough, but maybe not. For every team, every game is going to be extremely hard to win because almost every team is fighting for something. "You don't want to go into the last couple of games or the last game with the radio on, wanting to know what the score is there and there. "We want to avoid that and, to be comfortable, we need a few more points. We want it, not only to avoid [that situation] but also to climb up the table. Still we can finish really high if we win a few games. "We need to approach every match game-by-game and try and win it. Or at least don't lose it. Then, move on to the next one and try and try. "I'm not talking about only about keeping the distance, but also about climbing the table. "Ronald [Koeman] said after the game, and he's very honest and straight, that only one team played today and only one team deserved to win. That was us. "We were better than them on Saturday, they are not happy with their performance. If they played like that [regularly] they wouldn't be where they are. "Part of the reason why they played like that was us. You can't say that they were a team without motivation to play for something. They are not middle of the table and waiting for the season to finish, but we were on top of them and aggressive."
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U15s narrowly miss out on Prague title
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s lost on penalties in the final of the Slavia International Cup
They drew 0-0 with Spanish side Malaga after normal time, but lost 3-2 after spot-kicks
Danny Searle remained proud of his players after their terrific efforts
Head of U15-18 Coaching Danny Searle remained proud of his U15s after they missed out on winning the Slavia International Cup by the finest of margins. The Hammers were the better side in the final – being played at the Eden Arena, home of Slavia Prague – but were eventually beaten 3-2 on penalties by Malaga after drawing 0-0 after normal time. Kai Corbett had the Hammers' best chance of the fixture, hitting the post just before half-time, and they restricted their Spanish opponents to very little in the way of chances on goal. But after failing to find a breakthrough in the allocated 50 minutes, the lottery of a penalty shootout followed with Malaga prevailing. "When you look at the semi-final, our class really shone through," said Searle. "We hadn't really hit the ground running at all on day one and two. "But the boys, through their grit and determination, managed to keep themselves in the tournament. To get to the semi-final and to see them play with the style we know they can play with, I thought we did take that into the final against a very good Malaga side. "We matched them all the way and probably edged it to be fair. To lose on penalties is just one of those things but I'm really proud of the boys. The Hammers made it through to the event's showcase match after battling to a deserved 2-1 victory over local side Sparta Prague in the morning.
They went behind early on but showed resilience to fight back and equalise just before half-time. Amadou Diallo – who was named Player of the Tournament at the competition's closing ceremony – let fly from 25 yards and found the bottom corner with a terrific curling strike. There may have been an element of luck about the winner when Kamarai Swyer's cross looped over the goalkeeper but the result was never in doubt after the Hammers' dominance. Then came the weekend's climax and a meeting of the two best footballing sides in the competition. It was a tense 50 minutes with both side's having their share of pressure, but West Ham's Corbett had the best chance of the match when he hit the post. Penalties followed and Malaga eventually won 3-2, but Searle felt his side deserved more than the title of "runners-up". "We were the youngest team in the tournament so it was always going to be tough," he added. "We had teams from the Czech Republic, Spain and Austria so it was a good test for the boys. They showed great resilience through the tournament and we got better and better as the tournament went on. In the end, it was disappointing because I think we deserved more."
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Reid – We dealt with Lukaku
WHUFC.com
Staying tight at the back and keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet was key to Saturday's impressive performance, said Winston Reid
The New Zealand international returned to the starting XI after a four-game absence due to injury
As skipper at London Stadium, the centre-back was solid throughout alongside fellow defenders James Collins and Jose Fonte
Keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet was crucial to West Ham United's impressive performance as they drew 0-0 with Everton at London Stadium on Saturday, according to defender Winston Reid.
The Hammers shut out the in-form Toffees and in turn prevented the Belgian forward finding the back of the net against the Hammers for the tenth consecutive match. And Reid, returning to the starting XI as captain having missed four matches with a groin problem, played a vital role in limiting Lukaku to just one attempt on goal in east London. Alongside Jose Fonte and James Collins as part of a three-man central defence, the New Zealand international, solid throughout, was pleased with the way his team dealt with one of Europe's top strikers. He said: "With a player like Lukaku, you have to keep tight to him and if he can't turn, then he can't score and it's going to be difficult for him. You try and keep him away from goal – it's pretty boring but it's simple and effective! "You have got to be on him when he's in the box and I think we did well today. Jose and Ginge were great at the back but also people in front were great; Harv [Nordtveit] put in a really good shift and that was good to see. "But Everton are more than just Lukaku, they have a good team. It was first about working out where they're good, and that's through the middle of the pitch. "They have good combinations and we minimised them to just a few chances. There weren't many, and it was that type of game."
West Ham dominated throughout on Saturday, going close in the first half through Jonathan Calleri and Cheikhou Kouyate before Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho – making his London Stadium debut – worried the visiting defence in the second. And the success of Slaven Bilic's gameplan depended on the hosts' ability to stay compact at the back and keep a clean sheet, said Reid. "We've had a lot of injuries so first and foremost, we had to stop them scoring," the centre back continued. "Then, going forward, we had to get Manu [Lanzini] and Dre [Ayew], those types of players on the ball and try to get into good positions. "I guess that final ball wasn't always there today and the sharpness, but these games earlier in the season we would have lost and we're pleased to have come away with the point after working hard, which is what you always want. "It was a decent performance from the team. As long as we keep up this good work then we can get the points that we need from now until the end of the season."
Saturday's draw puts the Hammers on 38 points in the Premier League and Reid hopes the side can continue to perform and put points on the board as the campaign draws to a close. "We need to finish the season strongly. Things haven't been easy this season, and it's not an excuse, but the new stadium, we had a big turnaround in the squad…we will learn from these things next season. "It gives us experience. We have a young squad and I'm sure the young players will learn from these things. "It was good to be back out there today. I had just three or four days' training with the team so I was never going to be 100 per cent fit, but the two old boys next to me did all my running, so that was nice!"
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Nordtveit - We have big games to come
WHUFC.com
Havard Nordtveit excels on first 90-minute runout since January
Norway midfielder helped Hammers to a point against high-flying Everton
Nordtveit has eyes on strong end to the camapign, with Spurs and Liverpool to come at home
After picking up a point against Everton on Saturday, Havard Nordtveit is targeting a big end to the season at London Stadium. Following this weekend's trip to Stoke City, the Hammers return to east London to close their home slate of fixtures with mouthwatering match-ups against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Nordtveit, who was making his first start in Claret and Blue since January, felt the Hammers could have beaten Ronald Koeman's high-flying Toffees and that they are in good shape to end the season on a high. "We played well and might have got more than just a point," the No4 said. "We kept a clean sheet and also had a couple of chances to score, but we'll take the one point against Everton - they're a good team and we know that. "We were superb defensively. I don't know if they had any chances, not any big ones certainly, and that's really good for us. "For me personally I hadn't played 90 minutes for a while so it was tough, but the whole team worked well together defensively and offensively, so it was a good system. "I was a little bit nervous at the start, but this is my position and I felt that I came more and more into the game as it went on, especially in the second half. "We have some big games to come, and this result stands us in good stead for them. "We need to bring what we did on Saturday, with a little bit more, and I'm pretty sure the points will come. "It was a great atmosphere here on Saturday, and we are growing into this Stadium as our home now. We're looking forward to the next game."
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Loanee round up
WHUFC.com
There were huge results for both Josh Cullen and Jaanai Gordon in loan action this weekend
Cullen's Bantams sealed a play-off spot whilst Gordon's Newport climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since November
Meanwhile, Reece Burke made his long-awaited comeback from injury to play for Wigan Athletic
With Enner Valencia unable to face his parent club West Ham United whilst on loan at Everton on Saturday, the only Hammers in loan action over the weekend were below the top flight.
In the Championship, Reece Oxford and Reading's slim hopes of catching Newcastle United in second place were all but ended when they were beaten by struggling Nottingham Forest 3-2. It was a much needed victory for the hosts, who had slipped into some relegation trouble at the bottom of the table, and Britt Assambalonga got things moving at the City Ground with the opener after half an hour. The forward added a second before Mustapha Carayol got in on the act to put the result beyond doubt. A Yann Kermorgant double unsettled the home crowd, but Reading – who kept Oxford on the substitutes' bench – could not mount a full comeback.
Elsewhere in the division, there was the long-awaited return of Reece Burke to Wigan Athletic's starting XI as he made his senior comeback at home to Cardiff City.
Burke's team could not get the victory they so desperately needed though, firing a blank in the goalless contest, and look set to be relegated back down to League One at the first time of asking.
Down in the third tier, Bradford City booked their play-off spot with a simple 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, though their top-six hopes have never really been in doubt. Josh Cullen played the full 90 minutes once again for the Bantams who scored twice through Tony McMahon either side of Mark Marshall's goal at the end of the first period. Stuart McCall's men will likely face Scunthorpe United in the semi-final stages of the play-offs.
Walsall's penultimate clash of an average season ended in disappointment, as George Dobson and co. were beaten 1-0 at relegated Coventry City. The central midfielder was brought on at half time but could not help the Saddlers overturn a one-goal deficit brought about by young striker George Thomas' goal.
Meanwhile in League Two, Newport County climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since November as they beat Accrington Stanley 1-0 at home.
West Ham forward Jaanai Gordon was introduced in injury time as the Exiles recorded a massive win to lift them out of the bottom two just six weeks after they were eleven points adrift. Ryan Bird scored the all-important goal, and Mike Flynn's side now need to keep their heads just above Hartlepool United's if they are to preserve their Football League status.
Finally, goalkeeper Sam Howes helped Hampton and Richmond Borough to a 2-1 away win at Welling United on Saturday in the National League South.
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Stat's A Fact - King Arthur
WHUFC.com
West Ham United had strong defensive organisation to thank again on Saturday as Slaven Bilic's side recorded a second successive home clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Everton at London Stadium.
Before the game, the key battle looked likely to take place between 24-goal, in-form striker Romelu Lukaku and the Hammers' back line. Not only does the Belgian sit atop the Premier League individual scoring charts but his record against West Ham had seen him score in each of the past nine meetings between the two clubs.
Lukaku was instead, though, limited to just one shot and failed to test Adrian in the West Ham goal throughout the afternoon.
The method to keeping Lukaku quiet was simple: "stop the service" Slaven Bilic explained in his Thursday press conference. Step in Arthur Masukau.
Whilst the performances of Jose Fonte, the returning Winston Reid, James Collins and Edimilson Fernandes all deserve plaudits, it was Masuaku who was the Hammers' stand out man at the back.
The Frenchman was a constant frustration to Everton's wide players, who rotated between being Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and Tom Davies, and was on hand to make a total of four tackles in the game – bettered only by Havard Nordtveit for the Hammers. Masuaku also made 4 blocks and maintained the joint-highest pass completion rate (92 per cent) from 53 passes.
Not only was Masuaku impressive defensively, but his work rate and attacking influence was also a telling factor in the dominant display. He covered 9.6 kilometres of ground up and down the left flank, while also producing seven successful dribbles – the most by any player, and taking 77 touches.
The Frenchman admitted after the game that it was his "best performance with West Ham".
Masuaku 2 of action through injury this season and was made to wait patiently for his turn in the side, however recent weeks certainly suggest he is repaying Bilic's faith in him. Since returning to the side against Swansea in early-April, the Hammers have kept two clean sheets and remain unbeaten.
James Collins' five interceptions and eight clearances was the most by any player, Edimilson Fernandes and Jose Fonte topped the charts for blocking and aerial duels respectively, while Winston Reid's organisation and leadership was very-much welcomed back. It was a near perfect defensive display by West Ham.
Clearly, it was not a day for the Everton attackers but their defenders were called in to action on more than one occasion. Centre-halves Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams made 13 clearances between them, while Mason Holgate – often tasked with dealing with Masuaku – made five key tackles from right back.
Slaven Bilic's side make the trip to Stoke City's bet365 Stadium next weekend before welcoming free-scoring Tottenham and Liverpool sides to London Stadium in early-May. Unbeaten in three and two consecutive home clean sheets should allow Bilic and his defenders to take confidence in to this run of tricky matches so no doubt it will be a case of 'same again' when the defenders take to the pitch on Saturday.
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Westley – It was some performance
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley lauded his young U23s as they sealed their place in the Premier League 2 play-offs
The youngsters were terrific in a 4-0 away victory at West Browmich Albion
With Blackburn Rovers only managing a draw against Aston Villa, West Ham finished fifth and will take on Wolves in the play-off semi-final
"It was some performance," claimed Terry Westley as his young Hammers confirmed their place in the Premier League 2 play-offs with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Monday. The U23s travelled to the Hawthorns knowing results elsewhere had to go their way in order to finish in the league's top five, even if they were to beat the Baggies. And beat them they did in style, with goals from Dan Kemp, Martin Samuelsen – who bagged a brace – and Nathan Holland finding the back of the net in the perfect away performance. With Blackburn Rovers only managing a goalless draw against Aston Villa, the Hammers celebrated qualification to the play-offs with a semi-final tie at Wolverhampton Wanderers to follow.
Naturally, Westley was delighted with the outcome of the evening and praised his team for a complete display. He said: "It could have been our last game tonight, and we wanted to really play well. We wanted to see evidence of all the work that's been done over the last three years, and that culminated in a brilliant win away from home and also qualification [for the play-offs] with Blackburn and Villa drawing. We got both things we wished for. "Tonight, all credit to the players because it was some performance. We started right on the front foot. The front four really caused their back players problems. That was the difference. "If you do your money on good front players, they can open teams up and win you matches at any level. That was the standout. "I read an article this week about Martin Samuelsen and confidence. People give players confidence, and you saw tonight what an absolutely outstanding talent we have on our hands. "He's only 19 and we had too much for them. Let's not forget how talented some of our players really are."
And the age of the starting XI was something Westley was keen to point out, having fielded an extremely young side. "Our left-back [debutant Reece Hannam] was U16, the two centre-halves are U18, [Dan] Kempy is U18. [Joe] Powelly and Jahmal [Hector-Ingram] are U18 players. We are still very young in this league and the style and the philosophy of how we played tonight was the real thing for me. "I couldn't be happier with the way we played and that culminating in the play-offs. Now we go up to Wolves in a very tough match because I think they finished second, so it will be tough for us, but I think we will keep trying to play the way we played tonight."
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WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT FROM WEST HAM V EVERTON
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 23 APRIL 2017 AT 8:21PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
My five takeaways from the game this week by Steve Claydon @trbeat.
1. Defence comes good.
I wrote last week that having a good back line and a keeper is important for the foundations of keeping a clean sheet. With Winston Reid coming back from injury the switch to three centre-backs was made, and it worked well. All of them, Reid, Collins and Fonte were strong, co-ordinated and thankfully kept Lukakua at bay the whole game. It was one of the first times I have seen the Everton forward kept at bay, and the stats back this up. Lukakua has scored in the last nine games against us. I repeat all three were immense, with both Collins and Reid keeping the back strong which allowed Fonte to move the ball out from the back, something which he did quite well. I was very impressed with how that formation worked. Adrian must have loved it as he really had nothing to do, except have a small barney with Fernandez who put him under undue pressure with a poor backless throw-in. Other than that the back three and Adrian had nothing to do the whole game. Credit to all of them.
2. Viking Ships finally sailing
Håvard Nordtveit. Well look who played out of his skin, or maybe that's was we can expect from him when played in the right position (that's a theme we've all heard). This man was immense. He protected the back line very well and his constant harrying of the Everton midfield and forwards forced them into critical errors breaking down promising attacks. He played the Noble role very well, and dare I say it performed it, in this game at least, better than Noble. I like the way he started attacks; I like the way he played his position by not putting himself in dangerous situations or extending himself unnecessarily. It was a very solid game from a player that has been panned a little by some and a lot by others. Kouyate, who picked up a knock five minutes into the game seemed to be off, including a less that stellar defensive performance and poor final third passes. Had Kouyate played to his normal level, both of them would have run the game very well, not that we didn't anyway, but we may have even nicked a win.
3. Do we have a position battle?
I loved the play from Masuaku. He looked strong at the back and going forward added a dimension that has been missing from Cresswell this year. He was never afraid to take someone on and try and make things happen, which he did, many times. He worked really well as the wing back and hopefully he can translate this strong play as well when playing in a standard back four. The link up play with Lanzini was nice, and I would be intrigued to see him play a wide role in midfield and have less defensive responsibilities but either way, this man was awesome. His force down the left side kept Everton honest and made them think twice about using that side of the field to attack. While we are about it, Fernandez on the right side, was a lot quieter but did his bit. I was a little disappointed with his attack play as there were a couple of times that he got into good positions but fluffed his lines when it counted most. So if you have a fit Cresswell and Masuaku, who are are you choosing to start against Stoke?
4. It's very sad to see Carroll suffer.
I'd like to say that Carroll not starting was a shock and how can he be injured, again. While watching the game, the commentators mentioned that he aggravated his groin injury, again, when stretching to knock the ball back for Ayew's first goal last week. I hurt for a few days when I stretch to wash my car, but that's not my main job, and so it's sad. It's sad someone so young, with so much potential will never have a true football, long, and exciting career. So what does that mean for West Ham? It means come the summer, and actually, we need to start now, and I am sure we have, we need to figure out our striking options. As many people pointed out on social media today, when Calleri is starting for you, no matter how good or bad you think he is, it's a sorry state of affairs for a team that needs to push on into the upper echelons of the Premier League. I busted on Calleri last week, but he did run his heart out today. The problem is, it was a lot of huffing and puffing and it never really looked like we would score with him up top. Sakho did not look hugely better either, but I still prefer him leading the line. So let's review those three names; Carroll – often injured; Sakho – often injured, poor attitude; Calleri – lacks Premiership skills. So our striking line is in a poor way. We have the ability to fix it in the summer, but we need to be sensible about our targets, and we need our current strike-force to understand that their role will shrink next year along with, hopefully, their related salaries.
5. Lets Credit Bilic, for this game at least.
I'm not going to start or continue the Bilic in, Bilic Out game. Other people have better and more eloquent thoughts on this than I do. Just Listen to the radio show last week to get where I am coming from. The three at the back worked very well for this game, and as I wrote earlier that Lukaku was kept quiet the whole game, and the stats don't lie. Everton had a total of four shots with none on target. That says something. It would be easy to say that Everton was not on their game. I say that our game plan worked very well and negated theirs against us. Whether by actual design, injuries or suspension, Bilic got this one right. At times it was not pretty, but the confidence is starting to return, and for the Everton fans that said we parked the bus, you are wide of the mark, a long way wide. A point is valuable at this time of the year, and while we are not completely safe, (mathematically) if we can put together a few more games like this we should be safe in the next week or two. So I'll give Bilic a lot of credit for shutting down an Everton team that loves to score and beat us.
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AFTERNOON ROUND UP: BILIC SURGERY DELAYED, NORDTVEIT TARGETING BIG END TO SEASON, MASUAKU PRAISE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 24 APRIL 2017 AT 2:26PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Good afternoon Hammers. Here is today's afternoon round up.
West Ham are targeting a move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak. (TalkSport)
I do not think this would be a wise move. If we are going to sign a goalkeeper in the summer, then we should be targeting Joe Hart or Jordan Pickford. Both have Premier League experience and are proven quality.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has delayed his hip surgery. (Telegraph)
Winston Reid has admitted that this season has been a steep learning curve for everyone at the club. (Express)
This season has been a learning curve for everyone associated with the club, all the way from the board to the fans. We have all had to deal with so much change this past year, but I believe things will get better. Once the players start improving on the pitch, then I believe the whole mood around the club will change.
West Ham are keeping tabs on Fleetwood goalkeeper Alex Cairns. (Daily Mail)
Havard Nordtveit is targeting a big end to the season at the London Stadium. (West Ham United)
I just want to give a special mention to Nordtveit. He has received so much stick from our fans for his performances this season, and I think it has been quite unfair on him. He got a chance to impress us last Saturday, and he grabbed the chance with both hands. In my opinion, he was nothing short of brilliant. I hope he gets a run of games in the side now and shows us his qualities.
Slaven Bilic has revealed that Ronald Koeman said West Ham were the only team that deserved to win on Saturday. (HITC)
Arthur Masuaku has been praised for his performance against Everton last Saturday. (Football London)
Arthur is another player who deserves a lot of praise. He also received a lot of stick from our fans, and I think it was unneeded. Apart from West Brom away earlier in the season, he has performed well in every game he has played for us. I am glad that he is back in the starting eleven and proving everyone wrong.
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MY HONEST OPINION ON SAKHO BY @FAREHAMHAMMER
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 24 APRIL 2017 AT 9:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer–These are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily the website
Surely the cheers were not for the prima donna Diafra Sakho on Saturday? A player who has been on strike for the best part of a year, has had enough time to crash his £200,000 Lamborghini into a woman's wall after a collision with a Mini Cooper? Has a sulk and refuses to fly with the team? Demands a move and when one is granted, is not even fit enough to pass a medical? We need to shove the spoilt brat out of the door as quick as possible .The man is cancer! How humiliating it must be for Slaven Bilic, to have yet another round of 'clear' the air talks with this clown.
His hand was forced because we are bitterly short of strikers. Yet you still get fans making excuses for Sakho. He needs to be 'loved', "He needs to have an arm around him "What a load of tear jerking rubbish! Put him on The Jeremy Kyle Show! That's where he belongs! The love in for Sakho is really difficult to explain. Based on what? A stretch of seven games where he scored six goals in his very first season? A one season wonder in my book.
As a player he is most certainly not the most intelligent of players, certainly can't spot a pass, poor first touch and is easily forced away from goal. I think his injury record is as bad as Andy Carroll's if not worse .Yet Sakho's injury record hardly ever gets mentioned. His contribution on the pitch when fit, has been nowhere near what Carroll's is. Certainly not a 20 goal a season man that is for sure.
So where do go from here? The best we can hope for is that Sakho stay's fit for the rest of the season, scores a few goals and we can shift him in the summer. Providing he can actually bother to turn up for pre-season and get himself fit, and we don't have the same shambles as when West Brom tried to sign the player. I fear however, that the only way we are going to shift Sakho is to send him out on loan till his contract is up. Probably having to pay part of his wages.
Either way, Sakho will in years to come regret his spoilt brat attitude he has displayed while at the club. He should just speak to another 'rebel' Ravel Morrison and ask him how life panned out after he left West Ham.
He is on the virtual scrapheap battling to get into a poor Queens Park Rangers team. Or maybe he should pick up the phone and speak to Yossi Benayoun who despite playing for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. Always refers to West Ham as "home" or a special club. Yes, this season has not been what we hoped for and undoubtedly we need to do some shrewd work in the transfer window this summer.
However we need to have a clear out. Easier said than done I know! I am in no doubt that Slaven Bilic, will have the Prima Donna near the top of the list for departure. However it is NOT all gloom and doom. Although not perfect, the performance against Everton indicated that better days lay ahead! The one two between Lanzini and Ayew is what West Ham is all about! Football with a smile on its face. We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI'S!
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Bonzo joins Manchester Hall of Fame
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Billy Bonds has been confirmed as one of eight new players to be inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.
The former West Ham United captain and manager joins Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard Jnr (West Ham & Chelsea), Bob Wilson (Arsenal), Gary Speed (Leeds Utd etc), England Ladies' record goalscorer Kelly Smith, the Ladies most-capped player Rachel Yankey and (paralympian) Alistair Patrick-Heselton as new members of the Hall of Fame, which is based in Manchester.
The new inductees were agreed upon by a select panel of footballing greats, including Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, Peter Schmeichel, Roger Hunt and several other former legendary players.
"We're delighted to be inducting nine players who have amazed us with their commitment to the great game," said National Football Museum Interim Director Kevin Haygarth.
"The decision-making panel is made up of some of the greatest players and managers to grace the game, including some of the 1966 World Cup winning team, which makes the accolade even more prestigious.
"These footballing greats will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at an awards dinner in September."
Meanwhile PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor added: "We have been pleased to support the National Football Museum since its inception.
"Subsequently the Hall of Fame giving fitting recognition to those who have contributed their own special chapters to football's history book. This year's nominees fully merit their inclusion."
Bonds is just the latest in a long line of West Ham players to be featured at the Museum; he joins the likes of Martin Peters, Rio Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham, Liam Brady, Geoff Hurst, Stuart Pearce, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Moore in the 152-strong list.
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The Art of defending
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Arthur Masuaku believes that Saturday's goalless draw against Everton saw him produce his best 90 minutes in a West Ham shirt. The left back operated slightly further up the field as part of a five-man defence that stifled the Toffees, who failed to conjure a single shot on target all afternoon. And the French defender admitted that he prefers to play at wing back, a position that allows hiim to burst forward more frequently - as he did to great effect at the Olympicc Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
"I think that was my best game for West Ham," he told whufc.com. "In my opinion I'm better when I'm on the wing because I can go forward and I can come back and defend. This is my best position, I think. "It was a good point for us against a top team. We played very well as a team and that's the key to success. We defended well, we were strong, we were solid and we didn't give them the opportunity to score."
Meanwhile Masuaku's defensive partner Winston Reid was equally delighted at returning to the fold having been sidelined with injury for a number of weeks. And he was particularly pleased at having kept West Ham's nemesis Romelu Lukaku quiet during the game - with Lukaku failing to score for the first time in eight games against the Hammers. "I think we did well today," added the Kiwi. "Jose [Fonte] and Ginge were great at the back but also people in front were great; Harv [Nordtveit] put in a really good shift and that was good to see.
"That final ball wasn't always there but we would have lost these games earlier in the season and we're pleased to have come away with the point after working hard, which is what you always want. "With a player like Lukaku you have to keep tight to him. If he can't turn, he can't score - and it's going to be difficult for him. You simply try and keep him away from goal; it's pretty boring, but it's simple and effective! "Everton are more than just Lukaku, they have a good team. It was about working out where they're good, and that's through the middle of the pitch. They have good combinations and we minimised them to just a few chances."
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Valencia linked with permanent switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia's season-long loan spell at Everton could be made permanent this summer, according to reports from Merseyside. The Ecuador international is almost certainly on his way out of West Ham at the end of the current campaign and one potential destination is Goodison Park, where he has proved to be a moderate success on loan this campaign. With his asking price has been set at circa £12million - roughly the fee West Ham paid CF Pachua for his services three summers ago - Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is said to be considering making Valencia's season-long loan spell permanent.
And the signing would be approved of by many Everton fans, according to comments posted on the club's forums over the weekend. "He's not a first team starter but he has had a good season and been an effective impact player," wrote Chris CK1978. "I would like to see him stay especially if we get a spot in the early rounds of the Europa League."
Thoughts echoed by fellow Everton fan madden95, who added: "Every time he has come on he has played well. He hasn't moaned about not playing, works hard and gets on with the players. I would keep him."
However not all fans are in agreement about potentially landing the 27-year-old, who has also been on the radar of West Bromwich Albion in recent weeks.
"On the one hand has been effective in several games were we've needed him, and at the very least is a decent squad player," wrote Toffe3m4n, a member of grandoldteam.com. "On the other, if we're really serious about kicking on then we need to be buying better players than him, even ones who'll be bench players."
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Hammers linked with Super Lig swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with one of the Turkish Super Lig's top goalkeepers. Reports emanating from Turkey this morning suggest that West Ham are taking a close look at Trabzonspor stopper Onur Kivrak. The 29-year-old is said to have been courted by Slaven Bilic during his previous role at Besiktas and is seen as an ideal replacement for Adrian and Darren Randolph, both of whom have been tipped to move on this summer. Nicknamed 'Butterfly' by fans of Trabzonspor, Kivrak - who represented his country at Euro 16 last summer - is out of contract at the end of next season (2017/18). His contract is understood to contain a release clause triggered at bids of €10million.
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Michail Antonio insists West Ham are 'a couple of players' away from challenging for European football
Michail Antonio is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury
The England international suffered the injury in a win over Swansea in April
Antonio believes West Ham are a few signings a way from European football
He also praised the impact of West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on his game
By Andy Warren For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 18:30, 24 April 2017 | UPDATED: 18:30, 24 April 2017
Michail Antonio believes West Ham are just a handful of new signings away from challenging for European football next season. The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League in what is their first season at their new London Stadium home, but are just two shy of ninth place with four matches left to play. But Antonio, who is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, believes they are just a few quality additions away from challenging for Europe. He also offered an update on his bid to return to fitness.
'I am looking to be back around July, basically getting ready for beginning of next season,' he told ESPN. 'I'm hoping to be involved in the majority of preseason training. I might miss the first week, but I'll hopefully be back for the rest of it. 'We need to sign a couple of players - a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers - and get more goals. If we can do that, we will be up there for European places.'
Antonio, who has scored nine goals so far this season, was full of praise for manager Slaven Bilic and insisted the Hammers boss has improved his game significantly. 'He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch,' Antonio said. 'I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that.' Next up for the Hammers is a visit to Stoke on Saturday, with Antonio once again missing from the line-up as he continues his rehabilitation.
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Study shows West Ham have two of the best 20 dribblers in Europe in Lanzini and Antonio
They are wizards with the ball at their feet
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:00, 24 APR 2017
Despite his display at the weekend, Arthur Masuaku doesnn't make this list unfortunately. But, two other West Ham stars have been named in a list via the CIES Football Observatory which has crunched the numbers to reveal the best dribblers of a football in Europe.
Step forward, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio. The Hammers duo are on the list at numbers 12 and 17 respectively, with the Argentine magician narrowly missing out on the top ten. Lanzini has been given a rating of 83.6/100, making him the sixth best dribbler in the Premier League. The player who leads the way might surprise you - Adam Traore (100) and Eden Hazard is just behind him with 99.7. Lanzini has attempted 115 dribbles this season and has completed an impressive 63% of those. Compare that to someone like Neymar at Barcelona, who has attempted 150 more dribbles and completed just more than half of them, Lanzini is far more efficient. His dribbles have led to seven goals, two assists and an impressive 42 chances created this season, showing the Argentine has stepped into that Dimitri Payet-shaped void pretty well.
The CIES Football Observatory notes that: "The dribbling index is calculated by dividing the number of dribbles attempted by the percentage of successful ones. This allows us taking into account dribbling skills from both a quantitative and a qualitative perspective." Whatever that means.
As for Antonio, he finds himself inside the top 20. He has attempted 139 dribbles - before his season was cut short by injury - completed 54% of them to give him a rating of 82.2, better than Paul Pogba if you're interested. Antonio is West Ham's top scorer this season with nine, while his dribbles have 31 chances for his teammates and given the winger three assists for the season.
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Is the much-maligned Havard Nordtveit about to prove his West Ham doubters wrong?
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United midfielder looked like a different player against Everton. If you were to ask a selection of West Ham United fans who their worst performers of the season have been, the same names would come up time and again. From the old guard, Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell have divided opinion for much of the campaign, while from the summer signings it is a case of take your pick, with the now departed Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri and Havard Nordtveit among those to be berated for their below-par performances. However, 26-year-old Nordtveit could be about to prove his doubters wrong in emphatic fashion; certainly if his performance against Everton on Saturday is anything to go by. The versatile Norwegian has been something of a jack of all trades since arriving at the London Stadium. However his performance in his preferred position as a holding midfielder helped West Ham secure an impressive point, and an equally impressive clean sheet, against the previously free-scoring Toffees. There is still plenty of work for Nordtveit to do, but it could be a case of judging him too soon and somewhat unfairly given his use as a makeshift right-back in a bid to solve a problem of Slaven Bilic's own making. If Nordtveit can play well between now and the summer, West Ham could have an unlikely new midfield hero as they bid to kick on next season and beyond.
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West Ham handed blow in Zabaleta chase
By Josh Challies - Apr 24, 2017 0
ReadWestHam
West Ham have been eying big-name recruits ahead of the summer as they seek to improve on what has been a disappointing season. Three games unbeaten has seen the Hammers move away from the relegation zone, securing a seven point advantage over Swansea City, but two draws in that run will be disappointing. Slaven Bilic's side will also be aware that their work is far from complete as they face a difficult final four games against Stoke, Tottenham, Liverpool and Burnley. With their advantage though, the Hammers should be able to prepare for another season in the Premier League- although their chances of signing an experienced defender have been handed a blow.
ClubCall state Manchester City are considering handing Pablo Zabaleta a contract extension this summer, which would rule-out a free transfer for the Hammers. The Argentine international has impressed Pep Guardiola this season and a new deal could be offered to the 32-year-old, which would see him extend his stay in Manchester. However, the Hammers may still have hopes of a deal as West Ham can offer first-team assurances that the Citizens may not be able to provide.
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Cult hero James Collins full time antics continue to endear himself to the West Ham faithful
The Ginger Pele's legendary status is increasing
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:31, 24 APR 2017
James Collins has started the past five games for West Ham and they have kept two clean sheets in that time. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but after looking as though he may well be on his way out of the club at the end of this season, now he looks indispensable to West Ham. Of course, his displays on the pitch have been excellent of late but it's what he has been doing at full time that is endearing himself to Hammers fans even more. Over the past five games, Collins has been the first to travel over to the away fans at full time, even in defeat. The Hammers' travelling army have had long trips to Hull and Sunderland in recent weeks without seeing their team win and it shouldn't be underestimated how much they appreciate it. It's at the London Stadium though where "Ginge" is enhancing his cult status even more.
At the end of the past two games, Collins has walked over to one of the stands in the stadium and given his shirt to a lucky fan. He is always the last West Ham player to leave the pitch, despite the result.
Jack Lebeau @JackLebeau66
James Collins. Touch of class. One of West Ham's cult heroes. #WHUFC
5:32 PM - 22 Apr 2017 · Stratford, London
1 1 Retweet 11 11 likes
He did it again on Saturday and it was caught on video. Just listen to the reception Collins gets from the Hammers fans at full time.
The 33-year-old signed a new two-year deal back in 2015 which runs out at the end of next season and said at the time: "The thought of not being involved in this Club, and with the fans who I have got a special relationship with and have always been great to me, was playing on my mind." The Ginger Pele has a special relationship with West Ham fans and long may that continue.
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Winston Reid says West Ham will kick on next season after difficult campaign
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Winston Reid believes West Ham will emerge stronger from the trials and tribulations of this season. The Hammers are on 38 points following the goalless draw at home to Everton and both Reid and manager Slaven Bilic believe another two points will bring Premier League safety. Reid, captain for the day against Everton in the absence of the suspended Mark Noble, said: "It was a decent performance and as long as we have that determination and work ethic, we should get the points we need to be safe and then build towards next year. The players will learn a lot from this experience. It has been a roller-coaster ride and not easy, with the new stadium and the big turnaround in the squad. We will learn from this." "It was always about those 40 points as long as I can remember but we want to try to win every game and if not — don't lose it." Havard Nordtveit took full advantage of West Ham's injury situation to star in a holding midfield role. He said: "When you get the chance, you need to be good."
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Clarity Causing West Ham's Problems?
http://www.ironviews.com
By Ed Drayton on April 24, 2017 in Opinion
West Ham United – From reaching Europe to battling relegation in a year. A drastic change in 12 months and one that didn't seem possible after our highest ever Premier League points total. But is that true? Or were the signs of this dreadful season already developing when Payet's free kicks and talk of a Mark Noble England call up were all we were thinking of?
Read any tweet, article or forum post and you will see people blaming the manager, the players, the owners or Payet each depending on the fans opinion. But I think the West Ham malaise kicked into gear years ago. West Ham United, you see, is not United. Not United in terms of a clear coherent ideology. A strategy from the top to the bottom of the club has not been present at West Ham United in my lifetime. The academy, transfers, staff recruitment and finances have all been a patchwork of ideas for a long time.
Look at the renowned 'Academy of Football'. The last time it produced a first XI player was James Tomkins nearly 10 years ago! But the path to the first team is a difficult one for the talented youngsters. The U23s do not get coached with the same ideology as the first team. I am not in the know, but I doubt that the head of the academy and the first team coaches even work together that often. Just reading the academy-centric articles on the official website shows this. They talk of Terry Westley's ideas within the academy and barely mention Bilic.
Transfers as well. Nobody is sure who signs our players. Töre seemed to be Slaven's man, Feghouli Sullivan's and Masuaku Tony Henry's. Having three different conflicts of ideas can't be helpful. Look at Southampton. They have a system where they have a detailed scouting network in place so when the manager, a coach or a player leaves they have a replacement lined up who is usually perfectly suited to the club. No wonder they have dealt with losing their key men so often, so well. Koeman followed Pochettino. Tadic followed Lallana. With West Ham Robert Snodgrass followed Payet. (No offense to Snoddy, he's good, just not one of the best players in Europe good…) At the other end of the spectrum you have the Tony Pulis' of this world. They are in control of everything at the club. Some of the transfers and tactics may be dodgy but at least everyone knows where they stand. Slaven has not experienced this trust at West Ham. I'm not saying any one way is the right way, but it has to be better than the West Ham chaos!
West Ham is not perfect but I don't think any one party deserves to shoulder the blame. Many areas of our club could be improved but surely a clear message of structure needs to be present. Right down from the board to the kit men we need to have a target, an aim, a plan otherwise I fear we will have another 30 years of up and downs, highs and lows, brilliant football and shocking football. But that's why we love West Ham right? Would we have it any other way?
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West Ham FC transfer news: Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak linked with Hammers move
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, April 24, 2017
West Ham United have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Onur Kivrak. According to reports in Turkey, the Hammers are in talks with the 29-year-old Trabzonspor captain ahead of the summer transfer window. Inconsistent performances from Adrian and Darren Randolph have meant that Bilic is on the lookout for a new keeper and Kivrak, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 27 appearances this term, is reportedly their ideal choice. Kivrak is no stranger to Slaven Bilic - the Hammers boss tried to sign the Turkey international during his spell in charge of Besiktas. The report also claims that Trabzonspor have already turned down an initial approach from West Ham for their prized shot-stopper.
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic delays hip surgery as his side limp towards 40-point mark
Telegraph.co.uk
Gerry Cox, london stadium
23 APRIL 2017 • 10:45PM
Slaven Bilic cuts a forlorn figure on the touchline as West Ham limp towards Premier League survival. The Croatian manager has endured a poor second season with the club, in contrast to the success of his first. Since last summer the east London club have struggled to adapt to their new home, suffered a series of hammer blows on the injury front and been destabilised by the behaviour of their now-departed star player Dimitri Payet. The point they earned here moved them one closer to the traditional safety post of 40, although Swansea moved two points closer to them with victory over Stoke. But Bilic knows points will not be easily earnt, with tricky away games at Stoke City and Burnley either side of the visits of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. "We need points," he said bluntly. "As long as I can remember, it is about 40 points. But I don't think that way. You cannot calculate how you will get them. Not even Chelsea can say that. It is the greatest thing about this league."
So his focus is on one game at a time. "I'm not talking only about getting out or keeping the distance [from the bottom three]. I'm talking also about climbing the table." Only then will he be able to think about this season. "I don't like to moan about the obstacles we had." And himself? "My hip is nothing worse than it was last year. I don't have time [for surgery]. You need six weeks for the operation – but I am not a player!"
Everton's unusually torpid display without a single effort on goal, meant they missed a chance to move into fifth place and Ronald Koeman was angry. He will spend the summer hoping to retain Romelu Lukaku and looking to increase his squad options. "There are questions for the end of the season, and to bring a strong squad in. We saw today with the young players, it's difficult to perform always in the Premier League – they need to improve and need to be stronger and all that kind of stuff. We will make decisions at the end of the season."
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"He controlled the midfield" - West Ham fans heap praise on Havard Nordtveit after stunning display against Everton
The Norwegian midfielder had his best game in claret and blue
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:30, 24 APR 2017
Havard Nordtveit put in by far his best shift in a West Ham shirt against Everton at the weekend and Hammers fans certainly let him know it. The Norwegian has been a peripheral figure at most this season and when he has played, it's been at right back and not in his natural defensive midfield position. But, he got the chance to play in midfield at the weekend for only the second time this season and he grabbed it with both hands, putting in a superb display. Nordtveit had an 82% pass accuracy, four tackles and two interceptions as he kept the in-form Everton midfielder Ross Barkley very much in check throughout the 90 minutes. With the return of Mark Noble from suspension for the trip to Stoke on Saturday, Nordtveit might struggle to keep hold of his spot in the team unless Slaven Bilic drops Edimilson Fernandes but in any case, Nordtveit certainly did his case no harm.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic is keen for his West Ham United side to build on their run of five points from their last three Premier League games as the 2016/17 finishing line comes into sight. After picking up a useful point against Europe-chasing Everton on Saturday, the Hammers moved ever closer to the first target of 40 points - but the boss is still aiming higher with the top half of the table within reach.
Next up is a trip to Stoke City, with Bilic aiming to add a cutting edge to the solidity shown against the Toffees. He said: "Maybe 38 points will be enough, but maybe not. For every team, every game is going to be extremely hard to win because almost every team is fighting for something. "You don't want to go into the last couple of games or the last game with the radio on, wanting to know what the score is there and there. "We want to avoid that and, to be comfortable, we need a few more points. We want it, not only to avoid [that situation] but also to climb up the table. Still we can finish really high if we win a few games. "We need to approach every match game-by-game and try and win it. Or at least don't lose it. Then, move on to the next one and try and try. "I'm not talking about only about keeping the distance, but also about climbing the table. "Ronald [Koeman] said after the game, and he's very honest and straight, that only one team played today and only one team deserved to win. That was us. "We were better than them on Saturday, they are not happy with their performance. If they played like that [regularly] they wouldn't be where they are. "Part of the reason why they played like that was us. You can't say that they were a team without motivation to play for something. They are not middle of the table and waiting for the season to finish, but we were on top of them and aggressive."
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U15s narrowly miss out on Prague title
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s lost on penalties in the final of the Slavia International Cup
They drew 0-0 with Spanish side Malaga after normal time, but lost 3-2 after spot-kicks
Danny Searle remained proud of his players after their terrific efforts
Head of U15-18 Coaching Danny Searle remained proud of his U15s after they missed out on winning the Slavia International Cup by the finest of margins. The Hammers were the better side in the final – being played at the Eden Arena, home of Slavia Prague – but were eventually beaten 3-2 on penalties by Malaga after drawing 0-0 after normal time. Kai Corbett had the Hammers' best chance of the fixture, hitting the post just before half-time, and they restricted their Spanish opponents to very little in the way of chances on goal. But after failing to find a breakthrough in the allocated 50 minutes, the lottery of a penalty shootout followed with Malaga prevailing. "When you look at the semi-final, our class really shone through," said Searle. "We hadn't really hit the ground running at all on day one and two. "But the boys, through their grit and determination, managed to keep themselves in the tournament. To get to the semi-final and to see them play with the style we know they can play with, I thought we did take that into the final against a very good Malaga side. "We matched them all the way and probably edged it to be fair. To lose on penalties is just one of those things but I'm really proud of the boys. The Hammers made it through to the event's showcase match after battling to a deserved 2-1 victory over local side Sparta Prague in the morning.
They went behind early on but showed resilience to fight back and equalise just before half-time. Amadou Diallo – who was named Player of the Tournament at the competition's closing ceremony – let fly from 25 yards and found the bottom corner with a terrific curling strike. There may have been an element of luck about the winner when Kamarai Swyer's cross looped over the goalkeeper but the result was never in doubt after the Hammers' dominance. Then came the weekend's climax and a meeting of the two best footballing sides in the competition. It was a tense 50 minutes with both side's having their share of pressure, but West Ham's Corbett had the best chance of the match when he hit the post. Penalties followed and Malaga eventually won 3-2, but Searle felt his side deserved more than the title of "runners-up". "We were the youngest team in the tournament so it was always going to be tough," he added. "We had teams from the Czech Republic, Spain and Austria so it was a good test for the boys. They showed great resilience through the tournament and we got better and better as the tournament went on. In the end, it was disappointing because I think we deserved more."
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Reid – We dealt with Lukaku
WHUFC.com
Staying tight at the back and keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet was key to Saturday's impressive performance, said Winston Reid
The New Zealand international returned to the starting XI after a four-game absence due to injury
As skipper at London Stadium, the centre-back was solid throughout alongside fellow defenders James Collins and Jose Fonte
Keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet was crucial to West Ham United's impressive performance as they drew 0-0 with Everton at London Stadium on Saturday, according to defender Winston Reid.
The Hammers shut out the in-form Toffees and in turn prevented the Belgian forward finding the back of the net against the Hammers for the tenth consecutive match. And Reid, returning to the starting XI as captain having missed four matches with a groin problem, played a vital role in limiting Lukaku to just one attempt on goal in east London. Alongside Jose Fonte and James Collins as part of a three-man central defence, the New Zealand international, solid throughout, was pleased with the way his team dealt with one of Europe's top strikers. He said: "With a player like Lukaku, you have to keep tight to him and if he can't turn, then he can't score and it's going to be difficult for him. You try and keep him away from goal – it's pretty boring but it's simple and effective! "You have got to be on him when he's in the box and I think we did well today. Jose and Ginge were great at the back but also people in front were great; Harv [Nordtveit] put in a really good shift and that was good to see. "But Everton are more than just Lukaku, they have a good team. It was first about working out where they're good, and that's through the middle of the pitch. "They have good combinations and we minimised them to just a few chances. There weren't many, and it was that type of game."
West Ham dominated throughout on Saturday, going close in the first half through Jonathan Calleri and Cheikhou Kouyate before Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho – making his London Stadium debut – worried the visiting defence in the second. And the success of Slaven Bilic's gameplan depended on the hosts' ability to stay compact at the back and keep a clean sheet, said Reid. "We've had a lot of injuries so first and foremost, we had to stop them scoring," the centre back continued. "Then, going forward, we had to get Manu [Lanzini] and Dre [Ayew], those types of players on the ball and try to get into good positions. "I guess that final ball wasn't always there today and the sharpness, but these games earlier in the season we would have lost and we're pleased to have come away with the point after working hard, which is what you always want. "It was a decent performance from the team. As long as we keep up this good work then we can get the points that we need from now until the end of the season."
Saturday's draw puts the Hammers on 38 points in the Premier League and Reid hopes the side can continue to perform and put points on the board as the campaign draws to a close. "We need to finish the season strongly. Things haven't been easy this season, and it's not an excuse, but the new stadium, we had a big turnaround in the squad…we will learn from these things next season. "It gives us experience. We have a young squad and I'm sure the young players will learn from these things. "It was good to be back out there today. I had just three or four days' training with the team so I was never going to be 100 per cent fit, but the two old boys next to me did all my running, so that was nice!"
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Nordtveit - We have big games to come
WHUFC.com
Havard Nordtveit excels on first 90-minute runout since January
Norway midfielder helped Hammers to a point against high-flying Everton
Nordtveit has eyes on strong end to the camapign, with Spurs and Liverpool to come at home
After picking up a point against Everton on Saturday, Havard Nordtveit is targeting a big end to the season at London Stadium. Following this weekend's trip to Stoke City, the Hammers return to east London to close their home slate of fixtures with mouthwatering match-ups against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Nordtveit, who was making his first start in Claret and Blue since January, felt the Hammers could have beaten Ronald Koeman's high-flying Toffees and that they are in good shape to end the season on a high. "We played well and might have got more than just a point," the No4 said. "We kept a clean sheet and also had a couple of chances to score, but we'll take the one point against Everton - they're a good team and we know that. "We were superb defensively. I don't know if they had any chances, not any big ones certainly, and that's really good for us. "For me personally I hadn't played 90 minutes for a while so it was tough, but the whole team worked well together defensively and offensively, so it was a good system. "I was a little bit nervous at the start, but this is my position and I felt that I came more and more into the game as it went on, especially in the second half. "We have some big games to come, and this result stands us in good stead for them. "We need to bring what we did on Saturday, with a little bit more, and I'm pretty sure the points will come. "It was a great atmosphere here on Saturday, and we are growing into this Stadium as our home now. We're looking forward to the next game."
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Loanee round up
WHUFC.com
There were huge results for both Josh Cullen and Jaanai Gordon in loan action this weekend
Cullen's Bantams sealed a play-off spot whilst Gordon's Newport climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since November
Meanwhile, Reece Burke made his long-awaited comeback from injury to play for Wigan Athletic
With Enner Valencia unable to face his parent club West Ham United whilst on loan at Everton on Saturday, the only Hammers in loan action over the weekend were below the top flight.
In the Championship, Reece Oxford and Reading's slim hopes of catching Newcastle United in second place were all but ended when they were beaten by struggling Nottingham Forest 3-2. It was a much needed victory for the hosts, who had slipped into some relegation trouble at the bottom of the table, and Britt Assambalonga got things moving at the City Ground with the opener after half an hour. The forward added a second before Mustapha Carayol got in on the act to put the result beyond doubt. A Yann Kermorgant double unsettled the home crowd, but Reading – who kept Oxford on the substitutes' bench – could not mount a full comeback.
Elsewhere in the division, there was the long-awaited return of Reece Burke to Wigan Athletic's starting XI as he made his senior comeback at home to Cardiff City.
Burke's team could not get the victory they so desperately needed though, firing a blank in the goalless contest, and look set to be relegated back down to League One at the first time of asking.
Down in the third tier, Bradford City booked their play-off spot with a simple 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, though their top-six hopes have never really been in doubt. Josh Cullen played the full 90 minutes once again for the Bantams who scored twice through Tony McMahon either side of Mark Marshall's goal at the end of the first period. Stuart McCall's men will likely face Scunthorpe United in the semi-final stages of the play-offs.
Walsall's penultimate clash of an average season ended in disappointment, as George Dobson and co. were beaten 1-0 at relegated Coventry City. The central midfielder was brought on at half time but could not help the Saddlers overturn a one-goal deficit brought about by young striker George Thomas' goal.
Meanwhile in League Two, Newport County climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since November as they beat Accrington Stanley 1-0 at home.
West Ham forward Jaanai Gordon was introduced in injury time as the Exiles recorded a massive win to lift them out of the bottom two just six weeks after they were eleven points adrift. Ryan Bird scored the all-important goal, and Mike Flynn's side now need to keep their heads just above Hartlepool United's if they are to preserve their Football League status.
Finally, goalkeeper Sam Howes helped Hampton and Richmond Borough to a 2-1 away win at Welling United on Saturday in the National League South.
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Stat's A Fact - King Arthur
WHUFC.com
West Ham United had strong defensive organisation to thank again on Saturday as Slaven Bilic's side recorded a second successive home clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Everton at London Stadium.
Before the game, the key battle looked likely to take place between 24-goal, in-form striker Romelu Lukaku and the Hammers' back line. Not only does the Belgian sit atop the Premier League individual scoring charts but his record against West Ham had seen him score in each of the past nine meetings between the two clubs.
Lukaku was instead, though, limited to just one shot and failed to test Adrian in the West Ham goal throughout the afternoon.
The method to keeping Lukaku quiet was simple: "stop the service" Slaven Bilic explained in his Thursday press conference. Step in Arthur Masukau.
Whilst the performances of Jose Fonte, the returning Winston Reid, James Collins and Edimilson Fernandes all deserve plaudits, it was Masuaku who was the Hammers' stand out man at the back.
The Frenchman was a constant frustration to Everton's wide players, who rotated between being Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and Tom Davies, and was on hand to make a total of four tackles in the game – bettered only by Havard Nordtveit for the Hammers. Masuaku also made 4 blocks and maintained the joint-highest pass completion rate (92 per cent) from 53 passes.
Not only was Masuaku impressive defensively, but his work rate and attacking influence was also a telling factor in the dominant display. He covered 9.6 kilometres of ground up and down the left flank, while also producing seven successful dribbles – the most by any player, and taking 77 touches.
The Frenchman admitted after the game that it was his "best performance with West Ham".
Masuaku 2 of action through injury this season and was made to wait patiently for his turn in the side, however recent weeks certainly suggest he is repaying Bilic's faith in him. Since returning to the side against Swansea in early-April, the Hammers have kept two clean sheets and remain unbeaten.
James Collins' five interceptions and eight clearances was the most by any player, Edimilson Fernandes and Jose Fonte topped the charts for blocking and aerial duels respectively, while Winston Reid's organisation and leadership was very-much welcomed back. It was a near perfect defensive display by West Ham.
Clearly, it was not a day for the Everton attackers but their defenders were called in to action on more than one occasion. Centre-halves Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams made 13 clearances between them, while Mason Holgate – often tasked with dealing with Masuaku – made five key tackles from right back.
Slaven Bilic's side make the trip to Stoke City's bet365 Stadium next weekend before welcoming free-scoring Tottenham and Liverpool sides to London Stadium in early-May. Unbeaten in three and two consecutive home clean sheets should allow Bilic and his defenders to take confidence in to this run of tricky matches so no doubt it will be a case of 'same again' when the defenders take to the pitch on Saturday.
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Westley – It was some performance
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley lauded his young U23s as they sealed their place in the Premier League 2 play-offs
The youngsters were terrific in a 4-0 away victory at West Browmich Albion
With Blackburn Rovers only managing a draw against Aston Villa, West Ham finished fifth and will take on Wolves in the play-off semi-final
"It was some performance," claimed Terry Westley as his young Hammers confirmed their place in the Premier League 2 play-offs with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion on Monday. The U23s travelled to the Hawthorns knowing results elsewhere had to go their way in order to finish in the league's top five, even if they were to beat the Baggies. And beat them they did in style, with goals from Dan Kemp, Martin Samuelsen – who bagged a brace – and Nathan Holland finding the back of the net in the perfect away performance. With Blackburn Rovers only managing a goalless draw against Aston Villa, the Hammers celebrated qualification to the play-offs with a semi-final tie at Wolverhampton Wanderers to follow.
Naturally, Westley was delighted with the outcome of the evening and praised his team for a complete display. He said: "It could have been our last game tonight, and we wanted to really play well. We wanted to see evidence of all the work that's been done over the last three years, and that culminated in a brilliant win away from home and also qualification [for the play-offs] with Blackburn and Villa drawing. We got both things we wished for. "Tonight, all credit to the players because it was some performance. We started right on the front foot. The front four really caused their back players problems. That was the difference. "If you do your money on good front players, they can open teams up and win you matches at any level. That was the standout. "I read an article this week about Martin Samuelsen and confidence. People give players confidence, and you saw tonight what an absolutely outstanding talent we have on our hands. "He's only 19 and we had too much for them. Let's not forget how talented some of our players really are."
And the age of the starting XI was something Westley was keen to point out, having fielded an extremely young side. "Our left-back [debutant Reece Hannam] was U16, the two centre-halves are U18, [Dan] Kempy is U18. [Joe] Powelly and Jahmal [Hector-Ingram] are U18 players. We are still very young in this league and the style and the philosophy of how we played tonight was the real thing for me. "I couldn't be happier with the way we played and that culminating in the play-offs. Now we go up to Wolves in a very tough match because I think they finished second, so it will be tough for us, but I think we will keep trying to play the way we played tonight."
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WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT FROM WEST HAM V EVERTON
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 23 APRIL 2017 AT 8:21PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
My five takeaways from the game this week by Steve Claydon @trbeat.
1. Defence comes good.
I wrote last week that having a good back line and a keeper is important for the foundations of keeping a clean sheet. With Winston Reid coming back from injury the switch to three centre-backs was made, and it worked well. All of them, Reid, Collins and Fonte were strong, co-ordinated and thankfully kept Lukakua at bay the whole game. It was one of the first times I have seen the Everton forward kept at bay, and the stats back this up. Lukakua has scored in the last nine games against us. I repeat all three were immense, with both Collins and Reid keeping the back strong which allowed Fonte to move the ball out from the back, something which he did quite well. I was very impressed with how that formation worked. Adrian must have loved it as he really had nothing to do, except have a small barney with Fernandez who put him under undue pressure with a poor backless throw-in. Other than that the back three and Adrian had nothing to do the whole game. Credit to all of them.
2. Viking Ships finally sailing
Håvard Nordtveit. Well look who played out of his skin, or maybe that's was we can expect from him when played in the right position (that's a theme we've all heard). This man was immense. He protected the back line very well and his constant harrying of the Everton midfield and forwards forced them into critical errors breaking down promising attacks. He played the Noble role very well, and dare I say it performed it, in this game at least, better than Noble. I like the way he started attacks; I like the way he played his position by not putting himself in dangerous situations or extending himself unnecessarily. It was a very solid game from a player that has been panned a little by some and a lot by others. Kouyate, who picked up a knock five minutes into the game seemed to be off, including a less that stellar defensive performance and poor final third passes. Had Kouyate played to his normal level, both of them would have run the game very well, not that we didn't anyway, but we may have even nicked a win.
3. Do we have a position battle?
I loved the play from Masuaku. He looked strong at the back and going forward added a dimension that has been missing from Cresswell this year. He was never afraid to take someone on and try and make things happen, which he did, many times. He worked really well as the wing back and hopefully he can translate this strong play as well when playing in a standard back four. The link up play with Lanzini was nice, and I would be intrigued to see him play a wide role in midfield and have less defensive responsibilities but either way, this man was awesome. His force down the left side kept Everton honest and made them think twice about using that side of the field to attack. While we are about it, Fernandez on the right side, was a lot quieter but did his bit. I was a little disappointed with his attack play as there were a couple of times that he got into good positions but fluffed his lines when it counted most. So if you have a fit Cresswell and Masuaku, who are are you choosing to start against Stoke?
4. It's very sad to see Carroll suffer.
I'd like to say that Carroll not starting was a shock and how can he be injured, again. While watching the game, the commentators mentioned that he aggravated his groin injury, again, when stretching to knock the ball back for Ayew's first goal last week. I hurt for a few days when I stretch to wash my car, but that's not my main job, and so it's sad. It's sad someone so young, with so much potential will never have a true football, long, and exciting career. So what does that mean for West Ham? It means come the summer, and actually, we need to start now, and I am sure we have, we need to figure out our striking options. As many people pointed out on social media today, when Calleri is starting for you, no matter how good or bad you think he is, it's a sorry state of affairs for a team that needs to push on into the upper echelons of the Premier League. I busted on Calleri last week, but he did run his heart out today. The problem is, it was a lot of huffing and puffing and it never really looked like we would score with him up top. Sakho did not look hugely better either, but I still prefer him leading the line. So let's review those three names; Carroll – often injured; Sakho – often injured, poor attitude; Calleri – lacks Premiership skills. So our striking line is in a poor way. We have the ability to fix it in the summer, but we need to be sensible about our targets, and we need our current strike-force to understand that their role will shrink next year along with, hopefully, their related salaries.
5. Lets Credit Bilic, for this game at least.
I'm not going to start or continue the Bilic in, Bilic Out game. Other people have better and more eloquent thoughts on this than I do. Just Listen to the radio show last week to get where I am coming from. The three at the back worked very well for this game, and as I wrote earlier that Lukaku was kept quiet the whole game, and the stats don't lie. Everton had a total of four shots with none on target. That says something. It would be easy to say that Everton was not on their game. I say that our game plan worked very well and negated theirs against us. Whether by actual design, injuries or suspension, Bilic got this one right. At times it was not pretty, but the confidence is starting to return, and for the Everton fans that said we parked the bus, you are wide of the mark, a long way wide. A point is valuable at this time of the year, and while we are not completely safe, (mathematically) if we can put together a few more games like this we should be safe in the next week or two. So I'll give Bilic a lot of credit for shutting down an Everton team that loves to score and beat us.
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AFTERNOON ROUND UP: BILIC SURGERY DELAYED, NORDTVEIT TARGETING BIG END TO SEASON, MASUAKU PRAISE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 24 APRIL 2017 AT 2:26PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Good afternoon Hammers. Here is today's afternoon round up.
West Ham are targeting a move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak. (TalkSport)
I do not think this would be a wise move. If we are going to sign a goalkeeper in the summer, then we should be targeting Joe Hart or Jordan Pickford. Both have Premier League experience and are proven quality.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has delayed his hip surgery. (Telegraph)
Winston Reid has admitted that this season has been a steep learning curve for everyone at the club. (Express)
This season has been a learning curve for everyone associated with the club, all the way from the board to the fans. We have all had to deal with so much change this past year, but I believe things will get better. Once the players start improving on the pitch, then I believe the whole mood around the club will change.
West Ham are keeping tabs on Fleetwood goalkeeper Alex Cairns. (Daily Mail)
Havard Nordtveit is targeting a big end to the season at the London Stadium. (West Ham United)
I just want to give a special mention to Nordtveit. He has received so much stick from our fans for his performances this season, and I think it has been quite unfair on him. He got a chance to impress us last Saturday, and he grabbed the chance with both hands. In my opinion, he was nothing short of brilliant. I hope he gets a run of games in the side now and shows us his qualities.
Slaven Bilic has revealed that Ronald Koeman said West Ham were the only team that deserved to win on Saturday. (HITC)
Arthur Masuaku has been praised for his performance against Everton last Saturday. (Football London)
Arthur is another player who deserves a lot of praise. He also received a lot of stick from our fans, and I think it was unneeded. Apart from West Brom away earlier in the season, he has performed well in every game he has played for us. I am glad that he is back in the starting eleven and proving everyone wrong.
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MY HONEST OPINION ON SAKHO BY @FAREHAMHAMMER
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 24 APRIL 2017 AT 9:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer–These are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily the website
Surely the cheers were not for the prima donna Diafra Sakho on Saturday? A player who has been on strike for the best part of a year, has had enough time to crash his £200,000 Lamborghini into a woman's wall after a collision with a Mini Cooper? Has a sulk and refuses to fly with the team? Demands a move and when one is granted, is not even fit enough to pass a medical? We need to shove the spoilt brat out of the door as quick as possible .The man is cancer! How humiliating it must be for Slaven Bilic, to have yet another round of 'clear' the air talks with this clown.
His hand was forced because we are bitterly short of strikers. Yet you still get fans making excuses for Sakho. He needs to be 'loved', "He needs to have an arm around him "What a load of tear jerking rubbish! Put him on The Jeremy Kyle Show! That's where he belongs! The love in for Sakho is really difficult to explain. Based on what? A stretch of seven games where he scored six goals in his very first season? A one season wonder in my book.
As a player he is most certainly not the most intelligent of players, certainly can't spot a pass, poor first touch and is easily forced away from goal. I think his injury record is as bad as Andy Carroll's if not worse .Yet Sakho's injury record hardly ever gets mentioned. His contribution on the pitch when fit, has been nowhere near what Carroll's is. Certainly not a 20 goal a season man that is for sure.
So where do go from here? The best we can hope for is that Sakho stay's fit for the rest of the season, scores a few goals and we can shift him in the summer. Providing he can actually bother to turn up for pre-season and get himself fit, and we don't have the same shambles as when West Brom tried to sign the player. I fear however, that the only way we are going to shift Sakho is to send him out on loan till his contract is up. Probably having to pay part of his wages.
Either way, Sakho will in years to come regret his spoilt brat attitude he has displayed while at the club. He should just speak to another 'rebel' Ravel Morrison and ask him how life panned out after he left West Ham.
He is on the virtual scrapheap battling to get into a poor Queens Park Rangers team. Or maybe he should pick up the phone and speak to Yossi Benayoun who despite playing for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. Always refers to West Ham as "home" or a special club. Yes, this season has not been what we hoped for and undoubtedly we need to do some shrewd work in the transfer window this summer.
However we need to have a clear out. Easier said than done I know! I am in no doubt that Slaven Bilic, will have the Prima Donna near the top of the list for departure. However it is NOT all gloom and doom. Although not perfect, the performance against Everton indicated that better days lay ahead! The one two between Lanzini and Ayew is what West Ham is all about! Football with a smile on its face. We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI'S!
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Bonzo joins Manchester Hall of Fame
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Billy Bonds has been confirmed as one of eight new players to be inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.
The former West Ham United captain and manager joins Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard Jnr (West Ham & Chelsea), Bob Wilson (Arsenal), Gary Speed (Leeds Utd etc), England Ladies' record goalscorer Kelly Smith, the Ladies most-capped player Rachel Yankey and (paralympian) Alistair Patrick-Heselton as new members of the Hall of Fame, which is based in Manchester.
The new inductees were agreed upon by a select panel of footballing greats, including Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, Peter Schmeichel, Roger Hunt and several other former legendary players.
"We're delighted to be inducting nine players who have amazed us with their commitment to the great game," said National Football Museum Interim Director Kevin Haygarth.
"The decision-making panel is made up of some of the greatest players and managers to grace the game, including some of the 1966 World Cup winning team, which makes the accolade even more prestigious.
"These footballing greats will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at an awards dinner in September."
Meanwhile PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor added: "We have been pleased to support the National Football Museum since its inception.
"Subsequently the Hall of Fame giving fitting recognition to those who have contributed their own special chapters to football's history book. This year's nominees fully merit their inclusion."
Bonds is just the latest in a long line of West Ham players to be featured at the Museum; he joins the likes of Martin Peters, Rio Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham, Liam Brady, Geoff Hurst, Stuart Pearce, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Moore in the 152-strong list.
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The Art of defending
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Arthur Masuaku believes that Saturday's goalless draw against Everton saw him produce his best 90 minutes in a West Ham shirt. The left back operated slightly further up the field as part of a five-man defence that stifled the Toffees, who failed to conjure a single shot on target all afternoon. And the French defender admitted that he prefers to play at wing back, a position that allows hiim to burst forward more frequently - as he did to great effect at the Olympicc Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
"I think that was my best game for West Ham," he told whufc.com. "In my opinion I'm better when I'm on the wing because I can go forward and I can come back and defend. This is my best position, I think. "It was a good point for us against a top team. We played very well as a team and that's the key to success. We defended well, we were strong, we were solid and we didn't give them the opportunity to score."
Meanwhile Masuaku's defensive partner Winston Reid was equally delighted at returning to the fold having been sidelined with injury for a number of weeks. And he was particularly pleased at having kept West Ham's nemesis Romelu Lukaku quiet during the game - with Lukaku failing to score for the first time in eight games against the Hammers. "I think we did well today," added the Kiwi. "Jose [Fonte] and Ginge were great at the back but also people in front were great; Harv [Nordtveit] put in a really good shift and that was good to see.
"That final ball wasn't always there but we would have lost these games earlier in the season and we're pleased to have come away with the point after working hard, which is what you always want. "With a player like Lukaku you have to keep tight to him. If he can't turn, he can't score - and it's going to be difficult for him. You simply try and keep him away from goal; it's pretty boring, but it's simple and effective! "Everton are more than just Lukaku, they have a good team. It was about working out where they're good, and that's through the middle of the pitch. They have good combinations and we minimised them to just a few chances."
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Valencia linked with permanent switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia's season-long loan spell at Everton could be made permanent this summer, according to reports from Merseyside. The Ecuador international is almost certainly on his way out of West Ham at the end of the current campaign and one potential destination is Goodison Park, where he has proved to be a moderate success on loan this campaign. With his asking price has been set at circa £12million - roughly the fee West Ham paid CF Pachua for his services three summers ago - Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is said to be considering making Valencia's season-long loan spell permanent.
And the signing would be approved of by many Everton fans, according to comments posted on the club's forums over the weekend. "He's not a first team starter but he has had a good season and been an effective impact player," wrote Chris CK1978. "I would like to see him stay especially if we get a spot in the early rounds of the Europa League."
Thoughts echoed by fellow Everton fan madden95, who added: "Every time he has come on he has played well. He hasn't moaned about not playing, works hard and gets on with the players. I would keep him."
However not all fans are in agreement about potentially landing the 27-year-old, who has also been on the radar of West Bromwich Albion in recent weeks.
"On the one hand has been effective in several games were we've needed him, and at the very least is a decent squad player," wrote Toffe3m4n, a member of grandoldteam.com. "On the other, if we're really serious about kicking on then we need to be buying better players than him, even ones who'll be bench players."
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Hammers linked with Super Lig swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th April 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with one of the Turkish Super Lig's top goalkeepers. Reports emanating from Turkey this morning suggest that West Ham are taking a close look at Trabzonspor stopper Onur Kivrak. The 29-year-old is said to have been courted by Slaven Bilic during his previous role at Besiktas and is seen as an ideal replacement for Adrian and Darren Randolph, both of whom have been tipped to move on this summer. Nicknamed 'Butterfly' by fans of Trabzonspor, Kivrak - who represented his country at Euro 16 last summer - is out of contract at the end of next season (2017/18). His contract is understood to contain a release clause triggered at bids of €10million.
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Michail Antonio insists West Ham are 'a couple of players' away from challenging for European football
Michail Antonio is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury
The England international suffered the injury in a win over Swansea in April
Antonio believes West Ham are a few signings a way from European football
He also praised the impact of West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on his game
By Andy Warren For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 18:30, 24 April 2017 | UPDATED: 18:30, 24 April 2017
Michail Antonio believes West Ham are just a handful of new signings away from challenging for European football next season. The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League in what is their first season at their new London Stadium home, but are just two shy of ninth place with four matches left to play. But Antonio, who is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, believes they are just a few quality additions away from challenging for Europe. He also offered an update on his bid to return to fitness.
'I am looking to be back around July, basically getting ready for beginning of next season,' he told ESPN. 'I'm hoping to be involved in the majority of preseason training. I might miss the first week, but I'll hopefully be back for the rest of it. 'We need to sign a couple of players - a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers - and get more goals. If we can do that, we will be up there for European places.'
Antonio, who has scored nine goals so far this season, was full of praise for manager Slaven Bilic and insisted the Hammers boss has improved his game significantly. 'He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch,' Antonio said. 'I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that.' Next up for the Hammers is a visit to Stoke on Saturday, with Antonio once again missing from the line-up as he continues his rehabilitation.
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Study shows West Ham have two of the best 20 dribblers in Europe in Lanzini and Antonio
They are wizards with the ball at their feet
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:00, 24 APR 2017
Despite his display at the weekend, Arthur Masuaku doesnn't make this list unfortunately. But, two other West Ham stars have been named in a list via the CIES Football Observatory which has crunched the numbers to reveal the best dribblers of a football in Europe.
Step forward, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio. The Hammers duo are on the list at numbers 12 and 17 respectively, with the Argentine magician narrowly missing out on the top ten. Lanzini has been given a rating of 83.6/100, making him the sixth best dribbler in the Premier League. The player who leads the way might surprise you - Adam Traore (100) and Eden Hazard is just behind him with 99.7. Lanzini has attempted 115 dribbles this season and has completed an impressive 63% of those. Compare that to someone like Neymar at Barcelona, who has attempted 150 more dribbles and completed just more than half of them, Lanzini is far more efficient. His dribbles have led to seven goals, two assists and an impressive 42 chances created this season, showing the Argentine has stepped into that Dimitri Payet-shaped void pretty well.
The CIES Football Observatory notes that: "The dribbling index is calculated by dividing the number of dribbles attempted by the percentage of successful ones. This allows us taking into account dribbling skills from both a quantitative and a qualitative perspective." Whatever that means.
As for Antonio, he finds himself inside the top 20. He has attempted 139 dribbles - before his season was cut short by injury - completed 54% of them to give him a rating of 82.2, better than Paul Pogba if you're interested. Antonio is West Ham's top scorer this season with nine, while his dribbles have 31 chances for his teammates and given the winger three assists for the season.
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Is the much-maligned Havard Nordtveit about to prove his West Ham doubters wrong?
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United midfielder looked like a different player against Everton. If you were to ask a selection of West Ham United fans who their worst performers of the season have been, the same names would come up time and again. From the old guard, Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell have divided opinion for much of the campaign, while from the summer signings it is a case of take your pick, with the now departed Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri and Havard Nordtveit among those to be berated for their below-par performances. However, 26-year-old Nordtveit could be about to prove his doubters wrong in emphatic fashion; certainly if his performance against Everton on Saturday is anything to go by. The versatile Norwegian has been something of a jack of all trades since arriving at the London Stadium. However his performance in his preferred position as a holding midfielder helped West Ham secure an impressive point, and an equally impressive clean sheet, against the previously free-scoring Toffees. There is still plenty of work for Nordtveit to do, but it could be a case of judging him too soon and somewhat unfairly given his use as a makeshift right-back in a bid to solve a problem of Slaven Bilic's own making. If Nordtveit can play well between now and the summer, West Ham could have an unlikely new midfield hero as they bid to kick on next season and beyond.
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West Ham handed blow in Zabaleta chase
By Josh Challies - Apr 24, 2017 0
ReadWestHam
West Ham have been eying big-name recruits ahead of the summer as they seek to improve on what has been a disappointing season. Three games unbeaten has seen the Hammers move away from the relegation zone, securing a seven point advantage over Swansea City, but two draws in that run will be disappointing. Slaven Bilic's side will also be aware that their work is far from complete as they face a difficult final four games against Stoke, Tottenham, Liverpool and Burnley. With their advantage though, the Hammers should be able to prepare for another season in the Premier League- although their chances of signing an experienced defender have been handed a blow.
ClubCall state Manchester City are considering handing Pablo Zabaleta a contract extension this summer, which would rule-out a free transfer for the Hammers. The Argentine international has impressed Pep Guardiola this season and a new deal could be offered to the 32-year-old, which would see him extend his stay in Manchester. However, the Hammers may still have hopes of a deal as West Ham can offer first-team assurances that the Citizens may not be able to provide.
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Cult hero James Collins full time antics continue to endear himself to the West Ham faithful
The Ginger Pele's legendary status is increasing
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:31, 24 APR 2017
James Collins has started the past five games for West Ham and they have kept two clean sheets in that time. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but after looking as though he may well be on his way out of the club at the end of this season, now he looks indispensable to West Ham. Of course, his displays on the pitch have been excellent of late but it's what he has been doing at full time that is endearing himself to Hammers fans even more. Over the past five games, Collins has been the first to travel over to the away fans at full time, even in defeat. The Hammers' travelling army have had long trips to Hull and Sunderland in recent weeks without seeing their team win and it shouldn't be underestimated how much they appreciate it. It's at the London Stadium though where "Ginge" is enhancing his cult status even more.
At the end of the past two games, Collins has walked over to one of the stands in the stadium and given his shirt to a lucky fan. He is always the last West Ham player to leave the pitch, despite the result.
Jack Lebeau @JackLebeau66
James Collins. Touch of class. One of West Ham's cult heroes. #WHUFC
5:32 PM - 22 Apr 2017 · Stratford, London
1 1 Retweet 11 11 likes
He did it again on Saturday and it was caught on video. Just listen to the reception Collins gets from the Hammers fans at full time.
The 33-year-old signed a new two-year deal back in 2015 which runs out at the end of next season and said at the time: "The thought of not being involved in this Club, and with the fans who I have got a special relationship with and have always been great to me, was playing on my mind." The Ginger Pele has a special relationship with West Ham fans and long may that continue.
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Winston Reid says West Ham will kick on next season after difficult campaign
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Winston Reid believes West Ham will emerge stronger from the trials and tribulations of this season. The Hammers are on 38 points following the goalless draw at home to Everton and both Reid and manager Slaven Bilic believe another two points will bring Premier League safety. Reid, captain for the day against Everton in the absence of the suspended Mark Noble, said: "It was a decent performance and as long as we have that determination and work ethic, we should get the points we need to be safe and then build towards next year. The players will learn a lot from this experience. It has been a roller-coaster ride and not easy, with the new stadium and the big turnaround in the squad. We will learn from this." "It was always about those 40 points as long as I can remember but we want to try to win every game and if not — don't lose it." Havard Nordtveit took full advantage of West Ham's injury situation to star in a holding midfield role. He said: "When you get the chance, you need to be good."
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Clarity Causing West Ham's Problems?
http://www.ironviews.com
By Ed Drayton on April 24, 2017 in Opinion
West Ham United – From reaching Europe to battling relegation in a year. A drastic change in 12 months and one that didn't seem possible after our highest ever Premier League points total. But is that true? Or were the signs of this dreadful season already developing when Payet's free kicks and talk of a Mark Noble England call up were all we were thinking of?
Read any tweet, article or forum post and you will see people blaming the manager, the players, the owners or Payet each depending on the fans opinion. But I think the West Ham malaise kicked into gear years ago. West Ham United, you see, is not United. Not United in terms of a clear coherent ideology. A strategy from the top to the bottom of the club has not been present at West Ham United in my lifetime. The academy, transfers, staff recruitment and finances have all been a patchwork of ideas for a long time.
Look at the renowned 'Academy of Football'. The last time it produced a first XI player was James Tomkins nearly 10 years ago! But the path to the first team is a difficult one for the talented youngsters. The U23s do not get coached with the same ideology as the first team. I am not in the know, but I doubt that the head of the academy and the first team coaches even work together that often. Just reading the academy-centric articles on the official website shows this. They talk of Terry Westley's ideas within the academy and barely mention Bilic.
Transfers as well. Nobody is sure who signs our players. Töre seemed to be Slaven's man, Feghouli Sullivan's and Masuaku Tony Henry's. Having three different conflicts of ideas can't be helpful. Look at Southampton. They have a system where they have a detailed scouting network in place so when the manager, a coach or a player leaves they have a replacement lined up who is usually perfectly suited to the club. No wonder they have dealt with losing their key men so often, so well. Koeman followed Pochettino. Tadic followed Lallana. With West Ham Robert Snodgrass followed Payet. (No offense to Snoddy, he's good, just not one of the best players in Europe good…) At the other end of the spectrum you have the Tony Pulis' of this world. They are in control of everything at the club. Some of the transfers and tactics may be dodgy but at least everyone knows where they stand. Slaven has not experienced this trust at West Ham. I'm not saying any one way is the right way, but it has to be better than the West Ham chaos!
West Ham is not perfect but I don't think any one party deserves to shoulder the blame. Many areas of our club could be improved but surely a clear message of structure needs to be present. Right down from the board to the kit men we need to have a target, an aim, a plan otherwise I fear we will have another 30 years of up and downs, highs and lows, brilliant football and shocking football. But that's why we love West Ham right? Would we have it any other way?
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West Ham FC transfer news: Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak linked with Hammers move
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, April 24, 2017
West Ham United have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Onur Kivrak. According to reports in Turkey, the Hammers are in talks with the 29-year-old Trabzonspor captain ahead of the summer transfer window. Inconsistent performances from Adrian and Darren Randolph have meant that Bilic is on the lookout for a new keeper and Kivrak, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 27 appearances this term, is reportedly their ideal choice. Kivrak is no stranger to Slaven Bilic - the Hammers boss tried to sign the Turkey international during his spell in charge of Besiktas. The report also claims that Trabzonspor have already turned down an initial approach from West Ham for their prized shot-stopper.
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic delays hip surgery as his side limp towards 40-point mark
Telegraph.co.uk
Gerry Cox, london stadium
23 APRIL 2017 • 10:45PM
Slaven Bilic cuts a forlorn figure on the touchline as West Ham limp towards Premier League survival. The Croatian manager has endured a poor second season with the club, in contrast to the success of his first. Since last summer the east London club have struggled to adapt to their new home, suffered a series of hammer blows on the injury front and been destabilised by the behaviour of their now-departed star player Dimitri Payet. The point they earned here moved them one closer to the traditional safety post of 40, although Swansea moved two points closer to them with victory over Stoke. But Bilic knows points will not be easily earnt, with tricky away games at Stoke City and Burnley either side of the visits of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. "We need points," he said bluntly. "As long as I can remember, it is about 40 points. But I don't think that way. You cannot calculate how you will get them. Not even Chelsea can say that. It is the greatest thing about this league."
So his focus is on one game at a time. "I'm not talking only about getting out or keeping the distance [from the bottom three]. I'm talking also about climbing the table." Only then will he be able to think about this season. "I don't like to moan about the obstacles we had." And himself? "My hip is nothing worse than it was last year. I don't have time [for surgery]. You need six weeks for the operation – but I am not a player!"
Everton's unusually torpid display without a single effort on goal, meant they missed a chance to move into fifth place and Ronald Koeman was angry. He will spend the summer hoping to retain Romelu Lukaku and looking to increase his squad options. "There are questions for the end of the season, and to bring a strong squad in. We saw today with the young players, it's difficult to perform always in the Premier League – they need to improve and need to be stronger and all that kind of stuff. We will make decisions at the end of the season."
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"He controlled the midfield" - West Ham fans heap praise on Havard Nordtveit after stunning display against Everton
The Norwegian midfielder had his best game in claret and blue
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:30, 24 APR 2017
Havard Nordtveit put in by far his best shift in a West Ham shirt against Everton at the weekend and Hammers fans certainly let him know it. The Norwegian has been a peripheral figure at most this season and when he has played, it's been at right back and not in his natural defensive midfield position. But, he got the chance to play in midfield at the weekend for only the second time this season and he grabbed it with both hands, putting in a superb display. Nordtveit had an 82% pass accuracy, four tackles and two interceptions as he kept the in-form Everton midfielder Ross Barkley very much in check throughout the 90 minutes. With the return of Mark Noble from suspension for the trip to Stoke on Saturday, Nordtveit might struggle to keep hold of his spot in the team unless Slaven Bilic drops Edimilson Fernandes but in any case, Nordtveit certainly did his case no harm.
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