West Ham 17-18 fixtures: Hammers kick-off at Old Trafford
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August. The encounter is likely to see Hammers wear their brand new 2017/18 black away kit and a debut for new signing Pablo Zabaleta.
The 2017/18 season will conclude with a home fixture against Everton on Sunday 13 May, while other notable dates in the calendar include a home derby with Chelsea on 9 December and a trip to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day, while West Bromwich Albion are the Hammers' home opponents on New Year's Day.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will be hoping to make it three home victories in successive seasons against Tottenham Hotspur when Mauricio Pochettino's men visit London Stadium on 23 September. The return fixture against Spurs at their temporary Wembley home is scheduled for 30 December.
As previously confirmed, our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow.
With an international break scheduled after our away game against Newcastle United on 26 August, our first home match at London Stadium next season is set to be the visit of Huddersfield Town on the weekend of 9 September.
However, ALL fixtures are still subject to change, with the Sky TV and BT Sport live televised fixtures for the opening two months of the season yet to be confirmed, and supporters are urged to bear this in mind when making any travel arrangements for fixtures.
Any fixture changes will be announced on whufc.com as soon as they are confirmed.
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West Ham United 2017/18 Premier League fixtures in full
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August.
See our full fixture list below
August 2017
Saturday 12 August 15:00 Manchester United v West Ham United
Saturday 19 August 15:00 West Ham United v Southampton*
Saturday 26 August 15:00 Newcastle United v West Ham United
September 2017
Saturday 9 September 15:00 West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
Saturday 16 September 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 23 September 15:00 West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 30 September 15:00 West Ham United v Swansea City
October 2017
Saturday 14 October 15:00 Burnley v West Ham United
Saturday 21 October 15:00 West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday 28 October 15:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham United
November 2017
Saturday 4 November 15:00 West Ham United v Liverpool
Saturday 18 November 15:00 Watford v West Ham United
Saturday 25 November 15:00 West Ham United v Leicester City
Wednesday 29 November 19:45 Everton v West Ham United
December 2017
Saturday 2 December 15:00 Manchester City v West Ham United
Saturday 9 December 15:00 West Ham United v Chelsea
Tuesday 12 December 19:45 West Ham United v Arsenal
Saturday 16 December 15:00 Stoke City v West Ham United
Saturday 23 December 15:00 West Ham United v Newcastle United
Tuesday 26 December 15:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Saturday 30 December 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
January 2018
Monday 1 January 15:00 West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 13 January 15:00 Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
Saturday 20 January 15:00 West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday 30 January 19:45 West Ham United v Crystal Palace
February 2018
Saturday 3 February 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 10 February 15:00 West Ham United v Watford
Saturday 24 February 15:00 Liverpool v West Ham United
March 2018
Saturday 3 March 15:00 Swansea City v West Ham United
Saturday 10 March 15:00 West Ham United v Burnley
Saturday 17 March 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester United
Saturday 31 March 15:00 Southampton v West Ham United
April 2018
Saturday 7 April 15:00 Chelsea v West Ham United
Saturday 14 April 15:00 West Ham United v Stoke City
Saturday 21 April 15:00 Arsenal v West Ham United
Saturday 28 April 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester City
May 2018
Saturday 5 May 15:00 Leicester City v West Ham United
Sunday 13 May 15:00 West Ham United v Everton
*This game is to be rescheduled
Please note that all fixture dates are subject to change and TV selections for the first two months of the campaign are yet to be confirmed
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International round-up: Cresswell earns second England cap in France
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell earned his second England cap but could not prevent them from falling from a 3-2 friendly defeat to France on Tuesday.
Cresswell replaced Phil Jones with eight minutes to play of the Stade de France clash with the Three Lions a goal down, and although the Hammers full back fired over from range at the death that was the way it stayed. His eight-minute run-out was the second of his England career, following an appearance against Spain last November. England took an early lead in Paris though Harry Kane, but goals from Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe turned it around before the break. Raphael Varane was sent off and Kane levelled from the spot immediately after half-time, but a late goal from Ousmane Dembele won it for the hosts. Meanwhile, Havard Nordtveit played the first half of Norway's friendly draw with Sweden. The all-Scandinavia clash in Oslo ended 1-1 after Sweden's Samuel Armenteros cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi opener. Nordtveit now has 32 caps for his country.
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West Ham United to face Manchester City in Iceland
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's pre-season preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign will see their tour of Europe conclude with a prestigious and historic encounter against Manchester City in Iceland. Slaven Bilic's side will face Pep Guardiola's men in Reykjavik on Friday 4 August, in what will be the first-ever match between two English Premier League teams in Iceland, eight days before our big Premier League kick-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The clash against City will also see our new signing Pablo Zabaleta face his former club, and Bilic believes it will provide the perfect occasion to round-off the pre-season build-up. The Hammers boss said: "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later."
Prior to the trip to Scandinavia, the Hammers will begin their pre-season plans with two training camps – the first an 11-day stay in Austria, followed by a trip to Germany that will see back-to-back games played against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway Cup encounter, sponsored by our principal partner. From Germany, the squad will fly straight to Reykjavik on August 3, with the clash against City taking place the following day at Iceland's national stadium Laugardalsvöllur.
Ticket and travel information for the match in Iceland will be announced on whufc.com soon.
First Team pre-season schedule
July 10-21: Training camp in Austria
July 24-August 3: Training camp in Germany
July 28: v Werder Bremen (Schneverdingen, Germany)
July 29: v Werder Bremen (Lohne, Germany)
August 4: v Manchester City (Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavik)
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Presenter quits following 'hideous abuse' from Spurs fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
TV presenter Rachel Riley has quit her job at Sky Sports after receiving a torrent of abuse from Tottenham supporters. The Countdown presenter has announced her decision to step down from the role at Sky after being trolled by Spurs fans on social media, after she described their club as a "proper bottle job" following the 1-0 defeat by West Ham at the beginning of last month. Explaining the context of her comment at the time, she said: "For the record I didn't say Spurs are bottle jobs but tonight's game was a test of nerve. I didn't mean any offence to Spurs or their fans tonight, just a surprise to slip v WHam (sic) with their form on paper.
"Personal abuse is hideous. I love football, always have, always will, banter is fun, abuse is not whoever/whatever/wherever."
Tottenham saw their title hopes go up in smoke following the defeat by West Ham, with the only goal of the game being scored by KUMB Player of the Year Manuel Lanzini.
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WEST HAM INCREASE BID FOR ONYEKURU
ROB SILLS @sillsy9
readWestHam
West Ham have made an improved offer of £9m for Nigerian starlet Henry Onyekuru, according to a report from Own Goal Nigeria today. Premier League and London rivals Arsenal were said to have had a bid accepted for the KAS Eupen forward, but that appears to have gone quiet. Now, The Hammers are getting involved. It was reported that Slaven Bilic's side had a £7m offer rejected, but they have now come back with an improved offer of £9m. Strangely, Onyekuru does have a £6.5m release-clause in his contract, but that only is valid for Belgian sides. Belgian champions Andelrecht are sniffing around, and they have said they are willing to meet the demands of KAS Eupen and pay £6.5m to trigger the clause, however Eupen want more money, with West Ham offering just that. If the bid is accepted, The Irons will no doubt find themselves in the driving seat for the youngster's signature, even if Eupen would rather see their talisman leave for Anderlcht, feeling that West Ham aren't as prestigious.
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Aaron Cresswell faces crucial season at West Ham - so what happens next after his England snub
The left back won his second international cap against France
Football London
BYROB GUEST
19:30, 14 JUN 2017
Despite making his second appearance for England last night, Aaron Cresswell will have left the Stade de France with a tinge of disappointment. The left-back looked guaranteed to replace Ryan Bertrand at half-time but Gareth Southgate plumped for Kyle Walker to play as a makeshift wing-back. Instead, Cresswell was handed a brief eight-minute cameo. West Ham fans have long called for the full-back to receive international recognition but his two caps came in a season which has been highly forgettable. It wasn't just Cresswell that disappointed. It was the club. The 27-year-old will now go on holiday and come back to the club for pre-season facing the biggest season of his West Ham career to date. That may be a shock, especially given his form a year earlier, but now he has a fight on his hands for the left-back spot in Slaven Bilic's team. Cresswell will now go head-to-head with Arthur Masuaku as both aim to seal a place in the team's starting XI for the away trip to Manchester United on the opening day. Masuaku joined the club last August and, despite a slow start to life in east London, many fans have called for him to be started over Cresswell. He flourished towards the end of the season and even kept the former Ipswich Town player out of the team before injury curtailed his season. His performances against Swansea and Everton at home left fans questioning Cresswell's role in the team. The player himself probably even questioned his role as he watched on from the sidelines. Rewind a year and Cresswell was untouchable. His performances, both attacking and defensively, had led to calls that Roy Hodgson should select him in England's Euro 2016 squad. He probably should have gone and it seems strange that his two England caps have come in a year when he has struggled for his club. Cresswell started the season on the sidelines after a shocking challenge in a pre-season game with Karlsruher left him with knee ligament damage. He made an immediate impact on his return with an assist for Manuel Lanzini at Crystal Palace in October, although he finished the match in the dressing room after receiving a red card. Top performances last season were rather few and far between and that was unforeseen given his previous form for the Hammers. He made 26 league appearances but he failed to score and only made two assists. In his previous two seasons his assists were double last year's tally and he had also netted two goals in each season. Cresswell's best season had seen him link up with Dimitri Payet down the left and he thrived playing with the Frenchman. Perhaps Payet's departure, coupled with the club's poor form, was the reason for the left-back's struggles Now the Liverpudlian is facing his biggest season to date with the club. A repeat of last year's form and Masuaku will become the club's first-choice left-back. That would have been unthinkable one year ago, but now is the time for Cresswell to step up and show the form that made him one of the best left-backs in the league.
Do that and more minutes on the pitch for England will undoubtedly follow.
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Lanzini reacts to first Argentina start and Bilic on Man City friendly - West Ham quotes of the day
West Ham quotes of the day include Slaven Bilic's reaction to confirmatio of a friendly vs Man City
Football London
BYFOOTBALL LONDON
18:20, 14 JUN 2017UPDATED18:21, 14 JUN 2017
Slaven Bilic gave his thoughts on the news that his side will play Man City in a pre-season friendly in Iceland "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later." "Of course, if one day I come back to play against City it would be tough but you have to accept it."
Manuel Lanzini tweeted his delight at making his first start for Argentina
"Beautiful to be able to live this with the most beautiful t-shirt of all on. Keep growing. #ML10 #argentina."
Manuel Lanzini ✔ @maanuulanzini10
Hermoso poder vivir esto con la camiseta más linda de todas, a seguir así creciendo 🇦🇷 #ML10 #argentina
7:55 PM - 13 Jun 2017
859 859 Retweets 5,526 5,526 likes
The club issued a statement after the Hammers asked Southampton to switch their home game between the sides
"Our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion. "Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow."
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Chelsea star Victor Moses encouraging Arsenal transfer target Henry Onyekuru to snub Arsene Wenger
Metro Sport Reporter for Metro.co.uk
Wednesday 14 Jun 2017 12:34 pm
Chelsea star Victor Moses has advised Henry Onyekuru to ignore Arsenal's interest and secure a move to London rivals West Ham, according to reports. The 19-year-old KAS Eupen striker has been linked with the Gunners for a number of weeks and recent reports suggest the north London outfit have agreed a deal ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Onyekuru scored 24 goals in 41 appearances this season and finished as the joint top scorer in the Belgian top flight and is also a reported target of West Ham's. Moses, who emerged as a key component of Antonio Conte's title-winning Chelsea side last season, spent the season on loan at West Ham in 2015/16 and the Daily Mail claim he is encouraging his compatriot to to move to east rather than north London. Onyekuru, who recently made his senior international debut, has also revealed he has sought advice from Arsenal's Alex Iwobi before he makes a decision on his future. 'He [Iwobi] is a nice fellow, who is open to all despite his star status in the team,' Onyekuru told Own Goal. 'We talked a bit about Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger and he has nothing but praise for his manager and teammates. 'Iwobi said they are like a family in the dressing room, and even the senior players treat the upcoming players like their equals.'
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Arsenal transfer news: £20m Olivier Giroud keen on West Ham, four-year offer readied
OLIVIER GIROUD is reportedly keen on a switch across London from Arsenal to West Ham.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 11:49, Wed, Jun 14, 2017 | UPDATED: 12:43, Wed, Jun 14, 2017
Express.co.uk
The Gunners striker could be on the move this summer with Arsene Wenger looking to strengthen up front. Lyon hitman Alexandre Lacazette and Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe are top targets at the Emirates. And with Giroud's game time likely to decrease next season, the 30-year-old is open to leaving. West Ham are desperate to strengthen their options in attack, as injuries and poor recruitment exposed them last season. Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi are being pursued. But according to Goal, Olivier Giroud is a real target too with talks already underway. The Hammers have spoken with the France international's representatives and he is claimed to be keen on joining. Giroud wants a permanent deal as opposed to any loan exit and staying in London is his preference, having been at Arsenal since 2012. With West Ham seemingly in pole position as Wenger seeks the striker's potential successor, a move is being readied. Goal add Slaven Bilic is prepared to offer the experienced frontman a four-year deal worth £100,000 a week. That would make him the Hammers' joint-highest paid player alongside Andy Carroll. At the London Stadium, Giroud would certainly earn more regular minutes, even with West Ham planning to sign more than one striker. And the east London club believe Arsenal will demand £20million for his services. However, reports have suggested Lyon are looking into the prospect of an exchange deal involving Giroud and Lacazette.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 15
Wednesday, June 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th June 2017
Hammers to face Werder Bremen in Betway Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a unique and
prestigious two-legged Betway Cup encounter as part of our pre-season
preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men
will face the Bundesliga side in back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29,
during a 10-day trip that will form the second of two training camps in
Europe this summer, with the first taking place in Austria between July
10-21. The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up
is focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing
squad, with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place
ahead of the big Premier League kick-off on the weekend of August 12.
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup, courtesy of West Ham United's
principal partner. Playing back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that
the squad can work together at the same level for the vast majority of the
time that we are there
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro. Die Werderaner are one of Germany's most famous and
historic clubs, having been formed in 1899, won the Bundesliga title four
times and lifted the German Cup on six occasions. Like West Ham, they have
also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup once in their history, back in
1992. Prior to their visit in 2015, the only previous meeting between the
two clubs took place at the Weserstadion in August 1984. The German club ran
out 2-1 winners on that occasion, too.
Ticket information for both matches against Bremen will be announced on
whufc.com once confirmed, while the later stage of the pre-season schedule
will also be finalised soon.
Provisional fixtures for the 2017/18 Premier League season will be revealed
on whufc.com at 9am tomorrow.
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Manuel Lanzini starts as Argentina thrash Singapore
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini made his first start for the Argentina national team as they
defeated Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. Lanzini - who debuted for Jorge
Sampaoli's side in a friendly victory over Brazil four days ago - played the
first hour at Singapore's national stadium in a fixture which marked the
125th anniversary of the home team's FA. Argentina's romp to victory began
in the 25th minute when Tottenham defender Federico Fazio put them in front.
Joaquin Correa made it 2-0 before the break, after which further goals from
Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Angel Di Maria completed
the scoring. It brings to a close an excellent season for Lanzini, who won
the Players' Player of the Year prize at the Club's Player Awards night in
May, before earning his first caps for his country this month.
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Ghana star Andre Ayew PLOTS West Ham exit despite claims Marseille ain't
keen on reunion
Published on: 13 June 2017
GhanaSoccer.net
West Ham United forward Andre Ayew is 'scratching at the door' of his former
club Marseille as he eyes exit from the London stadium. France Football
reports the 27-year-old is angling for a move after growing unsettled at the
club despite claims the French giants are not keen on a reunion. The former
Swansea City endured a difficult debut campaign at West Ham where injury
conspired against his form. The £20.5million record signing scored only six
goals for the side after staying out injured for three months. He spent the
next three weeks between January and February representing Ghana at the
international level during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Widespread
reports in France are suggesting the Ghana international could be on his way
back to former club Marseille where he cut his teeth. Ayew headache is that
Marseille are unwilling to take him back, as reported by France Football and
that could throw a potential reunion in jeopardy. The forward played a part
for Ghana as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier on Sunday.
By Patrick Akoto
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West Ham may have played smart move biding time in Ross Barkley pursuit with
Everton chasing pair
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ross Barkley, and a report
has suggested that the playmaker's Everton career is over. A report from the
Daily Star last month suggested that West Ham were interested in signing
Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, and were prepared to meet his staggering
wage demands of £140,000 a week. Just over a fortnight later, and the Daily
Mirror has suggested that Barkley could be about to spend the final season
of his Toffees contract on the sidelines with Ronald Koeman confident of
signing both Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. So while it may have been
unintentional, perhaps it would be fair to suggest that West Ham have made a
smart move holding back on following up on their interest. The Star reported
that Everton wanted £50 million for Barkley. However, despite his obvious
talent, it would surely be a major surprise if any club was willing to offer
that for a player with one year left on his contract.
But while Barkley is high up the pecking order at Goodison Park, Everton may
be determined to hold out for a fee as close to their asking price as
possible.
However, with his importance to the side set to diminish significantly if
they land their two targets, the Toffees may be much more willing to listen
to lower offers just to ensure that he is off their books and not set to
move on for a compensation fee next season. And if that proves to be the
case and West Ham manage to capitalise and land Barkley for considerably
less than the £50 million previously quoted, then the Hammers fans will
undoubtedly reflect that the club were wise to initially step back and have
done a tremendous piece of business.
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West Ham eyeing Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in bold summer move
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are eyeing a move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud as they plot a
summer rebuild of their striking department. The France international has
suggested that he will not settle for another season on the bench at Arsenal
having spent much of the year backing up Alexis Sanchez and then fighting
Danny Welbeck for a starting role. Giroud signed a new contract at Arsenal
in January that ties him to the club until the summer of 2019 and despite
having turned 30 during the season would command a sizeable transfer fee in
the event that the Gunners chose to sell him.
It is understood that would be an unlikely set of circumstances with Arsene
Wenger having consistently backed the French international, who has often
borne the brunt of criticism when Arsenal's form has hit the rocks. However
with the Gunners chasing Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette Giroud could
feel that a move ensures he gets a regular starting role ahead of the 2018
World Cup. Speaking at a press conference last week Giroud said: "I want to
win the Premier League with the club. After, I do not know the future, it
will be necessary to take into account the transfer window. "I have had
limited playing time for several reasons but that is not to say that I lost
the confidence of the coach." He added: "I will not be content with limited
playing time next season.
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ANDRE AYEW ANGLING FOR A RETURN TO MARSEILLE
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham broke their transfer record last summer with the £20.5m acquisition
of Andre Ayew from Swansea and after a slow start to life in east London, he
performed rather well.
In his debut season with the Hammers, Ayew netted six goals in 25
appearances but his performances in the final few months of the season
offered belief that he could develop into a leading player at the club.
That being said, he could still leave the club in the summer, with France
Football (h/t Sport Witness) claiming that Ayew is angling for a return to
his former club Marseille.
Last month, Marseille were linked with a £30m swoop to bring Ayew back to
the club, two years after he left on a free transfer to join Swansea.
The new investment and ambitious project in place at the Ligue 1 club was
enough to persuade Dimitri Payet to quit West Ham and rejoin Marseille back
in January, and it's claimed that Ayew could try and pull a similar move.
Whether Marseille are still interested in Ayew remains to be seen, but it's
unlikely that West Ham would like to do any business with the French side
anytime soon.
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PORTO EYE SWOOP FOR VALENCIAFeatured Image
Date: 13th June 2017 at 4:27pm
Written by: Barry Mullins
ThisIsFutbol
Champions League regulars Porto are eyeing a summer swoop for West Ham flop
Enner Valencia, according to an A Bola report. The Portuguese news outlet
claim the East London club have offered striker Valencia, who has failed to
impress Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, to the Portugese club for £7million.
It is said the 27-year-old was linked with a move to Porto last summer, but
he joined Everton on loan instead. The report states that Valencia does not
feature in Everton's plans next season, and with Bilic not a big fan, he
will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer. He struggled to
break into the first team while on loan at Goodison Park last term, and he
made just 23 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old joined West
Ham in the summer of 2014 in a £13million switch from Mexican outfit
Pachuca, and he has since played 72 league and cup games for the club, which
have yielded a paltry 10 goals and eight assists. However, Valencia does
boast an impressive goalscoring record on the international stage, and he
has netted 19 goals in 37 appearances for Ecuador. He has impressed in his
homeland to such an extent that he was made captain of his nation in his
most recent match, a 1-1 friendly draw with Venezuela. West Ham finished
11th in last season's Premier League, and Bilic is looking to bolster his
squad this summer, but it appears Valencia has been deemed as surplus to
requirements.
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West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini started for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing of
Singapore
Bradley Hayden
Guardian Series
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini picked up his second cap for Argentina,
who thrashed Singapore 6-0 in a friendly this afternoon.
The Hammer's man started in midfield for a much changed Argentina side,
which also included PSG's Angel Di Maria and Juventus's Pablo Dybala. Goals
from Tottenham Hotspur's Federico Fazio, Joaquin Correa, Alejandro Gomez,
Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Di Maria sealed a comfortable victory for
Argentina, in Jorge Sampaoli's second game as national team manager. Lanzini
played just under an hour for his country, having made his international
debut for Argentina on Friday against Brazil, where he came on as a second
half substitute. The 24-year-old was integral for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
last season, scoring eight goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for
the Hammers.
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Revealed: West Ham release 2017/18 pre-season tour dates to Germany and
Austria
The Hammers will be taking on Werder Bremen in the Betway Cup
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:00, 13 JUN 2017UPDATED14:16, 13 JUN 2017
West Ham will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway
Cup encounter as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2017/18
Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men will face the Bundesliga side in
back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29, during a 10-day trip that will form
the second of two training camps in Europe this summer, with the first
taking place in Austria between July 10-21.
The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up is
focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing squad,
with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place ahead of
the Premier League starting on August 12
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup.
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bacca-on? Could West Ham reignite move for longstanding target after Milan
sign Portuguese superstar
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are desperately searching for strikers this summer and could
try once again for AC Milan star Carlos Bacca. Back at the beginning of May,
the Hammers were linked with a move for Colombian striker Bacca by
Talksport, having chased him last summer. Slaven Bilic's side have struggled
for strikers let alone goals from their strikers after recruiting poorly
last summer and seeing Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho once again spend more
time on the treatment table than the pitch. According to a recent report
from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in
bringing AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca to the Emirates next season, as part
of a major investment move in his squad. The 30-year-old Colombian striker,
who rose to fame after scoring 49 goals in 108 games for Spanish side
Sevilla, has been AC Mlilan's main striker since 2015, scoring 34 goals in
74 appearances for the Rossoneri. But the arrival of Portuguese star Andre
Silva from Porto at Milan - as reported by The Sun - will put Bacca's future
severely in doubt, particularly given the club were keen to sell him on last
summer. Bilic has targeted four "game-changer" signings this summer and has
already brought in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. He is believed to be
targeting two top quality strikers but has thus far failed to land rumoured
prime targets Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi, even if it is still
early days. Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and
Bertrand Traore have also been linked in the last week. But could Bilic use
Silva's arrival at the San Siro to push again for proven quality Bacca who
actually turned down a move to East London last summer despite West Ham
having a bid accepted for his services.
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Wonderkid Onyekuru to jet into West Ham on Tuesday for talks - reports
The young striker is apparently on his way to London to discuss a switch to
West Ham
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:00, 13 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru is reportedly on his way into London today (Tuesday) to gold
talks with West Ham over a switch. The 20-year-old wonderkid is currently at
KAS Eupen but is not expected to be there much longer, with the Hammers in
pole position to bring him to the Premier League. The club has competition
from Arsenal for his signature but according to the Daily Mail, Onyekuru is
keen on a switch to east London. This is despite some other reports claiming
the Hammers have had a bid of £7m turned down by the Belgian side and they
also want him to go to a more "prestigious" club. But, we understand the
youngster is set to jet in to England today and hold talks with the Hammers,
likely to be at the training ground in Rush Green.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic's move to bring Joe Hart to West Ham United looks very smart
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Joe Hart from
Manchester City. West Ham United could be making a very smart move by
signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City (The Sun), before committing
to buy him outright. West Ham are interested in taking the England
international, but aren't prepared to pay a fee this summer. And the
Hammers' plan could be a clever one, as doubts linger over Hart's form. Hart
was not exactly rock solid on a loan move at Torini over the past summer,
and his latest performance for England has been called into question. Hart
has been blamed for not saving either of Leigh Griffiths' free-kicks for
Scotland, in a 2-2 draw.
And West Ham's try-before-you-buy could save them the risk of buying a
goalkeeper who is badly out of form. Hart appears to need to regain
confidence to get back to his very best, and a move to West Ham could help
him achieve that aim. However, by taking him on loan, West Ham would be
taking any risk out of signing the out-of-form stopper - and Slaven Bilic
should be commended for his transfer market foresight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM READYING SECOND OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign KAS Eupen striker
Henry Onyekuru this summer. It was initially reported today that the Hammers
were knocked back by the Belgian club in their first move to sign the young
forward, but it's not looking as though their intentions to bring him to the
London Stadium this summer have faltered. Onyekuru finished the season as
Eupen's top scorer and enjoyed a highly successful breakthrough season. Now,
according to All Nigeria Soccer, the Hammers are set to go back in and make
an improved offer for his signature. It's also claimed in the report that
West Ham will bid again for Onyekuru's compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho as they
look to lure him away from the grasp of Manchester City.
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"He's not homeless": Manchester attack hero pictured 'back on street' is
living in hotel paid for by West Ham
Stephen has hit back at 'haters', saying he's in the process of choosing
rented accommodation paid for by the son of the club's chairman
The Mirror
BYNICOLA OAKLEY
20:26, 12 JUN 2017UPDATED21:14, 12 JUN 2017
Dave Sullivan Jnr, the son of West Ham co-chairman Dave Sullivan, has hit
back at claims the homeless hero of the Manchester terror attack is still
living on the streets - and enlisted the help of the man himself to quash
concerns. Stephen Jones, who pulled nails out of children's faces after a
'dockyard confetti' bomb was detonated at the city's arena, has received
almost £32,000 in donations via a JustGiving page. But this week he was
pictured huddling next to a bin in a red sleeping bag, drenched by the rain,
sparking concern he had not received any of the money and was not being
helped to create a better life for himself. Setting the record straight,
Dave Sullivan Jnr took to Twitter today to tell worried followers that he is
currently paying for the hero to stay in a hotel - and the club is also in
the process of sorting rented accommodation for him. He said: "He is NOT
homeless he is in a hotel (we are paying for this) and we are waiting on
Steve to choose his accommodation. "I have spoken to Steven TODAY. He has
been in a hotel for a long time which I've been paying for, he is still
choosing his accommodation. "We aim to have a tenancy agreement in place by
the end of the week. I'm going up to manc (sic) on July 1st to see him."
Sullivan offered no explanation for the recent photographs which show the
homeless hero sitting back on the street. Dave then took it one step further
and called Stephen - putting him on speaker while he recorded a video of his
phone - who also said the 'haters' don't realise it's a lengthy process and
he's 'going to look homeless'. He can be heard saying: "A lot of newspapers
are saying you're homeless. Can you say you're not homeless? Can you explain
you're not homeless?" Trying to offer an explanation for the photographs,
Stephen replied: "People have gotta realise -obviously I've told you I've
got no clothes. I'm coming from the hotel - I'm carrying my bag with me with
all my belongings. I'm gonna look homeless, do you understand what I mean?
"These people have gotta realise things don't happen overnight."
Dave responded: "As I've said to you, I'm coming up in a week or two to come
and buy you clothes and all that stuff." He also revealed that Stephen is in
the process of signing a tenancy agreement for a house he's already chosen.
Referring to those who are concerned his JustGiving funds have not been
released and he is not yet receiving the help he deserves, Stephen said:
"They've got to understand that things don't happen overnight. "It's a
lengthy process. I've been going through this housing agency wanting a birth
certificate and everything. "All these people are just haters, they wanna
realise I am getting help and people are helping me. I've addressed the drug
problem and now it's addressing the housing problem, which I have done.
"Things are not magic."
It comes after claims that Stephen was still living on the streets weeks
after the Manchester Arena bombing despite the fact that thousands was
donated to help him find a home. The former bricklayer was sleeping rough
close to the city centre arena when the explosion from Salman Abedi's bomb
killed 22 and injured another 60. He initially thought the blast was a
firework but was horrified when screaming youngsters emerged from the arena.
Instead of running away from the danger, he desperately tried to help the
children, wiping blood from their eyes, and it was then he realised the
devastating impact of their injuries. In an interview, an emotional Stephen
said: "We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and
faces." He recalled seeing the "lifeless" bodies of children on the floor,
next to their "hysterical" mothers. A JustGiving page was also set up in a
bid to get 'Steve off the streets' and has raised £31,562 of its £32,000
target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report claims Henry Onyekuru could still make England move; player impressed
by West Ham United's commitment
HITC
Aiden Cusick
There have been conflicting reports surrounding the West Ham United target's
future. West Ham United are still in with a shout of signing Eupen forward
Henry Onyekuru, the Daily Mail reports. It had been claimed the Belgians had
turned down proposals in favour of selling the 20-year-old to a 'more
prestigious club'. However, Onyekuru is said to be eager to play in the
Premier League and has been impressed by West Ham's commitment to signing
him.
Sky Sports stated last week the Hammers were the new front-runners for
Onyekuru's signature, ahead of six divisional rivals including Arsenal and
Swansea City. And subsequent reports have backed up the broadcaster's claim
that the 22-goal star is flying to England this week to commence
negotiations with other clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, 'totting up' enough points to gain a work
permit will be key to the Nigeria international's Premier League move. The
report adds that West Ham midfielder Havard Nordtveit is interesting
Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham consider Joe Hart loan - but Manchester City outcast must take
£75,000-a-week wage cut
Hart is earning around £175,000-a-week and his demands are stopping him from
joining another club
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:34, 12 JUN 2017
Joe Hart's £175,000-a-week wages are preventing him from landing a loan move
to another Premier League club. The 30-year-old Manchester City outcast has
revealed he has yet to receive an offer to play next season. West Ham are
monitoring his situation but Hart would need to slash his wage demands by at
least £75,000 a week if he wants to move to the London Stadium. With Dimitri
Payet no longer at the club, West Ham's top earner is Andy Carroll on
£100,000 a week – and the Londoners are not prepared to top that. Hart, who
spent last season at Torino, needs regular first-team football if he is to
make England's World Cup squad next summer. The Hammers are hoping to
conclude the signing of 20-year-old striker Henry Onyekuru from Belgian club
Eupen within the next week. Arsenal are interested in the Nigerian but can't
promise him regular first-team football. The rising star, who scored 20
goals in Belgium last season, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year
deal worth £35,000 a week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a unique and
prestigious two-legged Betway Cup encounter as part of our pre-season
preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men
will face the Bundesliga side in back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29,
during a 10-day trip that will form the second of two training camps in
Europe this summer, with the first taking place in Austria between July
10-21. The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up
is focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing
squad, with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place
ahead of the big Premier League kick-off on the weekend of August 12.
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup, courtesy of West Ham United's
principal partner. Playing back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that
the squad can work together at the same level for the vast majority of the
time that we are there
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro. Die Werderaner are one of Germany's most famous and
historic clubs, having been formed in 1899, won the Bundesliga title four
times and lifted the German Cup on six occasions. Like West Ham, they have
also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup once in their history, back in
1992. Prior to their visit in 2015, the only previous meeting between the
two clubs took place at the Weserstadion in August 1984. The German club ran
out 2-1 winners on that occasion, too.
Ticket information for both matches against Bremen will be announced on
whufc.com once confirmed, while the later stage of the pre-season schedule
will also be finalised soon.
Provisional fixtures for the 2017/18 Premier League season will be revealed
on whufc.com at 9am tomorrow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini starts as Argentina thrash Singapore
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini made his first start for the Argentina national team as they
defeated Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. Lanzini - who debuted for Jorge
Sampaoli's side in a friendly victory over Brazil four days ago - played the
first hour at Singapore's national stadium in a fixture which marked the
125th anniversary of the home team's FA. Argentina's romp to victory began
in the 25th minute when Tottenham defender Federico Fazio put them in front.
Joaquin Correa made it 2-0 before the break, after which further goals from
Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Angel Di Maria completed
the scoring. It brings to a close an excellent season for Lanzini, who won
the Players' Player of the Year prize at the Club's Player Awards night in
May, before earning his first caps for his country this month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ghana star Andre Ayew PLOTS West Ham exit despite claims Marseille ain't
keen on reunion
Published on: 13 June 2017
GhanaSoccer.net
West Ham United forward Andre Ayew is 'scratching at the door' of his former
club Marseille as he eyes exit from the London stadium. France Football
reports the 27-year-old is angling for a move after growing unsettled at the
club despite claims the French giants are not keen on a reunion. The former
Swansea City endured a difficult debut campaign at West Ham where injury
conspired against his form. The £20.5million record signing scored only six
goals for the side after staying out injured for three months. He spent the
next three weeks between January and February representing Ghana at the
international level during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Widespread
reports in France are suggesting the Ghana international could be on his way
back to former club Marseille where he cut his teeth. Ayew headache is that
Marseille are unwilling to take him back, as reported by France Football and
that could throw a potential reunion in jeopardy. The forward played a part
for Ghana as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier on Sunday.
By Patrick Akoto
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West Ham may have played smart move biding time in Ross Barkley pursuit with
Everton chasing pair
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ross Barkley, and a report
has suggested that the playmaker's Everton career is over. A report from the
Daily Star last month suggested that West Ham were interested in signing
Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, and were prepared to meet his staggering
wage demands of £140,000 a week. Just over a fortnight later, and the Daily
Mirror has suggested that Barkley could be about to spend the final season
of his Toffees contract on the sidelines with Ronald Koeman confident of
signing both Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. So while it may have been
unintentional, perhaps it would be fair to suggest that West Ham have made a
smart move holding back on following up on their interest. The Star reported
that Everton wanted £50 million for Barkley. However, despite his obvious
talent, it would surely be a major surprise if any club was willing to offer
that for a player with one year left on his contract.
But while Barkley is high up the pecking order at Goodison Park, Everton may
be determined to hold out for a fee as close to their asking price as
possible.
However, with his importance to the side set to diminish significantly if
they land their two targets, the Toffees may be much more willing to listen
to lower offers just to ensure that he is off their books and not set to
move on for a compensation fee next season. And if that proves to be the
case and West Ham manage to capitalise and land Barkley for considerably
less than the £50 million previously quoted, then the Hammers fans will
undoubtedly reflect that the club were wise to initially step back and have
done a tremendous piece of business.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in bold summer move
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are eyeing a move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud as they plot a
summer rebuild of their striking department. The France international has
suggested that he will not settle for another season on the bench at Arsenal
having spent much of the year backing up Alexis Sanchez and then fighting
Danny Welbeck for a starting role. Giroud signed a new contract at Arsenal
in January that ties him to the club until the summer of 2019 and despite
having turned 30 during the season would command a sizeable transfer fee in
the event that the Gunners chose to sell him.
It is understood that would be an unlikely set of circumstances with Arsene
Wenger having consistently backed the French international, who has often
borne the brunt of criticism when Arsenal's form has hit the rocks. However
with the Gunners chasing Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette Giroud could
feel that a move ensures he gets a regular starting role ahead of the 2018
World Cup. Speaking at a press conference last week Giroud said: "I want to
win the Premier League with the club. After, I do not know the future, it
will be necessary to take into account the transfer window. "I have had
limited playing time for several reasons but that is not to say that I lost
the confidence of the coach." He added: "I will not be content with limited
playing time next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANDRE AYEW ANGLING FOR A RETURN TO MARSEILLE
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham broke their transfer record last summer with the £20.5m acquisition
of Andre Ayew from Swansea and after a slow start to life in east London, he
performed rather well.
In his debut season with the Hammers, Ayew netted six goals in 25
appearances but his performances in the final few months of the season
offered belief that he could develop into a leading player at the club.
That being said, he could still leave the club in the summer, with France
Football (h/t Sport Witness) claiming that Ayew is angling for a return to
his former club Marseille.
Last month, Marseille were linked with a £30m swoop to bring Ayew back to
the club, two years after he left on a free transfer to join Swansea.
The new investment and ambitious project in place at the Ligue 1 club was
enough to persuade Dimitri Payet to quit West Ham and rejoin Marseille back
in January, and it's claimed that Ayew could try and pull a similar move.
Whether Marseille are still interested in Ayew remains to be seen, but it's
unlikely that West Ham would like to do any business with the French side
anytime soon.
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PORTO EYE SWOOP FOR VALENCIAFeatured Image
Date: 13th June 2017 at 4:27pm
Written by: Barry Mullins
ThisIsFutbol
Champions League regulars Porto are eyeing a summer swoop for West Ham flop
Enner Valencia, according to an A Bola report. The Portuguese news outlet
claim the East London club have offered striker Valencia, who has failed to
impress Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, to the Portugese club for £7million.
It is said the 27-year-old was linked with a move to Porto last summer, but
he joined Everton on loan instead. The report states that Valencia does not
feature in Everton's plans next season, and with Bilic not a big fan, he
will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer. He struggled to
break into the first team while on loan at Goodison Park last term, and he
made just 23 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old joined West
Ham in the summer of 2014 in a £13million switch from Mexican outfit
Pachuca, and he has since played 72 league and cup games for the club, which
have yielded a paltry 10 goals and eight assists. However, Valencia does
boast an impressive goalscoring record on the international stage, and he
has netted 19 goals in 37 appearances for Ecuador. He has impressed in his
homeland to such an extent that he was made captain of his nation in his
most recent match, a 1-1 friendly draw with Venezuela. West Ham finished
11th in last season's Premier League, and Bilic is looking to bolster his
squad this summer, but it appears Valencia has been deemed as surplus to
requirements.
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West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini started for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing of
Singapore
Bradley Hayden
Guardian Series
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini picked up his second cap for Argentina,
who thrashed Singapore 6-0 in a friendly this afternoon.
The Hammer's man started in midfield for a much changed Argentina side,
which also included PSG's Angel Di Maria and Juventus's Pablo Dybala. Goals
from Tottenham Hotspur's Federico Fazio, Joaquin Correa, Alejandro Gomez,
Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Di Maria sealed a comfortable victory for
Argentina, in Jorge Sampaoli's second game as national team manager. Lanzini
played just under an hour for his country, having made his international
debut for Argentina on Friday against Brazil, where he came on as a second
half substitute. The 24-year-old was integral for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
last season, scoring eight goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for
the Hammers.
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Revealed: West Ham release 2017/18 pre-season tour dates to Germany and
Austria
The Hammers will be taking on Werder Bremen in the Betway Cup
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:00, 13 JUN 2017UPDATED14:16, 13 JUN 2017
West Ham will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway
Cup encounter as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2017/18
Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men will face the Bundesliga side in
back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29, during a 10-day trip that will form
the second of two training camps in Europe this summer, with the first
taking place in Austria between July 10-21.
The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up is
focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing squad,
with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place ahead of
the Premier League starting on August 12
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup.
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bacca-on? Could West Ham reignite move for longstanding target after Milan
sign Portuguese superstar
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are desperately searching for strikers this summer and could
try once again for AC Milan star Carlos Bacca. Back at the beginning of May,
the Hammers were linked with a move for Colombian striker Bacca by
Talksport, having chased him last summer. Slaven Bilic's side have struggled
for strikers let alone goals from their strikers after recruiting poorly
last summer and seeing Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho once again spend more
time on the treatment table than the pitch. According to a recent report
from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in
bringing AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca to the Emirates next season, as part
of a major investment move in his squad. The 30-year-old Colombian striker,
who rose to fame after scoring 49 goals in 108 games for Spanish side
Sevilla, has been AC Mlilan's main striker since 2015, scoring 34 goals in
74 appearances for the Rossoneri. But the arrival of Portuguese star Andre
Silva from Porto at Milan - as reported by The Sun - will put Bacca's future
severely in doubt, particularly given the club were keen to sell him on last
summer. Bilic has targeted four "game-changer" signings this summer and has
already brought in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. He is believed to be
targeting two top quality strikers but has thus far failed to land rumoured
prime targets Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi, even if it is still
early days. Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and
Bertrand Traore have also been linked in the last week. But could Bilic use
Silva's arrival at the San Siro to push again for proven quality Bacca who
actually turned down a move to East London last summer despite West Ham
having a bid accepted for his services.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wonderkid Onyekuru to jet into West Ham on Tuesday for talks - reports
The young striker is apparently on his way to London to discuss a switch to
West Ham
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:00, 13 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru is reportedly on his way into London today (Tuesday) to gold
talks with West Ham over a switch. The 20-year-old wonderkid is currently at
KAS Eupen but is not expected to be there much longer, with the Hammers in
pole position to bring him to the Premier League. The club has competition
from Arsenal for his signature but according to the Daily Mail, Onyekuru is
keen on a switch to east London. This is despite some other reports claiming
the Hammers have had a bid of £7m turned down by the Belgian side and they
also want him to go to a more "prestigious" club. But, we understand the
youngster is set to jet in to England today and hold talks with the Hammers,
likely to be at the training ground in Rush Green.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic's move to bring Joe Hart to West Ham United looks very smart
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Joe Hart from
Manchester City. West Ham United could be making a very smart move by
signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City (The Sun), before committing
to buy him outright. West Ham are interested in taking the England
international, but aren't prepared to pay a fee this summer. And the
Hammers' plan could be a clever one, as doubts linger over Hart's form. Hart
was not exactly rock solid on a loan move at Torini over the past summer,
and his latest performance for England has been called into question. Hart
has been blamed for not saving either of Leigh Griffiths' free-kicks for
Scotland, in a 2-2 draw.
And West Ham's try-before-you-buy could save them the risk of buying a
goalkeeper who is badly out of form. Hart appears to need to regain
confidence to get back to his very best, and a move to West Ham could help
him achieve that aim. However, by taking him on loan, West Ham would be
taking any risk out of signing the out-of-form stopper - and Slaven Bilic
should be commended for his transfer market foresight.
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WEST HAM READYING SECOND OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign KAS Eupen striker
Henry Onyekuru this summer. It was initially reported today that the Hammers
were knocked back by the Belgian club in their first move to sign the young
forward, but it's not looking as though their intentions to bring him to the
London Stadium this summer have faltered. Onyekuru finished the season as
Eupen's top scorer and enjoyed a highly successful breakthrough season. Now,
according to All Nigeria Soccer, the Hammers are set to go back in and make
an improved offer for his signature. It's also claimed in the report that
West Ham will bid again for Onyekuru's compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho as they
look to lure him away from the grasp of Manchester City.
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"He's not homeless": Manchester attack hero pictured 'back on street' is
living in hotel paid for by West Ham
Stephen has hit back at 'haters', saying he's in the process of choosing
rented accommodation paid for by the son of the club's chairman
The Mirror
BYNICOLA OAKLEY
20:26, 12 JUN 2017UPDATED21:14, 12 JUN 2017
Dave Sullivan Jnr, the son of West Ham co-chairman Dave Sullivan, has hit
back at claims the homeless hero of the Manchester terror attack is still
living on the streets - and enlisted the help of the man himself to quash
concerns. Stephen Jones, who pulled nails out of children's faces after a
'dockyard confetti' bomb was detonated at the city's arena, has received
almost £32,000 in donations via a JustGiving page. But this week he was
pictured huddling next to a bin in a red sleeping bag, drenched by the rain,
sparking concern he had not received any of the money and was not being
helped to create a better life for himself. Setting the record straight,
Dave Sullivan Jnr took to Twitter today to tell worried followers that he is
currently paying for the hero to stay in a hotel - and the club is also in
the process of sorting rented accommodation for him. He said: "He is NOT
homeless he is in a hotel (we are paying for this) and we are waiting on
Steve to choose his accommodation. "I have spoken to Steven TODAY. He has
been in a hotel for a long time which I've been paying for, he is still
choosing his accommodation. "We aim to have a tenancy agreement in place by
the end of the week. I'm going up to manc (sic) on July 1st to see him."
Sullivan offered no explanation for the recent photographs which show the
homeless hero sitting back on the street. Dave then took it one step further
and called Stephen - putting him on speaker while he recorded a video of his
phone - who also said the 'haters' don't realise it's a lengthy process and
he's 'going to look homeless'. He can be heard saying: "A lot of newspapers
are saying you're homeless. Can you say you're not homeless? Can you explain
you're not homeless?" Trying to offer an explanation for the photographs,
Stephen replied: "People have gotta realise -obviously I've told you I've
got no clothes. I'm coming from the hotel - I'm carrying my bag with me with
all my belongings. I'm gonna look homeless, do you understand what I mean?
"These people have gotta realise things don't happen overnight."
Dave responded: "As I've said to you, I'm coming up in a week or two to come
and buy you clothes and all that stuff." He also revealed that Stephen is in
the process of signing a tenancy agreement for a house he's already chosen.
Referring to those who are concerned his JustGiving funds have not been
released and he is not yet receiving the help he deserves, Stephen said:
"They've got to understand that things don't happen overnight. "It's a
lengthy process. I've been going through this housing agency wanting a birth
certificate and everything. "All these people are just haters, they wanna
realise I am getting help and people are helping me. I've addressed the drug
problem and now it's addressing the housing problem, which I have done.
"Things are not magic."
It comes after claims that Stephen was still living on the streets weeks
after the Manchester Arena bombing despite the fact that thousands was
donated to help him find a home. The former bricklayer was sleeping rough
close to the city centre arena when the explosion from Salman Abedi's bomb
killed 22 and injured another 60. He initially thought the blast was a
firework but was horrified when screaming youngsters emerged from the arena.
Instead of running away from the danger, he desperately tried to help the
children, wiping blood from their eyes, and it was then he realised the
devastating impact of their injuries. In an interview, an emotional Stephen
said: "We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and
faces." He recalled seeing the "lifeless" bodies of children on the floor,
next to their "hysterical" mothers. A JustGiving page was also set up in a
bid to get 'Steve off the streets' and has raised £31,562 of its £32,000
target.
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Report claims Henry Onyekuru could still make England move; player impressed
by West Ham United's commitment
HITC
Aiden Cusick
There have been conflicting reports surrounding the West Ham United target's
future. West Ham United are still in with a shout of signing Eupen forward
Henry Onyekuru, the Daily Mail reports. It had been claimed the Belgians had
turned down proposals in favour of selling the 20-year-old to a 'more
prestigious club'. However, Onyekuru is said to be eager to play in the
Premier League and has been impressed by West Ham's commitment to signing
him.
Sky Sports stated last week the Hammers were the new front-runners for
Onyekuru's signature, ahead of six divisional rivals including Arsenal and
Swansea City. And subsequent reports have backed up the broadcaster's claim
that the 22-goal star is flying to England this week to commence
negotiations with other clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, 'totting up' enough points to gain a work
permit will be key to the Nigeria international's Premier League move. The
report adds that West Ham midfielder Havard Nordtveit is interesting
Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
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West Ham consider Joe Hart loan - but Manchester City outcast must take
£75,000-a-week wage cut
Hart is earning around £175,000-a-week and his demands are stopping him from
joining another club
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:34, 12 JUN 2017
Joe Hart's £175,000-a-week wages are preventing him from landing a loan move
to another Premier League club. The 30-year-old Manchester City outcast has
revealed he has yet to receive an offer to play next season. West Ham are
monitoring his situation but Hart would need to slash his wage demands by at
least £75,000 a week if he wants to move to the London Stadium. With Dimitri
Payet no longer at the club, West Ham's top earner is Andy Carroll on
£100,000 a week – and the Londoners are not prepared to top that. Hart, who
spent last season at Torino, needs regular first-team football if he is to
make England's World Cup squad next summer. The Hammers are hoping to
conclude the signing of 20-year-old striker Henry Onyekuru from Belgian club
Eupen within the next week. Arsenal are interested in the Nigerian but can't
promise him regular first-team football. The rising star, who scored 20
goals in Belgium last season, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year
deal worth £35,000 a week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th June 2017
Joy for Kemp after England's Toulon triumph
WHUFC.com
Dan Kemp described lifting silverware with England U20s as an 'amazing experience'
The winger triumphed with his country in the Toulon Tournament on Saturday after beating Ivory Coast on penalties in the final
The West Ham winger played three times for the Young Lions during the tournament success
"Pure joy" – the two simple words West Ham United winger Dan Kemp used to sum up his emotions after clinching the Toulon Tournament title with England U20s on Saturday. The Young Lions, taking on Ivory Coast in the final of the prestigious French tournament, held their nerve in a vital penalty shootout after the 1-1 stalemate to eventually get their hands on the trophy for a second year running.
Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks had given England the lead after 13 minutes and with the scoreline still at 1-0 with the full 80 minutes played, it looked as though they were home and dry. But one minute into injury time, there was a late twist as Ake Loba equalised, taking the tie straight to penalties. The Lions remained calm, though, and scored all five of their penalties to clinch the title as their fellow U20 teammates would also do a day later in the U20 FIFA World Cup. Kemp, who played three times during the competition, was delighted to get his hands on the trophy. He said: "It was an amazing feeling to win such a great tournament with my country – the best experience I've had so far in my career. To put the England shirt on and play for your country is an incredible feeling and to go and win is amazing. "The feeling at the end was amazing and pure joy. I'm proud to win for my country and proud of the boys after such a great tournament for us. We were all so happy and buzzing to win. "When Ivory Coast scored we were all a bit surprised as we felt we had done enough to see out the win but it shows in football it's never over until the end. Then, it was about believing we could and will win it on penalties."
Kemp did not get on the pitch in the final, but having been named in the squad for the first time just this summer, the winger was pleased with his progress during a maiden international call-up. "I feel like it had been an amazing experience to play for my country three times and contribute with a couple of assists in the games I played in. I would have obviously loved to play in the final but I still feel I have contributed well to the tournament win. "I want to keep working hard to make sure I get more and more international caps to come and one day make my debut for the senior team. That is the ultimate goal. I just want to keep learning more and more. "This has been a perfect end to a great season for me personally and one that I've massively enjoyed. I am looking forward to resting up now and then getting back to working hard prior to the new season. I want to achieve more and more and win more next year."
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England's Cresswell keen to impress in France clash
WHUFC.com
Hammers full-back Aaron Cresswell is hoping to impress England boss Gareth Southgate if called upon against France on Tuesday
The Three Lions take on Didier Deschamps' team at the Stade de France in Paris
And Cresswell, who could make his second international appearance, is ready to challenge the other left-backs at the manager's disposal
West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell will hope to be given the opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate when the Three Lions take on France in Paris on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old was kept out the side by Ryan Bertrand on Saturday when England picked up a FIFA World Cup qualifying point in a 2-2 draw against Scotland, but will be keen to earn his second cap against Didier Deschamps' team. Cresswell, who made his first senior international appearance in November, replacing Danny Rose as a sub against Spain at Wembley, is expected to be pushed into the starting XI as Southgate looks to access other areas of his squad following the Hampden Park stalemate. And the full-back is keen to prove he can challenge the other left-sided defenders that are also at the manager's disposal. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies.
He said: "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. "There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match [against France] and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game."
Cresswell was utilised as both a regular full-back as well as an energetic wing-back throughout the season at West Ham under Bilic.
And with the England side, the Liverpool-born defender is ready to do whatever is asked of him at the Stade de France this week. "I've played in both positions at West Ham, in three at the back or four at the back. I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants me to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it."
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Randolph helps Ireland to crucial Austria draw
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland kept themselves in the hunt for World Cup qualification with a 1-1 draw against Austria on Sunday.
Ireland needed Jonathan Walters to pop up with an equaliser five minutes from time at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin after Martin Hinteregger gave Austria a first half lead. Walters' late strike was reward for an improved display in the second half from Ireland, who moved to the top of Group D in European qualification. Randolph earned his 22nd Republic of Ireland cap in the draw - 20 of which have come since his move to the Hammers from Birmingham in summer 2015. Elsewhere on Sunday, Andre Ayew and Ghana enjoyed a perfect start to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by dispatching Ethiopia 5-0 in Kumasi. Ghana top the four-team group after goals from Asamoah Gyan, John Boye, Ebenezer Ofori and Raphael Dwamena twice fired them to victory.
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Hammers fan Stephen Moyer relishes Hatton Garden Job role
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan and Hatton Garden Job star Stephen Moyer has talked about how immersed himself in the role of Marcus Ford. The Essex-born actor takes on the role of East End high-roller Ford, who was one of the criminals involved in the now infamous burglary of safety deposit boxes containing jewellery worth an estimated £14m in April 2015. The underground heist saw a group of veteran thieves drill through 50cm thick vault walls before making off with their ill-gotten booty. Seven men have since been found guilty and jailed for their roles in the crime. The Hatton Garden Job, which was produced by Signature Entertainment and directed by Stephen Thompson, is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from all retailers nationwide from Monday 12 June at 9am – the perfect gift for Father's Day! Moyer, whose role as vampire Bill Compton in the hit HBO series True Blood has made him a household name, said he had to empathise with Ford, despite his criminal intentions and actions. "I think that it's very difficult to play any character if you don't find something that you like in them," the 47-year-old told ContactMusic.com. "Even if you read something and you don't particularly like the person, I'm not saying that that's the case with this, but you have to find something that you like about them in order to make it believable for you. "Ultimately, I always say that you kind of have to love the guy you're playing even if he's despicable. "I always end up loving the people I play. For me it's not about right or wrong unless the story's about right or wrong."
California-based Moyer, who has also starred in the recent hit drama Shots Fired, is a lifelong Hammer and visited the squad during their pre-season tour of the United States in summer 2016. The biggest heist in British history. This is the remarkable true story. The Hatton Garden Job is available on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday.
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West Ham a possible loan destination for Joe Hart with wages stopping permanent deal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 12/06/17 12:34pm
SSN
Manchester City will let England goalkeeper Joe Hart go on loan to West Ham if a permanent deal away from the Etihad Stadium cannot be agreed. Sky Sports News HQ understands West Ham are keeping tabs on Hart's situation, but his present wage deal means they would only consider a loan move. Hart spent the 2016/17 season away from City on loan, having signed for Serie A side Torino during last summer's transfer window. Both the player and his club expect more potential suitors to become apparent following the international break but, after England's 2-2 draw in Glasgow, Hart admitted he was yet to receive any offers for the next campaign. "I would love to give you a poker-straight answer, but I've got nothing at the moment because I think people are focused on international duty and respecting that players are focusing on international duty," Hart said "Come Tuesday night, I don't know how everyone else finishes, after that is when conversations can be had and people can start being real. "I need an offer first and then I need to work out my options if I have choices. I want to be playing at the highest possible level, pushing myself. "It's a short career. I want to push everything out of me. Physically I feel in great condition and I want to go again."
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Stay of execution for Supporters Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers Supporters Club has been saved from closure following the formation of a new Committee. The club, based in Castle Street, was due to close at the end of May after the former Committee agreed to cease trading. However the Club has been saved, for now, after a new Committee was installed.
Paul Christmas, the Club's new Social Secretary told KUMB: "I am very pleased to announce that the members of the Hammers Supporters Club have supported and agreed to a rescue package for the club. "The HSC is looking at opening in Stratford in order to be closer to the new ground and has had discussions with West Ham United and Newham Council to this effect. "But without help and support from Hammers fans and members of the Club, it will be in serious trouble. We have lost enough of our West Ham heritage as it is. Let's not lose any more - and this time, this is in our OWN hands."
In order to help kick start the regeneration of the Club, Christmas revealed that several changes were already earmarked. "A new website will be opened shortly while all members from the past few years are to be contacted about joining again or continuing their membership," he confirmed. "You are welcome to contact us to help with time and costs! "There will also be the Hammer of the Year presentation in early August - further details to follow. The original HotY trophy now in its 70th year will be presented and it is hoped many of the club's players past and present will be there. "Membership will be £10 until 31 December. Membership forms are available at the Club or may be downloaded once the website is up an running."
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Nordtveit hints at early departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit has hinted that he may be open to a return to the Bundesliga this summer. The 26-year-old was Slaven Bilic's first signing of last summer, joining the Hammers on a free transfer after his contract with German side Borussia Mönchengladbach expired. However just one year into a five year contract, Nordtveit has suggested that all may not be as well as hoped at the Olympic Stadium - whilst admitting that he would not be averse to a return to Germany. And conveniently, at least three clubs - believed to include Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg - have been cited as possible destinations in the German press, leaving Nordtveit - whose potential departure is unlikely to be challenged by West Ham - with some thinking to do. " I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham and I'm getting ready to participate in preparation for the new season," he told dagbladet.no. "It starts in July. "Currently I'll let the speculation lie. But yes, I had success in Germany, absolutely. I was there for nearly six years - and I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."
Nordtveit, who is valued at circa £4-5million made 22 appearances for West Ham during his first season at the club, including 16 in the Premier League.
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West Ham face competition in Iheanacho race
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham may face competition in the battle to sign Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho. The 20-year-old Nigerian has been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some considerable time, but remains a City player. And West Ham's inability to complete a deal has alerted a string of other Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace the latest to be linked with the promising youngster Darren Lewis, Mirror). Although he has been told he can leave the Etihad Stadium, Iheanacho has previously indicated his desire to stay and fight for a place. Everton and Swansea are also said to be monitoring the situation.
* In other news, West Ham are reported to have made a bid worth around £7million for Iheanacho's fellow country man Henry Onyekuru (Pieter-Jan Calcoen, HLN). The bid, which KUMB understands has been rejected falls short of the £8million valuation fee set by his current club, Eupen, who finished fourth from bottom of the Jupiler League last season.
* West Ham are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (various sources). The England international is reported to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and the Hammers - who made tentative enquiries into his availability last summer - are one of several clubs to have expressed an interest.
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New name, same game
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Football League Cup has been renamed the Carabao Cup after undergoing it's TENTH name change.
Created 57 years ago, the nation's second-biggest Cup competition has been renamed the Carabao Cup after the League secured a three-year contract with the Far East drinks manufacturer, who also sponsor Chelsea and Reading.
And tomorrow the draw for the first round will take place (in Bangkok, Thailand) although West Ham - along with the remaining Premier League clubs not involved in European competition - receive a bye to the Second Round.
First created for the 1960/61 season, the competition was known as the Football League Cup for its first 21 years before a deal with the Milk Marketing Board saw it renamed as the Milk Cup.
In 1986, mail order firm Littlewoods replaced the MMB as chief sponsor which saw the competition relaunched as the Littlewoods Challenge Cup - who were swiftly followed by Rumbelows (1991-1992), Coca Cola (1993-1998), Worthington's (199-2003), Carling (2004-2012) and Capital One (2013-2016).
Last season the Cup - for which the winners receive a place in the Europa League - returned to its sponsor-less state, although it was renamed as the EFL Cup prior to securing the deal with Carabou.
West Ham have never won the competition but reached the Final in 1966 (losing 5-2 on aggregate to West Bromwich Albion) and 1981, when European Champions Liverpool won a Villa Park replay 2-1.
The Hammers have also reached the semi finals on a further SIX occasions - against Leicester City (1963/64, lost 6-3 on aggregate), West Brom (1966/67 - lost 6-2 on agg), Stoke City (1971/72 lost second replay 3-2), Luton Town (1988/89 - lost 5-0 on agg), Oldham (1989/90 - lost 6-3 on agg) and Birmingham City (2010/11 - lost 4-3 on agg).
West Ham also reached the semi final of the 1999/2000 competition after beating Aston Villa in the quarter final on penalties, but were forced to replay the game - which they lost - after it was revealed that Manny Omoyinmi had featured for another club in the earlier stages of the competition whilst on loan.
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OZYAKUP REPORTEDLY KEEN ON BILIC REUNION
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham have been linked with a move for Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent days, and it's been claimed that he's keen on a reunion with Slaven Bilic.
According to a report today from the printed edition of Turkish news outlet Fanatik, as covered by Sport Witness, the exciting midfielder is open to a switch to the London Stadium as he seeks pastures new this summer.
Ozyakup has gone from strength to strength with Besiktas ever since his move from Arsenal, and he could very well be set to depart Turkey for a return to the Premier League in the coming months.
It's stated that Besiktas will demand a sum of €15m to lure Ozyakup away – a sum that is almost certainly affordable to Bilic and West Ham.
The Turkey international is entering the final year of his contract at Besiktas, and this could play to West Ham's advantage as they look to bring him to the club.
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Manuel Lanzini set to make full Argentina debut in a bizarre formation as Messi and Higuain miss out
The Hammers magician is set to start for his country for the first time
Football London
BYROB GUEST
18:18, 12 JUN 2017
Manuel Lanzini will be handed his first Argentina start by manager Jorge Sampaoli in tomorrow's friendly with Singapore. The West Ham midfielder made his international debut on Friday against Brazil after coming on in the 80 minute in the 1-0 win in Melbourne. Recently appointed manager Sampaoli has named his starting XI for the friendly and it includes the 24-year-old after an impressive season in east London.
Rafael Oliveira ✔ @OliveiraRafa
O "2-3-4-1" que Sampaoli pode usar no amistoso de amanhã contra Cingapura. Roda o elenco e vai com time bem ofensivo
1:54 PM - 12 Jun 2017
19 19 Retweets 116 116 likes
Argentina certainly looks like they are going all out to score goals in Kallang after Sampaoli elected to line up with an unusual 2-3-4-1 formation. Lanzini will start alongside Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Gomez as part of the four attackers who will support lone striker Joaquin Correa. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain will not be involved in the friendly at the National Stadium after they both withdrew from the match in Singapore.
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WEST HAM FIRST CLUB TO OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
SAM HAMMOND @SamHammondSFC
ReadWestHam
West Ham are the first and only club to make a formal bid for Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru. Nigerian news outlet Own Goal Nigeria report that a 'top official' from his club KAS Eupen has stated that the Hammers are the only side to table a bid for the youngster.
Onyekuru has lit up the Belgian league recently – finishing joint top scorer in the past campaign at just 19-years-old. He has been heavily linked with a move to fellow London club Arsenal, and a fee was understood to have be agreed, but it appears the deal fell through. West Ham are now said to be the front-runners in the race to sign the forward, but teams such as Newcastle and Swansea City are claimed to hold an interest in the KAS Eupen man too. Onyekuru is capable on both sides of an attacking trident and most naturally in the centre – a player that would certainly be welcome at the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic's side aim to build on last season's disappointing 11th place finish.
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West Ham transfer news: Bilic wants Hart loan; Onyekuru tipped to sign next week and more
HITC
Vincent Ralph
A select round-up of the latest news relating to West Ham United.
England's Joe Hart
According to a report from the Sun, West Ham United are ready to approach Manchester City with an offer to initially sign goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan before buying him permanently next summer. The report claims that the Hammers would struggle to afford Hart's £100,000-a-week wages and City's £18million asking price this summer, hoping instead to bring him in during this transfer window but only pay a fee in 12 months. It is a somewhat strange proposal but it perhaps suggests that West Ham are keen to put the majority of their transfer funds into strengthening elsewhere, knowing that Hart is surplus to requirements at City following the arrival of Ederson from Benfica earlier this month.
In other news, the Daily Mail claims Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru will travel to London next week to conclude a £7million move to the London Stadium. It had been suggested that Arsenal would get the Nigerian goal-scorer in a cut-price deal but now it seems West Ham have beaten the Gunners to the punch. Fresh off the back of a blistering campaign, Onyekuru will reportedly fly to England on Tuesday if talks progress in the interim.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham will have to fork out £20million if they want to bring Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to the club this summer. Slaven Bilic's side may well look to bring in two new forwards this summer after so many of their goal-scoring options under-performed last time out, yet a move for the French international seems unlikely at this stage. And finally, the Mirror claims West Ham are open to selling January signing Robert Snodgrass in this window. It shows how little impact the Scotland international has had at the Hammers thus far, but despite that a whole host of clubs are said to be keen including Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland, who will all be competing for promotion from the Championship next season.
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What happens to West Ham's Andy Carroll is Olivier Giroud is signed
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United are interested in the Arsenal hitman, according to reports. If rumours are to be believed then West Ham United want Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. The Mirror reported on the weekend that the £20 million-rated striker is fed up with a bit-part role at the Emirates and West Ham will offer the Frenchman an escape route. Should such a transfer materialise then there would probably be no room for Andy Carroll with the East Londoners any longer. They are both towering strikers, with very limited mobility, and logically manager Slavan Bilic has no need for two of them at the club, meaning that Carroll - a £15 million signing in 2013 - might well end up leaving East London. And that would not be a disaster. Despite them both being of a similar mould, Giroud is a better number nine with more dimensions to his game than the 28-year-old. The France international, 30, reminded Arsenal fans what he was capable of with a truly stunning volley against Sweden on Friday night, having hit 12 goals in 11 Premier League starts for the Gunners last season.
Plus, he is nowhere near as injury prone as Carroll, who has started 52 Premier League matches since the 2013-14 campaign. If the West Ham boss does move for him then the implication might be that Carroll can leave. Giroud is two years older, but he is certainly an upgrade.
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West Ham midfielder refuses to rule out transfer as three Bundesliga clubs consider bids
It hasn't been a smooth first season in east London for Havard Nordtveit
Football London
BYROB GUEST
21:00, 11 JUN 2017UPDATED21:13, 11 JUN 2017
West Ham United midfielder Havard Nordtveit is refusing to rule out a return to Germany after three Bundesliga clubs were linked with potential summer moves. The Norwegian only joined the Hammers last season from Borussia Monchengladbach but Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg are all reportedly interested in his signature. Nordtveit endured a difficult first season in east London and only made 16 appearances but he impressed towards the end of the campaign in his preferred role as a defensive midfielder. Despite claiming earlier in the week that he was looking forward to starting next season with the Hammers, the 26-year-old has not ruled out a return to Germany in the future. Nordtveit, speaking to Dagbladet in his home country, said: "At the moment, I let the speculation lie.
"I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham. And I'm getting ready to take part in preparations for the new season."
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Kelechi Iheanacho told he will leave Manchester City as talks continue with West Ham – report
ByCity WatchPosted on June 11, 2017
Kelechi Iheanacho is set to be one of the more unfortunate victims of Pep Guardiola's summer overhaul at Manchester City, despite the 20-year-old being desperate to stay at the club that brought him to England. According to an exclusive article for The West Ham Way by ExWHUEmployee, undoubtedly the most reliable West Ham source around, the Nigerian has been told to brace himself for an Etihad departure.
West Ham have been in talks to sign Kelechi but have found negotiations with Man City difficult, the problem largely surrounding City's demand for a buy-back clause in any sale. Despite frustration for the Hammers so far, talks continue and are not dead. If West Ham do fail to strike a deal for the clinical young striker, many other clubs are interested. It is thought that City could demand over £20 million for Kelechi, which would represent one of the club's biggest profits ever on a player. For now, negotiations go on but it appears to be only a matter of time until Kelechi Iheanacho says goodbye to Manchester City.
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Joe Hart admits he hasn't had a single offer to leave Manchester City
Simon Rice for Metro.co.uk
Sunday 11 Jun 2017 10:59 pm
Joe Hart has admitted he's not had a single offer despite it being clear he has no future at Manchester City. The England No 1 spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino after being pushed out by Pep Guardiola. Hart is due to return to Manchester City next month, however the club recently signed Ederson for £34.7million from Benfica. The Brazilian's arrival confirmed there is no place for Hart at the Etihad. Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester United have all been linked with a swoop for the two-time Premier League title winner. However if any of them are interested, they're yet to show it. 'I need an offer first, then I can work out my options,' the 30-year-old admitted. 'I've got nothing at the moment. My situation now is interesting and patience is going to be the key.' He continued: 'I'm lucky I've got this great distraction of being involved with my country — and then we will see. 'I'd love to be withholding information about my future but I don't have information to withhold. 'I have not spoken to City. They have obviously signed a new keeper and I get the direction where they are going. 'I'm not a kid any more. I can't just pack my stuff like a 17-year-old and go on loan — I like stability.' Hart, who has 71 caps for England but who will be rested for the upcoming friendly against France, revealed he could be available for a reasonable fee. 'I don't think City are going to price me out of a move,' he said. 'There is no animosity between the two parties. 'I just want to play football. That's what I live and breathe — and I want to play at the highest possible level.
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Aaron Cresswell will seize chance to hammer former West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet
JAMES OLLEY
Evening Standard
The prospect of sharing a pitch with Dimitri Payet once again prompts Aaron Cresswell to break out into a smile. It is, in that moment, difficult to interpret given the acrimonious manner in which Payet departed West Ham less than six months ago, thereby ending his club association with Cresswell and the rest of his disbelieving team-mates. Payet forced through his move back to Marseille in unedifying circumstances, signing a new contract which included a £1million loyalty bonus payment in September only to refuse to play for the club by January. He was subsequently instructed by manager Slaven Bilic to train with the reserves and the inevitable but protracted exit which followed preceded a stream of damning vitriol from West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, most prominent among the accusations was of a lack of respect towards everyone at the club.
It would be easy to assume, then, that Cresswell might view Tuesday night's friendly between France and England in Paris with particular relish. Manager Gareth Southgate is expected to make several changes in the wake of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland. For the second time in three days after last week's general election, the United Kingdom witnessed something originally billed as a coronation ending in an unexpectedly fierce contest. The need to re-energise a squad showing the effects of a long Premier League season will further encourage rotation and Cresswell is a contender to be involved at the Stade de France having been an unused substitute at Hampden Park. If successful, it would only be his second senior cap following an 11-minute appearance against Spain last November.
Payet played 76 minutes of France's surprise 2-1 defeat to Sweden in Stockholm on Friday and were he to line up against Cresswell on Tuesday evening, there would be a few Hammers fans willing him on to make his presence felt with a firm tackle or two, won't there?
"That's football," the 27-year-old told Standard Sport. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it.
"I've just mentioned world-class players and Dimi is certainly up there. I only spent 18 months with him but I certainly know what he is all about, certainly his free-kicks and stuff but not just Dimi, they have got some very good players.
Payet cited homesickness as the reason for leaving West Ham but in March he told France newspaper L'Equipe that "I had no desire to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League". While focusing his attention on Bilic's "defensive" system which left him "pissed off" and "bored", the implied criticism of his team-mates could understandably provoke anger and frustration in those he left behind.
Cresswell, however, reserved special praise for Payet. "He was sort of unheard of before he joined the Premier League and West Ham," said Cresswell. "For me personally, I didn't know much about him. But you knew he had the quality after a week or two training with us.
"He is arguably the best player I have played with and he certainly showed that day in, day out in training and of course in the games.
"Of course. It would have been nice to see him stay. Nobody knows his reason why he wanted to leave but it is what it is. We move on. People move on and the club moves on. "It won't be strange [to play against him] because I used to face him sometimes in training. You think you know him inside out but we'll see what happens on the day. I concentrate on my own game and I want to do well."
Danny Rose's knee injury has given his rivals a chance to press their case to be England's left-back, a position in which Southgate looks to be particularly well stocked. Ryan Bertrand performed well against Scotland, a display Cresswell will hope to surpass having beaten both Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw into the squad. "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with," said Cresswell. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team."
Southgate experimented with a 3-4-2-1 shape in England's previous friendly against Germany in March to positive effect and Cresswell has already proven his tactical flexibility at club level, with Bilic switching between a three-man and four-man defence during the campaign. "I've played both positions at West Ham in three at the back or four at the back," he said. "I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team."
Any experimentation will only enhance the end of season feel at the end of another gruelling campaign but Cresswell insisted there would be no letting up. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier," he said. "You still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game." Payet's presence may just focus a few minds, too.
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Havard Nordtveit admits to disappointment over debut West Ham season as he hints at Bundesliga return
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Havard Nordtveit has admitted that he did not expect his move to West Ham to transpire in the way it has after a disappointing return to the Premier League. Former Arsenal midfielder returned to England after five years at Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer last summer, joining Slaven Bilic's side on a free transfer. Nordtveit was expected to be a regular in West Ham's midfield, where he would add physicality and tackling ability, but largely struggled to establish himself on Bilic's team-sheet. The 26-year-old made only 16 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season and was named in the starting lineup on only three occasions after January 2.
With ankle injuries also curtailing Nordtveit's involvement it has not been the glorious return to England the Norwegian international had dreamed off and he did little to dispel rumours of a return to the Bundesliga. "It was not like I had envisioned it to be," Nordtveit told Dagbladet of his first season at the London Stadium. "For now I let the speculation lie. I still have four years left on my contract with West Ham. "Yes I had success in Germany… I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."
Nordtveit has been linked with both Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg in recent weeks.
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WEST HAM BID FOR HENRY ONYEKURU REJECTED
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam
Belgian club Eupen have turned down West Ham United's £7m bid for exciting forward Henry Onyekuru because they want to sell him to a more "prestigious club", according to Belgian reporter Kristof Terreur.
The 20-year-old striker seemed to be convinced by the Hammers to move to the Premier League to join them as he had been given the promise of first team football, however, his club looks like they don't want to sell to West Ham and would rather sell to the likes of London rivals Arsenal.
The Nigerian International scored a whopping 25 goals last season and registered 14 assists, which has attracted interest from major European clubs. Arsenal were in pole position before West Ham registered their interest in Onyekuru and it seemed a move to the Hammers was on the cards but Eupen are not keen to sell to them.
Onyekuru can operate anywhere in the front-line, however, he does prefer the left side as if offers him space to run with the ball at his feet. He likes to cut in on his stronger right foot and shoot but he can also go down the line and use his weaker foot to deliver the ball into the box.
His quick feet have been a nightmare for defenders in the Belgian league this season and with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looking to add firepower up front, he seemed to be the perfect man.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dan Kemp described lifting silverware with England U20s as an 'amazing experience'
The winger triumphed with his country in the Toulon Tournament on Saturday after beating Ivory Coast on penalties in the final
The West Ham winger played three times for the Young Lions during the tournament success
"Pure joy" – the two simple words West Ham United winger Dan Kemp used to sum up his emotions after clinching the Toulon Tournament title with England U20s on Saturday. The Young Lions, taking on Ivory Coast in the final of the prestigious French tournament, held their nerve in a vital penalty shootout after the 1-1 stalemate to eventually get their hands on the trophy for a second year running.
Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks had given England the lead after 13 minutes and with the scoreline still at 1-0 with the full 80 minutes played, it looked as though they were home and dry. But one minute into injury time, there was a late twist as Ake Loba equalised, taking the tie straight to penalties. The Lions remained calm, though, and scored all five of their penalties to clinch the title as their fellow U20 teammates would also do a day later in the U20 FIFA World Cup. Kemp, who played three times during the competition, was delighted to get his hands on the trophy. He said: "It was an amazing feeling to win such a great tournament with my country – the best experience I've had so far in my career. To put the England shirt on and play for your country is an incredible feeling and to go and win is amazing. "The feeling at the end was amazing and pure joy. I'm proud to win for my country and proud of the boys after such a great tournament for us. We were all so happy and buzzing to win. "When Ivory Coast scored we were all a bit surprised as we felt we had done enough to see out the win but it shows in football it's never over until the end. Then, it was about believing we could and will win it on penalties."
Kemp did not get on the pitch in the final, but having been named in the squad for the first time just this summer, the winger was pleased with his progress during a maiden international call-up. "I feel like it had been an amazing experience to play for my country three times and contribute with a couple of assists in the games I played in. I would have obviously loved to play in the final but I still feel I have contributed well to the tournament win. "I want to keep working hard to make sure I get more and more international caps to come and one day make my debut for the senior team. That is the ultimate goal. I just want to keep learning more and more. "This has been a perfect end to a great season for me personally and one that I've massively enjoyed. I am looking forward to resting up now and then getting back to working hard prior to the new season. I want to achieve more and more and win more next year."
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England's Cresswell keen to impress in France clash
WHUFC.com
Hammers full-back Aaron Cresswell is hoping to impress England boss Gareth Southgate if called upon against France on Tuesday
The Three Lions take on Didier Deschamps' team at the Stade de France in Paris
And Cresswell, who could make his second international appearance, is ready to challenge the other left-backs at the manager's disposal
West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell will hope to be given the opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate when the Three Lions take on France in Paris on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old was kept out the side by Ryan Bertrand on Saturday when England picked up a FIFA World Cup qualifying point in a 2-2 draw against Scotland, but will be keen to earn his second cap against Didier Deschamps' team. Cresswell, who made his first senior international appearance in November, replacing Danny Rose as a sub against Spain at Wembley, is expected to be pushed into the starting XI as Southgate looks to access other areas of his squad following the Hampden Park stalemate. And the full-back is keen to prove he can challenge the other left-sided defenders that are also at the manager's disposal. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies.
He said: "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. "There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match [against France] and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game."
Cresswell was utilised as both a regular full-back as well as an energetic wing-back throughout the season at West Ham under Bilic.
And with the England side, the Liverpool-born defender is ready to do whatever is asked of him at the Stade de France this week. "I've played in both positions at West Ham, in three at the back or four at the back. I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants me to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it."
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Randolph helps Ireland to crucial Austria draw
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland kept themselves in the hunt for World Cup qualification with a 1-1 draw against Austria on Sunday.
Ireland needed Jonathan Walters to pop up with an equaliser five minutes from time at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin after Martin Hinteregger gave Austria a first half lead. Walters' late strike was reward for an improved display in the second half from Ireland, who moved to the top of Group D in European qualification. Randolph earned his 22nd Republic of Ireland cap in the draw - 20 of which have come since his move to the Hammers from Birmingham in summer 2015. Elsewhere on Sunday, Andre Ayew and Ghana enjoyed a perfect start to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by dispatching Ethiopia 5-0 in Kumasi. Ghana top the four-team group after goals from Asamoah Gyan, John Boye, Ebenezer Ofori and Raphael Dwamena twice fired them to victory.
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Hammers fan Stephen Moyer relishes Hatton Garden Job role
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan and Hatton Garden Job star Stephen Moyer has talked about how immersed himself in the role of Marcus Ford. The Essex-born actor takes on the role of East End high-roller Ford, who was one of the criminals involved in the now infamous burglary of safety deposit boxes containing jewellery worth an estimated £14m in April 2015. The underground heist saw a group of veteran thieves drill through 50cm thick vault walls before making off with their ill-gotten booty. Seven men have since been found guilty and jailed for their roles in the crime. The Hatton Garden Job, which was produced by Signature Entertainment and directed by Stephen Thompson, is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from all retailers nationwide from Monday 12 June at 9am – the perfect gift for Father's Day! Moyer, whose role as vampire Bill Compton in the hit HBO series True Blood has made him a household name, said he had to empathise with Ford, despite his criminal intentions and actions. "I think that it's very difficult to play any character if you don't find something that you like in them," the 47-year-old told ContactMusic.com. "Even if you read something and you don't particularly like the person, I'm not saying that that's the case with this, but you have to find something that you like about them in order to make it believable for you. "Ultimately, I always say that you kind of have to love the guy you're playing even if he's despicable. "I always end up loving the people I play. For me it's not about right or wrong unless the story's about right or wrong."
California-based Moyer, who has also starred in the recent hit drama Shots Fired, is a lifelong Hammer and visited the squad during their pre-season tour of the United States in summer 2016. The biggest heist in British history. This is the remarkable true story. The Hatton Garden Job is available on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday.
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West Ham a possible loan destination for Joe Hart with wages stopping permanent deal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 12/06/17 12:34pm
SSN
Manchester City will let England goalkeeper Joe Hart go on loan to West Ham if a permanent deal away from the Etihad Stadium cannot be agreed. Sky Sports News HQ understands West Ham are keeping tabs on Hart's situation, but his present wage deal means they would only consider a loan move. Hart spent the 2016/17 season away from City on loan, having signed for Serie A side Torino during last summer's transfer window. Both the player and his club expect more potential suitors to become apparent following the international break but, after England's 2-2 draw in Glasgow, Hart admitted he was yet to receive any offers for the next campaign. "I would love to give you a poker-straight answer, but I've got nothing at the moment because I think people are focused on international duty and respecting that players are focusing on international duty," Hart said "Come Tuesday night, I don't know how everyone else finishes, after that is when conversations can be had and people can start being real. "I need an offer first and then I need to work out my options if I have choices. I want to be playing at the highest possible level, pushing myself. "It's a short career. I want to push everything out of me. Physically I feel in great condition and I want to go again."
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Stay of execution for Supporters Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers Supporters Club has been saved from closure following the formation of a new Committee. The club, based in Castle Street, was due to close at the end of May after the former Committee agreed to cease trading. However the Club has been saved, for now, after a new Committee was installed.
Paul Christmas, the Club's new Social Secretary told KUMB: "I am very pleased to announce that the members of the Hammers Supporters Club have supported and agreed to a rescue package for the club. "The HSC is looking at opening in Stratford in order to be closer to the new ground and has had discussions with West Ham United and Newham Council to this effect. "But without help and support from Hammers fans and members of the Club, it will be in serious trouble. We have lost enough of our West Ham heritage as it is. Let's not lose any more - and this time, this is in our OWN hands."
In order to help kick start the regeneration of the Club, Christmas revealed that several changes were already earmarked. "A new website will be opened shortly while all members from the past few years are to be contacted about joining again or continuing their membership," he confirmed. "You are welcome to contact us to help with time and costs! "There will also be the Hammer of the Year presentation in early August - further details to follow. The original HotY trophy now in its 70th year will be presented and it is hoped many of the club's players past and present will be there. "Membership will be £10 until 31 December. Membership forms are available at the Club or may be downloaded once the website is up an running."
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Nordtveit hints at early departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit has hinted that he may be open to a return to the Bundesliga this summer. The 26-year-old was Slaven Bilic's first signing of last summer, joining the Hammers on a free transfer after his contract with German side Borussia Mönchengladbach expired. However just one year into a five year contract, Nordtveit has suggested that all may not be as well as hoped at the Olympic Stadium - whilst admitting that he would not be averse to a return to Germany. And conveniently, at least three clubs - believed to include Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg - have been cited as possible destinations in the German press, leaving Nordtveit - whose potential departure is unlikely to be challenged by West Ham - with some thinking to do. " I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham and I'm getting ready to participate in preparation for the new season," he told dagbladet.no. "It starts in July. "Currently I'll let the speculation lie. But yes, I had success in Germany, absolutely. I was there for nearly six years - and I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."
Nordtveit, who is valued at circa £4-5million made 22 appearances for West Ham during his first season at the club, including 16 in the Premier League.
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West Ham face competition in Iheanacho race
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham may face competition in the battle to sign Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho. The 20-year-old Nigerian has been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some considerable time, but remains a City player. And West Ham's inability to complete a deal has alerted a string of other Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace the latest to be linked with the promising youngster Darren Lewis, Mirror). Although he has been told he can leave the Etihad Stadium, Iheanacho has previously indicated his desire to stay and fight for a place. Everton and Swansea are also said to be monitoring the situation.
* In other news, West Ham are reported to have made a bid worth around £7million for Iheanacho's fellow country man Henry Onyekuru (Pieter-Jan Calcoen, HLN). The bid, which KUMB understands has been rejected falls short of the £8million valuation fee set by his current club, Eupen, who finished fourth from bottom of the Jupiler League last season.
* West Ham are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (various sources). The England international is reported to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and the Hammers - who made tentative enquiries into his availability last summer - are one of several clubs to have expressed an interest.
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New name, same game
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Football League Cup has been renamed the Carabao Cup after undergoing it's TENTH name change.
Created 57 years ago, the nation's second-biggest Cup competition has been renamed the Carabao Cup after the League secured a three-year contract with the Far East drinks manufacturer, who also sponsor Chelsea and Reading.
And tomorrow the draw for the first round will take place (in Bangkok, Thailand) although West Ham - along with the remaining Premier League clubs not involved in European competition - receive a bye to the Second Round.
First created for the 1960/61 season, the competition was known as the Football League Cup for its first 21 years before a deal with the Milk Marketing Board saw it renamed as the Milk Cup.
In 1986, mail order firm Littlewoods replaced the MMB as chief sponsor which saw the competition relaunched as the Littlewoods Challenge Cup - who were swiftly followed by Rumbelows (1991-1992), Coca Cola (1993-1998), Worthington's (199-2003), Carling (2004-2012) and Capital One (2013-2016).
Last season the Cup - for which the winners receive a place in the Europa League - returned to its sponsor-less state, although it was renamed as the EFL Cup prior to securing the deal with Carabou.
West Ham have never won the competition but reached the Final in 1966 (losing 5-2 on aggregate to West Bromwich Albion) and 1981, when European Champions Liverpool won a Villa Park replay 2-1.
The Hammers have also reached the semi finals on a further SIX occasions - against Leicester City (1963/64, lost 6-3 on aggregate), West Brom (1966/67 - lost 6-2 on agg), Stoke City (1971/72 lost second replay 3-2), Luton Town (1988/89 - lost 5-0 on agg), Oldham (1989/90 - lost 6-3 on agg) and Birmingham City (2010/11 - lost 4-3 on agg).
West Ham also reached the semi final of the 1999/2000 competition after beating Aston Villa in the quarter final on penalties, but were forced to replay the game - which they lost - after it was revealed that Manny Omoyinmi had featured for another club in the earlier stages of the competition whilst on loan.
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OZYAKUP REPORTEDLY KEEN ON BILIC REUNION
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham have been linked with a move for Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent days, and it's been claimed that he's keen on a reunion with Slaven Bilic.
According to a report today from the printed edition of Turkish news outlet Fanatik, as covered by Sport Witness, the exciting midfielder is open to a switch to the London Stadium as he seeks pastures new this summer.
Ozyakup has gone from strength to strength with Besiktas ever since his move from Arsenal, and he could very well be set to depart Turkey for a return to the Premier League in the coming months.
It's stated that Besiktas will demand a sum of €15m to lure Ozyakup away – a sum that is almost certainly affordable to Bilic and West Ham.
The Turkey international is entering the final year of his contract at Besiktas, and this could play to West Ham's advantage as they look to bring him to the club.
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Manuel Lanzini set to make full Argentina debut in a bizarre formation as Messi and Higuain miss out
The Hammers magician is set to start for his country for the first time
Football London
BYROB GUEST
18:18, 12 JUN 2017
Manuel Lanzini will be handed his first Argentina start by manager Jorge Sampaoli in tomorrow's friendly with Singapore. The West Ham midfielder made his international debut on Friday against Brazil after coming on in the 80 minute in the 1-0 win in Melbourne. Recently appointed manager Sampaoli has named his starting XI for the friendly and it includes the 24-year-old after an impressive season in east London.
Rafael Oliveira ✔ @OliveiraRafa
O "2-3-4-1" que Sampaoli pode usar no amistoso de amanhã contra Cingapura. Roda o elenco e vai com time bem ofensivo
1:54 PM - 12 Jun 2017
19 19 Retweets 116 116 likes
Argentina certainly looks like they are going all out to score goals in Kallang after Sampaoli elected to line up with an unusual 2-3-4-1 formation. Lanzini will start alongside Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Gomez as part of the four attackers who will support lone striker Joaquin Correa. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain will not be involved in the friendly at the National Stadium after they both withdrew from the match in Singapore.
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WEST HAM FIRST CLUB TO OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
SAM HAMMOND @SamHammondSFC
ReadWestHam
West Ham are the first and only club to make a formal bid for Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru. Nigerian news outlet Own Goal Nigeria report that a 'top official' from his club KAS Eupen has stated that the Hammers are the only side to table a bid for the youngster.
Onyekuru has lit up the Belgian league recently – finishing joint top scorer in the past campaign at just 19-years-old. He has been heavily linked with a move to fellow London club Arsenal, and a fee was understood to have be agreed, but it appears the deal fell through. West Ham are now said to be the front-runners in the race to sign the forward, but teams such as Newcastle and Swansea City are claimed to hold an interest in the KAS Eupen man too. Onyekuru is capable on both sides of an attacking trident and most naturally in the centre – a player that would certainly be welcome at the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic's side aim to build on last season's disappointing 11th place finish.
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West Ham transfer news: Bilic wants Hart loan; Onyekuru tipped to sign next week and more
HITC
Vincent Ralph
A select round-up of the latest news relating to West Ham United.
England's Joe Hart
According to a report from the Sun, West Ham United are ready to approach Manchester City with an offer to initially sign goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan before buying him permanently next summer. The report claims that the Hammers would struggle to afford Hart's £100,000-a-week wages and City's £18million asking price this summer, hoping instead to bring him in during this transfer window but only pay a fee in 12 months. It is a somewhat strange proposal but it perhaps suggests that West Ham are keen to put the majority of their transfer funds into strengthening elsewhere, knowing that Hart is surplus to requirements at City following the arrival of Ederson from Benfica earlier this month.
In other news, the Daily Mail claims Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru will travel to London next week to conclude a £7million move to the London Stadium. It had been suggested that Arsenal would get the Nigerian goal-scorer in a cut-price deal but now it seems West Ham have beaten the Gunners to the punch. Fresh off the back of a blistering campaign, Onyekuru will reportedly fly to England on Tuesday if talks progress in the interim.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham will have to fork out £20million if they want to bring Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to the club this summer. Slaven Bilic's side may well look to bring in two new forwards this summer after so many of their goal-scoring options under-performed last time out, yet a move for the French international seems unlikely at this stage. And finally, the Mirror claims West Ham are open to selling January signing Robert Snodgrass in this window. It shows how little impact the Scotland international has had at the Hammers thus far, but despite that a whole host of clubs are said to be keen including Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland, who will all be competing for promotion from the Championship next season.
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What happens to West Ham's Andy Carroll is Olivier Giroud is signed
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United are interested in the Arsenal hitman, according to reports. If rumours are to be believed then West Ham United want Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. The Mirror reported on the weekend that the £20 million-rated striker is fed up with a bit-part role at the Emirates and West Ham will offer the Frenchman an escape route. Should such a transfer materialise then there would probably be no room for Andy Carroll with the East Londoners any longer. They are both towering strikers, with very limited mobility, and logically manager Slavan Bilic has no need for two of them at the club, meaning that Carroll - a £15 million signing in 2013 - might well end up leaving East London. And that would not be a disaster. Despite them both being of a similar mould, Giroud is a better number nine with more dimensions to his game than the 28-year-old. The France international, 30, reminded Arsenal fans what he was capable of with a truly stunning volley against Sweden on Friday night, having hit 12 goals in 11 Premier League starts for the Gunners last season.
Plus, he is nowhere near as injury prone as Carroll, who has started 52 Premier League matches since the 2013-14 campaign. If the West Ham boss does move for him then the implication might be that Carroll can leave. Giroud is two years older, but he is certainly an upgrade.
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West Ham midfielder refuses to rule out transfer as three Bundesliga clubs consider bids
It hasn't been a smooth first season in east London for Havard Nordtveit
Football London
BYROB GUEST
21:00, 11 JUN 2017UPDATED21:13, 11 JUN 2017
West Ham United midfielder Havard Nordtveit is refusing to rule out a return to Germany after three Bundesliga clubs were linked with potential summer moves. The Norwegian only joined the Hammers last season from Borussia Monchengladbach but Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg are all reportedly interested in his signature. Nordtveit endured a difficult first season in east London and only made 16 appearances but he impressed towards the end of the campaign in his preferred role as a defensive midfielder. Despite claiming earlier in the week that he was looking forward to starting next season with the Hammers, the 26-year-old has not ruled out a return to Germany in the future. Nordtveit, speaking to Dagbladet in his home country, said: "At the moment, I let the speculation lie.
"I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham. And I'm getting ready to take part in preparations for the new season."
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Kelechi Iheanacho told he will leave Manchester City as talks continue with West Ham – report
ByCity WatchPosted on June 11, 2017
Kelechi Iheanacho is set to be one of the more unfortunate victims of Pep Guardiola's summer overhaul at Manchester City, despite the 20-year-old being desperate to stay at the club that brought him to England. According to an exclusive article for The West Ham Way by ExWHUEmployee, undoubtedly the most reliable West Ham source around, the Nigerian has been told to brace himself for an Etihad departure.
West Ham have been in talks to sign Kelechi but have found negotiations with Man City difficult, the problem largely surrounding City's demand for a buy-back clause in any sale. Despite frustration for the Hammers so far, talks continue and are not dead. If West Ham do fail to strike a deal for the clinical young striker, many other clubs are interested. It is thought that City could demand over £20 million for Kelechi, which would represent one of the club's biggest profits ever on a player. For now, negotiations go on but it appears to be only a matter of time until Kelechi Iheanacho says goodbye to Manchester City.
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Joe Hart admits he hasn't had a single offer to leave Manchester City
Simon Rice for Metro.co.uk
Sunday 11 Jun 2017 10:59 pm
Joe Hart has admitted he's not had a single offer despite it being clear he has no future at Manchester City. The England No 1 spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino after being pushed out by Pep Guardiola. Hart is due to return to Manchester City next month, however the club recently signed Ederson for £34.7million from Benfica. The Brazilian's arrival confirmed there is no place for Hart at the Etihad. Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester United have all been linked with a swoop for the two-time Premier League title winner. However if any of them are interested, they're yet to show it. 'I need an offer first, then I can work out my options,' the 30-year-old admitted. 'I've got nothing at the moment. My situation now is interesting and patience is going to be the key.' He continued: 'I'm lucky I've got this great distraction of being involved with my country — and then we will see. 'I'd love to be withholding information about my future but I don't have information to withhold. 'I have not spoken to City. They have obviously signed a new keeper and I get the direction where they are going. 'I'm not a kid any more. I can't just pack my stuff like a 17-year-old and go on loan — I like stability.' Hart, who has 71 caps for England but who will be rested for the upcoming friendly against France, revealed he could be available for a reasonable fee. 'I don't think City are going to price me out of a move,' he said. 'There is no animosity between the two parties. 'I just want to play football. That's what I live and breathe — and I want to play at the highest possible level.
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Aaron Cresswell will seize chance to hammer former West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet
JAMES OLLEY
Evening Standard
The prospect of sharing a pitch with Dimitri Payet once again prompts Aaron Cresswell to break out into a smile. It is, in that moment, difficult to interpret given the acrimonious manner in which Payet departed West Ham less than six months ago, thereby ending his club association with Cresswell and the rest of his disbelieving team-mates. Payet forced through his move back to Marseille in unedifying circumstances, signing a new contract which included a £1million loyalty bonus payment in September only to refuse to play for the club by January. He was subsequently instructed by manager Slaven Bilic to train with the reserves and the inevitable but protracted exit which followed preceded a stream of damning vitriol from West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, most prominent among the accusations was of a lack of respect towards everyone at the club.
It would be easy to assume, then, that Cresswell might view Tuesday night's friendly between France and England in Paris with particular relish. Manager Gareth Southgate is expected to make several changes in the wake of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland. For the second time in three days after last week's general election, the United Kingdom witnessed something originally billed as a coronation ending in an unexpectedly fierce contest. The need to re-energise a squad showing the effects of a long Premier League season will further encourage rotation and Cresswell is a contender to be involved at the Stade de France having been an unused substitute at Hampden Park. If successful, it would only be his second senior cap following an 11-minute appearance against Spain last November.
Payet played 76 minutes of France's surprise 2-1 defeat to Sweden in Stockholm on Friday and were he to line up against Cresswell on Tuesday evening, there would be a few Hammers fans willing him on to make his presence felt with a firm tackle or two, won't there?
"That's football," the 27-year-old told Standard Sport. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it.
"I've just mentioned world-class players and Dimi is certainly up there. I only spent 18 months with him but I certainly know what he is all about, certainly his free-kicks and stuff but not just Dimi, they have got some very good players.
Payet cited homesickness as the reason for leaving West Ham but in March he told France newspaper L'Equipe that "I had no desire to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League". While focusing his attention on Bilic's "defensive" system which left him "pissed off" and "bored", the implied criticism of his team-mates could understandably provoke anger and frustration in those he left behind.
Cresswell, however, reserved special praise for Payet. "He was sort of unheard of before he joined the Premier League and West Ham," said Cresswell. "For me personally, I didn't know much about him. But you knew he had the quality after a week or two training with us.
"He is arguably the best player I have played with and he certainly showed that day in, day out in training and of course in the games.
"Of course. It would have been nice to see him stay. Nobody knows his reason why he wanted to leave but it is what it is. We move on. People move on and the club moves on. "It won't be strange [to play against him] because I used to face him sometimes in training. You think you know him inside out but we'll see what happens on the day. I concentrate on my own game and I want to do well."
Danny Rose's knee injury has given his rivals a chance to press their case to be England's left-back, a position in which Southgate looks to be particularly well stocked. Ryan Bertrand performed well against Scotland, a display Cresswell will hope to surpass having beaten both Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw into the squad. "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with," said Cresswell. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team."
Southgate experimented with a 3-4-2-1 shape in England's previous friendly against Germany in March to positive effect and Cresswell has already proven his tactical flexibility at club level, with Bilic switching between a three-man and four-man defence during the campaign. "I've played both positions at West Ham in three at the back or four at the back," he said. "I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team."
Any experimentation will only enhance the end of season feel at the end of another gruelling campaign but Cresswell insisted there would be no letting up. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier," he said. "You still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game." Payet's presence may just focus a few minds, too.
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Havard Nordtveit admits to disappointment over debut West Ham season as he hints at Bundesliga return
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Havard Nordtveit has admitted that he did not expect his move to West Ham to transpire in the way it has after a disappointing return to the Premier League. Former Arsenal midfielder returned to England after five years at Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer last summer, joining Slaven Bilic's side on a free transfer. Nordtveit was expected to be a regular in West Ham's midfield, where he would add physicality and tackling ability, but largely struggled to establish himself on Bilic's team-sheet. The 26-year-old made only 16 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season and was named in the starting lineup on only three occasions after January 2.
With ankle injuries also curtailing Nordtveit's involvement it has not been the glorious return to England the Norwegian international had dreamed off and he did little to dispel rumours of a return to the Bundesliga. "It was not like I had envisioned it to be," Nordtveit told Dagbladet of his first season at the London Stadium. "For now I let the speculation lie. I still have four years left on my contract with West Ham. "Yes I had success in Germany… I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."
Nordtveit has been linked with both Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg in recent weeks.
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WEST HAM BID FOR HENRY ONYEKURU REJECTED
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam
Belgian club Eupen have turned down West Ham United's £7m bid for exciting forward Henry Onyekuru because they want to sell him to a more "prestigious club", according to Belgian reporter Kristof Terreur.
The 20-year-old striker seemed to be convinced by the Hammers to move to the Premier League to join them as he had been given the promise of first team football, however, his club looks like they don't want to sell to West Ham and would rather sell to the likes of London rivals Arsenal.
The Nigerian International scored a whopping 25 goals last season and registered 14 assists, which has attracted interest from major European clubs. Arsenal were in pole position before West Ham registered their interest in Onyekuru and it seemed a move to the Hammers was on the cards but Eupen are not keen to sell to them.
Onyekuru can operate anywhere in the front-line, however, he does prefer the left side as if offers him space to run with the ball at his feet. He likes to cut in on his stronger right foot and shoot but he can also go down the line and use his weaker foot to deliver the ball into the box.
His quick feet have been a nightmare for defenders in the Belgian league this season and with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looking to add firepower up front, he seemed to be the perfect man.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 11
Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2017
West Ham star Pedro Obiang says he will be fit for start of pre-season
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang says he is on track to be fit for the start of pre-season
training. The West Ham United midfielder has been working hard on his rehab
after suffering a leg injury in the Premier League defeat by Leicester City
at London Stadium in March. The Spaniard underwent season-ending surgery,
but his professional approach and natural athleticism mean he should be
ready to go when the Hammers return to the pitch in early July. "I'm coming
back to Rush Green to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have
to work for to be ready for the fifth of July," he told whufc.com on the
second anniversary of his arrival in east London. "I been on holiday with my
family and some friends to Mykonos and Athens in Greece, Belgrade in Serbian
and Montenegro, which was both interesting and relaxing, but now is the time
to think about my work because I want to be ready to train and play."
Obiang enjoyed a breakthrough 2016/17 season in Claret and Blue, making 30
appearances and scoring his maiden goal in the Premier League win at
Southampton. Reflecting on his opening two years as a Hammer, Obiang cited
that goal, as well as the Final Game victory over Manchester United at the
Boleyn Ground in May 2016 among his standout moments. "I have many good
memories of my time with West Ham," he said. "The last game in Upton Park,
the atmosphere and everything was amazing, and of course the game in the FA
Cup against Liverpool when Angelo Ogbonna scored the winner in the last
minute.
"This last season, the best moments were when I scored my first goal and
when I saw the videos of the supporters singing my song!"
An all-round midfielder who can break up play and put his own team on the
offensive, the 25-year-old is aiming to become a more potent attacking
threat next term. "I have two things to improve," he confirmed. "I need to
shoot more at the goal and give more assists to my teammates." One of those
teammates will be new signing Pablo Zabaleta, who has agreed to join the
Club following a super spell with Manchester City. Obiang believes the
Argentinian full-back will add a great deal to the West Ham squad. "I think
he is a really good player, a nice player," said the No14. "He has great
experience and he can help us to became more solid and competitive."
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Bobby Moore was always destined for greatness, says long-time pal Brian Dear
WHUFC.com
Today marks the 59th anniversary of a landmark moment in West Ham United
history – Bobby Moore signed apprentice terms with the Club. After catching
the eye while playing for Essex schoolboys, Moore was invited to train at
Chadwell Heath, where he continued his development as a member of the Colts
side. Under the guidance of manager Ted Fenton and first-team centre-half
and coach Malcolm Allison, Moore's game flourished and the teenager was
rewarded with an apprenticeship and joined the Boleyn Ground groundstaff. In
August 1958, Allison's illness gave Moore, still just 17, an opportunity to
make his first-team debut in a First Division fixture with Manchester
United. The Hammers won 3-2 and the rest, as they say, is history.
A year later, another local lad who would make good followed in Moore's
footsteps by joining the Club at the age of 15 and going on to star for the
first team – Brian Dear. The striker became close pals with the centre-back,
who was two-and-a-half years his senior, and the friendship endured until
Moore's tragic passing from cancer in February 1993, aged just 51. Dear
spoke to whufc.com about Moore's formative years and how his ability and
determination to succeed helped the great defender overcome any physical
shortcomings he may have had. "Going back to when he signed as an
apprentice, Bobby got nothing and when he became a professional his family
got £20 for signing and £12 a week, whereas now clubs are paying five or ten
million for players who never go on to play in the first team!" Dear began.
"I was lucky enough to come across Bob in 1959/60, when we were back in the
First Division and he was 18 and trying to establish himself in the first
team. "But of course those were the days before big matchday squads and
substitutes, so I played regularly alongside Bob in our Metropolitan League
side. We were lucky enough to play competitive football every week. "Bob
made the game look quite easy, even at that age. It was in early 1960 that
he got his place in the first team on a regular basis and we didn't see as
much of him then, as his career really took off."
While Moore missed just four First Division fixtures in 1960/61, with the
manager who handed him is debut, Fenton, being replaced by the visionary Ron
Greenwood with a month of the season to go. The following year, 1962,
Greenwood handed Dear his own debut, reuniting him with old pal Moore in a
goalless top-flight draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Over the next few
seasons, the pair would turn out alongside one another dozens more times,
most notably during the run to European Cup Winners' Cup glory in 1964/65.
"From the very start, you could tell that Bob was going to be a good
player," Dear, now 73, confirmed. "The management found out he wasn't that
quick, but we played 4-2-4 and he just sat there alongside Ken Brown and his
game progressed. "He started something really different as a defender.
Everyone said he couldn't jump and he couldn't do this or that, but 640-odd
games and 108 England caps, 90 of them as captain, he must have been doing
something right!"
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Darren Randolph targets place at 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
WHUFC.com
Having starred for his country at UEFA Euro 2016, Darren Randolph would love
nothing more than to represent Republic of Ireland at next summer's FIFA
World Cup finals in Russia.
Randolph produced a series of outstanding displays to help Ireland qualify
via a Play-Off victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, qualify from a group
that also included Italy, Sweden and Italy and push hosts France all the way
in the Round of 16.
The Boys in Green have faced Mexico and Uruguay in friendly internationals
since the Premier League season ended, but are now ready for their third,
final and most important of three summer post-season matches – a World Cup
European Group D qualifier with Austria at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Sunday
11 June.
Victory over the Austrians will put Randolph and company in a very strong
position, with leaders Serbia hosting third place Wales in Belgrade on the
same date.
Wins for Ireland and Serbia would put the pair seven points clear of their
rivals on 14 points, with four rounds of matches left to play. The group
winners qualify automatically, while the runners-up will go into a play-off.
Republic of Ireland host Serbia in Dublin on 5 September.
"We can definitely finish in the top two," Randolph continued. "It's like
any small group, if you can take points off the teams who are going to be
the biggest threats to you to qualify, those wins are massive.
"In our group there is Serbia, Wales, Austria and ourselves who everyone
else would have said would be up there to qualify – no disrespect to Georgia
or Moldova – so if we manage to beat Austria, if won't secure any
qualification, but it makes it a bit easier.
"Our ultimate goal is to qualify for Russia next summer."
Ireland have not been to a World Cup finals since Japan/South Korea 2002,
when Mick McCarthy's squad reached the Round of 16.
The Boys in Green also famously reached the quarter-finals at Italia '90,
before West Ham Academy graduate Ray Houghton's winner against Italy helped
them reach the Round of 16 at USA '96 – both under Jack Charlton.
Randolph has been part of O'Neil's squad in each of the last two summers,
sitting on the bench for the goalless friendly draw with England in June
2015, before keeping goal for his country at UEFA Euro 2016 a year ago.
In all, the 30-year-old Hammer has been capped 21 times since making his
debut against Oman at Craven Cottage in September 2011.
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Snodgrass' Scotland pick up point against England
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass collected his 24th Scotland cap on Saturday as his side
picked up a point in a 2-2 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw with England at
Hampden Park. The midfielder started and played 65 minutes before being
replaced by Ryan Fraser for Gordan Strachen's outfit who remain six points
behind the Three Lions at the top of Group F. Meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell –
the Hammers left-back included in Gareth Southgate's squad – was left on the
substitutes' bench north of the border, with Southampton's Ryan Bertrand
filling the berth on the left side of defence. Leigh Griffiths was the man
in the spotlight in the clash, overturning England's one-goal advantage with
four minutes remaining, curling home two beautiful free-kicks from almost
the exact same position 25 yards from goal with three minutes separating the
strikes. Both sides had their chances before the opener, with Jake Livermore
hitting the post for the visitors in the second half before Andrew Robertson
lashed over from a good position shortly after. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
opened the scoring though, smashing in with his left foot shortly after
replacing Marcus Rashford from the bench. The points looked to be heading
south but with four minutes remaining on the clock, Griffiths stepped up and
levelled before beating Joe Hart once again moments later. There was a final
late twist however, as Harry Kane finished well from close range to silence
the home supporters and make the scoreline 2-2 as the referee's final
whistle sounded. Scotland now wait until September for their next fixture –
another World Cup qualifier against Lithuania – while England face France in
an international friendly on Tuesday, giving Cresswell another chance to
grab his second international cap.
Havard Nordtveit was also in action on Saturday, as his Norway side faced
the Czech Republic in Group C qualifying, with the clash ending in a 1-1
stalemate.
Theodor Gebe Selassie gave the visitors the lead before Alexander Soderlund
equalised for Nordtveit's team, who are 14 points below top of the group
Germany, who have a 100 per cent record in qualifying. Alexander Soderland
opened the scoring for Nordtveit's team before
Elsewhere, West Ham's Dan Kemp celebrated England U20s' Toulon Tournament
triumph as the Young Lions beat the Ivory Coast on penalties in the final.
The promising winger, who was instrumental in the youngsters reaching the
final, was left as a sub in the match which finished 1-1 after extra time.
Sheffield United midfielder Daniel Brooks scored the opener in the tie and
it looked to be the winner until the final minutes, when opponents Ivory
Coast grabbed a late equaliser through Ake Loba. There were no nerves from
the U20s from 12 yards though, as they converted all five of their
penalties, with Jean Amani missing the crucial spot-kick for Cote d'Ivoire,
meaning Kemp and England lifted the highly coveted trophy for the second
year running.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: TRANSFER AND KIT UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 11 JUNE 2017 AT 10:41AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So this column comes a little earlier than I had expected but some of the
news I was going to talk about is breaking elsewhere so I thought I should
get it out now. Most of this has been covered in my section on the radio
show.
So transfers are what most people want to hear about and this is where I
will start. Iheanacho is the first one. Talks have been ongoing and largely
around his buy back clause. These talks have been quite frustrating and not
as productive as we would have hoped however they are not dead. Iheanacho
wants to stay at Manchester City and the injury to Gabriel Jesus in the week
is not ideal. The situation however is that he was told he will leave the
club and that he has to brace himself for this. There are other clubs
interested in him and it will be interesting to see how this transfer
develops over the week however he is still very much a target of ours.
There is more positive news for another Nigerian and that is Henry Onyekuru
who is a 20 year old who scored 25 goals and got 14 assists last season for
Eupen who are one of the smaller teams in the league. He has played on the
wing and upfront and is said to have traits that are similar to his namesake
Thierry Henry. This versatility is an attractive option for us. The only
problem with this transfer is that he has only played one international game
which means he could struggle for a work permit but his transfer fee, wages
and performances last season may enable this to go through under the special
talent rule. There is a release clause of £7m for this deal and he is said
to have turned down Arsenal already. He had met with their officials but
because they cannot promise him first team football he has turned them down
which shows a good attitude in my opinion. He has interest from other clubs
and is expected to choose us over them when he flies into the training
ground on Tuesday. This story was covered on our radio show on Wednesday,
it has been picked up by Simon Jones of the Mail too but this is often the
case with him and my news. I have spoke to the mail about securing some
form of acknowledgment for his regular use of my stories but unless I want
to go through a legal proceeding I can't. So this is likely to happen
throughout the summer as a heads up.
We still have a very strong interest in Batshuayi of Chelsea and hope that
Chelsea will complete the signing of Lukaku, keep Costa and maybe add
another forward to this deal. We are likely to loan the Belgian
international but the only problem could be that Everton ask for him as part
of the Lukaku deal. If Batshuayi doesn't come or moves elsewhere we could
turn to Traore or Abraham from the same club on loan deals. Both had
impressive loan spells at Ajax and Bristol City with impressive goals to
games records. We do have some concerns about their ability to transfer
this to the top flight but a loan deal could ease those worries.
Breaking news last night was that we would be after Giroud. This is an
interest that we have had for many years and you can trace this back through
my columns, the "If I owned the club" alternative ITK feature we ran last
year and hope to resurrect this year and through my tweets. We have always
rated the player and made a move for him last summer. His age, lack of
football this year and the fact Arsenal look set to sign another former
target of ours in Lacazette could mean that he becomes available. We would
certainly move for the player and have said we will match any offer that
goes in for him. A similar policy that we did with Fonte and Snodgrass
which has often been overlooked by the board bashers although of course in
this case neither proved to be a great signing. There is also lesser
interest in Lucas Perez another Arsenal forward who is also out of favour at
present.
Forward is the number one priority and the club are determined to not have a
repeat of last summer where these players didn't come (I also covered other
targets on the radio show which I will not repeat again. Here is the link:
https://www.mixcloud.com/phoenixfm/the-west-ham-way-show-44-07-jun-2017/ In
other news we had scout Thomas Hengen, someone who Tony Henry brought with
him from Everton at the Under 20s World Cup looking for new talent. The
transfer window is only just opening and it is important to not be too
negative if the deals are not completed yet although I can understand why
people are worried after last year.
The home shirt has been leaked online because it has gone on sale in
Thailand and Hammers Thailand facebook group have put them online. You can
see the picture below.
The shorts have now been changed to plain white with the badge on one leg
and a claret Umbro on the other leg. The socks are also white with a thin
Claret hoop and a large light blue hoop near the top. There is a Claret
Umbro badge in the middle and some Claret stripe hoops near the ankle which
looks a bit like a barcode. The goalkeeper kit that goes with the home
shirt is all yellow except for some green going up to the arm and under the
arm pit down to the elbow on each sleeve. The shorts and the socks are
exactly the same as the outfit kit except they are yellow and where there is
a light blue hoop on the socks it is a green hoop. There are two potential
dates schedule for the launch one is next Thursday the 15th of June (which I
think will be the new date due to the online leaks) or the original date of
Wednesday 21st June. You can hear the kits first being described on the
radio show in my section on this show:
https://www.mixcloud.com/phoenixfm/the-west-ham-way-show-42-24-may-2017/
There is a third shirt and this is all light blue with a thin claret ending
to both sleeves and a button collar which the other shirts do not have. The
shorts are white with a Claret stripe running down each side. The keeper
shirt for the third shirt kit is all dark green with claret in the same
place as the green on the home keeper shirt. This shirt is due to be
released just before the season starts. I have seen the designs for each
shirt for a while now and have them on my phone, as a few people including
Sammy McNess, can vouch for but have chosen to not release them online due
to the legal implications having spoken to the club about it.
Speaking of Sammy don't forget to get your tickets for his up and coming
fight on the 8th July. It promises to be a great West Ham event and in the
absence of the football this is the perfect substitute. To get tickets make
sure you contact Sammy via his email TeamMcNess@gmail.com
We are hoping to continue with our radio show weekly throughout the summer
including one in Ibiza! If you fancy coming to Ibiza with a load of West Ham
fans then we are out there on the 30th July. Next week we are delighted to
have Sammy on our show and there will be further transfer updates there!
Make sure that you tune in!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A VIEW FROM ACROSS THE POND
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 10 JUNE 2017 AT 8:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By @WestHamAmerican
The chairmen of the 20 Premier League clubs are set to meet this week in
Harrogate, and one of the early reports is that the "Big Six" owners are
making demands of a greater share of the broadcast revenues. Whether this is
some idea to make BPL clubs more competitive in the Champion's League
(doubtful) or just a ploy to increase the wealth of the club owners
(probable) it is a bad idea for the league and for all of English football.
Many remember the blunt statement from Ian Ayre, the former Liverpool
executive, who stated a few years ago that "in Kuala Lumpur there isn't
anyone subscribing to ESPN to watch Bolton." While certainly not winning
Old Ian any love from the neighborhood surrounding Macron Stadium, he is
probably correct in that assessment. Those in America that regularly watch
the Premier League overwhelmingly support one of those top six clubs. As a
West Ham supporter in the United States, I am more likely to encounter a
bear walking down my small town's streets than another claret-clad West Ham
fan. But a healthy league must have parity. Each of the 20 clubs in this
league must at least have hope and a path to a top 5 finish in the next
three seasons, or else the Premier League becomes top-heavy and predictable
like the other major European leagues.
In fact, the improbable championship won by Leicester City last year, was
great for the Premier League as a product. It proved that a scrappy but
determined side with small wages could deliver a championship to its fans.
As unlikely as the Foxes' run was in 2016, could a club in their second year
of promotion pull off that feat in the French, German, or the Spanish
leagues? Very doubtful. It was the fair distribution of the massive Premier
League broadcast revenue that at least gives bottom ten clubs a chance.
I often tend to contrast Premier League policies with the NFL in the USA.
This is because it's the most financially successful sports league in the
states. Not only do they share their broadcast income, but they also share
apparel sales. While there will always be some teams with better stadium
arrangements and attendance revenue, every team has a chance, and thus the
NFL remains popular because all the fans have hope. In over 50 years of
Super Bowl play all but four of the 32 clubs have at least won their way
into the final game once. Almost every team can boast a top 2 finish at
some point. And with the NFL draft, the worst team doesn't get relegated,
but gets the first choice of the top "academy" talent. It would be as if
Sunderland, by virtue of their poor finish, had the rights to pick the best
U-23 player in England as their reward of failure. Alas, some NFL clubs
are so poorly managed; they can't find success even under that arrangement.
But my point is parity is good for the success of the league. At the
beginning of the season, NFL teams all at least have hope to compete unlike
our baseball teams which have much greater inequities in their wage
structures between the top clubs and the bottom clubs.
In America, Premier League matches have better ratings than our own MLS
matches do. The Premier League's viewership numbers are successful in the
US and they continue to grow. (West Ham finished with the 5th highest
average viewership in America this season, better than Spurs and Chelsea,
although our matches were broadcast half as many times.) Our people enjoy
the English version of the game. There are 300 million fans to be won over
here.
Hopefully the BPL owners will keep the playing field as level as possible.
I really don't see the other 14 team owners voting to grant the bigger clubs
more money, but for the health of the Premier League, another
Leicester-style surprise would certainly be better than Chelsea and
Manchester City splitting the next five championships.
Now, let's sign that 20 goal-a-season striker and we'll write our own
unlikely story.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal face missing out on Henry Onyekuru as West Ham push to finalise £7m
deal for Nigerian sensation
The 20-year-old struck 25 goals and made 14 more in a superb year for Eupen
in the Belgian First Division A
The Mirror
BYJACK RATHBORN
17:25, 11 JUN 2017UPDATED17:27, 11 JUN 2017
Arsenal look set to miss out on Henry Onyekuru as West Ham grow in
confidence that they have won the race for the Nigerian super talent. The
Eupen forward has been linked with the Gunners but the Hammers appear close
to finalising a deal, report the Mail. A £6.8m release clause appears to be
a bargain for whoever signs the 20-year-old given he struck 25 goals and
made 14 more to ensure the Pandas avoided relegation. Onyekuru is rumoured
to be planning a visit to the capital on Tuesday for a medical. The Nigeria
international will command wages of around £35,000-per-week in order to
remove the hurdle of a work permit. It will prove to be quite the coup for
West Ham and add to the sense of optimism after Pablo Zabaleta joined on a
free transfer from Manchester City. Arsenal, Lille, Anderlecht and Club
Brugge were all prepared to meet Onyekuru's buy-out clause, while Monaco,
Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan have also been linked.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target transfer of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud after he reveals
frustration at being on the bench
There's also interest from Marseille and clubs in Italy but the Hammers are
confident they can match any offers
The Mirror
BYTOM HOPKINSON
22:30, 10 JUN 2017
West Ham are ready to make a stunning move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud.
France international Giroud confirmed last week that he "will not settle for
another year with such limited playing time" at the Emirates. There has
already been interest in the 30-year-old from French giants Marseille and
several clubs in Italy, but the Hammers are confident they can match any
offer and keep the £20million striker in London. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
and chief executive Ivan Gazidis were in Nice last week, reportedly talking
to Lyon president Jean Michael-Aulas about Alexandre Lacazette, while their
desire to sign 18-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappe from Monaco is also
confirmed — and neither frontman would join to play second-fiddle to Giroud.
In the season just ended, Alexis Sanchez was often preferred through the
middle, and Wenger went with Danny Welbeck ahead of Giroud in the FA Cup
final. Giroud, capped 63 times by France, cost Arsenal £13m when he joined
from Montpellier in 2012 and has scored 69 goals in 118 Premier League
appearances for the club. But despite that impressive record he still splits
opinion among Gunners fans and, despite the respect Wenger has for a player
who worked his way up from the French football's lower tiers, he isn't
automatically Plan A for his manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham put Robert Snodgrass up for sale less than five months after his
£10m transfer
The Scotland midfielder has only started eight games for the Hammers but
they have decided he doesn't fit their plans
The Mirror
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:30, 10 JUN 2017
West Ham are looking to offload Robert Snodgrass just months after paying
£10million for him. The Hammers are willing to take a hit on the Scotland
international midfielder, who started just eight games after his arrival
from Hull. However, the East Enders have realised Snodgrass is not the right
fit – and they will listen to offers. Championship sides Middlesbrough,
Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday would all take the 29-year-old, but he
does not want to drop down from the Premier League. West Ham believe
promoted Brighton would be a good fit, but they may have to supplement his
wages of more than £50,000 a week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang says he is on track to be fit for the start of pre-season
training. The West Ham United midfielder has been working hard on his rehab
after suffering a leg injury in the Premier League defeat by Leicester City
at London Stadium in March. The Spaniard underwent season-ending surgery,
but his professional approach and natural athleticism mean he should be
ready to go when the Hammers return to the pitch in early July. "I'm coming
back to Rush Green to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have
to work for to be ready for the fifth of July," he told whufc.com on the
second anniversary of his arrival in east London. "I been on holiday with my
family and some friends to Mykonos and Athens in Greece, Belgrade in Serbian
and Montenegro, which was both interesting and relaxing, but now is the time
to think about my work because I want to be ready to train and play."
Obiang enjoyed a breakthrough 2016/17 season in Claret and Blue, making 30
appearances and scoring his maiden goal in the Premier League win at
Southampton. Reflecting on his opening two years as a Hammer, Obiang cited
that goal, as well as the Final Game victory over Manchester United at the
Boleyn Ground in May 2016 among his standout moments. "I have many good
memories of my time with West Ham," he said. "The last game in Upton Park,
the atmosphere and everything was amazing, and of course the game in the FA
Cup against Liverpool when Angelo Ogbonna scored the winner in the last
minute.
"This last season, the best moments were when I scored my first goal and
when I saw the videos of the supporters singing my song!"
An all-round midfielder who can break up play and put his own team on the
offensive, the 25-year-old is aiming to become a more potent attacking
threat next term. "I have two things to improve," he confirmed. "I need to
shoot more at the goal and give more assists to my teammates." One of those
teammates will be new signing Pablo Zabaleta, who has agreed to join the
Club following a super spell with Manchester City. Obiang believes the
Argentinian full-back will add a great deal to the West Ham squad. "I think
he is a really good player, a nice player," said the No14. "He has great
experience and he can help us to became more solid and competitive."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby Moore was always destined for greatness, says long-time pal Brian Dear
WHUFC.com
Today marks the 59th anniversary of a landmark moment in West Ham United
history – Bobby Moore signed apprentice terms with the Club. After catching
the eye while playing for Essex schoolboys, Moore was invited to train at
Chadwell Heath, where he continued his development as a member of the Colts
side. Under the guidance of manager Ted Fenton and first-team centre-half
and coach Malcolm Allison, Moore's game flourished and the teenager was
rewarded with an apprenticeship and joined the Boleyn Ground groundstaff. In
August 1958, Allison's illness gave Moore, still just 17, an opportunity to
make his first-team debut in a First Division fixture with Manchester
United. The Hammers won 3-2 and the rest, as they say, is history.
A year later, another local lad who would make good followed in Moore's
footsteps by joining the Club at the age of 15 and going on to star for the
first team – Brian Dear. The striker became close pals with the centre-back,
who was two-and-a-half years his senior, and the friendship endured until
Moore's tragic passing from cancer in February 1993, aged just 51. Dear
spoke to whufc.com about Moore's formative years and how his ability and
determination to succeed helped the great defender overcome any physical
shortcomings he may have had. "Going back to when he signed as an
apprentice, Bobby got nothing and when he became a professional his family
got £20 for signing and £12 a week, whereas now clubs are paying five or ten
million for players who never go on to play in the first team!" Dear began.
"I was lucky enough to come across Bob in 1959/60, when we were back in the
First Division and he was 18 and trying to establish himself in the first
team. "But of course those were the days before big matchday squads and
substitutes, so I played regularly alongside Bob in our Metropolitan League
side. We were lucky enough to play competitive football every week. "Bob
made the game look quite easy, even at that age. It was in early 1960 that
he got his place in the first team on a regular basis and we didn't see as
much of him then, as his career really took off."
While Moore missed just four First Division fixtures in 1960/61, with the
manager who handed him is debut, Fenton, being replaced by the visionary Ron
Greenwood with a month of the season to go. The following year, 1962,
Greenwood handed Dear his own debut, reuniting him with old pal Moore in a
goalless top-flight draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Over the next few
seasons, the pair would turn out alongside one another dozens more times,
most notably during the run to European Cup Winners' Cup glory in 1964/65.
"From the very start, you could tell that Bob was going to be a good
player," Dear, now 73, confirmed. "The management found out he wasn't that
quick, but we played 4-2-4 and he just sat there alongside Ken Brown and his
game progressed. "He started something really different as a defender.
Everyone said he couldn't jump and he couldn't do this or that, but 640-odd
games and 108 England caps, 90 of them as captain, he must have been doing
something right!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Randolph targets place at 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
WHUFC.com
Having starred for his country at UEFA Euro 2016, Darren Randolph would love
nothing more than to represent Republic of Ireland at next summer's FIFA
World Cup finals in Russia.
Randolph produced a series of outstanding displays to help Ireland qualify
via a Play-Off victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, qualify from a group
that also included Italy, Sweden and Italy and push hosts France all the way
in the Round of 16.
The Boys in Green have faced Mexico and Uruguay in friendly internationals
since the Premier League season ended, but are now ready for their third,
final and most important of three summer post-season matches – a World Cup
European Group D qualifier with Austria at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Sunday
11 June.
Victory over the Austrians will put Randolph and company in a very strong
position, with leaders Serbia hosting third place Wales in Belgrade on the
same date.
Wins for Ireland and Serbia would put the pair seven points clear of their
rivals on 14 points, with four rounds of matches left to play. The group
winners qualify automatically, while the runners-up will go into a play-off.
Republic of Ireland host Serbia in Dublin on 5 September.
"We can definitely finish in the top two," Randolph continued. "It's like
any small group, if you can take points off the teams who are going to be
the biggest threats to you to qualify, those wins are massive.
"In our group there is Serbia, Wales, Austria and ourselves who everyone
else would have said would be up there to qualify – no disrespect to Georgia
or Moldova – so if we manage to beat Austria, if won't secure any
qualification, but it makes it a bit easier.
"Our ultimate goal is to qualify for Russia next summer."
Ireland have not been to a World Cup finals since Japan/South Korea 2002,
when Mick McCarthy's squad reached the Round of 16.
The Boys in Green also famously reached the quarter-finals at Italia '90,
before West Ham Academy graduate Ray Houghton's winner against Italy helped
them reach the Round of 16 at USA '96 – both under Jack Charlton.
Randolph has been part of O'Neil's squad in each of the last two summers,
sitting on the bench for the goalless friendly draw with England in June
2015, before keeping goal for his country at UEFA Euro 2016 a year ago.
In all, the 30-year-old Hammer has been capped 21 times since making his
debut against Oman at Craven Cottage in September 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Snodgrass' Scotland pick up point against England
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass collected his 24th Scotland cap on Saturday as his side
picked up a point in a 2-2 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw with England at
Hampden Park. The midfielder started and played 65 minutes before being
replaced by Ryan Fraser for Gordan Strachen's outfit who remain six points
behind the Three Lions at the top of Group F. Meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell –
the Hammers left-back included in Gareth Southgate's squad – was left on the
substitutes' bench north of the border, with Southampton's Ryan Bertrand
filling the berth on the left side of defence. Leigh Griffiths was the man
in the spotlight in the clash, overturning England's one-goal advantage with
four minutes remaining, curling home two beautiful free-kicks from almost
the exact same position 25 yards from goal with three minutes separating the
strikes. Both sides had their chances before the opener, with Jake Livermore
hitting the post for the visitors in the second half before Andrew Robertson
lashed over from a good position shortly after. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
opened the scoring though, smashing in with his left foot shortly after
replacing Marcus Rashford from the bench. The points looked to be heading
south but with four minutes remaining on the clock, Griffiths stepped up and
levelled before beating Joe Hart once again moments later. There was a final
late twist however, as Harry Kane finished well from close range to silence
the home supporters and make the scoreline 2-2 as the referee's final
whistle sounded. Scotland now wait until September for their next fixture –
another World Cup qualifier against Lithuania – while England face France in
an international friendly on Tuesday, giving Cresswell another chance to
grab his second international cap.
Havard Nordtveit was also in action on Saturday, as his Norway side faced
the Czech Republic in Group C qualifying, with the clash ending in a 1-1
stalemate.
Theodor Gebe Selassie gave the visitors the lead before Alexander Soderlund
equalised for Nordtveit's team, who are 14 points below top of the group
Germany, who have a 100 per cent record in qualifying. Alexander Soderland
opened the scoring for Nordtveit's team before
Elsewhere, West Ham's Dan Kemp celebrated England U20s' Toulon Tournament
triumph as the Young Lions beat the Ivory Coast on penalties in the final.
The promising winger, who was instrumental in the youngsters reaching the
final, was left as a sub in the match which finished 1-1 after extra time.
Sheffield United midfielder Daniel Brooks scored the opener in the tie and
it looked to be the winner until the final minutes, when opponents Ivory
Coast grabbed a late equaliser through Ake Loba. There were no nerves from
the U20s from 12 yards though, as they converted all five of their
penalties, with Jean Amani missing the crucial spot-kick for Cote d'Ivoire,
meaning Kemp and England lifted the highly coveted trophy for the second
year running.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: TRANSFER AND KIT UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 11 JUNE 2017 AT 10:41AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So this column comes a little earlier than I had expected but some of the
news I was going to talk about is breaking elsewhere so I thought I should
get it out now. Most of this has been covered in my section on the radio
show.
So transfers are what most people want to hear about and this is where I
will start. Iheanacho is the first one. Talks have been ongoing and largely
around his buy back clause. These talks have been quite frustrating and not
as productive as we would have hoped however they are not dead. Iheanacho
wants to stay at Manchester City and the injury to Gabriel Jesus in the week
is not ideal. The situation however is that he was told he will leave the
club and that he has to brace himself for this. There are other clubs
interested in him and it will be interesting to see how this transfer
develops over the week however he is still very much a target of ours.
There is more positive news for another Nigerian and that is Henry Onyekuru
who is a 20 year old who scored 25 goals and got 14 assists last season for
Eupen who are one of the smaller teams in the league. He has played on the
wing and upfront and is said to have traits that are similar to his namesake
Thierry Henry. This versatility is an attractive option for us. The only
problem with this transfer is that he has only played one international game
which means he could struggle for a work permit but his transfer fee, wages
and performances last season may enable this to go through under the special
talent rule. There is a release clause of £7m for this deal and he is said
to have turned down Arsenal already. He had met with their officials but
because they cannot promise him first team football he has turned them down
which shows a good attitude in my opinion. He has interest from other clubs
and is expected to choose us over them when he flies into the training
ground on Tuesday. This story was covered on our radio show on Wednesday,
it has been picked up by Simon Jones of the Mail too but this is often the
case with him and my news. I have spoke to the mail about securing some
form of acknowledgment for his regular use of my stories but unless I want
to go through a legal proceeding I can't. So this is likely to happen
throughout the summer as a heads up.
We still have a very strong interest in Batshuayi of Chelsea and hope that
Chelsea will complete the signing of Lukaku, keep Costa and maybe add
another forward to this deal. We are likely to loan the Belgian
international but the only problem could be that Everton ask for him as part
of the Lukaku deal. If Batshuayi doesn't come or moves elsewhere we could
turn to Traore or Abraham from the same club on loan deals. Both had
impressive loan spells at Ajax and Bristol City with impressive goals to
games records. We do have some concerns about their ability to transfer
this to the top flight but a loan deal could ease those worries.
Breaking news last night was that we would be after Giroud. This is an
interest that we have had for many years and you can trace this back through
my columns, the "If I owned the club" alternative ITK feature we ran last
year and hope to resurrect this year and through my tweets. We have always
rated the player and made a move for him last summer. His age, lack of
football this year and the fact Arsenal look set to sign another former
target of ours in Lacazette could mean that he becomes available. We would
certainly move for the player and have said we will match any offer that
goes in for him. A similar policy that we did with Fonte and Snodgrass
which has often been overlooked by the board bashers although of course in
this case neither proved to be a great signing. There is also lesser
interest in Lucas Perez another Arsenal forward who is also out of favour at
present.
Forward is the number one priority and the club are determined to not have a
repeat of last summer where these players didn't come (I also covered other
targets on the radio show which I will not repeat again. Here is the link:
https://www.mixcloud.com/phoenixfm/the-west-ham-way-show-44-07-jun-2017/ In
other news we had scout Thomas Hengen, someone who Tony Henry brought with
him from Everton at the Under 20s World Cup looking for new talent. The
transfer window is only just opening and it is important to not be too
negative if the deals are not completed yet although I can understand why
people are worried after last year.
The home shirt has been leaked online because it has gone on sale in
Thailand and Hammers Thailand facebook group have put them online. You can
see the picture below.
The shorts have now been changed to plain white with the badge on one leg
and a claret Umbro on the other leg. The socks are also white with a thin
Claret hoop and a large light blue hoop near the top. There is a Claret
Umbro badge in the middle and some Claret stripe hoops near the ankle which
looks a bit like a barcode. The goalkeeper kit that goes with the home
shirt is all yellow except for some green going up to the arm and under the
arm pit down to the elbow on each sleeve. The shorts and the socks are
exactly the same as the outfit kit except they are yellow and where there is
a light blue hoop on the socks it is a green hoop. There are two potential
dates schedule for the launch one is next Thursday the 15th of June (which I
think will be the new date due to the online leaks) or the original date of
Wednesday 21st June. You can hear the kits first being described on the
radio show in my section on this show:
https://www.mixcloud.com/phoenixfm/the-west-ham-way-show-42-24-may-2017/
There is a third shirt and this is all light blue with a thin claret ending
to both sleeves and a button collar which the other shirts do not have. The
shorts are white with a Claret stripe running down each side. The keeper
shirt for the third shirt kit is all dark green with claret in the same
place as the green on the home keeper shirt. This shirt is due to be
released just before the season starts. I have seen the designs for each
shirt for a while now and have them on my phone, as a few people including
Sammy McNess, can vouch for but have chosen to not release them online due
to the legal implications having spoken to the club about it.
Speaking of Sammy don't forget to get your tickets for his up and coming
fight on the 8th July. It promises to be a great West Ham event and in the
absence of the football this is the perfect substitute. To get tickets make
sure you contact Sammy via his email TeamMcNess@gmail.com
We are hoping to continue with our radio show weekly throughout the summer
including one in Ibiza! If you fancy coming to Ibiza with a load of West Ham
fans then we are out there on the 30th July. Next week we are delighted to
have Sammy on our show and there will be further transfer updates there!
Make sure that you tune in!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A VIEW FROM ACROSS THE POND
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 10 JUNE 2017 AT 8:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By @WestHamAmerican
The chairmen of the 20 Premier League clubs are set to meet this week in
Harrogate, and one of the early reports is that the "Big Six" owners are
making demands of a greater share of the broadcast revenues. Whether this is
some idea to make BPL clubs more competitive in the Champion's League
(doubtful) or just a ploy to increase the wealth of the club owners
(probable) it is a bad idea for the league and for all of English football.
Many remember the blunt statement from Ian Ayre, the former Liverpool
executive, who stated a few years ago that "in Kuala Lumpur there isn't
anyone subscribing to ESPN to watch Bolton." While certainly not winning
Old Ian any love from the neighborhood surrounding Macron Stadium, he is
probably correct in that assessment. Those in America that regularly watch
the Premier League overwhelmingly support one of those top six clubs. As a
West Ham supporter in the United States, I am more likely to encounter a
bear walking down my small town's streets than another claret-clad West Ham
fan. But a healthy league must have parity. Each of the 20 clubs in this
league must at least have hope and a path to a top 5 finish in the next
three seasons, or else the Premier League becomes top-heavy and predictable
like the other major European leagues.
In fact, the improbable championship won by Leicester City last year, was
great for the Premier League as a product. It proved that a scrappy but
determined side with small wages could deliver a championship to its fans.
As unlikely as the Foxes' run was in 2016, could a club in their second year
of promotion pull off that feat in the French, German, or the Spanish
leagues? Very doubtful. It was the fair distribution of the massive Premier
League broadcast revenue that at least gives bottom ten clubs a chance.
I often tend to contrast Premier League policies with the NFL in the USA.
This is because it's the most financially successful sports league in the
states. Not only do they share their broadcast income, but they also share
apparel sales. While there will always be some teams with better stadium
arrangements and attendance revenue, every team has a chance, and thus the
NFL remains popular because all the fans have hope. In over 50 years of
Super Bowl play all but four of the 32 clubs have at least won their way
into the final game once. Almost every team can boast a top 2 finish at
some point. And with the NFL draft, the worst team doesn't get relegated,
but gets the first choice of the top "academy" talent. It would be as if
Sunderland, by virtue of their poor finish, had the rights to pick the best
U-23 player in England as their reward of failure. Alas, some NFL clubs
are so poorly managed; they can't find success even under that arrangement.
But my point is parity is good for the success of the league. At the
beginning of the season, NFL teams all at least have hope to compete unlike
our baseball teams which have much greater inequities in their wage
structures between the top clubs and the bottom clubs.
In America, Premier League matches have better ratings than our own MLS
matches do. The Premier League's viewership numbers are successful in the
US and they continue to grow. (West Ham finished with the 5th highest
average viewership in America this season, better than Spurs and Chelsea,
although our matches were broadcast half as many times.) Our people enjoy
the English version of the game. There are 300 million fans to be won over
here.
Hopefully the BPL owners will keep the playing field as level as possible.
I really don't see the other 14 team owners voting to grant the bigger clubs
more money, but for the health of the Premier League, another
Leicester-style surprise would certainly be better than Chelsea and
Manchester City splitting the next five championships.
Now, let's sign that 20 goal-a-season striker and we'll write our own
unlikely story.
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Arsenal face missing out on Henry Onyekuru as West Ham push to finalise £7m
deal for Nigerian sensation
The 20-year-old struck 25 goals and made 14 more in a superb year for Eupen
in the Belgian First Division A
The Mirror
BYJACK RATHBORN
17:25, 11 JUN 2017UPDATED17:27, 11 JUN 2017
Arsenal look set to miss out on Henry Onyekuru as West Ham grow in
confidence that they have won the race for the Nigerian super talent. The
Eupen forward has been linked with the Gunners but the Hammers appear close
to finalising a deal, report the Mail. A £6.8m release clause appears to be
a bargain for whoever signs the 20-year-old given he struck 25 goals and
made 14 more to ensure the Pandas avoided relegation. Onyekuru is rumoured
to be planning a visit to the capital on Tuesday for a medical. The Nigeria
international will command wages of around £35,000-per-week in order to
remove the hurdle of a work permit. It will prove to be quite the coup for
West Ham and add to the sense of optimism after Pablo Zabaleta joined on a
free transfer from Manchester City. Arsenal, Lille, Anderlecht and Club
Brugge were all prepared to meet Onyekuru's buy-out clause, while Monaco,
Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan have also been linked.
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West Ham target transfer of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud after he reveals
frustration at being on the bench
There's also interest from Marseille and clubs in Italy but the Hammers are
confident they can match any offers
The Mirror
BYTOM HOPKINSON
22:30, 10 JUN 2017
West Ham are ready to make a stunning move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud.
France international Giroud confirmed last week that he "will not settle for
another year with such limited playing time" at the Emirates. There has
already been interest in the 30-year-old from French giants Marseille and
several clubs in Italy, but the Hammers are confident they can match any
offer and keep the £20million striker in London. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
and chief executive Ivan Gazidis were in Nice last week, reportedly talking
to Lyon president Jean Michael-Aulas about Alexandre Lacazette, while their
desire to sign 18-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappe from Monaco is also
confirmed — and neither frontman would join to play second-fiddle to Giroud.
In the season just ended, Alexis Sanchez was often preferred through the
middle, and Wenger went with Danny Welbeck ahead of Giroud in the FA Cup
final. Giroud, capped 63 times by France, cost Arsenal £13m when he joined
from Montpellier in 2012 and has scored 69 goals in 118 Premier League
appearances for the club. But despite that impressive record he still splits
opinion among Gunners fans and, despite the respect Wenger has for a player
who worked his way up from the French football's lower tiers, he isn't
automatically Plan A for his manager.
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West Ham put Robert Snodgrass up for sale less than five months after his
£10m transfer
The Scotland midfielder has only started eight games for the Hammers but
they have decided he doesn't fit their plans
The Mirror
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:30, 10 JUN 2017
West Ham are looking to offload Robert Snodgrass just months after paying
£10million for him. The Hammers are willing to take a hit on the Scotland
international midfielder, who started just eight games after his arrival
from Hull. However, the East Enders have realised Snodgrass is not the right
fit – and they will listen to offers. Championship sides Middlesbrough,
Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday would all take the 29-year-old, but he
does not want to drop down from the Premier League. West Ham believe
promoted Brighton would be a good fit, but they may have to supplement his
wages of more than £50,000 a week.
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