Daily WHUFC News - 23rd March 2018

West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that swift and decisive action has been taken
against a number of spectators who breached stadium regulations or were
found to have committed acts of severe violence and physical aggression at
our recent Premier League match against Burnley.

Lifetime bans from all West Ham United matches, both home and away, have
today been issued to five individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter
the field of play – a criminal offence that is a severe breach of stadium
safety regulations - while a number of individuals have also been banned for
life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm
on the bridge directly in front of the Directors' Box.

Furthermore, a number of additional incidents, including attempted pitch
incursions and acts of violence, are currently being investigated in
collaboration with stadium operators LS185 and the police. The Club expect
to issue further bans based on witness statements and the high quality CCTV
footage available, prior to our next home match against Southampton on 31
March.

West Ham United would like to reiterate that the safety and security of our
supporters, players and staff remains our absolute priority at London
Stadium. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that
endangers the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and
comfortable environment for all spectators.

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Antonio: Positive vibes are spreading through the West Ham United camp
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio says 'positive vibes' are spreading through the West Ham
United camp after a team-bonding trip to Miami and a positive 3-1 friendly
win at Dagenham & Redbridge. The No30, who continued his fine scoring form
with two more goals in Wednesday's fundraising match at Chigwell
Construction Stadium, believes the squad's visit to Florida was just what
was needed after three disappointing Premier League defeats. And Antonio
believes the Claret and Blue Army will see the effects of that when they
kick-off a vital eight-match run-in at home to Southampton a week on
Saturday. "Going away got the boys to gel together and kind of bond," he
revealed. "Every day you come to training, you can come in and not really
speak to players and there was be a bad vibe going around as we're not
winning games. "The gaffer thought to take us away and change the mood, get
a bit of sun into our systems and play a couple of bonding games and then we
could come back and kick forward. "The atmosphere is good. We went out there
and we've come back in a good place. All the boys are enjoying and hopefully
we can go out there and show what we can do."

The forward, who netted in the recent defeats at Liverpool and Swansea City,
also implored the Club's supporters to get behind the players as they fight
to keep West Ham in the Premier League. "The message is 'Don't give up on
us' as in the situation we're in, we're going to need them. It's not just us
or just them in this situation, we're all in this situation together so
we'll keep fighting and keep pushing together."
Antonio is arguably in his best form of a season that has been affected by a
succession of niggly injuries, having found the net four times in his last
four appearances, including Wednesday's win at east London neighbours
Dagenham & Redbridge. The hosts' competitive approach made for a good
workout for David Moyes' men on a night when the cash-strapped National
League side raised much-needed revenue. The 28-year-old said every West Ham
player would have benefitted from the game, too. "To be honest, it was a
decent game. They turned up and they tried to play a bit of football, so it
was all positive, there was a nice vibe and we enjoyed it. "I hate to see
other football clubs struggling, especially with me coming from non-league,
so it's just one of those things where any way we could help, we can. "I
feel I've got the goals in me to keep West Ham up. I've got nine goals in
each of the last two seasons and this season hasn't been going well for me
as I've had quite a few injuries, but I've come back now and scored two
goals in the league and got a couple today, so hopefully I can keep pushing
forward."

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Lewis 'delighted' with debut win against Dagenham
WHUFC.com

Alfie Lewis could not contain his delight at playing a large role in West
Ham United's 3-1 friendly win against neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge. The
18-year-old was given the nod by manager David Moyes to play in midfield in
Wednesday's contest, marking his first appearance for the senior side at the
Club. Lewis would play the full 90 minutes in the fundraising friendly
against the Daggers, earning praise for a mature performance in the centre
of the park. "I'm delighted," Lewis confirmed to whufc.com: "It was a good
experience for me tonight, to play with the likes of Patrice Evra, and Mark
Noble in midfield. It was a good challenge and a good test for us as well,
and I think I did well." The youngster's appearance for Moyes's senior team
comes after Lewis spent a lengthy period on the sidelines in 2017 with a
knee injury, with the midfielder out of action for almost eight months.
Lewis returned to playing in December and, after two appearances in Premier
League 2 for the U23s and seven outings at U18s level this campaign, the
teenager admits he was thrilled to get the nod in Wednesday's match. The
youngster was also happy with his side's overall performance in the contest,
with a pair of finishes from Michail Antonio and Jordan Hugill's first goal
for the Irons securing the 3-1 win. Lewis continued: "I got told yesterday I
would be playing, and yeah I was really excited. I've been thinking about
it. I was given a chance and hopefully I took it. "I think we moved the
ball quite well on the pitch. We stopped them, especially during their
aerial duels in the box. We stopped them and we took our chances as well. It
was a good performance."
Despite impressing on his first outing for the first team, Lewis is
concentrating on becoming a regular in Terry Westley's U23s side first
before contemplating a competitive appearance for West Ham this season. "I
just want to play for the U23s really and train with the first team a few
times. I'm not sure about a competitive first team appearance yet. I'm not
the one to answer that but we will see."

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Moyes to use international break for European scouting trip
WHUFC.com

David Moyes revealed he will spend part of the international break on a
European scouting trip. While Stuart Pearce and Alan Irvine oversaw a
recovery session at Rush Green on Thursday morning, the West Ham United
manager and assistant Alan Irvine flew out to inspect prospective venues for
the Hammers' pre-season training camp this coming summer. Irvine will spend
two days in Germany, while Moyes will take in a selection of prospective
sites in Austria. From there, the manager will head to his native Glasgow to
watch Scotland take on Costa Rica in an international friendly at Hampden
Park on Friday evening. "I'm actually going to use the end of the week and
over the weekend to go and visit the pre-season sites for where we're going
to pre-season, so I'll try and go and get that done correctly," he
confirmed. "On route, I'll take in a game or two and see if I can see some
of the players play in international games. "I want to do it myself and make
sure that we get things right. There are things that I'm doing that I've
done in the past and I've got to go and see two or three training sites and
I'm going to spend this weekend going and looking at pre-season camps and
getting everything in place for the start of next season, really."

On his return to Rush Green on Monday, Moyes will likely bolster his
training group with a number of young professionals, who will join the squad
prior to the return of the Club's full internationals throughout the week.
The likes of Nathan Holland, Alfie Lewis and Josh Pask all featured in
Wednesday's 3-1 friendly victory at Dagenham & Redbridge and could all be
given further opportunities to impress in training in the early part of next
week. The thinking behind that is twofold – not only will it give the
youngsters a chance to impress, but their presence will also enable the Scot
to hold full-scale sessions ahead of the return to Premier League action at
home to Southampton on Saturday afternoon. "We're training with a smaller
group of eight or nine players and we'll also use it to bring up some of the
young players and give them a chance to show what they can do at the
training ground as well."

West Ham return to Premier League action with a home game against
Southampton on Saturday 31 March.

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New date for Arsenal away
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Premier League trip to Arsenal will now be played on
Sunday 22 April, with a 1.30pm kick-off. The Hammers were originally due to
make the short journey to Emirates Stadium a day later for the Sky
Sports-televised game, but the London derby has now been rescheduled.
Meanwhile, the Hammers' home match against Manchester City will remain on
Sunday 29 April at 2.15pm, unless Pep Guardiola's side qualify for the UEFA
Champions League semi-finals. In that scenario, the game would be played on
Saturday 28 April with a 12.30pm kick-off. The game would still be broadcast
live on Sky Sports.

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West Ham youngsters Quina and Belic star in international victories
WHUFC.com

Domingos Quina played a central role as Portugal kicked-off their UEFA
European U19 Championship Elite Round Qualification challenge with a
thumping 5-0 win over Kosovo. Wearing the No10 shirt, the West Ham United
teenager grabbed an assist for his country's fifth and final goal in a
comprehensive victory at Boavista's Estadio do Bessa XXI in Porto. Group 5
hosts Portugal welcome Slovakia to Pacos de Ferreira's A Mata Real stadium
on Saturday before tackling Republic of Ireland at Cidade de Barcelos on
Tuesday, with both matches kicking-off at 5pm local time. Portugal, who were
runners-up to England at the 2018 staging of the tournament, sit top of the
table after the Slovakians and Irish drew 1-1 on Wednesday.

West Ham had interest in that game, too, as midfielder Conor Coventry played
for the opening 67 minutes at Sports Center CF Fao, receiving a yellow card
for a foul on Slovakia's goal-scorer Michal Tomic before being replaced.
Coventry and Ireland will return to action on Saturday, when they take on
Kosovo in at Rio Ave in Vila do Conde.

Finally, Academy midfielder Kristijan Belic played the full 80 minutes as
Serbia defeated Group 1 hosts Czech Republic 2-0 in their opening UEFA U17
Elite Round Qualification match at the Ander Stadium in Oloumouc. With
Ukraine and Spain drawing 1-1 in the other opening round match, Serbia can
put themselves in full control of the group with victory Ukraine in Postejov
on Saturday afternoon. Belic and his compatriots will then hope to clinch
qualification for the finals when they take on Spain in the same venue next
Tuesday.

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West Ham give lifetime bans to pitch invaders at Burnley game
BBC.co.uk

West Ham United have given lifetime bans to five supporters who invaded the
pitch during the team's 3-0 defeat by Burnley at London Stadium. Several
fans have also been banned for life for throwing coins or objects "with
intent to injure or harm". Hammers joint-owner David Sullivan was hit by a
coin as fans protested in front of the directors' box. The club said it had
taken "swift and decisive action" after acts of "severe violence and
physical aggression".
It expects to issue further bans for attempted pitch invasions and violence
before the next home game against fellow Premier League strugglers
Southampton on 31 March. Vice-chairman Karren Brady apologised for the
events on 10 March, calling it "one of the most painful days" in the club's
history. "We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that
endangers the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and
comfortable environment for all spectators," said the Premier League club in
a statement. The Hammers have struggled since moving from Upton Park to the
former Olympic Stadium in August 2016, winning 12 and losing 13 of their 33
home league matches there.
David Moyes' team are two points and one place above the relegation zone.
Tighter safety and security measures, including an increased police
presence, will be in operation for the visit of Southampton. London
Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from
the club, police, Newham council, and stadium owners and operators,
announced the decision after an emergency meeting last week. It also warned
that future trouble could lead to closures.

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The price of a pitch invasion
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd March 2018
By: Staff Writer

Five supporters who entered the field of play during the Premier League
meeting with Burnley have been banned from the Olympic Stadium for life. And
a number of other supporters who are said to have been captured on CCTV
throwing objects towards the Directors' Box have also been told not to
return to the Olympic Stadium.

"West Ham United can confirm that swift and decisive action has been taken
against a number of spectators who breached stadium regulations or were
found to have committed acts of severe violence and physical aggression at
our recent Premier League match against Burnley," read statement, published
on Thursday.
"Lifetime bans from all West Ham United matches, both home and away, have
today been issued to five individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter
the field of play – a criminal offence that is a severe breach of stadium
safety regulations - while a number of individuals have also been banned for
life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm
on the bridge directly in front of the Directors' Box. "Furthermore, a
number of additional incidents, including attempted pitch incursions and
acts of violence, are currently being investigated in collaboration with
stadium operators LS185 and the police. The Club expect to issue further
bans based on witness statements and the high quality CCTV footage
available, prior to our next home match against Southampton on 31 March.
"West Ham United would like to reiterate that the safety and security of our
supporters, players and staff remains our absolute priority at London
Stadium. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that
endangers the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and
comfortable environment for all spectators."

Co-owner David Sullivan claimed to have been hit in the face by a coin
during the fracas, although no video evidence is yet to have emerged.
However a season ticket holder who was sitting close to the chairman told
KUMB that he very little very little being thrown in their direction. I was
sat directly behind the Directors' box and had a pretty good of the entirety
of the demonstrations," said the unnamed fan. "When Sullivan et al got up to
leave it looked like there was a couple of things thrown, but it wasn't easy
to see. It could well have been coins. I wouldn't describe it as 'quite a
few' though. "I did not see any 'severe violence' nor did I see any pitch
invasion attempts 'thwarted', although after the first bloke ran on the
pitch and was pushed over by Noble there were a few in the North/East corner
that seemed to make a half-arsed attempt to enter the pitch, and were
'dissuaded' by a steward."

One of the supporters to have been issued with a lifetime ban is corner
flag-carrying Paul Colborne, 61, who has been following the club for 49
years.

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IS A DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL THE ANSWER?
By Blind Hammer 22 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer looks at the director of Football Debate.

It looks certain now that West Ham will appoint a Director of football at
the conclusion of this season. David Sullivan is reported as seeking to
scale down his involvement. There is also a gap in recruitment following the
departure of tony Henry. David Gold has also indicated that they are
interested in appointing a Director of Football with previous PL experience.
Speculation has already begun that former Arsenal director of football Dick
Lawis is in prime position to take on this new role.

However there has long been a debate about the usefulness of a Director of
Football. Ex-Hammer John Hartson immediately criticised West Ham's apparent
new strategy. He queried this on Twitter.
"Top managers won't always work with a director of football. If your head is
on the block then why would you want someone else bringing the players in?
Never got it!"

Hartson's tweet went to the heart of the Director of Football debate. Who
should have the final say in transfers? The two longest standing managers in
Premier League history, Wenger and Ferguson, would never have conceded power
to effect key transfer decisions. On the face of it Hartson's tweet has
considerable force. Why don't clubs simply leave transfer dealing to the
Team manager? The Manager is, after all, the man who has to, in the end,
pick the team. Such a structure gives clear lines of responsibility and
accountability. The team Manager could assemble a recruitment team to
support him in this strategy. Scouts as well as coaches can feed into player
identification. The time consuming process of negotiating with Agents over
contractual issues simply requires a Commercial Business Manager with a
legal background rather than anybody in the Director of Football role.
Negotiating contracts is an entirely separate skill to player
identification.

So why would West Ham even consider restricting the hand of their Manager
with player recruitment? The fact is that something has to change. As I
reported some weeks ago West Ham have, in fact, been amongst the highest net
investors outside of the traditional top six when looked at over 5 years.
However they have equally been amongst the poorest performers in player
resale value. They have a dreadful record in achieving any income when
players depart the club. The stats point to a historic and long term problem
with player recruitment. Putting it bluntly we recruit too many duds.

There is a valid argument that Team managers may have priorities for
Transfer Recruitment which is not in the longer term interest of a club.
Nowadays it seems rare for a Manager, even at a top club, to survive more
than 2 to 3 years. It is not surprising then if a manager has his eyes
firmly fixed on the next 6 months rather than the next 5 years. There is a
risk that Recruitment can be skewed to short termism, rather than
progressive squad development. Arguably the quantity rather than quality
recruitment in Bilic's second summer, where we ineffectually tried to
prepare for a Europa League challenge fell into this mistake.

A way forward may be for a Director of Football to have this longer term
perspective and responsibility for recruitment. In a more secure role the
director of Football will not feel so pressured to take the short term fix
but instead focus on a more extended term, directing investment in younger
players with potential, possibly then harnessing greater rewards. This will
imply a split recruitment strategy. A shorter term strategy focussed on
immediate squad weaknesses would have to be led by the team manager.
Logically a Director of Football may then be more focussed on the Academy
development rather than the squad members pressing now for inclusion in the
first 11. Such a split strategy does beg the question though, why should a
person focussed on the Academy have such a Senior role within the club?

A Director of Football will come because what went before has not worked.
There is little evidence, though, that such a role will be any immediate
panacea for West Ham. In the end recruiting the right person with the right
skill, who can assimilate and work positively with the existing team is
probably more important than any formal Job description. Moyes has made the
right noises to indicate he recognises the dangers of short term investment,
even if it is his heads which is ultimately on the block. Gold insisted in
his recent interview it was Moyes and not the Board who led the decision to
not invest in poor value available in January.

Despite the noises about a director of Football the key role in any club
will remain the team Manager. Everybody knows this, including the Media who
point the spotlight that way. A Director of Football should be providing, at
best then, the supporting infrastructure.

COYI
David Griffith

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WHAT HAS 'LEADER' PATRICE EVRA BROUGHT TO WEST HAM SO FAR? CAN HE REALLY
HELP GUIDE WEST HAM TO PREMIER LEAGUE SURVIVAL AS THE GOING GETS TOUGH?
By DavidBlackmore 22 Mar 2018 at 17:00
WTID

One observation many fans have made of West Ham in recent times is the lack
of leaders on the field.

Mark Noble wears both the armband and his heart on his sleeve and certainly
does plenty of shouting and geeing up, but beyond that, the team seems
somewhat lacking in leadership.

So to bring in someone who has played at the World Cup, Euros, captined his
country and two of the biggest teams in Europe, won the league in two
countries and played in five Champions League finals should remedy that
problem. And in Patrice Evra, that is what West Ham have got.

But the former Manchester United, Juventus, Marseille and France star is 36
now, so aside from that, what is he bringing to the team?

In the latest edition of Blowing Bubbles , Greg Richardson runs the rule
over Evra

"It is safe to say he is probably one of the most decorated players to pull
on the West Ham shirt in recent memory. And that experience and winning
mentality brings with it other desirable qualities. Behind the smile and
joker image on social media is a man who hates to lose. He is a consummate
professional.

"His positive outlook, experience and his acute professionalism likewise
make him a good role model for our other French left back. Arthur Masuaku,
before his ban, was one of the bright sparks of another thus far dull
season.

"Under the tutelage of Evra, he could learn to add defensive solidity to his
evident attacking qualities and blossom into a player truly worthy of his
King Arthur nickname. But then, we have had older players before, whose
expertise was meant to help bring on younger players.

"Alvaro Arbeloa, and to a lesser degree Pablo Zabaleta, were signed with
half an eye on mentoring and improving Sam Byram. There is little evidence
either had any success in doing so. An additional downside to signing a
player of such vast experience is the age that comes with the wisdom.

"Evra is 36 years old, and similarly to his fellow full back Pablo Zabaleta
– whilst the qualities remain, the pace that is so desperately needed in the
modern game is gone. Evra has the further issue of having not played any
football for over three months following his ban for an altercation with a
fan."

To find out more about Evra and what he offers West Ham, pick up a copy of
the new edition of Blowing Bubbles, out now. In it, you will find exclusive
columns from former Irons greats Phil Parkes and George Parris, giving their
views on what is passed in the transfer window, what is present, and what
lies ahead on the end of season run-in.

There is a look at what the club can do to restore its reputation after the
Tony Henry scandal and amid increasingly ill-tempered relations between fans
and the board, the Pub Talk team pick over the comings and goings of the
transfer window, and in a startlingly honest interview, Kieron Dyer talks
about his unfulfilled ambitions after his injury-ravaged four year stint at
West Ham – and passes his own verdict on how history will judge him.

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Should West Ham trigger Rafa Benitez's £6m release clause this summer?
HITC
Jordan Harris

West Ham United should consider a move for Newcastle United boss Rafa
Benitez at the end of the season. With the relationship between the West Ham
fans and board at a real low point, the Hammers hierarchy undoubtedly need
to pull something out of the bag at the end of the season which sends a real
statement that the club's big plans are not as crazy as they currently
sound. David Moyes' men need to maintain their Premier League status first
before thoughts turn to the summer, and that is certainly no guarantee and
their battle to beat the drop looks set to go right down to the wire. As
soon as the campaign ends however, the pressure will be back on the board.
Moyes is currently on a contract until the end of the season, according to
The Telegraph, and if he keeps the Irons in the top flight, keeping him on
may be a tempting option. But perhaps it would be the wrong move with the
Scotsman's tenure not exactly capturing the imagination barring a few
fantastic results.
Instead, they should perhaps make sure that they try and take advantage of
the uncertainty at one of their Premier League rivals by triggering the
release clause and offering the control that may tempt Rafa Benitez away
from Newcastle. The Telegraph reported in February that Benitez is one of
the names that the West Ham board have their eye on, and the Chronicle is
now suggesting that the Spaniard has a £6 million release clause in his
contract that is set to expire at the end of next season at St James' Park.
The Chronicle adds that talks over a new deal at Newcastle are likely to
begin in the middle of May at the earliest, so perhaps the opportunity is
there for West Ham to swoop in if Benitez has concerns over the Magpies'
long-term vision - the Chronicle suggested that he has been disappointed
with the club's last three windows.
Benitez staying with Newcastle this far, despite all of the apparent
complications, hints that he would be extremely reluctant to move on at the
end of the campaign. But if Mike Ashley does not give him some of the
answers that he is looking for, then West Ham undoubtedly need to make a
move and offer him the platform and control he has been waiting for at St
James'.
After such a disappointing time for the club, West Ham fans will generally
not want to hear about potential seven-figure deals and will want the board
to show some real ambition in the market. But perhaps one more seven-figure
deal should be considered by the West Ham hierarchy - as long as it involves
spending £6 million on luring a heavyweight-calibre manager away from a
rival.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 22nd March 2018

Moyes: West Ham are together, stronger and better after Miami trip
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have returned 'together, stronger and better' from a beneficial week of warm-weather training, manager David Moyes believes. The Hammers spent six days in Florida, where Moyes laid on a timetable of gruelling training sessions, team-bonding get-togethers and valuable downtime, all of which were enthusiastically received by his players and backroom staff. The manager believes the trip has had a positive effect on the group which will be felt when the Hammers return to Premier League action a week on Saturday. "It was a really good week," Moyes confirmed. "Obviously, we left on the disappointment of the result against Burnley, but I have to say it was the right time for us. We've come through a really long winter, so I just felt it was the right time to give the players some time away, with some good time together. We trained well in some good weather so, all in all, it went very well. "The good thing was that we pulled together and we've talked about it and how we're going to come back stronger and be much better if we can be. "We trained hard, the players will tell you they worked hard on the days we had [sessions] and they had a bit of time in the afternoons, so some played golf and some went fishing and some sat at the pool so, all in all, it was good."

Moyes says he also sensed a renewed sense of purpose among the group as they prepare for their final eight Premier League fixtures. "We know what the task is ahead of us and I also think it was a chance for bring the players, management and staff together. "Overall, I just think [it was good] to see them together and hopefully coming back stronger and understanding how important the games are."

Before West Ham return to Premier League action against Southampton on 31 March, Moyes takes his squad to financially-stricken National League neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge for a friendly on Wednesday evening. The manager believes the fixture has twin benefits, raising much-needed funds for the Daggers, while also giving his non-international players valuable pitch-time. "They're our closest neighbours and in the football community you sometimes have to give a little bit back as well. With us being 'big brother', if you want to call it that, and nearby, I felt that we should go to Dagenham and try to help them out financially.
"If they can get a bit of a crowd and some money from it, great, otherwise we may have taken a game somewhere else, so it's actually fitted in quite nicely for us because, with having no game for three weeks, it means we'll go there and give some players some minutes. "All the players who are not on international duty will play some time in the game, so we'll try and give them a run around for a little while."

As someone who began his career with Glaswegian club Drumchapel Amatuers and played lower-division football with Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town and Preston North End, Moyes is acutely aware of the need for Premier League clubs to look after their local neighbours. "So many players, over the years, have come through lower-league clubs, and so many young talents get chances with lower clubs and then they get picked up by the bigger clubs. "In this area, as well, in the East End of London, it's really important that we support the teams around us and obviously, with Dagenham being very close to us, we felt it was right to go and give them our backing. "When they asked us about six or seven weeks ago, we had no hesitation to do it."

*Tickets for Wednesday's fundraising friendly at Dagenham & Redbridge, which kicks-off at 7.30pm, will be available on the night at Chigwell Construction Stadium.

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Hart determined to repay England manager Southgate's loyalty
WHUFC.com

Joe Hart is planning to repay Gareth Southgate's loyalty after being included in the England manager's 27-man squad for the upcoming internationals with the Netherlands and Italy. The West Ham United goalkeeper, who was recalled to the Hammers' starting XI for their most-recent Premier League fixture with Burnley, has 75 caps to his name and has started 12 of Southgate's 14 matches in charge of the national team. However, Hart's position as England's No1 may now be under threat, with Everton's Jordan Pickford, Stoke City's Jack Butland and Burnley's Nick Pope also named by Southgate for the first two of four pre-FIFA World Cup finals friendlies. Hart himself has vowed to pay no attention to any speculation over his place in the squad, instead focusing on performing well for a manager who has always supported him, both publicly and behind the scenes. "Since Gareth has been in charge he's always said I've performed really well for him," said the 30-year-old. "He seems like a loyal guy but the shirt is up for grabs. There are three goalkeeper places [in the World Cup squad] and there are some people performing well in the Premier League. "Hopefully I've got my place back now [at West Ham] and we'll see where we go with that. "For now, I'm just focused on this camp and being a part of a squad that I've been a big part of for a long time now."

Hart has a strong and determined character honed from making his senior breakthrough at Shrewsbury Town at 17, playing for and winning Premier League titles at Manchester City and appearing in three major tournaments for England. So, while the debate over his place in the Three Lions squad may rage on externally, the No25 is not about to let anything outside the England camp get to him. And as for the competition posed by the likes of Pickford, Butland and Pope, Hart relishes it. I'm not going to let that ever affect me. The position I'm in, if you let confidence dip it's going to affect you badly. "I'm me, I'm going to keep working hard, I've worked hard every day of my life and I'll continue to do that whether I'm playing or not. "It (the competition for places) is no different to any moment that I've been playing football. Even when I was trying to get into my Sunday league team, it was the same script: people want to play football. That's no different to the one here. "I am not here to answer critics. I am here to play football, enjoy what I do and try and help my team the best way I can."

Hart joined squad-mates Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ashley Young and representatives from other England teams in planting trees in remembrance of 14 internationals who served in the First World War at St George's Park on Tuesday morning. The 14 players who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War were Sam Hardy, Frank Buckley, Albert Colclough, George Elliott, Harold Fleming, Harry Hampton, Edwin Latheron, Joe McCall, Harry Martin, Edwin Mosscrop, Joe Smith, Fanny Walden, Charles Wallace and Richard Watson.

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Noble: My precision strike at Blackburn even got Scott Parker excited!
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble has scored exactly 50 goals for West Ham United, but few were more memorable than the outstanding one he netted at Blackburn Rovers on 21 March 2009. The home-grown midfielder was making his 100th appearance in Claret and Blue at Ewood Park, where Gianfranco Zola's seventh-place Hammers were seeking to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to four games.
With Robert Green protected superbly by a back four of Lucas Neill, James Tomkins, Jonathan Spector and Herita Ilunga, and Noble partnered in midfield by the outstanding Scott Parker and diligent Radoslav Kovac, West Ham travelled to Lancashire having kept clean sheets in their previous three matches. While that run ended when Keith Andrews beat Green six minutes after half-time, the Irishman's goal was only enough to earn Sam Allardyce's Rovers a draw, as Noble had earlier put the visitors in front with a truly superb goal. Then just 21, Noble started and finished the move himself, running 30 yards before finding Luis Boa Morte. The Portuguese winger found striker Diego Tristan inside the penalty area and the Spaniard laid the ball off for Noble, who steered a pinpoint shot inside the far post with the outside of his right foot.
Reflecting on the goal nine years on, the 30-year-old says will always be one of his favourites. "I love this goal, against Paul Robinson again, as I also scored my first Premier League goal for West Ham against him when he was at Spurs!" Noble smiled. "I don't know how it went in, really, as I didn't even strike it that well! It was with the outside of the boot. "Do you know what I remember about this goal as well? It's mad because Scotty Parker always used to run back to the centre of the pitch and never really used to celebrate goals. I don't know why. It wasn't that he wasn't happy, but maybe he just wanted to get back into shape quickly. I remember he ran over and celebrated that one because I think he appreciated the outside of the right peg! "I still can't believe it went in really, as I didn't catch it that well, but that's precision, you see!"

West Ham went on to finish ninth in the Premier League table, while Noble ended the 2008/09 campaign with five goals to his name – three of them penalties – in 34 appearances.

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West Ham United's March internationals: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

International football returns for the first time in 2018 this week, and a number of Hammers have headed off to represent their countries around the world. From the nations who are fine tuning their preparations for this summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia, to those who are already focusing on their next qualifying campaign, we've got it all covered in our handy guide here.

Which Hammers have been called up for senior international duty?

A total of eight Hammers have been called-up to represent their countries at senior level this month. The eight are Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Joe Hart (England), Angelo Ogbonna (Italy), Chicharito (Mexico), Joao Mario (Portugal), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal).

Could any of the Hammers play against each other?

Yes! Two matches this month could see West Ham teammates come up against each other. First of all Manuel Lanzini will aim to earn his third Argentina cap when the South Americans take on Angelo Ogbonna's Italy at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Friday evening. Then, on Tuesday, Ogbonna could be up another of his clubmates when the Azzurri head to Wembley Stadium to take on England and Joe Hart. Ogbonna has happy memories of Wembley this season, of course, having headed the winner in October's Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur there.

Any potential international debutants in the mix?

Declan Rice has been called up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the first time following a real breakthrough 12 months with the Hammers. Martin O'Neill's side play Turkey in an away friendly on Friday before the young defender will join up with the U21 squad for their UEFA Euro U21 qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Can any of our players reach a milestone?

They certainly can. Chicharito currently has 99 Mexico caps and will become the 14th man from his country to reach three figures should he feature in either of their friendly matches against Iceland or Croatia in the United States. The striker already has the most goals in the Mexico national team's history, with 49.

What's the full list of fixtures for the West Ham players involved in this month's internationals?

Friday 23 March

Cheikhou Kouyate, Uzbekistan v Senegal, Casablanca, Morroco, 4pm
Declan Rice, Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Antalya, 5.30pm
Angelo Ogbonna, Argentina v Italy, Manchester, England, 7.45pm
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Italy, Manchester, England, 7.45pm
Joe Hart, Netherlands v England, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 7.45pm
Joao Mario, Portugal v Egypt, Zurich, Switzerland, 7.45pm
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Slovenia, Klagenfurt, Austria, 7.45pm

Saturday 24 March

Chicharito, Mexico v Iceland, San Francisco, USA, 2am

Monday 26 March

Joao Mario, Portugal v Netherlands, Geneva, Switzerland, 7.30pm

Tuesday 27 March

Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Le Havre, France, 7pm
Marko Arnautovic, Luxembourg v Austria, Luxembourg, 7.30pm
Joe Hart, England v Italy, London, England, 8pm
Angelo Ogbonna, England v Italy, London, England, 8pm
Manuel Lanzini, Spain v Argentina, Madrid, Spain, 8.30pm

Wednesday 28 March

Chicharito, Mexico v Croatia, Arlington, USA, 2.30am

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All you need to know about the Academy's internationals
WHUFC.com

As West Ham enter their second week without a Premier League fixture, a number of young West Ham United talents from the Club's Academy have headed off to represent their countries around the world at youth level.

Here's the lowdown of which players will be playing in a mixture of international friendlies and qualifying fixtures…

Which young Hammers have been called up?


In total, 12 youngsters have been called upon to represent their countries at youth level. They are:

Edimilson Fernandes (Switzerland U21), Declan Rice (above) and Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland U21), Martin Samuelsen (Norway U21), Nathan Trott (England U20), Domingos Quina (Portugal U19), Rihards Matrevics (Latvia U19), Conor Coventry (Republic of Ireland U19), Ajibola Alese (England U17), Kristijan Belic (Serbia U17), Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu (England U16).

There are also four players from the Academy of Football on standby for their nations. They are:

Anthony Scully (Republic of Ireland U19), Josh Okotcha (England U17), Ben Wells (Republic of Ireland U18) and Joshua Wilson-Esbrand (England U16).

Who is involved in qualifying campaigns?

Four of the 12 called-up have important U21 European Championship Qualifying matches this international period ahead of the 2019 tournament in Italy.

Josh Cullen (above) and Declan Rice (who is also in the Republic of Ireland's senior squad) host Azerbaijan after a friendly with Iceland as they look to stay in touch with leaders Germany at the top of their Group 5 qualifying game.

Edimilson Fernandes' Switzerland – who are in need of three points in Group 8 – take on Portugal at home, a side on the same number of points as the Swiss (seven to be exact, five points behind runaway group leaders Romania).

Finally, Martin Samuelsen's Norway travel to Israel in European Championship qualifying. They are in Ireland's group and are currently two points behind the Boys in Green.

Meanwhile, Domingos Quina (Portugal), Rihards Matrevics (Latvia) and Conor Coventry (Republic of Ireland) are all involved in U19 Elite Round qualifying matches for the 2018 European Championships.

Portugal face Kosovo, Slovakia and Coventry's Ireland; Latvia take on Macedonia, England and Hungary while Ireland also play Slovakia and Kosovo before the Portugal clash.

Kristijan Belic's Serbia have fixtures in the U17 Elite Round of the European Championship's qualifying – against Czech Republic, Ukraine and Spain.

What about the other internationals?

Centre-back Aji Alese's England U17s have two friendly fixtures, both against Brazil in Spain, while goalkeepers Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu are part of the Three Lions' U16 squad for their Montaigu Tournament in France.

The young side face Russia, Cameroon and Brazil in the group stages throughout the rest of this month.

What is the full list of fixtures involving West Ham United youth players this March?

(All times GMT)

Wednesday 21 March

Domingos Quina, Portugal U19 v Kosovo U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 5pm

Rihards Matrevics, Latvia U19 v FYR Macedonia U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 1pm

Conor Coventry, Republic of Ireland U19 v Slovakia U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 3pm

Kristijan Belic, Serbia U17 v Czech Republic U17, UEFA U17 Elite Round Qualification, 4pm

Thursday 22 March

Declan Rice & Josh Cullen, Republic of Ireland U21 v Iceland U21, International Friendly, 7:30pm

Martin Samuelsen, Italy U21 v Norway U21, International Friendly, 6:30pm

Nathan Trott, Poland U20 v England U20, International Friendly, 6pm

Friday 23 March

Ajibola Alese, Brazil U17 v England U17, International Friendly, 1pm

Saturday 24 March

Domingos Quina, Portugal U19 v Slovakia U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 5pm

Rihards Matrevics, Latvia U19 v England U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 1pm

Conor Coventry, Republic of Ireland U19 v Kosovo U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 3pm

Kristijan Belic, Serbia U17 v Ukraine U17, UEFA U17 Elite Round Qualification, 1:30pm

Monday 26 March

Ajibola Alese, Brazil U17 v England U17, International Friendly, 3pm

Tuesday 27 March

Declan Rice & Josh Cullen, Republic of Ireland U21 v Azerbaijan U21, UEFA U21 Qualification Round Group 5, 7:30pm

Edimilson Fernandes, Switzerland U21 v Portugal U19, UEFA U21 Qualification Round Group 8, 5pm

Martin Samuelsen, Israel U21 v Norway U21, UEFA U21 Qualification Round Group 5, 6:45pm

Domingos Quina, Portugal U19 v Republic of Ireland U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 5pm

Nathan Trott, England U20 v Portugal U20, International Friendly, 7pm

Rihards Matrevics, Latvia U19 v Hungary U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 1pm

Conor Coventry, Portugal U19 v Republic of Ireland U19, UEFA U19 Elite Round Qualification, 5pm

Kristijan Belic, Spain U17 v Serbia U17, UEFA U17 Elite Round Qualification, 1:30pm

Serine Sanneh & Daniel Jinadu, England U16 v Russia U16, Montaigu Tournament, 6:15pm

Thursday 26 March

Serine Sanneh & Daniel Jinadu, England U16 v Cameroon U16, Montaigu Tournament, 6:15pm

Saturday 31 March

Serine Sanneh & Daniel Jinadu, England U16 v Brazil U16, Montaigu Tournament, 6pm

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Antonio double secures friendly win at Dagenham & Redbridge
WHUFC.com

West Ham United edged the #SaveTheDaggers fundraising match at neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 through two goals from Michail Antonio and a late strike from Jordan Hugill. The Hammers edged a competitive friendly organised in aid of the National League side, who are in dire financial straits after their main benefactor withdrew future funding in February. Antonio continued his recent hot streak with a goal in each half in front of a 4,515-strong crowd at Chigwell Construction Stadium. The powerful Mason Bloomfield got Dagenham back in it on the hour-mark before Hugill marked his first start with the clincher three minutes from the end. An entertaining opening 90 minutes could easily have produced more than four goals, with both sets of players giving their all in a match that far from resembled a friendly. West Ham, unsurprisingly, controlled possession for the majority of the opening half, but the identity of their standout performer would certainly have been a shock to the thousands of Hammers fans inside the ground – Alfie Lewis. The teenager was hugely impressive alongside Mark Noble in central midfield, making himself available to receive the ball, playing with his head up and passing and carrying it forward with confidence.

Alongside him, Arthur Masuaku was his usual direct and athletic self down the left wing, and it was the winger who went closest to opening the deadlock in the opening half-hour, seeing one cross hit the crossbar and a long-range shot tipped wide by goalkeeper Mark Cousins. Hugill led the line with physicality and fired one effort over the top, before Antonio did likewise. Dagenham & Redbridge played with purpose themselves and threatened on more than one occasion. First, Adrian had to be alert to block a low shot from Luke Howell, then giant centre forward Mason Bloomfield powered close-range a header a yard too high after a fine run and cross from Jake Howells. The opening goal finally arrived on 42 minutes, albeit in slightly fortunate circumstances. Hugill was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Ben Nunn, only for left-back Luke Pennell's clearance to hit Nathan Holland ricochet into the path of Antonio, who coolly converted. And it was the same player who doubled West Ham's lead eleven minutes into the second half, running onto Josh Pask's through ball before holding off former Hammer Bondz N'Gala and sliding the ball under Cousins and into the back of the net. Three minutes later, Dagenham were back in it when, after the visitors had miraculously blocked at least three goal-bound efforts in the space of a few seconds, Bloomfield smashed home Dan Sparkes' low cross. Sparkes himself came closest to equalising for the fifth-tier side, but his low shot was well held by Adrian before the Spaniard showed superb reactions to keep out efforts from Robinson and Sparkes in the space of a few seconds. And, having held off Dagenham's charge, Hugill put the game beyond doubt three minutes from full-time, converting substitute Anthony Scully's right-wing cross to end a special night in east London with a welcome goal.

West Ham United XI: Adrian, Zabaleta (Johnson 63), Collins (Pask 29), Cresswell (Powell 63), Evra (Akinola 90), Holland (Scully 77), Noble © (Barrett 63), Lewis, Masuaku, Antonio (Rosa 90), Hugill
Subs not used: Anang (GK), Longelo-Mbule

Referee: Tim Robinson
Attendance: 4,515

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West Ham in £6m legal row with London Stadium owners
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport

A West Ham source said "we have bought a new house but it doesn't feel like a home''

West Ham are in the middle of a £6m legal row with their landlords over who should pay to make the London Stadium more supporter friendly. The Hammers pay the London Legacy Development Corporation £2.5m a year to use the stadium as part of a 99-year lease, a sum that will halve should they get relegated to the Championship. However, they have identified a number of areas - including the sale of draught beer and availability of Sky TV - that do not meet their requirements. The two parties, who are already in one legal dispute over the capacity of the London Stadium, are going to have the fresh case heard by a mutually agreed independent legal expert, who will make a decision both sides have agreed to abide by.

News of the legal wrangle comes before a meeting on Monday between West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan over the future of the stadium and its financial viability - it is currently set to lose £140m over the next 10 years. In December, Khan said he was taking direct control of the stadium "in order to renegotiate deals and minimise ongoing losses" after publication of a damning report about the financial planning around the London Stadium.

What are the issues?
For their £2.5m annual payment, West Ham believe the LLDC should meet all the running costs of the stadium, including stewarding, catering and policing.

The LLDC counters that the payment actually only covers what could be regarded as a 'bronze' level of service and that West Ham should pay for the 'platinum' option being demanded.

West Ham's demands include:

The sale of draught beer at all bars, currently impossible because of the lack of pumps
Sky TV on all televisions at the ground. West Ham pay for the licence but the London Stadium has adverts on some screens
That the LLDC, not the club, should pay for hospitality staff who work in the corporate boxes at the stadium
While these sums on an individual basis are quite small, it is estimated that over the length of a 99-year lease they would exceed £100m, which is why they are being contested by the LLDC.

The joint cost of the current legal dispute is expected to be £6m.

Police officers pitchside at The London Stadium
Changing the colour of the carpet behind the goal could cost an estimated £140,000

Behind the goals
There has been an ongoing dispute between the club and the LLDC over the carpeted area behind each goal.

It is presently green. West Ham want it changed to claret, so it is more in keeping with the club's colours, and have their crest on it. They say they are willing to meet the estimated £140,000 cost.

The LLDC is resistant because it feels this would impact on other events. A West Ham source has told the BBC the LLDC wants an additional £150,000 to agree to the change of colour, and claims the carpet will need changing soon anyway because it is starting to become worn.

Security
The one area of agreement is that a repeat of the scenes witnessed at West Ham's last home game against Burnley should be avoided at all costs.

A number of fans invaded the pitch, supporters unhappy with the club's board protested in front of the directors' box and joint owner David Sullivan was hit by a coin.

A West Ham source has said the stewarding for that game, and others, was "inadequate", a view shared by many fans.

The LLDC believes it has fulfilled its requirements in terms of stewarding. A safety advisory group report specifically into the trouble at the Burnley game said the level of disorder "would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage".

However, the group has warned the stadium could be closed if there is a repeat and additional police and stewards will be present for West Ham's Premier League game against Southampton on 31 March.

West Ham are currently 17th in the Premier League, one place and two points above Southampton and the relegation zone.

What they say
A LLDC spokesman said: "We believe West Ham is claiming rights under the concession agreement that are not theirs. West Ham has initiated all of the legal action but we would much prefer to resolve these matters through negotiation. There is great value in these rights over the lifetime of the agreement and we have a duty to defend our rights in order to protect the public purse."

A senior West Ham source said: "We have bought a new house but it doesn't feel like a home yet because we can't get all our stuff in it and get it the way we want it. Also, if you buy a house and agree a price, you don't expect to start getting charged more once you have moved in."

There are a number of different West Ham fans groups but in a recent survey by the West Ham United Independent Supporters Association, only 19.79% of respondents said their match tickets were better value for money, taking into account stadium experience and transportation issues, than they had been at West Ham's former home Upton Park.

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Assembly discuss stadium handover
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st March 2018
By: Staff Writer

The London Assembly have mooted the idea of West Ham United taking full operational control of the Olympic Stadium.

The 25-strong panel gathered this afternoon in order to cross-examine former LLDC members (ex Chairman) David Edmonds and Neale Coleman, the former Deputy Chairman regarding the spiralling costs behind the stadium as part of Mayor Khan's investigation announced last November.

Conservative member Keith Prince, the assembly's representative for Havering and Redbridge put it to the panel that the venue may perhaps be better handled and more financially viable if controlled by those with experience of running football stadia.

"There is a certain irony that one of the partners is very experienced in running a stadium, the operation and the stewarding, " he said. "And that's West Ham."
To which Coleman replied: "Clearly there is an option that could be done whereby West Ham would operate the stadium. That could be an option. It would require a fundamental renegotiation of all the agreements. "I'm not necessarily saying that would be a bad thing. It would be essential in any such process that both parties benefited from that renegotiation."

And when asked whether he could envisage a situation whereby the LLDC would "pay West Ham to run the stadium", Coleman said:"Again, you would have to renegotiate the contractual arrangements and there would be issues about who decides what other events went on there, about all the decisions that would have to be made around it. "But it would be possible to do it like that, absolutely."

During the meeting a whole host of subjects relating to the stadium were discussed; these included naming rights, the terms of the tenancy agreement and adding further (non-football related) events to the calendar.

We'll bring you a full round-up of the meeting later...

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I wouldn't sign for West Ham again
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st March 2018
By: Staff Writer

In the world of media trained footballers, it is a refreshing change to come across one who speaks his mind – and Kieron Dyer is someone who does just that.

The former Newcastle and England midfielder's career at West Ham lasted four seasons but scarcely 20 matches, as injuries wrecked his time at the club, ultimately bringing about a premature end to his career.

What should have been the dawning of a brave new world for both club and player ended up crashing and burning in spectacular fashion, and in an interview with Blowing Bubbles magazine, Dyer does not hold back in his opinions.

"When [manager Alan Curbishley] came to see me and sold the club to me, it really felt like the club was going to push on and find themselves battling at the top of the league, and would go on to win things…. I don't think if I were 28 again and West Ham came in for me now that I would join," he said.

"I'm not sure you see the same calibre of playing that I was seeing when I joined….. West Ham are not too far away from beating the likes of Everton to be 'best of the rest' but when you look at the amount of money the two Manchester clubs are spending, I don't think Sullivan and Gold can compete."

Dyer lifts the lid on how he should not even have been playing in the game where he picked up the injury that wrecked his career – 'there's not a day that goes by where I don't regret that decision' – his own estimation of how he fared – 'I will probably go down as the worst signing ever for West Ham' – and his admiration for the supporters who backed him, no matter what happened.

To read more about this, as well as exclusive columns from ex-Irons legends Phil Parkes and George Parris, fans' views on the club's recent transfer ins and outs, what the future may hold for Michail Antonio and James Collins, the fall-out of the Tony Henry scandal, and the latest from the simmering stand-off between West Ham fans and the club's owners, pick up a copy of the new edition of Blowing Bubbles magazine – out now.

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West Ham defender James Collins faces tough task to be fit for crucial game against Southampton as he pulls up in friendly win over Dagenham
West Ham beat non-league side Dagenham 3-1 in a friendly fundraising game
But the jovial atmosphere soured when James Collins limped off for West Ham
David Moyes sat in the stands as Michail Antonio and Jordan Hugill scored
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 21:39, 21 March 2018 | UPDATED: 21:39, 21 March 2018

James Collins faces a fight to be fit for West Ham's Premier League showdown with Southampton after pulling up with a hamstring injury in their fundraising friendly on Wednesday night. The Hammers were facing cash-strapped Dagenham & Redbridge at the Chigwell Construction Stadium and Collins limped down the tunnel after only 27 minutes. David Moyes sat in the stands as West Ham won 3-1 thanks to a brace by Michail Antonio and a third by Jordan Hugill, while Mason Bloomfield scored for Dagenham. Collins' injury risks leaving West Ham light in defence ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures. They are already without Winston Reid for the rest of the season and recently sold Jose Fonte to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifeng. West Ham are preparing to play Southampton in a relegation six-pointer on March 31 and Moyes named a strong team that included Mark Noble, Patrice Evra, Pablo Zabaleta and Antonio against Dagenham. This was their first fixture since losing 3-0 to Burnley in the Premier League at the London Stadium when pitch invaders and protests overshadowed the match. All the money made from Wednesday night's match went to Dagenham. As reported by Sportsmail, co-owner David Sullivan did not turn up despite organising the friendly following animosity towards him from fans.

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West Ham stadium contract needs simplifying, says former London Legacy Development Corporation heads
West Ham are currently at loggerheads with the LLDC, their landlords, and E20, the company set up to run the former Olympic Stadium
The Independent Sport

West Ham's contract with the owners of the London Stadium needs simplifying to put an end to the ongoing 'tension' surrounding their tenancy, according to the former heads of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). West Ham are currently at loggerheads with the LLDC, their landlords, and E20, the company set up to run the former Olympic Stadium. The club's move to Stratford from Upton Park in 2016 has been beset by problems, culminating in pitch invasions and anti-board protests by fans at the recent match against Burnley. But behind the scenes West Ham are locked in a legal battle with the LLDC over the club's wish to increase the ground's capacity, while a report in The Times on Wednesday morning revealed a further legal dispute involving such minutiae as who should foot the bill to provide draught beer and Sky TV on a match day. The decisions which led to the current malaise were laid bare by the London Assembly Budget Monitoring Sub-Committee on Wednesday afternoon as it discussed the recent report commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan into the spiralling cost of running the stadium.
Neale Coleman, the former deputy chairman of the LLDC and one of the key decision makers during the process which made West Ham the anchor tenants, said: "It's regrettable and it's a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed. "The problem is complexity of the arrangements, if they could be simplified that would help. "There's no reason why these arrangements shouldn't work. They work in Germany quite commonly, where you have a stadium owner, an anchor tenant and an operator. "But we did end up in this position with the concession agreement whereby the costs fell on the LLDC rather than West Ham, and that creates a tension. "We have seen that in the recent days and weeks around the stewarding issues, control and cost."
Even West Ham's desire to change the colour of the carpeted area around the pitch to their claret colours, which they are willing to pay for, has been blocked by the LLDC. David Edmonds, the former LLDC chairman, revealed: "West Ham were very tough, very hard negotiators. If you only have one person to take the deal or not you tend to make compromises. "That gives people on the other side of the table the ability to question whether you are fulfilling your side of the contract.
"I recall many conversations with (West Ham vice-chairman) Karren Brady about the 'look and feel' of the stadium. "In the contract we promised to give the stadium the look and feel of their old stadium. But the interpretation of look and feel can be quite different. "That allowed a lot of dissention to arise thereafter. With hindsight I'd have gone with a partnership and not this strong, legalistic contractual deal."

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West Ham in new London Stadium dispute
March 21, 2018

Relations between West Ham and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) seem to have deteriorated since the Moore Stephens report, commissioned by London mayor Sadiq Khan, which predicted a £140m loss over ten years. Sadiq Khan is clearly unhappy with the deal reached by Boris Johnson.
The club are already involved in a lengthy court cause with the LLDC over expanding stadium capacity, but now there is a new dispute over services they say were promised to them.

The club have asked for draught beer to be provided in all stadium bars, but the LLDC insist that West Ham should pay for the pumps. West Ham pay the £150,000 licence fee to show Sky Sports on televisions inside the stadium, but some of the screens carry LLDC adverts. The LLDC wants compensation if they are displaced. West Ham say the LLDC should pay for the hosts/hostesses in the directors' and corporate boxes, but the LLDC say the club should pay.

West Ham want to replace the green cover that goes over the running track with a claret coloured one, showing the club's logo. The LLDC says this would impact on the appearance of the stadium for other events and there are issues over who owns the branding rights.

West Ham insist that the cost over-runs in developing the stadium are not its fault: 'If the landlord cannot operate the stadium to its own budget, then we are not responsible. They want us to pay more for less.' The LLDC says that it is determined to minimize costs to the London taxpayer. The lawyers are going to be kept busy.

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Meeting between West Ham United Independent Supporters Association (WHUISA) & CoChairman
of West Ham United Football Club, David Sullivan
Tuesday 20th March 2018
https://whuisa.org/news/2018/3/21/meeting-between-whuisa-david-sullivan


David Sullivan approached WHUISA and invited them to a meeting after events leading up to and including the Burnley match on 10th March. We accepted his offer since it would give WHUISA members the opportunity to start having their issues addressed directly by Mr Sullivan. To ascertain what our members more pressing questions were and appreciating the meeting would be time limited, we circulated a list of questions to our members asking them to vote for their preferred options. 1,176 responses were received and a breakdown of these results of the survey may be found at the end of the minutes of this report (footnote iv)

Minutes of meeting between WHUISA and David Sullivan

Present were - David Sullivan (DS), Jack Sullivan (JS) Representing WHUISA: Mark Walker (MW) Paul Turner (PT) and Amanda Jacks (AJ) from the Football Supporters Federation

After formal introductions, ground rules of the meeting were established. It was agreed that prior to publication of these notes, we would gain Mr Sullivan's agreement that they were a fair and accurate reflection of our discussions prior to distribution among our members.
Given that it is the ideal of virtually all supporter organisations to have representation at Board level, MW asked DS for his views on this. DS was immediately agreeable to exploring this idea although offered a compromise solution of co-opting a former WHU player accountable to supporters. MW suggested that the selection of a player could well be an alternative, however experience of playing for WHU is a dramatically different one than being a supporter, and that an elected accountable supporter would be a better solution. DS did not disagree although made it clear that any Board member would have fiscal and legal responsibilities and cautioned us to get professional legal advice in this regard.

ACTION It was agreed that WHUISA research the proposal of a Fan on the Board in more detail and consult with our members (including the option of having a player instead). AJ suggested it would be sensible to seek clarification on exactly what Board members responsibilities were and potential financial & legal implications for them.

We then moved on to questions;
 How will we bridge the gap from where we are, to where you've said before you want the club to be, and what is your timetable?

DS started by saying he is massively disappointed with what has happened this season. He starts each season with ambition to win the league, hopes to have a a miracle season like Leicester but always sets the realistic ambition to be finishing in the top 8 and nudging the top 4. However he stated that he has given himself 5-6 years to turn it around and if not will then step aside.

 What does success look like to you with regards footballing matters? Define it and quantify it?

DS said we need to buy better, giving the example of Dele Alli of Spurs, but also said that we need to sell better. He stressed his disappointment of the Payet situation, comparing it to Mahrez at Leicester and wanting to hold on to him until the Summer. DS said he was desperately disappointed with the cup form, adding we have been unlucky with the away draws (drawing Man Utd after beating Liverpool in 15/16) and that the odd cup final would be success.

PT put to DS statements made by David Moyes and his assistants before the Shrewsbury and Wigan cup matches that seemed to indicate that WHUFC did not prioritise winning or competing in cup competitions properly. DS responded by stating that David Moyes put out "the strongest side possible" in trying to beat Wigan and reiterated that he wants to see WHUFC win a cup.

 Do you feel that the relationship between you and the supports is reconcilable?

DS said that he hoped that it was. That it's a small minority that want him removed but fully accepts that it's a results business. It was noted that DS grasped that WHUISA were potentially in a position to assist in bridging the gap, hence offering us a meeting.

 Is there a realistic prospect of material changes to the stadium, if so what are the timescales?

DS referred us to an answer prepared by "the club" which is at the end of these minutes (footnote i). However he did elaborate on some points including a desire to move the seats closer to the pitch but was aware that the Sports Grounds Safety Authority Green Guide advises that it is not considered good to have seats that are exposed to the elements. It was agreed that the stadium has generated a good atmosphere at times. DS raised that Spurs were close to securing the stadium. PT pointed out this was seen as many as a bargaining chip used by Tottenham with Haringey Council but DS said that Spurs were "gutted" not to secure the stadium. He added had we not won the bid for the OS, it would have been Spurs. The thought of having Spurs in our Borough, with a new stadium, just 2 miles from Upton Park was unthinkable to the board. I still believe it was the correct decision to move, please be the judge in ten years. There really is no going back and we have to make it work.

MW said that a major issue of what is missing was the intimidation factor that was generated at times at the Boleyn Ground, recognised by opposition players and fans alike. That this atmosphere, due to the distance between the pitch and stands, is now missing is a source of real discontent among fans. DS said we would not resort to generating an artificial atmosphere with clappers and JS stressed the same about a drum. However DS said that he was open minded to a formally recognised singing section and a family section, was prepared to listen to our suggestions but that we'd have to move very quickly in this regard.

ACTION: WHUISA would consult on this with our members & feedback the outcome to DS.

 There are ongoing issues with the stewarding at the London stadium, what steps have the club taken to assist the stadium operators get a better solution?

DS referred us to an answer prepared by "the club" detailed at the end of these minutes (footnote ii.). AJ raised the potential issues ahead of the Southampton fixture and suggested that more needs to be done to address the attitude of stewards as an already tense atmosphere could be added to by over zealous policing and stewarding. DS immediately checked with the club and was reassured that two additional training sessions where in place for the fixture. DS recognised the benefits of having regular stewards working regularly in the same areas. He regretted that this was not possible at the London Stadium, and that stewarding in the stadium had been below a commercially acceptable standard.
PT raised the issue of privately hired security personnel who'd filmed blocks of supporters previously and who wore stab proof vests at the Stoke City match (2016/17 season) who apparently were directing stadium security to eject people from the stadium. PT asked if those private security people had been hired by WHUFC or LS185/E20. DS clarified that the private security teams had not been hired by WHUFC and WHUFC had only hired staff for directly underneath the director's box. AJ asked for reassurance that there would be no 'snatch squads' in place for the Southampton game.
DS said no snatch squads were planned and that it was vital that the game went off incident free otherwise we would be playing games behind closed doors. MW explained that WHUISA has met with resistance from Newham Safety Advisory Group to their being able to have a seat at the SAG meetings. He explained the merits of having a member of WHUISA at these meetings and pointed out that supporters sat on, among others, SAGs with Haringey Council, Liverpool City Council (among other examples) as per recommending Sports Ground Safety Authority and FSF best practice. DS asked what the barriers to attending these meetings were. AJ explained that many SAGs were resistant to the notion of supporter representation citing concerns around breaches of confidentiality and not knowing which supporter to ask. DS finished by saying whilst we'll support a fan's representative being on it, the ultimate decision is Newham councils not ours, But I would like to lobby & progress this point. I think it's an important and constructive point that you have made.

ACTION: DS recognised that a supporter could give a unique and valuable insight to SAG meetings and appreciated that they could make a helpful all round contribution to these meetings. MW will write to DS about the SAG so that the process can be started.

 Have interviews been held for the DOF position and what is the scope of the role?

DS said that the club have hired a top, global sports headhunting company to identify possible candidates but it's not possible to place someone at the moment and expand the role, as we don't know what division we will be in next season. But even that appointment might not be a miracle cure and that player recruitment can be difficult. He gave some examples of players that have failed to settle in the Premier League citing luck as a contributory factor.

 Is there a recognition that the current Chairmen need to take a step back and for a full time experienced CEO to be appointed to work alongside a DOF and Manager?

DS touched upon the points again that he gave to his previous answer. Adding again there is always an element of luck with any appointment. He said that he would take a step back over the summer; he pointed to his track record at Birmingham and that the side he left went on to win a cup. DS also stressed that he didn't like failure and genuinely wanted the club to succeed.

 Are you aware of the embarrassment many supporters feel at reading unprofessional comments from either yourself, your children, your Co-Chairman and your Vice Chair on social media or national newspapers with regards to matters concerning the club?

DS accepted that not all the press interviews he had made were helpful and that both his sons had more or less stopped tweeting about the football club. PT raised some of the retweets of David Gold and it was agreed these were unfortunate. DS said that he no longer will give interviews to the press. He stated that Karren Brady has a contract with the Sun, independent of her contract with the football club, and that Karren's contract with the football club allows her to write her weekly columns for The Sun.

 Will you formally recognise WHUISA as the club's FSF affiliated body and build a stronger two way relationship?

DS had a formal answer from the club (footnote iii) but stressed his keenness to meet and engage with WHUISA. MW explained that we are not a Facebook Group or Forum and that we work with all stakeholders including the Premier League, Police and other supporters associations and that we wanted to be a critical friend of the club. Our £1 membership fee sets an affordable distinction band and helps people feel more engaged with what WHUISA does. MW also stressed that there is no formal agenda as such and that we are the equivalent of a work place union for supporters. Our aims evolve in accordance with our members priorities. That the entire board of WHUISA stands annually for re-election motivates us. DS recognised the benefits of our structure and understood that that is what makes us unique in a crowded market place of fans 'groups'.

JS raised the Supporters Advisory Board and MW made the point that it's no longer elected in any way, which DS agreed needed to be looked at. AJ pointed out the fact that many members of the SAB have no formal mechanism to gather the views of the supporters they are supposed to represent and it wasn't unreasonable to suggest that the fan base were cynical about the SAB thanks to its undemocratic structure. DS agreed to a point suggesting that he preferred a previous incarnation of the SAB where fans got the opportunity to vote for representatives.

 It appears there are still approximately £45m in shareholder loans owed by the club. Are you and other shareholders prepared to cancel those loans, converting them to equity and thereby demonstrating a long term commitment to the club?

We have recently seen a majority shareholder at Everton FC do just that DS stressed there was no pressure on the club to pay off the loans and debts. That the extra money was first used to pay off the Icelandic debts but they (DS and David Gold) don't have £45 million since they are asset rich and cash poor. He wanted the affordable family tag at West Ham and that the £289/£99 tickets where bad in the short term for the club. He also made clear that the money invested in West Ham is from his investment company and directly his. That company has a responsibility to its own employees etc.

Meeting with the Mayor (Sadiq Khan) was going to be an important step as the expansion of the London Stadium to full capacity will help. It was suggested by MW that DS should attend that meeting with the Mayor on the 26th March and that it would also be wise to reach out to Rokhsana Fiaz who will likely become the new Mayor of Newham in May. DS raised that the new Spurs stadium will be super but would West Ham fans be willing to pay the prices that Spurs have just announced? DS concluded that he and David Gold were British Tax Payers and that they were not drawing dividends from the club.

 Would you sacrifice your ultimate controlling interest should a new investor appear on the scene and offer you a fair price for some of your shares?

DS reinstated he had no desire to sell the club but referred back to his stated timetable of 5-6 years for improvements. He highlighted the fact that the difference between finishing 7th and 17th is £22 million. However he would step aside if the King of Saudi Arabia wanted to buy the club. He finished by saying the winner never quits and a quitter never wins. DS finished by saying that it was vitally important that every supporter got behind the team in the remaining 5 games. Please protest, if you still feel it's necessary, at the end of the season and not now and never inside the stadium when a match it being played as it does impact upon the players. That he was pleased to have met WHUISA and was happy to keep an open channel of communication between us and work on the agreed actions. He had no issue with trust with WHUISA or any committee member. MW agreed he would email DS separately on each of the points agreed.

Footnotes
Footnote i
 In answer to - Is there a realistic prospect of material changes to the stadium, if so what are the timescales?

A great deal of work was put into the transformation of the Stadium to begin with within the scope of the existing infrastructure. The seats were brought closer to the pitch as promised and had a roof that covered them. There are no restricted views and all seats have a clear view of play. We were and remain committed to constantly improving the Stadium where possible. Unfortunately we had problems with our landlords which has meant we must take them to court to seek a
resolution to the impasse. I cannot discuss the details, but we are pushing for a host of changes that we are entitled to under our agreement with them. They have ignored our claims but we are hopeful things will move forward now the mayor has offered to step in.
You ask about timescales. The court case will be in the autumn and should we win we are hopeful we can instigate some clear improvements immediately. We hope that this process will also mean we can build a relationship with them going forward to our mutual benefit. We have announced we will commission architects to make some positive recommendations on what can be done to improve the stadium for us and E20, our landlords. E20 are also commissioning studies in this regard and we have suggested that this would be better if we worked together. This has been put to them and again we await their response. WE have made clear to them that doing so in silo does not make sense when changes that would benefit that Club could also benefit E20 through shared investment in making them happen. However as you are already aware as it was requested by the supporter groups at the meeting which you attended either way we have committed to commission a study into what is possible in terms of the improving the seating this season.
It's findings will dictate next steps. In reality the Club can commission studies to better understand what is possible but our landlord must work with us to implement our contractual rights and to discuss changes that can benefit us both which is why it is so important that Mayor has finally agreed to engage with us.
Even at the time of the agreement we did envisage that with the benefit of the platform the Stadium gives us to generate additional revenue over time that increased budget to re-invest would enable us to make some further changes. It is for this reason that our contract has a clause within it around our ability to make improvements and alterations to the Stadium.
We are always working with E20 to explore improvements that can be made to enhance the supporter experience. Many of the improvements our supporters would like to see also benefit E20 as they benefit all spectator pitch sports. For example we were already exploring some changes to improve some seats behind the goals.
Secondly, in terms of supporters raising the issue of material change, this was raised for the first time at the meeting of the West Ham Groups United and has not previously been put to the Club in correspondence or in meetings including those held directly with WHUISA – either the previous or existing committee -it this has clearly moved up the agenda. We have also been pursuing the delivery of changes which will further enhance the look and feel of the Stadium as our home ground along with other improvements, all of which are covered in our contract with our landlord.
Their failure to deliver these so far has forced us to pursue a legal route. In terms of changes Karren's letter to the West Ham Groups United is clear on what we have committed to and the matters that will require our landlord to engage with us.

• There are ongoing issues with the stewarding at the London stadium, what steps have the club taken to assist the stadium operators get a better solution?
Footnote ii
 In answer to: There are ongoing issues with the stewarding at the London stadium, what steps have the club taken to assist the stadium operators get a better solution?
This was covered in my/ Karren's letter to the fan groups which you were included within as has been extensively covered at the SAB which you attend and is summarised below
• The ground has upwards of 1,000 stewards per PL game whose roles are divided between the bridges, turnstiles, stewarding inner bowl and on ingress and egress routes.
• We have progressed from using only one stewarding provider (OCS) to four to increase competition, assist with performance monitoring and provided us with a broader scope to attract better quality stewards to London Stadium
• Of the four quadrant managers, two are ex-Boleyn stewards and both have been promoted to senior positions.
• A new Head of Safety and Security is in post, Dave Sadler.
• Additional new Deputy Safety Officer, Andrew Bracken.
• We have previously written to all former Boleyn stewards to ask if they would like to return and this offer remains very much open - we would welcome them back.
• The Club have directly employed 40 SLOs to provide directional assistance and take care of any supporter feedback, enquiries or complaints on matchday and to work with stewards and to observe and report back to the Club.
• Two former Boleyn stewards are SLOs and we will be happy to speak to any others that would like to apply for a role.
• Boleyn Stewards were actively encouraged to make the move to the Stadium on several occasions. And West Ham United and LS185 offered to pay for the necessary NVQ training for them.
• Those that joined us were re-deployed to key areas.
• The Club has worked collaboratively with LS185 on a number of initiatives to educate Stewards on the rich history and heritage of West Ham United and the importance of serving our fanbase and keeping them safe on a matchday including introducing a West Ham United section in the steward briefing notes and verbal briefing.
• Ben Illingworth, Head of Matchday Operations for West Ham United attends the senior manager and supervisor briefings to provide updates and discusses the importance of their role at West Ham United.
• Yours and your fellow supporters' experience on a matchday is of paramount importance to us. In the event supporters wish to report an incident or experience relating to stewarding we do want to hear directly – if possible straight away. SLOs are on hand on the day or you can email et. The majority of supporter report that this service is efficient. We can only act on the information we have but we assure you that if there is inadequate service, we will work with LS185 and are very much able to ensure that these individuals do not return.
Ultimately though we do not control the operation of the Stadium. We offered to buy the Stadium outright initially but that was refused. We have done everything in our power to improve the Stadiums operation. When the issues occurred last season – it was West Ham's suggestions that ultimately addressed the issues. WE have offered help, advice and input at every juncture having successfully operated a Stadia for over 25 years, six of those at the Boleyn Ground and we feed into
the SAG. We are working closely with all of the London Stadium Stakeholders as our primary focus is on ensuring that anyone attending London Stadium can do so safely. There will be additional security and police at the Southampton fixture.

Footnote iii
 In answer to : Will you formally recognise WHUISA as the club's FSF affiliated body and build a stronger two way relationship?

WE already recognise WHIUISA formally as such you have a seat on the SAB. Next Monday's SAB will look at the structure and format of the SAB as you yourself suggested to ensure it can grow to be more effective forum but it must remain the inclusive forum that we engage with. WHUISA are important to us but we cannot engage with one group only we must recognise the views of all supporters and supporter groups but are certainly keen to build a stronger two way relationship.

Replies from the club have been reproduced exactly to allow members to make up their own mind on the responses.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 21st March 2018

Dagenham & Redbridge v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will play neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge in a midweek
friendly, to help the National League Club raise funds.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this fixture.

Where and when?

Dagenham & Redbridge will welcome West Ham United to the Chigwell
Construction Stadium on Wednesday 21 March 2018.
The friendly fixture is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30pm.

How to follow:
Tickets for Wednesday's match are available on the night, purchasable with
cash at the turnstiles. These tickets can be bought at the Bury Road
turnstiles.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.

Meet the opposition:
Dagenham & Redbridge
Nickname: The Daggers
Manager: John Still
Formed: 1992
League Position: 11th (National League)
Last Five Matches: WLWLL

Team news:

In the midst of a three-week break without a competitive game, manager
David Moyes is expected to send a strong team down to the Chigwell
Construction Stadium for Wednesday's contest. The likes of Marko
Arnautovic, Chicharito, Manuel Lanzini, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Joe
Hart, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Joao Mario are away on international duty.

What they say:
"Everybody at the club is really looking forward to the game, not only
because it will help raise some of the money we need, but also because it
should be a good, competitive game between two professional teams."
Bonds N'Gala Dag & Red defender and former West Ham player

How to get there:

The nearest Underground station to The Chigwell Construction Stadium is
Dagenham East, on the District Line. The station is just a ten minute walk
from the ground.

By Train
Information for away fans at Chigwell Construction Stadium:
Any West Ham fans that have bought tickets for this game in the A13 Steel
Stand will need to use gates 9, 10 and 11 to get into the ground. If
entering through Victoria Road, gates 9,10 and 11 can be found by walking
towards the other side of the car park. Alternatively the gates can be
accessed through Pondfield Road, with the turnstiles on your left. West Ham
fans that have bought Terrace tickets for this game will find access into
the ground through the turnstiles at the end of Bury Road, which is the
next road on the left after Victoria Road when coming from Dagenham East
Station. Supporters are advised that tickets are now not available for
pre-purchase, and can only be bought on the night.

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Hugill: Dagenham game is a perfect platform for me to show I'm ready
WHUFC.com

For Jordan Hugill, Wednesday's fundraising friendly at Dagenham & Redbridge
is an important game for both sporting and financial reasons. With the likes
of Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini away on international duty, the
25-year-old will likely lead the line, giving him a welcome opportunity to
impress manager David Moyes ahead of the vital Premier League run-in. And as
someone who played non-league football for the likes of Seaham Red Star,
Whitby Town and Gateshead in his native North East, the striker also fully
aware of just how important Wednesday's fundraising match is to the National
League side. "For me, this game is perfect because it gives me a platform to
show the coaching staff what I can do and that, if I'm called upon, I'm
going to be ready for it," said the No17. "Hopefully I'll do well and if I
do the right things on the pitch, it'll put myself at the forefront of the
manager's mind and show I am ready for it. "It's also an important game for
Dagenham & Redbridge. People can forget about non-league football, but I've
played myself in the Northern Premier League and I know what it is like when
clubs have to work hard to raise the funds they need, so any help that
bigger clubs can give is brilliant. Any money we can raise will be
brilliant, for them, so it should be a good night all-round. "One of my old
clubs, Hartlepool United, have also had some financial trouble recently. I
was part of the squad 2015 and I donated the shirt I scored the winner
against Exeter to keep them up in the Football League to do my bit and it
raised about £350. It was priceless for me, but it was good for them and you
don't want to see clubs go under because of money problems, because that's
always sad to see. Anything we can do is brilliant."

Hugill also reflected positively on the squad's training camp in Florida,
where he spent time getting to know his new teammates on and off the pitch.
"It was really good for me," he confirmed. "Having come in at the end of
January, it made settling in a bit harder, so this trip gave me the chance
to get to know people better and learn how they work. The better you get on
off the pitch, it transfers onto the pitch, so it was definitely worthwhile.
"The manager has been around long enough and he knows what he is doing and
knows how to get the best out of his players. He has got a good response out
of his players and for me personally it was a good trip and I'm sure we will
see the benefits. "Sometimes you've just got to get away from all the
distractions, clear your head space, get your head down and do your work.
Change of environment freshens the mind and it certainly did that. That
little change has certainly brought out a spark in people and will provide
the reaction the manager was looking for."

*Tickets for Wednesday's fundraising friendly at Chigwell Construction
Stadium (7.30pm kick-off) will be available to purchase on the night, priced
at £10 Adults, £8 O65s and £3 U16s.

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Potts: West Ham's support for Daggers is so important
WHUFC.com

West Ham United legend Steve Potts has encouraged Hammers fans to get
behind the only other club he represented during his illustrious 18-year
career.
Now in charge of West Ham's U18 squad, Potts played 505 times in Claret and
Blue before a chance meeting with then-manager Garry Hill saw him join
near-neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge in September 2002. Playing alongside
fellow former Premier League players Mark Stein and Tony Roberts and a host
of talented youngsters, the Daggers reached the FA Cup fourth round and
finished fifth in the Conference – now National League. Potts hung up his
boots in May 2003, but Dagenham continued their rise, being promoted to the
Football League for the first time four years later, before winning
promotion to League One in 2010. Since then, however, the club formed by a
merger between Redbridge Forest and Dagenham in 1992 has struggled,
suffering two relegations back to the fifth tier and, in recent months,
unprecedented financial issues. The latter led to West Ham agreeing to send
a first-team squad to Chigwell Construction Stadium on Wednesday 21 March at
7.30pm for a fundraising friendly – a match and a cause Potts has urged
Hammers fans to support wholeheartedly.

"Clubs like Dagenham & Redbridge are so important, not only to their own
supporters, but to football in general, because they are at the centre of
their communities and give players opportunities to learn about the game,"
said Potts, who played 24 times in the Daggers' red and blue. "They have
always had relatively small crowds, but they have kept going and have been
competitive at every level they have played at, which is testament to how
well the club has been managed down the years. "They have been up a few
divisions and enjoyed a good spell up there, producing good players who they
have been able to sell on for good money but, for whatever reason, that has
not happened so often recently. "But that doesn't mean clubs like Dagenham
should just be left to fend for themselves, because football is a family.
Non-league clubs depend on a band of volunteers and small crowds, so if West
Ham sending a team down to play there can help them out, then obviously I
think that's a great idea. "I thoroughly enjoyed my season there as a
player. Dagenham is a good club with good people, so I would encourage any
West Ham fan who can get down for the game there to do so."

As an Academy coach, Potts says the presence of clubs like Dagenham &
Redbridge can also benefit West Ham in the long-term, with the east London
side taking a succession of Hammers youngsters on loan over the last 15
years. "National League football is still a decent standard and clubs like
Dagenham can certainly give young players experiences which they cannot have
while playing U18 or U23 football, and a lot of ours have gone there and
really benefitted. We also play our U23 matches there, too. "That local
connection is there and it is important that it continues."

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Cullen proud of latest award to his collection
WHUFC.com

Josh Cullen expressed his pride after being named the Republic of Ireland's
U21 Player of the Year at the FAI Awards on Sunday night. The midfielder,
who captains the Boys in Green's most senior youth level, is currently away
with Noel King's squad for upcoming matches against Iceland and Azerbaijan.
And the feeling after picking up a personal accolade is not new for Cullen,
who has 13 caps at U21 level for Ireland; the 21-year-old was awarded an
impressive four honours while on loan at Bradford City in League One last
season. The youngster was delighted at the latest instalment to his
mantelpiece collection and reflected on what has been a terrific year for
him at international level. "It was a proud moment for me to be recognised
and awarded by your country," he said. "It's another little great accolade
for me to get. "It's always nice and a great personal reward every now and
again to get recognised and pick up an award. I've had a few over the start
of my career and hopefully there will be more personal and team trophies and
awards to come along the journey. "It's been a good year for me at
international level and it's a massively proud moment for me, every time I
pull on the green jersey and represent my country. It makes the feeling even
better and even greater when I get to lead the lads out and captain my
country. "It's gone from this time last year, starting this qualifying
campaign and I've come to captaining the side."
Cullen's team currently sit second in their U21 European Qualifying
campaign behind just Germany in Group 5, two points below the leaders who
they are yet to take on. King's U21s face Azerbaijan next in qualifying as
they look to stay in touch with Die Mannschaft on Tuesday 27 March, after an
international friendly against Iceland on Thursday – two fixtures Cullen is
looking forward to. "Winning this month against Azerbaijan would keep us
close and all we can focus on is ourselves at the moment," Cullen continued.
"We know we have to be winning these games if we realistically want to be
qualifying. "When the draw was made, I think everyone would have said
straight away that Germany would qualify automatically, so we've got that
underdog mentality, knowing we're good enough, and knowing we are still in
contention to qualify internationally. "We're a year into qualifying now and
in a strong position and we've picked up some good results along the way.
"We also play Iceland in this break so on a personal level, it will be great
to get some high intensity games against quality players in while there is a
three-week break in West Ham games. "Coming away and playing in competitive
games; no matter what country you come up against you know you're playing
the best players coming out of their country, it is going it help you."

While Cullen was named the U21 Player of the Year at the ROI Awards, West
Ham and international teammate Declan Rice – who Cullen often partners in
the Ireland U21 midfield – was awarded the U19 equivalent. "I think it
always helps, having a good relationship with somebody off the pitch, it
always helps on the pitch as well," Cullen explained of his friendship with
Rice. "Dec and I get on really well off the pitch and we've known each other
a long time now. It's great to play alongside him for Ireland. It helps that
he's a very good player as well. "We have a really good collective
togetherness in the squad though, and that will stand us in good stead for
the campaign. The staff, the players all get on really well and we all look
forward to meeting up. I think that camaraderie gives us a better chance on
the pitch."

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Ashton: Manchester City goals proved I could be a West Ham player
WHUFC.com

Twelve years ago, Dean Ashton was one of the hottest young properties in
English football. The 24-year-old had scored regularly in the Championship
for Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City but, with just 16 Premier League
appearances under his belt, Ashton was an unproven quantity at highest level
when West Ham United spent a club record £7.25m to secure his services in
January 2006. The centre forward himself admitted to feeling the pressure to
prove himself in a Claret and Blue shirt, but goals on each of his first
three Premier League starts against Sunderland, Birmingham City and Everton
quickly justified the Hammers' decision to pay such a large fee. And when
Ashton netted twice more in an unforgettable 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final
victory at Manchester City on 20 March 2006, any doubts the player himself
might have been feeling also evaporated. West Ham, of course, went on to
reach the final, where Ashton hit the net again, only for opponents
Liverpool to prevail in a heart-breaking penalty shootout. "I was lucky
that I didn't play for Norwich when West Ham played against them in the FA
Cup third round and knocked them out," the striker reflected. "So, I was
able to be part of that special FA Cup run. "At that stage of my West Ham
career, it was all about repaying that record fee that the Club had paid for
me and proving to my teammates and the staff that I was up to it. "The two
goals I got at Manchester City in the FA Cup sixth round in March 2006 went
a long way towards me proving myself worthy of that price tag."

Ashton's goals at the City of Manchester Stadium were both proof of his
outstanding quality. The first saw him exchange passes with Matty
Etherington, collect a flick from captain Nigel Reo-Coker, beat Sylvain
Distin with a superb turn and rifle a low left-foot finish past David James.
The second showed the forward's knack for being in the right place at the
right time as he converted Yossi Benayoun's cross from close-range. More
than a decade on, Ashton remains rightly proud of his memorable performance
against a City side managed by current West Ham assistant Stuart Pearce.
"The first goal, a low left-foot finish from Nigel's pass, showed what I was
all about as a player, then the second one was put on a plate for me by
Yossi. "I wasn't proven. Yes, I'd had half a season in the Premier League
with Norwich, but it was pleasing to be able to prove in that first six or
seven games that I was worthy of the fee and being at a club like West Ham."

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Baseball next for the Olympic Stadium
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

It's hosted athletics, rugby, pop concerts and, occasionally, football
matches - and now baseball is coming to Stratford. Reports from the US this
morning confirm that two of the world's most famous baseball teams, the New
York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are set to play each other at the London
Stadium in a two-game series in June 2019. The stadium, being bowl-shaped
will provide the perfect venue for the game which is traditionally played in
circular stadiums, mostly in the Unites States. The forthcoming series
would be the first time in which the UK has hosted matches between such
high-profile teams - although league fixtures have been played abroad in the
past; Tokyo (2004, 2008), Australia and Mexico have all staged league
fixtures in recent seasons. The Olympic Stadium dwarfs the Yankee Stadium in
size; the Yankees are used to playing in an arena with a 47,000 capacity,
whilst the Red Sox's Fenway Park holds a little under 38,000 - considerably
less than Stratford's 60,000+ capacity.

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Sick Sameulsen returns for tests
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham youngster Martin Sameulsen has returned to the club for tests
after picking up a mystery illness. The 20-year-old, who is spending the
rest of season on loan with Burton Albion has been sent back to West Ham for
tests after pulling out of The Brewers' last two fixtures and withdrawing
from the Norwegian under 21 squad. "He hasn't gone (with Norway's
under-21s)," said Albion boss Nigel Clough. "He still doesn't feel right.
He's gone back down to West Ham to have some tests, and then we'll know a
bit more later in the week. "We're not sure [exactly what the problem is] -
he just hasn't felt right. He came in after one game and he came on against
Bristol City and he didn't feel well after the game. So there's obviously
something not quite right with him at the moment. "He's had a few viruses in
the past that have really knocked him sideways. At the start of the season
he had a big throat infection which ended up in him having an operation. He
also had his tonsils out, so it could be a recurrence of something like
that."

Samuelsen joined Albion on loan back in mid-January, since when he had
appeared on eight occasions for Clough and the Brewers.

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LLDC set for cross-examination
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

Two of the key players in the decision to ensure the Olympic Stadium
carried an athletics legacy are to be quizzed by the London Assembly Budget
Monitoring Sub-Committee. Former LLDC Chairman David Edmonds and former
deputy Chairman Neale Coleman will appear in front of a London Assembly
panel tomorrow in order to face questions about the stadium, which has lost
millions since the 2012 games ended. The meeting was scheduled as a result
of London Mayor Sadiq Khan's investigation into the spiralling costs
associated with the stadium, which has taken nearly £1billion from the
taxpayer since it was first commissioned more than a decade ago. The
meeting, to which members of the public are invited takes place in The
Chamber in SE1 on Wednesday, 21 March. It will also be broadcast live via a
webcast. Khan announced that he was holding an investigation into the costs
associated with the Stratford-based arena last November, following news that
the bill for making the stadium football-friendly had topped £320million -
despite being initially budgeted at under £200million. "I am determined to
put the London Stadium towards a stronger financial footing and secure its
long-term future," said Khan speaking last November. "But I'm under no
illusion that this is going to take time and some real commitment from all
partners to make this work."

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Mario bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have seen an opening offer for Inter midfielder Joao Mario
rejected, according to reports from Italy. Although United's Premier League
status is far from assured, Italian media report this morning that Inter
have rejected an offer in the region of £12million for the Portuguese
international, who costs the Milan club €40million (plus €5million add-ons).
Mario, who has been on loan at West Ham since January is available for
transfer but the Nerazzurri are seeking to recoup a figure far closer to
their original outlay, when they signed the midifleder from Sporting CP in
August 2016. Mario, 25, who is set to play a vital role for his country at
this summer's World Cup Finals is said to be keen to make his move to the
Premier League permanent.

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WHO'S GOING DOWN?
By Tony Hanna 20 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID

Statistically, there is still 21% of the season remaining for West Ham. In
real terms, eight matches with five at home and three away. We only leave
London once for a game at Leicester and in addition we have difficult away
games at Arsenal and Chelsea where any points will be a bonus. We also have
both Manchester clubs to play at the OS. For weeks now we have all been
looking for the results of the other teams around us and hoping results go
our way. If you are like me I have even been cheering on Spurs when they
have played the likes of Palace and Huddersfield recently. Every little bit
helps. Our destiny is in our own hands at the moment and we can only hope it
stays that way. A loss against Southampton and it will not be. Every time
one of the bottom half teams gets a couple of wins or a win and a draw, the
points gained shoot them up the table and the feeling of impending safety
sets in. When a few losses occur they are back in the mire again. That is
the effect of so many teams being in the same scrap. Since that brilliant
win at Huddersfield in mid-January we have taken five points from an
available twenty one and we have slipped from 11th to 17th. So what is the
relegation landscape looking like for the others? Here are the bookies odds
and the run home for each of the clubs involved.

West Brom are now dead and buried. With 20 points and seven games left they
could mathematically still avoid the drop but they have only won three PL
games all season and incredibly two of them were the first two games of the
season!

Stoke City on 27 points are priced at 4/11 (73% chance) for the drop. They
have played one more game than most now due to playing and getting beaten by
Everton on the weekend. Their remaining fixtures are Arsenal (a), Spurs (h),
West Ham (a), Burnley (h), Liverpool (a), Palace (h) and Swansea (a). I have
watched them a few times recently and they are playing better than what
their results are showing. Going down to ten men so early in the weekend
game at home to Everton was a real blow for them.

Southampton on 28 points are priced at 9/4 (30%). Because of our reversed
fixture with them at the start of the season, giving us the imbalance of
three away games to start the campaign and the Saints three home games, that
comes home to roost right now. It means West Ham now play five of their
remaining eight at home but Southampton only have three of their remaining
eight at home. Their run in is West Ham (a), Arsenal (a), Chelsea (h),
Leicester (a), Bournemouth (h), Everton (a) and on the final day of the
season they host Manchester City (h). They also have a fixture at Swansea
(a) where no date has been determined as yet. They have taken the gamble to
change manager at a late stage of the season, so whether Mark Hughes can
orchestrate a "new manager bounce" will be crucial to their chances. They
looked poor at Wigan on the weekend but did get a win there – something we
and Man City failed to do in recent months. Taking away the two wins against
bottom club West Brom, they have only won three other PL games this season
which includes that 3-2 win against 10 man West Ham. Despite only recording
5 wins they can be difficult to beat as indicated by the fact they have
drawn 13 matches this season – the highest amount in the League.

Crystal Palace won on the weekend and move to 30 points which is the same
as us but they are one place ahead due to a superior goal difference. The
bookies make them a 7/1 chance (12.5%) for relegation. They are rated more
than twice as likely to stay up than us, despite them being on the same
points and having played one more game. This is obviously down to their
remaining fixtures where they only have to play one more top six side. Their
remaining seven fixtures are Liverpool (h), Bournemouth (a), Brighton (h),
Watford (a), Leicester (h), Stoke (a) and West Brom (h). This really is the
easiest run in of all the teams involved in the relegation battle.
Theoretically, at least four of the teams they are yet to play should have
very little to play for in terms of Europe or relegation. If Brighton win
either of their next two games, both at home, you can make that five. They
still have the very influential Zaha to return and for me they are the most
unlikely side in the bottom six to get relegated despite being 19th in the
form table (the table using only the past eight fixtures and designed to
evaluate current form).

Huddersfield lost again on the weekend and are just one point ahead of us
on 31 points having played one more game. The bookies rate them a 6/4 chance
(40%) to bounce straight back to the Championship. Their remaining fixtures
are Newcastle (a), Brighton (a), Watford (h), Chelsea (a), Everton (h), Man
City (a) and Arsenal (h). Since the turn of the year the Terriors have
beaten Bournemouth and West Brom and drawn with Swansea. They have lost
every other PL game in 2018 and are 18th on the form table.

Swansea are on 31 points just one ahead of us but are 5th on the form
table. Fifteen points and just one loss in the last eight has taken them
from long odds on to go down to a current price of 9/2 (18%). They finish
the season with Man Utd (a), West Brom (a), Everton (h), Man City (a),
Chelsea (h), Bournemouth (a) and Stoke (h). They also have that to be
arranged fixture with Southampton (h) to be determined. It is hard to fathom
where Swansea are at the moment. Will their recent good run of form falter
or continue? They face three of the big five in the run in but also have a
couple of very winnable games.

Newcastle are on 32 points and sit in 13th position in the Premier League.
They are 20/1 (4.76%) to do the yoyo. Whilst they look safe you can never
say never but their remaining fixtures are Huddersfield (h), Leicester (a),
Arsenal (h), Everton (a), West Brom (h), Watford (a), and Chelsea (h). They
also have an away game at Spurs where a date is to be arranged. I fancied
Newcastle to go down at the start of the season but it looks like they will
prove me wrong. The form of Shelvey and Diame in recent weeks has really
turned their fortunes around. This pair of in-form midfielders have really
given them a good balance.

Brighton are four points above us on 34 points and are rated a 25/1 chance
(3.85%) to be relegated. They are 8th in the form table with 11 points from
the past eight matches. Their run in is Leicester (h), Huddersfield (h),
Palace (a), Spurs (h), Burnley (a), Man Utd (h) and they play Liverpool (a)
on the final day of the season. They have one fixture with no date set as
well which is Man City (a).

Watford and Bournemouth (both on 36 points) look to have done enough to
keep them safe now and both are priced at 100/1 for the drop. So what of us
then?

West Ham are on 30 points and we are priced at 5/2 (28%) to be relegated.
Our remaining fixtures are Southampton (h), Chelsea (a), Stoke (h), Arsenal
(a), Man City (h), Leicester (a) and Everton (h). We also have Man Utd (h)
where a date is to be determined. I still think 37 points will be safe this
season and it is possible 36 may be enough too. Most seasons we see one or
two teams surge and play themselves out of the relegation battle with a
handful of games to go. Swansea's run has come early but at present the
bottom six in the PL are also the bottom six of the "form table". I think it
is anyone's guess at the moment. If you want another go at predicting what
will happen click here

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'Inter Milan are part of my past' – West Ham loanee Joao Mario does not
want to return to parent club in the summer
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario has insisted "Inter are part of my past
now" - despite only being on loan at West Ham. The Italian giants bought
Mario for £35m plus £4m in bonuses after his impressive performances at Euro
2016, but he struggled to make an impact at the San Siro . In January, Mario
was shipped out to struggling West Ham on an initial six-month loan deal,
with a £35m option to make the move permanent. And although the Hammers are
yet to be fully convinced with the 25-year-old, Mario has all but ruled out
a return to Inter in the summer. "I'm in a new league and I'm trying to
adapt quickly," Joao Mario told reporters in Portugal. "I'm happy with my
new adventure and I hope to finish the season well. Inter are part of my
past now. I could have played more, but football is about that too. "Now I'm
happy and that's what matters most." Mario has made six appearances for the
Hammers so far but he has been on the winning side just once, with David
Moyes' side struggling to pull clear of relegation trouble.

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City Hall Fire First Salvo Ahead Of Stadium Talks With West Ham
Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 20/03/2018 - 12:22
WestHamfans.org

In an unprecedented statement released through City Hall, the Mayor of
London Sadiq Khan has laid out his 'battle plan' ahead of finally meeting up
with representatives of West Ham United to discuss where to go with the
London Stadium impasse. Stage one will be the sub committee questioning of
David Edmonds CBE, former Chairman, LLDC and Neale Coleman CBE, former
Deputy Chairman, LLDC. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 21 March
from 2:00pm in The Chamber (The Queen's Walk, London SE1),

Media and members of the public are invited to attend. We suggest if you
are not working or otherwise busy that you trundle down and see how these
sub committees really work and see how they blame!

This is where the real issues will raise their collective ugly heads, the
most glaring of which is why on earth did those in control sanction such a
massive expenditure on a Stadium that would not be fit for purpose after the
Olympics without extensive and expensive re-seating costs. It is not as if
there was no template to follow, the Commonwealth games held in Manchester
yielded what is now known as the Etihad Stadium and doesn't cost the
taxpayer a penny for it's existence or up keep, the main reason for which is
that the Stadium was designed collaboratively between the organisers and
Manchester City football club.

Back in the day, West Ham United requested a similar joint enterprise which
would have seen the London Stadium being built primarily for football, and
then adapted for athletics, as opposed to the ludicrous decision that was
finally arrived at which saw a gigantic, expensive white not fit for more
than one purpose elephant hewed out of the East End at vast expense! Why was
such a decision taken? Well, Lord Coe promised there would be an athletics
legacy if The United Kingdom was awarded the right to host the Olympics, and
he couldn't go back on his word could he? It is not as if any other country
ever goes back on it's word is it?

So the price of honouring Lord Coe's promise and therefore ensuring that he
be known as a man of his word, is conservatively estimated, if you will be
so kind as to ignore the pun, at approximately around £300 Million plus and
still rising at around £10 Million a year. Had the Stadium been constructed
with football being it's main legacy after the games then the conversion
cost would have been £80 Million, furthermore as a proper football stadium
it would have generate money for the tax payer instead of losing money.

Where do things go from here?
It is no secret that The Mayor would dearly like to get shot of the London
Stadium and all it stands for, his target having been made a little easier
by the removal of the chief of Newham Council who themselves have had to
write off a £40 Million 'loan' which was supposed to be repaid with interest
out of the London Stadium 'profits'! This endless money pit is no good to
anyone at the moment and will continue to be so in the immediate future
until a practical solution can be found. In a normal business environment an
overseer would look at the situation and write off any further expenditure
from the public purse straight away, they would examine the projected losses
and come to the conclusion that the only realistic way for the Stadium to be
viable would be if it was 'sold' in it's entirety to West Ham United and
permanently converted for football, rugby and cricket. The Olympic athletics
'legacy' can be transferred to Birmingham where the Commonwealth games are
due to be hosted in a new 'purpose built' track and athletics stadium which
WILL have a lasting legacy because it will not be considered as a football
venue at any time and will therefore become the focal point for athletics in
this country, a situation that many non Londoner's have historically been
campaigning for.

If West Ham United owned the Stadium as they originally tried to do but
were thwarted due to legal action brought by Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton
Orient, the club would be able to attract significantly more in bound
finance than it currently is able, and that in turn could lead to future
success. At the end of the day it will prove to be the ONLY way forward, it
just depends on who is in charge of doing the 'head banging' that will be
necessary in order for things to progress at a faster pace than has so far
been the case. Don't forget Wednesday, 21 March from 2:00pm in The Chamber
(The Queen's Walk, London SE1) if you can make it - Ed

The City Hall press release in full:
The full cost of West Ham's Stadium 20 March 2018 The cost of retrofitting
the Stadium has risen from a budgeted £190 million to £323 million The
stadium's approved business case forecasted a surplus, but it will now lose
over £10 million every year On 1 November 2016, Sadiq Khan announced an
investigation into the rising costs of West Ham's London Stadium[1]. On 1
December 2017, the report into the Stadium was published,[2] revealing for
the first time the depth of its financial difficulties. The Mayor's review
covered three distinct phases of the Stadium's life:
Olympic bodies' original decision making in the design of the Stadium The
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC)'s (and its predecessors')
decisions in tendering for and delivering the Stadium transformation
Decisions made about the current operational arrangements of the Stadium
Following on from sessions with the Mayor's Chief of Staff and the LLDC
Chief Executive in December 2017 and January 2018, tomorrow, the London
Assembly Budget Monitoring Sub-Committee will question two of the key
decision makers associated with the London Stadium, who were in post before
the Olympics took place:
David Edmonds CBE, former Chairman, LLDC Neale Coleman CBE, former Deputy
Chairman, LLDC. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 21 March from
2:00pm in The Chamber (The Queen's Walk, London SE1). Media and members of
the public are invited to attend The meeting can also be viewed LIVE via
webcast.
Follow us @LondonAssembly and take part in the meeting discussion using
#AssemblyBudget and #LondonStadium.

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