Rice: We more than held our own against world class players
WHUFC.com
2017/18 has been a steep learning curve for Declan Rice, but the 19-year-old defender passed another test with flying colours on Thursday night by helping the Hammers to a creditable 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
Rice has now made 25 Premier League appearances in a breakthrough campaign and he was delighted to come out on top in a tussle with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.
The Red Devils' front three could find no way through against a Hammers backline who were keeping a second consecutive Premier League clean sheet for the first time in 2018.
West Ham's defensive solidity meant Rice could wear a broad smile as he left the London Stadium pitch on Thursday, able to tick off another useful experience.
"I think they've got some unbelievable players," he explained. "When you look at the team before the game and you see you're up against Sanchez, Lingard, Pogba, you know you're in for a tough night.
"I knew what I was up against, I analysed it, and we knew we had to come out with a clean sheet. It's another point and a good night all round.
"We have an understanding at the back and I think it's because we all get on so well. Off the pitch, me, Zab, Angelo, Cress, Arthur, they're all good lads. We talk to each other every day, we're always in meetings together analysing and we're ending the season strongly."
There is still one experience for Rice to come to round the season off as the Hammers entertain Everton on Sunday, and with the pressure of trying to secure Premier League safety off, he is convinced the team can go out and enjoy themselves.
He added: "To know we were safe at the weekend was a real relief and we could go out there on Thursday and enjoy it. Picking up another point was good, we've got Everton on Sunday now and we want to end strongly."
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Moyes: Finishing in the top half is a big incentive to beat Everton
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says the possibility of finishing in the Premier League's top ten is a 'big incentive' to defeat his former club Everton on Sunday.
West Ham United need to beat the Blues and hope five other results go their way to climb into the top half, but with Newcastle United facing Chelsea, Crystal Palace hosting resurgent West Bromwich Albion, AFC Bournemouth at Burnley, Watford at Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Liverpool, it is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Amazingly, with just one game to play, the Hammers could finish anywhere between tenth and 17th in the table, with a prospective extra £14million in prize money available should things go their way.
"Finishing in the top half is a big incentive, but the biggest thing for me and the real job was to ensure we remained a Premier League club, and we've got that job done," said Moyes.
"We're not celebrating staying up, but at times you do have to look at it as a good achievement from the position we were in.
"Also, when you look at the clubs who have gone down this year, as I don't think many people would have predicted the clubs who have gone down."
For Moyes, too, the prospect of managing against the club where he spent eleven seasons between 2002 and 2013, achieving nine top-eight finishes, and against one of his closest friends in the game, former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, are added motivation to finish the 2017/18 campaign on a winning note.
Moyes holds the upper hand over Big Sam historically, winning 12 of their 21 managerial clashes – the most victories he has over any single opposing manager – and losing just six.
"It's definitely still special for me Everton has always been a big game, so it'll be a big day, with Sam coming back here too, for both of us.
"In the years gone by, we've sat in opposite dugouts, not in this stadium, obviously, but in other stadiums."
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Noble: We can still finish this tough season on a high
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble believes West Ham United can end the season on a high when they host Everton on Sunday.
The Hammers could yet finish in the top ten should they beat the Blues at London Stadium and results elsewhere go their way.
Having won at Leicester City last weekend and more than held their own against Manchester United on home turf on Thursday evening, victory over Sam Allardyce's side will see West Ham go into the summer in a more positive frame of mind than they might have done following heavy defeats by Manchester City and Arsenal a few weeks ago.
"Our last two results have been very good, beating Leicester away and then drawing with Man U at home – four points, two clean sheets, safe in the Premier League with another home game to come," Noble observed.
"All in all, at the end of a ridiculously tough season, physically and mentally, to come away safe and potentially mid-table weirdly makes it OK. The feeling is it hasn't been a good season, but the league table might yet say it's been an OK season.
"Our target at the start of the season was to finish in the top half but, with all the stuff that has gone on this year, I'm proud of how we've come through it, particularly as a number of our players haven't been used to this sort of pressure. We've stuck at it and got safe."
On a lighter note, Noble also revealed that his son Lenny was none too impressed with his on-pitch altercation with Paul Pogba on Thursday evening.
The flashpoint occurred when Manchester United's France midfielder kicked out at the No16 near the end of a physical, hard-fought goalless draw, and Noble did not take the foul lying down.
Both players were booked for their part in the incident, but moments later enjoyed a light-hearted embrace at the final whistle.
The captain made light of the clash after the game, before revealing that Pogba is also one of his son's favourite players!
"The funny thing is that my son Lenny asked me if he could walk out with me before the game as he really wanted to see Pogba, then when I came out of the dressing room after the game, Lenny was having a photo with him, so I know where his loyalties lie!"
"I am one of Pogba's biggest fans. He gets more criticism than he deserves. He's at one of the biggest clubs in the world and is under a lot of pressure, but sometimes I think we should embrace players like that when they're in the Premier League, rather than criticise them.
"You can tell he really wants to do well and he's a top, top player. I just wanted to get close to him and tell him how good he is!
"At the end I wished him the best of luck in the FA Cup final and at the World Cup in the summer."
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Academy side complete Zurich tournament
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy finished their FIFA Youth Cup Blue Stars tournament campaign in sixth place on Thursday after a tough fifth-sixth play-off against Espanyol saw them defeated 2-0.
Having beaten hosts FC Blue Stars 3-0 before going down by the same scoreline on Wednesday to Dynamo Zagreb, the Hammers put themselves in a good position to finish high up in their Group B on Thursday.
First, they took on FC Zurich – playing in their own city – and put in a stellar performance to win 1-0.
The Hammers began the game on the front foot, and had their first meaningful attempt on goal when Joe Powell curled a free-kick over the bar after Vashon Neufville's speedy run towards goal was ended with a foul.
Some good play soon after from Nathan Holland and Sead Haksabanovic gave Domingos Quina the chance to shoot, but his effort was blocked.
West Ham continued to threaten in the first half, but Holland could only head narrowly over before Haksabanovic forced the keeper into a good save, meaning the sides went in at the break goalless.
ZurichInto the second half, it was clear a moment of quality wasting to be the deciding factor, and the Hammers got just that when Alfie Lewis slotted the ball through for Holland to calmly score and break the deadlock.
Holland continued to be a threat for West Ham, but the midfield trio of Conor Coventy, Lewis and Quina made sure it was three points for those in Claret and Blue.
And so it was into the final Group B match against SC Braga with the Hammers looking to finish in the top two.
And the early signs looked positive against the Portuguese outfit. Quina dictated the play, and Holland struck narrowly past the point early on.
But Braga took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time when the Hammers failed to defend a corner, leading to a close-range tap-in to make it 1-0.
Early in the second half, Neufville had a penalty appeal turned down and Quina came close with a free-kick, before sub Korrey Henry forced a low save.
And in the closing minutes, Rosaire Longelo played Holland in down the left but his low effort flashed inches wide and the side could not quite find an equaliser as the game finished 1-0.
A third-place finish in the five-man group meant West Ham were to contest a fifth-sixth play-off against Spanish outfit Espanyol.
Early chances again came and went, as Holland had a low shot saved and Henry's long-range strike was batted away.
Espanyol took the lead after a cross from right was controlled in the box by a forward, who found the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
In the second half, Haksabanovic injected some energy into the attack and Henry was a handful, but as West Ham pushed for an equaliser, Espanyol broke and the striker slotted past keeper Rihards Matrevics after finding himself one-on-one.
And so the Hammers finished in sixth place overall, with their earlier opponents Dynamo Zagreb defeating Young Boys 2-0 in the final to take home the trophy.
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Five-star Hammers thrash Bermuda Select side
WHUFC.com
A five-star West Ham United U17 side were 5-1 winners over a Bermuda Select XI on Thursday in their second fixture at the Bermuda International Football Festival.
The east Londoners, who picked up a 1-1 draw in their opener against the country's U19s, took on the home outfit made up of the best young players in the top two Bermuda FA leagues.
The young Hammers started very well, playing on the front foot and attacking from the start. The early breakthrough came after a clever one-two from Bernardo Rosa and Evan Khouri, with the latter finishing superbly well on the volley to put the Hammers into the lead.
West Ham continued to dominate the game with the midfield players Bernardo Rosa, Louie Watson, Sebastian Nebyla, Evan Khouri and Jay Mingi, and it was no surprise when we went further ahead when again Evan Khouri landed on a lose ball to slot past the advancing keeper.
Early in the second half, the Hammers were again celebrating when Bermuda defender Seth Somner was caught in possession, allowing the impressive Emmanuel longelo to steam in on goal and sweep the ball home from close range.
Bernardo Rosa, playing as a withdrawn striker, extended West Ham's lead on the hour mark, crashing home a bouncing ball beyond substitute goalkeeper Shaquille Trott.
Summer signing Anouar El Mhassani missed a good opportunity for the Hammers soon after, forcing a fine save from Trott, while at the other end, Donovan Thompson, a second half introduction, saw an effort blocked and Jahiem Iris dragged a shot wide.
West Ham added a fifth when sub Kyle McGeachy effort took a wicked deflection off Somner before ballooning over the outstretched arms of Trott.
Bermuda Select pulled a goal back when Calin Maybury powered home a free-kick late on.
The Hammers will now prepare for a final group match against the Azores, heading into the fixture with a strong chance of qualification for the tournament's final having picked up four points already.
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West Ham United v Everton
SUN 13 MAY 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
BBc.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham forward Jordan Hugill could make his first start since joining the club in January, with Javier Hernandez still nursing a knee injury.
Pedro Obiang and James Collins might be involved after spells on the sidelines.
Everton's Wayne Rooney has a knee problem and will not be risked but Theo Walcott could return from a calf issue.
Defender Mason Holgate, who has not played since mid-March because of an ankle injury, is in contention for a place in the squad.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Roder: "West Ham and Everton will surely want to consign this season to the history books.
"It's been an unsatisfactory and sometimes turbulent campaign, with both clubs changing managers in an attempt to make progress.
"Injury has denied Wayne Rooney the chance to make a possible Premier League farewell before a move to MLS in the United States, while David Moyes may be in charge of West Ham for the final time.
"Everton will finish in the top 10, while West Ham only secured their Premier League place last weekend. The end-of-season report for both clubs probably is 'could and should do better'."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes on his future: "We'll have a chat next week and we'll see [whether I stay].
"It's been a tough job but a really good job. I've really enjoyed it and the players have worked hard when we came in; we had to get them in order a little bit and get them playing a bit better, and I think we've done that. It's a big achievement for us."
Everton manager Sam Allardyce on Wayne Rooney's future: "My understanding of the situation is there seems to have been some negotiation somewhere along the line.
"I don't get involved in anything with regards transfers so all I know is there appears to be interest from DC United. Where that lies and where Wayne lies with it I can't tell you at the moment."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Both men have done what was asked of them by keeping their sides up after being appointed in mid-season and, while David Moyes will get a say in his future, it could be that Everton decide that Sam Allardyce is surplus to requirements.
In terms of the game, I am going for Moyes to come out on top against his former club.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won just one of the last 19 Premier League meetings: 3-2 at Goodison Park in March 2016.
Everton are unbeaten in nine away league games against the Hammers dating back to April 2007.
The Toffees have won 24 Premier League games against West Ham, more than they have against any other side.
West Ham United
They are aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose more than 10 top-flight matches by at least a three-goal margin in a single season since West Brom in 1985-86.
David Moyes has lost all five of his Premier League games against his former club by an aggregate score of 0-12.
However, the Scotsman has won seven of his last eight league meetings with Sam Allardyce.
Marko Arnautovic has scored 10 league goals this season. Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score 11 goals in a single Premier League season back in 2006-07.
Everton
After a run of five consecutive away defeats, Everton are unbeaten in their last three. They've not won back-to-back top-flight away games since September 2016.
The Toffees have won their final match in 52 different top-flight seasons, three more than any other side.
Only against Newcastle (15) has Wayne Rooney scored more Premier League goals than he has against West Ham (14) - including a hat-trick against the Hammers in November.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 42% Probability of away win: 30%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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Marko Arnautovic's form and a fan protest kept West Ham up, says David Moyes
BBC.co.uk
A fan protest and the form of Marko Arnautovic were the turning points as West Ham secured Premier League survival this season, says David Moyes.
Supporters invaded the pitch during a 3-0 home defeat by Burnley in March.
Meanwhile, Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic as boss in November, moving Arnautovic into a centre-forward position and seeing him score 10 times since.
"He's been a sensation up front, he's been playing as well as most strikers," Moyes told The Friday Football Social.
"Maybe he wasn't doing as much and not tracking back on the wing. Him going up front made a big difference."
The 29-year-old Austria international had predominantly been playing out wide since arriving from Stoke in the summer.
"The team think Marko has been the outstanding factor," added Moyes. "He's a big threat to whatever centre-half he is up against.
"Whoever he's up against he looks as if he can beat them, outrun them, he is stronger than them.
"At Stoke his technical abilities weren't in question. His attitude and commitment, at times you would look and think 'is he really interested?'. But he looks a different man up front, it's given him a bit of freedom, maybe not the responsibility of playing wide.
"It's made a big difference to the team."
'Risk for me taking West Ham job'
During the defeat by Burnley, at least two fans went onto the pitch after the visitors took the lead - with one approaching Hammers captain Mark Noble.
Another ran on with a corner flag shortly after Burnley scored their second, with further incursions after the Clarets struck a late third.
It was a third successive loss for Moyes' side and one that left them three points above the relegation zone. They have now climbed to 15th, securing Premier League football for next season.
"The other point was the game against Burnley when the supporters ran on the pitch," said Moyes.
"We went away afterwards as a group and we got a bit of criticism at the time, it may be the bravest thing I've done - the players pulled together and since we came back we picked up some really good points."
The 55-year-old Scot replaced Bilic with West Ham sitting 18th in the table, and says it was he who was taking a risk by going for the job.
"When we took over, we were on nine points in the bottom three," added the former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland boss.
"People might have thought it was a risk for West Ham to take David Moyes - but I didn't think it was. It was a risk for me to take a job in the bottom three."
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So hard to say sorry?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2018
By: Paul Walker
I've come round to thinking that David Moyes deserves an apology for the way he has been treated at our club.
In the week since we avoided relegation thanks to arguably our best away display of the season at Leicester, the torrent of abuse from the Twitter toads has continued unabated, to the point when you start to think you must be the only soul on the planet who thinks Moyes has done a half-decent job.
Not brilliant, not stunning flowing football, but he has just put a cheque for around £120m into David Sullivan's back pocket, and you would still think he is the most disliked man around, not a hint of thanks, of gratitude or relief that we are not on the point of financial meltdown.
David Gold, we know because he did it in front of a half dozen journalists in the tunnel at Leicester, sought out Moyes and congratulated him on the job well done. Since then nothing. Not a word on the official website from Sullivan. He doesn't have to give him a job, just say thanks because the world would be a much different place now had we followed Stoke and West Brom into the abyss.
When you have as much time to waste as I do now, you read every word from fans' forums and bloggers' websites, and in the end it gets on top of you. I started, tentatively this week, to answer back a bit.
Not a lot, because that just opens you up to a tirade of abuse yourself. But I soon realised that I had just scratched the surface, because out of the woodwork came plenty of folk who agreed that Moyes was not the anti-Christ he was being portrayed as .By the end of just one day I had fielded hundreds of posts in a similar vein.
No he is not Pep Guardiola, not the purveyor of brilliant football. But then he hasn't spent £400m in two transfer windows. So it's not likely to be the Beautiful Game at our place, is it?
But then when he arrived in November he wasn't told to change the world, just save us from the drop. Nine points then and in the bottom three, few thought he could do it. But with two games left we were safe.
But he still grates on many, and I can see why. Too defensive, too bland, too negative. No flair. Old school, the game had passed him by, we kept being told.
But by whom? The abuse was all over my phone before I even got home on Saturday. I worked out between Birmingham and Wolverhampton on the train that we were safe when Everton's equaliser went in. It did take many a few more hours, even days, to work out that Southampton and Swansea were playing each other and one of them could not get above us.
I celebrated with one of those overpriced warm gin and tonics in a can that trains serve up, but still the Moyes out, sack (Mark) Noble, brigade were at it. How many of them had seen the match remains to be ascertained.
These days our lives seem to be ruled by the mob, the ones with 50-word vocabularies of words that they can't spell. And, it seems, our Board are listening to them, being swayed by their decisions.
Now we can argue all those points fairly, but he was not told he had to stride the touchline in Pep's beautifully co-ordinated designer gear.
Not for him shopping at Oi Poloi, the trendy Manchester shop that flogs Pep all that Stone Island stuff (with the infamous badge taken off, naturally, sorry ICF) or the Dsqquqared shop where Manchester City players have accounts. (Go, on, you're impressed I know all this, aren't you?…I just have a son who does!)
Moyes looks like he has been dressed at Man at C&A. He never has been sharp or trendy, just not in his nature, maybe if he had Pep's money and team he would try.
The point being is he doesn't. He took over a dysfunctional, disinterested, unworkable squad, unbalanced, frequently injured and just not good enough. He was a bit shop-soiled himself, confidence battered, and he needed the job and his confidence back. Somehow he has got us to this stage.
Yes, he can sometimes look indecisive, but he has been trying to knock into shape a disorganised rabble who are capable of listening and producing a solid performance one game but forgetting everything they have been told the next. "Where did that come from?" Moyes once pronounced. Nobody knows, but the players made Moyes look bad. West Ham then were unfit and ill-disciplined, but he's taken on Michail Antonio and then Andy Carroll.
And no, I am not that bothered by all the talk about style and tactics. Any manager can coach whatever system you want given the right tools. Big Sam had Gary Speed, Nicholas Anelka and Jay Jay Okocha at Bolton and they were very entertaining then.
The Board, we heard were impressed by this and his hard work, scouting diligence and organisation for a potential new season. Someone had seemingly told him that if he saved us there would be a new contract.
That may have been only verbal, and Moyes will get £1m-plus for keeping us up. Small change from £120m, though. And a few weeks ago after the Chelsea away draw, the club were happy for the belief there was going to be a two-year contract for Moyes to gather credibility.
But then, of course, Moyes has had to endure the briefings from inside the club against him, as well as the shocking leaking of information from the training ground. The Board, we are told, have got the hump about this and have taken it as a slight on them. Good. If the cap fits, my old fella used to say, wear it.
It got so bad that experienced and respected journo Jacob Steinberg, a West Ham fan, from the Guardian was on Twitter slamming the "disingenuous PR campaign against Moyes" from inside the club, branding it "truly pathetic".
And he's right. Someone seemed to be testing the ground, searching for fans' opinions. And all this was coming ahead of the crucial Leicester game. You couldn't make it up sometimes… well, you don't have to at West Ham, such is the culture of such behaviour.
Whatever decision our board now make, I would plead with them to take no account of fans' polls, twitter campaigns, social media in any form. You should know more about this job than any of us do, you have had two decades doing it.
Fans are entitled to their opinions. Even when they are ill-informed. That's just the nature of football. But you should know more. If you have to make a decision fans don't like, so be it.
I bet Arsenal are not holding polls and twitter debates with their fans about Arsene Wenger's replacement, and I doubt Roman Abramovic gives the old boys from the Headhunters a call when he is replacing a manager. But of course Sullivan did ring the ICF for help, so anything is possible I suppose.
The point of issue this week is that Moyes has been blamed for the January transfer window shambles. Good grief. Now he took over on November 7, that's just 55 days before the window opened.
He was not given any real cash to spend, but saw three strikers, Toni Martinez (on loan), Diafra Sakho (£8m) and Andre Ayew (£18m) sold from under his feet in the last few days of the window.
With peanuts to spend he saw the Islam Slimani deal collapse overnight because of her Ladyship's daft column, and he had to find a body from somewhere at the last minute to make up numbers. Searching in the Championship was all he could manage, hence the arrival of Jordan Hugill.
A week before the window shut, Arthur Masuaku managed to get himself banned for six games and we didn't have a hint of a left back cover in the club. Patrice Evra was about all that was available. And then we sold Jose Fonte outside the window because Sullivan no doubt felt that £5m was the best he could get, and then Winston Reid and James Collins got injured, again.
And this is all Moyes' fault? Maybe someone could tell us exactly how much he had to spend and what deals had collapsed because he was dithering. But to blame him for January is a disgrace.
So now we have a new scenario. The transfer window opens on May 17 and closes on August 7, that's a few days before the Premier League season starts on August 11. Eighty-odd days to dismantle one squad of failures and buy new blood.
And the club still do not have a new head of recruitment (or whatever it's called), they lack scouting staff, an idea of what can be spent and any progress on the raft of improvements they have promised various fans' group. Not a day to lose then, as Tony Gale pointed out, straight-faced on Sky this week.
But, of course, there's a list of managerial names we are looking at. Some are laughable, hugely expensive and would want £150m to spend minimum. Next level managers that are beyond us financial, certainly in wages.
There's a group that will be gambles, however you look at it. Alan Sugar used to call the foreign hopefuls 'Carlos Kickaballs.' I suppose we are looking at a list of 'Mario Coachaballs' now are we? Sean Dyche will want to stay at Burnley now he is entrenched and in Europe, Eddie Howe has looked out of his comfort zone when he leaves Bournemouth. A real gamble that.
There's Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham, a good shout maybe. But there's no Premier League experience for this product of Jordi Cruyff's coaching school in Israel, where his famous father's football beliefs are being taught.
Slavisa took Watford into the top flight, but never stayed. Then we have another former Watford man, Marco Silva, who took Hull down. He got the hump when he was tapped up by Everton and not allowed to leave. A gamble? Too right.
So unless Sullivan and Gold can pull a glittering rabbit from the hat in the next week or so, they may be left with Moyes.
But then Moyes knows his worth again now. He is held in far higher esteem in the football world, in particular the coaching and managerial world, than he seemingly is at West Ham. They never doubted his knowledge, experience or talent but wanted to see whether he had lost his nerve or not.
The way he breezed into Stratford and stamped authority of our rabble soon dispelled that. Now he has other offers waiting. One is at Stoke.
Interestingly, Steinberg alluded to this in his article this week. It, I say a little smugly, confirms an article I wrote on KUMB a few months back when I said that Moyes had been approached by a northern club.
That information came from a friend and former international I had a chance meeting with on a railway platform. I decided not to name the club then, but it was true and they are still very interested.
But Moyes has now cleverly put the ball back in the court of our Board, asking what their ambition is and how much money they are prepared to give him to carry out the detailed transfer plans he and Alan Irvine have already got in place.
Any potential new manager would ask the same thing of our leaders. So it's down to them. Will you spend big to give a manager the chance to compete for a top eight position, or will you carry on with the same discredited policy you have in place now, and having said you will change the whole thing from top to bottom.
Up to you Mr. Sullivan. If you want another season of discontent then keep going the way you are. If you want a steady hand to run the show, then Moyes looks about the best available. But don't take too long, time is ticking. And you still haven't said thank you.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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West Ham v Everton preview: Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott to be assessed
Last Updated: 11/05/18 11:56am
SSN
Everton will assess the fitness of Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott ahead of their trip to West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season.
Rooney (calf) and Walcott (knee) missed last weekend's draw at home to Southampton but could be in line for a recall, and the former could be making his final Toffees appearance after he was linked with a move to MLS side DC United.
But manager Sam Allardyce confirmed that Rooney has not yet asked to leave the club, saying: "My understanding is there seems to have been some negotiation along the line but as for clarity as to whether Wayne is staying or going we'll see later on.
"I'm comfortable with any player who wants to leave but let's get this clear. Wayne Rooney has not asked to leave and neither has Wayne Rooney had a confrontation with me. We have not been in any difficult situations with me. We are two adults and we talk."
West Ham manager David Moyes will be coming up against his former side on Sunday. The Scot has lost all five of his Premier League games against Everton since he left by an aggregate score of 12-0.
Team news
Gylfi Sigurdsson has still not recovered from a knee operation two months ago and will not feature for Everton but Mason Holgate, who has not played since mid-March because of an ankle injury, could be included in the squad.
West Ham could still be without Javier Hernandez for their final Premier League game of the season. The Mexico striker has missed the last two games with a knee problem and is likely to be absent again, with manager Moyes keen to give January signing Jordan Hugill a run-out.
Hernandez is the only fitness concern for the Hammers boss, who could bring Pedro Obiang and James Collins back into his squad after their own respective spells on the sidelines.
Opta stats
West Ham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League meetings with Everton (D6 L12), winning 3-2 at Goodison Park in March 2016.
Indeed, Everton are unbeaten in their last nine away league games against the Hammers (W6 D3) since a 1-0 loss in April 2007.
After a run of five consecutive away defeats, Everton are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games on the road (W2 D1). They've not won back-to-back top-flight away games since September 2016, which included a 3-0 win at David Moyes' Sunderland.
Everton have won their final match in 52 different top-flight seasons, three more than any other side.
However, the Scotsman has won seven of his last eight meetings with Sam Allardyce in the competition (L1), including each of his last five in a row.
Only against Newcastle (15) has Wayne Rooney scored more Premier League goals than he has vs West Ham (14), with the veteran netting his first Everton hat-trick in the reverse fixture in November.
Everton have won just one of their last 14 away Premier League games in London (D6 L7), winning 1-0 at Crystal Palace in January 2017, who were managed at the time by Sam Allardyce.
Merson's predictions
It depends what teams the managers put out but when I was playing for nothing on the final game of the season, I went out there and expressed myself.
They've picked up a bit recently, West Ham, and Everton aren't going to score a load of goals away from home. There's still some grumbling against the manager too. Narrow home win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 12
Friday, May 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th May 2018
WHUFC
West Ham United and Manchester United each collected a share of the points as the Hammers were held to a 0-0 draw by the Red Devils.
Although the Hammers more than held their own in Thursday's match at London Stadium, neither goalkeeper could be beaten.
Marko Arnautovic and Joao Mario enjoyed the best opportunities for David Moyes' side while Adrian was called into action, making stunning saves to deny Luke Shaw and Alexis Sanchez.
The early chances fell West Ham's way as Aaron Cresswell created a headed effort for Arnautovic, before Cheikhou Kouyate had a similar chance saved by David De Gea.
Scott McTominay had Manchester United's first effort of the game, seeing a low shot go wide from distance.
Goalkeeper Adrian was called into action three times in quick succession midway through the first period, making a string of excellent saves. The first denied Jesse Lingard from 25 yards, before the Spaniard brilliantly stopped Sanchez and Shaw from opening the scoring, stopping the defender from following up the Chilean's strike.
Cresswell then came close for the home side as his left-footed attempt skimmed the base of the post from distance, before Joao Mario had the chance of the first period.
Excellent work from Arnautovic saw the Austrian create space on the right-flank. Arnautovic played the ball into the six-yard box but Mario could only put the ball wide.
Arnautovic's determination and quick feet led to some frantic defending for the away side on the hour mark. The No7 drove into the box and attempted to cross the ball, which eventually fell to Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentinian's shot was blocked however.
The Hammers looked the more positive of the two teams in the second period, with Manchester United's best effort of the period coming in the 70th minute, as Paul Pogba saw an effort go wide.
The introduction of Andy Carroll gave the Hammers a new dynamic up front and the N09 combined well with Arnautovic, playing the ball into his attacking teammate. Arnautovic brought the ball down expertly and set up Mark Noble, who could only shoot wide.
Noble also provided a chance for Arnautovic with a pin-point ball into the box, but the volleyed effort skewered wide.
West Ham United: Adrian; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble (c), Masuaku (Carroll 65'); Mario, Lanzini, Arnautovic
Substitutes: Hart, Evra, Obiang, Cullen, Fernandes, Hugill, Carroll
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia (c) (Bailly 90+3'), Lindelof, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; McTominay, Herrera, Pogba; Lingard (Rashford 74'), Sanchez (Ashley Young 90+1')
Substitutes: Romero, Bailly, Blind, Young, Mata, Martial, Rashford
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Arnautovic: We played really well against Manchester United
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic says West Ham United should be proud of the way they played in holding Manchester United to a goalless draw on Thursday evening.
The Austrian led from the front against the team which will finish second in the table, winning his individual battle with England defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and having the Hammers' best chances in what was a hard-fought, physical game of Premier League football.
At the other end, West Ham restricted their opponents to pot shots from distance, all of which goalkeeper Adrian dealt with comfortably enough.
"I think we did well," Arnautovic confirmed. "We played really well. On a couple of occasions in the first half they had shots from long distance, but I think, overall, we deserved this point and maybe we deserved more as we had a couple of chances that maybe we could have finished better.
"Overall, we played well and it was a good game. Well done to us and well done to the fans as well. We can build on this and we have another game at home on Sunday and we want to finish the season strong.
"We started last week and this game we continued to do it and we want to end the season well."
Sky Sports Man of the Match Arnautovic did not give the Manchester United defence a moment's peace, repeatedly beating Smalling and arguably staying on his feet when Jones clipped him inside the penalty area.
On another night, he believes the home side could have won all three points instead of settling for one.
"There was a lot of holding and a lot of grabbing. It was a very physical game, but this is the Premier League and we knew we were playing with Manchester United, who are second in the league and are a strong a team, so we needed to compete with them and we did.
"I think it was a fair result but if we had finished better we could have taken this game come away with a win, but we are happy with a point."
Looking at the bigger picture, West Ham could now finish as high as tenth with a victory over Everton on Sunday and the Austrian is targeting a win to sign off what has been a challenging season on a real and tangible high.
"I'm so happy that we are safe because this Club, the fans and everyone deserves to be in the Premier League.
"Of course, we had ups and downs, but I'm happy I could help the team towards our goals. I hope I can continue this next season.
"We have one more game on Sunday and we want to finish strong, then we can go forward to next season."
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Moyes: The players showed a really good attitude
WHUFC.com
David Moyes was full of praise for his players' attitude after they battled to a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at London Stadium on Thursday.
Having secured their Premier League position with a win at Leicester at the weekend, the Hammers showed no sign of slacking off early with a committed performance against Jose Mourinho's side.
The Red Devils will end the campaign as runners-up to their city rivals, but Moyes' side gave as good as they got and he was delighted to pick up a creditable draw.
"It was a good point for us," he said. "Maybe Man United will say the same thing as well. We had one or two chances, but Adrian had to make some good saves too.
"I thought our boys showed a really good attitude. After getting safe in midweek you're never quite sure [how you're going to react], but they were bang at it and great credit to the players.
"I think the most pleasing thing was to get a clean sheet. If we've had a failing this season it's been the amount of goals we've conceded, but we've kept two in a row now and that's important.
"Young Declan Rice played very well tonight. Angelo Ogbonna did well again, Zabaleta, I think the boys at the back did a really good job.
"But we were a threat at times as well. With Marko Arnautovic up front we're always going to be a threat to everyone we play."
Having only lost twice in their last seven games, Moyes credited the team-building training trip to Miami as a key factor behind their road to safety, and now he wants one final push against his old side Everton on Sunday.
He added: "We took the players away after the Burnley game. We were criticised for going away, but it was the best thing we did. It pulled the players together and we worked hard when we were away.
"The players had a good time together as well, we all did, and since we came back we have been bang at it.
"We've done ok against the big sides, especially at home. We didn't play well against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, but overall we've given the so called bigger teams a good game here.
"We want to climb the league table, we want to be higher, so if we can win against Everton, great. But obviously we've done the job we came in to do, which was make sure we weren't relegated.
"When we took over we were in a relegation position, we're not now, and over that time the players have improved and the team has improved."
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Adrian: I'm happy to make saves and help the team
WHUFc.com
Keeping back-to-back clean sheets meant Adrian left London Stadium on Thursday night a very happy man.
Fresh from helping the Hammers to a crucial 2-0 victory at Leicester City at the weekend, the No13 was back between the posts as the Hammers repelled Manchester United en route to a battling 0-0 draw.
The Spaniard was in fine form, saving well from Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw to ensure his side's efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved point.
Adrian was pleased with his contribution and even happier that the team had taken another positive result.
"We are happy with this point and obviously happy with the clean sheet," he said. "We know with the strikers they had, Sanchez, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, it was going to be a busy game, but we defended well.
"Making those saves is my job, to help my teammates, so I'm happy with the performance. For the double save [from Sanchez and Shaw], I could see the first one all the way, and the second was a reaction. I think I saved it with my shin or my knee, it was close. I'm happy to make those saves."
With just one game remaining in the season – Sunday's visit of Everton to east London – Adrian is keen to keep building momentum over the final week of 2017/18 to take into the summer.
He added: "We have one more game, and we need to finish as high as possible. After that we know have to improve many things. We have to learn from our mistakes this season and fight higher up the table."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th May 2018
West Ham United v Manchester United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday in the penultimate contest of the campaign.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this midweek game.
Where and when?
The Hammers will welcome Manchester United to London Stadium on Thursday 10 May 2018.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.
How to follow:
West Ham v Manchester United will be available on Sky Sports, via their Main Event and Premier League channels, with programming set to begin at 7:30pm. Click here for overseas listings.
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.
Team news:
Pedro Obiang returned to the bench for the Hammers in the win over Leicester City at the weekend, indicating a chance that the midfielder could feature again for West Ham before the end of the season. Supporters will also be hoping that Chicharito is once again available, having missed out this last weekend. Winston Reid and Michail Antonio remain out. Manager David Moyes will offer an update on his available team news during his press-conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Match Officials:
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart and Harry Lennard
Fourth Official: Kevin Friend
How to get there:
Supporters can use Stratford, Stratford International, Pudding Mill Lane or Hackney Wick stations to reach London Stadium.
By Train
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Moyes: I'm keeping Sir Alex in my thoughts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes said he is keeping Sir Alex Ferguson and his family in his thoughts after the iconic manager's recent health scare. Sir Alex was rushed into hospital on Saturday after suffering a brain haemorrhage, where emergency surgery was performed on the former Manchester United boss. Further updates suggest that the 76-year-old is now on the road to recovery, a fact that fellow Scotsman Moyes is overjoyed to hear.
Moyes took over from Sir Alex at Manchester United in 2013, after the Red Devils stalwart decided to end his highly successful 26-year stint in charge of the club, and the Hammers manager is keeping his old colleague and his family on his mind while they battle against his condition. Moyes revealed he was informed of Sir Alex's ill health during the journey back from his side's 2-0 victory at Leicester City, and hopes he is on the mend. "We were all devastated when we heard the news, after the game on Saturday, coming back from Leicester," Moyes said. "If the news is correct, and Sir Alex is doing well, then we are thrilled, we really are.
"I've not had any more news than what I've been picking up in bits and pieces from the media. We will be thinking about him and his family. I know them all very well and I just hope he is sitting up in bed, and he is watching this news conference."
Moyes is preparing his Hammers to take on the club Sir Alex is most closely linked to in Manchester United on Thursday, with the Irons looking to claim a second successive win after securing their Premier League safety. Manchester United, now managed by Jose Mourinho, head into this midweek fixture on the back of a defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Manchester United
WHUFC.com
Manchester United travel to London Stadium on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Brighton last week – the fourth time in their last eight away matches that they have failed to win. The visitors need just one point from their final two games to seal second place in the Premier League and also have the FA Cup final in little over a week to prepare for. West Ham, then, are primed to earn at least a draw on Thursday night. David Moyes' side have already proved that they are capable of matching the league's big-six clubs this season, having taken four points from home games against Chelsea and Arsenal. The Hammers also earned draws with Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as beating the former in the EFL Cup fourth round. And, having won 2-0 at Leicester last weekend and lost just two of their last six, confidence should be high for the home side. In order to avoid defeat, though, it's likely that they will need to score.
Jose Mourinho's side have found the back of the net in eleven of their last 15 league games and won the reverse fixture 4-0 on the opening day of the season. They have, however, kept just three clean sheets in their last eight away games. Given that West Ham have only failed to net in two of their last 14 matches in all competitions at London Stadium, both teams to score looks a reliable bet. When picking a goalscorer for the Hammers, it makes sense to think away from the usual suspects. Three of the last five goals Manchester United have conceded in the league have been from headers, and Angelo Ogbonna is one of West Ham's biggest threats in the air. The defender has already netted against Tottenham and Manchester City this season, and is a great price to repeat the trick here.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win or draw – 1/1
Both teams to score – 8/11
Angelo Ogbonna to score anytime – 12/1
Back this #BetYourWay at 28/1
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Moyes: Celebrating safety, avoiding complacency and ending the season strongly
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes says his players are focused on ending the season as strongly as possible, starting with a good performance against Manchester United. The Irons secured their Premier League status last weekend after achieving a win over Leicester City, with Moyes praising his side's attitude.
Ahead of the Premier League clash with the Red Devils on Thursday, the Hammers boss met with representatives of the media. Here's what he had to say…
We always wanted to ensure our own safety
We were on the bus back from Leicester when we heard (that we were safe). We didn't have coverage so it was coming through the radio, and a big cheer went up from the players when they heard because they knew that got us over the line. But the biggest cheer for me was how the supporters reacted to the players and their performance at Leicester. The supporters understood how well we'd played and how well we had done. I was more thrilled with how well we had played at Leicester; How we had passed it and how we had scored good goals. Maybe on another day we would have scored more goals. The Southampton and Everton result helped, obviously, but the biggest result was ours. We always wanted it to be done by us. I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season, to be honest. I always thought, these two home games, we would have to win one of them to make sure we stayed up. But we've done it before that and I can enjoy the two games in the hope that we can win the points against them and climb up the league.
The players and my staff deserve a huge well done
I have to say well done to the players. When I came in here we had nine points and it was difficult, but I've got to say the players have gone and done the job and got the points. I think we've scored quite a few goals and I've got to say all credit to the players. A lot of people questioned me coming in but I've got to say the job was to come in and keep the side up, and we've done that. But I've got to say that I've got a really good staff. I've got a top end staff here and they've been really helpful. The players know that if we can win a couple more games, then we can get ourselves higher up the league. Then we might even be thinking 'well, what was all the worry about'?
We cannot relax just because we are safe
I wouldn't be using the word 'relaxation' – far from it! I will be saying that we have two good games and we know the pressure of any relegation is not there anymore, and we will try to play the best we can. I can only ever say good things about Manchester United because I respect the club so much and what they stand for, and just how good a football club it is. Anybody who is a manager of that football club has a real privilege. I think we would rather be not playing them after a defeat, but the truth is we have to play Manchester United and we will do everything we can to win. We will try to play well in this game.
We have felt the benefits of our Miami training camp
I think our performances since we've come back from our trip have been really good. Maybe if you took out the Manchester City game, I think the players have played really well picked up points in the last seven weeks, and shown a real togetherness in the group.
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Antonio: I'm looking forward to contributing again next season
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was a delighted spectator as West Ham United sealed their Premier League status with a dominant 2-0 victory at Leicester City on Saturday. Antonio was keeping a keen eye on events, so the goals from Joao Mario and Mark Noble gave him a welcome boost as he continues his recovery from an operation on his hamstring. With the Hammers' top flight position secured, the 2017 Hammer of the Year is looking forward to contributing to a more successful season when he returns. "I'm feeling good," he said. "The recovery from my operation is going well so I'm just going to keep moving on with it. "I probably have another three months until I'm back training fully, so hopefully I'll be back playing in August. "It's the holy grail to stay in the Premier League, so it's great [that we've secured safety]. Hopefully next year we can do better. "It was a great performance at Leicester. We didn't give them much of an opportunity, we bossed the game, scored in the first half and sealed it off with Mark Noble's finish. "It was a great strike from him into the bottom corner."
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West Ham United v Manchester United
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out with a knee injury. Top scorer Marko Arnautovic is available despite picking up a knock in the win over Leicester.
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku will miss the club's last two league matches with an ankle injury but could return for the FA Cup final. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is also absent due to a muscular injury, but Alexis Sanchez and Phil Jones both return to the squad.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on the reaction of his players to the Brighton defeat: "They all work well, even in weeks that hand in bad performances or bad results. "I never have anything negative to say about the professionalism of my players during the season; this week was no different."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are safe now too after their win at Leicester on Saturday, which was a massive result for them and means the pressure is off in this game. What happened to the performance we saw from Manchester United in the second half against Manchester City at the start of April?
Prediction: 3-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have only won five of their 43 Premier League matches against Manchester United, with their last victory coming on 10 May 2016 in the final fixture at Upton Park.
Manchester United have failed to score in only two of their 21 away league fixtures at West Ham: a 0-0 draw in August 1998 and a 1-0 defeat in December 2006.
West Ham United
West Ham have not recorded back-to-back Premier League victories since January 2017.
They are aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose more than 10 top-flight matches by at least a three-goal margin in a single season since West Brom in 1985-86.
Marko Arnautovic has scored 10 league goals this season. Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score 11 goals in a single Premier League season back in 2006-07.
Manchester United
United could suffer back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a year, when they lost at Arsenal and Tottenham.
They are without a win in their final away game of a Premier League season since 2011-12, when they beat Sunderland. They've drawn four and lost once since then, with the defeat coming at West Ham in 2015-16.
Jose Mourinho is unbeaten in 10 Premier League games against teams managed by David Moyes.
The Red Devils are the only club not to have drawn a Premier League match in 2018.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 25%
Probability of home win: 22% Probability of away win: 53%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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West Ham manager David Moyes won't discuss future until end of season
BBC.co.uk
Manager David Moyes says he will delay talks on his West Ham future until the end of the season, despite the club now being safe from relegation. Moyes took over the Hammers in November with the club in the drop zone, signing a deal until the end of the season. His side confirmed their Premier League status with victory at Leicester on Saturday after a turbulent season. "We have always said we will talk after the end of the season so we will wait until then," said Moyes, 55. "It's always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until we get the last two games out of the way. We are putting things in place, like pre-season, as much as we can, but ultimately I have got a decision to make and the club has as well."
Moyes took over from Slaven Bilic with the club in 18th place with nine points from 11 games. The Hammers have claimed 29 points from 25 games under Moyes and are now 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone. But the London club have struggled at times and fans invaded the pitch and threw missiles in protest at the club's board during a 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in March, after which they were 17th and two points above the bottom three. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group," Moyes said. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league. "Then you might have been thinking, 'what was the worry about', but overall, I have to say well done to the players."
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I have a decision to make, says Moyes
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes says he has a decision to make regarding his immediate future. The current Hammers boss is out of contract at the end of the season with neither the club nor Moyes himself yet to confirm whether he is set for a long-term stay at West Ham. However he insisted that a decision will be made just as soon as the season culminates, following the two home matches with Moyes' former clubs Manchester Utd and Everton. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season," said Moyes when asked about his future during Wednesday's pre-match press conference. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make - and so has the club."
Moyes achieved the target set for him when the Hammers beat Leicester last weekend a result that, combined with Southampton's 1-1 draw at Everton, ensured West Ham could not be relegated. And he believes that has silenced some of his doubters, many of whom felt he was the wrong man to succeed the popular Slaven Bilic. "A lot of people questioned me coming in, which surprised me," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, top-end staff here and they've been really helpful. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought we might have to win one of these two [remaining] homes games to stay up. There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester."
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New recruit eyes first team opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Young midfielder Sebastian Nebyla already has one eye on the first team at West Ham - despite having just signed his first contract with the club. The 16-year-old arrived at West Ham this week after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract - and immediately set his sights on one day running out with the first team.
"I decided [to join West Ham] on the basis of my feelings and a recommendation from my agent Emil Kovarovich," said Nebyla. " I have been given conditions in which I can train and improve my football. "I've signed a contract for two years; everything was perfectly organised at a high level. The West Ham Academy has excellent conditions, both material and financial. "I'm only 16 years old but I've already practised with the Under 23s. On Monday, I trained with former players Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson. I hope the contract I've signed will offer me a route to the first team."
Nebyla leaves his previous club Spartaku Trnava as they prepare to celebrate a second successive Slovak Super Liga success; his old club are currently ten points clear of closest rivals Dunajská Streda and can wrap up the title this weekend. "I believe they'll win the title and I hope they will celebrate it after this weekend's match," added Nebyla. "I have a lot of friends there, and I will miss the city as well. I would also like to thank everyone in the club for their support."
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Antonio out until August
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio has confirmed that is likely to miss the beginning of the 2018/19 season. The 28-year-old winger admitted that he doesn't expect to return to first team action until August at the earliest - some three months from now - having recently undergone surgery to correct a longstanding hamstring problem. "I'm feeling good," he told whufc.com. "I'm recovering well from my operation. I've probably got another three months before I'm back in full training so it'll be August before I start playing again."
And despite reports linking the England international with the likes of Crystal Palace, whose manager Roy Hodgson is said to be a keen admirer of the former Forest man, Antonio admits that his only aim right now is to win back his place at West Ham after it was confirmed that the Hammers would once again be playing in the Premier League next season. "Every team wants to stay in the Premier League, it's the holy grail," added Anotnio. "So to have that opportunity to play again next year - especially as I couldn't help the team secure security - is great, and hopefully next year we can do better."
And he was also distinctly impressed by the goal that confirmed safety - even if the scorer isn't exactly prolific in matches or during training! "We bossed the game, managed to get an early goal and see them off with Mark Noble's finish," he surmised. "He doesn't score too many like that and it was a great strike - I didn't expect it from him at all but hey, quality!"
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You needs Hans: West Ham consider £15m move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United could be on the verge of solving their right back problem by moving for Atalanta full back Hans Hateboer. The 23-year-old right back has spent the last 16 months in Serie A following a cut-price move from Groningen in January 2017 and has been courted by the likes of Inter since winning his first international cap in the recent friendly between the Netherlands and England. However the highly-rated Hateboer could be on his way to the Premier League if West Ham decide to turn their interest into a firm offer. According to KUMB sources, the Hammers are currently considering a bid in the region of £15million for the defender, in order to prise his away from Atalanta.
Born in Beerta in 1994, Hateboer came through the ranks at Groningen's Academy before making his first team debut in 2013. He won his first trophy the following year when the Green-White Army won the KNVB Cup, thus securing a place in 2015/16 Europa Cup. Prior to leaving Groningen, he finished the season with the most assists in the Eredivise. Having moved to Atalanta in January 2017, after he had declared his intention to leave Groningen at the end of the season on a free transfer, Hateboer quickly established himself in the first team at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
This season he haas been a virtual ever-present, making 41 appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League for his current club - including being part of the side that thrashed Sam Allardyce's Everton 5-1 at Goodison Park last November. And he made his international debut back in March, playing the full 90 minutes in the Netherlands' 1-0 defeat against England. West Ham's current first team right backs are the veteran Pablo Zabaleta, who is rapidly approaching his 34th birthday and Sam Byram, the oft-injured former Leeds defender who has made just FIVE Premier League appearances this season.
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Ex-West Ham head of recruitment Tony Henry apologises for comments about African players
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 09/05/18 6:13pm
SSN
Tony Henry - the former head of recruitment sacked by West Ham in February - has apologised for his comments about African players and says they were not intended to be racist. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Henry has attempted to explain why he said the Hammers did not want to sign more African players in the January transfer window, and insists both he and the club are not racist in any way. Henry was dismissed by West Ham following an investigation into an email in which he made those comments to an agent as well as subsequent comments to a newspaper that African players "can sometimes have a bad attitude". He was subsequently charged by the FA. Speaking on Wednesday, Henry said: "I was wrong for what I said. I'm not trying to get out of this. I've been charged by the FA. This is not me saying 'what I said was right'. It was wrong, and I totally apologise. "It was never, ever meant to be racist in any way. The reason we said we didn't want any more Africans was because we already had three. The day before we'd had four, but one of them left. "I just felt that, as a head of recruitment, I look ahead down the line and I thought that, in 12 months' time, it's the African Nations Cup. If we had four African players, come the African Nations Cup, we are going to lose them in January and February, and we could struggle with that. "Any team struggles when they lose four players. I just felt that it would have been too many for us. But also, as well, we brought a new manager in and we weren't in a good position. We needed to get some points, get some wins, and the Premier League is a tough league. "New players coming in have to hit the ground running, and what we said was we would have preferred, if possible, Premier League-based players, who could come in and get straight into it. "But that never always works out and, in the end, we didn't take any players. We took Jordan Hugill in the end, (and) we took Joao Mario, who is a top player. But again that made it, for me, even more important that we could bring in a couple of Premier League players to help out."
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West Ham boss David Moyes out to enjoy Man Utd reunion
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 09/05/18 3:14pm
SSN
David Moyes admits he expected West Ham to be battling relegation until the last week of the season, and is now out to enjoy the final two games of the campaign against his former clubs Manchester United and Everton. The Hammers host United on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, fresh from their 2-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, which all but secured the club's top-flight status for another season. West Ham's safety was confirmed later on Saturday evening when Southampton drew 1-1 with Everton, and Moyes admits he expected the relegation fight to go right down to the wire. "That result helped obviously but the biggest result was ours," said Moyes. "I always wanted it to be done by us. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought that these two homes games, we might have to win one of them to stay up. Moyes was appointed West Ham manager in November with the club in the relegation zone, and the Scot believes he has now proved his doubters wrong after a slow start at the club. "A lot of people questioned me coming in. I thought to myself 'that surprises me'," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, a top end staff here and they've been really helpful."
Moyes' current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the Hammers boss insists he will wait until the end of the campaign to discuss his future with the club. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season. We will wait," he said. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make and so has the club."
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West Ham have doubts about Leander Dendoncker's £18m price-tag
HITC
Danny Owen
West Ham United are still being tipped to bring Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker to the Premier League, but is he really worth £18million? It is four months since West Ham United were first linked with a move for Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker. And it seems that the London club are still no closer to deciding whether or not they want to sign the 23-year-old. Sky Sports stated that West Ham had a bid rejected for Dendoncker on the final day of the January transfer window and they were expected to go back in for the 6ft 2ins colossus this summer. Hammers' assistant boss Stuart Pearce even travelled to Belgium at the weekend to watch Anderlecht's 2-1 win at Club Brugge, with Dendoncker allegedly the reason for his trip. But the Mail reports that West Ham are still not convinced about signing the Belgian international this summer. It is understood that Anderlecht value the versatile midfielder at around £18 million. But West Ham are yet to be convinced that Dendoncker is worth such a fee with manager David Moyes, who is preparing to stay at the club next season, preferring proven Premier League targets like Joe Allen of Stoke City. Dendoncker was in sensational form for Anderlecht last season, exploding onto the scene by winning the 2017 Jupiler League title and also helping his side to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where he scored a bullet header against Manchester United.
But Dendoncker's form has dipped in recent months and he has been criticised in the Belgian press with Anderlecht in danger of losing their title to Club Brugge.
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JOAO MARIO'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
TANAKA MVERE
ReadWestHam
The future of Joao Mario remains uncertain with the Portuguese international's current loan deal at West Ham set to expire at the end of the season. SportWitness has revealed that talks between West Ham and Inter Milan are ready to proceed, with the Serie A side prepared to let the midfielder go this summer. However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Nerazzurri will only allow a permanent deal to take place if West Ham meet their asking price of €30m
Mario joined Inter for €44m from Sporting two years ago, and they are hoping to recover most of that fee through this deal. However it looks unlikely that any club will pay that much money for the player. Calciomercato say that Inter's asking price for Joao Mario is likely to be too high for West Ham, and this could force them to decide against a permanent transfer. The Portuguese international joined the Hammers on loan in January and has since scored two goals and registered one assist in 11 Premier League appearances. Speaking of Mario's contribution to the team since his arrival, Hammers boss David Moyes said: "Joao has helped us in lots of ways, he's done two or three jobs and is a good footballer. He's now come up with a couple of goals for us in this period. We brought him in to help us play a bit better and get a couple of goals, so I'm pleased with that."
According to Calciomercato, Inter may consider allowing him to go out on loan for one more season, should he not find a permanent club in the upcoming window.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday in the penultimate contest of the campaign.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this midweek game.
Where and when?
The Hammers will welcome Manchester United to London Stadium on Thursday 10 May 2018.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.
How to follow:
West Ham v Manchester United will be available on Sky Sports, via their Main Event and Premier League channels, with programming set to begin at 7:30pm. Click here for overseas listings.
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.
Team news:
Pedro Obiang returned to the bench for the Hammers in the win over Leicester City at the weekend, indicating a chance that the midfielder could feature again for West Ham before the end of the season. Supporters will also be hoping that Chicharito is once again available, having missed out this last weekend. Winston Reid and Michail Antonio remain out. Manager David Moyes will offer an update on his available team news during his press-conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Match Officials:
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart and Harry Lennard
Fourth Official: Kevin Friend
How to get there:
Supporters can use Stratford, Stratford International, Pudding Mill Lane or Hackney Wick stations to reach London Stadium.
By Train
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Moyes: I'm keeping Sir Alex in my thoughts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes said he is keeping Sir Alex Ferguson and his family in his thoughts after the iconic manager's recent health scare. Sir Alex was rushed into hospital on Saturday after suffering a brain haemorrhage, where emergency surgery was performed on the former Manchester United boss. Further updates suggest that the 76-year-old is now on the road to recovery, a fact that fellow Scotsman Moyes is overjoyed to hear.
Moyes took over from Sir Alex at Manchester United in 2013, after the Red Devils stalwart decided to end his highly successful 26-year stint in charge of the club, and the Hammers manager is keeping his old colleague and his family on his mind while they battle against his condition. Moyes revealed he was informed of Sir Alex's ill health during the journey back from his side's 2-0 victory at Leicester City, and hopes he is on the mend. "We were all devastated when we heard the news, after the game on Saturday, coming back from Leicester," Moyes said. "If the news is correct, and Sir Alex is doing well, then we are thrilled, we really are.
"I've not had any more news than what I've been picking up in bits and pieces from the media. We will be thinking about him and his family. I know them all very well and I just hope he is sitting up in bed, and he is watching this news conference."
Moyes is preparing his Hammers to take on the club Sir Alex is most closely linked to in Manchester United on Thursday, with the Irons looking to claim a second successive win after securing their Premier League safety. Manchester United, now managed by Jose Mourinho, head into this midweek fixture on the back of a defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Manchester United
WHUFC.com
Manchester United travel to London Stadium on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Brighton last week – the fourth time in their last eight away matches that they have failed to win. The visitors need just one point from their final two games to seal second place in the Premier League and also have the FA Cup final in little over a week to prepare for. West Ham, then, are primed to earn at least a draw on Thursday night. David Moyes' side have already proved that they are capable of matching the league's big-six clubs this season, having taken four points from home games against Chelsea and Arsenal. The Hammers also earned draws with Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as beating the former in the EFL Cup fourth round. And, having won 2-0 at Leicester last weekend and lost just two of their last six, confidence should be high for the home side. In order to avoid defeat, though, it's likely that they will need to score.
Jose Mourinho's side have found the back of the net in eleven of their last 15 league games and won the reverse fixture 4-0 on the opening day of the season. They have, however, kept just three clean sheets in their last eight away games. Given that West Ham have only failed to net in two of their last 14 matches in all competitions at London Stadium, both teams to score looks a reliable bet. When picking a goalscorer for the Hammers, it makes sense to think away from the usual suspects. Three of the last five goals Manchester United have conceded in the league have been from headers, and Angelo Ogbonna is one of West Ham's biggest threats in the air. The defender has already netted against Tottenham and Manchester City this season, and is a great price to repeat the trick here.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win or draw – 1/1
Both teams to score – 8/11
Angelo Ogbonna to score anytime – 12/1
Back this #BetYourWay at 28/1
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Moyes: Celebrating safety, avoiding complacency and ending the season strongly
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes says his players are focused on ending the season as strongly as possible, starting with a good performance against Manchester United. The Irons secured their Premier League status last weekend after achieving a win over Leicester City, with Moyes praising his side's attitude.
Ahead of the Premier League clash with the Red Devils on Thursday, the Hammers boss met with representatives of the media. Here's what he had to say…
We always wanted to ensure our own safety
We were on the bus back from Leicester when we heard (that we were safe). We didn't have coverage so it was coming through the radio, and a big cheer went up from the players when they heard because they knew that got us over the line. But the biggest cheer for me was how the supporters reacted to the players and their performance at Leicester. The supporters understood how well we'd played and how well we had done. I was more thrilled with how well we had played at Leicester; How we had passed it and how we had scored good goals. Maybe on another day we would have scored more goals. The Southampton and Everton result helped, obviously, but the biggest result was ours. We always wanted it to be done by us. I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season, to be honest. I always thought, these two home games, we would have to win one of them to make sure we stayed up. But we've done it before that and I can enjoy the two games in the hope that we can win the points against them and climb up the league.
The players and my staff deserve a huge well done
I have to say well done to the players. When I came in here we had nine points and it was difficult, but I've got to say the players have gone and done the job and got the points. I think we've scored quite a few goals and I've got to say all credit to the players. A lot of people questioned me coming in but I've got to say the job was to come in and keep the side up, and we've done that. But I've got to say that I've got a really good staff. I've got a top end staff here and they've been really helpful. The players know that if we can win a couple more games, then we can get ourselves higher up the league. Then we might even be thinking 'well, what was all the worry about'?
We cannot relax just because we are safe
I wouldn't be using the word 'relaxation' – far from it! I will be saying that we have two good games and we know the pressure of any relegation is not there anymore, and we will try to play the best we can. I can only ever say good things about Manchester United because I respect the club so much and what they stand for, and just how good a football club it is. Anybody who is a manager of that football club has a real privilege. I think we would rather be not playing them after a defeat, but the truth is we have to play Manchester United and we will do everything we can to win. We will try to play well in this game.
We have felt the benefits of our Miami training camp
I think our performances since we've come back from our trip have been really good. Maybe if you took out the Manchester City game, I think the players have played really well picked up points in the last seven weeks, and shown a real togetherness in the group.
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Antonio: I'm looking forward to contributing again next season
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was a delighted spectator as West Ham United sealed their Premier League status with a dominant 2-0 victory at Leicester City on Saturday. Antonio was keeping a keen eye on events, so the goals from Joao Mario and Mark Noble gave him a welcome boost as he continues his recovery from an operation on his hamstring. With the Hammers' top flight position secured, the 2017 Hammer of the Year is looking forward to contributing to a more successful season when he returns. "I'm feeling good," he said. "The recovery from my operation is going well so I'm just going to keep moving on with it. "I probably have another three months until I'm back training fully, so hopefully I'll be back playing in August. "It's the holy grail to stay in the Premier League, so it's great [that we've secured safety]. Hopefully next year we can do better. "It was a great performance at Leicester. We didn't give them much of an opportunity, we bossed the game, scored in the first half and sealed it off with Mark Noble's finish. "It was a great strike from him into the bottom corner."
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West Ham United v Manchester United
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out with a knee injury. Top scorer Marko Arnautovic is available despite picking up a knock in the win over Leicester.
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku will miss the club's last two league matches with an ankle injury but could return for the FA Cup final. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is also absent due to a muscular injury, but Alexis Sanchez and Phil Jones both return to the squad.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on the reaction of his players to the Brighton defeat: "They all work well, even in weeks that hand in bad performances or bad results. "I never have anything negative to say about the professionalism of my players during the season; this week was no different."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are safe now too after their win at Leicester on Saturday, which was a massive result for them and means the pressure is off in this game. What happened to the performance we saw from Manchester United in the second half against Manchester City at the start of April?
Prediction: 3-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have only won five of their 43 Premier League matches against Manchester United, with their last victory coming on 10 May 2016 in the final fixture at Upton Park.
Manchester United have failed to score in only two of their 21 away league fixtures at West Ham: a 0-0 draw in August 1998 and a 1-0 defeat in December 2006.
West Ham United
West Ham have not recorded back-to-back Premier League victories since January 2017.
They are aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose more than 10 top-flight matches by at least a three-goal margin in a single season since West Brom in 1985-86.
Marko Arnautovic has scored 10 league goals this season. Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score 11 goals in a single Premier League season back in 2006-07.
Manchester United
United could suffer back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a year, when they lost at Arsenal and Tottenham.
They are without a win in their final away game of a Premier League season since 2011-12, when they beat Sunderland. They've drawn four and lost once since then, with the defeat coming at West Ham in 2015-16.
Jose Mourinho is unbeaten in 10 Premier League games against teams managed by David Moyes.
The Red Devils are the only club not to have drawn a Premier League match in 2018.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 25%
Probability of home win: 22% Probability of away win: 53%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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West Ham manager David Moyes won't discuss future until end of season
BBC.co.uk
Manager David Moyes says he will delay talks on his West Ham future until the end of the season, despite the club now being safe from relegation. Moyes took over the Hammers in November with the club in the drop zone, signing a deal until the end of the season. His side confirmed their Premier League status with victory at Leicester on Saturday after a turbulent season. "We have always said we will talk after the end of the season so we will wait until then," said Moyes, 55. "It's always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until we get the last two games out of the way. We are putting things in place, like pre-season, as much as we can, but ultimately I have got a decision to make and the club has as well."
Moyes took over from Slaven Bilic with the club in 18th place with nine points from 11 games. The Hammers have claimed 29 points from 25 games under Moyes and are now 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone. But the London club have struggled at times and fans invaded the pitch and threw missiles in protest at the club's board during a 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in March, after which they were 17th and two points above the bottom three. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group," Moyes said. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league. "Then you might have been thinking, 'what was the worry about', but overall, I have to say well done to the players."
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I have a decision to make, says Moyes
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes says he has a decision to make regarding his immediate future. The current Hammers boss is out of contract at the end of the season with neither the club nor Moyes himself yet to confirm whether he is set for a long-term stay at West Ham. However he insisted that a decision will be made just as soon as the season culminates, following the two home matches with Moyes' former clubs Manchester Utd and Everton. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season," said Moyes when asked about his future during Wednesday's pre-match press conference. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make - and so has the club."
Moyes achieved the target set for him when the Hammers beat Leicester last weekend a result that, combined with Southampton's 1-1 draw at Everton, ensured West Ham could not be relegated. And he believes that has silenced some of his doubters, many of whom felt he was the wrong man to succeed the popular Slaven Bilic. "A lot of people questioned me coming in, which surprised me," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, top-end staff here and they've been really helpful. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought we might have to win one of these two [remaining] homes games to stay up. There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester."
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New recruit eyes first team opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Young midfielder Sebastian Nebyla already has one eye on the first team at West Ham - despite having just signed his first contract with the club. The 16-year-old arrived at West Ham this week after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract - and immediately set his sights on one day running out with the first team.
"I decided [to join West Ham] on the basis of my feelings and a recommendation from my agent Emil Kovarovich," said Nebyla. " I have been given conditions in which I can train and improve my football. "I've signed a contract for two years; everything was perfectly organised at a high level. The West Ham Academy has excellent conditions, both material and financial. "I'm only 16 years old but I've already practised with the Under 23s. On Monday, I trained with former players Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson. I hope the contract I've signed will offer me a route to the first team."
Nebyla leaves his previous club Spartaku Trnava as they prepare to celebrate a second successive Slovak Super Liga success; his old club are currently ten points clear of closest rivals Dunajská Streda and can wrap up the title this weekend. "I believe they'll win the title and I hope they will celebrate it after this weekend's match," added Nebyla. "I have a lot of friends there, and I will miss the city as well. I would also like to thank everyone in the club for their support."
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Antonio out until August
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio has confirmed that is likely to miss the beginning of the 2018/19 season. The 28-year-old winger admitted that he doesn't expect to return to first team action until August at the earliest - some three months from now - having recently undergone surgery to correct a longstanding hamstring problem. "I'm feeling good," he told whufc.com. "I'm recovering well from my operation. I've probably got another three months before I'm back in full training so it'll be August before I start playing again."
And despite reports linking the England international with the likes of Crystal Palace, whose manager Roy Hodgson is said to be a keen admirer of the former Forest man, Antonio admits that his only aim right now is to win back his place at West Ham after it was confirmed that the Hammers would once again be playing in the Premier League next season. "Every team wants to stay in the Premier League, it's the holy grail," added Anotnio. "So to have that opportunity to play again next year - especially as I couldn't help the team secure security - is great, and hopefully next year we can do better."
And he was also distinctly impressed by the goal that confirmed safety - even if the scorer isn't exactly prolific in matches or during training! "We bossed the game, managed to get an early goal and see them off with Mark Noble's finish," he surmised. "He doesn't score too many like that and it was a great strike - I didn't expect it from him at all but hey, quality!"
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You needs Hans: West Ham consider £15m move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United could be on the verge of solving their right back problem by moving for Atalanta full back Hans Hateboer. The 23-year-old right back has spent the last 16 months in Serie A following a cut-price move from Groningen in January 2017 and has been courted by the likes of Inter since winning his first international cap in the recent friendly between the Netherlands and England. However the highly-rated Hateboer could be on his way to the Premier League if West Ham decide to turn their interest into a firm offer. According to KUMB sources, the Hammers are currently considering a bid in the region of £15million for the defender, in order to prise his away from Atalanta.
Born in Beerta in 1994, Hateboer came through the ranks at Groningen's Academy before making his first team debut in 2013. He won his first trophy the following year when the Green-White Army won the KNVB Cup, thus securing a place in 2015/16 Europa Cup. Prior to leaving Groningen, he finished the season with the most assists in the Eredivise. Having moved to Atalanta in January 2017, after he had declared his intention to leave Groningen at the end of the season on a free transfer, Hateboer quickly established himself in the first team at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
This season he haas been a virtual ever-present, making 41 appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League for his current club - including being part of the side that thrashed Sam Allardyce's Everton 5-1 at Goodison Park last November. And he made his international debut back in March, playing the full 90 minutes in the Netherlands' 1-0 defeat against England. West Ham's current first team right backs are the veteran Pablo Zabaleta, who is rapidly approaching his 34th birthday and Sam Byram, the oft-injured former Leeds defender who has made just FIVE Premier League appearances this season.
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Ex-West Ham head of recruitment Tony Henry apologises for comments about African players
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 09/05/18 6:13pm
SSN
Tony Henry - the former head of recruitment sacked by West Ham in February - has apologised for his comments about African players and says they were not intended to be racist. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Henry has attempted to explain why he said the Hammers did not want to sign more African players in the January transfer window, and insists both he and the club are not racist in any way. Henry was dismissed by West Ham following an investigation into an email in which he made those comments to an agent as well as subsequent comments to a newspaper that African players "can sometimes have a bad attitude". He was subsequently charged by the FA. Speaking on Wednesday, Henry said: "I was wrong for what I said. I'm not trying to get out of this. I've been charged by the FA. This is not me saying 'what I said was right'. It was wrong, and I totally apologise. "It was never, ever meant to be racist in any way. The reason we said we didn't want any more Africans was because we already had three. The day before we'd had four, but one of them left. "I just felt that, as a head of recruitment, I look ahead down the line and I thought that, in 12 months' time, it's the African Nations Cup. If we had four African players, come the African Nations Cup, we are going to lose them in January and February, and we could struggle with that. "Any team struggles when they lose four players. I just felt that it would have been too many for us. But also, as well, we brought a new manager in and we weren't in a good position. We needed to get some points, get some wins, and the Premier League is a tough league. "New players coming in have to hit the ground running, and what we said was we would have preferred, if possible, Premier League-based players, who could come in and get straight into it. "But that never always works out and, in the end, we didn't take any players. We took Jordan Hugill in the end, (and) we took Joao Mario, who is a top player. But again that made it, for me, even more important that we could bring in a couple of Premier League players to help out."
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West Ham boss David Moyes out to enjoy Man Utd reunion
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 09/05/18 3:14pm
SSN
David Moyes admits he expected West Ham to be battling relegation until the last week of the season, and is now out to enjoy the final two games of the campaign against his former clubs Manchester United and Everton. The Hammers host United on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, fresh from their 2-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, which all but secured the club's top-flight status for another season. West Ham's safety was confirmed later on Saturday evening when Southampton drew 1-1 with Everton, and Moyes admits he expected the relegation fight to go right down to the wire. "That result helped obviously but the biggest result was ours," said Moyes. "I always wanted it to be done by us. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought that these two homes games, we might have to win one of them to stay up. Moyes was appointed West Ham manager in November with the club in the relegation zone, and the Scot believes he has now proved his doubters wrong after a slow start at the club. "A lot of people questioned me coming in. I thought to myself 'that surprises me'," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, a top end staff here and they've been really helpful."
Moyes' current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the Hammers boss insists he will wait until the end of the campaign to discuss his future with the club. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season. We will wait," he said. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make and so has the club."
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West Ham have doubts about Leander Dendoncker's £18m price-tag
HITC
Danny Owen
West Ham United are still being tipped to bring Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker to the Premier League, but is he really worth £18million? It is four months since West Ham United were first linked with a move for Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker. And it seems that the London club are still no closer to deciding whether or not they want to sign the 23-year-old. Sky Sports stated that West Ham had a bid rejected for Dendoncker on the final day of the January transfer window and they were expected to go back in for the 6ft 2ins colossus this summer. Hammers' assistant boss Stuart Pearce even travelled to Belgium at the weekend to watch Anderlecht's 2-1 win at Club Brugge, with Dendoncker allegedly the reason for his trip. But the Mail reports that West Ham are still not convinced about signing the Belgian international this summer. It is understood that Anderlecht value the versatile midfielder at around £18 million. But West Ham are yet to be convinced that Dendoncker is worth such a fee with manager David Moyes, who is preparing to stay at the club next season, preferring proven Premier League targets like Joe Allen of Stoke City. Dendoncker was in sensational form for Anderlecht last season, exploding onto the scene by winning the 2017 Jupiler League title and also helping his side to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where he scored a bullet header against Manchester United.
But Dendoncker's form has dipped in recent months and he has been criticised in the Belgian press with Anderlecht in danger of losing their title to Club Brugge.
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JOAO MARIO'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
TANAKA MVERE
ReadWestHam
The future of Joao Mario remains uncertain with the Portuguese international's current loan deal at West Ham set to expire at the end of the season. SportWitness has revealed that talks between West Ham and Inter Milan are ready to proceed, with the Serie A side prepared to let the midfielder go this summer. However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Nerazzurri will only allow a permanent deal to take place if West Ham meet their asking price of €30m
Mario joined Inter for €44m from Sporting two years ago, and they are hoping to recover most of that fee through this deal. However it looks unlikely that any club will pay that much money for the player. Calciomercato say that Inter's asking price for Joao Mario is likely to be too high for West Ham, and this could force them to decide against a permanent transfer. The Portuguese international joined the Hammers on loan in January and has since scored two goals and registered one assist in 11 Premier League appearances. Speaking of Mario's contribution to the team since his arrival, Hammers boss David Moyes said: "Joao has helped us in lots of ways, he's done two or three jobs and is a good footballer. He's now come up with a couple of goals for us in this period. We brought him in to help us play a bit better and get a couple of goals, so I'm pleased with that."
According to Calciomercato, Inter may consider allowing him to go out on loan for one more season, should he not find a permanent club in the upcoming window.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2018
'That was for the fans' says Noble after Leicester win
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday was for the
supporters, according to skipper Mark Noble after his side secured their
Premier League safety with a terrific three points. The captain, who scored
a magnificent second half volley to double the Hammers' advantage after Joao
Mario had given them the lead, praised the travelling fans who were in fine
voice all afternoon. Southampton's draw at Everton later that day meant
David Moyes' men were safe from any relegation fears with two games to
spare, and the win in the sunshine capped a perfect afternoon for the Club
on Saturday. And Noble – who made his 433rd appearance in Claret and Blue
against Claude Puel's team – said the win was for the supporters. "The away
fans were fantastic," he explained. "That was for the fans, the staff and
everyone who has stuck by us the whole season. "It's been tough and I
certainly don't want another [season] like this, but that was for them
today. "No matter where we go, how many seats we get, they always fill them,
they're always there, no matter what; summer or winter. "For all the money
they've spent, for all the miles they've driven, Saturday was for them."
West Ham have been up against the odds at times this season, but the
30-year-old, who has experienced it all over the years in east London,
claimed the squad never stopped believing throughout the campaign. "In all
honestly, the position we were in after the Burnley defeat, everyone thought
we were doomed," he continued. "But we went away, trained hard, and we got a
lot of stick for going away. "But it worked; the players socialised
together, and that's partly my job. But as I said, everyone has played their
part this season and you need your whole squad over a season. "With all the
problems we've had this year, I'm really proud of the bunch of players we
have got, and we've always stuck by it, kept training hard, and we deserved
what we got today. "When we have got criticism this year, I've taken it and
I'd rather it's on me than the rest of the team; I know how to handle it.
You have got to just lace your boots up and go again and we've had to do
that consistently this year."
Noble's volley, his fourth goal of the season, was of course a strike which
will live long in the memory, but the No16 claimed the importance and
context of the goal felt just as sweet as the strike itself. "That goal was
so important and we have kept another clean sheet – it's tough at 1-0, so in
that context for me to score is great. "But when the ball floated to me, I
just thought I'd have a go and you never know. You don't really feel them
leave your boot, when you catch it that sweetly. "Everyone I wanted to do,
the ball did and those moments; you score them in training but not much in
games. To score that and win the game, it was fantastic."
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Carroll aiming to end season on a scoring note
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is hoping to repay the support of the Claret and Blue Army by
signing off the season with a couple of goals in West Ham United's final two
Premier League matches. The centre forward has hit the net just three times
in 17 appearances during a stop-start campaign interrupted by groin and
ankle injuries, but each of those three goals was vital to the Hammers'
successful bid to beat the drop. And having scored twice in the home win
over West Bromwich Albion and a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw with
Stoke City, the No9 wants to hit the net again when West Ham host Manchester
United and Everton – rewarding the supporters who sang his name throughout
Saturday's vital 2-0 victory at Leicester City. "Saturday was brilliant," he
confirmed. "For me personally, coming on after they were singing my name
while I was warming up on the touchline was really good. I didn't really
expect it, to be honest, but our fans chose to get behind me and it was nice
to hear. "It was a good game for us. The lads stuck together and we deserved
it, really. I thought we played well and it was a good day all round. The
fans were brilliant, we were brilliant and the other results went our way,
too."
Carroll could have netted his fourth of the season at the King Power
Stadium, only for his touch to let him down at the vital moment inside the
Foxes penalty area.
"I could have had a goal, but I decided I'd take it out wide instead and
hold a couple of their players off by the corner flag in front of our fans,
just to show off my strength! Being serious, I should have probably taken a
better touch and scored. "It would be nice to have some more minutes on the
pitch. Getting 15 or 20 minutes the other day was good, so it would be nice
to get out there again in the last two games and get a goal or two. "After
that, I'll take Billi and the kids away for a nice chilled holiday and keep
myself ticking over before coming back in for pre-season training."
While Carroll was unable to find the net, his captain and friend Mark Noble
was, with arguably the best goal of his long and illustrious Claret and Blue
career – an unstoppable 25-yard volley that flew into the bottom corner of
the Leicester net to put West Ham 2-0 up midway through the second half. "We
laughed after the game as we reckon it was probably his first goal from
outside the box, but he told us it wasn't and that he used to do it all the
time!" Carroll smiled. "He never normally shoots from there as he usually
controls it and lobs it back into the box, so he must have had a rush of
blood. "To be fair to him, it was a hell of a strike, the best goal of his
career and it was his birthday on Monday, so he's had a good week so far.
He's 31 now, so he's getting on a bit!"
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Academy begin international tour season with draw in Bermuda
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy of Football travelled to Bermuda over the Bank
Holiday Weekend ahead of their participation in the International Football
Festival Tournament. The first in a number of international tournaments for
the Academy this summer, Academy Director Terry Westley took an U17 side to
the competition which will be followed by trips to Switzerland and Hong
Kong. Upon arrival on the Atlantic Ocean island, the young Hammers were met
by former West Ham great and Bermuda international Clyde Best, who managed
his nation after his playing career ended. The youngsters then began their
campaign in the tournament by taking on the country's U20 side, a game, full
of talking points, which eventually ended in a 1-1 stalemate. In a very
tight first half, West Ham created the better opportunities, with Brazilian
midfielder Bernardo Rosa the driving force and Jay Mingi standing strong in
defence.
The visitors dominated large periods of the half but were unable to get the
significant breakthrough goal and went in at half-time goalless. After the
restart, stopper Joesph Anang made two impressive saves before the Hammers
went 1-0 down to what can only be described as a dubious goal, with the ball
clearly leaving the pitch and West Ham players having stopped for the
expected throw-in. The national team continued however, as did the referee,
and went on to score the opening goal. A well-worked corner, with Rosa
beating his man to set up Manny Longelo, got the Hammers a much deserved
equaliser soon after, though. Later, Rosa again created a wonderful
opportunity to win the match in the dying seconds but was unable to convert
the chance. And so the Hammers opened their tournament with a well-earned
draw. They will now enjoy a rest day before heading into their second match
with all to play for. Westley was pleased with his team's performance, and
said: "We are a young team and to play against the national team and to come
away with a draw you would be satisfied. "This is a great experience for our
young players and that's really why we have come. "Their goal was so far out
of play it was ridiculous, so that leaves a sour taste because the boys
worked so hard. "For ten minutes that upset them. But for young players,
they learnt that things don't always go your way and eventually got back
into the game."
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STOKE CITY-BUY OR AVOID?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Bobstonian
As of Game week 37, Stoke have been mathematically relegated from the
Premier League. Below is a list of popular players that the club, in my
opinion, should sign (or not sign). I have purposely excluded Shawcross and
all players over 31 years old. Glenn Johnson, Charlie Adams, and Stephen
Ireland are out of contract in the summer.
Stoke – BUY:
Shaqiri
Pace, touch & quality from set pieces. He should be available for a
reasonable price due to a release clause in his contract. He seems to be
highly coveted by several teams, with Everton currently the favorites to
sign him. Taking the injury record of Antonio in to account, spending on the
right wing may make sense.
Butland
If he can make it to Russia, his value will increase. National team
goalkeepers are always marketable assets in the league. I expect that our
club will not be willing to pay up for his services. In my opinion, he is
the most desirable keeper from all relegation candidates, and Arsenal seem
very interested in Butland as a replacement for Cech.
Allen
Allen was rumored as a club target before his team was destined for
relegation. He can improve our distribution in the midfield. He is 28, and
started his senior career back in 2007. I fear his work rate may decrease.
However, I see him as a player who can compensate for this inevitable
decline in foot speed with his positioning and skill.
Martins Indi
The club will need to recruit more center backs this summer. We have played
a full-back out of position in our back three for most of the season.
Winston Reid will be 30 in the summer, and is nursing a knee injury. If next
year's manager desires three in the back, a starting-caliber center-half is
needed to play with Ogbonna and Rice. Martins Indi is my pick from the Stoke
squad, but he has been hampered by a groin injury this season. He did
feature in 30+ league games last season, collecting 11 clean sheets.
Stoke – AVOID:
Wimmer
Stoke clearly payed Spurs too much for Wimmer over the summer. I doubt Stoke
will be willing to take a loss on their original investment. He is young,
and showed promise under Pochettino, but his price tag will be very
off-putting for most clubs.
Berahino
Berahino is another player that the Potters overpaid for. He has not played
meaningful minutes in the last two seasons. He is a versatile attacker who
can play on both sides, but I believe Stoke will demand too high of a
transfer fee.
Sobhi
The Egyptian international is 21, and could be available for a reasonable
price due to his lack of playing time. He does prefer to play on the left
side, and would have to compete with the likes of Lanzini, Masuaku and
Arnautovic. Stoke will want to give him minutes in the Championship. The
club should prioritize spending on a different position.
Choupo-Moting
8 years older than Sobhi, and also plays on the left. He had a promising
start to the season, and then experienced a drop in form. There is no need
to prioritize spending on this player.
Diouf
Diouf boasted a respectable goal record in the Bundesliga. He scored 11
goals in his inaugural Premier League season. Since then, he has scored 12
goals in 87 games. He has shown versatility at different positions, but only
has 9 career league assists to his name.
Stoke have some players on the wings and up the middle that are worth a look
in the transfer season. I can't see us outspending other clubs for Shaqiri
or Butland. I believe we will pursue Allen in the summer, and hope we also
inquire about Martins Indi.
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LET'S NOT PICK THE LOW LYING FRUIT
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by: Alan Leason
Thanks for all the responses to my last article, I haven't gone mad I just
don't think Lanzini has been consistently good enough for us to resist
offers of 40-50m. The last stand out game I remember him having was 2 1/2
seasons ago at Liverpool.
Anyhow im currently watching the Swansea v Southampton game and thinking
about all the players we need for next season. I think we should be really
careful about trying to pick off players from relegated sides.
Why would we want Mawson, Ki, Jordan Ayew, Cedric, Redmond or Tadic? None
of them are carrying their teams and to agree with Kev from Sex, Drugs and
Carlton Cole, I wouldn't take Shaqiri either. I also don't think we need to
take the opinion if we need x amount of players at £25m each.
If we were looking for a Kouyate style player I'm sure we would be quoted
£25m minimum but look at the player we have? Lazy, doesn't work for his
place or the team but it's ok because he's Chiek and we post videos on the
official site of him laughing all the time.
We signed Cresswell for £5m and nobody outside of Ipswich knew him, fair
enough he'd be more expensive now but I like the principal of taking players
from the championship who could step up, basically the opposite of Hughill.
My one exception to the not signing relegated players would be a keeper.
Fabianski, Forster and even Foster would all be good signings for us, none
have been at fault for their respective clubs form.
I'd love for us to have gone for Shelvey but thanks to our mouthy chairman
he wouldn't even entertain us now, on the same note watch Snodgrass be
promoted with Villa sign for them and tear up the league!!
Remember all the fuss about Bilic having the option to sign Renato Sanchez,
Grzegorz Krychowiak etc? They are doing so well now aren't they?
Before we all get carried away thinking William Carvalho is the answer,
Stoke's record signing was from Porto and is a guy called Giannelli Imbulla,
he's currently on loan to Toulouse because he couldn't cut it in this
league. Carvalho is a European championship winner I hear you say…so is
Cedric who is battling to keep Southampton in the league. COYI
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West Ham leading Shaq race
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are the front runners to sign Stoke City's Swiss international
Xherdan Shaqiri. The Potters became the first team to be relegated from the
Premier League this season when they went down 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace
last weekend. And that has naturally seen a string of Stoke's better players
linked to various destinations in the past few days - including Shaqiri, who
formed a formidable partnership with Marko Arnautovic at the Bet365 Stadium.
According to the latest odds, the Hammers are 2-1 favourites to sign the
26-year-old winger, who was on the bench when Bayern Munich faced fellow
German outfit Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League Final. A number
of Stoke City's first-team players are expected to leave the club following
the team's relegation from the Premier League," said BetStars Director of
Trading Ian Marmion. "Swiss superstar Shaqiri has been the Potters' shining
light this season but the attacker looks set to call time on his three-year
stint with Stoke this summer. "The Hammers are poised to benefit from
Stoke's demotion to the Championship and have been installed as the 2/1
favourites to reunite the Swiss playmaker with his former teammate Marco
Arnautovic in attack at the London Stadium next season.
"Newcastle United are valued at 3/1 to become the winger's next destination
but a move abroad could also be on the cards for Shaqiri, with AC Milan and
Bayer Leverkusen both priced at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively. "Meanwhile
Arsenal and Everton are valued at 6/1 to swipe Stoke's star man."
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Arnautovic sale led to relegation, say Stoke fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Stoke City supporters have cited the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham as
one of the core reasons for their relegation from the Premier League. The
Potters became the first team to be relegated from the top flight this
season following their 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday,
since when disappointed City fans have been discussing the reasons for their
swift and unexpected demise. And one of the chief reasons cited is the sale
of star man Arnautovic to West Ham last summer. The Austrian, a Slaven Bilic
appointment who cost the Hammers an intiial £20million has scored 10 goals
for United this season - almost a quarter of the team's 45 league goals
scored in the 2017/18 campaign.
Oatcake Forum member wazbagsbro is convinced parting company with Arnautovic
and not providing a suitable replacement was key in Stoke's fall from grace.
"It cost us relegation and we gave him away." he said. "If Arnie was a
Swansea player they would've demanded £50million, he is one of the best
players outside top six. West Ham won't let him go so cheap. We should've
broke the bank to keep that kind of quality."
Thoughts echoed by theonlooker, who added: "Clubs like ours lose players
like Arnautovic every season. The successful clubs replace them and move on.
Our scouting and recruitment department, in my humble opinion, is
complacent, lazy and frankly, not fit for purpose."
Some Stoke fans felt the decision to sell Arnautovic was a reasonable call
at the time given the size of the fee involved - but once again, blamed poor
recruitment for their descent into the Championship. " Losing Arnie isn't
the reason we're in this mess," wrote boskampsflaps. "It didn't help but we
had the money and the time to find a replacement and we bought Wimmer
instead. You're always going to lose players eventually, it's who you get in
after that's the deal breaker and we well and truly mucked it up."
A salient lesson for the rest of the Premier League, perhaps.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday was for the
supporters, according to skipper Mark Noble after his side secured their
Premier League safety with a terrific three points. The captain, who scored
a magnificent second half volley to double the Hammers' advantage after Joao
Mario had given them the lead, praised the travelling fans who were in fine
voice all afternoon. Southampton's draw at Everton later that day meant
David Moyes' men were safe from any relegation fears with two games to
spare, and the win in the sunshine capped a perfect afternoon for the Club
on Saturday. And Noble – who made his 433rd appearance in Claret and Blue
against Claude Puel's team – said the win was for the supporters. "The away
fans were fantastic," he explained. "That was for the fans, the staff and
everyone who has stuck by us the whole season. "It's been tough and I
certainly don't want another [season] like this, but that was for them
today. "No matter where we go, how many seats we get, they always fill them,
they're always there, no matter what; summer or winter. "For all the money
they've spent, for all the miles they've driven, Saturday was for them."
West Ham have been up against the odds at times this season, but the
30-year-old, who has experienced it all over the years in east London,
claimed the squad never stopped believing throughout the campaign. "In all
honestly, the position we were in after the Burnley defeat, everyone thought
we were doomed," he continued. "But we went away, trained hard, and we got a
lot of stick for going away. "But it worked; the players socialised
together, and that's partly my job. But as I said, everyone has played their
part this season and you need your whole squad over a season. "With all the
problems we've had this year, I'm really proud of the bunch of players we
have got, and we've always stuck by it, kept training hard, and we deserved
what we got today. "When we have got criticism this year, I've taken it and
I'd rather it's on me than the rest of the team; I know how to handle it.
You have got to just lace your boots up and go again and we've had to do
that consistently this year."
Noble's volley, his fourth goal of the season, was of course a strike which
will live long in the memory, but the No16 claimed the importance and
context of the goal felt just as sweet as the strike itself. "That goal was
so important and we have kept another clean sheet – it's tough at 1-0, so in
that context for me to score is great. "But when the ball floated to me, I
just thought I'd have a go and you never know. You don't really feel them
leave your boot, when you catch it that sweetly. "Everyone I wanted to do,
the ball did and those moments; you score them in training but not much in
games. To score that and win the game, it was fantastic."
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Carroll aiming to end season on a scoring note
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is hoping to repay the support of the Claret and Blue Army by
signing off the season with a couple of goals in West Ham United's final two
Premier League matches. The centre forward has hit the net just three times
in 17 appearances during a stop-start campaign interrupted by groin and
ankle injuries, but each of those three goals was vital to the Hammers'
successful bid to beat the drop. And having scored twice in the home win
over West Bromwich Albion and a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw with
Stoke City, the No9 wants to hit the net again when West Ham host Manchester
United and Everton – rewarding the supporters who sang his name throughout
Saturday's vital 2-0 victory at Leicester City. "Saturday was brilliant," he
confirmed. "For me personally, coming on after they were singing my name
while I was warming up on the touchline was really good. I didn't really
expect it, to be honest, but our fans chose to get behind me and it was nice
to hear. "It was a good game for us. The lads stuck together and we deserved
it, really. I thought we played well and it was a good day all round. The
fans were brilliant, we were brilliant and the other results went our way,
too."
Carroll could have netted his fourth of the season at the King Power
Stadium, only for his touch to let him down at the vital moment inside the
Foxes penalty area.
"I could have had a goal, but I decided I'd take it out wide instead and
hold a couple of their players off by the corner flag in front of our fans,
just to show off my strength! Being serious, I should have probably taken a
better touch and scored. "It would be nice to have some more minutes on the
pitch. Getting 15 or 20 minutes the other day was good, so it would be nice
to get out there again in the last two games and get a goal or two. "After
that, I'll take Billi and the kids away for a nice chilled holiday and keep
myself ticking over before coming back in for pre-season training."
While Carroll was unable to find the net, his captain and friend Mark Noble
was, with arguably the best goal of his long and illustrious Claret and Blue
career – an unstoppable 25-yard volley that flew into the bottom corner of
the Leicester net to put West Ham 2-0 up midway through the second half. "We
laughed after the game as we reckon it was probably his first goal from
outside the box, but he told us it wasn't and that he used to do it all the
time!" Carroll smiled. "He never normally shoots from there as he usually
controls it and lobs it back into the box, so he must have had a rush of
blood. "To be fair to him, it was a hell of a strike, the best goal of his
career and it was his birthday on Monday, so he's had a good week so far.
He's 31 now, so he's getting on a bit!"
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Academy begin international tour season with draw in Bermuda
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy of Football travelled to Bermuda over the Bank
Holiday Weekend ahead of their participation in the International Football
Festival Tournament. The first in a number of international tournaments for
the Academy this summer, Academy Director Terry Westley took an U17 side to
the competition which will be followed by trips to Switzerland and Hong
Kong. Upon arrival on the Atlantic Ocean island, the young Hammers were met
by former West Ham great and Bermuda international Clyde Best, who managed
his nation after his playing career ended. The youngsters then began their
campaign in the tournament by taking on the country's U20 side, a game, full
of talking points, which eventually ended in a 1-1 stalemate. In a very
tight first half, West Ham created the better opportunities, with Brazilian
midfielder Bernardo Rosa the driving force and Jay Mingi standing strong in
defence.
The visitors dominated large periods of the half but were unable to get the
significant breakthrough goal and went in at half-time goalless. After the
restart, stopper Joesph Anang made two impressive saves before the Hammers
went 1-0 down to what can only be described as a dubious goal, with the ball
clearly leaving the pitch and West Ham players having stopped for the
expected throw-in. The national team continued however, as did the referee,
and went on to score the opening goal. A well-worked corner, with Rosa
beating his man to set up Manny Longelo, got the Hammers a much deserved
equaliser soon after, though. Later, Rosa again created a wonderful
opportunity to win the match in the dying seconds but was unable to convert
the chance. And so the Hammers opened their tournament with a well-earned
draw. They will now enjoy a rest day before heading into their second match
with all to play for. Westley was pleased with his team's performance, and
said: "We are a young team and to play against the national team and to come
away with a draw you would be satisfied. "This is a great experience for our
young players and that's really why we have come. "Their goal was so far out
of play it was ridiculous, so that leaves a sour taste because the boys
worked so hard. "For ten minutes that upset them. But for young players,
they learnt that things don't always go your way and eventually got back
into the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STOKE CITY-BUY OR AVOID?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Bobstonian
As of Game week 37, Stoke have been mathematically relegated from the
Premier League. Below is a list of popular players that the club, in my
opinion, should sign (or not sign). I have purposely excluded Shawcross and
all players over 31 years old. Glenn Johnson, Charlie Adams, and Stephen
Ireland are out of contract in the summer.
Stoke – BUY:
Shaqiri
Pace, touch & quality from set pieces. He should be available for a
reasonable price due to a release clause in his contract. He seems to be
highly coveted by several teams, with Everton currently the favorites to
sign him. Taking the injury record of Antonio in to account, spending on the
right wing may make sense.
Butland
If he can make it to Russia, his value will increase. National team
goalkeepers are always marketable assets in the league. I expect that our
club will not be willing to pay up for his services. In my opinion, he is
the most desirable keeper from all relegation candidates, and Arsenal seem
very interested in Butland as a replacement for Cech.
Allen
Allen was rumored as a club target before his team was destined for
relegation. He can improve our distribution in the midfield. He is 28, and
started his senior career back in 2007. I fear his work rate may decrease.
However, I see him as a player who can compensate for this inevitable
decline in foot speed with his positioning and skill.
Martins Indi
The club will need to recruit more center backs this summer. We have played
a full-back out of position in our back three for most of the season.
Winston Reid will be 30 in the summer, and is nursing a knee injury. If next
year's manager desires three in the back, a starting-caliber center-half is
needed to play with Ogbonna and Rice. Martins Indi is my pick from the Stoke
squad, but he has been hampered by a groin injury this season. He did
feature in 30+ league games last season, collecting 11 clean sheets.
Stoke – AVOID:
Wimmer
Stoke clearly payed Spurs too much for Wimmer over the summer. I doubt Stoke
will be willing to take a loss on their original investment. He is young,
and showed promise under Pochettino, but his price tag will be very
off-putting for most clubs.
Berahino
Berahino is another player that the Potters overpaid for. He has not played
meaningful minutes in the last two seasons. He is a versatile attacker who
can play on both sides, but I believe Stoke will demand too high of a
transfer fee.
Sobhi
The Egyptian international is 21, and could be available for a reasonable
price due to his lack of playing time. He does prefer to play on the left
side, and would have to compete with the likes of Lanzini, Masuaku and
Arnautovic. Stoke will want to give him minutes in the Championship. The
club should prioritize spending on a different position.
Choupo-Moting
8 years older than Sobhi, and also plays on the left. He had a promising
start to the season, and then experienced a drop in form. There is no need
to prioritize spending on this player.
Diouf
Diouf boasted a respectable goal record in the Bundesliga. He scored 11
goals in his inaugural Premier League season. Since then, he has scored 12
goals in 87 games. He has shown versatility at different positions, but only
has 9 career league assists to his name.
Stoke have some players on the wings and up the middle that are worth a look
in the transfer season. I can't see us outspending other clubs for Shaqiri
or Butland. I believe we will pursue Allen in the summer, and hope we also
inquire about Martins Indi.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET'S NOT PICK THE LOW LYING FRUIT
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by: Alan Leason
Thanks for all the responses to my last article, I haven't gone mad I just
don't think Lanzini has been consistently good enough for us to resist
offers of 40-50m. The last stand out game I remember him having was 2 1/2
seasons ago at Liverpool.
Anyhow im currently watching the Swansea v Southampton game and thinking
about all the players we need for next season. I think we should be really
careful about trying to pick off players from relegated sides.
Why would we want Mawson, Ki, Jordan Ayew, Cedric, Redmond or Tadic? None
of them are carrying their teams and to agree with Kev from Sex, Drugs and
Carlton Cole, I wouldn't take Shaqiri either. I also don't think we need to
take the opinion if we need x amount of players at £25m each.
If we were looking for a Kouyate style player I'm sure we would be quoted
£25m minimum but look at the player we have? Lazy, doesn't work for his
place or the team but it's ok because he's Chiek and we post videos on the
official site of him laughing all the time.
We signed Cresswell for £5m and nobody outside of Ipswich knew him, fair
enough he'd be more expensive now but I like the principal of taking players
from the championship who could step up, basically the opposite of Hughill.
My one exception to the not signing relegated players would be a keeper.
Fabianski, Forster and even Foster would all be good signings for us, none
have been at fault for their respective clubs form.
I'd love for us to have gone for Shelvey but thanks to our mouthy chairman
he wouldn't even entertain us now, on the same note watch Snodgrass be
promoted with Villa sign for them and tear up the league!!
Remember all the fuss about Bilic having the option to sign Renato Sanchez,
Grzegorz Krychowiak etc? They are doing so well now aren't they?
Before we all get carried away thinking William Carvalho is the answer,
Stoke's record signing was from Porto and is a guy called Giannelli Imbulla,
he's currently on loan to Toulouse because he couldn't cut it in this
league. Carvalho is a European championship winner I hear you say…so is
Cedric who is battling to keep Southampton in the league. COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham leading Shaq race
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are the front runners to sign Stoke City's Swiss international
Xherdan Shaqiri. The Potters became the first team to be relegated from the
Premier League this season when they went down 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace
last weekend. And that has naturally seen a string of Stoke's better players
linked to various destinations in the past few days - including Shaqiri, who
formed a formidable partnership with Marko Arnautovic at the Bet365 Stadium.
According to the latest odds, the Hammers are 2-1 favourites to sign the
26-year-old winger, who was on the bench when Bayern Munich faced fellow
German outfit Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League Final. A number
of Stoke City's first-team players are expected to leave the club following
the team's relegation from the Premier League," said BetStars Director of
Trading Ian Marmion. "Swiss superstar Shaqiri has been the Potters' shining
light this season but the attacker looks set to call time on his three-year
stint with Stoke this summer. "The Hammers are poised to benefit from
Stoke's demotion to the Championship and have been installed as the 2/1
favourites to reunite the Swiss playmaker with his former teammate Marco
Arnautovic in attack at the London Stadium next season.
"Newcastle United are valued at 3/1 to become the winger's next destination
but a move abroad could also be on the cards for Shaqiri, with AC Milan and
Bayer Leverkusen both priced at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively. "Meanwhile
Arsenal and Everton are valued at 6/1 to swipe Stoke's star man."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic sale led to relegation, say Stoke fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Stoke City supporters have cited the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham as
one of the core reasons for their relegation from the Premier League. The
Potters became the first team to be relegated from the top flight this
season following their 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday,
since when disappointed City fans have been discussing the reasons for their
swift and unexpected demise. And one of the chief reasons cited is the sale
of star man Arnautovic to West Ham last summer. The Austrian, a Slaven Bilic
appointment who cost the Hammers an intiial £20million has scored 10 goals
for United this season - almost a quarter of the team's 45 league goals
scored in the 2017/18 campaign.
Oatcake Forum member wazbagsbro is convinced parting company with Arnautovic
and not providing a suitable replacement was key in Stoke's fall from grace.
"It cost us relegation and we gave him away." he said. "If Arnie was a
Swansea player they would've demanded £50million, he is one of the best
players outside top six. West Ham won't let him go so cheap. We should've
broke the bank to keep that kind of quality."
Thoughts echoed by theonlooker, who added: "Clubs like ours lose players
like Arnautovic every season. The successful clubs replace them and move on.
Our scouting and recruitment department, in my humble opinion, is
complacent, lazy and frankly, not fit for purpose."
Some Stoke fans felt the decision to sell Arnautovic was a reasonable call
at the time given the size of the fee involved - but once again, blamed poor
recruitment for their descent into the Championship. " Losing Arnie isn't
the reason we're in this mess," wrote boskampsflaps. "It didn't help but we
had the money and the time to find a replacement and we bought Wimmer
instead. You're always going to lose players eventually, it's who you get in
after that's the deal breaker and we well and truly mucked it up."
A salient lesson for the rest of the Premier League, perhaps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th May 2018
Academy manager Westley lauds Coaching Association success
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley reflects on the successful first season of
the innovative Official Coaching Association...
We launched the Official Coaching Association at the beginning of the
season, and having now hosted all four sessions during the 2017/18, it's a
great time to reflect on the success of the scheme. We began the final
evening with a Q&A courtesy of captain and Academy graduate Mark Noble,
which was a fitting way to close, given his experience throughout his time
at the Club of various coaching methods ranging across different managers
and members of staff. All four sessions have been brilliant from our point
of view and to really help the local coaching fraternity in the area has
been a pleasure and a massive positive. Next season, of course our aim is to
improve once again and take it forward. The advice and the knowledge the
local coaches have been receiving at the Association this season is
adaptable at any level, but it's so important because as a coach, you are
always learning. Former international footballers have been in to talk –
Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson; ex-West Ham players who are now current
Academy members of staff – Steve Potts and Jack Collison; and we also had in
Dan Ashworth, the FA's Technical Director. We've been privileged to have
them come in to learn from.
It's an extremely important scheme for me that is close to my heart, given
where I started my career; at grassroots level. I have come from there, when
John Duncan gave me an opportunity at Ipswich Town, and the club moving
forwards under John Lyall and Sir Bobby Robson. David Pleat at Luton Town
and Alan Curbishley at Charlton Athletic; they gave me opportunities. I
feel privileged myself to still be in the game 38 years later. I'll always,
therefore, return back to that and where I came from, and that culture of
grassroots football will always be with me.
To see, over the four sessions this season, male and female coaches coming
in and wanting to improve the players at their clubs has been magnificent.
Whether it's behaviour patterns off the pitch or sessions and exercises on
it, many have told me they have taken many, many ideas away with them to try
themselves, and that will help us all; both at the top and lower reaches of
the game. As I have said, next season is now about improving and moving it
forwards, and we'll begin by offering six sessions over the course of the
campaign, with the plan being to kick-off in August.
The speakers will once again be important. The ins we have in the game allow
us to pick the phone up to the likes of England manager Gareth Southgate and
his staff – I can see that communication with the FA improving. We've had
Dan Ashworth in; the likes of Aidy Boothroyd, who now manages the U21
national side, would be great to speak for us. We will definitely look to
have one coach from an overseas club come in, somebody who coaches at a
young age to see how academy football abroad differs. We can all learn
something there.
In terms of our own staff too, we know how busy they are, but the manager
and his coaching staff will hopefully give up some of their time to enhance
this Association. We're all looking forward to what the future holds for
the Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch: Snodgrass Play-Off bound and Oxford returns
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass and Aston Villa are bound for the EFL Championship
Play-Offs after losing 1-0 at Millwall on the final day of the regular
season. The West Ham United loanee, who featured for the final 15 minutes as
a substitute at The Den, will face Middlesbrough in the two-legged
semi-finals, with a Wembley showdown with either Fulham or Derby County
awaiting the winner. Snodgrass, who finished the campaign with 13 assists
and eight goals in 39 Championship appearances, could line up alongside
Henri Lansbury, who was part of the West Ham squad which won promotion via
the Play-Offs six years ago. And the Scot will need no introduction to
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who was his teammate at London
Stadium for the second half of last season.
Elsewhere, Reece Burke's Bolton Wanderers pulled off a miraculous escape
from relegation by scoring twice in the final three minutes of normal time
to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the Macron Stadium. Victory for the
Trotters, for whom Burke was an unused substitute, saw them leapfrog Burton
Albion and Barnsley and secure safety. The 21-year-old defender finished the
campaign with 25 Championship appearances under his belt. His solitary goal
came in a 2-2 draw with Reading in November.
There was no such joy for Martin Samuelsen, who was also an unused
substitute as Burton's two-year stay in the Championship came to an end with
a 2-1 defeat at Preston North End. The 21-year-old Norway winger made nine
Championship appearances, seven of them starts, for Nigel Clough's Brewers.
In Germany, Reece Oxford returned from injury to help Borussia
Monchengladbach to a 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg. The 19-year-old was
back in action after missing the Foals' last six matches, playing for the
final 21 minutes after replacing midfielder Tobias Strobl. Monchengladbach
travel to relegation-threatened Hamburg in their final fixture on Saturday
knowing victory could yet be enough to secure sixth-place and spot in next
season's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.
Finally, despite scoring his first goal for the club in their previous
match, Toni Martinez was an unused substitute for Real Valladolid in the
Spanish club's vital 1-0 win at Numancia. Valladolid sit eighth in the table
with four games to play, four points behind Zaragoza in fourth and two
adrift of Cadiz in the final promotion play-off position. Martinez will hope
for more playing time when Valladolid host mid-table Albacete on Saturday
afternoon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rice targets winning streak to finish Hammers' season
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says West Ham United are aiming to close out the season on a
winning note. The Hammers secured their Premier League safety with a 2-0
victory at Leicester City on Saturday and now conclude the 2017/18 campaign
with home fixtures with Manchester United and Everton. Defender Rice, who
made an impressive 30th first-team appearance at the King Power Stadium,
believes the squad will have taken great confidence from their performance
against the Foxes, where the defence secured a first clean sheet in five
matches and the win was confirmed by Mark Noble's outstanding 25-yard
volley. Now, with their top-flight status confirmed, the impressive teenager
says the players can express themselves at London Stadium. "I would say
that's one of the best performances we've put up this season," said the
No41. "We knew before the game that it was crucial that we got three points.
"A point maybe would have been enough, but three points were the aim and
I've never seen us so focused in the dressing room before the game and so
ready to go out there and put in a performance. "We're focusing now on Man
United and we want to go out and win that and we want to win the Everton
game as well and try to finish as high as possible in the table."
After Joao Mario had put West Ham in front, Rice had a grandstand view of
Noble's clincher, which saw his fellow Academy of Football graduate belt a
unstoppable volley into the bottom corner of the Leicester net. "Nobes
scored one in training a few weeks back which a worldy with his left, but
I've never seen a ball hit so sweetly like that," the 18-year-old smiled.
"Even to take it on… I was right in front of it and it just swerved into the
bottom corner. "What a goal by Nobes! He was outstanding all day, as well.
He's a proper captain and led by example."
As always, Rice was cheered on by his family, who have travelled the length
and breadth of the country with the Claret and Blue Army during the
youngster's first full season in the Premier League. At the final whistle,
the defender joined the supporters and his teammates to celebrate staying
up, and the centre-back said survival was the least the fans deserved for
their loyalty this and every season. "When you've got fans like that, who
travel home and away and pay lots of money, when we put on a performance
like that, it means they can go home happy. "My brother was in there and he
and they didn't stop singing, so a massive 'Thank you' to the fans, because
they've been excellent for us all season and we really do appreciate that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: I want West Ham to win games regularly
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United's target must be to find a greater level of
consistency in their play next season. After guiding the Hammers to Premier
League safety with a 2-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday, the manager
spoke to the media about how to ensure the Club is not dragged into another
relegation battle in 2018/19. With all three promoted teams potentially
staying up and three seemingly established Premier League clubs facing the
drop, the 2017/18 season has been among the most competitive in recent
history. Indeed, so close has been the competition that West Ham could yet
secure a top-ten finish, despite the fact they have spent virtually the
entire season in the bottom half. To do so, they will have to win three
straight league games for the first time this campaign – a level of
consistency Moyes craves. "I always felt that the team was good enough to be
looking up the league, rather than down, but there were some games we'd
really have like to have done a lot better in, but we didn't," he reflected.
"With the runs teams like West Brom and Crystal Palace have been on, the
bottom half of the league has been pretty exciting this season and I don't
think there is any guarantee that any one team is necessarily that much
better than another. "I must say, I think the three promoted teams who came
up really put the cat among the pigeons when they found their form. "I think
it's hard to judge how I've done this season. I actually would like to be a
manager who wins games regularly. I don't want to be a manager who is
battling around relegation. I want to have winning teams. "I had eleven
years of, in the main, winning teams, and that's what I want to do. I want
to be challenging the top teams and have a team that, most weeks, I have an
idea of what their level of performance will likely be, because that means
I'm feeling a lot better every week, rather than wondering if we are up or
down. "Some of our performances here have been excellent and some I've
wondered 'Where did that come from?'. "Consistency is getting yourself at a
level of play and building it, and everybody would like consistency."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HIGGINBOTHAM DROOLS OVER WEST HAM DUO
Date: 7th May 2018 at 1:56pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
Forever WestHam
Danny Higginbotham heaped praise on West Ham duo Marko Arnautovic and Manuel
Lanzini and claimed that it was vital the club kept both players. The Sky
Sports pundit gushed about the two attack-minded players as he thought they
had been key to David Moyes' side securing their Premier League status for
another season. "Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic have struck up a
brilliant understanding at West Ham, they have been key to the Hammers
beating the drop," said Higginbotham in his column for The Sun. "David Moyes
was originally forced to play Arnautovic up front due to injury problems but
the Austrian and Argentine Lanzini have become a serious attacking threat.
"It is vital the club keep hold of both players if they are to avoid another
relegation battle next season. "While Stoke got £24million for Arnautovic,
they might have beaten the drop if he'd stayed."
The Hammers confirmed that they would be in the Premier League next season
after beating Leicester 2-0 on Saturday, which was enough to be mathematical
safe as Southampton ended up drawing with Everton.
Higginbotham's glowing praise of Lanzini and Arnautovic for their
performances this season is more than warranted. Arnautovic has managed to
score 10 goals in 33 appearances this season, and his goals have been more
than helpful in firing the Hammers away from the relegation zone. Whereas
Lanzini has used his creative genius in the 27 games that he has featured
in, to contribute nine assists to the cause. Both players have been a touch
above the majority of their teammates with their displays this season and
there would be uproar if either left the London Stadium in the summer. This
would especially be the case with Arnautovic who only arrived from Stoke
City ahead of the start of this season. The 29-year-old took a little bit
time to get going at the Hammers and it would be a shame if he left anytime
soon. While the idea is horrible to think about, either of the players
leaving would be highly unlikely. The only way that scenario changes is if
Moyes leaves and a new manager doesn't rate either player, which would be
bizarre, or if a top-six side make too good an offer to turn down.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in need of summer changes to avoid another torrid season, admits
Mark Noble
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham captain Mark Noble says there needs to be change on and off the
pitch over the summer in order to avoid another chaotic season at London
Stadium.
After struggling to settle in their new Stratford home last term, there was
hope the second season would be an easier ride. However, with a sacking, a
relegation battle and resentment from the fans pouring onto the pitch
against Burnley, things have far from gone to plan. The penultimate weekend
of the Premier League season saw the Hammers' safety secured, however,
things still look far from bright. There is dispute over what players
deserve to stay put, how much money will be available and who will be in
charge come the summer. There is, then, still plenty to be resolved. But
Noble knows that something has to change to see the club climb the table
once more next season. "There needs to be a lot of change," he said. "I
would not say no to that, on and off the pitch. A lot of stuff needs to
change. I am really hoping, and I am convinced it will during the summer.
"If fans are coming to games and are not happy and we go 1-0 down then we
feel that. There is no point lying. "We need to win games and we have not
won enough this season. That is why we are where we are. It's been really
tough, I certainly don't want another one like this."
With safety secured, David Moyes' side can now go out and look to end the
season on a high with home games against two of the Scotsman's former clubs
in Manchester United and Everton this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley reflects on the successful first season of
the innovative Official Coaching Association...
We launched the Official Coaching Association at the beginning of the
season, and having now hosted all four sessions during the 2017/18, it's a
great time to reflect on the success of the scheme. We began the final
evening with a Q&A courtesy of captain and Academy graduate Mark Noble,
which was a fitting way to close, given his experience throughout his time
at the Club of various coaching methods ranging across different managers
and members of staff. All four sessions have been brilliant from our point
of view and to really help the local coaching fraternity in the area has
been a pleasure and a massive positive. Next season, of course our aim is to
improve once again and take it forward. The advice and the knowledge the
local coaches have been receiving at the Association this season is
adaptable at any level, but it's so important because as a coach, you are
always learning. Former international footballers have been in to talk –
Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson; ex-West Ham players who are now current
Academy members of staff – Steve Potts and Jack Collison; and we also had in
Dan Ashworth, the FA's Technical Director. We've been privileged to have
them come in to learn from.
It's an extremely important scheme for me that is close to my heart, given
where I started my career; at grassroots level. I have come from there, when
John Duncan gave me an opportunity at Ipswich Town, and the club moving
forwards under John Lyall and Sir Bobby Robson. David Pleat at Luton Town
and Alan Curbishley at Charlton Athletic; they gave me opportunities. I
feel privileged myself to still be in the game 38 years later. I'll always,
therefore, return back to that and where I came from, and that culture of
grassroots football will always be with me.
To see, over the four sessions this season, male and female coaches coming
in and wanting to improve the players at their clubs has been magnificent.
Whether it's behaviour patterns off the pitch or sessions and exercises on
it, many have told me they have taken many, many ideas away with them to try
themselves, and that will help us all; both at the top and lower reaches of
the game. As I have said, next season is now about improving and moving it
forwards, and we'll begin by offering six sessions over the course of the
campaign, with the plan being to kick-off in August.
The speakers will once again be important. The ins we have in the game allow
us to pick the phone up to the likes of England manager Gareth Southgate and
his staff – I can see that communication with the FA improving. We've had
Dan Ashworth in; the likes of Aidy Boothroyd, who now manages the U21
national side, would be great to speak for us. We will definitely look to
have one coach from an overseas club come in, somebody who coaches at a
young age to see how academy football abroad differs. We can all learn
something there.
In terms of our own staff too, we know how busy they are, but the manager
and his coaching staff will hopefully give up some of their time to enhance
this Association. We're all looking forward to what the future holds for
the Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch: Snodgrass Play-Off bound and Oxford returns
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass and Aston Villa are bound for the EFL Championship
Play-Offs after losing 1-0 at Millwall on the final day of the regular
season. The West Ham United loanee, who featured for the final 15 minutes as
a substitute at The Den, will face Middlesbrough in the two-legged
semi-finals, with a Wembley showdown with either Fulham or Derby County
awaiting the winner. Snodgrass, who finished the campaign with 13 assists
and eight goals in 39 Championship appearances, could line up alongside
Henri Lansbury, who was part of the West Ham squad which won promotion via
the Play-Offs six years ago. And the Scot will need no introduction to
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who was his teammate at London
Stadium for the second half of last season.
Elsewhere, Reece Burke's Bolton Wanderers pulled off a miraculous escape
from relegation by scoring twice in the final three minutes of normal time
to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the Macron Stadium. Victory for the
Trotters, for whom Burke was an unused substitute, saw them leapfrog Burton
Albion and Barnsley and secure safety. The 21-year-old defender finished the
campaign with 25 Championship appearances under his belt. His solitary goal
came in a 2-2 draw with Reading in November.
There was no such joy for Martin Samuelsen, who was also an unused
substitute as Burton's two-year stay in the Championship came to an end with
a 2-1 defeat at Preston North End. The 21-year-old Norway winger made nine
Championship appearances, seven of them starts, for Nigel Clough's Brewers.
In Germany, Reece Oxford returned from injury to help Borussia
Monchengladbach to a 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg. The 19-year-old was
back in action after missing the Foals' last six matches, playing for the
final 21 minutes after replacing midfielder Tobias Strobl. Monchengladbach
travel to relegation-threatened Hamburg in their final fixture on Saturday
knowing victory could yet be enough to secure sixth-place and spot in next
season's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.
Finally, despite scoring his first goal for the club in their previous
match, Toni Martinez was an unused substitute for Real Valladolid in the
Spanish club's vital 1-0 win at Numancia. Valladolid sit eighth in the table
with four games to play, four points behind Zaragoza in fourth and two
adrift of Cadiz in the final promotion play-off position. Martinez will hope
for more playing time when Valladolid host mid-table Albacete on Saturday
afternoon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rice targets winning streak to finish Hammers' season
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says West Ham United are aiming to close out the season on a
winning note. The Hammers secured their Premier League safety with a 2-0
victory at Leicester City on Saturday and now conclude the 2017/18 campaign
with home fixtures with Manchester United and Everton. Defender Rice, who
made an impressive 30th first-team appearance at the King Power Stadium,
believes the squad will have taken great confidence from their performance
against the Foxes, where the defence secured a first clean sheet in five
matches and the win was confirmed by Mark Noble's outstanding 25-yard
volley. Now, with their top-flight status confirmed, the impressive teenager
says the players can express themselves at London Stadium. "I would say
that's one of the best performances we've put up this season," said the
No41. "We knew before the game that it was crucial that we got three points.
"A point maybe would have been enough, but three points were the aim and
I've never seen us so focused in the dressing room before the game and so
ready to go out there and put in a performance. "We're focusing now on Man
United and we want to go out and win that and we want to win the Everton
game as well and try to finish as high as possible in the table."
After Joao Mario had put West Ham in front, Rice had a grandstand view of
Noble's clincher, which saw his fellow Academy of Football graduate belt a
unstoppable volley into the bottom corner of the Leicester net. "Nobes
scored one in training a few weeks back which a worldy with his left, but
I've never seen a ball hit so sweetly like that," the 18-year-old smiled.
"Even to take it on… I was right in front of it and it just swerved into the
bottom corner. "What a goal by Nobes! He was outstanding all day, as well.
He's a proper captain and led by example."
As always, Rice was cheered on by his family, who have travelled the length
and breadth of the country with the Claret and Blue Army during the
youngster's first full season in the Premier League. At the final whistle,
the defender joined the supporters and his teammates to celebrate staying
up, and the centre-back said survival was the least the fans deserved for
their loyalty this and every season. "When you've got fans like that, who
travel home and away and pay lots of money, when we put on a performance
like that, it means they can go home happy. "My brother was in there and he
and they didn't stop singing, so a massive 'Thank you' to the fans, because
they've been excellent for us all season and we really do appreciate that."
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Moyes: I want West Ham to win games regularly
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United's target must be to find a greater level of
consistency in their play next season. After guiding the Hammers to Premier
League safety with a 2-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday, the manager
spoke to the media about how to ensure the Club is not dragged into another
relegation battle in 2018/19. With all three promoted teams potentially
staying up and three seemingly established Premier League clubs facing the
drop, the 2017/18 season has been among the most competitive in recent
history. Indeed, so close has been the competition that West Ham could yet
secure a top-ten finish, despite the fact they have spent virtually the
entire season in the bottom half. To do so, they will have to win three
straight league games for the first time this campaign – a level of
consistency Moyes craves. "I always felt that the team was good enough to be
looking up the league, rather than down, but there were some games we'd
really have like to have done a lot better in, but we didn't," he reflected.
"With the runs teams like West Brom and Crystal Palace have been on, the
bottom half of the league has been pretty exciting this season and I don't
think there is any guarantee that any one team is necessarily that much
better than another. "I must say, I think the three promoted teams who came
up really put the cat among the pigeons when they found their form. "I think
it's hard to judge how I've done this season. I actually would like to be a
manager who wins games regularly. I don't want to be a manager who is
battling around relegation. I want to have winning teams. "I had eleven
years of, in the main, winning teams, and that's what I want to do. I want
to be challenging the top teams and have a team that, most weeks, I have an
idea of what their level of performance will likely be, because that means
I'm feeling a lot better every week, rather than wondering if we are up or
down. "Some of our performances here have been excellent and some I've
wondered 'Where did that come from?'. "Consistency is getting yourself at a
level of play and building it, and everybody would like consistency."
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HIGGINBOTHAM DROOLS OVER WEST HAM DUO
Date: 7th May 2018 at 1:56pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
Forever WestHam
Danny Higginbotham heaped praise on West Ham duo Marko Arnautovic and Manuel
Lanzini and claimed that it was vital the club kept both players. The Sky
Sports pundit gushed about the two attack-minded players as he thought they
had been key to David Moyes' side securing their Premier League status for
another season. "Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic have struck up a
brilliant understanding at West Ham, they have been key to the Hammers
beating the drop," said Higginbotham in his column for The Sun. "David Moyes
was originally forced to play Arnautovic up front due to injury problems but
the Austrian and Argentine Lanzini have become a serious attacking threat.
"It is vital the club keep hold of both players if they are to avoid another
relegation battle next season. "While Stoke got £24million for Arnautovic,
they might have beaten the drop if he'd stayed."
The Hammers confirmed that they would be in the Premier League next season
after beating Leicester 2-0 on Saturday, which was enough to be mathematical
safe as Southampton ended up drawing with Everton.
Higginbotham's glowing praise of Lanzini and Arnautovic for their
performances this season is more than warranted. Arnautovic has managed to
score 10 goals in 33 appearances this season, and his goals have been more
than helpful in firing the Hammers away from the relegation zone. Whereas
Lanzini has used his creative genius in the 27 games that he has featured
in, to contribute nine assists to the cause. Both players have been a touch
above the majority of their teammates with their displays this season and
there would be uproar if either left the London Stadium in the summer. This
would especially be the case with Arnautovic who only arrived from Stoke
City ahead of the start of this season. The 29-year-old took a little bit
time to get going at the Hammers and it would be a shame if he left anytime
soon. While the idea is horrible to think about, either of the players
leaving would be highly unlikely. The only way that scenario changes is if
Moyes leaves and a new manager doesn't rate either player, which would be
bizarre, or if a top-six side make too good an offer to turn down.
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West Ham in need of summer changes to avoid another torrid season, admits
Mark Noble
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham captain Mark Noble says there needs to be change on and off the
pitch over the summer in order to avoid another chaotic season at London
Stadium.
After struggling to settle in their new Stratford home last term, there was
hope the second season would be an easier ride. However, with a sacking, a
relegation battle and resentment from the fans pouring onto the pitch
against Burnley, things have far from gone to plan. The penultimate weekend
of the Premier League season saw the Hammers' safety secured, however,
things still look far from bright. There is dispute over what players
deserve to stay put, how much money will be available and who will be in
charge come the summer. There is, then, still plenty to be resolved. But
Noble knows that something has to change to see the club climb the table
once more next season. "There needs to be a lot of change," he said. "I
would not say no to that, on and off the pitch. A lot of stuff needs to
change. I am really hoping, and I am convinced it will during the summer.
"If fans are coming to games and are not happy and we go 1-0 down then we
feel that. There is no point lying. "We need to win games and we have not
won enough this season. That is why we are where we are. It's been really
tough, I certainly don't want another one like this."
With safety secured, David Moyes' side can now go out and look to end the
season on a high with home games against two of the Scotsman's former clubs
in Manchester United and Everton this week.
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