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Brooking excited for Stadium move
WHUFc.com
West Ham United legend Trevor Brooking is excited about the move to the Olympic Stadium
24.09.2014

West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking attended the launch of the Club's Reservation Centre at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford on Tuesday. The Reservation Centre allows all Hammers fans to choose their seats and hospitality packages at the iconic Olympic Stadium ahead of the move in time for the start of the 2016/17 season. In an illustrious career for the Hammers, Sir Trevor made 643 appearances, scoring an impressive 102 goals. In a recent survey on whufc.com he was voted into the West Ham All-time XI. Speaking at the opening of the Reservation Centre, he said: "The switch to the new stadium is fantastic. Moving to a 54,000 seat stadium was always going to be a challenge. The club has done a fantastic job to counter all the obstacles."

A feature of the new stadium will be 3,700 corporate seats available for all fans, providing the highest quality hospitality in football: "The 3,700 seats with excellent hospitality, combined with the stadium's fantastic location and accessibility given all the different transport routes will be truly remarkable. "The hospitality packages are important because they give a flexibility over the prices for the remaining seats. You want every fan to be able to see their team as well as having a full stadium."

Sir Trevor Brooking played alongside some of West Ham's most famous players: "I was a young lad when I joined the club in 1965 as an apprentice. In 1964 we won the cup, '65 won the Cup Winners' Cup. "Every West Ham fan will tell you that we won the World Cup in 1966. To be at the Club with three World Cup players like Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst who played such a big part was fantastic."

Sir Trevor's efforts were rewarded when the Centenary Stand was renamed in his honour in August 2009. His legacy is set to continue as the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand will feature in the new stadium, as will the Bobby Moore Stand. "When Bobby's stand was created everyone was pleased. I knew him well and it was sad that he passed away so early. When I was asked if they could name a stand after myself that was great of course. It's very nice that the two stands have been incorporated into the new stadium, it's fantastic really."

The West Ham legend is excited by the Hammers' good start to the season and hopes they can maintain their form. "Last Saturday was great, one of the best performances of the last few years. The squad has a bit more depth this year. You want the club to move with the feeling that the club is going forward.
 
"The criticism of Sam was a bit unfair. It's always been tough for managers to come here due to the history they are compared against. The current group of players look very comfortable with the way they played on Saturday."I'm sure Sam and everybody else went home delighted. He and the board deserve credit for strengthening the squad and embracing a more positive mentality."

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Mediawatch - 24 September
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the West Ham United stories making the news
24.09.2014

West Ham United's Club London launch is covered extensively in this morning's press, with this City AM piece leading on Vice-Chairman Karren Brady's stated ambition to take the Hammers into the top six following their move to the new Stadium.

The Daily Mail article included several of the new CGI images of the Stadium, released as part of the Club London launch.

The Sun (£) leads on the Vice-Chairman's comments that Club London is going to set a 'new benchmark for football hospitality'.

Meanwhile, the BBC's take on Tuesday's event includes Andy Carroll's quotes that he is targeting a return to full fitness as soon as possible.

Away from Club London, the Guardian reports on Ravel Morrison's tweet that he is set to join Cardiff City on a three-month loan deal.
Finally, the Daily Mirror's Ryder Cup countdown includes a piece on Europe captain Paul McGinley, who speaks about his love for the Hammers.

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The Big Interview - Diego Poyet
WHUFc.com
The young midfielder is looking forward to a bright future with West Ham United - on and off the pitch
24.09.2014

As West Ham United revealed ambitious plans for the world's best sports hospitality at the Club's new Stadium, Diego Poyet has spoken with huge enthusiasm about the future. The 19-year-old joined the Hammers from Charlton Athletic in the summer and made his first-team debut in the Barclays Premier League victory at Crystal Palace in August.With the Club's move to its new 54,000-seater home - complete with the unique Club London members club offering bespoke corporate hospitality for 3,700 supporters - less than two years away, Poyet says things are looking bright for both himself and West Ham as a whole.

Diego, you've just seen a fantastic presentation about how the new Stadium will look in 2016. For a young guy like you, it must be exciting?

"For players, it's great to see that the Club has such ambitions, as it is really important to see that it is moving forward to such a special new Stadium. "It's a great Stadium so there will be a bit of pressure on the players to produce there. It's going to have a big capacity as well, so I'm sure there will be a great atmosphere and the fans will fill it every other week and give us a great reception.
"It will be the biggest stage I've ever played on, so if we're getting 50-odd thousand week-in and week-out, it'll help us to grow as a Club and to win games as well. Every home game will be a huge occasion and hopefully we can turn it into a fortress."

How are things going for you football-wise at the moment?

"It's been difficult to get into the team because we have signed a few players and we've got a very good squad, as everyone can tell. I'm fine, training hard and making sure that I'm ready for when I get my chance."

Saturday's win over Liverpool must have given the whole squad a lift?

"Yes, the squad is very happy, and the staff are as well. We showed everyone what a good, strong squad we are and how we can really push on this season. "Everyone was happy on Sunday, but since then we have just cracked on with training and got on with what we do, concentrating on what we can do at Manchester United on Saturday."

Saturday's fine performance was not just down to the eleven on the pitch - the strength of the squad means competition for places is fierce and the standard and intensity of training is high every day?

"Like I said, we have got a very big squad so we train together and everyone trains hard every day, whether they are starting or not. If you are not on it, the other players will let you know in a good way to ensure that standards are kept high."Everyone is together on matchdays, whether they are starting, on the bench or not on the bench. On Saturday, I think you could tell what a strong and close squad we are by how pleased everyone was with the result."

Cheikhou's injury means he will be sidelined for a few weeks. While nobody likes to see their team-mate miss games, his absence will give somebody else a chance to stake a claim for a starting place?

"Like I said, there are lots players so the Gaffer has a lot of options to use players in different positions, should he wish to change the formation or anything."Obviously, it was very sad to see Cheikhou get injured and I was talking to him on Tuesday to try to help him to keep calm and positive. I hope he is back as soon as possible."If there is a place available and I get his place, then I will stay the same, work hard every day and do what I can."

Were the manager to call on you on Saturday, you have the confidence that you have the talent to produce the goods at Old Trafford…

"I'm training with them every day, so I am trying to be the standard that they are as Premier League players. If the opportunity came, I can tell you now that I'd give it everything I have got. I will leave everything I have got on the pitch."If I'm on the bench and have to wait for my chance, I'll be supporting the boys. That's how I am. We're a squad and it's the squad that will help us do well this season."

It's easy to forget you are still just 19, so how are you feeling about the prospect of playing in front of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford against Manchester United?

"I think all the boys are very excited to be playing against Manchester United and their new players. I know they lost at the weekend, but you cannot forget what top players they are."We believe we can not only match them but beat them and get more points on the board from our trip to Old Trafford. That would be even better for the team."We want to attack them. Leicester showed some of their weaknesses and they will come out firing at us on Saturday, but it's up to us to match them and take our chances. We're coming off a win and they're coming off a loss, so you never know. We'll give everything and hopefully we'll get something."

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'We've got everything going for us'
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was in positive mood as West Ham United launched Club London on Tuesday
24.09.2014

Andy Carroll reckons the sky is the limit for West Ham United, as he enjoyed a glimpse of the future at the Club's dedicated New Stadium Reservation Centre in Stratford on Tuesday. Upon being greeted with spectacular new Computer Generated Images of the Hammers' 2016 home, the Gateshead-born centre-forward insisted there is a collective excitement about the prospect of playing in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
That feel-good factor is boosted by a thoroughly encouraging start to the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign and so Carroll believes there is every reason to be cheerful. "The Stadium's going to be one of the best about," he told West Ham TV. "The whole outside, the inside, just the feel of it when you get in there. We took a look around when we first got it and though it was empty, it was still great. Just imagine when it's full of fans. "It looks fantastic on the screen and in all that we're seeing. Now that we've seen it a couple of times on video, everyone's looking forward to being there and being a part of it."

Convinced that the Hammers are firmly on an upward trajectory, Carroll says that European football is within this group's grasp, not least with a magnificent new Stadium looming large on the horizon."When I first signed, Sam [Allardyce] said this team here at West Ham could go on to be in the top six and get into Europe," he explained. "I can see the plan coming together now, we've got the players and I don't see why we couldn't do it. The quality's there. The Stadium's fantastic, the fans get behind us, we've got everything going for us."

Following Tuesday's launch of Club London - the Stadium's stunning new VIP areas - the Club's meticulous migration of supporters is set to commence. Each and every Season Ticket Holder can expect a bespoke appointment at the Reservation Centre, an opportunity that Carroll would dearly have loved as a Newcastle United fan growing up.He continued: "That will be great for the fans. I used to have a Season Ticket at Newcastle and if I could have gone in and picked my own seat it would have made it a whole lot better. So I think for the fans to come here and pick their own seat to watch us will be great."

Following successful surgery in the summer, Carroll himself is enjoying the view from the stands just now and was certainly impressed with Saturday's resounding 3-1 win over his former employers Liverpool. "You always want to be out there and being involved, but it was such a good game and exciting to get the three points as we did. I was desperate to be out there, but the way I was jumping about in the box when we scored and won, I think I did enough work for the day, on my ankle anyway!"

Thankfully, the Big Man's rehabilitation is all going perfectly to plan and Carroll is already gearing up for the challenge of fighting for his spot in the side when the time comes. Much of that strength in depth is courtesy of the Hammers' summer transfer dealings, many, if not all of whom have made an exceptional start to life in Claret and Blue.

"The recovery's going well," he added. "I started running about ten days ago, so that feels good, I haven't had a problem with it, so it's all good at the minute. I've got to take each day as it comes and, like I say, there hasn't been a setback so far. Hopefully it'll be just the same all the way through until I'm back fit.
"Every team needs that little bit of a battle to get back in the side and I think that's one of the good things we have here. We've got a good squad and everyone's fighting for a place. I think the new lads have been great, coming in the way they have and fitting straight in. It's been a great lift and a great boost for everyone at the Club."

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Morrison joins Cardiff on loan
WHUFC.com
Hammers midfielder Ravel Morrison has linked up with Championship side Cardiff City
24.09.2014

West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison has joined Sky Bet Championship side Cardiff City on a three-month emergency loan deal, subject to international clearance. The 21-year-old links up with the Bluebirds until 26 December and will hope to fire the south Wales club up the Championship table. Morrison has made two first team appearances for the Hammers this term - in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United and the Barclays Premier League against Southampton - and now embarks on a third loan spell in the Championship, following previous temporary moves to Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers. Morrison played 17 games for the R's last term, helping them win promotion back to the Barclays Premier League, adding to the 27 second-tier appearances he made for Birmingham. Cardiff currently sit 16th in the table, having gained nine points in eight games - a start which cost boss Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer his job last week. Morrison could make his debut in Cardiff's home game against Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday.

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West Ham's Karren Brady is unreceptive to Spurs ground-share
BBC.co.uk

West Ham would likely block any move from Tottenham Hotspur to ground-share at the Olympic Stadium, according to Hammers' vice-chairman Karren Brady. West Ham move into the Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2016, while Spurs could be looking for a temporary home while their new stadium next to White Hart Lane is constructed in 2017-18. "No-one has asked us for our permission (to ground-share) and if they did we would probably say no, depending on who it is - if you get my drift," Brady, 45, said."We are the anchor tenant for the winter matches and nothing else can happen in that time without our permission."Our football matches take priority over everything else."

Tottenham's possible alternative venues
Stadium Who plays there Capacity Distance from White Hart Lane
Wembley England and selected matches 90,000 12.7 miles
Olympic Stadium No-one, until West Ham in summer 2016 54,000 six miles
Stadium MK Milton Keynes Dons 30,000 48.6 miles

Tottenham said last week they had revised the construction timetable for their new 56,250-capacity stadium, next to their current White Hart Lane ground, while their plans are being challenged by current landowners. The legal wrangle means they are "highly unlikely" to move into their new stadium as scheduled for 2017-18. Other potential ground-shares include Wembley and stadiummk in Milton Keynes. West Ham, who will be leaving their current Upton Park home, could veto a potential move by Spurs to the Olympic Stadium, even if Tottenham agreed a deal with the London Legacy Development Corporation. Brady was speaking at the launch of the Club London members' scheme, which will see 3,700 hospitality spaces in the 54,000-capacity stadium.

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Andy Carroll: Ankle injury has been 'a nightmare' for striker
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

West Ham striker Andy Carroll says being injured has been "a nightmare" but he hopes to return to training soon after undergoing an ankle operation. Carroll, 25, who had surgery in the United States in July, is running again and on track for a return in December. "I was devastated," he said of being told he would be out for four months. "The last place I want to be is in the treatment room. Watching the lads outside every day - it's a nightmare. They're doing what I want to do."

Andy Carroll's injury record at West Ham
September 2012 - Picks up hamstring injury in his first game on loan - out for a month
November 2012 -Twists knee against Manchester United - sidelined for two months
May 2013 - Damages heel in the last game of the season - out for seven months
July 2014 - Tears ankle ligaments in pre-season - expected to be out for four months

He was speaking as the Hammers announced more details about their move to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker added: "Everything is going well, and the running at this stage is earlier than expected. I've been running for the last 10 days."

Carroll said he rolled the ankle in training during the pre-season tour of New Zealand, and torn ligaments were eventually diagnosed when club physios insisted something was not right despite three specialists in London failing to identify the problem. He joined West Ham for a club record fee of £15m from Liverpool on a six-year contract in June 2013 after impressing during a loan spell. But he missed the majority of 2013-14 with a heel problem - managing just 15 league appearances.The forward, who has been capped nine times by England, said he was aware of criticism that he was injury-plagued, but remained determined to return to the first team.

Andy Carroll's Premier League record
Club Season Matches Goals
West Ham 2013-14 15 2
West Ham 2012-13 24 7
Liverpool 2012-13 2 0
Liverpool 2011-12 35 4
Liverpool 2010-11 7 2
Newcastle United 2010-11 19 11

"I don't really care what people say. I know I've had problems with injuries and I'm not hiding away from that. Hopefully this is the last one and I can get it out of the way," he said. "Obviously the club have put a lot of faith in me, paying so much money, but I don't feel like I've let them down. It's an injury that I couldn't help but I do want to be out there and repay the faith they've had in me."

Speaking at the launch of the Club London hospitality scheme, West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said the Hammers were aiming to become a top-six club regularly playing in European competition. Asked if that was realistic, Carroll said: "The way we are going, the players we have signed and the future with the Olympic Stadium, I don't see why we can't be up there." "We will price it to sell out, from the most expensive hospitality to the 'kids for a quid' games," said West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady Brady said she was confident West Ham could fill the Stratford venue despite it having the capacity for 20,000 more fans than their current home at the Boleyn Ground."We will price it to sell out, from the most expensive hospitality to the 'kids for a quid' games," she said. She hinted that the club would be unlikely to grant permission for rivals Tottenham Hotspur to groundshare for a season while they wait to move into their new stadium.
"No-one has asked us for our permission and if they did we would probably say no, depending on who it is - if you get my drift," she said.
West Ham hope there will be a 'digital wrap' around the multi-sport venue, with images released on Tuesday showing the acronym 'COYI' (Come on you Irons) for Hammers matchdays.Work has already started on a new club store and ticket office, while installation of a transparent roof begins next month.

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Nolan: no place is guaranteed
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Kevin Nolan believes that West Ham's recent good form is good for the team - whilst not necessarily for his own hopes of getting back into the team.The club captain has been out of action since sustaining a fractured shoulder in training ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace a month ago. Since then, the Hammers have been on a good run of form with wins against Palace and Liverpool and a draw at Hull.The 32-year-old is due back in action within a fortnight, with the visit of Queens Park Rangers on 5 October targeted as a return date. However he is under no illusion that his place will be waiting for him when he returns."No one is guaranteed a game," he told Ken Dyer (Standard). "If you don't play well there is someone breathing down your neck and that can only be good for the squad. But if you want to get better, you need that strength in depth."

That revelation will be music to the ears of those who have levelled constant criticism at Nolan, West Ham's leading goalscorer for the last two seasons, in recent months. Viewed by some as undroppable due to his close relationship with manager Sam Allardyce, the midfielder has been accused of failing to reproduce the form he showed in his first two seasons at the club.Other accusations - such as those claiming he lacks mobility and effort, despite only Mark Noble having covered more ground than Nolan in the 2012/13 West Ham squad - have been wide of the mark. Yet fears persisted that the team's recent run of form could be derailed by an unwarranted return. Part of the problem last season was that Nolan - to mention but one player - had little competition for his place. His natural successor, Ravel Morrison had imploded and ended up on loan at QPR whilst the likes of Mo Diame had proven inconsistent when employed in a central role.

However following the arrival of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate, manager Allardyce now has a plethora of options to choose from - with added competition for places having already proved beneficial in terms of results, as witnessed against Liverpool last weekend.

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Bilic: No interest in West Ham job
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has spoken with some bemusement at the constant speculation regarding the former Croatia manager and Sam Allardyce's position.Bilic has long been cited as a potential replacement for the present incumbent, who has hit the ground running this season with West Ham currently sitting eighth in the Premier League after five league games.However the 46-year-old former central defender, who walked out on West Ham in 1997 in order to join Everton admitted that he had no interest in the role, even if it did become available.
"I really do not know why I'm being linked with them," he told Sportske Novosti. "I guess rumours like that are just part of this sport.
"I played there, now I'm a manager and it is not the first time that people are talking about me. They did that even when I was the Croatia manager."But the reality is that I'm just thinking about Besiktas and the work I'm doing there. I'm spending all my energy for Besiktas."Bilic also claimed he has been approached regarding a managerial role in England SEVEN times in the past four years - all of which had been rejected.

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A new home until Christmas
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison has completed his short-term loan switch move to Championship club Cardiff City.Morrison, who is currently out-of-favour at the Boleyn Ground has joined the Welsh club on a three-month loan deal that keeps the midfielder at the Cardiff City Stadium until Boxing Day (26 December).The news was confirmed by the Welsh club on their website this afternoon. "We are pleased to announce that Ravel Morrison has this afternoon completed a short-term loan move to Cardiff City Football Club, subject to international clearance," it stated."He will be eligible to play in up to 15 Championship fixtures during that time, including our game at Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day. All at Cardiff City Football Club welcome Ravel and look forward to seeing him in the City shirt soon."Morrison made just two appearances for West Ham this season before securing the move.

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Mason takes charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Lee Mason has been named as referee for this weekend's Manchester United vs West Ham United clash.

Hailing from Bolton, Greater Manchester, 42-year-old Mason has been a referee since 1988 when he officiated in the Bolton Boys' Federation League. He became a member of the Select Group Referees list in 2006.

Last season (2013/14), he officiated 30 matches in all competitions awarding an average of 3.57 yellow cards and 0.10 red cards per games. He has issued three red cards in each of the last two seasons - down from the record eight he meted out in 2008/09.

Mason has taken control of several matches involving West Ham in recent years, the most recent being United's 2-0 home defeat at the Boleyn Ground in March of this year. Most controversially in that game, Mason allowed a Wayne Rooney goal from the halfway line to stand even though he appeared to shove James Tomkins prior to scoring.

Two months earlier the same official took charge of West Ham's hugely-important 2-0 win at Cardiff - a result that went some way to deciding the ultimate fate of both teams in 2013/14. Despite returning to London with all three points, the Hammers had to make do with only ten men for the final quarter of the game after James Tomkins was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Mason was also charged with oversseeing West Ham's 1-0 defeat at Crsytal Palace in December of last year. It could have been worse for the Hammers had the match official not disregarded Jimmy Kebe's strike, which he deemed (correctly) to be offside. However it could have been much better too, had Mason not ruled out Stewart Downing's effort with Joey O'Brien strangely accused of shirt-tugging - when all evidence pointed to the Irishman being the offended, not the offender.

In September 2013 West Ham lost 3-2 at the Boleyn to Everton. Mark Noble became the first of Mason's victims for the season that day when he was dismissed for a second bookable offence, even though thousands of Hammers behind the goal insisted that Noble made contact with the ball before bringing down Ross Barkley.

Some of the other West Ham games Mason has officiated include:

22 September 2012: West Ham Utd 1-1 Sunderland
"...the complete absence of yellow cards from the ref was somewhat baffling and served only to encourage continued repetition of such challenges with Cattermole in particular gleefully kicking people up in the air safe in the knowledge that there was always at least one more foul available before a card might come."

2 April 2011: West Ham Utd 2-4 Manchester Utd
"As Avram Grant dallied on the touchline referee Mason once again infuriated the Boleyn faithful with an astonishingly poor penalty decision against Matthew Upson that set the visitors up for only their fifth away win of the season."

12 February 2011: West Brom 3-3 West Ham Utd
"Lee Mason waved away a fifth penalty appeal when Noble went down in the box before Ba saw an effort cleared off the line by Nicky Shorey. When the African's penalty appeal on 67 minutes - the game's sixth, and possibly the strongest - was ignored by Mason you got the distinct impression he had made his mind up not to award any today."

18 September 2010: Stoke City 1-1 West Ham Utd
"Always a lively affair, this fixture lived up to its name with four first half bookings, two for each side."

12th December 2009: Birmingham City 1-0 West Ham Utd
No comments.

24th January 2009: Hartlepool Utd 0-2 West Ham Utd
"The referee ruled that the ball was inside the area and gave a penalty. Television replays showed this was a mistake but Noble took advantage of this lucky-break by scoring from the spot. "

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Brady: not in my back yard
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th September 2014
By: Staff Writer

Karren Brady has rejected claims that West Ham may have to ground-share with Tottenham whilst White Hart Lane is being redeveloped.
A fortnight ago, Chair of the Budget and Performance Committee John Biggs AM claimed that the LLDC would welcome an approach from Tottenham, who are looking for a new home for at least one season."The government has cut funding to the LLDC (London Legacy Development Corporation), so it's pretty clear that they would welcome an approach from Tottenham as the income generated would be a boost," Biggs told a London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee meeting."Retro-fitting a roof to the Olympic Stadium is an expensive exercise and Londoners will have to foot the cost of any overruns. "The Olympic Stadium is a good option for Spurs fans and for taxpayers - although West Ham may have something to say about it – but I'm sure it would be possible to come to a ground-sharing agreement."

However Biggs' claims have been rejected by West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady, who insisted that West Ham have the power to veto any such plans. "In reality they [Tottenham] probably could [ground share the Olympic Stadium] – but only with our permission," she said. "No one has asked us for our permission and, if they did, we would probably say no, depending on who it is – if you get my drift. "We are the anchor tenant for the winter matches and nothing else can happen in that time without our permission and our football matches take priority over everything else."

From 2015, the LLDC's annual funding is being cut from £38m (2013/14) to £10m, an annual subsidy from the Greater London Authority (GLA).

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Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic plays down West Ham United speculation
By Jure Bohoric | Last Updated: 24/09/14 3:39pm
SSN

Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from reports linking him with West Ham United. Reports have suggested that the 46-year-old Croatian is on the radar of the Premier League club, even though the Hammers have made an encouraging start to the new season.
Sam Allardyce's future has been the topic of speculation for some time, despite regular backing from his bosses, and there continue to be rumours that there could be a managerial change.However, Bilic has given no thought to replacing Allardyce as he remains committed to Besiktas."I really do not know why I'm being linked with them," he told Sportske Novosti. "I guess rumours like that are just part of this sport."I played there, now I'm a manager and it is not the first time that people are talking about me. They did that even when I was the Croatia manager."But the reality is that I'm just thinking about Besiktas and the work I'm doing there. I'm spending all my energy for Besiktas."

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Andy Carroll has 'no target' for West Ham comeback
Last Updated: 24/09/14 11:09am
SSN

Andy Carroll expects to be back in full training at West Ham early next month but says there is "no target" for his comeback. The 25-year-old joined the Hammers from Liverpool on a permanent contract in the summer of 2013 for a club-record transfer fee of £15million. Since then, Carroll has endured a frustrating time at the Boleyn Ground due to various injuries.He underwent ankle ligament surgery after suffering a serious setback in pre-season training, having missed the first half of last season with a foot injury.But Carroll is now running again and expects to take part in full training sessions again early in October."I've not had a problem since I've been back running. There's no target, but I'm ready when I'm ready." "I haven't had a problem with my ankle or anything," Carroll told The Guardian. "In the next couple of weeks, I should be joining in with the lads. "I've got to take it slowly - obviously I've had a few niggles and problems in the past. I don't want them to carry on, so I've got to take it one step at a time. "That's why it's going so well and I'm not rushing anything. I've not had a problem since I've been back running. There's no target, but I'm ready when I'm ready. The physio says there is no target." The England international insists that he does not feel that he has let West Ham down and is determined to make up for lost time."I don't really care what people say to be honest," he added. "I know myself and know I've had problems. I'm not hiding away from that. Hopefully this is the last one and I get it out of the way. I just want to get back playing football."They have put a lot of faith in me, paying a lot of money. I don't feel I've let them down because obviously it's an injury that I couldn't have helped. I've done it in training and in a game."It's an injury that I don't want and obviously no one at the club wants. I do obviously want to be back out there, repaying the faith they put in me."

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West Ham's Andy Carroll vows to make Hammers fans love him again after latest long injury layoff
Sep 23, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Striker who missed half of last season after club-record £15million move from Liverpool is closing in on another comeback following ankle surgery in July
The Mirror

Andy Carroll has backed himself to return as West Ham's main striker – despite their impressive form in his absence. The £15.5million club-record signing has also defended himself against suggestions he needs to repay the Hammers' faith after making just 12 league starts since his permanent signing from ­Liverpool last summer. Carroll, closing in on a first-team return after being ruled out for four months with an ankle injury in July, said: "I don't feel I've let them down because, obviously, it's an injury that I couldn't have helped.
I've done it in training and in a game. It's an injury I don't want and obviously no one at the club wants."I do want to be back out there, repaying the faith they put in me. I don't really care what people say. I know I've had problems. I'm not hiding away from that.
"Hopefully, this is the last one, and I get it out of the way. I just want to get back playing football."

In Carroll's absence last season – with another injury, this time of the Achilles variety – West Ham saved themselves from relegation.
They have also recovered from a ­disappointing start to the current campaign, ­comfortably beating Liverpool last weekend.And new striker Diafra Sakho has become the first Hammers player to score in his opening three starts since Leroy Rosenior in 1988.The performances have left fans split between the ex-Metz marksman and Carroll, bt the former Newcastle striker added: "When I'm on form and playing well I can get in the starting line-up.ReutersWest Ham United's Diafra Sakho celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0Andy who? West Ham fans are split between Carroll and new signing Diafra Sakho "When you've got a big team and a good squad like we've got now, that's a good thing to have, to fight for your place and not expect it."I'm just dying to be back out there and involved, even just in training. I'm getting a lot closer now, I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I'll be out there soon. But football and training, that's different."It's only been two months since the ankle injury so everything is going well. Running at this stage is earlier than expected."

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Diego Poyet: 'I was happy at Charlton but when West Ham came in I had to leave'
By Rob Virtue on September 24, 2014 12:49 PM | Tagged with: Charlton, Diego Poyet, West Ham
Wharf.co.uk

West Ham's summer signing has rejected accusations his move north of the river was mistake.The young midfielder left Charlton in July just weeks after he was voted the Addicks player of the year. But despite chances being limited to a cup start and one substitute appearance in the league, the 19-year-old said he's enjoying a steep learning curve at the Premier League side."I'm very young and I knew it was going to be very hard for me to get into the team, especially considering the number of players in front of me in my position," said Poyet.
"But I'm training day, in day out, I'm learning every game whether I'm involved, on the bench or just watching. I'm calm, I'm seeing what the future holds, but I'm very happy to be here."I knew my contact was running out at Charlton and I would have to look at other teams. I had a few offers but as soon as I heard West Ham were after me I knew it was the club."People will always have opinions, saying 'why did you go there, you won't have a chance to play' but I'm 19, I'm in no rush. I'm learning every day surrounded by good players. So I'm pleased I've made the decision I did."

Poyet returned to The Valley to see the Addicks beat Watford earlier this month. He admits the side he captained at youth level and made his league debut for at the beginning of 2014 still has a place in his heart."I went to The Valley to watch a game," said Poyet. "We were playing on Monday night so I went on a Saturday after training to see some of my old teammates. They got a result and I will always wish Charlton all the best but I'm a West Ham player now."

The midfielder denied changes at The Valley, including new owners and managers Chris Powell and Jose Riga leaving in quick succession, had an impact on his decision to quit.But he suggested lack of action from the previous regime had an effect."My contract was running out and perhaps it would have been different if the owners before had sorted it out but, with my contract finishing at the end of the season, I had to weigh up my options."There were a few clubs and Charlton were still playing a big part, I was happy there, but as soon as West Ham came in I had to go there."

Diego Poyet was talking at the launch of the club's reservation centre for the new Olympic Park stadium.And he said he and his teammates were impressed by what they had seen of the plans. "Everyone is very excited about the new stadium," he said. "It shows the ambition of the club and will just attract more players. It looks great and everyone can't wait."

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Here's how Kouyate is replaced at Old Trafford
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Only one question matter at West Ham United this week – how does Sam Allardyce replace Cheikhou Kouyate at Old Trafford and beyond?
There has no better player in the team this season and he justifiably collected the Player of the Month award from a London newspaper.
It's a hard one but the manager has options and I've tried very hard to put myself in his position and come up with an answer to perhaps the worst dilemma he could have faced at this stage of the season. He can't change the system – what started at Hull so wel,l and became a massive success against Liverpool, must be continued.So the diamond formation has to stay and although Stewart Downing did a brilliant job at its tip on Saturday where the main intention was to keep Steven Gerrard quiet, that will need to be reshuffled.So Stewart would be best moving to the left side where he was outstanding against Hull with Mark Noble on the right and Alex Song at its bottom.That leads me to believe that Mauro Zarate is the man to go in at the top of the diamond where he can be very effective given a chance.Of course it's not ideal and we know the best team will always include Cheik but I think this can work with Morgan Amalfitano on the bench ready to come on should something need tweaking.What we can't do is to sink into a defensive or even different formation given the way things have gone so far.Zarate tired against Hull but was outstanding against Palace so he'll be hoping, and so will I, that his moment to show himself at his very best will come at Old Trafford.

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Irons want Poyet assurances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham – whilst being ready to allow Diego Poyet to leave on loan – will want to make sure that he gets first team football. Poyet is the future apple of Sam Allardyce's eyes and the manager won't want any fiascos such as the one surrounding Matthias Fanimo who, having been loaned to Tranmere Rovers, hasn't been used in a single game. We understand that like Ravel Morrison who is now at Cardiff, the Hammers are ready to let nineteen year old Poyet is set for a three month loan spell.But the Irons are certain to seek assurances that the defensive midfielder gets a decent share of first team football. Poyet's is seen as a big player in the Irons future and the club will be desperate to ensure he gets exactly the right club. A club insider made the position clear saying: "There's no mileage for us in our players going out and sitting on the sidelines."We need to be sure they will be playing otherwise they might just as well stay where they are."

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Irons feelgood factor can boost Reid deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham's top brass are hoping the Hammers early season form will encourage Winston Reid to put pen to paper on a new deal.Victory over Liverpool at the weekend has raised hopes on various level with even Karren Brady talking up the club's Euro hopes.The feelgood factor spreading around the club as the club adopt an attacking policy will hit new heights if the team bring something back from Old Trafford at the weekend.Reid is still keeping the club waiting for a response to their £60k a week offer but insiders have been heartened by his recent upbeat interview when he spoke in glowing terms of the new arrivals and said the team had been playing 'pretty well.'A trusted source told ClaretandHugh exclusively, however, that the club didn't expect the central defender to make his position for a "few weeks. "But he added: "The boy's got a smile on his face and that's really encouraging. We are hoping he will realise he's part of something pretty special here at the moment."If we carry on as we have started we have to be more than hopeful that he will agree a new deal."

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