Daily WHUFC News - 10th October 2015

A message from the Vice-Chairman
WHUFC.com

I have watched with pride as a fantastic summer programme of events has seen so many thousands of sports fans from all corners of the globe flocking to the Olympic Stadium.

Anyone who questions the legacy of the 2012 Games has obviously not visited the Stadium this summer. If they had, they would have been professionally guided around by a local employee, relishing their new and important role. They would have witnessed a true athletics legacy, one that has already seen Usain Bolt and Mo Farah return for the Anniversary Games.

Or, perhaps, during these last three weeks they would have witnessed the spine-tingling moments as it played host to the international spectacle that is the Rugby World Cup. Thanks to the stunning acoustics of the Stadium's truly magnificent roof, national anthems and even the Haka reverberated around the famous venue and created an incredible atmosphere for those inside.

I certainly had goose bumps at the thought that only next summer this truly iconic landmark will host 54,000 of our magnificent supporters singing the anthem of East London – a chorus of Bubbles.

I am so proud that our vision for a true Olympic legacy is beginning to be realised and that our Club will continue to play a leading role in delivering it. Despite there still being plenty of work to do at the Stadium after the summer events programme has concluded, the reaction I have had from our supporters who went to watch the Rugby World Cup has been overwhelmingly positive.

I share the pride in what we have achieved in Stratford. We will be the anchor tenant and I am proud of the team I lead achieving such a positive result in our supporters' name.

In light of the LLDC's announcement that they are lodging an appeal against the Information Commissioner's judgment and the subsequent release of a more detailed version of our contract with them, I wanted to take this opportunity to address openly the intrigue, caused by the confidential nature of it, which, admittedly, has been minor and by people driven with their own agendas. We welcome that decision as, put simply, we have nothing to hide.

The agreement between West Ham and E20 represents a win for both parties. From our point of view, other than the personal affairs of my shareholders, we are happy to disclose the entire document.

However, quite clearly, E20 must continue to best serve the taxpayer through the negotiation of future contracts and users in the Stadium and it is therefore only right that details which affect their ability to do so remain confidential.

It has been reported that we got a good deal but it is worth remembering that West Ham went through three arduous, fair, competitive and thoroughly robust bidding processes. And the fact is we came out unanimously and convincingly on top each and every time.

This is because we were the only bidder with a true vision for the Stadium and its ability to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of our part of East London.
We saw the potential for the Stadium to be a truly world-class venue – the UK's No1 entertainment destination – and we stepped up, took the risk and nailed our colours to the mast, financially, and otherwise. We worked hard alongside the Mayor of London and our partners at the LLDC to find a long-term sustainable future for the Stadium.

Those involved are to be commended for their innovation. The ground-breaking transformation is down to their foresight. As a result, the Stadium now boasts retractable seats and the world's largest and most spectacular cantilevered roof. The outcome has been international sporting events flocking to use this stunning arena on the basis that it offers such a unique spectator experience and unrivalled sightlines.

I want to be clear though, the Stadium only gives us an opportunity. It needs to sit alongside a meticulously thought out player recruitment strategy, skilful and prudent custodianship of the Club's finances, an innovative business model for growth and, most of all, sheer hard work and determination to succeed.

Without us, all of the colour, vibrancy, revenue and, crucially, jobs we've seen return to East London this summer would not be there, as our 99 year tenancy was essential in underwriting the Stadium's other uses.

During the negotiations, did I do the best deal I could for West Ham United? Of course I did, that's my job, but not at the expense of the taxpayer. I think what is very clear to anyone reading the agreement for the first time, is just how determined I was to protect the rights of West Ham United and our fans during the negotiations, while also ensuring it was fair to the taxpayer.

Firstly, and most importantly, we have always promised our supporters that the Stadium will look and feel like home and that was made explicitly clear in the contract. Our Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands were legally guaranteed along with countless other opportunities to brand the Stadium and surrounding areas the West Ham way with our colours, honours and homage to our legends. Ultimately, anyone visiting the Stadium will be left in no doubt – this is the home of West Ham United.

There are also multiple clauses that will ensure the pitch and playing facilities will always meet the world-class specifications we enjoy at the Boleyn Ground. Those clauses protect us from any other use of the Stadium during the football season if we feel it would have an adverse effect on the pitch, playing facilities or our supporter experience.

The Overriding Priority Principle makes clear that our fixtures and events are ring-fenced and will always take priority over all other events that may be at the Stadium. This means we will always meet the responsibility we have to our governing bodies, including the Premier League, by ensuring our fixtures take precedence above any other user of the Stadium.

There have also been some ill-informed suggestions that my two Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, plan to sell the Club as soon as we move to Stratford. Having worked with them for nearly 25 years, I can tell you that nothing is further from the truth.

That is why we were perfectly happy to include an Enterprise Clause, which would return significant sums of money to the taxpayer should the Club be sold.

Although the exact terms of the agreement have to remain confidential to protect our commercial interests, the numbers we are talking are huge – hundreds of millions of pounds.

It has been widely reported that we will be paying an annual rent of £2.5m a year plus a £15m capital contribution towards the conversion. While this would be far more than any of the other groups or organisations that will be using the Stadium, these figures do not come close to reflecting the total amount from which the taxpayer stands to benefit.

E20 take the lion's share of the catering sales and also the naming rights revenue. Plus they will benefit further by performance-related bonus payments that could amount to many millions of pounds a year should we finish higher than tenth in the Premier League, as we stand today.

Ahead of our move into the Stadium in June next year, the Club will be investing in the region of a further £7m into the Stadium to ensure it truly looks and feels like our home.

We have already revealed our stunning new claret and blue seat design and, subject to planning, we will make further major announcements on some other key elements over the coming months. These will include a new Ticket Office, Stadium Store, Visitor Centre, offices, Boardroom and a host of other infrastructure benefits.

As we have seen over the past week, the new Stadium will bring life to this part of East London and will spearhead the regeneration of the local area, with West Ham United at its core. In just ten months we will be kicking off a new Premier League season there, watched by over 4.4 billion people across the globe and the legacy of 2012 will be even closer to being fulfilled.

I, for one, can't wait!

Karren Brady
Vice-Chairman

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Terzic welcomes 'euphoric' Klopp
WHUFC.com

Edin Terzic has welcomed Jurgen Klopp to the Barclays Premier League after his former boss was appointed as Liverpool manager. West Ham United's first-team coach served as a scout and coach under Klopp during the German's hugely successful spell in charge of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, where the pair won back-to-back league titles and reached the 2013 UEFA Champions League final. Terzic, who left Dortmund to join Slaven Bilic's backroom staff at Turkish club Besiktas in summer 2013 before following his compatriot to West Ham United in June this year, could not help but smile when he learned of Klopp's arrival at Anfield. "He is definitely going to bring some real excitement to this league," said the 32-year-old. "I think the media guys are going to love him because he is very intelligent, he is funny and he is very successful. "I am very happy for him and his staff, Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, and I think basically it's going to be a great, great deal for Liverpool, for the city and for the whole region because he is very emotional and he will bring euphoria to the whole club and to the whole region. For their supporters I think it's going to be great, too." I think basically it's going to be a great, great deal for Liverpool, for the city and for the whole region
Edin Terzic
Klopp's infectious personality, enthusiasm and passion made him a popular figure among Dortmund fans, but it was the bespectacled 48-year-old's outstanding achievement in making Borussia Germany's top club ahead of Bayern Munich that really set him apart. As someone who worked as a member of Klopp's technical staff, why does Terzic believe his former colleague was so successful at the Westfalenstadion? "He loves to have like an organised chaos, if you know what I mean!" the Hammers coach smiled. "What I mean is that there are rules in defence for organisation, but in the offense it is as fast as possible and scoring as many goals as possible, so for watching their games it is very good."
New Kop king Klopp announced himself to the British media on Friday morning by labelling himself 'The Normal One', when asked to give himself a Jose Mourinho-esque nickname. Terzic agreed with that self-assessment, before being asked for a single word to describe his current boss Bilic. After a long period of thought, the first-team coach's response was one which will encourage all Hammers fans. "If you are searching for one word to describe Slaven, he is the 'The Ambitious One!'."

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Chadwell Chatter - Mauro Zarate
WHUFC.com

Hola,

I feel good again now after getting over the injury I had earlier in the season. The injury was an important one, touching the tendon, but now it has gone and I feel strong. We couldn't rush it, but I'm ready to play again. I'm strong and fast and available if I'm selected. The international break is good for me because I can work on the training pitch more than normal to be perfect – at 100 per cent for the next match. I'm pleased to have scored two goals this season, and now I'm fit again I want to play more, to score goals and do well for the team. That is my job. Scoring on the first day of the season at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal was a fantastic feeling, but I want to score more goals! All the team is doing well and we're high up the league table. I think we could have won the last match against Sunderland, but they defended well. It was a good point for us really after coming back, and now we have a really difficult match against Crystal Palace next. We will have to be at our best to take the points there. I've got good memories there – I scored on my West Ham debut at Selhurst Park last year – and I hope for another goal this time.

Mauro

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Valencia returns in friendly thriller
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia made a successful return to action, while Andy Carroll got on the scoresheet as a West Ham United XI were edged out by Reading in seven-goal friendly thriller at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. Slaven Bilic will be thrilled to see Valencia back on the pitch after he picked up a serious knee and ankle injury in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Astra Giurgiu at the start of August. The Ecuador international has made a speedy recovery and managed to play the final 20 minutes of a seven goal thriller at the Boleyn Ground, making an immediate impact when he set up Carroll for a clinical finish late in the game. Bilic will also be pleased to see Carroll back on the scoresheet as he got a full 90 minutes under his belt and will be pushing hard for a first-team place ahead of the London derby against Crystal Palace on 17 October. With the international break taking place, the Hammers manager used the opportunity to name a strong line-up which included summer signings Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio, while Manuel Lanzini, James Tomkins, Pedro Obiang and Mauro Zarate were also included.

Club skipper Mark Noble, Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses were also introduced as substitutes in the second half of an open, thrilling game marked by two outstanding goals from Zarate.
Reading opened the scoring on 22 minutes and doubled the lead from the penalty spot just two minutes later after Tomkins was adjudged to have given away a foul inside the penalty box.
But the Hammers bit back on 35 minutes when Carroll's low shot came back off the post. The rebound fell to Zarate and he made no mistake, striking the ball into the roof of the net via the inside of the post. The Argentina striker then brought the home side level in spectacular fashion on 39 minutes when he raced towards the Reading box and fired an unstoppable shot which sailed into the roof of the net from 30 yards.

The Hammers could have taken the lead on 50 minutes when Zarate's corner picked out Carroll who saw his powerful close-range header kept out by the Reading goalkeeper. The rebound fell nicely to Oxford but he was caught off-balance and could only launch his shot over the bar. Instead, it was Reading who added a third on 59 minutes and they took control of the game on 72 minutes to make it 4-2. The game finished on a high note as Valencia made an impact as a substitute as he raced clear into the penalty box and cut the ball back for Carroll who made no mistake striking his shot into the back of the net. Reading held on for the victory, but Bilic will be able to take a number of positives from the performance as the team prepare for the big London derby at Selhurst Park next weekend.

West Ham United XI: Spiegel, Knoyle (Browne 71), Tomkins (Onariase 60), Oxford (Chambers 71), Hendrie (Page 46); Zarate (Payet 60mins), Obiang (Moses 60), Lanzini (Noble 46), Antonio (Valencia 71), Carroll, Jelavic

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Randolph thrilled at Irish win
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph might not have expected to play a pivotal role in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 victory over Germany on Thursday night - but he made sure he relished it. The Hammers stopper was named on the bench for the Aviva Stadium meeting with Joachim Low's World Cup winners, but entered the fray a minute before the break after Shay Given suffered a groin injury. Randolph provided the assist for Shane Long's 70th minute winner - a goal that keeps them in contention for automatic qualification for Euro 2016 - and he was thrilled his third cap came in such enjoyable circumstances. "I wasn't expecting it. I was literally just told I was going on and ran from the changing room out to the side of the pitch. Before I knew it I was on there playing," he said. "The atmosphere at the end was unbelievable. All I wanted was the ref to blow the whistle. It seemed like ten minutes instead of four added on. "It was great to play. The result is one that's going to go down in the history books. "A few of the boys said it in inside. It's brilliant to be part of it and it sets us up brilliantly for Sunday."

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Olympic Stadium: New details on West Ham deal revealed
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

West Ham will not have to pay for a range of staff including cleaners and turnstile operators when they move into the Olympic Stadium next year. Heating and lighting costs will also be covered by the stadium managers, the London Legacy Development Corporation. The LLDC denies the sums are being funded by the taxpayer, saying use of the stadium - including rental fees - will generate additional revenue. Ex-Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn wants the whole deal to be made public. "There shouldn't be any secrets on this - it's taxpayers' money - and we have every right to know the full deal," he told BBC Sport. A decision on the LLDC's appeal against a ruling to release full details of the deal is unlikely to be made for several months. It has released a copy of the 207-page document with less redacted sections than previously, but the amount of rent West Ham will be paying annually has not been revealed as this is considered to be commercially sensitive information. West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady says she fought for the best deal, but denies this was at the expense of taxpayers. The agreement indicates that the Hammers will have to make extra payments if they finish in the top 10 of the Premier League and/or qualify for Europe.

Cost of transforming the stadium
Of the £272m total transformation costs, £15m is being provided by West Ham, with £1m coming from UK Athletics. The stadium will have an initial 54,000 capacity and stage other events including rugby union matches and motorsport. Work has included installing a new 45,000 square metre cantilever roof, twice the size of the original, covering all the seats - it will be the largest of its kind in the world.
The local borough of Newham is contributing £40m, and national government £25m, with the remainder coming from a variety of sources, including Olympic Park land sales. Retractable seating for 21,000 spectators is being fitted to allow the athletics track to be used in the summer, and the venue will host the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

What will be provided for West Ham?

In August, the BBC revealed a large number of "facilities and services" would be paid for by the grantor - the publicly-funded LLDC - and not the club. These included the cost of stadium utilities, maintaining the pitch, and the goalposts and corner flags. Below is a list of other items, outlined in the agreement made public on Thursday, which the Hammers will not have to fund:
Undersoil heating and floodlighting
Ticket office and turnstiles
Drug testing and medical facilities
Concession areas cleared of snow and ice as required
Team changing rooms, plus changing rooms for ball persons and officials
Security, cleaning, pest control
Stadium tannoy, generator, CCTV surveillance system and monitors
LED pitch-side signage, scoreboards and jumbo video screens at each end of the pitch

What are West Ham paying for?

The Hammers are paying £15m towards the transformation costs of the stadium, and reportedly £2m to £2.5m rent annually as part of a 99-year lease. West Ham will also have to fork out a different amount each year based on which division the club is playing in, with the cost rising for every position they finish 10th or above in the Premier League. Additional fees will be charged if they win the FA Cup, qualify for the Europa League or Champions League, and should they triumph in those tournaments.

What do the main players say?

West Ham - Vice-chairman Karren Brady: "It has been reported that we got a good deal but it is worth remembering that West Ham went through three arduous, fair, competitive and thoroughly robust bidding processes. And the fact is we came out unanimously and convincingly on top each and every time. "Without us, all of the colour, vibrancy, revenue and, crucially, jobs we've seen return to east London this summer would not be there, as our 99-year tenancy was essential in underwriting the stadium's other uses. "During the negotiations, did I do the best deal I could for West Ham United? Of course I did, that's my job, but not at the expense of the taxpayer. I think what is very clear to anyone reading the agreement for the first time, is just how determined I was to protect the rights of West Ham United and our fans during the negotiations, while also ensuring it was fair to the taxpayer."

Barry Hearn - Former Leyton Orient chairman who lost a legal battle for the club to groundshare with West Ham: "I'm absolutely sure, eventually, that they will be told to release all the details because it should be in the public domain. "The argument that it's commercially sensitive treats the taxpayer like they are children. West Ham are an anchor tenant - they have a long-term deal which is not going to be replicated by anybody else. "There's some very big holes - we haven't had the rent confirmed - so we can't say whether this is a good deal or a bad deal. If the policing, for example, is included in the rental agreement, that could come to a very sizeable amount of money. We don't know the share of catering income or naming rights. "We are being drip-fed the occasional titbit without knowing the overall package."

The LLDC: "Once the transformation of the stadium is complete it will not require continuous subsidy from the taxpayer and will see a return to the taxpayer through future profits due to the agreements in place with the operator Vinci and concessionaires West Ham United and UK Athletics. "The stadium will contribute to the ongoing and hugely successful regeneration programme already being delivered at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."

Finer details of the deal
Two stands will be branded - one as the Bobby Moore Stand and another as the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.
West Ham must offer up to 100,000 general admission tickets each season to residents of the borough of Newham
The process has begun to find a new stadium sponsor, who would hold naming rights.
Seating in the front row of the lower tier must be between 10 metres and 20 metres from the edge of the playing surface.

Will full details of the deal be released?

While the LLDC says it has provided "substantial" additional details and it is "committed to maximum transparency", much remains out of the public domain. In the first 100 pages of the agreement, half of the pages contain sections which have been blacked out - with large passages covering stadium naming rights, and policing, redacted. The Information Commissioner, an independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, ruled the whole deal should be made public after football supporters submitted a Freedom of Information request to obtain the tenancy agreement. But the LLDC has appealed against that decision and a tribunal - likely to consist of three court judges - will hear the case, although this is not expected to take place for another four to six months.

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Darren Randolph: From hoop dreams to Euro 2016 heroics
By Ciaran McCauley
BBC News NI

Darren Randolph kept a clean sheet and set-up Shane Long's winning goal on his first competitive appearance for the Republic He's the County Wicklow-born goalkeeper with US roots who became the Republic of Ireland's unlikely Euro 2016 hero on Thursday night. Darren Randolph made his first competitive appearance for the Republic, coming off the bench to replace the injured Shay Given against world champions Germany. By full-time, Randolph was celebrating an incredible victory - he'd kept a clean sheet, and set-up Shane Long for the winning goal. His assured performance may have surprised many fans - but not his father Ed, who first came to Ireland as a professional basketball player in Belfast in the early 1980s. "Nothing fazes him," he said. "When I saw he was coming off the bench, my heart was in my throat. "That moment will be etched in my mind forever," he said. "My heart skipped a beat when he got off the bench - when he strapped on the gloves, I got emotional. "But he just takes everything in his stride."

It is a quality Darren most likely inherited from his Florida-born father. Ed Randolph signed for Sporting Belfast in 1982 after playing college basketball at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.

'Bombings and shootings'
At the time, the sport was enjoying a boom period in Ireland. Ed was one of the first professional US players to be imported into the growing league - although he admits he didn't quite know what he was getting himself into. "I got a call from a guy called Fergus Woods, they wanted to bring me over to play and after I spoke to him I called my brother," he said. "When I told my brother I might play in Ireland, my brother asked me: 'Is it Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland?' "I asked him why, and he said: 'Uh Ted Koppel, ABC News, Londonderry, bombings, shootings, murders...' - so I called Fergus back and asked him if it was in Northern Ireland. "He cut me off and said: 'Look Ed, none of that stuff ever comes into sport here.' So I agreed to come over." When Ed landed in Belfast, he said it was "just like a movie". "There was fog, mist, sheep grazing on the side of the road on the way from the airport" he laughed.

'Scared'
But the atmosphere in Belfast, just a year after the hunger strikes, was extremely tense - as Ed and his teammates were soon to find out.
"We were coming back from a game in Belfast when this dark Ford Cortina swerved in front of our car and stopped us," he said. "These guys wearing all-black with Uzis got out of the car. Immediately, I thought: 'I'm going to die.' My life flashed before my eyes. "I mean we were all big guys from outside of Ireland, but we were scared. "It turned out they were looking for someone else and they let us go - but the whole thing made a big impression on all of us." Coming from Tallahassee in Florida, Ed said he was accustomed to segregation and conflict among communities but nothing could prepare him for Belfast. "I left in Christmas 1983 to play in Liverpool and I slept a lot better," he admitted. "But I did enjoy the city, in particular the people. They were fantastic."

'Accidental goalkeeper'
Ed returned to Ireland later that decade and played with various clubs across the Republic of Ireland, before marrying and having his son, Darren, in 1987. Now working as PE teacher and basketball coach, he says Darren's sporting potential was obvious from an early age - he played Gaelic football and rugby to a high level as a youth and even became an international basketball player for Ireland in 2003. But his goalkeeping career started almost by accident. "He had gone to play with some friends, and the keeper didn't show up" Ed said. "So Darren went in goal. Next thing, the team want him to be the goalkeeper. "The coach would even say to me: 'Look, I'll come round and get Darren, you don't have to worry about dropping him off.' They really wanted him there," he said. His career since has taken him from the youth ranks at Charlton Athletic to West Ham, via Motherwell and Birmingham City, and now to the international stage, where he looks set to become a cult fan favourite. Some even took to social media after Thursday's heroics to compose a chant in his Randolph's honour - Randolph the Red-Booted Goalie. The 28-year-old now looks likely to start in goal when the Republic take on Poland on Sunday, where a win will see them qualify for Euro 2016. "What happened on Thursday hasn't really sunk in yet," said Ed. "But Darren will just take it one step at a time and if the management decide to play him on Sunday, he'll be ready."

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Randy the hero as Ireland keep Euro hopes alive
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Darren Randolph was an unlikely hero as Ireland sunk World Champions Germany last night to keep Irish hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 alive. West Ham United's reserve goalkeeper was a substitute for the Irish in last night's European Championship qualifier but was called upon in the final few minutes of the first half when number one Shay Given twisted his knee whilst taking a goal kick. And with just 21 minutes left to play - and with the game locked at 0-0 - Randolph's long goal kick caught the German defence unaware, allowing Shane Long to run through and despatch the winning goal beyond Manuel Neuer. "I wasn't expecting the opportunity [to play]," Randolph told reporters after the game. "When I was told I was going on I ran from the changing room to the side of the pitch and before I knew it, I was on there playing! "I knew I'd be busy and was just thankful to make the saves. It was my first assist - and I meant it as well! I'm happy that it fell to one of our players and it was a bonus that Shane scored from it. "I'll have to watch it back as I can't really remember what happened. The atmosphere at the end was unbelievable and all I wanted was for the ref to blow his whistle. It seemed like ten minutes, instead of one minute, added on! "But it was great to play in the game tonight and a great result. It's one that'll go down in the history books. It's brilliant to be part of and sets us up for Sunday."

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It's a win-win situation, says Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Karren Brady insists that the agreement granting West Ham United anchor tenancy of the Olympic Stadium from next summer will prove beneficial to both West Ham supporters and the country as a whole. Brady, speaking in the wake of news that the LLDC are to contest the Information Commissioner's decision insisting that details of the commercial agreement between the legacy company and West Ham are made public, claims that the club has "nothing to hide". "I wanted to take this opportunity to address openly the intrigue, caused by the confidential nature of it, which, admittedly, has been minor and by people driven with their own agendas," she said. "We welcome that decision as, put simply, we have nothing to hide. "The agreement between West Ham and E20 represents a win for both parties. From our point of view, other than the personal affairs of my shareholders, we are happy to disclose the entire document. "However, quite clearly, E20 must continue to best serve the taxpayer through the negotiation of future contracts and users in the Stadium and it is therefore only right that details which affect their ability to do so remain confidential. "It has been reported that we got a good deal but it is worth remembering that West Ham went through three arduous, fair, competitive and thoroughly robust bidding processes. And the fact is we came out unanimously and convincingly on top each and every time. This is because we were the only bidder with a true vision for the Stadium and its ability to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of our part of East London."

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Allardyce returns as Sunderland boss
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has been appointed as the new manager of Sunderland. The 60-year-old, who left West Ham last May by mutual consent has returned to the Premier League just five months after departing the Boleyn Ground. Allardyce, who replaces Dick Advocaat with immediate effect has signed a two-year contract with the Black Cats. And unlike his first press conference at West Ham, Allardyce moved to bring the fans onside by praising them for their "tremendous passion". "I have enjoyed my break from football and now I'm raring to get back," he told safc.com. "I met with [Chairman] Ellis [Short] and we spoke at length about the club and his ambitions and I knew I wanted to be part of that. "I hope to be able to help to bring the stability and success that everyone wants. Of course it's a challenging job, but it's something I have experience of in the past. "I'm looking forward to working with the players and of course I will be relying on the help of the Sunderland supporters, whose tremendous passion I have experienced first-hand. I can't wait to get started."

Sunderland Chairman Short added: "I am very pleased to welcome Sam to our football club. Sunderland is a club he knows well and he was the obvious best choice for the job. "He has vast experience of managing in the Premier League and an understanding first-hand of the north east and the passion of our fans, which will stand him in great stead. "This was a very popular job, proactively sought after by a large number of managers - contrary to much of what has been portrayed. The process was made easier by the fact that Sam was such an obvious choice. "The other misconception is that Sam had to be persuaded to join us; nothing could be further from the truth. From the very beginning, he understood the importance of this job and showed great enthusiasm for the role and a desire to be part of moving this club forward."

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'Clicka' Bacon loses limb in hospital op
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's most famous photographer Steve Bacon is facing an uncertain future after losing a leg. Bacon, who worked closely with the club for many years had his lower left limb amputated today as a result of complications with diabetes, from which he has suffered for some time. And in a heartfelt message to friends and followers, he admitted that he may have to find a new home following the emergency operation. "Tragically have lost my left leg to this damn diabetes," he wrote on his timeline this afternoon. "Life will never be the same for me and my future remains uncertain as to where I might have to live and how much care I will need. "I very much doubt I can ever go back to the Bacon family home in Essex Road. Onwards and upwards as they say ..... to my personal friends on Facebook, I may need to call on you for practical help in the days to come. God Bless."
Bacon was a popular figure with supporters through the eighties and nineties when he was regularly spotted on the touchline snapping the first team in action. Three years ago he published his memoirs in a book, entitles 'There's Only One Stevie Bacon' - which also happens to be the popular refrain sung to the legendary [photographer by travelling Hammers fans. On behalf of all our readers, Knees up Mother Brown would like to wish Steve all the very best for the immediate future.

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Bilic admits interest in Beskitas stars
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 9th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has revealed he is keeping tabs on several players at his former club Besiktas. Bilic, speaking in the October edition of Socrates admitted that he was interested in bringing on or two of his former employees to London in the near future - including Turkish international winger Gokham Tore. "Beşiktas is a huge club with a strong squad," he told the magazine. "Quite a few of the players are good enough to play for West Ham and I am interested in them. "Gokhan is a legend; he is a top guy and a great player. Of course I would love to have him in the team [at West Ham]. I tried to sign him at the start of the season, but it was not the right time." Another player Bilic is strongly interesting in bringing to the Boleyn Ground is midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup, who features alongside Tore in tyhe Turkish national team. The 23-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands started life in the Premier League with Arsenal but failed to make a single appearance for the Gunners before moving to Turkey. Signed by Besiktas for just €500,000 three years ago, Ozyakup made 32 appearances for his club last season, scoring three goals and providing eight assists.

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West Ham won't pay for ticket checkers, medical staff or cleaners at Olympic Stadium
By Amy Lewis, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 09/10/15 1:41pm
SSN

Taxpayers will foot the bill for ticket checkers, medical staff and cleaners at games when West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium, Sky Sport News HQ can reveal. The club also will not have to pay for turnstile operators, much of the security and steward personnel and catering staff on match days. West Ham have agreed to rent the £700m Olympic Stadium for 99 years from the start of the 2016/17 season.

The London Legacy Development Corporation is appealing against a ruling to publish the rental contract in full, a process that could take up to six months. It has, however, issued the contract to Sky Sports News HQ with fewer redactions than previously published, but crucially has not revealed how much rent West Ham will be paying.

The contract shows that West Ham will have to pay a different amount each year, depending on which league the club are playing in and a higher amount for every position they finish 10th or above in the Premier League. The club will also have to pay an additional fee if they win the FA Cup or qualify for the Europa League or Champions League. The contract even makes provision for an additional payment should they win the Europa League or Champions League, even though they have never qualified for the latter.

The deal also leaves the possibility open for the Olympic Stadium to host American Football games, with the contract indicating space is available specifically for football, rugby and NFL goal posts. West Ham will pay £15m as a one-off fee towards the conversion and the taxpayer will benefit from profit made by food and beverage sales as well as from the naming rights deal.

A London Legacy Development Corporation spokesman told SSNHQ that the venue is multi-purpose and not owned by West Ham, but their rent contributes towards the costs as does other revenues generated such as catering. "We have lodged an appeal against the Information Commissioner's judgment," the spokesman said. "This follows careful consideration, informed by legal advice, and is limited to a smaller number of redactions. "The appeal relates only to information which if released could significantly reduce the level of financial return to the taxpayer as it would undermine negotiations with future users of the Stadium and other partners. We have listened to the Commissioner's comments and as a public body are committed to maximising transparency. "As a result we have now published more details of the agreement with West Ham United in all areas that fall outside the scope of our appeal."

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says West Ham are happy for the entire document to be disclosed, with the exception of the personal affairs of their shareholders. She said: "During the negotiations, did I do the best deal I could for West Ham United? Of course I did, that's my job, but not at the expense of the taxpayer. "I think what is very clear to anyone reading the agreement for the first time, is just how determined I was to protect the rights of West Ham United and our fans during the negotiations, while also ensuring it was fair to the taxpayer."
West Ham say the club will be investing a further estimated £7m ahead of their move next year to ensure the Olympic Stadium "looks and feels" like home.

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Gold's rapid "binocular" response
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Irons co chairman David Gold has again been forced to defend the Olympic Stadium views. DG – a regular visitor to Twitter – has been at the end of another sarcastic comment regarding the likely views available of Premier League football at the club's new home.
The hardy annual was raised again when a follower declared: "@andrewb_63 @davidgold @whufc_official Free binoculars with every ticket😂😂😂

Long suffering Gold – faced with the same sort of jobe regularly in the past – chose not to produce one of his witty one liners but instead made his position clear.

Instead he said: "You don't need binoculars at Wembley and you won't need them at the Olympic stadium. dg"

Yesterday ClaretandHugh published a story here from a Hammers fan who, having attended his season ticket interview and used the seat at a rugby international. Jack Miles messaged us to say: "If I'm honest I was worried if they'd make it look better on the computer than it really was but I think the view is actually better when you're there. It was superb over there! Really excited for next season!" Jack's season ticket is Band 2 Block 233 row 51

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Media get OS deal all wrong again!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 9, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

Sky Sports, the Guardian and the Daily Mirror have all run stories today suggesting that the tax payer will foot the bills for medical staff, cleaners and the majority of stewards at the Olympic Stadium. The claims follow the release of the agreement by the London Legacy Development Corporation yesterday which reveals more details of the previously confidential deal between the LLDC and West Ham for the rental of the Stadium.
These headlines are very misleading as the tax payer will not be further funding the stadium and the bills will actually be paid by stadium operator Vinci on behalf of stadium owner E20 Stadium LLP which is owned by both the LLDC and Newham council. OS2The Stadium is expected to make a very conservative £200,000 profit per year so all running costs are included and not paid by the tax payer. West Ham will pay a rent of £2.5m rent but pay further bonuses on Premier league positions above tenth place.
The club will also pay extra if they win the FA Cup, Europa League or the Champions league plus extra cash if they qualify for Europa League or Champions League. The rent and bonuses are also index linked meaning it will increase with inflation over the 99 year term.

When you add the Stadium naming rights, the LED wrap and pitch side advertising, catering and pouring profits and renting the stadium out to Rugby, NFL American Football, music concerts plus other possible renters then it doesn't take a rocket science to work out that the tax payer will be in profit with regards to operating the system.
This is another attempt by the media to blame West Ham over a deal it won fair and square and try to get London tax payers riled up upset that they are footing the bill for us to play in a stadium that no-one wanted.

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Fergie: 'Ravel Morrison might be the saddest case'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 9, 2015 in News
C and H

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken how painful it was to sell Ravel Morrison to West Ham explaining he was probably the saddest case of a player with enormous talent who was unable to control his inner demons. His comments are made in his recently-released book about leadership, entitled 'Leading', in which he picks out Morrison as a player simply unable to deal with the stresses, opportunities and pitfalls of modern life as a football professional. "Sadly, there are examples of players who have similar backgrounds to Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo, who, despite enormous talent, just aren't emotionally or mentally strong enough to overcome the hurts of their childhood and their inner demons," he said. "Ravel Morrison might be the saddest case. He possessed as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed, but kept getting into trouble. It was very painful to sell him to West Ham in 2012 because he could have been a fantastic player." "But, over a period of years, the problems off the pitch continued to escalate and we had little option but to cut the cord."

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Hammers striker out on loan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Chelmsford City have announced the one month loan signing of West Ham Academy promising striker Jordan Brown.

Brown will go straight into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup squad for Chelmsford to face Basingstoke.

The pacy 18-year-old joined West Ham from Arsenal in 2013, scoring seven goals in the 2013/14 campaign for the Hammers' Under-18s. He then moved into the club's Development Squad where he netted three times.

The youngster signed a new contract earlier this year keeping him at the club until June 2016. He told the club's website "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. I'm happy the club has faith in me to give me another year to push on and try and prove myself.I heard I was going to get a new contract in about January or February and I was very happy. I've known about it for a while but it's good to actually sign it."

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OS knockers bring WHUFC family together again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H

The flood of publicity surrounding the OS and the various attacks from other fans groups has had one effect – the West Ham Family has reunited.

Just cast your minds back a few months to the lousy atmosphere that surrounded the issue – the haters were constantly out on Twitter complaining about everything and anything to do with the stadium.

The club appeared to be on the back foot. Blimey, there was even a major debate about whether the move should involve a new badge with the word London appearing upon it.

Furious exchanges were taking place daily – hourly and David Gold was often abused on Twitter on all things OS.

But then the tide started to turn and when when virtually every media organisation led by the BBC and , supported by the likes of Barry Hearn plus around 15 supporters groups, started to kick hell out of us as a club the 'Family' cried "enough is enough."

I'm not sure I've ever heard the word taxpayer mentioned so many times – the only argument it seems – against the fact that we had made by far the best offer and passed through a rigourous bidding process.

A siege mentality set in and the Irons family collectively got the hump. From a "stuff the stadium" stance suddenly things turned and it became "our stadium."

Jealously – which had prompted the attacks on us – probably did more than any concerted and expensive public relation campaign to promote the stadium.

There will always be an ill informed few on Twitter wanting to make an issue out of things and get a brief second of glory by attempting to ride on DG's name.

The chairman swats them away like the irritating flies which indeed they are.

So thanks BBC and all the rest of you. What you have managed to demonstrate is that we as family as moan at and about each other as much as we like.

But let anyone else do it and there will be hell to pay!

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Hammers pour cold water on loan plan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Serie A side Napoli are reported as wanting to take Pedro Obiang from us and are hoping to complete a loan swoop for in January.

Bapoli are believed to have been keen at the time Obiang plumped for Upton Park but apparently are refusing to give up on a deal.

However, Upton Park sources are saying this morning there is absolutely no chance of a deal happening with one highly placed insider telling ClaretandHugh: "Those days are over – we are operating on a different playing field and want all our squad players as we move forward.

According to Per Sempre Napoli, the hope is for him to go on loan to them for the remainder of the season after January.

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West Ham striker Andy Carroll set to play in behind-closed-doors friendly after ankle injury
0 COMMENTS 14:25, 9 OCT 2015 UPDATED 14:26, 9 OCT 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Carroll picked up the problem soon after coming on as a substitute in the home draw against Norwich City two weeks ago
The Mirror

Andy Carroll is set to play in a behind-closed-doors game for West Ham today as he steps up his recovery from his latest injury. The Hammers' England striker, 26, was kicked in the ankle soon after coming on as a substitute in the club's 2-2 draw at home to Norwich two weeks ago. He was sent for scans ahead of West Ham's 2-2 draw at Sunderland last Saturday and while he was given the all-clear ahead of that match the Irons left him out, deciding against taking any chances. The club are confident, however, that he will be back for their trip to Crystal Palace after the international break. In a further boost, forward Enner Valencia, defender Angelo Ogbonna and midfielder Alex Song have all been training this week and are also expected to be available soon.

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Taxpayers to foot bills for some services at West Ham's Olympic Stadium
• Medical staff, cleaners and some security will be paid from public purse
• LLDC appealing against publication of full contract with West Ham
Guardian sport
Friday 9 October 2015 15.04 BST Last modified on Friday 9 October 2015 15.25 BST

West Ham's deal to use the Olympic Stadium from next season includes provisions for a number of services to be financed by the taxpayer, including medical staff, cleaners and the majority of stewards and security staff. The Premier League side, who are scheduled to leave Upton Park at the end of the season for their new home, have signed a 99-year lease for the stadium in Stratford, east London. Last month, the information commissioner ruled the terms of the deal between the London Legacy Development Corporation and West Ham should be made public, although the LLDC has since appealed. However, the planning authority for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has released a copy of the contract with fewer redactions than originally published, which reveals the club will have to pay a different amount each year depending on where they finish in the league. That includes an additional fee if they win the FA Cup or qualify for the uropa League or Champions League, while the stadium could also be used for NFL matches under the terms of the deal. The document also reveals that taxpayers will foot the bill for cleaners, medical staff, turnstile operators and ticket checkers, as well as some security personnel and catering staff. It is already known that West Ham will pay only £15m of the £272m needed to make the 54,000-capacity stadium suitable for Premier League football, athletics and other events. The annual rental agreement on the 99-year lease is believed to be around £2.5m, although the true figure has never been confirmed.

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SHOTS SIGN HAMMER MAVILA
09/10/2015
shots.co.uk

Aldershot Town have signed 19 year-old left-sided player Nathan Mavila from West Ham United on a loan deal until Sunday 8 November. Born in Brixton to Congolese parents, Mavila can play as a full-back or winger. He joined the Hammers from Wycombe Wanderers in 2012, aged 16, and spent two months on loan at Conference South side Wealdstone between January and March 2015.
A regular in the West Ham Development squad, he was an unused substitute for the first-team in August's Europa League tie against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu. Nathan will wear shirt number 21 and is available for selection for tomorrow's Vanarama National League game against Altrincham at the EBB Stadium.

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Morgan Amalfitano's rollercoaster: the best and worst of French star's short West Ham career
HITC
Damien Lucas

Morgan Amalfitano's West Ham United career was something of a rollercoaster, filled with as many downs as ups. The French midfielder, who had fallen out with new boss Slaven Bilic, left the Hammers by mutual consent after a short spell in East London which saw him make 32 appearances and score three goals. He was actually included in Bilic's 25-man squad for the Premier League this season, which was something of a surprise given that the former Croatia boss had banished the ex West Bromich Albion star from the club's first team for a 'breach of rules' - as reported by the Evening Standard. Amalfitano had established himself as an important squad member under Sam Allardyce, but did not play any part in the West Ham first team since the club's ill-fated Europa League qualifying campaign.

'It's my job to protect the club'

Speaking in his column in the Evening Standard at the time, Bilic explained the rationale behind his decision to ostracise Amalfitano, which ultimately led to a parting of the ways: "I would just say that my first and foremost job is to protect the whole team - myself, the staff and players. "If I see anything or anyone threatening to harm the atmosphere and transgress those rules, then it has to be stopped." The Hammers should have the squad to cope without him as he leaves for pastures new, and here we take a look back at his three best and worst moments in the claret and blue.

The Best

3) Amalfitano was full of beans when he signed a new two-year deal back in March. He was happy because the deal meant he would be with the club when they embark on their big move to the 54,000 seater Olympic Stadium next summer, and it was a contract he had earned after a decent start to life in East London. He said at the time, to the club's official website: "I've not had a chance to see the Olympic Stadium yet but apparently it's a very, very beautiful stadium. So I'm very pleased to be a part of the project and I always want to please our fans, as much as possible." Didn't quite work out like that though did it Morgan?

2) Amalfitano's second best moment was his second goal for the club, which came on October 25 at home to Manchester City, when he netted the opener in a 2-1 victory over the reigning champions. After great work by Enner Valencia, Amalfitano was lurking at the far post to roll in probably the easiest goal of his career. But what made it special was the celebration. Still seemingly unaware of the layout of his new ground, Amalfitano celebrated by launching himself into the Manchester City fans. The visiting supporters didn't take too kindly to what they thought was Amalfitano rubbing their noses in it and he quickly made his escape to the sanctuary of the pitch, much to the delight of West Ham fans.

1) Ironically, Amalfitano's finest West Ham moment came on his home debut last September. Coming on in the second half and scoring his first goal against Liverpool to seal a 3–1 victory and secure the club's first home win of the season. It was an impudent finish too, striding into the box and rolling the ball into the corner with his toe.

The Worst

3) Amalfitano was one of few first-team regulars from last season to be used in Bilic's Europa League qualifying campaign during pre-season, and it showed. While most of the other first teamers were taking tentative steps in pre-season training to getting fit again, Amalfitano was used as one of the senior heads for far flung trips to Andorra, Malta and Romania. It was clear, though, that he did not have the appetite for it and took umbrage to what he probably saw as a bit of a demotion. Instead of rolling his sleeves up and proving himself to the new boss, he looked disinterested and hardly got involved, even being subbed off after just 50 minutes in one of the games.

2) Amalfitano lost his way towards the end of last season and found himself unable to hold down a regular place in the team. His frustrations boiled over when he got himself sent off within minutes of coming on as a second half substitute in West Ham's miserable 4-0 defeat to his old club West Brom in the FA Cup. Sam Allardyce labelled him 'unprofessional' afterwards.

1) The Frenchman's worst moment, and most damning indiscretion came before the start of the current season when, according to a report in the Mirror, he gave Bilic 'attitude'. The paper claimed Amalfitano had a list of his misdemeanours read to him before he was sent packing by Bilic after his latest breach of discipline. While he will undoubtedly have clubs interested in his services, he will have to wait until January until he is eligible to play again as his contract termination did not take place before the close of the summer transfer window.

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Napoli keen on Pedro Obiang, plan loan exchange involving Jonathan de Guzman
HITC
Billy Hawkins

West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang is wanted by Napoli. According to Per Sempre Napoli, Serie A side Napoli are keen on signing Pedro Obiang from West Ham, and are planning a loan swoop for him in January. Obiang only moved to the Hammers in the summer transfer window, with Napoli one of the teams said to be keen on him at the same time. However, he opted to move from Sampdoria to England, and has so far impressed in the Premier League. The report claims that Napoli have already approached West Ham concerning a potential move for Obiang in January, planning the loan signing of him until the end of the season. It is stated that Napoli will sweeten the deal by offering Jonathan de Guzman in exchange, with the attacking midfielder out of favour in Naples.

A deal for Obiang will never happen

Despite Napoli's desire to sign the Spanish midfielder, the chances of bringing Obiang over the Italy in January are all but zero. He has established himself as a key player in Slaven Bilic's team, making seven appearances in all competitions, and there is no logical reason as to why West Ham would sell him. Napoli will definitely be looking elsewhere if they want to sign a new midfielder in January.

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Darren Randolph grabs his big opportunity with both hands
Goalkeeper had little time to think as he was pitted into action against world champions
irishtimes.com
Emmet Malone at Aviva Stadium
Thu, Oct 8, 2015, 23:28

Barely a week after Jack Grealish resolved his international future, Darren Randolph has finally done so too although in rather more style. The 28-year-old could have declared for the United States until he came on for the injured Shay Given shortly before half-time at the Aviva last night. It turned out to be a decent night to make your competitive international debut and a good one too to keep a clean sheet. "Yeah," he said with a slight shake of the head; "it'll go down in the history books and it's great to have been part of it. I wish I could go out and go back over it all again, to soak it up properly. But I've got some good memories of it to take away and there's no time really. We've got the game on Sunday. It'll be time to go again."

The memories will includes one standout save from Ilkay Gundogan and a succession of interventions that helped keep the Germans at bay. Randolph had suggested in his appearances for West Ham this season that he has what it takes to cope well at this level. Here, against the world champions, he finally got to prove it. There was, he admitted, one let off. When asked about the second-half strike from Thomas Muller that just about everybody in the stands thought was heading for the top scorner he admitted that he had briefly feared the worst himself. "The cut back from the cross? Yeah," he said before going on to acknowledge the relief he felt as he realised it had flown the far side of the post. His part in the game started so suddenly that there was simply no time for fear. "I just got the shout," he said of the moment the management team realised Given couldn't continue. "There was no time to think. I just got myself together and ran on there, just tried to get into the game as quickly as possible. I didn't have any time to think about it to be honest. We were in the warm up room and they just said, 'right, you're going on,' so I just everything off and ran out."

He played a big part in what followed, looking immensely composed even when he was at the heart of the action and even clocking up an assist for Ireland's goal but he hailed the collective effort. "Everybody was brilliant. Everyone who started the game, everyone who finished. We worked our socks off. All the blocks, the tackles, they did an unbelievable amount of running, I think that showed in terms of people getting cramps there towards the end but against a top team that's what you need to do; everybody needs to do a little more than normal; a little bit extra. "We knew we were going to have to defend. Obviously we didn't want to drop too far back because we wouldn't have been able to get out of our half but the fact that we didn't is down to how hard the lads worked. "But, he added, "we'd been disappointed with some of our displays; the ones against Scotland where we didn't perform. Since then, with every performance comes confidence. And then going into this game today, obviously we were hoping for that result in the other game and the rest was down to us." As it will be again on Sunday when it'll be time to go again.

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Mauro Zarate sends message to West Ham fans
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Mauro Zarate is fully fit now and is raring to go for West Ham United. West Ham United forward Mauro Zarate has written on the club's official website that he is fully fit and raring to go.
The Argentine has struggled with injuries for most of the season so far, but he featured in the Hammers' last two Premier League games. The 28-year-old, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, played the last 10 minutes against Norwich City at the Boleyn Ground and the final 12 minutes against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Zarate is now fully fit and he is eager to get more playing time for West Ham after the international break. "I feel good again now after getting over the injury I had earlier in the season," the former Lazio star wrote on West Ham's official website. "The injury was an important one, touching the tendon, but now it has gone and I feel strong. "We couldn't rush it, but I'm ready to play again. I'm strong and fast and available if I'm selected. "The international break is good for me because I can work on the training pitch more than normal to be perfect – at 100 per cent for the next match."
Zarate has scored one goal and created five chances in four Premier League appearances for West Ham so far this season. The former Velez Sarsfield star has a pass accuracy of 84% and a shot accuracy of 67%, and has won six dribbles and four tackles. West Ham are sixth in the Premier League table at the moment with 14 points from eight matches, just a point behind fourth-place Crystal Palace.

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West Ham provide Winston Reid injury update as trio step up rehab
London 24
08:57 09 October 2015 Pete Evans

Hammers defender Winston Reid should be available to feature against Crystal Palace next weekend. 4 The New Zealand centre-back came off in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland last weekend but the Hammers' medical team explained that the gap for the international break means he shouldn't miss any matches. ADVERTISING Winston Reid has been struggling for a while with a minor injury," Stijn Vandenbroucke, West Ham's head of medical and sport science, told the club's official website. "Winston came off in the game against Sunderland, but we are positive for a recovery for the next game." Andy Carroll (knee) and Angelo Ogbonna (hamstring) have both stepped up their comebacks and have trained all week along with Enner Valencia. (knee) Midfielder Alex Song remains on the road to recovery while youngster Doneil Henry is sidelined with a groin injury.

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