Daily WHUFC News - 19th October 2015

Jenko - We're playing with freedom
WHUFC.com

Before this month, Carl Jenkinson had scored just one senior league goal in
his entire career! A fortnight on, Jenko has become one of West Ham United's
go-to men in front of goal, having netted the Hammers' opening goal at both
Sunderland and now Crystal Palace.
On Saturday, the right-back made a superb run in behind the Eagles defence
before planting a confident finish past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey midway
through the first half. Moments later, Jenkinson conceded a penalty, which
Yohan Cabaye converted, but late goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
made it four away wins out of five for Slaven Bilic's impressive side. "I
don't know what the secret to our away form is but we're just playing with
freedom and we're playing good football at the moment," said the right-back.
"We're playing with confidence and we've got players like Dimitri who are
producing the goods week-in week-out. We're playing really well at the
minute and we're all really enjoying it." "Obviously it was fantastic
getting on the scoresheet but then they went down the other end and
personally I think it was a harsh penalty because he put his leg across me
and we collided and he's given a pen. "We got two goals in the second half
so we turned it around and that's fantastic."

Payet, Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Victor Moses and substitutes Andy Carroll,
Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic all contributed to Saturday's success, as
they have done throughout the Hammers' fine start to the Barclays Premier
League campaign. Jenkinson has been especially impressed with Payet, who now
has five goals and three assists in his opening nine league appearances.
"The way we're playing at the monent, with Dimi creating a lot himself and
getting on the scoresheet, he's doing fantastically well. "Attacking-wise we
have got so many options and have got such pace and a big threat going
forward, so we're causing teams problems at the minute."

Having won five of their opening nine matches, West Ham are now fourth ahead
of the visit of champions Chelsea next weekend. So, Jenkinson was asked, how
far can the Hammers go this term? "It's about maintaining what we've created
so far this season. We're in fantastic form and everyone can see that and
we're playing with an immense amount of confidence.; "We're not talking
about setting targets of where we want to finish because it's very early on,
but if we can continue playing the way we are, then we're going to have a
very strong season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold was thrilled to see the Hammers
record yet another away win in the Premier League and believes the season is
only going to get stronger for Slaven Bilic and his players.

Goals from Carl Jenkinson, Manuel Lanzini and a superb finish from Dimitri
Payet made it four wins from five away games in the Premier League and the
Hammers are still unbeaten on their travels.

Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the players have performed this
season and feels the new arrivals during the summer have all exceeded their
expectations.

Gold said: "I believe when we go away from home we are going to get
something. I never feel we are going to lose which is a big change and shows
how far we have come.

"The goal at the end by Payet was sublime and makes you feel so good to see
that kind of talent.

"Over the 20 odd years that we have been doing this, to get pretty much 100
per cent success rate on the players we have brought in is unheard of. They
have all fulfilled our optimism and expectation."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Free-scoring Samuelsen ready for Wolves
WHUFC.com

Highly rated teenager Martin Samuelsen is relishing his return to action in
Claret and Blue when the West Ham United U21s host Wolverhampton Wanderers
on Monday 19 October at Rush Green. The Norwegian winger has been in
scintillating form recently, netting from 25 yards away at Blackburn Rovers
before converting a 90th minute penalty to rescue a point against Newcastle
United. The youngster continued his goalscoring form during the
international break with an inch-perfect free-kick for his native Norway
U19s. Speaking ahead of Monday night's encounter, Samuelsen said: "We
haven't won, but we have outplayed all our opponents except Arsenal.
"Against all the others we have created lots of chances to win, but we
haven't been able to score enough and we have conceded too many easy goals."
Having moved from Manchester City in the summer, Samuelsen impressed during
pre-season before being handed his competitive debut in the Europa League.
Reflecting on the experience, he continued: "It was great to get that
experience so early in my time here. It was great for future motivation and
I enjoyed every second of it. "When I signed, I didn't expect that, but I
started training with the first team in Ireland, did well, and it went on
from there. "I would love to get a few more games this season, but if it
doesn't come I won't be disappointed. "I know I am on the right track. I am
doing well in training and it is just a matter of being patient."

West Ham United U21 play Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 at Rush Green Stadium
on Monday 19 October. Kick off is 7pm, admission is FREE for all fans.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio content to wait for chance
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Recent arrival Michail Antonio says he is prepared to wait for his
opportunity to make an impact at West Ham.

The 25-year-old winger arrived at the club in a £7million transfer from
Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day at the beginning of September,
but has played just 30 minutes for the first team so far - as a second half
substitute in the 2-1 win at Manchester City last month.

Antonio wasn't even included in the 18-man match day squad for the trip to
Crystal Palace yesterday, however he maintains that he will remain patient
and try to persuade current manager Slaven Bilic that he deserves a chance.

Writing on twitter this afternoon, he confirmed that his absence was a
tactical choice by Bilic. "I'm not injured," he told his followers. "The
manager made a decision. It hasn't affected my confidence at all.

"I'm going to wait for my opportunity and take it. I knew it wasn't going to
be easy to break into the Premier League, especially at a club sitting in
third place."

Prior to joining West Ham, Antonio featured on five occasions for his former
club at the start of the season, scoring four goals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic remaining realistic despite guiding West Ham into top four
Last Updated: 18/10/15 8:02am
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is remaining realistic despite seeing his side
move up to the Champions League places with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.
West Ham earned their fourth away win of the campaign at Selhurst Park
against 10-man Palace, scoring two late goals to wrap up the three points.
Bilic is keen to remind fans only nine games have passed in the Premier
League, but praised his side's patience in finally taking the lead two
minutes from time through Manuel Lanzini. Bilic said: "Unfortunately it is
only October, not May. It would be great if it was June. "We are trying to
play good football, and we don't have targets. Our target is first to stay
in the league. This is a very dangerous league. "Some clubs started great,
or started bad, and suddenly they're in trouble, or they're flying now, and
it's only been nine games. "We're going to continue to play good football,
to defend with numbers and attack with numbers."

Despite earning wins at Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City so far this season,
Bilic said the trip to Palace was their biggest test of the season, and
admits the sending off of Dwight Gayle just before half-time for a second
booking helped his side. "Every win in the Premier League is great," added
Bilic. "I told the guys last night that we and my staff were looking at this
game as our biggest test. "Of course the red card helped us, but I think we
were the better side in the first half anyway. "Praise goes to the players,
they've done the job."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender stoked by Cole arrival
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Coventry defender Chris Stokes admits he has to look twice when it was
announced that former West Ham star Joe Cole had joined the Sky Blues on
loan. It was confirmed on Friday night that Cole - who enjoyed two spells at
the Boleyn Ground - had been loaned to the League One side from Premier
League strugglers Aston Villa. And Stokes, who took part in City's goalless
draw with Blackpool yesterday - a match for which Cole was ineligible to
play having signed too late - revealed that he was stunned by the signing.
"I was shocked - I had to refresh social media to make sure it was him!"
Stoked told ccfc.co.uk. "He's played for England, won Premier League titles
and it shows how far we can go to attract players like him. "It's massive
and it shows how far we've come. He wouldn't join for no reason I'm sure he
can see the ambition."

Cole has initially joined Coventry on a 35-day emergency loan, and with
remain at the Ricoh Arena until 22 November. He was signed by Aston Villa in
June 2014 after being released on a free by West Ham. The Sky Blues are
currently fifth in League One, having taken 23 points from their opening ten
fixtures. Cole has featured just once for Villa in the current campaign, as
a second half substitute in the 5-3 Capital One Cup win over Notts County.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: Home games like basketball matches
Last Updated: 18/10/15 1:03pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic has told West Ham to stop treating home games like basketball
matches. The Hammers have picked up just one win at Upton Park this season
but made it four on the road on Saturday when they added Crystal Palace to
the scalps of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. They host Chelsea next
weekend with boss Bilic urging his side to show the same patience they do
away from home, rather than play as if they have a time limit in which to
shoot. "We don't say 'away we are going to play like this, and at home we
are going to play like this'," he said after the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
"But sometimes you have to change. "We will try to win our home games and
maintain our away form, but it's more that we started sloppily in a couple
of home games. "At home sometimes we are playing like it's basketball and
you have a limit of 24 seconds to finish your move, and you are forcing the
situation too early. "Away we are a little bit more patient, but at home not
patient enough."

West Ham certainly had to show some patience at Selhurst Park, with Palace
holding out until the 88th minute with 10 men. Carl Jenkinson's opener had
been quickly cancelled out by Yohan Cabaye's twice-taken penalty but the
game turned on Dwight Gayle's dismissal, for two reckless challenges, on the
stroke of half-time. The Hammers finally broke Palace's resistance when
Manuel Lanzini lashed in Andy Carroll's knock-down with two minutes
remaining, and Dimitri Payet added the gloss in stoppage time. Bilic's side
are now up to the heady heights of fourth but the Croatian is still playing
down what they can achieve this season. "At the club we have no
expectations," he added. "You can't stop the fans' (expectations) - unless
you start losing, and that is not what we want. "But our target is to stay
in the league. It's early days, not late May. Our target is to play good
football, to be solid, defend and attack with numbers and keep the ball,
score more goals and get more points. Where we will finish, I don't know!
But it should be good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FALLEN EAGLES
By Zaman Siddiqui 18 Oct 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Jenkinson goal vs. CRY. at Selhurst Park
There can only be one outcome at the end of an away match, right? It can
only be a win! Well, only if you exclude that match against Sunderland.
Going into this eagerly anticipated match after the international break, we
boasted the best away record in the Premier League this season with 10 out
of 12 points. I am proud to say that has been extended to 13 out of 15
points only dropping the two. We have won more times away this season than
we did in all 19 last season. A win against Watford will put us in a scary
position on Halloween, as we will have equalled our 16 away points from last
season! There is no cause for concern as of yet. We cannot say the same for
Big Sam's Sunderland who remain in the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss to
West Bromwich Albion which could leave them at the bottom of the table this
weekend. Be careful what you wish for!

Crystal Palace, like us, have made a terrific start to the season playing
teams similar in calibre to us. They were actually above us in the table by
a single point. Both teams have spent over £10M on top French players. Back
when Pardew was in charge of Newcastle, he brought in quite a few French
players. This time, at Palace, he has instilled his faith in Yohan Cabaye
who is 29 from PSG. We decided to bring in Dmitri Payet who is 28 from
Marseille. Their age is the reason why the top teams didn't go for them.
According to the BPL Player Performance Index, Payet is the 3rd best player
so far, whilst Cabaye is 8th. Just to put it into further perspective,
Mahrez and Mata are the only midfielders to have played better than the two
Frenchmen. In addition, Dmitri has created more chances than any other
player in the top-flight this season. What has left me completely befuddled
is that he hasn't been called up by Didier Deschamps. I was even more
surprised to find out Payet wasn't allowed to play Denmark… in a friendly
match! That is not a typo. The most creative player this season was not
allowed to even take part in a friendly! Deschamps had his birthday 4 days
after, so I can't help but feel he has got his birthday wish. I would like
to point out that Payet's exclusion from the French side has kept him fit
and free from injuries. That is why I am not too angry about the whole
situation. Moreover, Yohan Cabaye had to train with France for the whole
week. What did he get in return on the previous Sunday? 5 measly minutes of
football in a match the French were winning 2-0 at the time. He deserves
more playing time as well.

Playing right after the international break is not ideal for clubs. This
rings true more so in the Premier League in which you need your best team
fully switched on. Take the early kick-off against Spurs and Liverpool
yesterday. The match ended goalless for Klopp's side. Given the fact that
most of their players are away on international duty, they can get the
benefit of the doubt, as can Big Sam who has had less than a week with his
new side Sunderland. I wish him the best of luck. We won by 2-0 after our
previous international break against the Magpies, which suggests that Bilic
keeps good communication with the squad, and the players keep their fitness
up. Our match was at Selhurst Park, so it is one of the easier away matches
15 miles away from Upton Park. Chadwell Heath is only 7 miles away from our
home ground. There are two key elements that intensify a match for an away
team – distance travelled and home support. So this is the situation. The
Palace crowd has to wait over a fortnight for their next home match, so it
is easy to anticipate that they will be buzzing and high in spirits like
their squad. We have scored in all away games this season, so we don't have
to worry about any collapses so long as we don't concede a couple few goals
early on.

Getting Valencia and Carroll back was a great selection boost. I was certain
Valencia would go right back into the starting XI, but he was on the bench.
Sakho remained the lone striker up front. Sakho offers more than Carroll,
which is why Bilic hasn't and never will be scorned for his attacking
selection, not to mention with the inclusion of Payet who adds an extra
dimension. That said, the Frenchman nearly scored within the first minute in
a similar fashion to Lanzini against Liverpool, but couldn't get a strong
enough connection with the ball. Jenkinson got two in two thanks to shoddy
marking from Wilfried Zaha who let Carl circle past him to get an assist
from Moses. His finish was ever better with a shot from the outside of his
right foot. Only minutes later, Palace got a penalty at the other end.
Dwight Gayle went down under Jenkinson's foul who went from hero to zero.
Looking back at it, it was a definite penalty. Yohan Cabaye took the
penalty, and scored shooting it into the right side. Fortunately, Gayle came
into the box before Cabaye took his shot. Adrián became the first goalkeeper
this calendar year to save three penalties in a row. Could he make it a
fourth?! When the penalty had to be retaken, I was overwhelmed with joy! The
Spaniard is my favourite player in the side: I have a feeling he hasn't
reached his full potential. I have an affinity with him from FIFA, as well
as an appreciation for his superb reflexes. Adrián got a bit of a touch on
Cabaye's spot kick, but went in. This all occurred in three minutes. Payet
kicked the ball in frustration at an advertising board for a foul on equally
skilful, Yannick Bolasie. This was quite inconsistent for him. Subsequently,
he received a yellow. Dwight Gayle got a second yellow card for a needless
foul on Kouyaté just before half time. He deserved both yellows and went off
the pitch in tears with his face beneath his shirt. It was nice to see Ginge
and Noble consoling him.

Gayle Red Card Crying
We weren't able to take advantage against 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium
of Light, so what hope did we have today? Like Sunderland, Crystal Palace
started defending deep in the second half. I was starting to feel we were
getting a bit patient keeping the ball in midfield. I was happy to see that
the gaffer took the skipper off for Carroll: it was a real statement of
attack. Our midfield was strong enough already with lots of possession, so I
highly commend Slaven. It was only around the 70th minute that we were using
our heading prowess with Sakho and the big man. We had nine corners in the
game, so we had to make something count. A third consecutive draw would have
been really sloppy. Palace were managing to clear it away. Nobody could
fault them for a draw: the same couldn't be said about us. The thought of a
third draw is just too much. Normally, we tend to concede late goals, so it
was delightful to see that trend reversed. It was the Zárate kid who crossed
it in for Carroll who headed it back for Lanzini who shot from a couple of
yards away… in the 88th minute no less. All of Crystal Palace's hard work
was undone. At 2-1, they had no option but to go for it. I saw another
fabulous equaliser for Leicester from 2-0 down to 2-2 in added time from the
Tinkerman. I was hoping this wouldn't forebode anything. As we all know, a
side that goes all out in attack can concede goals. Payet secured the win
with a chip above Wayne Hennessey who fell before the Frenchman could get
his shot away.

In this match, we had 61% possession. I feel that came from the fact Gayle
was sent off, so I won't look into that. There were chants at Selhurst Park:
"Are you watching Allardyce?". First of all, let me say it is great to see
Sam back in football. Even neutrals like him managing teams. My grudge with
him was that he didn't do enough with the squad in the latter half of the
previous season. I emphasise on "was", because that saga is over. He is back
at the club which he used to play for. Sam has helped our side massively
over the years, but we have gotten the most out of him, so I feel it was
time for him to leave. I genuinely feel he will keep Sunderland up, but only
just. That is what most Sunderland fans will be happy with this season.
Quick note on Lanzini, who truly deserved MOTM. He is 22, and has been part
of the starting XI for most matches this season . There are only a handful
of young players playing superbly every week. Namely; Hazard, Lukaku, De
Bruyne, Sterling, Kane, and Barkley. There is nothing stopping the Jewel
from joining that elite group. Even Obiang hasn't managed to get in, so
Slaven is keeping it very competitive in the camp. This is a situation that
is not very common under Big Sam's reign. I hope this can last. We have
tightened up in more areas with better players. There is one player who Sam
has massive affinity with. And that player is rumoured to be off to
Sunderland later. Needless to say, it is Kevin Nolan. He is only one year
older than James Collins who played yesterday, so I am adamant that he will
get some playing time at Wearside if he moves.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini contract agreement "unbreakable"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham look certain to take up an option on Manuel Lanzini after the 22
year old's astonishing progress over the early games of the season. And
ClaretandHugh is happy to confirm this afternoon (Sunday) via our top
insider that we have an absolutely "wateritght deal" in place to sign the
brilliant youngster. We have been inundated with fans questions and comments
claiming that should we not sign him in January he could get stolen away by
another club. But that can't happen according to our best source who
declared: "Please assure supporters via the site that we have a contract
with him and his club we believe its unbreakable. We are absolutely sure
that it is. "Obviously we could make the decision now or in January but why
judge him over nine games or half a season when we can do so over 38."

ClaretandHugh had been informed the fee had been set at £6 million but our
source has now reliably infomed us that it is in fact agreed at £8m. He
said: "That sounds a lot but it could look very cheap indeed by the end of
this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We showed the pundits up once and for all
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Scott Alsweiler

Another Saturday, another away win. Against one of our former managers, no
less. This one was particularly interesting. Both teams play well on the
counter, giving the potential for any mistake to be swiftly and harshly
punished. We played hard, on the deck, and attractively flowing football.

This felt like a very important game. The paid pundits (and honestly, most
of them aren't worth the price of a cup of tea) have been blaming poor
opposition form for our away wins against Arsenal, Manchester City, and
Liverpool.

They have very seldom suggested that our wins are the result of great play
on our behalf. But this time, with two teams around the same level, we could
show them up. And so we did.

We looked dominant for most of the match. Lanzini (and how well he has
earned his nickname of "The Jewel"), and Payet are imperious in attacking
play to an extent that I can't say I can remember seeing in a West Ham side
before. I daresay we're going to be using our option with Lanzini at the end
of the season. I'd like to see a long-term deal signed. I believe he's happy
with us, and I know we're delighted with him.

Some managers would have had us "respect the point", and be happy to walk
away with the draw. Not our Slaven. His substitution choices were inspired.

Instead of sitting back and hoping play went our way, he brings Andy Carroll
as another attacking option to replace Noble, and a fresh Mauro Zarate
(another man who is flourishing under Slav's guidance). The results speak
for themselves.

Looking at yesterday's game, and back over the season, our shopping list
must include fullbacks. And much as I don't want to say it, I don't think
that includes a permanent deal for Jenkinson.

He played brilliantly last year, when the expectations were different, but
this year, when we already have pace out wide, his shortcomings in defence
are evident. That could change. I believe Slav can bring out the best in any
player. But he is unlikely to be worth the £10m that Arsenal will surely
expect. Cresswell is doing better under the new system, but we do need cover
for him, and someone to make him fight for his place).

Next weekend is Chelsea at home. Our home form does need work. A fact that
manager, staff, and team are no doubt acutely aware of. But all new systems
take time to properly implement. Chelsea would be an ideal game to start
proving our point: that we're not just a great away side ("best in the
League), but also a force to be reckoned with at home, in front of thousands
of passionate supporters.

Let's make the Boleyn a place where any team will fear to tread. For the
devotion and intensity of the fans, for the quality and character of the
squad, and for the belief we have in our manger and his staff.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We've got Payet, I don't think you understand'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

A new away song emerged yesterday amongst the 3,000 Happy Hammers at
Selhurst Park. The song is dedicated to new West Ham hero Dimtri Payet and
sung to the tune of Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus.

"We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet! I just don't think you understand. He's
Super Slavs man, he's better than Zidane. We've got Dimtri Payet!"

Payet has scored five goals for the Hammers providing three assists this
season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amazing value of the Hammers bench
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

If anybody is wondering just how far West Ham have come this season take a
look at the bench and beyond. It's a quite extraordinary scenario to find
that since the start of the season we have progressed to the point where we
have around £50 million worth of personnel waiting for a game. Add it up for
yourself whilst realising that with Michail Antonio – a £7 million buy –
couldn't even make the squad for the game against Palace.

And that Reece Oxford – who was in the opening team for the match at Arsenal
is also waiting patiently for a chance to impress again.
Here's yesterday's bench plus the two mentioned with their approximate
values although it is difficult to put a price on Carroll and Oxford:

Randolph (£2 million)
Carroll (£12 million)
Zárate (£3 million)
E Valencia (£12 million)
Obiang (£5 million)
Ogbonna (£8 million)
Jelavic (£2 million)
Antonio (£7 million)
Oxford (£5 million)
making a total of £56 million

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: Payet bringing back memories of Bergkamp
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

Dimitri Payet's goal this afternoon was beyond words.

I was working at the Premier League offices where several of us former pros
watch several games between us but I always keep a very close eye on the
Irons match for this site.

But when his goal went in every single one of us jumped up and applauded.
It was a fabulous goal from a player who has – and will continue to take –
the Premier League by the scruff of the neck this season.

The highest compliment I can Dimi is to say that he has brought back the
days of Dennis Bergkamp – a guy who scored wonder goal after wonder goal.

I absolutely love this lad – he is everybody's kind of player and the
beauty is he's WEST HAM'S FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS!

But if he is a star player what are we to make our magnificent manager who
keeps getting every big decision right. Mark Noble was having a fantastic
game when Slav decided to bring him off and throw on Andy Carroll as we went
4-4-2.

And it was AC who provided the knock down for the wondrous Bergkamp-like
killer goal from Mr Payet – top marks Slav – you got it spot on!

I love Lanzini who supplied the cross for that goal and of course got one of
his own. He's a quick dynamic player who is going to get better and better
as time goes by and he and Payet look a partnership made in heaven.

Am I excited? Damned right I am and now we need to get it right at home. If
we do that – as I'm certain we will – goodness knows where we can go.

Ok I know we have to keep our feet on the ground but it's getting harder and
that's down to a fabulous manager and a magnificent squad – the best we have
seen at Upton Park for many a long year.

Oh, and I notice Sunderland got beat as well !!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: Two immense displays – not Payet and Lanzini
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold selected two people for special praise after a performance at
Palace which has every Hammer believing that there is not a team in the land
that need worry our boys.

The co chairman watched thrilled as the team's patient second half approach
finally brought them their just reward and then described two performances
as immense.

He declared: "Obviously Payet and Lanzine were magnificent and took the
headlines but for me the two who were immense were Slaven himself and James
Collins.

"Slaven understands perfectly what this club is about, what we want and what
the fans expect. He kept on attacking and attacking, throwing on players who
could make it happen and the result was a 3-1 victory.

"It was great to see Andy Carroll play a part in Payet's goal but it was at
the back where I saw James – a fourth choice defender – produce an
astonishing performance.

"If Palace had driven a double decker bus though the middle of the pitch
he'd have headed it away. He truly was immense – to use the word again."

Aware of the questions being asked about Manuel Lanzini he said: "There's a
deal in place and agreed with his parent club and we will make the decision
towards or a the end of the season but he was quite brilliant today – I
don't remember him losing the ball.

"The manager is loving him as are the players, fans and everyone else – we
have had a wonderful simmer in the market.

"And here we are sitting in fourth place and unbeaten in six games with four
of them coming away from home. These are wonderful times for the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com




---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus