Daily WHUFC News - 10th November 2015

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic said his players must be happy with the start they've made to
their Premier League campaign. After 12 games played, just under a third of
the season, the Hammers have accumulated an impressive 21 points. The
manager said: "The international break has definitely come at a good time. I
said to the boys, 'Now, we have played a third of the season, we have to be
happy with the way we are playing. We may have a few more points, maybe a
few less, but we are in a good position.'" "We place high expectations of
ourselves, and we will keep that level of expectations high. This is the
last international break for a long time; we face a difficult time with the
winter coming. "I told them to be proud so far and I expect them to come
back hungry. We have a lot of games to do until the end of the season, we
want to maintain this level but also improve, we now we can still improve."

Looking ahead to the break in fixtures, the manager said he intends to
maximise the time by scrutinising every aspect of his side. While some
players will be away representing their countries, the manager will have the
majority of his squad to work with. He continued: "We are going to work on
and examine every area, tactics, physical side, medical things everything to
make sure we are as good as we can be. "We have shown that in parts so far,
but not consistent enough. We are going to win games, and we are going to
lose games. But if we keep our focus we will be a very hard team to beat."

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Noble - 'That was more like us'
WHUFc.com

Mark Noble felt the Hammers' performance against Everton on Saturday was a
cause for encouragement – even if all three points eluded them. On the back
of a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Watford, Noble wanted a reaction from his
team and that was certainly in evidence at the Boleyn Ground. Manuel
Lanzini's beautifully-placed effort gave the home side a 30th minute lead,
only for Romelu Lukaku to cancel it out just before the break. 1-1 was how
it remained, but Noble saw far more positives than negatives. He said: "We
are a little bit disappointed, not because of the result as Everton are a
top team, but at home I thought we played very well. "It was a completely
different performance to last week, which is encouraging. I think we
probably should have scored a couple more goals, but in the end probably
both teams were quite happy with a point. "Last week wasn't like us, I don't
know what happened there. Maybe it's credit to Watford because they played
well, I don't know. It wasn't us and we showed that on Saturday."

Lanzini's goal was his fourth of the season and Noble is impressed with the
way the Argentine has settled in to life with the Hammers. He continued:
"Manuel is great. He's learning English and he's a lovely kid. He's only 22
and he's got a manager who believes in him and lets him go out and play.
"He's a top player, and I YouTubed him before he came here and saw that he
had a lot of quality. He's showing that in the games."

As the Londoners head into the third international break of the season,
Noble is satisfied with the campaign to date, but knows his team cannot
afford to rest on their laurels.
He added: "We had this kind of start last year, but then only won a couple
of league games after Christmas. We want to keep this going, we're got back
to a good performance on Saturday and probably should have got the three
points."

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

We had to settle for a point on Saturday and overall I thought it was a
decent performance by the team considering the disappointing performance we
had against Watford. But unfortunately we had no luck on the day and were
unable to come away with the three points. It was a wonder goal from Manuel
Lanzini to put us into the lead and it was a fantastic strike. He knew
exactly where he wanted to put the ball and he gave Tim Howard no chance
with a perfectly executed strike which flew into the top corner. Manuel has
been outstanding for the Club since we signed him during the summer and
Slaven was determined to bring him to the Boleyn Ground. He tried to sign
him when he was at Besiktas last season but the move never materialised.
We are delighted that we were able to finalise a deal and he has taken no
time adjusting to Premier League football. He has shown he can compete
against the best teams in the country. He has so much to his game and showed
once again with his fourth goal of the campaign that he is going to be a
key player for us this season.

It was unfortunate that we were not able to hold onto the lead and Romelu
Lukaku scored against us once again. But apart from the goal, I thought the
defending from Winston Reid and James Tomkins was fantastic on Saturday. I
thought some of the tackling by Everton was strong and I was amazed it took
so long for them to get a yellow card. We've ended up with two badly injured
players. Some weeks the challenge on Payet would have been a red card and
his injury changed the game for us. We are still waiting for news on how
long both players will be ruled out of action and hope to have an update in
the next 24 hours. We now head into the international break and I want to
wish the best of luck to Darren Randolph who will be joining up with the
Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial play-off game against Bosnia &
Herzegovina.

I know that Slaven will be using the time to work on different areas with
the players and we will be fully ready for the big London derby against
Tottenham on November 22.

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Payet suffers ankle injury
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that midfielder Dimitri Payet suffered an injury
to his left ankle during Saturday's game with Everton. The France
international had a scan on Sunday and after a consultation with a
specialist on Monday, it is likely that he will be ruled out of action for
three months.
Payet picked up the injury following a challenge from Everton midfielder
James McCarthy and was forced to leave the field early in the second half.
Meanwhile, Enner Valencia's ankle injury will be assessed by a specialist
early next week and whufc.com will bring a further update on his fitness
then.

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Reece Burke's Bradford City were held to a 0-0 draw by Nathan Mavila's
Aldershot in the FA Cup First Round. The Bantams dominated the game with 63%
possession and 13 shots to the host's one. The replay will take place on
Tuesday 17 November. The young centre-back was nominated for October's
Player of the Month award.

Diego Poyet played the full game as MK Dons slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at
high flyers Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls got off to a great start
when Solly March netted after just five minutes before Jamie Murphy doubled
their lead. Nicky Maynard pulled a goal back shortly after with a long range
drive. The win sees Chris Houghton's men extend their unbeaten run to 17
games while MK Dons slip to 21st in the Championship.

Jordan Brown was unused substitute in Chelmsford City's 2-1 home defeat
Truro City. Hugo Skepelhorn opened the scoring after just five minutes for
Clarets however the visitors rallied through goals from Jamie Reid and Ryan
Brett.

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Commemorative Bricks update
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are pleased to announce that, following careful
consideration, the messages on the Commemorative Bricks currently outside
the Boleyn Ground are to be transferred to Champions Place on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Champions Place will become the new landmark outside West Ham's magnificent
new Stadium, and is also planned to be the home of the Champions Statue, as
well as a number of individual sections dedicated to other Club legends.

Around these sections will be laid thousands of granite stones inscribed
with messages by West Ham fans who have chosen to leave their permanent mark
in history as the Club prepares to start a new chapter at the world-famous,
54,000-seater Stadium next year.

In order to ensure that the memories of those individuals currently
remembered at the Boleyn Ground should be preserved at the Club's new
Stadium for generations to come, West Ham have decided that each message on
the Commemorative Bricks will be inscribed on a brand new Champions Place
Stone.

The Club believes that this landscaped area of the new Stadium – a place for
Hammers fans to meet and pay homage to their heroes – will be the most
appropriate location to leave a permanent, individual tribute, engraved in
granite, to all those loved ones.

The Club will take on all the costs of this process, as part of its on-going
commitment to ensure the new Stadium looks and feels, unmistakably, like the
home of West Ham United.

Inevitably, the Club's decision regarding the Commemorative Bricks will
reduce the number of Champions Place Stones available for other West Ham
fans to buy, but if you would like to secure your stone and make your mark
on history, please visit championsplace.whufc.com and place your order
today. For general enquiries and customer service-related queries, please
call 03333 442252.

In consultation with West Ham's Chaplain, Reverend Alan Bolding, the Club
are also planning to hold a special memorial service during the final season
at the Boleyn Ground for everyone who is currently remembered there or whose
ashes were scattered on the pitch, the terraces or the Memorial Garden in
the past.

West Ham will publicise this service widely in the local media, the matchday
programme, the Club's website and other social media channels, so that
everyone who may wish to attend has the opportunity to do so.

The answers to some FAQs about this process can be found below.

FAQs

Will we have to pay for a new stone to have our message transferred?
No, West Ham will take care of all the costs involved in full.

When will the new stones be laid?
The stones will be laid and unveiled before the first West Ham home fixture
of the 2016/17 season. Full information about that unveiling will be
published on whufc.com in due course.

How will we know where to find our new stone?
The Club holds contact details for all individuals or groups who purchased
Commemorative Bricks, and, in the first instance, those details will be used
to pass on information about the location of the new stones in Champions
Place.

If you know that those details are now out of date, or if you do not hear
from the Club prior to the opening of Champions Place, please contact
championsplace@westhamunited.co.uk with details of the message that was on
your Brick, and they will inform you where your new stone will be located.

Can we change the message that will go on our new stone?
Unfortunately not. The Club feel that it is fitting, both as a historical
record and for posterity, that the very same messages which have graced the
Boleyn Ground for many years join us at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park.

However, it is possible to purchase an additional Champions Place stone if
you wish to add a new message from the Champions Place online store here.

Why can't the bricks be transferred in their current form?
West Ham looked into that possibility, but given the age and condition of
the bricks, the process of dismantling and reassembling them would have
resulted in irreparable damage, in addition to which there would have been
no appropriate place to incorporate them in their current form into the new
Stadium or its surroundings.

Can we retrieve our individual brick as a memento?
Unfortunately, it would be impossible to extract individual bricks from the
group in their current form without damaging those around them, which,
clearly, would be disrespectful to other supporters.

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Dimitri Payet: West Ham midfielder ruled out for three months
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet has been ruled out for three months with
an ankle injury. The France international suffered the injury to his left
ankle after a challenge from James McCarthy in the first half of Saturday's
1-1 draw with Everton at Upton Park. He tried to play on but limped off five
minutes after the break. Payet, 28, has scored five goals in 14 appearances
since his £10.7m summer move from Marseille. West Ham, who are currently
sixth in the Premier League, say Enner Valencia's long-term ankle injury
will be assessed by a specialist early next week. The Ecuador striker, 26,
has been out since July after suffering the injury in a Europa League
qualifying match.

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Secret Footballer's West Ham 'racism' slur
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United supporters have reacted angrily to a suggestion that the
Boleyn Ground is a hotbed of racism. The claim, made in today's Telegraph by
an unnamed individual who hides behind the pseudonym 'Secret Footballer'
suggested that racism was a greater issue at West Ham than any other club.
"I meet supporters from clubs up and down the country and, for the most
part, I leave with something to think about. But not with West Ham fans,"
they wrote. "When you play against West Ham, you also notice the racism that
you don't hear at other clubs. The odd thing about it, though racism is
racism, is that you can sometimes hear it directed at West Ham players by
West Ham fans. Honestly, it is a bizarre experience. "I have a theory on
this that pertains to the cameras never picking it up on live broadcasts or
on highlights programmes. Yet if you were to make a TV show on racism at
West Ham, you'd have more than enough material in the first 20 minutes of
the match to fill a series." The writer, who some believe to be former
Reading striker and Tottenham supporter Dave Kitson, also claimed that
Hammers fans were, "without doubt the most deluded fans in the Premier
League".

Naturally the unknown individual's comments provoked an angry reaction from
Hammers fans, many of whom took to the KUMB Forum today to express their
disappointment at what some have perceived to be a cowardly and unprovoked
attack on the club's entire fanbase. "Being a member of an ethnic minority
and regularly attending home and away for several years now, I can say I've
never noticed anything that sticks in the memory," wrote ironsjh. That was a
view supported by hessa, who added: "In the last 15 years or so I've
encountered only one racist in the Bobby Moore Upper, who was abusing
Carlton Cole. "Pretty much everyone seemed appalled and challenged the
bloke; he got escorted out. The first time he got banned for a game or two
and the second time I assumed got banned for good, as I never saw him
again."

Meanwhile ClaretDave questioned the validity of the 'deluded' claim,
writing: "The average West Ham fan has seen far more disappointment than
success, never seen us lift a trophy and only wants a decent effort from the
team. "I have never met anyone who honestly believes we should be winning
everything."

The Secret Footballer also revealed in the column how he was "glad" to have
"ran up a $130,000 bill in one night at the Tao nightclub in Vegas" whilst
admitted to having "accidentally written off a Ferrari when playing a game
of chicken in Barcelona".

West Ham have thus far refrained from responding to the writer's comments,
which were published in Mark Bailey's column for the newspaper.

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Dimitri Payet still leading the way
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet is still leading the statistical
charts in the Premier League this season. We recently revealed how Payet was
once again Europe's most creative player in 2015/16 having delivered more
key passes than any other players in the continent's top five leagues so far
this season. And the French midfielder is also the Premier League's second
highest-rated player in terms of chances created - behind only Mesut Ozil of
Arsenal, who has been responsible for 54 goalscoring opportunities compared
to Payet's 47. The two London-based players are a country mile clear of
their closest rivals, they being Arsenal's Santi Cazorla (with 35 chances),
Dusan Tadic of Southampton (33) and Eden Hazard of relegation-threatened
Chelsea (32).
In terms of overall ratings, the former Olympique de Marseille star is
currently rated as the third best midfielder on the continent, behind
Barcelona's Neymar and Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez. Various factors
including goals scored, number of assists and 'take-ons' are used to assess
each player's value. Meanwhile Payet is currently rated as the fourth-best
player in the Premier League during 2015/16 with a total of 398 points.
according to Oulala. He currently trails Mahrez (426 points). Jamie Vardy -
also of Leicester (422) - and Jack Butland (415) of Stoke City.

And fellow stats site Squawka list Payet in fourth place in their Premier
League 'Performance Score' rankings for 2015/16, behind Arsenal's Alexis
Sanchez, Mahrez and fellow countryman Laurent Koscielny (also of Arsenal).

(We've got Payet), Dimitri Payet: 2015/16 stats

Games Played: 12
Total Minutes Played: 1,036
Passes Completed: 400
Pass Accuracy: 82% (61% of which were forward passes)
Shot Accuracy: 65%
Chances Created: 47
Goals Scored: 5
Assists: 3
Performance Score: 451 (fourth highest in the BPL)

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Five key questions regarding Dimitri Payet's injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

It was confirmed earlier this afternoon that Dimitri Payet will be out of
action until February 2016 at the earliest after sustaining damage to his
ankle ligaments during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton.

The 28-year-old was felled by a terrible first half challenge from behind by
Everton's James McCarthy and forced off the field just five minutes into the
second half as a result.

However questions are now inevitably being asked about the circumstances
behind the injury, the extent of which even manager Slaven Bilic appeared
unaware of during his post-match press conference on Saturday evening.

When questioned as to the nature of Payet's injury, Bilic told the assembled
media that he expected him to be back sooner rather than later - clearly
oblivious to the gravity of the French midfielder's condition.

"I've been in football long enough not to listen to those first opinions,"
he said. "Almost always they're totally different after the scans. So we
have to wait.

"Payet and Valencia's are both ankles," he continued. "I think the first one
[on Payet] was a bad challenge, to be fair. It doesn't look good, but I'm
hoping and I'm optimistic that they're going to be okay for the Spurs game."

So five key questions we believe West Ham United FC need to answer following
this afternoon's revelations are:

1. Why was Payet allowed to play/limp on until half time following
McCarthy's dreadful challenge?

2. Why was Payet told by the medical team at half time he could continue
after the break?

3. Why was Payet allowed to play for five further minutes before asking to
be substituted?

4. Why did Payet take his place in the dug-out after leaving the field of
play instead of receiving immediate treatment?

5. On whose advice was Slaven Bilic acting when stating that the injury may
not necessarily be serious?

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Dimitri Payet sidelined until 2016
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet could be sidelined for up to three months after sustaining a
knock in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton at the Boleyn Ground.

The French midfielder has been West Ham United's best player of the season
so far but is set to remain out of action until February 2016, having being
injured by a dreadful challenge from Everton's James McCarthy during
Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground.

The Everton midfielder was merely cautioned for the 'scissors' challenge on
Payet by rookie referee Paul Tierney - one that threatens to derail West
Ham's good start to the 2015/16 campaign.

The extend of the French midfielder's ankle injury was revealed by club
doctors on Monday. Payet has scored five goal already this season, creating
three assists and topping the European charts for key passes.

Questions will now inevitably be asked as to why Payet was allowed to return
for the second half of Saturday's match, in which he lasted just five
minutes before being replaced.

And news of his injury comes less than 72 hours after former Hammer Jack
Collison, currently at Peterborough effectively blamed West Ham United's
medical staff for damaging his career in an interview with the Independent.

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Dimitri Payet out for up to three months, West Ham confirm
Last Updated: 09/11/15 7:01pm
SSN

West Ham star Dimitri Payet is facing up to three months out with an ankle
injury suffered against Everton at the weekend. Earlier on Monday Jack
Sullivan, son of owner David Sullivan, had tweeted that the French star was
facing a spell on the sidelines and now the club have confirmed the extent
of the injury. The French midfielder has been an integral part of West Ham's
rise up the Premier League table this season but now faces the prospect of
being out until the new year after scans on Sunday confirmed the damage.
Payet suffered the ankle injury in the 50th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Everton after being tackled by James McCarthy who was booked following
the challenge. The 28-year-old joined from Marseille for £10.7m in the
summer, since when he has netted five times in 13 league appearances for the
East London club.

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West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet facing THREE MONTHS out after sustaining
an injury against Everton
16:58, 9 NOV 2015 UPDATED 17:23, 9 NOV 2015
BY JAMES WHALING
Payet was tackled by Toffees man James McCarthy during their 1-1 draw in the
Premier League at Upton Park on Saturday
The Mirror

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet is facing three months out injured. The
Frenchman was tackled by Everton's James McCarthy in their 1-1 draw in the
Premier League at Upton Park on Saturday. McCarthy clattered into his
opponent from behind, leading to him being replaced shortly after half time
by Enner Valencia, who was also forced off after a tackle from Seamus
Coleman. Asked about the challenge on Payet, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
told Sky Sports: "I didn't see it but I was told it should have been red.
"I saw it was a foul from behind and they made a few of them. We had our
player injured and we don't know how bad it is, but it was bad enough for
him not to finish the game. "It is a big blow for us. Payet is our main
player with the ball and I am not happy with the injury. "Enner did really
well when he came on and we looked dangerous but then he got injured. Those
are the only things I am not happy about."

Fans are furious with the challenge with Payet having been a standout
performer for the Hammers this season.

One angry user tweeted: "Because once again the @FA rules are flawed,players
like @dimpayet17 not protected & thugs like @JMcCarthy_16 get away with it."

Another added: "Christ, even as an Everton fan how was that not a red.
#GotAwayWithIt

Others were similarly distraught: "No-one in the squad can do what payet can
do, let's be real hear," while another said: "He's our most important
player, he's vital for Sakho & Lanzini!"

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Payet faces the knife
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Exclusive

Dimitri Payet will be forced to go under the knife to "sort out" the ankle
injury which will see him out of action for the next three months.
ClaretandHugh has learned the brilliant French midfielder will be forced to
undergo surgery in the near future after the horror tackle by Everton's
James McCarthy.
Last night we were told by our best Hammers source the club were fearing the
worst outcome and the same insider has revealed to us tonight the surgery is
an urgent requirement. He said: "Dimi has damaged ankle ligaments and will
definitely need an operation to sort it out. It's a huge disappointment to
everybody." Chairman's son Jack Sullivan broke the news on Twitter earlier
tonight but this is the first time the specific details of the injury and
required treatment have been revealed. We were told: "The timetable for his
recovery is three months but if he's a quick healer it could be a little
earlier."

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Slaven's about to start earning his money
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

Let's get something straight right away – West Ham United is not a one man
team and sad though it is to lose Dimitri Payet I believe we are going to be
okay.

I predicted a possible eight weeks out for the Frenchman in a piece on here
earlier so it's reall depressing to learn it could be up to twelve. I'm no
doctor!

What happens now is that manager Slaven Bilic will start earning his money
as he looks to find another way in the absence of our main creative force.

I believe he will and it's wrong and misguided to start suggesting our
season is over. This is a quality manager who will have had a plan in his
mind for some time given how important a player Dimi has become.

Slaven has surprised everybody in the first third of the season and there's
no reason to believe he can't do it again, It's a blow but as I said earlier
I reckon the boy Lanzini can step up and make a real impact.

He's been absolutely terrific so far and had we had a player like him around
last season we'd have been well pleased. Now we have him and Payet plus a
much deeper squad. We are going to be okay

It's no good looking at the worst scenario – look for the best and the young
Argentinian is all set to start his growing up period and I think he will
and become a better player than he is now as a result of the added
responsibility.

We have players with creative ability beside him – Moses, Zarate and with
Song back there will be some creative guile of a different kind available.

I thought the character and quality we showed against Everton was brilliant
and the lads bounced back as I thought they would following the Watford
slump.

This is a squad with a great spirit and a team which must be taken very
seriously. Payet's injury is a massive blow but we'll be okay with this
manager in charge. I'm sure of it.

COYI

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Irons make Antonio position clear
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reports that Michail Antonio is wanted by Derby County are believable but
unlikely to become reality. West Ham are of course aware they were involved
in a race for the player with the Rams when snapping him up for £7 million
on deadline day. ClaretandHugh was told on the morning of the window's final
day that the board were waiting on the manager's decision regarding the
player. Once Slav had given the thumbs-up, the negotiations followed quickly
with the Hammers paying top price for the Nottingham Forest player, so there
seems 's no question the player isn't considered good enough for the Premier
League as is being suggested by some..
With Victor Moses already on board for a season's loan it has always been
considered that Antonio is a longer term prospect. Derby County are believed
to be ready to offer no more than £5 million – if indeed they make a move at
all – and David Gold and David Sullivan are not guys to take a £2 million
loss on any player so the thought of doing so on one who has had no chance
to show what he's got is craziness. The very best Rams boss Paul Clement can
hope for is a loan deal and this morning the Hammers updated the position
saying: "It's far too early to be talking about January anyway but we have
consistently said he's one for the future. We think that makes our position
clear."

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Irons fans hit out at Everton 'tactics'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hammers fans have been responding to the tactics adopted against us on
Saturday at the end of a game which left Dimi Payet and Enner Valencia
maimed.

Toby Cole I thought it was sad and disgusting that Everton clearly had
instructions to do our flair players. Had Payet stayed injury free on
Saturday there was a great chance for us to take all 3 points. The assault
on Enner was a red card all day long.

Rich Sprent The ref blows for the foul and Barry collects the ball, runs to
the ref and remonstrates with him saying McFilth 'won' the ball.
For them it was an outstanding challenge: McFilth gets away with assault
then, not long after, the injured Payet gives the ball away and they
score#jobdone

Brian Neil Gay It was only a matter of time before a team nobbled Payet.
Imagine if Slav had seen it real time?

Neil Abrey Less worried than normal as we have some depth. Still, I would
prefer them to be available.
Chris Denning We have the strongest squad I have known, but we don't have
another Payet

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Sunderland's renewed interest in Collins
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sunderland were once again linked with a January move for centre back James
Collins over the weekend by the Sun newspaper as Sam Allardyce looks to
shore up his defence to avoid relegation.
As we reported last month, West Ham are ready to allow James Collins to
leave either permanently or on loan should former boss Sam Allardyce move
for him in the January window. 'Ginge ' is out of contract at the end of the
season and having played a consistent role under Allardyce's management
could get a career-lengthening deal should the Black Cats boss move for him.
Collins made 30 Hammers appearances under the 60 year old in the 2014-15
season alone and with his defence a priority he could easily turn to a
player he knows and trusts. A Hammers source said: "It is of course the
manager's decision but a move for Collins would probably be one of those to
consider seriously as would any interest in Joey O'Brien whose contract ends
next summer."

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Devonshire's side forces FA Cup reply
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Non league side Maidenhead United scored a 94th-minute equaliser against
League One Port Vale to set up an FA Cup first round replay. Maidenhead are
managed by former Hammer Alan Devonshire who won the FA Cup with West Ham in
1980. His non league side forced a replay with an equaliser through James
Mulley's injury-time strike. Maidenhead sit 62 places and three leagues
below Port Vale. Maidenhead boss Alan Devonshire: "We got what we deserved
and I can't praise the lads highly enough. "We've got a young, part-time
side, but their spirit and character is unbelievable. They kept going right
to the end and got their just desserts. "Vale were trying to keep the ball
in the corners in the last 15 to 20 minutes and that showed how well our
lads were playing. I'm not singling anyone out because every one of them was
fantastic. "Football fans aren't stupid and we appreciated the reception we
got from the Vale supporters at the end. It was a nice gesture and of course
well deserved."

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Leroy predicts Payet lay-off period
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

ClaretandHugh's Leroy Rosenior was pleased to see Dimitri Payet walk off the
Boleyn pitch on Saturday afternoon and believes the surgical boot he is
wearing suggest an ankle ligament problem. And the former player and manager
he reckons this means he could be out for a minimum of two weeks or maximum
of eight. He said: "I was relieved when I saw the surgical boot because
better ankle ligaments than knee. They are a bit easier to deal with." But
he warned that those expecting to hear definite news on the injury to Dimi
and Enner Valencia situations today may be disappointed today adding: "If
there's a lot of bruising the scan may not show too much at this stage. "I
saw the pictures of Dimi on our site here last night and immediately
believed it's his ankle that's the problem but what was encouraging was that
he didn't look in great pain as he left the field of play. "There was some
discomfort showing but he looks to have perhaps escaped a serious problem.
His body language wasn't too bad."

Lee though was seriously encouraged by 'Manu' Lanzini's display after his
'mate' left the field and said: "He took responsibility for everything after
that and the upside is that he could grow and grow during Dimi's absence.
"In my job as a Premier League pundit I watched every game over the weekend
and without doubt the West Ham/Everton match was the one of real quality and
that's deeply encouraging for us."

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Slav to examine absolutely everything
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News
C and H

Slaven Bilic is probably on his own on this one – he's glad to see the
international break! The manager though isn't discussing a couple of
injuries which have the rest of us sweating. Instead , wioth the first third
of the season gne it gives him a much needed opportunity to look at every
area of the team. He said: "The international break has definitely come at a
good time. I said to the boys, 'Now, we have played a third of the season,
we have to be happy with the way we are playing. We may have a few more
points, maybe a few less, but we are in a good position.'"
Speaking to www.whufc.com he declared: " This is the last international
break for a long time; we face a difficult time with the winter coming. "I
told them (the players) to be proud so far and I expect them to come back
hungry. We have a lot of games to do until the end of the season, we want to
maintain this level but also improve, we know we can still improve." He
continued: "We are going to work on and examine every area, tactics,
physical side, medical things everything to make sure we are as good as we
can be. "We have shown that in parts so far, but not consistent enough. We
are going to win games, and we are going to lose games. But if we keep our
focus we will be a very hard team to beat."

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SCOUSE BRUTES VS. ARGENTINIAN GRACE
By HamburgHammer 9 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID

I hate moaning about referees. I really do. Yet this season for one reason
or another I cannot seem to stop. As of now we cannot be sure how long
Dmitri Payet, the heart, soul, brain and face of our team, may be out for
courtesy of Messrs. Scissor Tacklers of Everton. Rarely have I seen a team
kicking their opponents this consistently and deliberately from behind
without getting booked left, right and center for it. How that tackle
against Payet was not punished with a straight red and a lengthy ban to boot
will be a question I may have to take with me to my grave eventually. I
never minded Everton as a club, one of my former colleagues at Hapag was an
Everton fan. I liked their nickname The Toffees because, well, I like
toffees and I liked the story of them being named so because they used to
play or were founded near a toffee factory or shop. (Lucky for them then
that this shop didn't sell screwdrivers, they could easily have been known
as The Tools). I don't even blame them for resorting to fouling if that was
the only way for them to even snatch a point from us on Saturday. But you
can still foul players without taking a huge risk of injuring them badly
like with that scissor tackle against Payet.

In my view Everton have enough players in their team who actually can play a
bit, so I wouldn't have considered them as much of a team of bullies. But
that was before Saturday, now I hope that Everton will soon join Chelsea in
the nether regions of the league table and I'd also be happy if that referee
would hopefully soon be plying his trade at Conference level, thank you very
much!

Trying to ignore the nasty side of that game for a minute I thoroughly
enjoyed watching that game, our energy, our passing, our desire to win. And
that goal from Lanzini (yet another one, he's piling them up, not bad for a
loanee) was one of those you never tire to watch and admire, even if you
have seen it a hundred times and more.
I also love the new atmosphere between players and manager that seems to be
permeating throughout our club, there was a nice little moment between
Zarate and Bilic just before the substitution: Both were talking, then
smiling and even laughing (as if Bilic had just cracked a joke) and then
they did this kind of prison handshake you tend to see in American TV crime
series, both making a fist, then touching. I couldn't help but smile at
this.

Another thing I took from this game is that Carroll's days at our club may
unfortunately be numbered (sorry RoHammer, I know you just bought his
shirt).
At least if we continue to try and play him as isolated upfront as we did
(again) against Everton. He doesn't have the energy or pace to chase
defenders around and win the ball near the opposition box, both Sakho and
Valencia are much better at doing that.

He's also not the kind of trickster to win a header, knock the ball down for
himself, dribble around four or five opponents and finish off the move by
nutmegging the goalie.
He is an incredible header of the ball though, scoring from crosses,
freekicks and cornerkicks.
Then again: In Valencia, Sakho, Kouyate, Reid, Tomkins, Collins we have
other guys who can do that too.
In short: In my view Carroll is far too expensive wages wise compared to
what he can (and does) bring to the table. His best role would be as super
sub, but he is also far too expensive for that in reality.

I'm not sure if we can find another club taking a massive gamble and taking
Carroll and his massive wages on. Carroll has this massive potential, but so
far no club has managed to bring that potential out, for one reason or
another. Newcastle did the right thing selling him for the kind of money
they got from Liverpool.
Liverpool then did the right thing selling Carroll to us for the kind of
money West Ham were offering while making a loss considering how much they
had paid to sign carroll in the first place. We will be lucky if we now find
ANY club willing to pay a 5 million fee for him AND cover the remaining
wages of the long term contract he signed at West Ham.
But this is a question that will not be resolved until January, maybe even
not before next summer.

So, now for another International break. This time I am extremly grateful
for it, it may help us to mend some twisted ankles, torn ligaments, cuts and
bruises.
At this stage I'm still confident the injuries to Payet and Valencia will
turn out to be nowhere near as bad as initially feared. Song should finally
be ready to at least take his place on the bench. Obiang should be available
too and what a welcome addition to our options he could be.
Once Bilic has a full squad to choose from (minus the still suspended
Collins) things will get very interesting indeed.
Maybe the answer will be two strikers upfront, at least in home games. Maybe
Carroll will be one of them. Maybe we will get our first glimpse of young
Michail Antonio before Christmas. Maybe we will see a bit of proper squad
rotation.

Should Payet and Valencia be out for a while, I think we can cope. We may
drop some points, but we will be fine. With not even a third of the season
gone we already have 21 points and are still in touching distance near the
top of the league with just five points behind Man City and Arsenal. I
reckon a certain Mr.Mourinho would love to swap league position with West
Ham as of now (and the entire team too probably). I, however, wouldn't want
to swap this for the world, I love watching West Ham again, I love the
dynamics between our board, manager, squad and fans.
One group of bullies kicking up a fuss in our backyard on Saturday won't
change that.

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Why Michail Antonio could still be set for a significant role at West Ham
this season
HITC
Vincent Ralph

The West Ham United winger's campaign should not be written off just yet.
When West Ham United signed Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest in the
summer it was hailed as a real coup from those who had seen the winger score
15 goals and provide 14 assists for the Championship side last season. While
it was a significant step up, at first glance it seemed Antonio had all the
attributes to excel in the Premier League, but so far this season he has
made just one appearance for West Ham, playing for 30 minutes against
Manchester City back in September. Since then he has been nothing more than
an unused substitute and that has prompted the Mirror to suggest that Derby
County could attempt to sign the winger in January. A permanent move seems
highly unlikely, with a loan switch surely the best the Rams can hope for,
but there is another alternative that could see Antonio play a significant
role in the second half of the campaign.

After all, West Ham started their season far earlier than most due to their
Europa League qualifiers, and as clubs have discovered in the past, that has
a tendency to take its toll at the business end of the campaign. While the
Hammers played a young side for many of those games, some of their
first-team stars still featured while many are playing week in, week out at
this point as they seek to maintain their outstanding start under Slaven
Bilic. But injuries, suspensions and dips in form are all set to play a part
in time and a fresh Antonio could be exactly what West Ham need to ensure a
bright start does not ultimately fizzle out. The longer Antonio is seen as
the forgotten man of Upton Park, the more likely Bilic could use him as a
secret weapon exactly when he needs him the most.

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West Ham forward Andy Carroll will never be more than 'Plan B' under Slaven
Bilic... Diafra Sakho is crucial to the way we play
Andy Carroll started for West Ham during the draw against Everton
The striker struggled to make an impact before being substituted
Supporters don't feel that Carroll is good enough to be No 1 choice
Diafra Sakho is key to the way that Slaven Bilic plays football
By HUGH SOUTHON
PUBLISHED: 14:38, 9 November 2015 | UPDATED: 15:06, 9 November 2015

West Ham forward Andy Carroll had a game to forget against Everton after
struggling to get the better of John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori at Upton
Park. So here, Sportsmail asked Claret and Hugh founding editor Hugh Southon
to give his opinions on the former Newcastle striker's chances on becoming
first choice under Slaven Bilic. Not to put to fine a point on it, Carroll
has stepped into the shoes of his big mate and former West Ham skipper
skipper Kevin Nolan as the fans' 'Marmite Man' at Upton Park. You either do
or you don't and the big question regularly asked these days is whether the
club's £18million signing really does have a serious future at the club. The
answer is one that only he can provide because under the new fluid system
introduced by Bilic, the new lead striker Diafra Sakho is crucial and
provides a dimension which is simply not part of Carroll's game. Whilst it
has been the flair players Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini who have been
catching all the headlines, trust me it's Sakho who does the fierce running
which allows them both to flourish. He's the guy relentlessly running the
channels, moving defenders around to produce the holes and space in which
Payet and Lanzini can create their magic. It isn't a role suited to
Carroll's game and it's been very noticeable over the last two games against
Watford and Everton that the 'flair factor' has been missing. It's not
rocket science, it's all about Sakho's absence. Carroll – like the rest of
the team - had a poor day put at Vicarage Road and was firmly shackled by a
no-nonsense Everton defensive line up on Saturday – one even lacking Phil
Jagielka. But let's be honest we are a totally different team when Sakho's
up front, playing a brand of football we could only dream about this time
last year. Being brutal, Carroll really does look like 'Plan B' right now
and that hasn't been too effective thus far. The Hammers goal against
Everton was all about sublime touch and placement from Lanzini rather than
anything involving the big man's much discussed 'scary' presence in the box.
He has big value though as an impact sub which he demonstrated against
Chelsea with a fine headed goal and it was his presence – that word again –
in the box which was probably responsible for one at Selhurst Park. If that
was all there were to consider, it would be fine. Carroll as an impact sub
sounds ideal but only he can decide whether that's enough. He's the club's
highest paid player and having become used to automatic selection – when fit
– under Sam Allardyce, it seems doubtful that his new role as a squad player
will be enough. The manager has been talking him up – even addressing the
matter of his England future and declaring that big strikers are back in
fashion. One would expect nothing less from Bilic but Sakho really is the
man who matters in this system. Every club has one essential player. The
Senegal international is ours. Whether Carroll can come to terms with that
remains to be seen. I hope so, as he is the best at what he does but it
would be no surprise to see the issue raise its head in the summer.

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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble hails Manuel Lanzini's start to Upton Park
career
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Monday, November 9, 2015

West Ham captain Mark Noble knew Manuel Lanzini would be a hit for his side
after watching him on YouTube. Lanzini has been outstanding since moving to
Upton Park on loan in the summer from Al Jazira. The Argentine netted his
third Premier League goal of the season against Everton on Saturday and
fellow midfielder Noble says he always knew the 22-year-old would shine
after scouting him online. "Manuel is great. He's learning English and he's
a lovely kid," Noble told West Ham's official website. "He's only 22 and
he's got a manager who believes in him and lets him go out and play. "He's a
top player and I YouTubed him before he came here and saw that he had a lot
of quality. He's showing that in the games."

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