Daily WHUFC News - 17th November 2015

Westley delighted with Academy signings
WHUFC.com

Academy manager Terry Westley spoke of his delight after signing two highly
rated prospects in the space of a week. Academy of Football product Marcus
Browne, 17, put pen to paper on a professional contract while exciting
winger Dan Kemp, 16, signed from London rivals Chelsea. Reflecting on a
busy yet highly productive week for the West Ham United Academy, Westley
said: "It's been a very good week for the Academy. We've signed two very
exciting players, two game changers if you like, they're both players who
can open a game up and make things happen."

Midfielder Browne has gone from strength to strength this season, having
suffered injury problems last term, the youngster has taken the step up from
the U18s to the U21s in his stride.
Since making his Development Squad debut against Arsenal, he has made seven
appearances scoring in the 4-0 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Westley continued: "Marcus has been offered a professional contract. It's
richly deserved, he's been one of the best U18 players and he's transferred
that to the U21s where he's really caught the eye. "He did well in the
behind-closed-doors game with Crystal Palace, playing as a No10 in front of
Mark Noble and Alex Song."

Westley was equally delighted to capture the signature of diminutive yet
explosive forward Dan Kemp. With several clubs interested in the
16-year-old, the Academy manager described the process in securing the
teenager's talents. "I joined West Ham about 18 months ago and I took an U16
team to Chelsea where he ripped us apart. I quickly asked Dave Hunt (Head of
Recruitment at the Academy) 'Who is this boy?' but Chelsea quite rightly
wanted to keep him. "He's been there a very long time; it's been a great
apprenticeship there if you like. I kept nagging away at Neil Bath the
Chelsea Academy manager and now the time was right. "Danny sees a great
pathway here to the first team, and he has a real opportunity here. I'm
delighted that he's come over to us."

With both Browne and Kemp's futures sorted, Westley is expecting big things
from the pair, at both U18 and U21 level. Despite Kemp's diminutive size,
Westley is confident the winger's ability and skill: "It doesn't matter too
much about size or height, Danny is in the same mould as a David Silva, he
can take the ball and he can beat you. With the length of the contract we've
given him time to develop, that time is valuable. "We should put him under a
lot of pressure because he's a big marquee signing for the Academy, and he's
also good enough to handle that extra expectation. "We don't just sign
anyone, we've chased him for a while, and we know what we're getting. We
will have to be patient and that's why it's a longer term contract.
"I certainly expect to see him play for the U21s; I see no reason why he
can't take the ball and make things happen for us at that level."

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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at five things we've learned this season...

It might seem premature, but it is easy to forget that we are more or less a
third of the way through the Premier League season. It seems just yesterday
the claret and blue army were bringing the roof down at the Emirates Stadium
on the opening day, but as we approach the busy winter period, here's a look
at the five things us Hammers fans have learned so far this season.

We can beat anyone

If you looked at our fixture list before the season began, you'd be forgiven
for being a tad frustrated at the opening game away to Arsenal. In fact, it
has been difficult in recent years to be optimistic about any of the 'big'
games, but this season has changed all of that. Wins away against the
Gunners, Liverpool and Manchester City, and a home victory over the reigning
champions Chelsea, show exactly what this new-look West Ham side are capable
of.

Annoyingly, this confident mentality is one that has been adopted by many
clubs who were expected to have a mediocre season, and they have apparently
seen us as a big side and left with all three points. Despite this, for the
first time in recent memory, every game is now winnable and the whole league
knows it.

Dimitri Payet is a magician

Everyone knew that the signing of Dimitri Payet would be huge for the club,
particularly when you look at his goal and assist record at Marseille from
last season. However, no one quite expected him to set the league on fire as
he has done.

Payet settled straight into Premier League life, oozing confidence and
class, humiliating anyone who stood in his way. His elegance and swagger is
unrivalled in the league, and he has netted goals and racked up assists for
fun. Payet is well on his way to pick up the Hammer of the Year award, and
if he can recover from the injury he sustained against Everton last
Saturday, he could be in with a shout of picking up some league-wide awards.

Our squad depth is the best in years

The injury to Dimitri Payet is a tragedy, not just for the club, but for the
neutral; anyone who enjoys the beautiful game. However, what his injury has
done, is highlight the squad depth at Slaven Bilic's disposal. Last season,
the substitute bench was something you never really wanted to look at, as it
was often made up of players lacking fitness and others drafted in from the
development squad, who hadn't ever played with the senior side.

This year though, the options available are quite remarkable, and there is
not a single area of the field without suitable backup. We have tall
strikers and pacey strikers, skilful wingers and ones who can score,
box-to-box midfielders and tough, holding midfielders, the list goes on.

Slaven Bilic has rejuvenated the club

If you had asked a West Ham fan at the end of last season whether or not
they were optimistic about life as a Hammers fan, you quite possibly
would've been met with a half-hearted grunt, following by a forced "not
really".

Since Slaven Bilic has come in, the atmosphere around the club is electric,
and fans do really feel as though this season, and the next ten, will be our
seasons. Seeing our manager passionately patrolling the touchlines and
working his magic brings a sense of pride for fans. Although it is only his
first year managing in England, you get the feeling that Bilic is at home,
and it certainly seems that way.

European football is a reality

Our qualification for the UEFA Europa League last season was poorly timed,
but the move into the Olympic Stadium is supposed to usher in a new era of
West Ham being in Europe. Just 12 games in however, and it is clear that
this could well be a reality come May. We are competing with every other top
side in the league and a win against Spurs after the international break
could see us in fifth spot.

There is a long way to go, but we are already more than capable of bringing
European football back to West Ham United.

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Valencia injury boost
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet both had
appointments with their specialists on Monday morning to review their
injuries. Valencia was advised that he needs an extended rehabilitation
period, which has now begun. It is expected that he will be fully recovered
by the beginning of the New Year. Payet also attended an appointment with a
specialist on Monday morning and, along with the Club's medical team, he was
advised that he does not need an operation. He will therefore start his
rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still expected to be
unavailable for selection for three months. whufc.com will bring you further
updates on their recovery later this week.

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I would like to start by sending my condolences to the families who have
been affected by the tragic events in Paris last Friday and everyone at West
Ham United sends their best wishes. The game between England and France on
Tuesday night shows the strong solidarity there is in sport and I am sure
all the fans will come together to pay their respects. I know Slaven and the
players will be working hard in training this week as we prepare for a big
London derby against Tottenham on Sunday at White Hart Lane. We have had
some amazing results away from home this season against some of the biggest
teams in the country and I am sure the fans would love to see us pick up
another memorable victory this weekend.

I know there have been some reports in the media over the weekend
surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini. We have an unbreakable option with
both Lanzini and his club, so any other team's interest is irrelevant.
Manuel has been a fantastic signing for the Club and we all hope he can
maintain this superb run of form for the rest of the season.

We had some positive news on Enner Valencia's injury and are hopeful he will
be back in action at the start of the New Year. Dimitri Payet also saw a
specialist on Monday and does not surgery and will begin his rehabilitation
programme immediately. The injuries to both players are huge losses for the
Club. We have a great squad, but Payet has been the star player of the
season and he is bound to be missed.

We had good news with Alex Song playing his first competitive game against
Crystal Palace last week in a behind-closed-doors friendly. We need Alex
back as soon as possible and if he can re-produce the form that he showed in
the first half of last season, then we have a major player to come back into
the first-team. We need all our best players in action to accumulate as many
points as we can.

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Randolph - It would be a dream come true
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph is ready to make himself a hero again and help Republic of
Ireland reach the 2016 UEFA European Championship finals. The West Ham
United goalkeeper has earned hero status in his homeland after the Boys in
Green shocked Germany last month on their way to reaching the Play-Offs.
There, Randolph was in fine form again as Ireland drew 1-1 in foggy Zenica
on Friday to set up a potentially fantastic Monday evening at Dublin's Aviva
Stadium. "I see it as an opportunity to qualify and get everybody to another
major championships," said the Hammers stopper, who was drafted into the
starting XI by Martin O'Neill after Shay Given was injured early in the
unforgettable 1-0 victory over the world champions in October. "If we do
that then I'll have a few months to think about that afterwards, but I just
want to qualify. That would be a dream come true."

For Randolph, who also took his chance when he replaced the suspended Adrian
and produced three outstanding Barclays Premier League displays for the
Hammers earlier this season, qualification would be a boyhood dream come
true. Growing up in the town of Bray near Ireland's capital, the son of a
basketball professional was a sports-man child, working his way up from
local club Ardmore Rovers to make his senior international debut in
September 2012. Now, at the age of 28, Randolph is desperate to help his
country to reach the European Championship finals for just the third time in
their history. "It's something I thought about when I was a kid running
around in the street playing football," revealed the stopper, who is
expected to earn his sixth cap on Monday evening. "To be so close is kind of
unreal."

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No operation required for Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet has seen a specialist with regard to ascertaining the best
course of treatment for his ankle injury. The 28-year-old was sidelined for
a minimum of three months by a reckless challenge from Everton midfielder
James McCarthy during last weekend's Premier League encounter at the Boleyn
Ground, which ended 1-1. This morning West Ham confirmed that the French
international would not require surgery to correct the damage - the first
good news to emerge since the club's talisman was ruled out until the new
year. "Payet attended an appointment with a specialist on Monday morning
and, along with the Club's medical team, he was advised that he does not
need an operation," read a club statement. "He will therefore start his
rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still expected to be
unavailable for selection for three months."

Despite the update, West Ham have still refrained from commenting on why
Payet was allowed to return to the field following the half time interval,
despite having limped his way through the final fifteen minutes of the first
half.

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West Ham flag given the Spanish archer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

A group of West Ham fans had their flag seized by Spanish authorities after
it was deemed to contain 'a racist symbol'. And the symbol in question was
none other than the club's trademark crossed Hammers, as featured on the
club's crest since its inception. Hammers fans Chris Lipman, Ryan Willsmer
and Ian Golding were stunned to discover that their flag - which cost around
£200 - had been snatched by over-sensitive Spanish stewards during England's
2-0 defeat in Alicante on Friday night. And they were even more surprised
when informed that they would be hit with a £3,000 fine should they claim
ownership of the flag - a red cross with West Ham's trademark crossed
hammers in the top right corner. "Come the end of the game we returned to
find the flag gone," Lipman told the Independent. "Fearing it had been
stolen, we asked the same stewards who had seen us tie it up what had
happened. They just stood there, shrugging their shoulders. After asking
more stewards we were told to go to another gate where the officials'
entrance was located.

"After almost an hour, several FA officials begun to leave the stadium. Some
chose to ignore our requests for answers. The situation was become more and
more hostile, with the Spanish authorities becoming aggressive. "They begun
to try and remove us from the immediate area in front of the gate by pushing
away and shouting and tensions grew. "Luckily both Greg Dyke and Gordon
Taylor appeared as they were leaving the stadium to head back to their
hotel. They heard the commotion and asked what the issue was. With a roll of
the eyes, as no doubt they have seen this all before, they walked back into
the stadium to try and get more information. "They came back around five
minutes later saying they had spoken to someone and confirmed the Spanish
chief of police had ordered the removal of all of the flags because they
carried a 'racist symbol'."

The Hammers fans will register an official complaint with the Football
association today. In the meantime their flag remains in the possession of
Spanish police. West Ham United's crossed hammers represent the club's
origins, being as they are a depiction of the riveting hammers used by
Thames Ironworks shipbuilders at the tail end of the 19th century.

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Chelsea honour Mourinho pledge to young Hammer
KUMB,com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Chelsea FC have agreed to honour the wager made by manager Jose Mourinho
with one of West Ham United's young mascots. Prior to West Ham's clash with
the Blues last month, Mourinho bet one of West Ham's match day mascots - a
young supporter called Alfie Sturgeon - that his side would win the game.
The under-pressure manager, whose side are currently 16th in the Premier
League and just two points above the relegation zone promised to present the
youngster with a signed Chelsea shirt should his side lose. West Ham went on
to win the game 2-1 courtesy of strikes from Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll.
However Mourinho - who has been sent to the stands at half time following a
rant at referee Jonathan Moss - left the ground before fulfilling his media
obligations. As a result the youngster looked to have lost the opportunity
of collecting his prize - that is until KUMB.com took up the case on Master
Sturgeon's behalf.
We contacted Chelsea FC last week and within days, the west London club had
replied to confirm that they would indeed honour Mourinho's bet by sending
Alfie a shirt signed by all the club's first team players. Katie Sturgeon,
Alfie's mum told KUMB: "Chelsea said they would be happy to send Alfie his
shirt once all the players are back from playing with the countries. "Our
thanks to KUMB for contacting them on our behalf. Alfie had a lovely day as
mascot - and Mourinho losing the bet just finished the day off for him!"

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West Ham's Dimitri Payet avoids surgery on injured ankle
Last Updated: 16/11/15 12:14pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet has learned he does not need surgery on the ankle injury which
will sideline him for the next three months. The France international and
his West Ham team-mate Enner Valencia - who is also out with the same
problem - saw specialists on Monday morning. Both players were hurt in a 1-1
draw with Everton on November 7 and the London club said in a statement they
expect Valencia to be fit again by the start of 2016. Payet - a scorer of
five goals for the Upton Park side since his summer move from Marseille - is
facing a longer spell out of action.
While the length of time he is expected to be out has not changed, he has at
least been cleared to start his rehabilitation immediately rather than been
told he must wait for surgery first.
Payet has already vowed to come back stronger from his setback after he
suffered his injury in a tackle with James McCarthy. A statement on
whufc.com said: "Valencia was advised that he needs an extended
rehabilitation period, which has now begun. "It is expected that he will be
fully recovered by the beginning of the New Year. "Payet also attended an
appointment with a specialist on Monday morning and, along with the club's
medical team, he was advised he does not need an operation. "He will
therefore start his rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still
expected to be unavailable for selection for three months."

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How Hammers made Lanzini deal "watertight"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News
C and H

West Ham's deal with Al Jaziera for Manuel Lanzini is watertight because
David Sullivan has negotiated with the club to take over his contract. That
has already been agreed between the two clubs and West Ham aim to do
conclude the deal before May of next year. ClaretandHugh has learned
exclusively this morning that the the Hammers have concluded all details and
that the 22 year old – whose contract runs until June 2018 – will be a
permanent signing before the May deadline agreed. A highly placed source
revealed: "There is absolutely no need for us to rush this. It would be like
paying the rates a year early. There's no reason to do that. "The deal is on
place with Al Jaziera and we will do it. He can't be stolen away by anybody
as we have agreed to take over the boy's contract. "That has two years left
to run on it and once we take it over, any clubs would have to deal with us
and we have no intention of listening anyway.
"We would aim to agree a deal with Manu for another four years with a one or
two option. There is no problem on this whatsoever." The player can expect
to pick up a salary with the club of around £50k a week.

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Sullivan's Lanzini deal is 100 pc "watertight"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

This Manuel Lanzine thing is getting really boring!

With no Premier League action and news thin on the ground a story emerged
today that the midfielder is attracting Jurgen Klopp's attention at
Liverpool. It was started by the Bleacher Report website this time where –
as we report elsewhere on the site – writer Dean Jones wrote: "Liverpool
have asked to be kept informed about his situation. They are keen on taking
him to Anfield eventually. "West Ham are keen to sign this player up on a
permanent deal, though, so it is going to be a battle between those two
clubs." Here's the truth – THERE IS NO BATTLE! We have reported many times
that we have a contract in place with his parent club Al Jaziera and the
deal is that if we want him we can buy him at £8 million. We do and we will
but for the sake of certainty ClaretandHugh AGAIN checked with our top level
source and the same comment as we have had before came back just five
minutes ago, He said: "There is absolutely no reason for anybody to be
concerned about these stories. West Ham has an unbreakable contract with Al
Jaziera and the player which can be taken taken up before May. "The
contract was done by David Sullivan himself and is 100 per cent watertight.
There is absolutely no way any club can hijack our deal."

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The 30 games that cost £16 million
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

I didn't see it and I don't suppose the majority of West Ham fans will want
to be reminded of it. But probably the worst buy in the club's history –
with the exception maybe of Benni McCarthy – made his belated attempt to
find some sort of fame again last night as ITV screened its latest 'I'm a
celebrity get me out of here.' Kieron Dyer has been long forgotten by the
world of football except by some who carry his infamous stats aroimd in
their heads like a bad dream. David Gold is among them who gave the quickest
of responses when asked by a follower on Twitter "how much in total did we
waste on Kieron Dyer? DG responded: "Kieron moved to West for 6m in 2007
played 30 league games with out scoring left in 2011 total wages 10m dg.
That Dyer has donated his fee for the TV show to charity hardly compensates
and the picture above is something of a collector item with Dyer in action
for the Irons!

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The high cost of Hammers injuries
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News
C and H

Injuries cost West Ham a total of £12.8 million last season according to a
new formula recognised by Uefa. According to a report in the Mail on line
the bill across the League amounted to £270 million last season, with
Newcastle and Arsenal both suffering bills in excess of £20m. On average,
Premier League clubs lost £13.5m to injuries in the 2014-15 campaign, with
Everton and Manchester United suffering the third and fourth largest costs
approaching £20m. The full price paid by clubs for an injury is detailed in
a new UEFA-recognised formula that calculates the monthly costs of an
injured player. It has been found that Premier League and leading European
clubs pay out an average of £413,000 a month for every player injured. The
calculation for how much an injured player costs his club was designed by
Sergei Palkin, chief executive of Ukrainian high-fliers Shakhtar Donetsk.

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Lanzini is No 3 in Europe
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News
C and H

Manuel Lanzini has been named the third best young midfielder playing in
Europe. Calciomercato have revealed the top ten Under 23 midfielders in
Europe based on the average grading each player receive in games. Lanzini
has an average grading of 6.541 so far this season which puts him ahead of
the likes of Barcelona's Sergi Roberto and Schalke's Leon Goretzka. The only
two players who are above the West Ham star are Borussia Dortmund's Julian
Weigl and Everton's Ross Barkley.

The former Argentina youth player has scored three goals in his first 10
Premier League games.

The top ten are named as:

1.Julian Weigl; Borussia Dortmund; 6.792
2.Ross Barkley; Everton; 6.791
3.Manuel Lanzini; West Ham; 6.541
4.Johannes Geis; Schalke04; 6.292
5.Sergi Roberto; Barcelona; 6.272
6.James Ward-Prowse; Southampton; 6.208
7.Marco Benassi; Torino; 6.055
8.Dominik Kohr; Augsburg; 5.979
9.Leon Goretzka; Schalke04; 5.958
10.Alfred Duncan; Sassuolo; 5.901

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This man really wants to hurt Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Alex Song is now looking very likely to play some part in the match against
Spurs at the weekend. It's unlikely the midfielder will start but he's
desperate to make sure – as an ex Gunner – to make the other north London
team suffer. Spurs were interested in signing him at the same time as the
Hammers went in for him but ClaretandHugh understands he made it clear he
had no interest in joining the club. And as he sets out on his way to
landing a two year deal with the Irons at the end of the season it's
therefore quite fitting that he does so against Spurs.
Commenting on his return Song declared: "I've been seeing the guys and
they've been doing very well. I just wanted to come back to give my
contribution, especially with some important games coming up. "We play
Tottenham and Man Utd in the next few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll
work very hard to be ready for those games." A source close to the player
said:"He loved his time at Arsenal and learned what it was all about as far
as Spurs were concerned. There's no love lost."

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Carroll doubts grow
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Growing doubts over Andy Carroll's place in the new system of play being
developed by Slaven Bilic may yet see the club open to offers should
interested clubs approach them next summer.
The club's record signing – having found himself fully fit for the first
time in a long time – is clearly having problems settling into the new
approach being developed by the gaffer. And insiders have told
ClaretandHugh: "He remains an important member of the squad but it's always
feasible that other clubs may be watching his progress. "We are totally
confident that all his injury problems are behind him and he would have to
be very unfortunate indeed to pick up any more. "However, it's noticeable
that he hasn't found it straightforward settling into the new way of playing
and that may cause other clubs to take a closer interest."

AC was again linked with a Newcastle move in the national press over the
weekend and it's perfectly conceivable that Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce
could make a bid. However, Carroll would clearly not prospect of
relegation scrap or life in the Championship if that's the way things worked
out at the Stadium of Light. Our source said: "He needs to be given time and
may well be able to adjust his game. It will be an interesting spell in his
life until the end of the season."

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Ashton feels for Irons fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hammers hero Dean Ashton has sent a sad message to the fans with the team
stripped of Dimi Payet for several months. Payet learned today he will not –
as expected – require an operation on he ankle injury sustained courtesy of
James McCarthy's challenge in the game against Everton. Deano – having been
forced to retire at just 26 after after failing to recover from a long-term
ankle injury sustained during international duty with England. And the 31
year old is very unhappy for Payet who will be sidelined for three months at
the same time as Enner Valencia again finds himself from sidelined. In a
heartfelt tweet he declared: "Big blow for #whufc #Payet out for 3mths Feel
for fans Another player to get excited about gets injured!! Got a better
squad to cope though!"

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Irons look at possible third deal for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Carl Jenkinson could return to West Ham for a third loan spell next season
should the club be unable to find a long term right back who fits the bill.
The Irons conducted a fruitless search for the problem position last summer
before turning back to the Arsenal defender. They have again deployed scouts
to search for the player they need for next season and beyond. Jenkinson's
form this season may not have been as strong as last but sources inside the
club believe he may be called onto provide the answer should the club again
be unable to identify a permanent candidate. Arsenal have slapped a crazy
£15 million price tag on Jenkinson's head and the Hammers have made it clear
they will go nowhere near that. We were told exclusively: "We found it
difficult to find the right person in the summer and should that be the case
this time around then we wouldn't rule out the possibility of Carl returning
for a third term. "But there is absolutely no chance of us bringing him in
permanently at the sort of price Arsenal are seeking – that won't happen."

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Sullivan confirms Lanzini revelations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

We have been explaining for days that Manuel Lanzini is going nowhere
despite the media at large claiming he was all set to be stolen away by
another club. Yesterday, there were stories everywhere that Liverpool were
headed in his direction but as we explained before during and since the
story, it was just not true. Thankfully, chairman David Sullivan has now
come out on the official site confirming every word we have written to
finally put the story to bed officially Excuse us while we give ourselves a
pat on the back :-)

Sullivan who declared: "I know there have been some reports in the media
over the weekend surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini. We have an
unbreakable option with both Lanzini and his club, so any other team's
interest is irrelevant. Manuel has been a fantastic signing for the Club and
we all hope he can maintain this superb run of form for the rest of the
season."

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Slaven Bilic dealing with an Andy Carroll conundrum at West Ham
ESPN

As West Ham fans come to terms with the injury news that has seen Dimitri
Payet sidelined for three months, the focus turns back to the other big
conversation point highlighted against Everton

When Andy Carroll was substituted in the 87th minute of the game, the player
received a huge ovation. Most realised that this wasn't one of the striker's
better afternoons, but there was appreciation of the effort put in. John
Stones had shackled Carroll for most of the game and there was a begrudging
acceptance that the Everton defender had just demonstrated his growing
reputation. Among the faithful, though, there was some dissension. Many
supporters felt that Stones hadn't been fully tested by the former Liverpool
striker and there is no point in playing Carroll unless you utilise his one
major strength -- his aerial dominance.

It's becoming increasingly apparent though that West Ham manager Slaven
Bilic wants to use Carroll in a way not previously seen at the club. Against
Everton it was clear that crosses from the by-line weren't being aimed at
the big Geordie's head. More importantly perhaps, once wide on the wing
there was no attempt to whip the ball in from deep.

Even before Payet limped off, the interplay from the wings was concerned
with working the ball into the middle or cutting out the last Everton
defender and crossing low. There was none of the aerial play much admired by
Bilic's predecessor, Sam Allardyce.

However, this shouldn't be construed as a cheap shot towards the differing
philosophies of the two managers. There has always been a thin line between
getting the ball forward quickly and accurately and aimlessly punting
forward hoping someone will get a head on it. Carroll's dominance over
central defenders has always opened the argument that, if the big striker
guarantees to win over 95% of the headers, then crossing the ball accurately
becomes a viable and potent weapon.

Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini have all demonstrated that they can
cross accurately, and both Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell are encouraged
to find space on the wings. It would seem on paper that Carroll should have
better service now than at any point so far in his career. Conversely,
choosing not to utilise Carroll's strength in the air can eradicate the
tendency to take the easy option -- simply hitting the big man because
nothing else is working. The dilemma was apparent against Everton; Carroll
becoming a peripheral figure as he received no service. It may have been a
double-bluff tactic that misfired, but Carroll's height wasn't even used for
free kicks and corners, many of which, to the frustration of the crowd, were
crossed low to the near post.

Andy Carroll has started just three games this season for West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic. Like a lot of big men, Carroll is deceptively good with the
ball at his feet, but the player still needs someone alongside him as he
doesn't have the mobility to do the same job as, for example, Diafra Sakho.
With Payet out, it will be interesting to see if Bilic elects to play both
Carroll and Sakho together. It would give some idea of just how Bilic wants
to reconstruct the England striker.

Of course, the seemingly inevitable rumours linking Carroll with a return to
his old club Newcastle are doing the rounds again. Suggestions from within
Upton Park, however, is that West Ham are not interested in allowing the
player to return to the North East, with Bilic keen to continue working with
the striker he still feels is good enough to represent England. It's true
every player has his price, but it's unlikely the board would sanction any
sale that didn't mean they would make a good profit on the £15m the club
originally paid for Carroll when he joined from Liverpool. It would probably
take a bid in excess of £18m for the matter to even be discussed.

Bilic has shown himself to be tactically astute so far in his brief tenure
at Upton Park and the manager's stock will certainly rise if he can remodel
the striker's career. Quite how the Croatian feels he can get the best from
Carroll isn't easy to understand, but you sense that West Ham, England and,
more importantly, the player himself will be better off if something can be
worked out.

Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is the author of a regular
column at WestHamOnline.net and the East London Guardian.

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Jason Cundy explains why Aaron Cresswell was overlooked by England in favour
of Kieran Gibbs
HITC
Billy Hawkins

Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs was called up by England ahead of West Ham's Aaron
Cresswell. Aaron Cresswell has been one of the most consistent players in
the Premier League since his arrival at West Ham last summer, and Jason
Cundy has attempted to explain to talkSPORT why he has always been
overlooked by Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal. He said: "I do feel sorry for
Cresswell, as he has been tremendous since his transfer from Ipswich. He has
attracted interest from a number of clubs. Unfortunately, Gibbs has played
for England, and Roy Hodgson knows him. It's not as if a player has walked
past Cresswell who hasn't played many games. I can understand why Gibbs is
in there."

Cresswell has played every single game when available since arriving at West
Ham, and has proven himself as one of the best all-round full-backs in the
Premier League. He possesses a solid defensive mentality, but has also
proved his attacking skills, and there are few players in the league who are
as better suited to the modern game as Cresswell. In terms of the England
team, Ryan Bertrand is a consistent call-up, as he has proven himself in the
league with Southampton, but aside from him, there is no guaranteed
second-choice. Cresswell would appear to be a logical option, but Gibbs
consistently gets called up by England despite his lack of games for
Arsenal. The 26-year-old has played just 11 games this season in all
competitions, but waltzed back into Hodgson's squad with no real right to be
there. However, Cundy has suggested that, because Gibbs has played under
Hodgson before, he is a less risky option to call up than Cresswell, who has
yet to make his debut. Calling up Cresswell would require him to be
incorporated into the international set-up, and it appears Hodgson would
prefer to continue with players who he is certain are already acclimatised
to that level of football.

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