Daily WHUFC News - 20th November 2015

Chadwell Chatter - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com

Hello,

I hope you are looking forward to our encounter with Tottenham Hotspur this
weekend, as it'll be my first taste of this particular London derby, I
certainly am!

Talking to the lads who have been here for a while, you can tell how
important it is to everyone at the Club.

There's a special atmosphere around the training ground whenever the big
games come round and I am confident we will more than rise to the occasion.

Going back to the international break, it was clearly a very special moment
for me personally. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that helping the boys to
qualify for the European Championships next summer is my career highlight.

I owe a lot to everyone at West Ham United who has helped me since I joined,
I truly believe I wouldn't have been given my opportunity at international
level if I hadn't made the step up to the Premier League.

It's always been a dream of mine to play at a major international
tournament; I remember watching the Euros and World Cups at home, so I am
delighted to be going to France next summer.

As you can imagine, Ginge is buzzing about the idea too!

Having progressed through the play offs we're in the lowest pot so we're
going to get a difficult group.

I haven't really had time to look at the potential combination of teams we
might get but they're all going to be good teams and we'll look forward to
playing whoever we're drawn against.

Last Monday, it was a great atmosphere; it was the loudest the Aviva have
been for a while, if at all. The noise levels kept on going up and up, it
was amazing.

We knew we had to keep it tight, focus on our jobs and that's exactly what
happened. We got an early goal which helped massively.

At the final whistle, Martin O'Neil didn't have much of an opportunity to
say much afterwards because of the celebrations. To be fair, everyone had to
return to their Clubs pretty quickly so nothing got out of hand but it was a
nice moment. Once that had calmed down a bit he just said welcome and
congratulated everyone.

It's definitely the highlight of my career so far, qualifying for the
European Championships; it doesn't get much better than that.

COYI,

Darren

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet - We can achieve something really special
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is already dreaming about his return to first-team action in
the New Year and would love to help West Ham United qualify for Europe as
they prepare to move into the new Stadium. Payet has been ruled out for
three months with an ankle injury, but with the team enjoying an impressive
start to the campaign, the France star sees no reason why they cannot cement
their place in top six during his absence. Manuel Lanzini has been a
revelation for the Club following his arrival back in the summer while Mauro
Zarate and Michail Antonio are pushing hard for a first-team place. With
Alex Song also ready to make a return to first-team action, Slaven Bilic has
plenty of options to choose from while Payet begins his journey back to full
fitness. The former Marseille midfielder will be keeping a close eye on
results over the next few weeks and hopes to play his part in making this a
special final season at the Boleyn Ground. Payet said: "It would be
fantastic if we could qualify for Europe next season. The season is very
long and we have many games coming up in a short space of time which could
be crucial. I hope to come back with the team still on track to achieve
something really special this season. "With the new Stadium next season that
will be a huge step forward for the Club in terms of it's history. I signed
a long-term deal here to be part of this project and if West Ham qualify for
Europe that will be fantastic for everyone at the Club. "But we should also
not put too much pressure on ourselves and I speak from experience knowing
that to do well in Europe it requires a whole host of things and you need
lots of energy throughout the Club. "You need to bring in new players and
have a bigger squad to cope. If we do it we need to make sure that we do it
in the right way and not rush it. "I have full confidence in my team-mates.
There have been many injuries and suspensions since the start of the season.
Every time a player has had to come into the team they have done very well
and have even won some games. I am very confident that the team can do well
without me and that the coach can find a solution to carry on this good run.
"They are very good players and even if when I was not playing they were
still performing at 100 per cent. That is what a team is about and everyone
needs to perform at their best. Manuel and Mauro are very good players and I
have no doubts they will perform well in my absence and bring the team
exactly what it needs."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies keeper up for prestigious award
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies' Indian international goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan is
hoping to be named the 2015 Woman in Football winner at Thursday night's
Asian Football Awards at Wembley Stadium.

Chauhan attracted plenty of mainstream publicity both in the UK and India
when she joined the Hammers back in August as she became the first Indian
woman to feature at FA Women's Premier League level in England.

Now, just over three months later and Chauhan has been nominated for the
Woman in Football award at the third annual Asian Football Awards and she
was extremely thankful to everyone that made it possible.

"It's a huge honour for me and I'd like to thank the Asian Football Awards
for considering me for this award," said Chauhan. "Also to all the
supporters that voted for me and, of course, to West Ham United for
promoting this nomination as it really helped me make it into the final
list."

The 22-year-old has been nominated for the award alongside Tanvie Hans and
Monica Sharma of Fulham FC Ladies and London Bari LFC captain Sabah Mahmoud
and, should Chauhan come away with the award, she is hoping that her success
will help towards the next generation of female footballers back in India.

"I think football is growing back in India, continued Chauhan. "Being from
India where we don't have any professional league or league structure as
such, it's a big deal and more importantly for me now as I feel like I have
more responsibility because I'm representing my country and I'm being like a
role model for the people that are interested.

"It's great that I'm in a position where I can inspire young talent and
young girls to consider football as a career in the future."

Chauhan, who most recently represented India at senior level during the 2014
Asian Games in South Korea, was studying a Business Management Masters at
Loughborough University when her football career took its most famous step
and she now feels like she is adapting to English football well.

"It's been a big step up for me as I was playing for Loughborough University
last season and this is definitely a higher level to that," she added. "It
obviously took a while to adjust but I think I'm doing really well now.

"There is much better co-ordination and communication within the team now
and we can hopefully get more good results during the rest of the season."

Off the pitch though, Chauhan has been interviewed by a number of media
outlets about her journey from BBC London and BBC Asian Network Radio to the
Times of India and India Today, which was a reaction she didn't expect at
all.

"It obviously feels great and I wasn't expecting any of this but since I
joined West Ham, the news has gone viral on social media and I'm
continuously being interviewed by all the major newspapers and news channels
back in India and here in the UK.

"I've been interviewed by the BBC too where I recently went on air for the
BBC Asian Network and now I've been nominated for the Asian Football Awards
so it's all very positive and it's overwhelming for me.

"It feels great that all the struggle and the hard work was worth it because
more people are starting to know about me and my journey which is great."

During a recent visit to Upton Park for the Premier League game against
Everton, Chauhan and her West Ham Ladies team mates Katie Bottom, Natalie
Strange and Amy Gullefer got the chance to meet West Ham Joint-Chairman
David Gold, who offered his support and admitted that he would love Chauhan
to take home Thursday's award.

"We are very supportive and would love her to win as that would be fantastic
and anything that we can do to help, that's what we will do," revealed Mr
Gold. "We are always hoping that women's football will grow and become more
popular and sometimes it's like we will have to win the World Cup or
something to generate interest, but for someone to possibly win an award
like this, that would be fantastic and it all give impetus to women's
football."

Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Chauhan the best of luck with
the award nomination.

The third annual Asian Football Awards take place at Wembley Stadium on
Thursday evening and you can follow live updates from the event and find out
first if Chauhan wins the awards by following Ladies reporter Tommy Wathen
on Twitter at twitter.com/tommywathen.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate pumped for derby day
WHUFC.com

Mauro Zarate is eager to secure the bragging rights when West Ham United
travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Not only does the No10 know how much
this London derby means to Hammers supporters, but he is also keen to get
one over fellow Argentines Mauricio Pochettino and Federico Fazio.
For a player who has already played in derby matches in Buenos Aires for
Velez Sarsfield, Birmingham for Birmingham City, Rome for Lazio and Milan
for Internazionale, Sunday's trip to White Hart Lane holds no fears. "We
need to win again and this is a perfect match for us because it's a derby
and it's away, so I think we have to do the perfect match to win," Zarate
told West Ham TV. "Obviously I know – we all know – how important this is to
the fans. They always want us to win against Tottenham and we will do our
best to win the match. "I know Pochettino and also Fazio, as we played
together when we won the Under-20 World Cup [in 2007]. Pochettino is a good
manager and is doing really well. "They have many good players and we have
many good players, so it will be a nice match."

Zarate will be one of those called upon to make up for the absence of
Dimitri Payet, who has been ruled out until 2016 with a high ankle sprain.
The South American has the talent to both create and score goals, as he has
done already this season, and he is ready to add to those he has netted in
wins over Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea at White Hart Lane. "Injuries
are always really bad, but even more when they are injuries to important
players," he continued. "Dimitri is an important player for us, so we have
to do our best [in his absence]. "If I am needed to play, I am always ready
to start. We are ready to win and to come back to the good way. Like I told
you before, it is a perfect match for us. "I hope I can score again like I
did against Chelsea!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View on the Opposition – Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com

BBC London's Vicki-Jane Edwards lifts the lid on Sunday's opponents
Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are eleven games unbeaten in the League, there must be a good
atmosphere around White Hart Lane?

"It's been a good start to the season for Spurs but I don't think the fans
are getting too carried away just yet. They've been unlucky not to win a
number of games this season and instead have come away with a draw that
could cost them dearly if they are fighting for that Champions League place
come May.

"Having said that they do look threatening going forward and now Harry Kane
is back scoring goals there seems to be no stopping him which is thoroughly
pleasing the fans."

Which players have stood out for you so far this season?

"It has to be Dele Alli at the moment. Coming from MK Dons and only 19,
there was a bit of uncertainty about how he'll get on at first but he's
thrown himself straight into it. He's shown a lot of confidence and as well
as threatening the opposition. That has been backed up by getting called up
by the England squad.

"His performance on Tuesday against France shows how much of an exciting
prospect he is for English football. He's soon become a favourite of the
fans and his partnership with Son in the midfield has been something that
has naturally fallen into place."

What is Mauricio Pochettino's standing with the fans like?

"Mauricio Pochettino has been impressive this season, he had a quite a tough
job last season balancing the squad with the amount of fixtures they had.
But this season he's displayed passion on the touchline which fans always
want to see and it looks as though he's dedicated to bring through young,
English players.

"Thankfully that really seems to be working for him. He's focussed on
playing attacking football and he stuck by Kane- a move which has really
pulled off in recent matches."

Is there are a particular Tottenham v West Ham United derby that stands out
for you?

"Tottenham winning 4-3 in injury time against West Ham in 2007 was a
memorable game. Spurs coming back from being 3-2 down with a couple of
minutes left to play was just unbelievable."

What have you made of West Ham this season?

"We've covered every West Ham game this season on BBC Radio London and I
have to say they have been one of the most exciting teams in the Premier
League– you never know what is going to happen.

"Their win over Chelsea has to be one of the stand-out matches so far. It's
such a shame that Dimitri Payet is out injured because he's really added
another dimension to the West Ham team, making chances out of nowhere with
style and creativity."

What is your prediction for the score of Sunday?

"One of the hardest matches to call because both sides have struggled
holding onto a lead this season but I think it will end up 2-1 Tottenham. I
think West Ham will struggle without Payet dominating play and I think the
Spurs' England boys will be fired up after Tuesday to get a win at White
Hart Lane."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Blog – Matty Etherington
WHUFC.com

Winger and 2004 Hammer of the Year Matty Etherington played 51 times for
Tottenham Hotspur before joining West Ham United in summer 2003. He went on
to make 195 appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring 18 goals…

Hello everybody,

We have a few matches coming up against clubs which I have personal
connections with, starting with the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday,
then home games with my old manager Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion and
another of my old clubs, Stoke City.

It will be a tough game. As good a start as West Ham United have made this
season, Spurs have as well. They've got a good team with lots of young
players in it, so they're full of energy.

I've seen a bit of Spurs and I've been impressed with them, to be honest.
I've also been impressed with West Ham, so I think it'll be an entertaining
game.

The loss of Dimitri Payet is massive for the Hammers, so it will be
interesting to see how we cope without him.

That said, this is the best West Ham squad I have seen in a long, long time
so there are players there who can come in do a very good job. Payet was the
X factor in the team and has something a little bit special, but the squad
has some very good players in it.

Manuel Lanzini has been superb this season and I'm sure he will step up to
the plate. I've been really impressed with him. He looks a brilliant
footballer and the goal he scored against Everton was top-drawer the way he
caressed it into the top corner. It was a top, top goal.

He has been doing it for the team all season and he will take on a pivotal
role as the creator in the team.
West Ham have done well at White Hart Lane in recent years and, while some
people not agree, I think it helps when you have got results at certain
stadia in the past.

Obviously this is a different Spurs team, but I'm sure those West Ham
players who played in those games will take those memories into Sunday's
game and be inspired by them.
As for Spurs, I think the main threats will come from Dele Alli and Harry
Kane, to be honest. Harry is scoring goals again and his hold-up play is
very good. His touch is good and he is strong, so he'll be a big threat.

Dele Alli has also been very impressive. I didn't think he would be able to
make the step up to the Premier League – and international football – so
quickly, to be honest, but to be fair to him he looks like a complete
midfielder. He can tackle and score goals and is one of the best midfielders
about at the minute.

Those are the main two Spurs players that West Ham will have to keep an eye
on, in my view.

I'm certainly looking forward to watching the game and seeing how Slaven
Bilic sets his team up to beat Spurs and I'm sure you all are too!

Matty

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
KUMB Forum Scoops Award!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th November 2015
By: Gordon Thrower

The kumb.com forum has taken the top award at this year's Football Blogging
Awards.

Boss Graeme Howlett was in Manchester to pick up the gong accompanied by
podcast mainstays Chris Scull and James Longman.

The management and moderators would like to thank everyone for their votes -
without you lot there would be no forum!

There will probably be more on this story when the guys have sobered up!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell says West Ham confident of beating Spurs
Last Updated: 19/11/15 11:36am
SSN

Aaron Cresswell is hoping for better luck than last season when West Ham
face London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday. West Ham earned
just a point from two meetings against Spurs last season, losing 1-0 at home
thanks to a 93rd-minute Eric Dier strike before surrendering a two-goal lead
in the last 10 minutes at White Hart Lane, with Harry Kane grabbing a
96th-minute equaliser. Spurs are fifth in the table this season on 21
points, ahead of West Ham on goal difference. "When the fixtures come out
the Tottenham games are one of the ones we look for first," West Ham
defender Aaron Cresswell told the club's website. "Last season I think we
were the better side and were unlucky not to win."

The defender is banking on his club's away form to see them through on
Sunday. West Ham have won four of their six away matches in the league this
season. "We know it'll be a tough game. Every game is but our away form has
been terrific so far," the 25-year-old said. "We know that if we play to our
best we have a very good chance, and that breeds a lot of confidence."

West Ham will be without injured midfielders Enner Valencia and Dimitri
Payet, who was put out of commission after a tackle from Everton's James
McCarthy in their last league game on November 7. "These things happen in
football, it wasn't the best of tackles," said Cresswell. "We haven't had a
game since Dimi's injury, so we haven't had to change formation or style
yet. I'm sure that's what the manager has been thinking about a lot."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD WE SAY GOODBYE TO THE 'GINGER PELE' AND HELLO TO REECE BURKE IN
JANUARY?
By Iain Dale 19 Nov 2015 at 10:30
WTID

I don't believe West Ham will do much business in the January transfer
window. If any. I suspect there may be one or two outgoing players, but if
we are to make any signings let's do one big one and leave it at that. I've
got no suggestions as to who it might be or in what position, but we should
give up on signing average players. We have cover in every position now, so
if we have money to spend, let's spend it on one top notch player.


I hate to say this but I do think we should sell James Collins in January.
Sam Allardyce is rumoured to want him at Sunderland, and in my opinion we
should let him go for a decent fee. The reason I hate to say it is because
he has been immense for us and I love his bulldog spirit. However, he's 32
and in the last year of his contract. In January we could probably get up to
£2 million for him. In addition, we have Ogbonna to cover for Tomkins and
Reid, who are clearly the first choice pairing, and we also have Reece
Burke, who is on loan at Bradford and by all accounts has been their player
of the season so far. We also have Kouyate and Joey O'Brien who can both
play in central defence if needed.

So what does everyone think. Should be bid farewell to the Ginger Pele? I
feel awful even asking the question.

UPDATE: As someone points out in the comments, we also have Reece Oxford and
Doneil Henry. From what I have seen of Henry he is a top quality player.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell refusing to stress out over latest
England squad snub
20:26, 18 NOV 2015 UPDATED 21:54, 18 NOV 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 2014 signing from Ipswich has since attracted the attention of Chelsea
and Manchester City but has yet to get the call from Roy Hodgson
The Mirror

Aaron Cresswell insists he is not worrying about being kept out of the
England picture. The West Ham left-back, who has attracted the attentions of
reigning champions Chelsea and current leaders Manchester City in the
transfer market, has impressed at Upton Park but has so far been snubbed by
Roy Hodgson. Cresswell, 25, has played 50 games for the Hammers being signed
from Championship Ipswich last year. And he is set to start for West Ham
against Spurs this weekend. He said: "I never really look at it like I
should be in the squad. "I don't compare myself to the players that are in
the squad. I just concentrate on doing my best for West Ham, and hopefully
one day it [England] will happen. "If you ask any pro footballer what their
ambitions are, that would be right up there and a highlight for any player.
"But at the moment I just concentrate on doing my best for West Ham.
"I'm just going to keep my head down and keep working."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Different day same silly story
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND h

if I didn't have a calender, diary or a watch I'd know we were approaching
the transfer window via the same old stories doing the same old rounds.

I've read at least three times this week that we are still holding a major
interest in Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz – this is the same Yilmaz whom we
were constantly told in the summer was on the brink of joining us.

The only justification I can see for this story is that apparenty Slaven
Bilic apparently admires him. He also admires Ronaldo and Messi by the way!
They ain't joining either.

However, the Yilmaz story is our there again on any number of sites and in
some cases from the Turkish media.

The fact that at 30 years of age he is priced at anywhere between £10m to
£15 million, depending on which report you read, doesn't appear to have a
rung a bell inside the head of those reporting it.

For goodness sake, he heading towards the twilight of career and has never
played outside of Turkey whilst at the same time West Ham don't have a bean
for transfer dealings at this moment and would have to sell to buy even if
there was interest – which there's not.

Barely a day went by in the summer without this particularly silly rumour
being recycled and if it was ever going to happen it would have happened
then when there was plenty of time for it to take place.

This one isn't on – just needed to put that to bed!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Massive double boost for Irons at Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and h

Angelo Ogbonna is fit and ready to take his place in the Irons team on
Sunday And Alex Song is also available as Slaven Bilic prepares his team in
the absence of Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia. The Hammers – despite
missing their chief play maker – look in good order otherwise and the £8
million Ogbonna is hoping to force his way back into the team for the big
London derby. And David Gold cleared up any lingering doubts that the former
Juventus defender had been unable to settle to his new life in England. He
said: "He couldn't be happier. He's fitted into life here brilliantly and
now he is through his injury problems we will see the best of him. "Alex
Song is also available and hoping to make the team and who know there could
be a chance for Michail Antonio. "Everything is very positive and looking
good. We are in good order."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ogbonna makes his Irons mood clear!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and h

Speculation that Angelo Ogbonna may have been unable to settle in the UK
since his arrival at West Ham seem entirely unfounded.

Former Hammers scout and academy coach Gianluca Nani had suggested in the
Italia media that the £8 million signing from Juventus may have been unable
to adjust to life in a new country.

But a glance at the central defender's Twitter feed suggests that there is
nothing in the player's mind other than giving the Hammers his entire
support.

Going back as far as October his tweets have been nothing left than entirely
positive Among his recent tweets have been such as:

#WHUEVE #PremierLeague #GoHammers #WHUFC

We hadn't lost in 7 games, slip-ups can happen. The Hammers never give up!
Catch you at the next home game! #WATWHU @whufc_official #WHUFC

#WATWHU #PremierLeague #GoHammers #WHUFC

Fasten your seat belts, @whufc_official are flying high! #WHUCHE
#PremierLeague #GoHammers!!! and

Fasten your seat belts, @whufc_official are flying high! #WHUCHE
#PremierLeague #GoHammers!!!

Ogbonna has had some injury worries to cope with since arriving at the
Boleyn but club insiders are well impressed with his attitude with one
saying: "Angelo is among the most popular players in the dressing room. It's
nonsense to say he's unsettled."

And as we reported earlier there is no chance of him being loaned anywhere
in January with the same source Telling us: " There's zero chance of that.

"He's been unlucky with injuries, so we haven't seen the best of him, but
he's a key member of our squad and hopefully will be playing in the first
team soon."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG talks life without Payet…plus Antonio view
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold believes West Ham are all set set to show that they are no one
man team. The co chairman has put the despair of losing Dimitri Payet behind
him and declared: "I'm fascinated to see how the manager will set the team
up for Spurs. "We have many options now and whilst all the pundits have
explained that Lanzini can play the Payet role, we are about to find out who
will be taking over his job. "It could be Zarate and there may even be a
role now for Michail Antonio – we'll have to wait and see but it really is
going to be extremely interesting." Addressing the Antonio issue in an
exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh he declared: "People have been
complaining that he hasn't had his chance as though it's a bad thing. "We
have so many options now and surely that has to be a good thing. His time
will come – it may even be on Sunday at some stage. "We are a club that's
aiming to cover every position and Michail Antonio is a part of it. H's a
great lad with a fantastic attitude. I love the boy to bits." "We are
growing as a club and depth in the squad and whilst Payet is obviously a big
loss I'm sure we can cope and feel expectant and confident about the
weekend."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



http://vyperz.blogspot.com