Daily WHUFC News - 26th November 2015

Gina Allen
WHUFC.com

Everyone at West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of our
former colleague Gina Allen, following a short but determined fight against
pancreatic cancer. Fans will know Gina from the 16 years she spent working
at the Club, originally as part of the commercial team before fulfilling the
roles of Disabled Liaison Officer and Ticket Office Counter Supervisor. The
Club, and particularly those who worked closely with Gina during her long
and hugely popular time with us, would like to offer our sincere condolences
to her daughter Natalie, two granddaughters Hannah and Ava and all her
family and friends. Gina's funeral will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 9
December at Parndon Wood, Parndon Wood Road, Harlow, Essex. CM19 4SF. All
are welcome to pay their own respects to Gina at The Link Social Club,
Parsloe Road, Harlow, Essex. CM19 4PT from 2.30pm.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

We start with Pedro Obiang, who returned to training with the group last
week following his recovery from a quadriceps injury. Pedro has now got more
training days under his belt. He will be available for selection on Sunday.

Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia are both in a period of immobilisation and
wearing a boot. We will look to start their rehabilitation next week and
take their treatment to the next stage.

Darren Randolph is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered while
on international duty with Republic of Ireland.

Finally, Reece Oxford had a nasty fall in Monday's Development Squad win
over Derby County and was taken off as a precautionary measure at half-time.
Reece will return to training this week with a view to being available for
selection this weekend.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arrive early on Sunday
WHUFC.com

With enhanced security checks taking place around the Boleyn Ground for
Sunday's game against West Bromwich Albion, supporters are advised to arrive
earlier in order to allow time to clear security.

As every bag will be checked thoroughly, supporters are therefore advised
not to bring any large bags or rucksacks where possible as this will delay
their entry.

The Stadium will be opening earlier than usual to accommodate these extra
checks ahead of the 2.05pm kick off, but the Club would like to stress that
security will not be reduced in the event that queues form.

So please arrive earlier than normal to ensure you do not miss kick-off
against the Baggies.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cullen keen to build on promising start
WHUFC.com

Highly rated teenage midfielder Josh Cullen said he is ready to grab the
next first team opportunity with both hands as he aims to establish himself
at his boyhood club.

The Southend-on-Sea native caught the eye during the Hammers' Europa League
run before making his Premier League bow in the historic 3-0 win over
Liverpool at Anfield.

Reflecting on a promising start to the season, Cullen said: "It's been a
good start to the season, I knew I wouldn't break into the squad
immediately, we've got a great squad now, so it'll be tough but I'll keep on
plugging away in the U21s and when I go away with Ireland, I'll always try
and do as well as I can."

Modest off the pitch, he is certainly doing more than 'plugging away' on it.
With Slaven Bilic said to be impressed with the youngsters exploits in
training, he is also an integral player for the Development Squad.

Often captaining the side, the midfielder has helped inspire the Dev Squad
to three wins in their last four games by scoring crucial goals in
consecutive games: "We had a tough start to the season, people outside the
Club probably thought we were a bad team, but that wasn't case.

"We knew we were a good side but we lost to a few sloppy goals or late
goals. We've got two on the bounce now so hopefully we can carry that on."

However, with the Club aiming for a top half finish, if not higher, Cullen
knows it'll be a tough challenge ahead: "With the way the Club wants to go
it'll be tough. We want to be a top six club and the quality of the players
here is about as good as it's ever been, certainly that I can remember.

"It's a challenge, but one I look forward too, you can always learn from the
players that are here as well, that's a good positive. You can always take
tips from them and that helps to prove to people that I am good enough to
play in the first team."

Another positive for the all-action midfielder, is the fact he has taken his
Club form with him when representing the Republic of Ireland.

Having made the step up from the U19s to the U21s, Cullen scored on his
debut in a 4-1 win over Qatar U23.

He continued: "I'm very pleased to be playing for Ireland and doing well, I
enjoy going away with them. To get that feedback and recognition is always
nice, now it's about me kicking on and trying to get into the first team
here."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Burke: Bradford City extend defender's loan from West Ham
BBC.co.uk

League One Bradford City have extended defender Reece Burke's youth loan
deal from West Ham United until 2 January. The 19-year-old has made 13
league appearances for Phil Parkinson's side so far, scoring once. He
briefly went back to the Premier League club for treatment on a knee
problem, but now returns to Yorkshire. "We are very pleased Reece is
remaining with us. We are going to need everyone over this busy Christmas
period," City boss Parkinson told the club website.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang returns for Albion test
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Pedro Obiang is fit and available for selection ahead of this week's visit
of West Bromwich Albion, says West Ham's Head of Medical and Sport Science.

The Spanish Under 21 international has been out of action since the 2-1 win
over Chelsea a month ago but is ready to be called upon on Saturday, says
Stijn Vandenbroucke.

"Pedro returned to training with the group last week following his recovery
from a quadriceps injury," Vandenbroucke told the club's website. "He has
now got more training days under his belt and he will be available for
selection on Sunday."

And there was further good news regarding 16-year-old defender Reece Oxford,
who picked up a knock earlier in the week.

"Reece had a nasty fall in Monday's Development Squad win over Derby County
and was taken off as a precautionary measure at half-time," he added. "Reece
will return to training this week with a view to being available for
selection this weekend."

Vandenbroucke also confirmed that Darren Randolph is still recovering from a
knee injury sustained whilst on international duty with Ireland, whilst
long-term absentees Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia will begin the "next
stage" of their recovery programmes from next week.

As far as this week's opposition are concerned Tony Pulis has few injury
worries but will be without Chris Brunt, who picked up a fifth booking last
weekend against Arsenal which rules him out of the game.

West Ham captain Mark Noble will also miss out after picking up his fifth
yellow of the campaign at Tottenham last Sunday, with his place expected to
go to Alex Song who made his return from a lengthy injury in the same match.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Life bans for fans who enter pitch on final day
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

A document sent to prospective clients of West Ham United claims that fans
who encroach onto the pitch following the final home game of the season
could face lifetime bans. A letter, which has been sent to a number of
parties interested in staging events at the Boleyn Ground before it is
handed over to developers next summer, claims that supporters will be liable
to prosecution under the Football Offence Act 1991 should they enter the
field of play when West Ham face Swansea in their last ever home game next
May. Issued by Commercial Director Felicity Barnard, the letter confirms
that summer pitch events will be staged at the Boleyn Ground between
14th-30th May 2016 - and that the club will do "everything possible to
ensure the pitch is in the best possible condition following the
celebrations to mark our departure from Upton Park".
In the weeks leading up to the Swansea game, which is currently scheduled
for Saturday 7 May, West Ham will "proactively warn" supporters not to
access the pitch following the final whistle - a policy they intend to
enforce by deploying "increased stewards" at the game to ensure that "the
occasion is not spoilt by over exuberance".
And fans will be reminded that "entering the field of play is a criminal
act" - with any ignoring the order liable to prosecution under the 1991 act
and likely to be banned "from all football stadia" - including the club's
new Olympic Stadium home. The club add that summer events will be treated as
"a priority" and that the aforementioned measures are necessary to ensure
that all such commercial arrangements "are protected".
West Ham United have called the Boleyn Ground home since 1904. The ground,
which the club currently owns has been sold to Galliard Homes and will be
replaced by a housing development. West Ham's 99-year tenancy of the Olympic
Stadium commences next summer.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burke extends Bantams loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Young centre half Reece Burke has extended his youth loan with League One
Bradford City until the new year. The 18-year-old defender has been at
Valley Parade since August and has proved to be a huge hit with supporters
of the Yorkshire club. City boss Phil Parkinson told the club's website: "We
are very pleased that Reece is remaining with us - we are going to need
everyone over this busy Christmas period. "Reece has been excellent for us,
he is a very good player, but we just need to make sure we get his injury
right first. It is important that we focus on this first but he is a good
addition for us until January." Burke recently returned to West Ham in order
to undergo treatment for a knee injury, but is set to rejoin Parkinson's
squad ahead of this weekend's trip to Walsall. He has made a total of 14
appearances for Bradford since joining the club - 13 in League One and one
in the FA Cup, that being City's goalless draw at Aldershot in his most
recent appearance on 8 November.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini trying to fill the gap left by Dimitri Payet at West Ham
Last Updated: 25/11/15 1:54am
SSN

Manuel Lanzini has been a surprise hit at West Ham following his loan move
from Al Jazira but the onus is really on him now following Dimitri Payet's
injury. Adam Bate looks at his impact so far...

Many of the West Ham fans had already begun to trudge their way down the
Seven Sisters Road by the time that Manuel Lanzini lashed in the team's
consolation goal in their 4-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday. Slaven Bilic
wasn't in the mood to make excuses and so the moment couldn't offer too much
comfort, but it was a reminder that Lanzini has been a success since his
summer arrival.

After playing just 15 minutes of West Ham's first three matches, the
Argentine announced himself at Anfield in late August. He opened the scoring
inside three minutes before muscling Dejan Lovren off the ball to set up
Mark Noble for the second goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Further goals
against Crystal Palace and Everton have established him as a favourite among
fans and team-mates alike.

Lanzini scored three minutes into his West Ham debut away to Astra Giurgiu
in the Europa League and then repeated the feat by scoring three minutes
into his Premier League debut against Liverpool.
"He has been one of the players of the season so far for us," said Winston
Reid. "He's not just an attacker, he also defends and he can run from box to
box. He's very creative, so it's good. He's only a young kid, there are
going to be some difficult games for him, but fortunately for us he's having
really, really good games at the moment. The main thing is that he keeps
developing."

However, there were no guarantees that would be the case. Lanzini, nicknamed
'The Jewel', did have a considerable reputation as a teenager having been
part of the River Plate first-team at 17. Wearing the No.10 shirt, he later
played a big role in River's promotion and their subsequent title win. Twice
he scored against Boca Juniors in La Bombonera. But he has joined West Ham
from Al Jazira not River Plate.

The Arabian Gulf League might not conjure exciting thoughts of young talent
readying themselves to make an instant impact upon the Premier League, but
those preconceptions have been challenged. Sure, Lanzini's spell there
would've been motivated by money but spare him the sanctimony. Big contracts
are scarce in Argentina and the player has found his way to Europe
nevertheless.

Former West Ham player Tony Gale looks at the problem of replacing Dimitri
Payet. Any concerns that Lanzini might be too lightweight for the Premier
League have proven erroneous too. In fact, only four of his team-mates have
made more tackles and there's been an appetite for work that - prior to the
weekend - saw West Ham flourish on their travels. "He does not look strong
but some players can defy that physicality to impose themselves," said
Bilic.

The West Ham boss has been an admirer for some time. Indeed, he wanted to
take Lanzini with him to Turkey when he was coaching Besiktas. A further
clue to how highly he regards the 22-year-old is that he recently compared
him to Luka Modric, with whom he worked during his time in charge of the
Croatia national team. It's high praise and a reflection of Lanzini's
quality in possession.

"He always wants the ball," Bilic explained in his column for the Evening
Standard. "That's why we put him in midfield. He could play in a number of
positions but his best is wherever the ball is. So he has to be central
where he can have most contact. He always makes himself available. If the
players are in trouble, he comes and gets it."

West Ham - Premier League 2015/16

Player Dribbles Per 90
Manuel Lanzini 27 3.1
Mauro Zarate 10 2.6
Dimitri Payet 28 2.4
Victor Moses 14 2.4

It would have been easy for Bilic to banish Lanzini to the fringes of the
game. Instead, he has gone with the brave option - rewarding the player's
own bravery in trying to make things happen. The responsibility is greater
following Dimitri Payet's injury but it seems as though Lanzini has the
character to embrace it. "He's always playing pranks and having a laugh,"
says Enner Valencia.

Lanzini's Ecuadorian team-mate is one of a number of Spanish speakers within
the West Ham dressing room. It's helped him to settle and he's on record in
wanting to make his loan stay permanent. There have been reports of interest
from Liverpool but David Sullivan has stressed that the option belongs to
the Hammers.

A battle for Lanzini's services was not necessarily what was anticipated
when this deal was confirmed, but it's a testament to the speed with which
he's made the adjustment. His former River team-mate Erik Lamela took rather
longer to adapt. West Ham supporters will now be hoping that Lanzini's
Premier League stay lasts as long as that of his compatriot.

West Ham v West Brom is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1pm on Sunday

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IN SLAVEN WE TRUST
By Tony Hanna 25 Nov 2015 at 17:00
WTID

West Ham fans reaction to the defeat at Tottenham has been by and large
fairly predictable. Any defeat leaves us fairly deflated for a day or two,
maybe even more, but to lose 4-1 and to a bitter rival is a recipe for even
more frustration and anger than usual. The knee jerk reaction in today's
"want it all now" social media driven society can often lead to false
expectations but on this occasion I do feel we are right to have some minor
concerns. So, should we be worried or are the inept performances at Watford
and Tottenham a sign that other teams are working us out? We are currently
6th in the table, equal third highest scorers in the division and have
pocketed four highly prized scalps but our team no longer looks like one
that exudes confidence. The early losses to Leicester and Bournemouth did
not seem to make sense when you look at the results either side of those
defeats. Victories at Arsenal and Liverpool were much more palatable.
However, the loss to Leicester has much more credibility about it now when
you look at today's Premier League table!

Slaven Bilic has been a breath of fresh air this season but he now has to
contemplate some rather difficult decisions. Robbed of his star player
Dimitri Payet for three months does not help matters but for me it is the
defence and holding midfielders that should be put under the microscope. The
goalkeeper, back four and two holding midfielders that played at Spurs are
the same seven that pretty much played most games in the nosedive of last
season. We top the league in defensive errors punished and we can take the
rose tinted glasses off now – we do not look comfortable playing the ball
out from the back. Many of the errors that have cost us goals this season
have been due to poor passes more often or not because of the opposition
closing our defenders down. Noble, Cresswell, Tomkins and Jenkinson have all
been guilty this season and Slaven has to ponder how to put things right.
Jenkinson and Cresswell in my opinion are the two players who are struggling
this season and it is in the full back positions where we have the least
amount of quality cover. Jenkinson is way down on last season's form and
Arsenal must be wishing they sold him to us now rather than extending and
improving his contract at the Emirates. Cresswell, for me, has never been a
good defender but the way he gets forward is exciting and fan pleasing. I am
still dumbfounded as to how he won last years HOTY over Kouyate or Adrian?

I would be really surprised now if Ogbonna is not picked for the West Brom
game. He is fit and raring to go and was a player that Bilic really wanted
this season. He identified a centre back as his priority signing when he got
the managers job. So, what will happen at right back? Will Tomkins move
there or will Jenkinson hold his place? And what about left back? Perhaps
Stephen Hendrie will be given his chance or will Bilic persevere with
Cresswell? Indeed, Ogbonna can play at left back and he could leave the
central defence unchanged?

On reading many of the comments on here, there has been a lot of negative
chat about Noble and Carroll. With Song now back and Noble suspended this
week, it will give Bilic the chance to see how the team performs without its
skipper. Whilst Song is not fully match fit he has to grab this opportunity
with both hands. I still think Slaven is working out a few players in this
squad and he seems determined to give some of them a fair crack. After all,
he played Maiga and Nolan several times at the start of the season. He could
have asked us – we would have told him! But no, Slaven wanted to see for
himself. And in many ways I liken that to the recent selection of Andy
Carroll. I think Bilic would like it to work but from what we have seen it
just does not. My view is that big Andy will not be with us for the start of
the Olympic Stadium season. Unplayable? Sometimes yes, but Sam was right.
For Andy to work you have to build a team around him and that is just not in
our DNA any more.

So, whilst there is no need to panic, we still have the strongest squad in
depth ever, but Slaven Bilic has got some difficult decisions to make to get
the most out of this squad. I have not mentioned Antonio as yet and perhaps
that is best left to another article. From what I have seen of the lad in
Championship games he looked pretty decent? Again, time will tell, but in
Slaven we must trust.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD A SONG-OBIANG PARTNERSHIP START VS WBA, WITH KOUYATE PUSHED FURTHER
FORWARD?
By S J Chandos 25 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID

The Spurs match was an unmitigated disaster. A combination of tactical
mistakes, selection issues and poor team application/player form directly
contributed to a comprehensive defeat. Much as I hate to admit it, Spurs
were far better on the day and, crucially, we did not handle their high,
aggressive, pressing game at all well. Indeed, one of the things that I
found slightly alarming is that this is the second consecutive match where
we have been out-muscled by the physical approach/tactics of our opponents.
Although we all want to see the present transition to the expansive, passing
game under Bilic, I had hoped that we would still retain the physicality
that we developed under Allardyce and the ability to meet 'fire with fire'
in such situations.

With Mark Noble now suspended for the WBA game, there is the opportunity to
fundamentally re-jig the midfield. In particular, there is the prospect that
we can inject some extra steel in to the side by selecting a new partnership
of Alex Song and Pedro Obiang in the dual defensive-anchor role. That would
then allow Bilic to push Kouyate forward to play in the central role in the
three forward positions supporting Sakho up top (with Carroll on the bench).
Arguably that would facilitate Kouyate using his power, physical presence
and eye for goal to the best possible effect. It would also have the added
bonus of allowing Lanzini to continue working his magic on the right flank,
with either Moses or Antonio on the left. With Payet missing we need a major
adjustment in our approach, to find a new winning combination, and I would
contend that the best solution is pushing Kouyate in to this more advanced
attacking role.

In defence, one could argue that it is time to reconstitute the Ogbonna-Reid
central defensive partnership. Whether Tomkins steps down to the bench or
replaces the 'out of sorts' Jenkinson, at right-back, is a moot point. On
balance, I would probably stick with Jenkinson. Mostly because of the
assurance provided by Obiang and Song and the potentially decisive role the
full-backs could play on the overlap, providing extra width and stretching
WBA's defence. The key question is: are Song and Obiang fit enough to start?
Is it an excessive risk playing two players only recently back from injury
lay-offs? I am not currently sure about Obiang's fitness, but hopefully he
is ready. And I really like the idea of playing this particular combination
together in front of our defence.

The one thing I do not want to see is Tony Pulis' WBA coming to Upton Park
and winning the physical contests. Otherwise, a little bit of a negative
pattern could establish itself, which other sides learning from and adopting
it as part of their tactics at Upton Park. In retrospect, we are extremely
lucky that Winston Reid did not receive a serious injury in the Spurs match.
Walker's 'over the top' tackle on Reid could easily have broke his leg.
Luckily Reid emerged uninjured, but it could have been a very different
outcome. In my view, Walker should not even have been on the pitch to score
that fourth goal.

In conclusion, we need a positive response from the squad. We were bound to
hit a difficult patch at some point and with one point from the last three
matches, this is probably it. We need Bilic to make some decisive changes in
selection and find a new winning combination. My view is that Song, Obiang
and Kouyate could be key to finding it. We are still 6th in the table, but
this poor run of three games have allowed some of the teams behind us to
make up ground. There is no need to 'wake up to reality' or 'down grade our
ambitions' as some would have us believe. What we need to do is rejig
effectively to compensate for Payet's absence and get firmly back on track.
I am not sure Lanzini in a central attacking role is necessarily the answer,
but perhaps Kouyate is?

SJ. Chandos.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WE NEEDED A BIG DEFEAT TO BRING US BACK TO EARTH
By Bobby Shovels 24 Nov 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Oh here he comes, Bobby Shovels and his "theory of negativity." That's the
cry I get a lot, and fair enough a lot of that criticism holds up, in that I
do not have as rosy an outlook as others.

Yet, if you look at my "negative" ramblings since the start of the season, a
lot of it implied a catastrophic defeat against Spurs: the reliance on
Payet, the individual errors, the lack of defensive cohesion, the inability
to even impose ourselves on lower opposition. Everything was building to a
disaster when all of those failures, that have been papered over by some
fortunate results, all came together. We have conceded the most goals
(eight) from defensive errors this season – many of us were worried about
this earlier in the season; others just said it was the occasional error.
It's not occasional anymore: it's a huge problem. When we play a team

Sorry guys, but I think Sunday showed that some of that talk of top six
finishes or – as the KUMB podcast tried to vaguely argue – this being a team
akin to 86, is not really going to hold true. I'm not saying that we're
awful and we're going to get relegated, but as I have said countless times,
the over excitement about the first 12 games went too far.

Already I feel bored that everyone goes on about us beating City, Liverpool
and Arsenal away – has anyone noticed that the City game was back in
September? That since then we've lost away to Watford and been thrashed by
Spurs? Our season is already becoming defined by our exploits in the first
few weeks. Furthermore, I am delighted at the fact we beat all those teams,
but would I rather have maybe lost against City and had a better result
against Spurs? Of course. The Tottenham game was a wake-up call.

Yet, we should learn from Spurs. They have had many false dawns in the past
few years – like the time when AVB beat United away – their first league
victory there in ages, or even when Sherwood did the same – each time the
club thought they had turned a corner, but they hadn't. Now, giving
Pochettino a year or so to bed in and make the team his own, they are
reaping the rewards. Spurs have spent a while trying to get themselves into
the top four, and they may just do it now.

Similarly, we need time to do the same. Hence, I have always said that those
saying we're going to be miles ahead of last season in Bilic's first year in
charge is ludicrous. We need time to become a big club – and I think our
disaster at White Hart Lane should have silenced those who think our away
form at the start was a sign of things to come. Fact is, we've had one point
out of our last possible nine, and we face a West Brom side who we haven't
beaten at home in the last two years (3-3 and 1-1) and lost against 4-0 in
the Cup. Furthermore, they're coming off the back of a victory against
Arsenal – a victory much more in the recent memory than our Emirates
triumph. A win against us and they're only one point behind us. Indeed, look
at the table, and another loss and we drop into tenth or lower – it's fine
to embrace the good start, but remember how close this league is becoming,
how many teams are clustered in the middle of the pack: one point in nine
and already we are falling back.

This is not a blog to brag or boast that I warned you of a sign of things to
come against Spurs. Just that this defeat should not be seen as a surprise
nor something to make us negative: more it shows that there is a long way to
go to ensure we are at the consistency and high level of Tottenham. That's
not a nice thing to say, but if we admit our failings, we have a realistic
idea of what is to come this year, and the amazing potential of future
seasons.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham plot transfer of Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore for reunion with
Slaven Bilic
20:33, 25 NOV 2015 UPDATED 20:44, 25 NOV 2015
BY DARREN WITCOOP
The move would push £7m summer signing Michail Antonio further down the
pecking order potentially forcing a move away from the Hammers
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic is eyeing a reunion with Gokhan Tore to leave West Ham outcast
Michail Antonio fighting for his future. The Hammers' boss is a big fan of
the 23-year-old Besiktas winger, who was on Chelsea's books as a teenager,
and could raid his previous employers for the Turk in January. That will
leave forgotten man Antonio vulnerable - just months after arriving at Upton
Park. The £7million deadline day signing was an ever-present at the City
Ground for Nottingham Forest last season but has made just one sub
appearance so far for West Ham in the league. The lack of appearances for
the Hammers this season may see Derby renew their interest in the winger.
The Rams were interested in signing Antonio in the summer, but arch-rivals
Forest were reluctant to do business.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Smart money on this guy to get armband
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 25, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Alex Song is emerging as favourite to take over the skipper's armband at the
weekend should manager Slaven Bilic hand him his first start since his
recovery from an ankle injury.

The on-loan Barcelona player is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room
and is considered a real leader among the backroom staff.

Manager Bilic will be very tempted to start the 28 year old despite him
only seeing 10 minutes of action in the last game against Spurs and it would
be no surprise were he to be given the captaincy in Mark Noble's absence
through suspension..

ClaretandHugh readers handed Winston Reid a huge 61 per cent vote in our
poll which closed this evening with the midfielder in the runners-up spot.

We were told by one insider: "If there was a book on it Songy would probably
be odds-on. He captained the team last season and if picked it looks quite
likely. He's a dynamic indicidual who has real leadership qualities.

"Winston would have to be in with a shout but I think most people's money
would probably be on Alex."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic ready to bring this player back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 25, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

It was well known insider knowledge when Slaven Bilic took over as our boss
that his first priority in the transfer market would be a world class
central defender. And so it proved with Angelo Ogbonna arriving from
Juventus for £8 million as the natural partner to Winston Reid with James
Tomkins being left to fight for a position. Nothing disturbed that view when
the opening game arrived at Arsenal and Ogbonna was in at central defence
with JT slotting in at right back where he performed admirably defensively.
Since then – because of injuries – Ogbonna has become the forgotten man but
Slav didn't spend £8 million because he likes the colour of the Davids'
money. He rates Ogbonna highly. And given the Tomkins clanger at Spurs which
led to the third goal, not the first time a mistake of his has led to a
goal, I'm sure it will be all change this time around. I hope so because the
little we've seen of the Italian s highly encouraging – in a word the
bloke's a monster who gives strikers a seriously hard time. And with Saido
Berahino coming to visit we are going to need that brand of no holds-barred
defending he brings to the table. I'm sure he will be recalled. Whether
Tomkins is shifted into the right back position remains to be seen. The
doubt would be that he brings little offensively to the team which may
upset the balance of the team. My bet is Slav will continue with Jenkinson.
I hope I'm wrong but I fear Andy Carroll may get one more game as the
manager ensures there can be no complaints when the time – probably not far
away – for him to be told: "It hasn't worked – we are going in a different
direction."
We need Diafra Sakho back leading the attack this weekend. I hope Slav is
brave and does precisely that but whatever else he doesn't do I believe
Ogbonna will return perhaps with Obiang returning to toughen up midfield
along with Alex Song.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Hammer to be handed his chance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 25, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Martin Samuelsen will be launched straight into the Peterborough United
first team at Scunthorpe on Saturday as he takes his first steps into the
"rough and tumble of competitive league football." The young Norwegian only
signed on loan for The Posh two hours before last night's match against
Barnsley and watched the team win 3-2 from the bench. But Posh director of
football Barry Fry revealed that he's certain to get a run out at the
weekend declaring: "He's the icing on the cake for us. "I think the club
would sooner he had gone to a Championship club but we managed to get it
done and I'm thrilled. He's a terrific player and a great young man. "He
tore us apart in a pre-season friendly and he will be magnificent for us.
I'm sure of that. We explained he will be playing in a diamond rather than
out wide and he said that suited him down to the ground because he'd have
more of the ball. Great attitude."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This player will give us the missing creativity
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 25, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold is expecting Alex Song to start providing some of the creativity
lost because of Dmitri Payet's absence. The midfielder made just a cameo
performance against Spurs but he is expected to step straight back into the
team this weekend against West Brom. And Gold – stressing that it is
entirely the manager's decision – believes the player will rapidly come back
to his best and start providing the killer passes which undo defences. And
with Mark Noble missing through suspension, should the manager select Song,
he could also inherit the captain's armband. Go to
www.claretandhugh.info/poll-who-should-skipper-the-hammers-2/ …
Gold is buoyant going into the game despite the weekend defeat declaring: "I
no longer go into games against sides who are outside the top six thinking
we will get beaten. "That's why Spurs was such a disappointment because
quite apart from being our keenest rivals they were a team I felt we could
beat . "Of course we were always going to miss Payet but Alex Song has had
another week's training and should he play he brings real creativity. We all
know what he can do at his best." Gold is not dismissive of West Brom
saying: "We new Tony Pulis teams are very hard to beat and well drilled but
the players are determined to get back to winning ways and I am fascinated
to see how Slaven sets us up."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pulis knows Irons will be "as tough as it gets"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 25, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis expects the toughest game possible
against West Ham at the weekend. And it may well be that Slaven Bilic will
succeed where Sam Allardyce has failed throughout his career by beating a
Pulis-managed team. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "Slaven
Bilic has done an absolutely superb job at the club and I know this will be
one of the toughest games of the season. "For the Hamemrs it's all about
finishing as high as posible and I believe they will be very well placed at
the end of the season and then moving onto a big new chapter in the club's
history. "It's a shame for you that you have injuries to a couple of key
players but the club has bought brilliantly in the summer and you look very
strong in all areas. "Your bench looks very strong and I know the players
and managers will have put the weekend result behind them. It's going to be
hard for us." Pulis' West Brom saw off Arsenal 2-1 at the weekend and Pulis
describes them as being in good shape ahead of the game but said: "The Irons
game will be as tough as it gets." The Baggies sit in twelfth place but just
four points behind the Irons.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman David Gold wishes Martin Samuelson luck in loan move
HITC
Mathew Nash

The Norwegian is set to play with Peterborough United until January. West
Ham chairman David Gold is one of the bigger tweeters when it comes to
football chairmen. He co-controls West Ham with his good friend and long
time business partner David Sullivan and last night he took to twitter to
confirm ab outgoing loan deal for one of the club's summer signings and wish
him luck in his move. Young Norwegian Martin Samuelson has headed out on
loan to League One side Peterborough United until January. The 18-year-old
midfielder joined up with The Hammers in the summer from the academy at
Manchester City, where he had impressed. Samuelson has impressed in the West
Ham under-21s and he has even made his first-team debut for West Ham -
playing against Birkirkara in the Europa League Now he will be hoping to
impress with The Posh - a team he scored against in a pre-season friendly
back in July. The Norwegian youth international will now be hoping to
impress enough to get some more first-team football for West Ham as the
season goes on.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ivory Coast ace issues come and get me plea to West Ham and Crystal Palace
IVORY COAST hotshot Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac has issued a come and get me plea to
West Ham and Crystal Palace.
Daily Star
By Paul Brown / Published 25th November 2015

Both clubs have watched the 25-year-old striker, who is currently top scorer
in Belgium with ten goals in 15 games for Oostende. And Cyriac admits he has
his heart set on following in the footsteps of father figure Didier Drogba
by making a move to the Premier League. Asked about the interest from West
Ham and Palace, he said: "I'm happy about that. I like those clubs. They
would be a challenge for me. "I was told they were in the stadium and that
there is possible interest, but I am just concentrating on playing for my
club. "I would be happy to play in the best league in the world one day but
right now I want to help Oostende qualify for Europe. "I was told they were
in the stadium and that there is possible interest, but I am just
concentrating on playing for my club" "I like the Premier League a lot.
When I was a kid I liked Wayne Rooney, and I met Didier Drogba playing for
the Ivory Coast. He has given me lots of advice. "He is like a father
figure. He has helped me a lot. I like the Premier League. It is very
physical and referees play with a good spirit and don't stop the attacks all
the time."
Cyriac, who joined Oostende from Anderlecht last summer, is under contract
until 2019 but is understood to be keen on a move. Palace are in the market
because because they have struggled to get goals from their strikers this
season, while West Ham are looking for depth as Diafra Sakho has struggled
with injuries.

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


http://vyperz.blogspot.com