Daily WHUFC News - 15th December 2015

Adrian – We need to be more clinical
WHUFC.com

Adrian's joy at a second successive clean sheet was tempered by his side's failure to take all three Barclays Premier League points against Stoke City and so the West Ham United stopper urged his teammates to be more clinical in front of goal. The Spaniard felt the Hammers created more than enough opportunities to win Saturday's game at the Boleyn Ground, but were still indebted to the 28-year-old for two excellent stops from substitute Mame Biram Diouf. Still, Adrian insists the Hammers are doing all the right things and he insists the winning feeling will return so long as they continue to keep it tight at the back. "We have to be happy with the clean sheet, but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score," he told West Ham TV. "[Jack] Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well. "I do my job, I always try to help my team by making saves and this time we got a point with those saves. The two saves [from Diouf] were with my right foot, I think I saved more with my right foot than with my hands. I'm the 'keeper and I need to save with all parts of the body! "The team defended well, not just me, all the team defended well and I think if we keep a clean sheet we have a chance to win the next game. "If we keep showing the same performance, continue to keep clean sheets and if we are more clinical in attack, I think we can get the three points there [at Swansea City]."

Saturday's story was not dissimilar to that of the Hammers' goalless draw at Old Trafford a week earlier, where the Hammers were also left wondering what might have been. He continued: "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing.
"We showed good team spirit. We have five or six injuries and it's hard at this time, because we have many games coming over the Christmas period. I think we have a good squad now and the players that have the chance now, like Antonio, need to continue to play well."

With the season's halfway mark now just three games away, what does Adrian make of the Hammers' long-term prospects? "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six, or seven. We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table is so narrow, you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."

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Loan watch
WHUFC.com

In Sky Bet League Two, Hammers youngster Josh Pask has extended his youth loan with Dagenham & Redbridge until 16 January 2016. On Saturday, the defender was an unused substitute as his team suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at Crawley Town.

Elliot Lee's Blackpool enjoyed a notable 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in Sky Bet League One. Lee played 65 minutes, while Tom Aldred's header secured victory for his team.

Diego Poyet was an unused substitute as Milton Keynes Dons suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday. The result drops the Dons into the bottom three, with 16 points from 20 games.

Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Clarke Bogard's Tilbury gave Vanarama National League side Welling United a real scare in the FA Trophy on Saturday. Tilbury, of the Ryman League Division One North – three leagues below their visitors – were only edged out by a 4-3 scoreline.

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I thought the whole team had an impressive display against Stoke on Saturday and it is just a matter of time before our luck turns. Just like the game against Manchester United, we could have easily had all three points and I am sure that Slaven Bilic would have been pleased with the effort that the players have shown in recent weeks. Mauro Zarate was desperately unlucky not to get the goal of the season as we hit the post again and how we didn't win the game in the last 20 seconds when the ball was cleared off the line twice, I still don't know!
I will mention it again but over a season for every time you hit the post you score four goals, so we are now due 15 or 20 before we hit the post again!

Stoke nearly got lucky when a wicked deflection ended up in the top corner, but Adrian managed to deflect the ball onto the crossbar.
It was pleasing to see the side come away with our second consecutive clean sheet and I thought it was a very good defensive display.
James Collins came back into the side and looked good alongside Angelo Ogbonna and James Tomkins once again showed his versatility with another solid display at right back. We have been suffering with injuries over the last few weeks but it was very pleasing to see Enner Valencia back on the pitch in the second half. We have been missing Enner for a large part of the season so we all hope he can have a successful return to action and play a big part for us in the second half of the campaign. Manuel Lanzini is also close to making a return and I know that Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club. We have another big game against Swansea on Sunday and I know the management will be working hard with the players as we look to get back on the winning trail at the weekend.

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Noble - The facilities are great
WHUFC.com

West Ham United captain Mark Noble says it felt different for him to change his daily routine to get to the training ground but insists the squad will not be affected by the short move to Rush Green. After securing another well earned point against Stoke on Saturday, the Hammers players were in good spirits as they began their first session two miles down the road from their normal setting at Chadwell Heath. The Rush Green training ground is normally used by the Development Squad and all the facilities that the first-team require will still be at their disposal.

Noble insists the players can only benefit from the move and says he is fully focused on helping his side getting back on the winning trail when they face Swansea on Sunday – even if he has to change the settings on his Sat Nav system. Noble said: "It is different as I have been used to going to Chadwell Heath every morning for the last 12 years. "We are training at Rush Green so we can look after the pitches a little bit at Chadwell. The facilities are great here so the other pitches can repair themselves a bit. "We are here to play football and that is our job. 
We had a warm-down session on Monday and the real test will be over the next couple of days when we are fully at it."

With Enner Valencia making a first-team return against Stoke on Saturday and Manuel Lanzini due back in action in the near future the injury situation is looking a lot better for Slaven Bilic. The Hammers manager also revealed that Dimitri Payet could be back in action ahead of schedule and Noble says that is a big boost for everyone at the Club ahead of a busy Christmas and New Year period. Noble added: "It is great news for the Club that we are starting to get back the injured players. We lost five or six of our top players in the space of a month and it is not ideal. "But all credit to the lads as we went away to Manchester United and got a point, we had a good draw at home against Stoke which was an entertaining game to watch. "We have dug in well and sometimes you need to ride those moments when you get a bit of bad luck. We have hit the post a lot in the last few weeks but we have not lost a game. "We have come away with two clean sheets and it puts you in good stead for the rest of the season."

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FT - Dev Squad 1-1 Arsenal
WHUFC.com


West Ham United 1-1 Arsenal
Barclays U21 Premier League Division 2

FT: West Ham United U21 1-1 Arsenal

90: West Ham's final substitution sees Amos Nasha replace Djair Parfitt-Williams. Meanwhile three minutes of additional time have been signalled.

89: 2,394 people have turned out for this game. Great support for our U21s!

86: Arsenal have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out, but one-time Academy player Ben Sheaf can only find the wall with his effort.

81: Goal! The Hammers aren't so lucky this time. Chris Willock does well to keep the ball in on the left flank, races down the line, cuts inside and fires into the bottom corner. 1-1.

75: Josh Cullen gives the ball away cheaply and the Hammers are very nearly punished as Malen takes the ball on and attempts an audacious chip over Spiegel, but clears the crossbar.

73: Arsenal look to their bench as they try to change their fortunes and the players on are Kaylen Hinds and Ismael Bennacer, replacing Alex Iwobi and Dan Crowley

71: If Arsenal are going to get back into this is looks like Crowley or Malen will be their go-to men, and it is the former who tests Spiegel again with a curling shot from range.

66: Arsenal are starting to press and Dan Crowley floats a cross-shot just beyond Raphael Spiegel's left hand post.

58: Time for the Hammers' first changes of the evening as Anthony Scully and Jordan Brown come on for goalscorer Alex Pike and Jaanai Gordon.

56: Arsenal striker Malen is looking lively and he slips his way through before forcing another low save from Spiegel. The Swiss stopper is enjoying a fine evening so far.

54: To the other end and Donyell Malen produces a sharp turn to lose the attentions of his man. His shot from 20 yards is a fierce one too, but Spiegel gets down well to his right to tip the ball behind.

50: The subsequent corner is a deep one, but Obiang helps it back into the mix and Parfitt-Williams finishes, but is offside. A third disallowed goal for the Hammers.

49: Should be 2-0. Gordon disposseses Robinson in a dangerous area and passes inside to Cullen. He then feeds Makasi 12 yards out, but keeper Macey dives to his right to make a fine save.

48: Cullen then delivers the corner and Oxford isn't far wide with his cushioned volley.

47: Arsenal defender Bielik plays the ball straight to Cullen and he advances towards the area before slipping tyhe ball to Gordon, whose shot needs a touch from the keeper to take it wide.

46: Back underway at the Boleyn Ground with no changes for either team.

HT: The half time whistle blows and the Hammers will take a 1-0 lead into the interval. Alex Pike taking advantage of some defensive indecision to notch the only goal so far. Are West Ham on track for a sixth straight win? Join us in 15 minutes to find out in the second half!

43: The Hammers look for offside as Iwobi slips Adelaide in down the left channel, but no flag is forthcoming and Spiegel has to stand up well to deny the Arsenal man by his near post.

38: GOAL! 1-0 to the Hammers! The visitors are sloppy in defence and Alex Pike takes full advantage of the error to flick into the bottom corner.

37: Lovely move from the Hammers as they sweep the ball across the pitch. Cullen finds Knoyle advancing from right back, but he can't pick out a man with his cross.

31: Then a minute later Raphael Spiegel is called into action to make his first real save of the night, and it's a good one too as he flies to his left to push Sheaf's stinging effort away.

30: Arsenal are enjoying a little spell and Crowley threatens to weave his way through the Hammers' backline, but Obiang slides in to make a fine tackle on the edge of the box.

23: Arsenal are penalised for handball in the left channel and Cullen has the chance to deliver from a promising position, but the cross is too close to goalkeeper Macey, who claims easily.

21: The Hammers have a corner down the left and although the initial delivery is cleared, the ball falls to Lewis Page 30 yards out. He takes the shot on, but his radar is slightly off and the goalkeeper Macey can watch the ball wide.

17: Two minutes later and it's deja-vu as Gordon steps inside his man and fires home...but is offside again. No goal.

15: Gordon has the ball in the net for the Hammers, but it won't count as he was judged to have strayed off side to collect Cullen's pass. Still 0-0.

12: After that flurry for Arsenal the game has settled down again. West Ham yet to make their mark truly in an attacking sense yet though.

7: Big chance for the Gunners and Malen as his quick feet makes room in the heart of the penalty box for a shot, but he prods straight at Spiegel and the Hammers survive.

6: Arsenal threaten for the first time as Donyell Malen looks to find a pocket of space and burst onto Crowley's flicked pass, but he strays offside to find that pass and the flag goes up immediately.

5: Five minutes gone and not much to report so far. Both sides still to settle into the game.

0: The Hammers get us underway, kicking towards the Sir Trevor Brooking end in the first half.

6.57pm Reecre Oxford leads the Hammers out onto the pitch and it's almost time for action. The Hammers are going for a sixth straight win here.

6.20pm A very warm welcome to our live coverage of this evening's Development Squad clash with Arsenal. The teams are in!

West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Oxford, Page, Pike, Makasi, Cullen, Obiang, Parfitt-Williams, Gordon
Subs: T.Brown, Scully, Onariase, J.Brown, Nasha

Arsenal: Macey, Sheaf, Robinson, Kamara, Bielik, Pleguezuelo, Adelaide, Iwobi, Malen, Crowley, Willock
Subs: Hinds, Huddart, Bennacer, Mavididi, Bola

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Monday musings: no goals, but no lack of entertainment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Graeme Howlett

As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.

With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils, after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.

Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri. That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.

Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine Premier League appearances.

However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.

Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses - the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.

And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex with immediate effect.

Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far - may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam Allardyce in the summer.

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Boleyn Ground memories: skinheads, Harringtons and tattoos
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Alison O'Brien

Queueing up at the North Bank turnstiles, I suddenly looked around and felt very nervous. I was the only woman as far as I could see and Jimbo, who was nine, was the only little boy.

We were surrounded by skinhead haircuts, Harringtons and tattoos! It'd been a spur of the moment decision on a Saturday lunchtime to take Jimbo to see our favourite team and, as it was 1988, we could still pay and get in on the day.

Jimbo was the son of my then partner and a lovely boy. He was clever, funny and cheeky with a heart of gold. The family had been going through a really hard time but Jimbo and his sister, Natasha were amazing and managed to cheer everyone up around them.

This particular week, Jimbo was desperate to go to West Ham, he'd been asking everyone and anyone if they'd take him. He'd been to a few games before with his Grandad but he really wanted to see this particular match.

In the morning we'd been round at his Nan's and Jimbo was getting increasingly fed up. His Nan said "Oh, I wish someone would take him". I looked at her, looked at him and said "Come on, let's go, you and me!"

We paid our money (I think it was a fiver!) and entered the stand just before kick off. The sound of "Bubbles" was deafening. The place was jam-packed and we struggled to push ourselves through the standing crowd.

I wanted to get Jimbo down to the front with the other kids so that he could see the game. But no matter how hard we squeezed and pushed we couldn't move any further than where we were, right in the middle of the North Bank.

I looked down at Jimbo and he smiled but I knew he could hardly see a thing in amongst all those adults. I tried to help him to a slightly better position but the most he could see was the halfway line and beyond through a gap. I wondered if this had been such a good idea.

The match began and West Ham made a fast move forward towards the goal down in front of us. The crowd leaned forward as one, cheering and shouting "Come on you Irons!!" I took a look at Jimbo next to me and all I could see was his little legs and trainers dangling at my eye level!

The man behind him had lifted him up so he could see! Jimbo was laughing his head off and watching the game. When the ball went back up to the other end of the pitch, he plonked him down again.

The man was huge with a skinhead haircut, Harrington and tattoos. He did not have a look that would normally make me feel safe - but that gentle giant must've picked Jimbo up and down about fifty times during the match and absolutely made his day!

We only drew, but I remember having trouble trying to keep a hold of Jimbo's hand walking down Green Street to the tube, he was so excited, jumping around talking and laughing about the game and of being chucked right up in the air! I think it'd been like being on a fairground ride in the Boleyn Ground!

I had said "thank you" a few times and tried to make conversation but the gentle giant didn't seem to want to or need to talk.

I'm hoping that he might read this and recognise himself. It's one of the best memories I have out of the many hundreds of good memories of the Boleyn Ground. My son and I have been season ticket holders for five years. He is 6 foot 2 now, but even when he was very little, I had no qualms about bringing him to Upton Park on my own, thanks to that gentle giant.

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Too good for Real Madrid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer Julian Faubert has been linked to shock move to Aston Villa as a free agent. Faubert signed for the Hammers for £6.1m in 2007 on a five year contract amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 103 appearances. He was famously loaned to Real Madrid for a loan fee thought to £1.5m plus wages while a Hammer where he was snapped sleeping on the subs bench. His loan spell finished with only two appearances. He is now a free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and the Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. West Ham play Aston Villa at Villa Park on Boxing Day and there remains a remote possibility he would face his former club.

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Nani joins Lanzini's parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Lanzini's parent club Al Jazira has recruited former West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani as their new sports director today.
Officials at the Abu Dhabi club did not reveal much details but said he would begin work immediately. Jazira parted ways with their returning coach Abel Braga last week and Ali Khamis Al Junaibi, the club's Under 23 coach, has been appointed as caretaker until a new manager arrives. Nani was fired by new owners David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010, the Italian was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, with his main role being that of chief scout. His salary of £300,000 was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners.

Whether this news has any impact on the deal to sign Lanzini on a permanent transfer at the end of the season from Al Jazira remains to be seen. Let's hope Nani doesn't let any personal feelings come in the way of a deal which is said to have already been agreed between the two clubs.

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January Shopping Spree NOT Needed
December 14, 2015
Thewesthamway.co.uk

It's nearly time for Christmas! Or as the football world sees it, almost time for the January transfer window to open.

With the Premier League's lucrative television deal looming, it is anticipated that most clubs will be spending more than average in order to ensure top flight status for next season.
West Ham especially are desperate to ensure that the Premier League is where their home football is being played, considering the fact that home games will be at the new Olympic Stadium.
However, all these things considered, it is highly unlikely that the Hammers will dip into the transfer market come the new year.

Is that the right choice, what with all these injuries to key players? After all, January's window is there for exactly that; to add reinforcments to depleated squads, to bolster the numbers and ensure that there is enough cover to see out the season and let's face facts, if any club falls perfectly into that mantra, it is West Ham.
Nevertheless, the Irons can safely save themselves the expense. For one, Premier League status should be a given (without taking anything for granted).

West Ham are looking up the table not down it this season. A respectable top half finish will count as a success under Bilic's debut season as the boss. But what about the injuries? Surely they justify a player or two? Well, quite simply put; no. One needs to consider the team that Bilic managed to put out against Manchester United and Stoke City.

The depth in the squad allowed, despite six key players out of action, for a very decent starting XI in both games. Albeit with a certain lack of creativity at times, but decent nontheless.

Antonio gave a performance to be proud of, Collins covered the centre half spot well enough, Tomkins is excelling in his new role at right back, Carroll looks stronger and fitter each game as well.

All things considered, the Hammers are doing ok and they have Valencia and Song back in the team and Lanzini and Payet are very close to a return as well.

It will be the end of the transfer window before all players are back in the action. I make that four new signings for the Hammers in the winter (or as good as) if the results and performances continue to be as solid in the mean time, there is absolutly no need whatsoever for any knee-jerk panic buying. West Ham have an extremely talented squad this season and unless a super star is available, no January spending is needed.

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Adrian: Here's where we can finish
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Adrian remains convinced the Irons can land a top six place and European football next season. The ever-upbeat keeper believes that if we can maintain our current performance levels and get our injured players back it's ON! He said: "I think we're playing well, ­especially away from home If we get the injured players back after January or February, and we're in the same position we're in now, we can stay in the top five, six or seven. "If we maintain the same level of performance away and improve at Upton Park, then we can have a great season. "We need to improve a little bit here at home, but I think we are showing a great level of performance in all of our games." "When we play away, the other team start with the ball and try and attack, which allows us to counter-attack, and we are very dangerous playing that way," he added. "Here at home, we have the ball and play out from defence and sometimes the other team are really narrow and defend well."

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Bilic sees something different
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News
C and H

Slaven Bilic believes new players in the team are bringing something different to the Hammers. Discussing the draw against Stoke this morning on the official site the manager said: "I am very happy that the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford that the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did."

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This player really does look the business
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

I didn't honestly expect to be particularly impressed by Michail Antonio. That's no disrespect to the fella. I knew very little about him but £7 million really isn't a lot of money these days and Championship arrivals can't really be taken too seriously until they have had the chance of a decent PL run. I understood why Slav had not given him his chance. Things were going really well so why fix it if it ain't broke. Too many have done that in the past. It's far too early to make a judgement but my instincts told me on Saturday afternoon that this lad could be special and my immediate reaction was not to be too unhappy with the Victor Moses injury absence. The Chelsea player has signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and is costing £185,000 a game with wages, loan fee apportioned and appearances.

Has he been worth it? Very debatable! Antonio on the other hand slowly started to excite me far more than Moses as he picked up the speed and eventually received a man of the match award on his debut. Victor can frustrate with a tendency to overplay. Antonio's power, pace, some devilishly quick turns and more direct approach was fresh and invigorating. Ok, there was a naivety in his play and the final ball was lacking but that can probably be put down to lack of match action and I really want to see a lot more of this fella. He looks the business to me and if he gets back to full match fitness over the next two or three weeks Moses may find it hard to return. Yep I really do like Antonio. Looks a real player.

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Hurt Gold's frankest interview
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has given his frankest ever interview to ClaretandHugh within the last few minute after a deeply insulting tweet in which he was described as "illiterate" and questioned as to how he ever took charge of a real football club. The hugely offensive tweet from @gabbyobaetan has since been removed and it appears the page no longer exists but Gold remains hurt at the content. He responded at the time by saying: "I had dysentery, scarlet fever and nearly died from tuberculosis. I then left school at 14. I am dyslexic. dg"

He told us: "Yes it hurt badly at the time because I had such trouble with my schooling. I missed so much and it wasn't until much later that I discovered I was dyslexic. "It was so hard because you spend time wondering what's wrong and whether you are mentally retarded. It was a relief to discover the problem. I have tried very hard and don't think I'm doing too badly."

Gold was tempted to block the individual responsible for the Twitter disgrace but said: 'I can't do it. That would be like giving into them.' "However, I'm not prepared to say the day might come when I will do so. It really was pretty horrible butI am bouncing back as is usually the case."

Gold refuses to come off Twitter because he explains: "There are so many good fans out there from whom I learn a lot and who deserve to be kept as up to date as I can manage. "I can cope with the odd one or two who are so intensely awful but I have learned there's not much point in trying to engage within 140 characters. It doesn't work. Blocking? I don't want to but wouldn't rule it out."

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Rush Green will have state of the art facilities
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

The new Rush Green training ground will have state of art facilities when rebuilt. Last week we revealed that planning permission was granted subject to minor conditions. The main remodelled building will boast separate offices for the manager and first team coaches, an analysis room with the latest technology, a Sports science room, a first team restaurant and separate youth team restaurant served by a enlarged modern kitchen.

There are separate dressing rooms the first team with their own showers, elite staff, general staff have their own dressing rooms as well as visiting away teams. These are backed up by a fully functioning laundry plus separate boot and kit rooms. There is a large gym, medical room, a large treatment area and a Hydotherapy pool. Added to football related facilities there is also a large press room which doubles as a presentation room, a meeting room, a visiting Chairman's office which is adjoined to a large boardroom so the Chairman can keep a close eye on their investments.

Slaven Bilic and his first team moved into Rush Green this morning but will have to slum it until the end of the season at which point the building works will begin.

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West Ham transfer news: Karren Brady admits Hammers could buy if 'something interesting' comes up
RICHARD PARRY Saturday 12 December 20150 comments
Evening Standard

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady admits that, while the club have 'no real plans' to sign players in the January transfer window they could react if something 'interesting' comes up.
Slaven Bilic's squad has been struck hard by injuries to Winston Reid, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia in recent weeks, but the clubs has so far played down talk of a flurry of business when the market opens next month. Writing in his Evening Standard column last week, Bilic insisted that club won't make 'panic signings', while David Gold insisted that the Hammers already 'have a £35m striker in Andy Carroll' when asked if they needed striking reinforcements. In an interview with BT Sport, vice-chairman Karren Brady followed suit, albeit without ruling a move should the right player be available. Speaking to BT Sport's Football tonight show, Brady admitted: "January's never a great time for any club to buy players, because most of the good players are not really available for sale." "So we're not planning to do anything …but if something comes up that's quite interesting and makes sense for the manager then we might consider it, but no real plans."

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Manuel Lanzini drops hint about his West Ham future whilst discussing Olympic Stadium
HITC
Olly Dawes

Manuel Lanzini is looking forward to West Ham's arrival at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini has raved about the Olympic Stadium in an interview with the club's official website, dropping a possible hint about his future in the process. The Argentine star, 22, is currently on a season-long loan with the Hammers having signed from United Arab Emirates club Al-Jazira over the summer.

So far, the former River Plate man has made a huge impression during his time at Upton Park, having scored five goals and notched one assist so far. Fans are keen to see Lanzini stay at Upton Park beyond the expiration of his loan deal, but are currently dealing with his absence, given that the midfielder has suffered a thigh injury and is currently on the sidelines.

Lanzini will return and look to recapture his best form under Slaven Bilic, and if he continues to do that, a permanent stay will be on the cards - but it won't be at Upton Park. West Ham leave Upton Park next summer in order to move in to the Olympic Stadium, which is seen as being the springboard for future success in East London.

Lanzini went to the Olympic Stadium last week, and told the club's official website that he was impressed with the stadium - before stating that he's looking forward to enjoying success and playing there, suggesting that he sees his long-term future in claret and blue.

"It is a very impressive stadium, not only the stands and the pitch but all the other facilities; they are just excellent," said Lanzini. "I think the move is really going to give West Ham a boost and that is obviously very important. I really think the fans and the players will enjoy it and I'm sure we'll have some successful years in the near future."

"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to play in some fantastic stadiums so far, I think this stadium is going to be absolutely incredible, all footballers will want to come and play here and it'll help the Club grow. One of the most important things is that the fans, I'm sure, are going to enjoy coming here, and we're going to be relaxed about putting on a really good show," he added.

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Diafra Sakho shares nasty surgery scar on Instagram as West Ham striker continues three-month recovery from thigh injury
Diafra Sakho injured his thigh attempting to shoot against West Brom
West Ham's Senegalese star striker had surgery on December 5
Sakho said he's looking forward to the next stage of his rehabilitation
By MICHAEL GADD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 21:37, 14 December 2015 | UPDATED: 21:46, 14 December 2015

Diafra Sakho has shared a large incision made in his thigh during surgery as the West Ham striker counts down the days until he can begin the next phase of his rehabilitation. The 25-year-old who limped off the pitch in the Hammers' November 29 draw with West Brom and went under the knife the following weekend isn't expected back on the pitch for three months. On Monday night, he shared an image of his healing wound with a message: 'After 10 days I can start with the next step in rehab!! Happy to start working and give it my best!! #100% #COYI #inshallah.'

Sakho has given a timeframe of three months after the injury he suffered while attempted to shoot for goal. The layoff is a huge blow to Slaven Bilic's side which hasn't recorded a win since they beat Chelsea on October 24. Since then in the Premier League they've recorded two defeats (Watford and Tottenham) and four draws (Everton, West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke). All going to plan, Sakho's estimated return date of March 16 would come ahead of their nxt clash with Chelsea on the 19th. Senegal international Sakho has scored five goals in his 14 appearances this season and his absence over the past fortnight has opened the door for back-to-back starts up front for Andy Carroll. However, the English striker who's returning from his own series of injuries has failed to deliver with both games against Man United and Stoke ending in scoreless draws. West Ham's horror run of injuries has seen Bilic move the team from their Chadwell Heath base, where the pitches are deemed notoriously hard, to Rush Green, where they intended to relocate to next season.

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Agent claims Russian international Aleksandr Kokorin will join a club like West Ham
HITC
Olly Dawes

Aleksandr Kokorin is being backed for a move to England by a Russian agent. Dinamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin is being linked with a move to England - but Russian agent Alexey Safonov has told Izvestia that the player should be signing for a club like West Ham. Kokorin, 24, has long been regarded as one of Russian football's stars of the future, and after 19 goals in 114 games for Dinamo Moscow, he left for Anzhi Makhachkala - but returned to Dinamo having failed to even play one game for Anzhi due to financial problems. With 22 goals in 57 games for Dinamo in his second spell, it's clear that Kokorin is improving as he gains more experience, whilst he has also bagged ten goals in 36 games for the Russian national team, becoming their leading striker in recent years. Now, with the January transfer window drawing ever closer, speculation surrounds Kokorin's future at Dinamo. The Sun reported last week that, with Kokorin's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is plotting a cut-price move to sign the forward next month. It's fair to say that Arsenal may need more attacking options, but one Russian agent isn't convinced that Kokorin is good enough for the Gunners.

Alexey Safonov represents a number of Russian players, and has told Izvestia that he thinks Kokorin isn't at the level Arsenal need - and he should instead be signing for an 'average' Premier League club like West Ham United instead. "In England, he could improve, but I do not believe that he is good enough for Arsenal," said Safonov. "This is a case when the level of the team is at a much higher level than the player. I think he eventually he will join an average British club, such as Swansea or West Ham," he added. West Ham fans will no doubt take offence to the comments that their team is 'average', especially considering that the Hammers beat Arsenal 2-0 at the start of the season - and in fact, with West Ham enduring an injury crisis, Kokorin could be a smart target in January, if the Hammers are indeed looking for striking solutions.

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INJURED DUO 'AHEAD OF SCHEDULE'
By Dan Wilcox 4
ironsinthecircle

West Ham duo Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are both ahead of schedule in their recovery from injuries according to Slaven Bilic. The pair were absent from the 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday, but Bilic believes both may well be back sooner than anticipated.
The manager said (quotes via Evening Standard): Every day I talk to my medical department. We had Enner Valencia back ahead of schedule and also it looks as though Lanzini and Payet might also be ahead of their planned return date. Lanzini looks the most likely to return. Whether that will be for Swansea next Sunday I don't know. It was reported last week that Bilic was planning on moving his side's training sessions to West Ham's new training plot, Rush Green, and that has now happened.

Bilic intimated that the recent injury crisis could be down to the standard of pitch at Chadwell Heath. He said: It's not about the dressing rooms or the sauna, it's about the pitches and they are much better. The Croatian took the team for training at Rush Green for the first time today, with the manager hoping the move might help prevent more injuries.

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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic was full of praise for his backup brigade after the Hammers' 0-0 draw with Stoke City on Saturday
Guardian.com

West Ham United head coach Slaven Bilic has praised the players who have deputised for the Hammers' growing list of absentees. The Croatian is without Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses, Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid but West Ham remain unbeaten in three following Saturday's goalless draw at home to Stoke City. West Ham might even have nicked a winner at the death but Cheikhou Kouyate saw his header punched over the bar by Jack Butland. Speaking to the club's website, Bilic said: I am very happy the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. "Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. "We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did." He added: "We wanted to win, we always want to win. Sometimes you have to take risks. This is football, it is worth throwing everything you've got for three points. "Saying that, the team defends as a whole and attacks as a whole, so the 11 on the pitch are only half of it. It is the shape and the mentality that is key."

The Hammers carved out a number of opportunities at Upton Park on Saturday – 22 to be precise – but couldn't find a way past the in-form Butland. West Ham keeper Adrian, was kept busy too – saving well from Mame Biram Diouf on two occasions – but felt the east Londoners ought to have taken maximum points. He said: "We have to be happy with the clean sheet but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score. "Jack Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well." The Hammers have now drawn their last three and Adrian felt there were similarities on Saturday to last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United in which they could also have claimed all three points. "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing," explained the Spaniard. With the season almost at the halfway stage and the Hammers in eighth place, just five points shy of the Champions League spots, Adrian believes there is every reason to be optimistic for the second half of the campaign. He said: "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six or seven. "We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table are so tight; you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. "We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."

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Report: West Ham hopeful of signing Argentina international Federico Mancuello for £2.5m
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham are eyeing in form winger Federico Mancuello. West Ham are looking to sign Argentine midfielder Federico Mancuello, report The Sun. Mancuello plays for Independiente and has two international caps for Argentina, with one goal, netting against El Salvador. The 26-year-old plays predominantly as a central midfielder but is also capable of featuring at left wing or at left-back. In 34 games in all competitions in 2015 Mancuello has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists. The Sun claim West Ham are hopeful of signing him at just £2.5 million, and do not need to worry about a work permit as he hold an Italian passport. The Hammers are unlikely to be the only side interested, and the bargain price could increase. He has played in South America his entire career to date, into his second spell with Independiente after a brief stint at Belgrano. West Ham are currently adjusting to the loss of Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini to injury, and have drawn their last two games 0-0. Both are expected back in the New Year, but the addition of Mancuello would mean they will have greater strength in depth, and he could develop into a real star in the Premier League.

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Aston Villa eye shock transfer move for Julien Faubert
HITC
Dan Coombs

Aston Villa are considering signing former West Ham winger Julien Faubert. Ason Villa are considering a shock swoop for free agent Julien Faubert, The Sun claim. Faubert is best known in England for a spell with West Ham in which he was a huge disappointment. He signed for the Hammers in 2007 amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 70 appearances.
His career at the club was stunted early on by injury problems and he could never establish himself in the first team. He is free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and The Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. The connection comes via French manager Remi Garde who is familiar with him, and showing a real interest in the 32-year-old. Faubert had one cap for France but this came back in 2006 before he signed for West Ham, but perhaps the biggest surprise of his career came when he was signed by Real Madrid. The La Liga champions inexplicably signed him on loan while he was at West Ham, but he played only twice and the Spanish side did not take up an option to sign him permanently. It is tough to see that he would have a big impact at Aston Villa, but Remi Garde's side currently need all the help they can get, stuck at the bottom of the table with only six points. If Garde feels working with players he is familiar with will help, Faubert is a low risk option that despite reservations, may be of some use in the short-term.

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Slaven BIlic gives clear verdict on Michail Antonio's first West Ham start
HITC
Olly Dawes

Michail Antonio started for West Ham against Stoke City on Saturday. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the Daily Mail that Michail Antonio 'did really well' on his full Premier League debut against Stoke City. Antonio, 25, was a deadline day signing from Championship club Nottingham Forest, where he starred last season with 15 goals in 49 games, before another four goals in five games at the start of this season before his big move to Upton Park. Noted for his pace and power out wide, the former Reading winger had big expectations on him - but so far he hasn't quite had the impact many imagined. Before Saturday's game against Stoke, Antonio had played just 91 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham, but he was called upon against Stoke after a number of injuries. With Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses all out injured, Antonio was finally handed his first Premier League start in the 0-0 draw against Stoke - and now, manager Bilic has given his view on Antonio's performance. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bilic stated that he believes Antonio took his chance when it came to him, and is 'really pleased' for the wide man. "Michail did really well," said Bilic. "He worked hard and has been waiting for his chance. Now he has got it and he used it really well. Sometimes it is hard for a player to come in and take their chance when they get it. But he did exactly that and I am really pleased for him," he added. With Lanzini, Payet and Moses still out for at least a few weeks yet, Antonio could be in line for more starts over the Christmas period, as he finally bids to show the West Ham supporters what he can do.

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