Daily WHUFC News - 17th December 2015

Oxford's birthday wish
WHUFC.com

Reece Oxford celebrated his 17th birthday on Wednesday in style by securing
his first professional contract with West Ham United and now hopes to follow
in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.
Oxford made a dream start to the season when he was handed his Premier
League debut in the opening game against Arsenal and quickly showed his
potential when he produced a superb display at the Emirates Stadium. The
talented defender played his part in helping Slaven Bilic's side come away
with a memorable 2-0 victory and has been a regular member of the first-team
squad ever since. With Oxford now securing his first major contract, the
England defender has set his sights on making a breakthrough into the
first-team. Oxford: "I am over the moon to have signed a professional
contract. I have been waiting for over a year now to become a pro and I am
really happy. "I always get reminded that I did so well against Arsenal and
I have to pinch myself that I did okay against the top players. "I hope I
showed my potential and hopefully I can kick on this season and get some
more games for the first-team. "Sometimes players can fall off a bit when
they sign a big deal, but I just want to get better and progress as a
player. I want to start in the Premier League and sign longer for the Club."

It is ironic that the first-team are now training at the Club's Rush Green
training ground which is normally used by the Academy and has a big picture
of all the former greats to have come through the system including Cole,
Carrick, Ferdinand and Noble. Oxford says it would be a dream for him to see
his picture on the wall one day and make a big impact over the next few
years. Oxford added: "I hope I can be on one of those pictures one day. I
would love to follow in their footsteps. "Mark Noble is on my case in
training, but for good reasons as he wants me to become a better player. He
doesn't want me to become sloppy or take my foot off the pedal. He wants me
to keep progressing."

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Triple H is a Hammer!
WHUFC.com

WWE Superstar Triple H has declared himself a West Ham United fan and tipped
centre forward Andy Carroll as a potential wrestling star!
Triple H, who is in London for Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena,
says the Hammers represent many of the values held by the WWE (World
Wrestling Entertainment). When asked by ITV News which football club closest
echoes the commitment, hard work, skill and athleticism required to perform
in the largest wrestling promotion in the world, the eight-time Undisputed
WWE Champion was in no doubt.
"West Ham is probably the closest to what we do, with the passion of their
fanbase and their loyalty, right?" he said. "That's the closest to what we
do. "In WWE we say we have the most passionate and loyal fans of all-time,
but that might be debateable with West Ham, you know!"
Triple H may be more at home inside a ring than on a pitch, but the 6'4 WWE
Superstar knows a thing or two about football. When asked which Hammer
player would be best suited to make the jump from inside the touchlines to
inside the squared circle, a man who might have been mistaken for Triple H
himself in his younger days immediately sprang to mind. "Maybe a player like
Andy Carroll!" said Triple H. "He is tall, likes to play it tough with the
opposition and has the right looks with the long hair. He could be
interesting!" Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena is completely sold
out, but wrestling fans can still catch the action live on WWE Network.

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Howes heads for Wealdstone
WHUFC.com

West Ham United teenager Sam Howes has joined National League South club
Wealdstone on a month-long loan.

The highly-rated England U19 international goalkeeper will gain valuable
senior experience at the Middlesex club, for whom he could make his debut at
Chelmsford City on Saturday afternoon.

The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at the Academy of
Football, winning the Young Hammer of the Year award as a first-year scholar
in May 2014.

After helping England to win the UEFA European U17 Championship title, the
sure-handed stopper travelled with the first-team squad to New Zealand in
summer 2014, making his bow in a friendly with A-League side Sydney FC in
Wellington.

Howes totalled 32 appearances across Development Squad and U18 levels for
the Hammers last season.

West Ham now have eleven players out on loan, the other ten being Matt
Jarvis (Norwich City), Diego Poyet (MK Dons), Doneil Henry (Blackburn
Rovers), Reece Burke (Bradford City), Martin Samuelsen (Peterborough
United), Elliot Lee (Blackpool), Josh Pask (Dagenham & Redbridge), Sam
Westley (VVV Venlo), Tim Brown (Chelmsford City) and Clarke Bogard
(Tilbury).

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OUR NEW WEAPON?
By Tony Hanna 16 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID

My column last week, prior to the Stoke game, was about your glass being
half full or half empty. The 0-0 draw against the Potters was a perfect
example to examine your own glass once again. Were you happy with a point
knowing all the injuries we had? Taking into account the effort of the team
and how well we played was that good enough for you? Or was your reaction it
was two points dropped against a side similarly placed to us in the league?

I think I was the first to react on this site regarding the signing of
Antonio from Forest. I had seen him play, albeit on TV, several times for
the Championship club and I liked what I saw. His full debut was littered
with mistakes but it showed a raw talent that you can see just wants to
play. I doubt we will see any lack of effort from this lad given the
opportunity! What astounded me was that no one was prepared for his long
throw? Sam would have been drooling over that! What are they doing in
training if they didn't know the lad was capable of reaching the far post
with his throw? Not one player seemed attuned to the opportunity that was
presenting itself. Surely this is a weapon we should be using more when we
have Andy Carroll in the side? Now, I am not suggesting a return to hoof
ball, the footballing philosophy Bilic is installing is a breath of fresh
air. But, let's face it. Getting a throw in nowadays is almost a
disadvantage and most throwers go down the line at all costs simply because
it is the safest area to lose the ball. Having a lad that can propel the
ball even further than Rory Delap would surely create much havoc in
opposition defences? It would certainly offer a better attacking opportunity
than some of the corners we have been taking lately?

One thing I did get wrong last week was the inclusion of Ginger which kept
James Tomkins at right back. Carl Jenkinson must have surely thought he was
back in the side once Reid got injured? Bilic's decision shows that he has
clearly lost trust in the Arsenal loanee. In a recent article I suggested
that the manager likes to give everyone a reasonable chance to impress, but
if you don't grab it then he can show a ruthless side to his character. I
think we have witnessed it again.

Well, next we are off for a trip to Swansea. I guess the half glass empty
fans will be rueing that we will possibly be up against the "new manager,
first game" syndrome! Correct me if I am wrong but I am sure it was only
last season that we played no less than three games under this situation? A
last gasp winner against Dick's Sunderland broke the curse in one of the
games but it is an undeniable fact a new manager lifts a team if only for a
few games. Anyone got the same wry grin on their face as me when you see the
usual suspects of Bielsa and Emery linked with the job?

Looking elsewhere and Leicester have been flying high this season and have
been lucky so far that Vardy and Mahrez have had pretty much uninterrupted
playing time this season. The two of them have been the catalyst for their
clubs fortunes. The cynicist in me tells me that the Tinkerman should rest
them both for this weekends game. I will let you read what you like into
that theory!

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West Ham and Tottenham making use of their academies more than any other
Premier League club
14:34, 16 DEC 2015 UPDATED 14:59, 16 DEC 2015
BY DAVID DUBAS-FISHER
Players that have come through the Hammers' academy have been used for more
minutes in the Premier League than any other team
The Mirror

West Ham have been leading the way this season when it comes to using their
academy players. Players to have come from the club's academy have played a
total of 2,629 Premier League minutes between them this season - more than
at any other club in the division. Mark Noble has led the way for the
Hammers' academy players and has appeared in 15 league matches and been on
the pitch for 1,270 minutes. He's followed by James Tomkins (1,225 minutes),
Reece Oxford (133 minutes ) and Josh Cullen (one minute). Other clubs have
used more academy players than West Ham though.
Tottenham have had seven of their academy players represent them in the
Premier League this season amassing a total of 2,226 minutes playing time.
Harry Kane has been the Spurs academy's leading light having played 1,400
minutes this season. He's followed by Ryan Mason (490 minutes) and Nabil
Bentaleb (166 minutes).

Manchester United's academy has produced six of their players this season,
though they have only played 957 minutes between them. Jesse Lingard has had
the most game time (380 minutes) followed by Patrick McNair (268 minutes).
The Red Devils have in fact included a youth product in every first-team
squad since October 1937 - a total of 3,770 consecutive games.

Arsenal have played three academy products this season in a combined total
of 2,155 minutes of play - Hector Bellerin (1,260 minutes), Francis Coquelin
(894 minutes) and Alex Iwobi (one minute).

Everton's Ross Barkley has played more Premier League minutes this season
than any other club's academy players. The English midfielder has been on
the pitch for a total of 1,410 minutes to date.

At the other end of the table, Bournemouth, Stoke, Sunderland, Swansea and
Watford are yet play a single academy player in the Premier League this
season.


Players Minutes

West Ham 4 2629
Tottenham 7 2226
Arsenal 3 2155
Aston Villa 3 1986
Everton 3 1736
Newcastle 4 1595
Leicester 3 1552
Southampton 2 1328
Crystal Palace 1 997
Man United 6 957
Chelsea 3 944
West Brom 1 691
Liverpool 2 542
Norwich 1 180
Man City 1 166
Bournemouth 0 0
Stoke 0 0
Sunderland 0 0
Swansea 0 0
Watford 0 0

Grand Total 44 19684

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Hammers up for Downing windfall
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham could be in line for a financial boost at the end of the year.
Stewart Downing's move to Middlesbrough could net us a £1.5 million windfall
if the Championship outfit are promoted back to the Premier League. Having
organised the £6 million switch back to the north east, the club's
negotiators included a £1.5 million add on should the club be promoted at
any time during his time at the club.
Boro are currently sitting on top of the league with 43 points – the same
number as Brighton and Hove Albion – and looking a real good bet to get back
into the big time. So far Downing has made 20 League appearances for three
goals since his move from the Boleyn – which could turn into a lucrative
move for the Hammers given he is 32 next July.

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Chelsea in a relegation battle, says West Ham's Andy Carroll
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 16/12/15 10:12am
SSN

West Ham forward Andy Carroll says Chelsea are on such a poor run of form
that they have to be considered relegation candidates. Chelsea won the
Premier League title by an eight-point margin last season but have struggled
so far this campaign, suffering their ninth league defeat at Leicester on
Monday Night Football. Jose Mourinho's side are sitting just a point above
the relegation zone after 16 games, having managed just four victories so
far and Carroll, who scored in West Ham's win over Chelsea earlier in the
season, believes the prospect of a relegation fight for the reigning
champions must be considered. Carroll told Sky Sports: "It's crazy to see,
the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players - they just can't string a pass
together at the minute."

Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham.
Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League.
"It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom three at the end of the
season. But the way they are going, I don't see why they can't get
relegated. I think it's on the cards." Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his
only one of the campaign so far and admits he needs to score more regularly
if he is to earn an England recall. "I'd love to be back in the England
squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at the end of the season," said Carroll.
"But I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying
fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League." The Hammers are
eighth in the table after a solid start to life under Slaven Bilic, but
Carroll thinks they should be doing even better. "I think we have got to try
and get into Europe, 100 per cent," he said. "I think some of the games we
have played, we should have won. "We could be up there around the top
places. If we look at ourselves deep down, we could be there."

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Carroll's view on where we should be
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H

Andy Carroll disagrees with the bookies and reckons that Chelsea are a
decent bet for relegation. Discussing the issue of Sky Sports he said that
hard though it seems to believe it may well be on. He said: "It's crazy to
see, the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players – they just can't string a pass
together at the minute. "

Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. "It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom
three at the end of the season. But the way they are going, I don't see why
they can't get relegated. I think it's on the cards."

Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his only one of the campaign so far and
admits he needs to score more regularly if he is to earn an England recall.
"I'd love to be back in the England squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at
the end of the season," said Carroll. "But I think the main focus at the
minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West
Ham up the League." He added: "I think we have got to try and get into
Europe, 100 per cent. I think some of the games we have played, we should
have won. "We could be up there around the top places. If we look at
ourselves deep down, we could be there."

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Bookies put Irons ahead of Chelsea for drop !
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

They say the bookies never get it wrong but I reckon this time they
couldn't be further away from getting it right. For unbelievably, in my
personal book, they reckon the Irons have more chance of being relegated
than Jose Mourinho's mugs who are priced at 80/1 while we are half that
price at 40s. Chelski are 11th favourites to be playing in the second tier
next term even though there are only four sides being below them currently.
Sky Bet make rock-bottom Aston Villa their favourites with Sunderland,
Norwich, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Swansea and West Brom following them.
Watford, currently on 25 points, are next in the list at 28/1 then come
ourselves. Reputations it seems count more than points in the Sky Bet
offices.

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Defender looks at the upside
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H

James Collins is a realist – he's seen most of what football can offer and
has sent a subtle let's be positive message to the players and fans. Despite
being regularly linked with a move to Sunderland in the window, JC is
currently required by the Irons in a big way with Winston Reid unavailable.
Injury problems are always going to feature but the 32 year old would sooner
look on the upside of how that has affected things at the club. He said:
"The players who have come in have done very well. It was a tough game on
Saturday and they are probably the best Stoke side I have played against for
a long time. "They are different to what they were a few years-ago and with
a bit more luck in front of goal we could have won the game, but a draw was
probably a fair result." "Enner is back and Manu is not that far away which
is a big boost. But the players who have come in have done a great job and I
thought Michail Antonio was tremendous on Saturday. That is why the owners
spent the money to give us a big squad and that is what we have got."

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This player's transformation has been inspiring
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mauro Zarate's transformation from unwanted outcast to firmly entrenched
first team squad player has been both inspiring and informative. And it
demonstrates what can happen when a player's personality becomes understood
by the manager. It's well known that he was a signing decided by the board
but that needs explaining: every WHUFC manager has an agreed budget each
season but when another player is suggested to him, and accepted, additional
cash is made available. That's what happened in the case of Zarate but many
insiders have told ClaretandHugh, he was barely welcomed to the club, always
seen as a fringe player and not a serious part of things – as was eventually
demonstrated by his departure to QPR on loan. There too he had an
uncomfortable experience and eventually returned to Upton Park desperately
low on the one thing that makes him tick as a footballer – confidence. The
arrival of Slaven Bilic – a lover of invention and flair – has changed the
boy's life and whilst he frustrates at times his ability has shone through
brightly in the absence of first Dimi Payet and then Manuel Lanzini.
David Gold claims: "We have known Mauro since Birmingham days and he is s a
confidence player – he needs to feel wanted. "He always believes he should
be in or around the first team squad and his transformation is all down to
Slaven Bilic. "Yes, he could have moved on but we're glad he stuck things
out and can feel very proud of himself. He's happy, settled and wants to
stay at West Ham." Personally, I like him. Yes he can be too easily shoved
off the ball on occasions but he has genuine skill and the various types of
goal he has scored shows he has serious ability. He cost next to nothing and
would be worth a minimum of £3-£4 million now. Shows what a little bit of
TLC can do doesn't it.

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No way back for this player any time soon
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

It doesn't seem from all the sounds coming out of the club that Carl
Jenkinson is on his way back into the side any time soon. James Tomkins'
arrival at right back has demonstrated that the manager is determined to get
the basics right and from his public statements it looks as though James
Tomkins expects to stay there. That may not be a big surprise to most but in
fairness it has come as a relief for at one time it looked likely that JT
might be an available transfer target. But both the manager and player seem
to be suggesting that he's got the job for the long haul with Tomkins
saying: "I think he knows that going forward will be more difficult for me
and at times he tells me to stop getting forward when I am trying to gallop
towards the other goal." Jenkinson's vulnerable position is made more
tenuous because he is clearly a better offensive force than defensive which
is what Bilic wants. Tomkins told London24.com: "The gaffer has put his
faith in me and defensively we look quite solid as a back four and we have
got clean sheets from that. We just need to get goals at the other end too."
All that's needed now is for the big local lad stays fit!

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Hammers reveal big summer plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have very big plans indeed for next summer with no player off
limits to them at this stage. ClaretandHugh has learned that with the huge
increase in TV money, the club are ready to add some "serious quality" to th
squad again this season. We have reported many times that there's no cash
available for January spending but the club are looking at one or possibly
even two marquee signing in the summer. One insider told us: "That we have
no cash for January is old news. The real truth is really that we have too
many players at the club and need to offload." "That will be the priority
this winter. We need to start balancing things up a bit and are open to
offers for certain players. "We we"re absolutely determined to build a real
in depth squad for our last Boleyn season and have achieved that and will do
so again in the summer when we will re-structure things again as we head for
the Olympic Stadium. "No player is off limits to us at this stage and our
policy has been to start bring in top players on a regular basis." "As far
as January is concerned there's no real problem. Players are on the way back
and you never pick up anything much at that time.

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