Daily WHUFC News - 24th December 2015

Just wanted to wish everyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year
All the very best
PeterR

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Slaven Speaks - Aston Villa
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Hammers' Boxing Day duel with Aston Villa, manager Slaven Bilic
faced the media. During the pre-match press conference the gaffer fielded a
range of questions from updates on Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, a busy
Christmas schedule and Mark Noble's testimonial.

Good morning Slaven, will Andy Carroll be fit to play at Aston Villa?

SB: "We were off yesterday; we have training now and then training tomorrow,
then the game on Saturday. His injury is not like a big one. But that would
rule him out of the game against Villa. "There is a chance; the chance is
small, from all of these players who are out. With Andy there is a little
bit of a chance. We shouldn't forget that we have two games in two days.
That is a very tricky period. For him or for them, it's impossible if some
of them play at Villa, it would be a big risk or impossible to put them into
Southampton as well. It would be great to mix. Now it looks like Andy might
- might - be available for the game."

What about the other players you have out injured?

SB: "It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of schedule. He should
train with us after Villa and is with the fitness coaches now. He might be
involved in the Liverpool game which would be a big boost for us. Lanzini is
progressing and will probably be available for the Southampton game. It
looks like it will be the same squad as against Swansea, but we should have
one or two back for Southampton."

What do you make of the Christmas schedule, are you a fan of the number of
games?

SB: "We will train on Christmas Day, in the afternoon, then we will travel
to Birmingham. It's as usual in England - that's the schedule. Every game is
difficult in the Premier League and Aston Villa are struggling, but they
played a good game against Newcastle last week. They are fighting for their
lives and will have confidence from that away point. I am not expecting
anything easier than Swansea. "As for the Christmas schedule, it's not ideal
with the injuries we have but it isn't something we can't control, so we
have to deal with it. It is the same for every team and the fans enjoy
also."

What is the situation James Collins? His contract is up this summer. Will
you talk to him about that?

SB: "Definitely. I will do that with him. He wasn't just good against
Swansea. I have said a number of times, he's a brilliant pro. He has been
from day one, whether he was on the bench or just training or playing for
five minutes coming or half an hour, or now 90 minutes, he's magnificent for
us."

Yesterday the Club announced that Mark Noble has been awarded a testimonial,
what are your thoughts on that?

SB: "I am very happy for Mark, of course. He deserves it for all his hard
work over the years, he's a great player, captain and role model. It's great
that Mark Noble is going to have a testimonial game. He deserves it and is a
Club legend, not many players get testimonials in modern football."

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Zarate - We are in a good way
WHUFC.com

Mauro Zarate says West Ham United are determined to spread some Christmas
cheer by scoring a Boxing Day victory at Aston Villa. The No10 has cut a
frustrated figure in recent matches when, despite his best efforts to break
the deadlock, the Hammers have been held to a record three goalless draws in
succession. The last of those came at Swansea on Sunday, when Zarate came
close twice to beating goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, but was again forced to
make do with drawing a blank. Next up for the Argentinian and co is a Boxing
Day trip to Villa Park, where he hopes to take advantage of a meeting with
the Barclays Premier League's bottom club to pick up a welcome three points.
"At Swansea, the fans were great as they always are, but we have to win for
them," he told whufc.com. "We have a good match on Boxing Day at Aston Villa
where we will try to take the three points. "We have three tough matches but
we are in a good way and we feel like we are prepared to get the wins we
need. We want to get the victory at Villa and then we'll start thinking
about the next match."

Zarate has been in good form this season, scoring five goals, and is looking
forward to his first Christmas in English football. At his previous clubs in
Argentina, Italy and Qatar, the 28-year-old was given a break over the
festive period, but it is a different story in this country. On top of the
football, the South American has also fulfilled a host of other commitments
during a busy December, including recent visits to Newham General Hospital
and the Club's Lakeside Thurrock Store with his teammates. While scoring
goals is his No1 target, Zarate is a father himself and acutely aware of the
responsibility of footballers to make youngsters' dreams come true at
Christmas time. "It was great to be there with the fans," he revealed. "Me
and the boys signed lots of pictures, so it was a great day. It's a good
moment for us at Christmas, and of course for the fans too."

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Noble granted Testimonial
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Mark Noble has been awarded a
Testimonial match by the Board. The long-serving Club captain will be
honoured with a match between the current West Ham United first team and a
West Ham United All-Stars squad, with all funds raised being donated to
charity. The fixture, which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Easter
Monday 28 March 2016 at 2pm, will give Hammers of all ages a final
opportunity to see many of their heroes in action at the Club's historic
home. Noble, who joined West Ham as a 13-year-old schoolboy and is now
approaching 350 first-team appearances in Claret and Blue, cannot wait for a
special occasion, which will form part of his overall activities for his
testimonial year.
"I am hugely honoured and grateful that the Board have awarded me a
Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground," said the popular No16, who was born
and raised in nearby Canning Town. "This is where I come from and this is my
Football Club, so I can think of nothing better than having my Testimonial
at the stadium where I have laughed, cheered and cried, both as a fan and as
a player. "Everyone knows how much West Ham United means to me, so to have
the opportunity to share a pitch with the players who I have grown up with
will be fantastic - and it will be even more special to have my family,
friends and so many Hammers fans watching from the stands. "I am pleased and
proud to say we will be donating all the proceeds from my Testimonial match
to three charities that mean a huge amount to me - Richard House Children's
Hospice, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation."

In granting Noble a Testimonial match, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold paid tribute to a player and a man they have huge respect and
affection for. "Mark is the modern-day 'Mr West Ham', so it was natural that
he would be granted a Testimonial at the end of what will be his 12th season
as a member of the first-team squad," said the Joint-Chairmen. "Mark has
been a tremendous servant to West Ham United both on the field and off it
and this Testimonial match is recognition of the long and dignified career
he has enjoyed in a Claret and Blue shirt.
"It is a mark of the man that he will donate all the proceeds from this
match to three charities that mean so much to him and to everyone at the
Club. "The match has been scheduled for the afternoon of Easter Monday,
meaning fans of all ages can come along to the Boleyn Ground and see some of
their heroes in action one last time. We are sure Mark and his Testimonial
Committee will ensure it is a truly ?memorable event?."

Further details will be released as the date for the Mark Noble Testimonial
Match approaches, including ticketing and corporate hospitality
arrangements, on whufc.com and across the Club's social media channels.

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Mark Noble - Mr West Ham
WHUFC.com

A look back at Testimonial awardee Mark Noble's 15 memorable years in Claret
and Blue...

2003 - Becomes the youngest player to appear for West Ham United's reserve
team in February, before signing on as a full-time trainee in summer of the
same year.

2004 - Makes his first-team debut in the 2-0 home League Cup second-round
win over Southend United on 24 August.

2005 - Appeared as a substitute in the Championship Play-Off final victory
over Preston North End. Named Young Hammer of the Year before making his
Premier League debut by starting the 3-1 opening-day home victory over
Blackburn Rovers on 13 August.

2007 - Scored his maiden first-team goal in a 4-3 Premier League defeat by
Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground. Inspired the Hammers to a 'Great
Escape' from relegation alongside Carlos Tevez, Bobby Zamora and others,
before signing a new long-term contract.

2009 - Now an established first-team regular under Gianfranco Zola, Noble
made his 100th West Ham appearance at Blackburn Rovers in March and was
later rewarded with a new long-term deal until 2013.

2011 - Helped West Ham to reach the League Cup semi-finals, but also
suffered the disappointment of relegation to the Championship. Named
vice-captain by new manager Sam Allardyce.

2012 - Voted Hammer of the Year for the first time. Missed just one of 49
Championship and Play-Off fixtures as West Ham bounced back at the first
attempt, defeating Blackpool in the Championship Play-Off final at Wembley.
Signed another new long-term contract in the summer.

2014 - Voted Hammer of the Year for a second time, and also named Players'
Player of the Year by his fellow squad members.

2015 - Became the Hammers' all-time leading Premier League appearance maker.
Named Club captain by new manager Slaven Bilic. Scored as West Ham United
won at Liverpool for the first time in 52 years.

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Stat's a Fact - Courageous Collins
WHUFC.com

You don't need to be Albert Einstein to work out that James Collins put in
an influential defensive performance in Sunday's goalless Barclays Premier
League draw at Swansea City.
The Wales international was at his best on home soil, making a team-high 13
clearances - the next highest was seven by centre-half partner Angelo
Ogbonna - and blocking four shots - the same number as his Italian teammate,
and making three interceptions. The 32-year-old threw his body in front of
everything the Swans could throw at him at the Liberty Stadium, ending
proceedings with an egg-shaped bump on the back of his head. That injury
came after Collins had made yet another courageous block to prevent Ki's
shot from troubling Adrian, when the South Korean then accidentally fell
into the No19 and his knee crashed into his head. While he was a defensive
rock, Collins also influenced the game at the attacking end too, having a
team-high three efforts on Swansea's goal. Collins' display in South Wales
typified his statistical strengths, namely blocking the ball and clearing
the ball out of defence often. Only Winston Reid (7.3) averages more
clearances per game than Collins (6.1), while the two defenders each average
a team-high 1.3 blocks for every 90 minutes they play. As such, the
shaven-headed defender's display at the Liberty Stadium should have come as
no surprise to anyone of a Claret and Blue persuasion. Collins was simply
doing what he does best - keeping the ball out of his team's net by any
means possible!

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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com


Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at Sunday's draw with Swansea...

Sunday afternoon's game between Swansea and West Ham was a rather bizarre
one. Two sides who have been known to play some wonderful football in recent
times, but are both going through a tough spell of form, drew 0-0, despite a
total of 32 shots between them. News of Andy Carroll's injury and subsequent
absence from the game was a bad start, with so many key players already out,
Nikica Jelavic was drafted in upfront. He had a couple of chances but it
wasn't his day in front of goal. He was denied near the end and but for some
great defending he could have scored the winner. Swansea dominated the first
half, and were unlucky to go in at the break without a goal, as Ki
Sung-yueng and Andre Ayew missed good chances. The home side had lost five
of their last six games, but we were slow to start, giving them confidence
and a new-found belief, which nearly resulted in a few goals. They were at
it after the break too, with Jack Cork seeing his impressive volley saved
well by Adrian before penalty appeals were waved away after the ball hit
James Collins' arm, but the defender was not at fault. Collins put on his
best performance of the season, and was a joy to watch, throwing his body in
the way of anything and everything to secure a clean sheet. The Welshman at
times is unfairly criticised but he was faultless on Sunday, and deserves a
medal for some of the painful blocks he made, but man of the match will have
to do for now. Despite eleven shots on goal, only two made their way on
target, both being long-range efforts from Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia.
Eighth place isn't a bad place to be right now, especially when you consider
the somewhat ridiculous injury crisis we are suffering right now. With so
many key men out, form is always likely to suffer, as the eleven men each
week are eleven men who have never played together before, so it will take
time to gel. Form is temporary, class is permanent, as they say, and it
won't be long before we're back to winning ways, but hopefully the fact that
we're now winless in seven will spur the boys in claret and blue on.
Sunday's game made it three successive 0-0 draws in a row, something we have
never done before in our history, and it is hard to believe when you look at
our shot counts for these games. You don't want to blame bad form on luck,
but it certainly is playing a part in recent weeks, and it can't last
forever. We travel to bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa , who are now ten
points from safety on Boxing Day, so Bilic and Co. need to take the
opportunity to try and get back to winning ways and get a positive result.
This period of injuries was always going to be a tough one, and three 0-0
draws on the trot isn't great, but every point counts and in such an
unpredictable and tight season, who knows how important Sunday's point will
turn out to be. For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation
visit www.90min.com

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Antonio - I'm due a goal
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio believes his first West Ham United goal is just around the
corner as Slaven Bilic's men prepare for a Boxing Day trip to Villa Park.
The former Nottingham Forest winger looks set for a third successive
Barclays Premier League start on Saturday and hopes it won't be long before
he and the Hammers get back on the goal trail. Though Remi Garde's Villa
will be propping up the table on Christmas Day, the 25-year-old is still
expecting a stern examination and insists it would be foolish to think
otherwise. "We approach the game on Boxing Day the same way we do every
game, we set out to get the three points," he told West Ham TV. "You can see
that Villa are struggling, though they played quite well last time out
against Newcastle."They were quite attacking, fearless, but this time we've
got to go out and try to get the three points, because we've drawn three
games in a row now. "As long as we get the three points on Saturday, we can
start kicking on with our season. "It doesn't matter that they're bottom of
the league, it's the Premier League and they're in the Premier League.
"They've definitely got something about them so we're not going to there and
underestimate anyone.
We're going to go there and be prepared for whatever comes at us. We're
preparing right, we've got our mind right and we're going to go there to get
three points."

And safe in the knowledge that the Hammers are defensively sound, Antonio
now wants the Hammers to turn their attention to the attacking third,
starting at Villa Park. He continued: "The last three games were 0-0 and now
we've got to stick one in the back of the net! We've shown that we can keep
clean sheets, so if we do score, we'll probably get the three points. We've
got to push on and make sure that we do that. "I've always believed in my
ability and in the last couple of games I think I've done alright. I've not
really done much going forward just yet, but give me time and I'll show you
what I can do. "I'm not really the sort of person to go through quite a few
games without getting a goal, so I should be due one soon!"

Speaking at Wednesday's Romford Store signing, the summer recruit felt the
Hammers had plenty to be proud of in scrapping to a goalless draw at the
Liberty Stadium on Sunday, even if it came at a personal cost! "I got a few
blows to the face, I've got a massive hole in my tongue, but it's just one
of those things, part and parcel of the game," he explained. "It's one of
the things that I enjoy, I love the hustle and bustle of the Premier League,
I like the challenge and we've got to keep pushing forward. "It was a great
point in the end. We were up against a Swansea side that had just lost their
manager and it felt like they had nothing to lose. They played some great
football, one touch, two touch, had a couple of opportunities and a few half
chances, as did we. I think a draw, in the end, was the right result. "We've
got to think about Aston Villa now and try to get the right result."

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Andy Carroll likely to stay at West Ham - Slaven Bilic
BBc.co.uk

Striker Andy Carroll is a "big asset" for West Ham and is unlikely to be
sold during the January transfer window, says manager Slaven Bilic. Carroll
has made 10 league appearances for the Hammers this season but has only
scored once and is currently sidelined with a thigh injury. But Bilic said:
"I don't think [he will be sold]. We need players. We need him fit and we
need him back. "He's a big weapon for us and he fits into my attacking
plans." Carroll, 26, is in contention to return to the side for the Boxing
Day game with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Bilic says he intends to speak to
defender James Collins, who is out of contract at the end of the season,
about a new deal.

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Dimitri Payet: West Ham midfielder might be fit for Liverpool
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet could make his first-team return against
Liverpool on 2 January, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The summer
signing, 28, impressed with his early displays and scored five goals before
sustaining an ankle injury in November which was expected to keep him out
until February. He's ahead of schedule," Bilic said. Payet is training with
the fitness coaches and he might be involved in the Liverpool game, which is
a big boost." Bilic added: "His ankle is very good - it is stable - so it
is great news if it goes like this."
France international Payet signed for £10.7m from Marseille in June.

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We'll take a lucky win, admits Garde
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde says he doesn't care how his team play this
weekend - as long as they produce a winning performance. With his Villa side
bereft of confidence having collected just seven points from their opening
17 Premier League games, Garde has set the squad a target of ten more wins
to stand a chance of avoiding relegation for the first time since the late
1980s. And the 49-year-old, who is still seeking his first win since
succeeding Tim Sherwood at the beginning of November hopes that sequence
begins on Boxing Day against West Ham - even if the manner in which it is
achieved is considered secondary. "I prefer to win playing well, of course.
This is how I see football," Garde told the media this morning. "But
sometimes in this situation, a bad or lucky win will be a very good gift for
us.

"Confidence for playing good football is absolutely vital. At the moment
we're low in confidence. It is normal because when you don't win games
you're not confident. "I'm sure with the quality of the team, the points we
have picked up doesn't reflect the quality of the players. Of course quality
is not enough - you have to work hard and have to put your quality for the
team. It's not an individual sport; sometimes you have to behave to have the
right attitude."

Garde also called upon the Villa fans to get behind their team - especially
if West Ham start the brighter of the two teams. "I totally understand our
fans' frustration because we are bottom of the league and we don't win
games," he added. "But without this support it's more difficult for the
players, the club and all the team. "During the game you never know - even
if you are one goal down, maybe you can score two at the end of the game
before the final whistle. We need to be altogether - the fans, the players -
because the situation requires that. You cannot afford to behave
differently."

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Sincs set for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Trevor Sinclair is set for a return to English football - as coach of
National League North outfit AFC Fylde.

'Tricky' Trev was a hugely popular figure during his five-year spell at West
Ham at the turn of the century and was one of the last English players to
represent the club at the World Cup Finals, back in 2002.

As recently revealed on the KUMB Podcast, the 42-year-old former winger has
been spending much of his time in recent years in the Middle East. However
he is now poised to return to the UK as manager of Fylde (previously known
as Kirkham & Wesham FC).

Sinclair, whose career also took in spells at QPR and Manchester City has
held discussions with the club regarding a permanent post. Chairman David
Haythornthwaite, speaking via the club's website said: "We have been in
discussions with Trevor for some time.

"He is a local lad and he has great affection for the club and the area and
is well known to the Blackpool fans for his time there. When the chance
arose to get Trevor involved, we were keen to pursue it. The manager met
with Trevor to discuss the opportunity and discussions are ongoing.

"We are hopeful of a positive outcome in the not too distant future."

Meanwhile Sinclair, responding to the news said: "There is a very exciting
situation developing. AFC Fylde are a fantastically ambitious club and I too
am equally as ambitious as a coach as I was a player.

"If a deal is done then I feel I could have a positive impact at the club
going forward. I have been following the club for a few years now and the
opportunity would suit me down to the ground."

Sinclair made a total of 205 appearances - only three of which were as a
substitute - for West Ham United between 1998 and 2003, scoring 38 goals. He
also represented England on 12 occasions, including the famous 1-0 win over
Argentina at the 2002 World Cup Finals.

Last year he became assistant manager of Lancaster City and made one
appearance - at the age of 41 - for the team as a second half substitute in
a 3-1 defeat at Clitheroe.

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The West Ham way: the kids are alright
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
By: Staff Writer #3

These are undeniably exciting times to be a West Ham United fan, with the
move to the Olympic Stadium providing the club with the superb opportunity
to potentially challenge for the major honours on a regular basis.

Expectations are now such that some seem to be advocating a Viv Nicholson
"spend, spend, spend" policy in the transfer market. Compiling player
wish-lists is all well and good, but there is a tendency to forget both FFP
restrictions and the youngsters already on the books.

The Academy and developing our own players is a significant part of the
club's identity and whatever the financial benefits of the stadium move and
the vast hike in TV money from next summer, it should remain so. It's a case
of striking the right balance between big name recruitment and continuing to
provide first-team opportunities for academy prospects.

The club has been keen to stress that, having overspent in the summer, the
January transfer window will be one spent largely watching from the
sidelines. With the exception of securing a permanent deal for Manuel
Lanzini, significant business would seem unlikely. The current squad already
has greater depth than for many a year and, with clubs understandably
reluctant to do business mid-season, it's widely acknowledged that the
January isn't an ideal time to be recruiting.

It's not as if there's a desperate need to go on a spending spree either.
You would have to be a fully paid-up member of the BFS fan club not to
acknowledge that there has been a significant upturn in the quality of
football on show this term. Much of that comes down to having a manager who
understands that there is some moral obligation to entertain the paying
public but, in fairness to Allardyce, the performances, if not the results
of late, are also testament to the benefits of the greater strength in depth
of this season's squad.

That's not to say that the cheque book should necessarily be put under lock
and key, but that the squad situation is such that we can afford to wait
until the calmer waters of the summer transfer window and, where possible,
put our faith in the youth to step-up until then if required.

So what positions currently provide cause for concern? Well I suppose the
most obvious one is right-back, where Slaven has clearly lost faith
(probably only temporarily) in Carl Jenkinson following some poor
performances earlier this season. With James Tomkins now filling-in, there
are calls from some quarters for a replacement to be brought in. Is it
really that pressing a need that it can't wait until the summer?

By my reckoning, in addition to Tomkins and Jenkinson, there are a number of
other candidates that could first be considered. Reece Burke's loan deal
with Bradford City is set to end on 2nd January and, although primarily a
centre-back, he is capable of filling in at right-back if required.

There are other youngsters in the frame too, in Kyle Knoyle, Leo Chambers
(recently returned after a lengthy injury absence) and Alex Pike. There's
also Joey O'Brien, although given the fact that he hasn't featured at all
since recovering from injury, it would strongly suggest that he will be out
the door next month.

Even so, between them, Tomkins, Jenkinson and the youngsters should
certainly see us through until the end of the current campaign, at which
point a decision can be made as to a long-term solution.

There has also been talk of cover being required at left-back, although with
summer recruit Stephen Hendrie and Lewis Page on the books, would it really
be sensible to thwart their progress and opportunities? If required, Angelo
Ogbonna could also switch to left-back from the centre (with Reece Oxford
potentially getting an opportunity at the back). Were we still in Europa
League and Capital One Cup contention there might be a valid argument for a
back-up now, but there's already sufficient cover under the circumstances.

The other main area of concern is among the forwards. We certainly don't
want for numbers, but there are valid question marks over the fitness, form
and suitability of those available. You certainly wouldn't put money on Andy
Carroll, Enner Valencia or Nikica Jelavic being at the club at the start of
next season, but signing quality strikers in January is often a notoriously
complicated and expensive business. Unless Slaven has someone already lined
up, it's difficult to envisage much movement in or out until the summer.

There doesn't appear to be any imminent sign of a young striker coming
through the ranks at present. Elliot Lee is currently on loan at Blackpool
until early January, but is now 21-years-old and out of contract in the
summer. It's now make or break for Lee as far as West Ham are concerned. At
least give him an occasional place on the bench over the latter half of the
campaign to see if he warrants a new deal.

The midfield is already well-stocked, so it would be something of a surprise
were there to be any moves on that front next month (Lanzini aside) unless
there is an opportunity for Slaven to bring in a long-term target ahead of
schedule.

Despite the competition for places, Josh Cullen has had a taste of Europa
League football and even a few seconds of Premier League action. Martin
Samuelsen, currently on a one-month loan at Peterborough United, is another
who might get the occasional opportunity to add to his own European
experience over the coming months. There is also Diego Poyet to return from
Milton Keynes Dons for next season.

Let's not go down the road of that lot across town who've just given the
boot to the P45 One by overlooking our youngsters or just farming them out
on loan. West Ham is better than that. Have some faith in the kids.

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Bilic orders players to train on Christmas Day
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic says he'd prefer to spend Christmas at home with his family -
but will be with his squad instead, as they prepare for the Boxing Day trip
to Birmingham. Bilic's side face Aston Villa in the traditional Boxing Day
round of fixtures this year and the manager has revealed that the travelling
party will spend the latter half of Christmas Day together. "We're going to
train on Christmas Day as we have to do something the day before the game,"
he said. "Normally we train in the morning but as it's Christmas Day we're
going to train at four o'clock and after that, we're going to drive to
Birmingham and play the next day. "Like all people we'd like to be with our
families for the Christmas period, or for New Year's Eve, but it's great for
the fans and it's great for football and we're looking forward to it. This
is normal in England and that's the schedule. It's the same for every team."

The manager also revealed that he expects his side to face a stern test at
Villa Park - despite the hosts, currently five points adrift at the bottom
of the table having failed to win a single Premier league fixture since the
opening day of the season at Bournemouth. "Every game is difficult and Aston
Villa are struggling," he said. "They're bottom of the table and they need
to start picking up points if they want to stay up. But I've seen a few of
their games and they had a really good game against Newcastle, especially
after they equalised. For 20 minutes they were the better team. "I've seen
the energy, I've seen the quality and they are fighting for their lives.
They have confidence now, having taken a point from an away game, and now
they are playing at home and looking forward to the game. Make no mistake,
I'm not expecting anything easier than Swansea, Stoke or Man United. "They
have some quality players that can harm you and as I said, I've seen a lot
of positives about their game - especially against Newcastle."

In terms of personnel, there are unlikely to be any changes from the squad
that travelled to South Wales last weekend for the goalless draw with
Swansea. "It looks as if we'll have the same squad now," added Bilic. "We
could hopefully have one or two back for the Southampton game. There's a
slight chance that Andy Carroll's going to be back for Villa, but we're not
sure so it might be the same."

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Payet way ahead of schedule, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has given West Ham United fans an early Christmas present - by
confirming that Dimitri Payet is expected to return to the first team a
month ahead of schedule. Payet was sidelined by an horrific challenge from
Everton's James McCarthy in the 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground at the
beginning of October, after which it was revealed that he was expected to be
out of action until February next year. However Bilic revealed during his
pre-match press conference this morning that the 28-year-old creative
midfielder's rehabilitation was well ahead of schedule. "It is good news
with Dimitri as he is ahead of schedule, so he should train with us after
the Villa game or the Southampton game," he said. "He is training with the
fitness coaches and he might be involved in the Liverpool game which is a
big boost. "At the beginning we thought he would be back in February but he
is way ahead of schedule and it is not that bad. His ankle is very good - it
is stable - so it is great news if it goes like this."

West Ham face Aston Villa on Boxing Day before completing their Christmas
programme with two home games against Southampton and Liverpool.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet could return for West Ham against Liverpool
By Matthew Treadwell
Last Updated: 23/12/15 12:36pm
SSN

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet could return for the home game with
Liverpool on January 2, manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed. The France
international played a key role in the club's impressive start to the
season, scoring five goals in 12 Premier League matches before injuring his
ankle in the 1-1 draw with Everton on November 7. Payet was expected to be
ruled out for around three months but now looks likely to be back in action
earlier than expected. That would offer a welcome boost to Bilic, whose side
have not won in the five matches Payet has missed, drawing their last three
matches 0-0 in the process. "It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of
schedule. He should train with us after Villa and is with the fitness
coaches now," Bilic said ahead of their Boxing Day game with bottom club
Aston Villa. "He might be involved in the Liverpool game, which would be a
big boost. "At the beginning we thought he would be back in February but he
is way ahead of schedule and it is not that bad. "His ankle is very good -
it is stable - so it is great news if it goes like this."

Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini is also expected to return to action
over the Christmas period, after he injured his thigh in training ahead of
the goalless draw with Manchester United.
"Manuel Lanzini is progressing and will probably be available for the
Southampton game [on December 28]," he added. "It looks like it will be the
same squad as against Swansea for Villa, but we should have one or two back
for Southampton."

As for Boxing Day opponents Villa, Bilic insists they should not be taken
lightly, despite their perilous position in the league table. "I saw their
last few games and against Newcastle they had a really good game, especially
after they equalised," said Bilic of Villa's 1-1 draw at St James' Park.
"For 20 minutes they were much better and I have seen the energy, seen their
quality and they are fighting for their lives. "But they have confidence now
because they have one point from an away game. They are at home against us
and they look forward to that game. "So, make no mistake I am not expecting
anything easier than against Swansea, Stoke or Manchester United. They have
some quality players who can harm you."

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Security measures at Villa Park
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Aston Villa have asked all West Ham fans to turn up at Villa Park on Boxing
day at least 30 minutes before the 3pm kick off because of continuing
security awareness following the November Paris attacks. The Hammers have an
allocation of 3,000 tickets costing £41 for adults, £19 for under 18's and
£12 for the under 8's.
Aston Villa have released a statement saying: "We are continuing to operate
with an increased level of security for our forthcoming home games,
including our Boxing Day encounter with West Ham. Therefore, we would ask
all fans to arrive at Villa Park no later than 30 minutes before kick-off
(2.30pm).
To help with security measures, we would also request fans to approach the
turnstiles with coats and jackets unfastened and open. Please be aware that
we are unable to store large bags and suitcases and these items will not be
allowed into the stadium.Also, to assist in keeping the stadium as secure as
possible, the smoking area at the top of the external Holte End stairs will
not be in operation at half-time until further notice. Thank you for your
co-operation."

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Lanzini back for Saints and Payet back for Liverpool
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic held his pre match press conference this morning "It is good
news that Dimtri Payet is ahead of schedule. He should train with us after
Villa and is with the fitness coaches now. He might be involved in the
Liverpool game which would be a big boost for us. Lanzini is progressing and
will probably be available for the Southampton game. It looks like it will
be the same squad as v Swansea for Villa, but we should have one or two back
for Southampton. "We will train on Christmas Day, in the afternoon, then we
will travel to Birmingham. It's as usual in England - that's the schedule.
Every game is difficult in the Premier League and Aston Villa are
struggling, but they played a good game against Newcastle last week. "They
are fighting for their lives and will have confidence from that away point.
I am not expecting anything easier than Swansea, Stoke or Man Utd. They have
some quality players who can hurt you.
"It's great that Mark Noble is going to have a testimonial game. He deserves
it and is a Club legend."

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Payet back in training today
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimtri Payet returned to training today with Hammers fitness coaches. West
Ham posted pictures of him back in training on their official facebook page
and twitter account. Slaven Bilic has confirmed he will fully return to full
training with the first team after the Boxing day match against Aston Villa.

Payet was injured in a horror tackle by Everton's James McCarthy on 7th
November which left him crocked. Initially it was thought that Payet would
require surgery and would be out for three months or more.

He later found out he did not need surgery on the ankle injury which has
allowed a far quicker recovery period. the Hammers have not won a game since
losing Payet on 7th November. Our last win coming in October when we beat
15th place Chelsea. Despite being missing since November it remains one of
the leading Premier League midfielders with 5 goals, 46 chances created and
three assists. Payet has completed 400 passes this season with a pass
accuracy of 82%, of which 61% were forward passes.

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Payet returns to fold but Jelavic worry goes on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

First the good news: Dimitri Payet will be training with the first team
squad after Boxing Day's match against Aston Villa.
Now the bad: Nikicia Jelavic could easily lead the line on Boxing Day if
nether Andy Carroll - over whom there is a question mark - or Enner Valencia
is trusted from the start.

And it appears too that despite the bright forecasts for this weekend Manu
Lanzini won't be available unless Slav is involving himself in a cute
guessing game. He said: "It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of
schedule. He should train with us after Villa and is with the fitness
coaches now. "He might be involved in the Liverpool game which would be a
big boost for us. Lanzini is progressing and will probably be available for
the Southampton game. It looks like it will be the same squad as against
Swansea, but we should have one or two back for Southampton."
That of course means that in the meantime we are lumbered with the
ineffective Jelavic who has taken an all round hammering from pundits and
public alike. However, with Enner fit we can only hope that - should Andy
Carroll not make it - the manager will decide to give the Ecuadorian striker
a line leading role as it's impossible to see the Croat performing in any
way effectively even against a lacklustre Villa.

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Hammers decide on Italian striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Simone Zaza will not be joining West Ham on loan in January as striker
cover. The Juventus front man has been regularly linked with the Irons since
the summer and, with the injury problems at the club, again this month. The
24 year old is valued at around £10 million and - unable to hold down a
regular place at the Serie A club - was seen by many as a shoe in at Upton
Park this winter given Diafra Sakho's injury and Andy Carroll's latest
problem. But ClaretandHugh was told this morning it won't happen as with
players returning to fitness Slaven Bilic is disinterested in adding to the
quartet of hit men available to him. We were told: "The club has gone down
that route previously, bringing in expensive loan fee players and seeing
them sit on the sidelines. We have players on the way back - there's no
panic "Our injury problems are improving day on day and we won't be adding
to the squad this winter unless it is absolutely necessary and it doesn't
look that way at the moment."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav set for Collins talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic has gone on the record to announce that he will be talking to
James Collins about a new deal. As ClaretandHugh reported 24 hours ago
(Tues) the manager is ready to talk turkey with the central defender which
could see the 32 year stay at the club. We reported that it was the big
topic of conversation inside the club and that the manager was edging
towards offer Ginge a one or two year contract. Now Slav has revealed at
www.whufc.com that is precisely his agenda adding that he "definitely" wants
to talk with him thus seemingly slamming the door shut on any hopes Sam
Allardyce may have had of grabbing the player in this January's transfer
window. He said: ""Definitely. I will do that with him. He wasn't just good
against Swansea. I have said a number of times, he's a brilliant pro. "He
has been from day one, whether he was on the bench or just training or
playing for five minutes coming or half an hour, or now 90 minutes, he's
magnificent for us."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tore the truth, O'Brien to leave plus massive Payet boost
December 22, 2015
Thewesthamway.co.uk

ExWHUEmployee

So the window is upon us and here come the rumours many of which are used to
generate web traffic and hits etc. as I have said all windows. The bottom
line is transfer news gets the most attention by a long way, there is no way
to hide it and of course I have first-hand experience of this. I urge
people to take rumours with a pinch of salt because many times they have no
substance. At the West Ham Way we run a daily news feature that covers all
the news that is being reported elsewhere. Every single day there appears
to be another player linked most of which are quite baffling.

The latest rumour is that Tore a highly rated winger from Slaven Bilic's ex
club is set to join for £11m.
There is no denying that he is a player that is on our radar and has been
for a long time. West Ham scouts have attended many of their matches
recently, as like Marseille last year, there are a number of players that we
are keeping tabs on. One of which is the Midfielder/right back Hutchinson
and the other is Serdar Kurtuluş another right back. Tore holds a German
passport and is therefore very desirable. He comes with a number of
admirers from abroad and therefore his price is around £11m.

The situation with the budget is that there is no money to spend on new
players unless we sell. There has been talk of Joey O'Brien moving on this
window but that will not raise much. Originally it was thought that Collins
may go to Sunderland too but Bilic has been very impressed with his
attitude, inspirational qualities and of course his defending in recent
months so a new one year deal could be on the table. The other possible
deal is Matt Jarvis being made permanent at Norwich but this is likely to be
for no more than £3m quite a long way short of the £11m required. There is
currently no other players who are likely to move on.

Tore is likely to be very high up on the radar for our summer signings of
which we will make a number of marque signings to take us into the new
stadium. Part of the transfer rumour hype was also started by The West Ham
Way writer Jack Sullivan announcing himself as a "happy hammer" the night
before. We caught up with Jack and he described his tweet as "I was just
happy". Of course the news that Lanzini is back for the Villa game may have
helped his mood. The following news would have made him delighted. Payet is
well on track to make an early return. Some are saying he is targeting
Liverpool and there is an outside chance he will make it. The more realistic
date is either Wolves in the cup or the Bournemouth away game. The way he
keeps improving let's hope it is Liverpool that he makes.

Please do not get caught up in people using transfers to get hits/attention
with myself and Jack Sullivan on board we will try to bring the most
accurate transfer picture that we can.

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West Ham hold talks with PSG goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez has reportedly held initial
talks with West Ham over a January move The 35-year-old is currently third
choice at the French club and is looking to secure a move to the Premier
League for a career swansong. According to L'Equipe, Douchez visited a
London club recently, which is understood to have been West Ham. The Hammers
are on the lookout for an experienced alternative to current No 1 Adrian and
Douchez could be an ideal candidate to provide support for the Spaniard.
However, West Ham are wary of the fact that Douchez has only played 10
league games for PSG since he signed for them from Rennes back in July 2011
and have yet to make a decision over whether to make a bid.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic says Dimitri Payet could return against Liverpool as West Ham
United boss looks ahead to Aston Villa clash
GUardian.co.uk

West Ham United have been handed an injury boost after Slaven Bilic revealed
Dimitri Payet is set to make his first-team return against Liverpool on
January 2. Payet, who scored five goals in his impressive start to life in
the Premier League, was expected to be out until February after he sustained
an ankle injury following a tackle by James McCarthy in West Ham's 1-1 draw
at Everton last month. But Bilic, speaking ahead of his side's Boxing Day
clash against Aston Villa, says the France international will return to
training in the coming days, and could feature when Liverpool travel to
Upton Park in the new year. "It is good news with Dimitri as he is ahead of
schedule, so he should train with us after the Villa game or the Southampton
game," Bilic said. "He is training with the fitness coaches and he might be
involved in the Liverpool game which is a big boost. "At the beginning we
thought he would be back in February but he is way ahead of schedule and it
is not that bad. His ankle is very good - it is stable - so it is great news
if it goes like this."

West Ham have drawn a blank in their last three outings and last tasted
victory in their 2-1 defeat of Chelsea on October 24. Their trip to Villa,
who have accumulated only seven points this season, would appear to resemble
a good opportunity for Bilic's side to get their campaign back on track. But
the former Croatia manager is not taking anything for granted. "I saw their
last few games and against Newcastle they had a really good game, especially
after they equalised," said Bilic of Villa's 1-1 draw at St James' Park.
"For 20 minutes they were much better and I have seen the energy, seen their
quality and they are fighting for their lives. "But they have confidence now
because they have one point from an away game. They are at home against us
and they look forward to that game. "So, make no mistake I am not expecting
anything easier than against Swansea, Stoke or Manchester United. They have
some quality players who can harm you."
West Ham's trip to Villa could come too soon for playmaker Manuel Lanzini,
who has been sidelined for one month with a thigh injury, but striker Andy
Carroll could be available.

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