Daily WHUFC News - 31st December 2015

From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Monday's win over Southampton...

A disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa was followed just two days later with an excellent victory over Southampton, ending a run of nine games without a win. The festive period was always going to be a tough one in East London, as Slaven Bilic has had to deal with losing his best players to injury; Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, the list goes on. Despite Villa being rock bottom when we travelled to them on Boxing Day, it was almost a case of 'they have to win eventually,' and the players were fired up to kick-start their survival hopes. Aaron Cresswell fired in a wonderful shot from the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of half time, but the home side could and should have been ahead. Cross after cross was sent in but Rudy Gestede was kept quiet by the brilliant Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. The target man got his way in the second half however, winning a penalty for his side that levelled the score, although there was more than an ounce of controversy about it.

As the Villa striker closed in on goal, he pulled Ogbonna back by his arm to get in front of him, before crashing to the ground under his presence, fooling the referee. Jordan Ayew calmly slotted home, spoiling our Christmas. 28 December was a different story altogether however, and West Ham played with confidence and class in the second half, after a clumsy and scrappy showing from both sides in the first 45.
Ronald Koeman's Southampton were coming off the back of a resounding 4-0 win over Arsenal on Boxing Day, so were expected to be a real force. Both sides had their chances in the opening half, but it was a fortunate own goal that gave the visitors the lead. After a long ball forward, Saido Mane flicked it on with a wonderful back heel volley, which was then crossed in and turned home by Carl Jenkinson, who was sliding in towards goal. The equaliser wasn't any less lucky, as Michail Antonio cut in before falling over and somehow looping the ball over the Saint's goalkeeper and into the net. Andy Carroll, back from injury and sporting a new hair style came off the bench and gave Hammers fans their first taste of victory since 24 October. Antonio crashed a header off the bar, before Carroll leapt up and nodded home, making it two comeback goals against Chelsea and now Southampton.

Next up for Mark Noble and Co. is a visit of Liverpool, with the Hammers winning 3-0 at Anfield, not that we need any reminding of that day. Dimitri Payet could be back in action and has a great chance to get a full 90 minutes the following week against Wolves in the FA Cup, and David Sullivan has already stated that he wants to win a trophy.

Things are starting to look up for Bilic's claret and blue army, with players returning from injury and goals being scored again. The last two months have been tough, but if the second half against Southampton is anything to go by, perhaps we can find the form we showed at the beginning of the season, once again.

For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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Lanzini's all smiles again
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini is fighting fit once more and was all smiles after his return coincided with West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League win in nine. The Argentine, who was sidelined for little over three weeks with a thigh problem, joined Andy Carroll in leaping off the bench at half-time in Monday's success over Southampton. The pair were instrumental in the second-half resurgence that followed and Lanzini insists it won't be long before he is back to his very best. "I'm very happy on a personal level to come back from injury, which was what I wanted," he told West Ham TV. "Physically I felt alright, I felt fit. I need more playing time now but I felt very well. "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game because they were coming here with high expectations after beating Arsenal. "The first half wasn't very good for us but thankfully in the second half we got our game going and we turned it around."

While victory was all important, in whatever form it arrived, Lanzini was pleased as punch for the two goalscorers on the day. He continued: "It was a bit of a strange goal but he [Michail] deserved it. After the equaliser he gave us power and the will to keep going forward. "I'm very happy for the second goal because Andy means a lot to this Club. Mainly, we're all happy that we got back to winning ways because that's what the whole group wanted."

With Liverpool set to visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, Lanzini can cast his mind back to the Hammers' unforgettable 3-0 win at Anfield in August. The midfield maestro needed just three minutes on debut to open his West Ham account in front of the Kop and hopes to a complete a famous double at the weekend. "We're going to try and do well again against Liverpool – the main thing is that it goes well for the group because that's all that matters."

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital

Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room update of 2015!

All of the medical and sports science team were delighted with the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday, for many reasons. First, of course we were happy to get the three points; Second, we were pleased to see Andy Carroll and Manu Lanzini return to the pitch and not suffer any reactions, while James Tomkins did well to play after suffering a blow to his eye at Aston Villa; Third, we got through without picking up any new injuries.

This time of year is very challenging for the medical and sports science departments, as it is for all backroom staff at every football club. We saw a lot of muscle injuries in the Premier League in the last few games, and we should question ourselves as to why we play twice in 48 hours.

With so many matches in a short space of time, we use a number of methods to help the players to recover for the next game with a quick turnaround, including physiotherapy, soft tissue treatments, recovery gym work, cryotherapy chambers, ice baths and the traditional methods of good food and plenty of rest and recovery time.

The medical and sports science team deserves credit in this final week of the year.

Payet's injury is one where you would normally be out for ten to 12 weeks, but he is training after seven-and-a-half weeks. Lanzini's injury would normally rule a player out for four to six weeks, but he was playing in three-and-a-half weeks.

On the other hand it's not always about bringing the players back as soon as possible, but assessing the risks. Some players are out for longer than planned because they are not ready, but if we play two games in three days, we all push it to the limit and give the manager the best possible cards to win the game.

We win, lose, get injured and rehab as a team.

Dimitri Payet has recovered from his high ankle sprain and has been training with the team. Dimi will be available to play some part against Liverpool on Saturday.

The same is the case for Nikica Jelavic and Aaron Cresswell, who both have a good chance to be available for the weekend.

Victor Moses and Winston Reid will join training later this week and are working with the rehab fitness coach to get the necessarily fitness under their belts. Diafra Sakho will return to Rush Green on Thursday and begin the next stage of his rehab.

Happy New Year!

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
By Bobby Shovels 30 Dec 2015 at 19:00
WTID

Well, what a relief. A game of two halves has never been more apt of a description. For most of the first half against Southampton, it was painful and depressing to watch. There was no fight, no imagination. Long balls were hit to the miniature Enner Valencia, who valiantly tried to win a header, but with little if not no success. "West Ham as bad as anything under Allardyce," wrote The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg on Twitter. It was hard not to disagree.

Credit to Bilic for changing things up – it was the only way any attacking opportunities were to come about. One fan next to me said at half time, "I just don't see where the goals are going to come from." It is still somewhat of a worry that we lack so much midfield creativity when Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are out, as well as a concern that we have been so lacking on goals. Yes, we have countless injuries, but too often we get into good positions and don't have a shot at goal. Ultimately, after all these weeks of injuries, certain players should have used the opportunity of regular first-team action to make an impact – and to challenge the first-team positions of those currently out on the injury table.

Many have argued that the team has stepped up and responded with great fight. I would contend that, yes, the defence has kept its relative cohesion while missing Winston Reid, but the attacking zeal and midfield imagination has been non-existent. Of course, I don't think that's a necessarily bad thing: we are not the complete package or that strong in depth yet to compete with the big boys. That will come with time.

Before focusing on the theme of "making the most of your opportunities", I have great hope for the team once our injured players return – and there is a run of fixtures in February that look encouraging, with maximum points possible in that month. However, and I know I am one to be negative, but there is a weight of expectation being placed on the team once these players return that has to be checked. The first half against Southampton was absolutely dire and we won't replicate that again I am sure. But there have been countless performances throughout the month, even when we have all our players fit, when we have failed to beat the opposition: Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford. All those matches had Payet. And while he didn't play against Tottenham, Lanzini, Sakho, Reid, Moses were all there. There is a problem in relying on one player too much, as well as a huge amount of expectation on these players getting results once they come back. I hope they can make the impact we all hope they will – we are only nine points off the top!

Anyway, for me, the game against Southampton was about – as mentioned before – players taking the opportunity to impress Bilic and the fans with their ability and performances while other notable individuals are out injured. Antonion has done so, Zarate has not.

Take Zarate. I noted the back article on Monday's programme lauded Zarate and had a go at Sam Allardyce for his evident lack of confidence in the Argentine. But many of us have criticised his selfishness before and his performance against Southampton left a lot to be desired. Not just selfish but sloppy and one gets the impression that he is just not a team player, with many of the squad seemingly not enjoying his commitment or output. For me, Zarate is all about himself, which is fine, but West Ham doesn't do big egos. We are based on the way the team gels, on being greater than the sum of your parts. Yes, his goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Brom will live long in the memory, but he has had an amazing opportunity in recent weeks to be THE creative playmaker who can step up to the whole left by Payet and Lanzini. And yet he has failed to impress and make the last few games make him a strong contender for a first-team place even when the injured are back. I don't personally dislike Zarate and feel overall this season he has genuinely impressed. But he has failed to make an impact in recent weeks to make me confident of him as a player who can step up to the plate when demanded.

On the other hand, what a performance from Antonio; a dedication, speed and willingness to fight for every ball that made him the easiest choice for man of the match. Indeed, his speed is something to behold and a genuine gap in recent times has been our lack of pace – and he is such an exciting prospect in that regard. At the moment, with the numerous injuries, his ability to chase down seemingly lost causes and power his way through defences is something that gives our squad an excitement – and much needed outlet at a time when we are lacking creativity. Antonio has used these recent weeks to slowly build himself into a dedicated player that is using these games to get some much-needed Premier League experience, as well as making a strong impact. Rather than wasting his opportunity, like Zarate, he has utilised these matches to mature and deliver a message to Bilic and the fans: I am an exciting Premier League prospect.

With that positive note, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am, rightly or wrongly, criticised for my negativity and my ability to always give the squad a hard time. But, I assure you, it comes from the bottom of a heart that bleeds claret and blue and seeps of a desire for greatness. It has been wonderful to write regularly and to get feedback that is never horrible or ill-informed but is a debate among people who ultimately share one thing: a love of West Ham and a wish for us to reach higher heights. 2016 offers so much promise, not just the second half of the season but what happens beyond too. Thanks to my mother, I can witness 2016 in the warm embrace of a West Ham dressing gown.

Up the Irons and see you in 2016 for the next, exciting chapter for this wonderful club.

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Lanzini's brother trains with West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Manuel Lanzini has been joined by his brother Thomas at Rush Green. Older brother Tomas Lanzini, 24, has been checking out the facilities at West Ham's Rush Green training ground during a break in his season with Chile's Deportivo Nublense for whom he plays as a midfielder. They both rose through the ranks of Argentine club River Plate together as youngsters.

22 year Manuel posted photos of him and his older brother training at Rush Green on his instagram account.

Earlier today Al-Jazira CEO, Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."

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Lanzini price tag confirmed by parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News
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The chief executive of Lanzini's parent club says West Ham must pay ten million Euros to conclude a deal for their on loan player, CEO Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m." "If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official." The 22 year has scored four goals from 13 appearances this season on loan from his parent club Al-Jazira.

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Exclusive: Payet Liverpool plan revealed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive

ClaretandHugh has this morning been told exclusively that Dimi Payet is set to play for half an hour or so in the Saturday lunch time match against Liverpool. Payet – ruthlessly hacked down by a member of the other Merseyside team, James McCarthy – has made a faster than expected recovery and is set to parade his mesmerising skills as the New Year gets off to the best possible start for the Irons.
And we have also been told that both James Collins and Enner Valencia – who were reported to be limping as they left Upton Park after the Southampton victory – are both fine and available. Payet's recovery is the best New Years news possible and he is set to renew his partnership with Manu Lanzini who will be joining the Irons permanently in February or March according to chairman David Sullivan. And both Winston Reid and Victor Moses are reported on schedule to join training in early January. A senior source told us: "Dimitri is recovered and the plan at the moment is that he will play 30-45 minutes."

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Bilic Antonio 'block' pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan is relieved that Slaven Bilic put the block on Michail Antonio going anywhere on loan earlier in the season. ClaretandHugh had revealed several weeks ago that five clubs had approached the Irons looking for a loan deal involving the player but Bilic had knocked them all back. http://www.claretandhugh.info/five-clubs-chase-unhappy-antonio/ . Now Sullivan has gone on the record confirming the story and clearly believes it shows how highly the boss rates the £7 million signing from Nottingham Forest. Sullivan said: "Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago.
And thank goodness we didn't as we need him," he added.

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Hammers hero loves Lanzini effect
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Jurgen Klopp will get a first hand look at the player he allegedly wanted to sign in January at the Boleyn this weekend – Manuel Lanzini.
The little Argentinian – who appeared to such effect after the break against Southampton – was regularly linked with an Anfield move a few weeks ago and until very recently. As we reported at the time it was never going to happen and chairman David Sullivan announced on Monday that he would be completing the signing of the midfielder in February or March. The Hammers have bought out his contract from Al Jaziera and will add a further four years to the two still remaining as part of the deal which will make him one of our prize assets.
Former Hammers central defender Tony Gale is delighted telling ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's terrific to see a ball carrying midfielder who can make things happen in the team and I hope he and Payet – if he gets the expected call-up for Liverpool – help give us the double over them. " It was really good to see the lad back against Saints. I was commenting on the game for one of the TV channels and he clearly made so much difference. "This is as good a group of players as we've had at the club for a long time and when they are all back and firing it could lead to a fantastic finish to our season. In the meantime the double over Liverpool would be just perfect."

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'Galey': Happy New Year on the way!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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I can see very good times ahead for West Ham this New Year. With players returning more rapidly than anyone could have expected we are setting ourselves up for top finish to the season.

It's been a great campaign and I am so enjoying watching Slaven Bilic's men with all the credit going to the boss – he's given us the football West Ham fans expect to see and some of the greatest results ever.

If I'm honest I was a bit surprised at the set up in the first half against Saints – a match we really did have to win. An out of confidence right back in Jenkinson at left back and Alex Song playing too high and Kouyate holding at the back struck me as very odd.

But Slav got it right at half time and that result could turn things around in a big way with Lanzini and Payet ready to link up again against Liverpool on Saturday.

Lanzini is a smashing player and Payet has shown real brilliance. On Saturday we will see them easing their way back into things but we need to keep the expectations down.

However, I'm hearing comparisons made between those two and some of heroes of the past and that needs to stop.

They have only been here a short while and are going to have a big impact but at the moment we need to let them get back on their game and help us towards a big end of season.

Slaven has been impressive at every level. The football apart – which has been great at times – he's a top bloke with a very honest approach to everything. He brings integrity and always tells the truth. In that respect he reminds me very much of Bill Bonds.

The squad – as individuals – is as strong as any we have seen at Upton Park in a lot of years and can get better and better. I'm pretty excited at what I'm seeing.

With everybody fit we are spoiled for choice but here's my first team in those circumstances:

Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Antonio, Payet, Sakho

I wish you all a very happy New Year!

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Sullivan "I don't get any money out of football"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Joint Chairman David Sullivan has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the release of the second Krays film he financed as executive producer. Sullivan insists he makes no money out of football so needs to earn money from somewhere to pay footballers although he did have a smile on his face as he said it.

"It's like my hobby really, just like a little vanity project but I also have to make a living because I don't get any money out of football so somewhere I have to try to earn some money to pay the footballers." said Sullivan on producing the second Krays film.

Asked why he chose the subject of the Krays for his first film project Sullivan replied:

"I was around when they were around or just after them, they are East End boys, they not saints, this is the real story of the Krays. They were nasty, horrible, violent people and both the rise of the Krays and the fall which comes out in a couple of days says exactly the kind of people they were"

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Olympic Stadium Stewarding Update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Claret and Hugh understand that the stewarding company who will take over responsibility for match day stewards is struggling to recruit enough experienced West Ham stewards to fill the match day event roles for next season. West Ham stewards, some of which have worked for the club for over 20 years were asked to re-apply for their jobs with the guarantee of an interview with the new company.

Claret and Hugh understands that not enough of the current workforce have taken up this offer with some saying that some terms and conditions and flexibility has changed within the new roles when they move to the former Olympic Stadium. Stewards that Claret and Hugh have spoken say they understand that the new stewarding company will be present at the Liverpool home game on 2nd January to speak to them to encourage them to join, although they say they have received nothing in writing to confirm this will happen and it only word of mouth amongst the stewards.

When we asked the club for an official comment on the subject we were told that recruitment of stewards for next season is a matter for the LLDC and E20 Stadium LLP and not themselves so they couldn't comment.

LLDC and Newham council who own the Stadium have created a company called E20 Stadium LLP who have contracted French firm Vinci to operate the stadium who have in turn sub contracted the match day stewarding to the former cleaning company called OCS.

A spokesperson for the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park told Claret and Hugh:

"We are in the process of recruiting stewards and with eight months still to go until West Ham United play their first match at the Stadium we have no doubt that we will have all the stewards in place by then. This summer the Stadium has hosted several major events at which a full complement of stewards welcomed 500,000 spectators."

A West Ham club source added: "I did see some familiar faces when I was there for Rugby World Cup (which was well stewarded for 50k people) so some have definitely already started working there."

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Hammers step up summer deals programme
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham will spend January lining up targets and attempting to get deals in place for the summer.

Club insiders continue to insist that any dealings in the winter transfer window are highly unlikely as the club enters the second phase of the season.

Instead the manager is looking at scouting reports and has identified the positions and, in some cases players, he wants to try nailing into contracts in the summer.

ClaretandHugh was told by a high level source: "Our position as far as January is concerned is well known. We have players on the way back now and we have no need to be making serious moves in this winter.

"However, the hard work of attempting to get deals in place for next season is continuing. We'll be trying to tie up deals now for the summer and anything is still possible.

"Of all the deals we've done in January Demba Ba was the only really good signing. If and when we get all our players back we do not need anybody until the summer."

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Sullivan: 'Bilic asked for £30m transfer kitty'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan has told Sky Sports that Slaven Bilic asked for a £30m transfer kitty when he interviewed him for the West Ham Manager role four or five years ago before he appointed Avram Grant.

Sullivan told Sky "I interviewed Slaven (Bilic), four or five years ago and he wouldn't come unless we gave him £30m to spend at the time. He was my first choice four or five years ago and we saw three or four people before we appointed Avram (Grant)"

bilicsmiles"He was my first choice then so I remembered that, this time around it's common knowledge we tried to get a very high level of managers with vast experience and one of them went to Real Madrid, he had agreed everything with us and Real Madrid came in. We therefore went to the best of the rest and Slaven was the best of the rest"

"We were two hours away from appointing Rafa but Real Madrid came in, everything was agreed, we had an agreed contract, I am big believer that what ever happens, happens. He is a top manager despite what anyone says and I think he would have done a wonderful job for us. We tried Klopp as well, he said at the time, he wouldn't come as he needed a break. it's wrong to name people really, we aimed very, very high but I am glad with the manager we have got"

David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.

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DS: "We don't have a penny to spend on wages"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan has told Sky Sports News "Unless someone leaves the club who is on the wage bill at this moment and time we don't have a penny to spend on wages. We would only let fringe players go or if someone made an offer we couldn't refuse. We are not going to selling players for £10m or £20m, we are a non selling club."

On the possibility of Andy Caroll leaving West Ham, Sullivan said "Andy is doing a great job, he is part of the club and part of the team and I think it is very unlikely he would want to go anywhere. Realistically he has got a fiance and baby in this area, whether he would go back to Newcastle, to go to his home, I don't there is any club he would go to other then Newcastle. If Sunderland or another club offered him more money I don't think he would go there, he would have no interest in going there."

Looking to the Summer transfer window Sullivan added: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."

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'HANG IN THERE' AND KEEP ACCUMULATING THE POINTS - A VERY UN-WEST HAM WAY!
By S J Chandos 30 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID

Whilst others have tended to look on the down side of recent results, I do not share their pre-occupation with the negative. I must admit that I have been absolutely delighted at the way in which a depleted squad have applied themselves and continued accumulating the points. After the hugely disappointing 4-1 capitulation at White Hart Lane, and the subsequent loss of further of a number of key attacking players, it would not have been unreasonable to have feared the worst for a bad run of defeats. Yet, that did not happen, quite the opposite, the squad dug in and delivered five consecutive draws. Yes, the quality of the performances were viable, ranging from a superb performance at Old Trafford to diametrically opposed ineffective display at Villa. But regardless of how well or badly they played they delivered the point on each occasion. For me that is significant and very unlike the 'West Ham Way' of going about things.

When we lost Payet to injury, I wrote that squad needed to apply itself and keep accumulating the points until his projected February return date. That way we would stay in the 'top six' frame and facilitate a strong finish to the season. Converting one or two draws in to victories (ie, vs WBA and Man United) would have been ideal, but regardless, the squad have stepped up and kept us in the frame with an unprecedented series of drawn results. Indeed, previous West Ham squads would have crumbled after losing so many key players, but not this time. This time, players like Collins, Tomkins, Antonio and Zarate stepped up to the plate and been instrumental in avoiding defeat and keeping the forward momentum going.

I always think that it is funny the way that the football media present everything in the worst possible light. Prior to the victory over Southampton, no article on the Hammers was complete without reference to the club's 8 match 'winless run.' Yet, they could just as legitimately referred have referenced West Ham's 'five match unbeaten run' (from the Spurs loss), but that would not have put the required negative, 'crisis,' spin on the situation! Regardless, we have been through a challenging situation and dealt with it admirably. Slaven Bilic and the squad are to be commended for the way in which they have navigated such rough waters and come through.

As I have stated, the recent performances have varied in quality. We should have easily beaten Manchester United and could also have suffered heavy defeats at Swansea and Villa. However, on both of the latter occasions, the squad dug in (rode their luck) and come away with the point. Even against Southampton, we could have easily been buried in the first half, but it did not happen and we turned the match around with a committed second half performance. Can we ask anything more of such a depleted side, other than expect their application and commitment to the cause. I think we have had that over recent weeks and it makes me proud of this squad and hopeful that Bilic's West Ham may well lose its soft under belly and reputation for inconsistency. We live in hope!

We have hung in there and the top six remains in clear striking distance. With Lanzini back, Payet nearly ready to return and Sakho back in February, there is every reason to believe that the momentum will soon swing back to us. If it does happen, and we make a strong top six finish, come May, we will naturally think about those brilliant victories against Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea. However, we should also give thanks to the tenacity and application shown in amassing those five points in the WBA to Villa sequence of matches. We will be able to look back, with justifiable pride, and conclude that was when we saved our season!

So, next up is Liverpool at Upton Park on Saturday. Liverpool, under Klopp, have been fairly inconsistent in their results so far. We certainly should not fear them and should expect to complete the double over them. It has all the ingredients of a classic match and I am looking for a narrow 2-1 win. There is also a chance that the match could see Payet named on the bench and making an early return to action. Now, that is something to celebrate!

Finally, I would like to wish all WHTID readers/contributors a very happy new year. 2016 could very well be the year in which everything changes for the better for the club. If it is, no set of fans deserves it more than the wonderful, loyal and committed Hammers support.

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham eyeing return for £23m Serie A hitman
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk

West Ham preparing to return for Juventus striker Simone Zaza in January, according to the Brentwood Gazette. The Hammers came close to bringing the Italian to east London in the summer but a deal fell through at the last minute after Juve decided to pull the plug on a season long loan deal worth £1.4m with an £11.5m option to buy. However, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic remains a huge admirer of the striker and is reportedly weighing up a move for the striker in January. Zaza's playing time at Juve has been limited this season and Brentwood Gazette claim he might be open to a loan move when the transfer window reopens next month, although they do say Zaza would prefer to stay in Serie A. However, the report claims West Ham will still try and convince him to move to the Premier League in January as they look to bolster their attacking options following a number of crippling injuries in recent months. Simone Zaza is valued at £7.7m by transfermarkt.co.uk, but the report says West Ham are lining up a £23m bid for his services.

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West Ham star thanks fans for loyal support in 2015
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk

It's been a funny ol' year, hasn't it? The first half was terrible, but we've ended it very well and have a lot to look forward to. Much like 2014, right? One thing we've had to do is stick by the club throughout all the disappointment, mental injury crisis' and awful performances. The good times probably outweigh the bad, but during the bad it takes a lot for a football fan to continue parting with their hard earned cash to continue watching rubbish. As West Ham fans, we've had to do a lot of that over the years. But we still do it. Although recently it's been a pleasure. And one significant fan of West Ham has taken to Twitter to thank the rest of us for spending our hard earned money on the club over the festive period and throughout 2015. That fan is indeed our skipper, Mark Noble. He also labelled our win over Southampton as the biggest of the season so far, which is difficult to argue with given the run of form we were in…

MARK NOBLE ✔ @Noble16Mark
Team sprit and hard work, biggest win of the season so far, thank you for all the money you have spent over Christmas to support us!! #MN16
9:20 AM - 30 Dec 2015

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West Ham in the race for £18m Brazilian wonderkid
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk

West Ham are one of four clubs currently targeting a move for Benfica forward Anderson Talisca, according to reports in Brazil. Brazilian website, O Dia, claim West Ham have been keeping close tabs on the Brazil U23 star, who has struggled for form this year having scored just two goals in 29 appearances. However, he rose to prominence in Portugal when he first signed for the club after scoring nine goals in his first 13 outings. That form alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who the Daily Mirror reported were considering activating his £18m release clause last year. However, after struggling for form this season, Benfica are reportedly willing to allow the 21-year-old to leave on loan in January, with West Ham supposedly interested in bringing him to east London until the end of the season. Talisca has previously been dubbed the 'next Rivaldo' and is undoubtedly going to have more suiters as the transfer window progresses. But West Ham are reportedly well in the mix for his signature, alongside Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Corinthians.

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Michail Antonio focused on kick-starting West Ham career after winger forgives David Gold for case of mistaken identity
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:29, 30 December 2015 | UPDATED: 15:40, 30 December 2015

West Ham winger Michail Antonio has forgiven David Gold for mistaking him for a 'missing person' last month. The West Ham co-owner infamously retweeted an appeal for a 'missing person' in November before realising it was his own £7million signing. Antonio had barely featured in his first three months at the club after joining from Nottingham Forest, but has started each of the past four games because of injuries and scored a freak equaliser in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday. The 25-year-old has frequently been reminded of Gold's gaffe by team-mates but is convinced his first goal for the club will spark a successful run. He said: 'I see it as banter and, if I am honest, for the first three months I was a missing person. I was sat on the bench, not playing.' He added: 'It was important to open my account in any way possible – this time the ball was smashed against my forehead by the defender and lobbed the goalkeeper. But I will take a bit of pain for a goal. I had played the previous few games and not got a goal but now I have. 'Normally with me when I open my account I get a couple more so let's see how it goes now. We play Liverpool Saturday so hopefully I can keep it going.' Andy Carroll returned from his groin injury on Monday and ultimately scored the second-half header which ended West Ham's eight-game winless run.
Antonio said: 'He is one person we are confident if he is on the pitch that he will get goals. Everyone has bad luck with injuries, like Jack Wilshere now – he is in and out, in and out. 'I had a bad run three years ago where I had three in a season. Everyone goes through a time where they have injuries and niggles but you always come out in the end and I feel AC might be coming out of it now.'

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Manuel Lanzini to seal permanent West Ham switch for £7.4m, says Al-Jazira chief executive
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, December 30, 2015

West Ham WILL buy on-loan Manuel Lanzini for just £7.4million, according to the chief executive of his parent club Al-Jazira. Lanzini has been one of the stars of Slaven Bilic's new-look Hammers since arriving on a season-long loan from the UAE Pro League side in the summer.
The 22-year-old has scored four Premier League goals in 13 appearances and talk has already turned to making his move permanent. And now Al-Jazira chief executive Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee of £7.4m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National: "If they decide before April 30 to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. "If they pay it we will take it. "There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it. "His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."

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