Daily WHUFC News -

Bilic blown away by Boleyn welcome
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has praised the 35,000 West Ham United fans for their spine-tingling welcome as he was introduced as the Boleyn Ground as the Club's new manager before Thursday night's UEFA Europa League qualifier with FC Lusitans. Bilic was presented to the sell-out crowd just before kick-off in the 3-0 win and confessed he was blown away by the reception he received. He added that vocal backing and a boisterous rendition of Bubbles simply served to further whet his appetite for the upcoming final season in West Ham's home of more than 110 years. "I would like to start by saying congratulations to Terry Westley and the team of course," Bilic said. "I thought they played very well. It was a good game and a terrific atmosphere. "I would also like to thank the fans for the wonderful reception I received. It was amazing. It was an incredible moment and I can't wait to be playing in Upton Park this year."

Bilic flew in from Ireland following the conclusion of first-team training on Thursday to take his seat in the Director's Box alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. After watching an intriguing mix of familiar first-teamers and the most promising youngsters overcome the Andorran side courtesy of a brace from Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins, Bilic will catch a few hours' sleep before jetting back out to Ireland on Friday morning to join up with the training party once more. "I will now go back to Ireland on Friday morning to meet back up with the first-team group. To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra."

Perhaps without all the facts to hand, FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura chose to use his post-match press conference to question why the new West Ham manager was not in the dugout for the match, despite the fact that Academy manager Terry Westley had trained the squad for the past few weeks and knew the Under-21s involved well. For the former Croatia international, though, the reasoning and rationale was clear. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland. I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this.
"Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals. The second half was much more fluid. "The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."

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Sakho pleased with first game brace
WHUFC.com

Diafra Sakho was pleased to chalk up the first two goals towards his target of 20 as West Ham United gained a 3-0 first leg advantage against FC Lusitans on Thursday. The Senegal striker got the Hammers up and running with his brace in the five minutes before half time, before James Tomkins added a third in the second period. Sakho was happy with a professional job done, but warned that more work will be needed in Andorra next week. "Two down, now 18 more for the 20!" he said. "It's important to win the first game at home. Every fan came to see the team play, and the young players did well for us today. "It's difficult to play against a team who every time play back, and so it was important for me to score the first goal. Every player is happy with the result, but we're not finished because we also need to win next Thursday. "We need to stay focused and go away to win at Lusitans. All the qualifying rounds are important - we want to have six games in this competition before the league starts, and now we have five more to win. "Lusitans were strong in their play and every player had respect for them.
"Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me. Today I'm happy that Mauro was back and it's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them."

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'It was very close to a perfect night'
WHUFC.com

Terry Westley said Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg win over FC Lusitans represented a hugely positive night for West Ham United. A sold-out Boleyn Ground witnessed a comfortable victory, attractive passing football, five debuts, seven Academy graduates, a youngest-ever player in Reece Oxford, two goals for Diafra Sakho and a rapturous welcome for new manager Slaven Bilic. With Bilic watching on intently from the stands – but not before presenting Oxford and Lewis Page with their debut match shirts – Academy Manager Westley was a happy man when he spoke to West Ham TV. "The crowd, the game, playing some young players, the senior players scoring goals and no real major injuries made for a positive night," he began. "Sakho scored two goals and if we had got one more goal it would have been the perfect score. "We had senior players who came through the game and ended up getting seven Academy players on the pitch, including James Tomkins, so it was very close to a perfect night. "We have had ten days to prepare and nobody has gone through the motions. Everyone has been professional, the manager came to Cork and flew over today and came in the dressing room and presented shirts to the two players making their debuts. "He was there again at half-time and came down again after the game and you can't ask for much more than that from the new manager with his busy schedule. It was a real positive for everyone to play in front of the new manager.
"James led the team and was terrific and Diaf's goals will really boost his confidence. We got 70 minutes out of him, so they're all positives. "I looked at Burke and he looked good again and is starting to get established and Josh Cullen came on in the second half and had a real spring in his step. He gave us some real purpose going forward and Diego Poyet kept the ball ticking over for us. "There were so many positives and not really a negative for me. Everything was on the front foot and I'm well-pleased."

For Westley, it was a real feather in the Academy Manager's cap to have given the England U18 captain Oxford his debut at the age of 16 years 198 days – breaking a 93-year-old club record.
"He has done well and it gets that out of the way. It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."

With a three-goal advantage to take to Andorra next week, Westley said the Hammers will take a similarly-composed squad to the Pyrenees. "I think it'll be the same squad, barring any injuries. Mauro Zarate got a slight groin and if he isn't fit, we'll bring someone else in. "We'll show respect to the Andorran team and also to the opposition. If we can score some goals, keep a clean sheet and get some more minutes out of the senior players again, that's what we're after."

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Fixture changes announced
WHUFC.com

Three of West United's early season Barclays Premier League fixtures have new dates or kick-off times.

The Hammers will now start the new campaign at Arsenal on Sunday 9 August, with a 1.30pm kick-off.

September's home game with Newcastle United will now be played on Monday 14 September at 8pm.

Finally, the trip to Manchester City is set for 5.30pm on Saturday 19 September. However, this fixture is subject to change should the Hammers qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage.

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Noble and Collins enjoy Hurling
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble and James Collins wasted no time getting into the swing of things in Ireland and mixed in with the local fans as they took part in a game of Hurling after training. Both players were keen to take part in one of the world's oldest field games and relished the chance to pick up the shorter stick and strike the ball to one another. The West Ham United players are currently undergoing intensive fitness work ahead of the new season and are making the most of their trip to Cork.

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FC Lusitans ticket update
WHUFC.com

Updated Friday 3 July 2015, 3pm

West Ham United can issue an update on the allocation of tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie with FC Lusitans in Andorra on Thursday 9 July at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time). Every Season Ticket Holder who applied via the Priority Points system has been successful with their request. A very limited number of tickets remaining from the Club's allocation of 450 unreserved seats will go on General Sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Saturday 4 July. The remaining tickets are priced at €45 (£32) per person, with no concessions. In the very unlikely event these remain unsold, any remaining tickets will go on sale to Members from 9am on Monday 6 July. West Ham were allocated approximately 450 tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie in Andorra. The Hammers will tackle Primera Divisio runners-up FC Lusitans at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time) on Thursday 9 July. A no duplicate policy will be in operation, so all tickets will need to be sent via Special Delivery, which means a £6.95 postal fee will be added to all transactions. Fans applying for tickets will also be required to provide their mode and route of travel to Andorra. The Club will not be running an official trip to this fixture. Further information, including local transport advice and information about activities for fans to enjoy in Andorra applicable to those travelling to the game, will be provided.

*Supporters should also note that, should the Hammers go through and Maltese clubs FC Birkirkara and Valetta both emerge victorious from their own UEFA Europa League first qualifying round ties, West Ham's visit to the Mediterranean island would be reversed. Should Birkirkara overcome Ulisses FC of Armenia and Valetta defeat Newtown of Wales, West Ham will travel to Malta for the first leg on Thursday 16 July, with the return game at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday 23 July. If Birkirkara win, but Valetta lose, the fixture will remain as per the original draw, with the first leg in east London and the second leg taking place in Malta. Birkirkara and FC Ulisses drew 0-0 in Malta in their first leg, while Valetta lost 2-1 at Newtown in the first meeting.

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Darren's delight at clean sheet on debut
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph had a huge smile on his face following a victorious debut in front of a packed Boleyn Ground crowd on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper who arrived at West Ham United at the start of the summer, was delighted to have a clean sheet on his first full game for the Hammers in the Europa League first round qualifier against FC Lusitans. Randolph had a quiet night as the Hammers won convincingly 3-0 against their Andorran counterparts but was thrilled to play in front of a sell-out crowd who had earlier given a rousing welcome to new manager Slaven Bilic.

Although Randolph acknowledged he didn't have that much to do on the night, he was never the less happy to have played a part and got a taste of action in the game, which saw a brace by Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins seal the victory. "It was quieter for me in front of goal but it was a clean sheet in a European qualifying game and that is a main thing on a debut, in any match you play so I was very pleased at that. "The atmosphere was great. It could have been more of a nerve-racking debut because of being in front of a full house but it was a good night to make a debut and I will take that all day long!"

With the Hammers only just returned to pre-season, earlier than normal in order to prepare for the Europa League matches, the players have had a relatively short space of time to train and with hitting the ground running against opposition that is not over familiar to them. But Randolph said everyone is in good shape. "We are feeling good, but we have only had nine days or so training, so not too much building up to this game. There is only so much fitness work you can do in nine days but playing in such a competitive game so early can get the sharpness you want pretty quickly. I don't think you can be too critical after only a few days training and going straight into a competitive match.

"I have played in these early rounds before, with Motherwell. You don't really know the opposition, you might get a few clips on them so it is a case of preparing as best you can. We had some other good chances, but this is not just any pre-season friendly, we created chances in a competitive game and that is a good thing."

With that in mind and with the opposition perhaps not being as familiar to them as would normally, Randolph said the 3-0 win reflected a solid start and was a great experience for the younger members of the squad who he said, stepped up their responsibilities very well.

"It is a great experience for these lads, playing at home, in front of sold-out stadium and European competition. It gives everyone a taste of what to expect week in week out and gives the young lads something to chase, something to work towards.

"I was very impressed with all who made their debuts, played the game. Reece [Oxford] has been very impressive all week in training. He doesn't look like a 16 year-old, he's bigger than me!

He is very strong and was not fazed by anything. If he keeps his head down and keeps working, there is no reason why he can't go on to have a big future. Lewis [Page], Josh [Cullen], there's some good young lads here and that is good for the club."

Randolph is settling in well at the Hammers and says while it could be a long season ahead, it is all positive. He is also looking forward to working alongside fellow keeper Adrian.

"I would like to think I can push him [Adrian]. Even if I don't get to start as long as I am keeping him on his toes, which I think he would expect me to do. If he is playing well and the team are doing well, I will be happy.

"It could be a long season but hopefully a good one and we're all looking forward to it."

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Collins - We are all looking to impress
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender James Collins admits the whole squad is looking sharp as they look to impress new manager Slaven Bilic at the training camp in Ireland.

Bilic has wasted no time settling into familiar surroundings and is working hard with the players as they undergo intensive fitness work at the Club's training base in Cork.

With the Club already playing their first game in the Europa League on Thursday night, Collins knows these are exciting times for the Hammers and hopes to play his part in a memorable last season at the Boleyn Ground.

Bilic has already brought in Chris Woods as the new Goalkeeping Coach and fans favourite Julian Dicks as Coaching Assistant and the players are certainly responding to the new management structure.

Collins said: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players.

"Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp and everyone looks good.

"Julian has come in and is a legend around the Club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well.

"We played well in the Europa League. People said we would win eight or nine but that is not the case and I have seen that at international level. It was a tough game and the lads played really well.

"European football is a must for a size of the club like West Ham and with the quality of players we have got."

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Debut delight for Academy duo
WHUFC.com

For Academy graduates Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over FC Lusitans was anything but routine, with senior debuts under the lights at a sold-out Boleyn Ground to savour.

At 16 years and 198 days, England U17s skipper Oxford became the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers, doing so in a slightly unfamiliar midfield berth.

Though tougher tests await, no doubt, the young duo had plenty to smile about on the night, having earlier been presented with their match shirts by new manager Slaven Bilic.

"It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck," Bilic explained. "I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well.

"They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever."

A special gesture appreciated by full-back Page, who certainly enjoyed his evening's work with Matt Jarvis down the left-hand side.

"We didn't expect it until a couple of minutes before we were told, and then it was just a bit of a surprise. It just made you feel confident to go into the game, so that was really nice of him."

For record-breaker Oxford, it comes as something of a relief to have got his senior bow out of the way, in the hope that he can now make an impression on a first team.

"It's a privilege to be the youngest player to have played since 1922, I think, so hopefully I can just progress now and stay in the team.

"It was tough to begin with and then I started to find my way into the game, started getting a few passes off and feeling more comfortable.

"There had been a lot of talk about when I was going to come on, but now that I've come on hopefully I can stay in the team, or on the bench."

It was a similarly proud moment for 19-year-old Page, who will long remember the first time he stepped out in front a full house for West Ham.

"It was a great experience," he added. "I had goosebumps walking out, that's what I've been dreaming of since I was ten when I joined here and just to play was amazing.

"I think we handled it all right, we had the game under control and we won quite comfortably.

"I love playing with Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] because he's a nice man as well, so I just gave him the ball and we just worked together really. He really helps me out defensively as well.

Against a physical Andorran outfit, the Hammers duo certainly had to be on their toes, but were not about to be fazed by a strong challenge or two.

"Physically I had to be on point," Oxford explained. "When I gave a foul away in the first ten minutes I got a yellow and I just knew not to go flying in because they were rolling about a bit, but they were physical on the ball and off it."

As for the return leg in a week's time, Page is understandably keen to repeat the feat at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella.

"It's another game under your belt, another 90 minutes in the first team, that's all you want to do really, keep playing in the first team and hopefully get your chance again."

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Harrison joins Hendon at Orient
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Academy goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison has joined Sky Bet League Two side Leyton Orient as their first team goalkeeper coach.

Harrison links up with former Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon, who took over the reins at Brisbane Road after departed West Ham this summer.

The 43-year-old played alongside Hendon at Barnet and later featured under his management at Underhill before moving into coaching himself.

He joined West Ham from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2014 and will now work with Academy products Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum, who both signed for the O's this summer.

The Club would like to thank Lee for his services and wishes him well in his future career.

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Alex Song spotted at the Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Alex Song was at the Boleyn Ground last night to watch West Ham beat Lusitanos in their Europa League qualifying tie. The Barcelona midfielder was in the stands as Terry Westley's young side beat the Andorrans 3-0, ahead of a return to the club on a permanent basis according to reports. The 27-year-old midfielder proved a stunning success at the Boleyn initially last season before going off the boil in the second half of the season (although that applied to many more than just the former Cameroon international). Further speculation tonight suggests that the Hammers have landed their man on a free transfer, despite Barcelona having set his sale price at circa £5million. Despite interest from other major European clubs, Song is happy in London and has expressed a preference for remaining in the capital - apparently swaying Barce to comply with West Ham's - and Song's - wishes.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic accused of lacking respect
Last Updated: 03/07/15 6:52am
SSN

New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic watched his new side ease to victory in their Europa League first qualifying round clash with FC Lusitans - but was then accused of disrespecting the Andorran team. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins headed home to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Hammers, who will now head to Andorra next Thursday all-but guaranteed of advancing into the next qualifying phase. Bilic, presented to a packed Upton Park before the contest, left academy director Terry Westley in charge as he decided to watch from the stands after returned from a training camp in Ireland earlier in the day. The decision not to be involved annoyed Lusitans coach Xavi Roura who was angry with the Croatian for sitting out of the contest.
"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that the club like West Ham - this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One' should come to Andorra."

Despite Roura's plea for Bilic to turn up in the principality, Westley - addressing the media as he had in the build-up to the tie - admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, he can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch. Not every manager sits in the dug out. "The manager has flown back from a training camp, got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players.
"He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."

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Hammers star at centre of £8m bid claim
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

New reports linking Middlesborough with a £8 million offer for Stewart Downing have been circulating in the north east over the past few hours and quite frankly seem way off the wall. A couple of media outlets claim that the Championship club has hit the Irons with the an offer despite us turning down similar bids from Sunderland and Leicester City. The mathematics involved are mind boggling for a Championship outfit which, if they are believed demand that we accept the Riverside club will commit to a £7 million transfer fee and £1o million plus in wages over a three year deal. And for a player aged 30 that really does take a bit of swallowing. A key club insider told ClaretandHugh this week that that we have indeed received several bids but that the player is simply not for sale. We never rule anything out entirely however, although if this one were to be true we would find it perhaps one of the most bizarre and perhaps ill considered deals in a long time.

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Report: Irons "one step away" from top defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are tonight reported to be close to signing Juventus defender Angel Ogbonna although Everton are still in the race for the Italian international. However, according to the Turn based daily newspaper Tuttosport the Hammers are" just one step away" from signing the defender. The report adds that Juventus are expected to let the player depart for the Boleyn for €10m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments. Ogbonna has found commanding a regular first team spot at Juventus to be tough and will be aiming for more minutes of game time in England. ClaretandHugh has already reported sources close to boss Slaven Bilic as saying he expects to get his Number One priority player – a top central defender – over the next seven days and if Tuttosport is to be believed Ogbonna is that man.

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Sakho happy to see Zarate back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Diafra Sakho and David Gold are both very happy to see Mauro Zarate back at Upton Park. The skilful front man had a tough first season under Sam Allardyce and was farmed out to Queens Park Rangers in January where he was 'branded' unfit and placed on special fitness regime. But he looked in great nick last night as the team cruised past Lusitans and Sakho said: "Today I'm happy that Mauro was back."
And he is pleased that Morgan Amalfitano was involved too adding: "It's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them." He added: "Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me."

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DG: 'Fans are smiling again after tough times'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has warned fans to not be unduly carried away by the Europa Cup qualifying victory over Lusians but declared: "You have to hand it to Diafra Sakho – goalscoring is an art whoever you score against." The two co chairmen flew out to a well earned break in the south of France earlier today where more transfer business will almost certainly be on the agenda. But before boarding his private jet, DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: The opposition wasn't strong but whatever team you are playing, putting the ball in the back of the net is hard and 'Sak' again showed his quality. "You would expect good players to go past players of a certain level but good crosses and goals always count whatever the opposition."

And he added: Had we been further into the summer training programme I think we would haver won by more but it was frustrating over the last 20 minutes not to score again when the opposition were clearly tiring. "However, we have to be happy because the fans have smiles on their faces again. They have been through a difficult period. They have seen the club relegated and squeeze back into the Premier League.
We have now established ourselves and Sam Allardyce, players and owners all take credit for that although there's not been an awful lot to get excited about. "Now we are looking at a new era a new stadium, a new manager and a new way of playing. To see those smiles on faces was great."

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Palace join hunt for Hammers 33 goal trialist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

AFC Wimbledon striker Daniel Agyei – having been on trial at the Irons all week – has now been handed a trial with Crystal Palace.
Burnley have also made him the same offer as the 17 year old weighs his options after the 17 year old grabbed 35 goals for the Dons' Under 18 and Under 21 sides. The Irons may hold a big edge given the number of Development Squad players who were offered their chances against Lusiens in last last night's Europa Cup qualifier. They will hope the lad realises that under new manager Slaven Bilic youth is about to be given its chance wherever and whenever possible. Young striker Daniel Agyei enjoyed a prolific campaign for AFC Wimbledon Under 18s last season The striker was expected to make the step up into AFC Wimbledon's senior side next season but it will be a miracle if they can hold onto him in the light of this week's developments.

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Irons Jenks hopes dashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's hopes of signing Karl Jenkinson permanently have been dashed. The Hammers would love to sign the Arsenal right back to a long term deal but Arsenal flatly refuse to entertain the idea. Speculation that we would try to do a permanent deal started back in the January and has resurfaced over recent days. And although the club's negotiators attempted to get talks underway, the Emirates board made it clear that wasn't on. However, there is now a big chance of the Gunners England under 21 rejoining us on loan for the new season but unless there is a dramatic change of heart a permanent switch won't happen. A high level Upton Park source said after we posed the question: "No, Arsenal 100 per cent won't do a permanent deal."

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Gold hits back at 'ill informed' Lusiens boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers#
C AND H

David Gold has hit back at Lusians boss Xavi Roura describing his blast at Hammers boss Slaven Bilic as 'ill informed.' The manager of the Andorran minnows had objected to Bilic not being in the dug-out for last night match saying:"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect for not taking his place on the bench. I am disappointed with with him and I feel a club from home of football and fair play should have insisted he sat there," said Roura. I know he has won a lot of titles but not sitting on the bench ; who does he think he is ? The Special One ?"

However, Gold has rushed to his manager's defence declaring: "Slaven is a hugely respectful man and that's precisely why he WASN'T in the dug out. He was showing his respect to Terry Westley who had worked with the squad . Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh DG added: "He could have waltzed in like some film star and taken all the credit from a victory but instead, after working with the first team squad in Ireland, he allowed the obvious man to take control. That shows character. "I am sure that when Xavi understands the full position he will offer an apology to Slaven for his ill informed remarks."

Gold was delighted with the victory and said: "I heard it said there were no long balls but that appears sometimes when you are under pressure. We weren't last night and there was a real determination to pass the ball. It was encouraging and there was not one youngster out there who didn't do well. That was very pleasing. "But let's pay credit to Andorra. It's a country of 78,000 people – nothing like as big even as the the Isle of Wight. Yet they came and gave it everything they had which we saw in the last 20 minutes when as part-timers they were going down like ninepins. "Having said that, there was a lot to enjoy and I think we are now on the edge of some really good times with a style of football the crowd will enjoy."

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Fans the big factor in Sam's departure
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce's West Ham departure was driven by the fans who brought his reign to an "inevitable conclusion." Since the 60 year old's final appearance at the club, the atmosphere around Upton Park has lifted to the point where a sell-out crowd was ready to turn out in the middle of the season to watch a match against a team of part timers last night. And the fact that by and large the Irons team was always going to be made up largely of Development Squad players makes that even more impressive. However, the decision to allow Allardyce to walk away was clearly a big reason as fans hero, Slaven Bilic made his first appearance in front of the Claret and Blue Army. One wonders how many would have been inside the ground had the former manager still been in charge. In a TalkSport interview earlier this week co chairman David Gold had claimed that the board and former manager had felt that four years was long enough for both sides but explained nothing further.
H
owever, insiders have made it clear to ClaretandHughthat the two central reasons were:

O the increasingly impossible relationship with the majority of the fans

O and the knowledge that nothing much was ever going to change in the style of play

We were told: "Certainly everybody finally agreed that four years was long enough as the tensions between Sam and the fan base increased. "He was finding life more and more difficult and the reaction from the terraces following the previous season drove things to an inevitable conclusion. "However both the style of play and tensions in the transfer market were also hindering relationships and in the end both sides agreed that a parting of the ways was the only answer." "There will always be plenty of goodwill and gratitude towards him for establishing this club back where it belonged but there is relief that period is now part of our history."

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Leader Slav recalls our greats to inspire the kids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H

Every true blood Hammers fan bows his head in respect when the names Moore, Hurst, Peters and Ferdinand are mentioned…which makes Slaven Bilic a true blood Iron! For his first job in terms of dressing room man management he presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page with their first team debut shirts and immediately reminded them of the club's great players and ambassadors before telling them to go and make their "own legacy." In footballing terms that's Churchillian stuff and a fine reminder of this man's many qualities. As the words appeared in my inbox for sub editing from ClaretandHugh's Rob Shepherd ,who was reporting the game for us, I admit to a puff of pride. Slaven Bilic has yet to put a foot wrong as our new boss and personally I think it's very unlikely. The words he addressed to the young Hammers will inspire the Development Squad players to follow them. To mention such names to young players in the same breath as the club legends tells you everything you need to now about our new manager – he may have only had a season here as a player but he's an Iron to his backbone and is a LEADER. His decision to take a back seat last night – as detailed by David Gold in another story on the site today – was class and unlike some before him shows he's no glory seeker and egotist. Everyone gets credit and opportunity in Slav's world and last night it was Terry Westley's turn to take centre stage. Slav made sure it happened. However, a body language expert would have had a field day watching the Croatian in the directors' box as he leaned forward eagle eyed and chattering non stop to Karren Brady about what was going on down on the field of play. West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy – a real joy to be part of it all. I wonder whether arch high Tory Karren knows that our manager is a died in the wool Socialist?
You know what, I don't reckon it would make a jot of difference – something new, great, tolerant and massively enjoyable is happening at our beloved club!

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O'Brien: Oxford will find it hard
BT Sport
Last updated: 03 July 2015, 15:03 BST Print this story

Joey O'Brien knows fellow defender Reece Oxford will have to put up with comparisons to former West Ham academy products having become the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers.
The 16-year-old broke a 93-year record when he lined up against FC Lusitans in the Europa League first qualifying round fixture against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Oxford, captain of England's Under-17 side, usually plays in defence but operated in midfield as West Ham recorded a 3-0 victory over their Andorran opponents - with academy director Terry Westley in charge of the side. O'Brien was one of five first-team regulars to start the game and, after Westley revealed Oxford and fellow debutant Lewis Page had been given a speech by new boss Slaven Bilic telling them to make their own destiny despite comparisons with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, the Republic of Ireland international says those kinds of pressures will have to be dealt with. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," O'Brien replied when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand were likely. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through."

Oxford penned a long-term deal at Upton Park earlier in the year having attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United whilst playing in the youth teams at West Ham.
Westley was pleased with Oxford's outing but knows he still has work to do and is far from the finished article, and O'Brien agreed that there is a long way between exciting prospect and first-team regular. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home," he added. "It is fantastic for him and the academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him.
"But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."

Westley selected the team for the tie and was also in the dug-out as new boss Bilic opted to sit out what would have been his first game in charge. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused the Croatian of showing a lack of respect for his side by not being at the helm. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who flew in from a first-team training base in Ireland to be presented to the crowd before kick-off, was quick to explain his reasoning after seeing a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header wrap up a comfortable win ''I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland,'' he said. ''I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time.
''I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. ''I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this." It is unlikely Bilic will travel with Westley and the matchday squad for the second leg in Andorra as he continues to split his time between his two groups of players.

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Why giving Zarate another chance could prove a West Ham masterstroke
HITC
Tim Poole

The 28-year-old already looks a different player for the Hammers. During Mauro Zarate's first-season struggles at West Ham United, some lost patience with the Argentine - but many felt he deserved more of a chance. Indeed, the forward was rarely used and, when he was, was played out of position. It is no coincidence that Sam Allardyce since left the club, with Zarate staying put at Upton Park. The West Ham owners have made their allegiance very clear and, interestingly, the 28-year-old looks as though he could be repaying their faith already. Last term, Zarate showed flashes for the Hammers before seriously fading away. When he was loaned to Queens Park Rangers, he made no impact whatsoever and his fitness levels were dire. Observe him against Lusitanos, however, and you have a different player altogether. The Argentine assisted Diafra Sakho and was a lively, energetic presence. This was only a Europa League qualifier against an Andorran side, of course, but it showed two things. One: There is a player in there. Two: Zarate has used pre-season to get some sort of fitness back - already a huge step. Could giving the Argentine a second chance prove a West Ham masterstroke?

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Tottenham rejected chance to sign West Ham record breaker Reece Oxford after failing to find his best position
Reece Oxford became West Ham's youngest ever player when he started the Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitans on Thursday
Tottenham released the youngster when he was 12-13 years-old after playing the defender as a forward
The Hammers teenager has been tipped as a future England captain
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 12:18, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 12:22, 3 July 2015

Tottenham rejected the chance to sign West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford, Sportsmail can reveal. The 16-year-old became the Hammers' youngest ever player on Thursday night, starting in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Lusitans. Despite his tender age, Oxford, who plays for England Under-17, is being tipped as a future England captain such is his huge potential. But the teenager could easily have been turning out for West Ham's deadly rivals Tottenham. Oxford, who grew up a stone's throw away from White Hart Lane in Edmonton, was on Spurs' books during his pre-teen years, playing for the club as a forward. But Tottenham released Oxford, informing the youngster he didn't have a future at the club when he was 12-13 years old.
His departure opened the door for Oxford's move to West Ham, and the rest is history. Arriving at Upton Park as a forward, Hammers staff believed Oxford would be better suited to a defensive position and began moulding him into a centre-back. The positional change has turned out to be masterstroke; with the youngster now widely recognised as one of the best emerging central defenders in Europe. Oxford has attracted interest from all of the Premier League's elite; Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all tried to lure the defender away from Upton Park. But Oxford ended speculation regarding his future by signing his first professional deal earlier this year. That, however, is unlikely to stop England's top club's from trailing Oxford, who is expected to have a role in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans next season.

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Reece Oxford stole the headlines on his West Ham debut but Diego Poyet was the standout performer in front of Slaven Bilic
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:59, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 11:59, 3 July 2015

Reece Oxford, take a bow, son. Now we know what all the fuss was about. On Thursday night, the England Under 17 captain made his long-awaited West Ham debut. He's 16. Breaking Billy Williams' 93-year-old record, Oxford looked like he'd been around for years. In fact, he wasn't even born when Slaven Bilic last played at Upton Park. Deployed in the middle of the park, the boy who has previously attracted the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, eventually slotted in to his familiar role at centre-half. Throughout he displayed incredible maturity that belied his youth. In the air, he was formidable. There was a terrific tenacity in his tackling. And he wasn't afraid to have a go either, desperately unlucky not to score with a rasping effort from 30 yards. Even when the FC Lusitans players ludicrously got him booked, Oxford refused to rise to the bait, when most youngsters his age would have found the temptation too difficult to resist in front of a crowd of 35,000 fans spurring them on. 'This kid will go right to the top. The very top.' Remember when Harry Redknapp famously told supporters that about a young Frank Lampard? The same can be said about Oxford. While he deserves all the plaudits he is getting, perspective is needed. Indeed, the hard work really does begin now. Can he establish himself as a first-team regular? That is the question. To get to the very top - like Lampard, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League - there can be no room for complacency. You have to be determined to beat the best, to be the best. I've no doubt that Oxford has those qualities but this is only the beginning for the extremely talented teenager.
That leads me nicely to Diego Poyet, who won't steal the headlines as such yet he deserves high praise indeed. By his own admission, his first season at Upton Park was 'tough'. To prove himself he went out on loan to Huddersfield Town for a short stint. On June 11, he was part of the Uruguay side who lost on penalties to Brazil at the Under 20s World Cup in New Zealand.
A week later he was back at Chadwell Heath, desperate to show new manager Bilic his desire to break through into the first team this season. How can you not be impressed by that? Poyet has a tremendous work ethic and impeccable attitude on the field. Off it, he's a bright, intelligent, multi-lingual lad. He's 20. Most 20-year-olds are probably clubbing in Magaluf this time of year. Few would have turned an eye had Poyet joined them after his international exploits. Instead he put his fledgling career first in order to make a name for himself at Upton Park, in this historic farewell season. Total professionalism. For me, he was Thursday night's standout performer. Not Oxford. Not match-winner Diafro Sakho. It was Poyet. He wanted to be on the ball at every opportunity. I love that. Sure, he was raw in places and misplaced a couple of passes when he could have perhaps carried the ball a little longer. But it was an assured display and one that would have caught the eye of his watching new manager in the stands. Cool and composed, with an elegant touch to fit his long-flowing looks, Poyet instigated many attacking moves by getting the ball moving. By definition, he embodied the West Ham way. The trouble is, West Ham's midfield is already uber-competitive. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Kevin Nolan and Chiekhou Kouyate are among those still to slot in. Alex Song too. Poyet, however, didn't do his chances any harm at all. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. Even with a surname like his, young Diego knows he hasn't made it yet. But with a gutsy character and with that hunger and that determination, he surely will. I just hope it's with West Ham.

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IRONS BID €20M FOR MANCHESTER UNITED & JUVENTUS TARGET
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign highly-rated AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.
The Hammers have edged ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the Tunisian.
Michael Oliver
ironscircle

West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour, claims L'Equipe. The Tunisian defender has been heavily linked with a move away from France this summer, with several of Europe's biggest clubs queueing up for his services. Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking the player, with AC Milan and Juventus both keen, and have submitted undisclosed bids for the player this month, both of which have been rejected. It was reported that West Ham were willing to meet Monaco's €20m asking price for the 25-year-old, but due to the increased interest in their star defender, they have upped their demands to €25m. It's now being reported that West Ham have made the largest bid to date for Abdennour – a €20m offer to test Monaco's resolve, who are still holding out for a slightly larger offer from the East London club. Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the centre-back. Diego Simeone has just sold Miranda to Inter Milan for €15m, and has lined up Abdennour as a potential replacement.

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Report: West Ham linked with Manuel Lanzini; perfect man to help Zarate?
HITC
Tim Poole

West Ham have reportedly made a move for the 22-year-old Argentine. West Ham United have made a move for Al Jazira Club and former River Plate playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are said to want the Argentine on loan with an option to buy, with his superior dribbling ability perfect for how Slaven Bilic wants the east London side to play.
The Mirror say West Ham rate the 22-year-old - no doubt previously unheard of to many - very highly.

A helping hand for Zarate?

Should any interest be genuine, Lanzini could be brought to Upton Park with a view to getting the best out of Mauro Zarate. Zarate, also from Argentina, failed to impress during his first season with West Ham but has been given a second chance ahead of this term. And the 28-year-old could already be paying the club back after a promising performance against Lusitanos in the Europa League. Lanzini, then, could further aid the forward, simply as they are countrymen but also both creative, flair players. Dimitri Payet, already signed by West Ham this summer, will also add a creative element to the Hammers.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies disrespecting Europa League opponents by watching match from the stands
Evening Standard
JAMES BENGE
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 10:16, 03 July 2015

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied disrespecting his Andorran opponents by spending last night's Europa League qualifying tie in the stands. The new manager handed over coaching duties to academy director Terry Westley in what should have been his first game at the helm of the club. Westley was entrusted with selecting the team and sat in the dugout, a move that FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura said "showed a lack of respect". Roura also said that the new coach "thought he was the 'Special One'" by choosing to watch his players from the Boleyn Ground stands. However Bilic has defended himself against such accusations, saying that he wanted to support his academy director, who has been training the squad for a number of weeks and has extensive experience working with the youngsters who were promoted to the squad. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," the manager told the club website. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."

Bilic will now return to Ireland, where those not involved in last night's match are taking part in a pre-season training camp. He said: "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra." The 3-0 victory leaves the Hammers well-poised to advance to the next stage of the qualifying rounds and Bilic was pleased with a confident display early in pre-season. "Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals," he said. "The second half was much more fluid. The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."

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Terry Westley raves about Reece Oxford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Reece Oxford made his debut for West Ham United in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday. West Ham United Academy manager Terry Westley has been singing the praises of Reece Oxford on the club's official website. Oxford made his debut for the Hammers during the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round against FC Lusitans on Thursday evening. The 16-year-old defender played well against the Andorran side and was impressive during the 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground. The England Under-18 international captain normally plays as a centre-back, but on Thursday he featured as a midfielder. Oxford became the youngster ever player to play for West Ham, breaking Billy Williams' 93-year record in the process. Westley was impressed with the performance of the teenager on his debut and was full of praise for him after the match. "He has done well and it gets that out of the way," Westley told West Ham's official website. "It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. "Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."

Good performance

It was a memorable debut performance from Oxford, who showed that he can be effective in midfield. The youngster looked calm and confident when he had the ball at his feet, and also tried an ambitious effort on goal from 30 yards.

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Bilic: I respect FC Lusitans
Last Updated: July 3 2015, 9:56 BST
Sporting Life

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has "big time" respect for FC Lusitans after he was criticised for sitting out the Europa League qualifying fixture on Thursday evening. Having been appointing on June 9, Bilic watched from the stands with academy director Terry Westley overseeing a 3-0 first-leg victory as the Hammers got their season under way just 39 days after the end of the last campaign. Bilic, 46, was presented to a sold-out Upton Park before the game before moving to the directors' box having flown over from a training camp in Ireland with those senior players not involved in the Europa League fixture. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura was not happy with Bilic's decision not to take charge of West Ham - saying he was saddened that his counterpart was not on the bench - claiming the Croatian thought he was the 'Special One' and that Lusitans were "not important enough" for Bilic. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who is yet to address the media since replacing Sam Allardyce, told West Ham's official website it was more about splitting his time between two groups of players rather than disrespecting both opponent and competition on Thursday. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," he said. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. "I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Roura hopes to see Bilic in Andorra for the second leg next Thursday but Westley said he would not expect the manager to make the trip - with Bilic still looking to spread his time.
"I will now go back to Ireland on Friday to meet back up with the first-team group," he added. "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week." Diafra Sakho scored twice with James Tomkins adding the third against Lusitans on Thursday and, if the Hammers can safely navigate the return leg, they will still face two more qualifying rounds and a play-off to reach the Europa League group stages.

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How West Ham's Payet signing proves McClaren's Newcastle comments very wrong
HITC
Tim Poole

The Newcastle United boss has defended his club's lack of transfer activity. But West Ham have already proven him very wrong. According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has emailed fans asking for patience and explaining that he needs time to acquire the 'right' players for the Magpies. But, just days into the job, McClaren is making basic mistakes and offering poor excuses for a club that simply aren't pulling their weight in the transfer market. Indeed, the Magpies boss is already singing from a different hymnsheet than the one when he took the job. Back then, he boldly stated that Newcastle will spend plenty and sign plenty. McClaren claimed he was convinced of that by Mike Ashley's Sky Sports interview saying the same last season. Well, if the Newcastle coach really did fall for a PR stunt like that, his reasoning for there being no signings in place by July isn't really good enough for a club of the Magpies' stature.

For McClaren only need look south to West Ham United, whose capture of Dimitry Payet proves his comments very wrong. You don't need too long to identify the 'right' players if your club is pulling together in the right direction. Payet was signed by West Ham just days after Slaven Bilic was appointed. Newcastle, meanwhile, finished lower than the Hammers last season and only appointed McClaren a day after the Croat was put in place. In short, it may not be the 54-year-old's fault that his club are yet to sign anyone - but his excuses are lame at best. Newcastle simply haven't been doing enough in the transfer market and that is inexcusable. West Ham, by contrast, have. And their signings so far - capped off by the Payet capture - show just what a club can have done by now with a little bit of cohesion and effort.

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand, says team mate
Evening Standard
JULIAN BENNETTS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 09:29, 03 July 2015

Joey O'Brien has told Reece Oxford he will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand after the 16-year-old became West Ham's youngest ever player last night. Aged just 16 years and 198 days Oxford played the full 90 minutes in a comfortable 3-0 win over Lusitans of Andorra as he beat the club record set by Billy Williams in 1922. But O'Brien has warned the centre-back he has achieved nothing yet and says the England Under-17 captain needs to ignore the hype as he looks to establish himself in the Premier League under new boss Slaven Bilic.
And O'Brien also believes Oxford will have to get used to regular comparisons with Ferdinand, who came through the ranks at Upton Park before enjoying a stellar career with Manchester United and England. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," said O'Brien when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand are inevitable. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through. "It's unbelievable, it is top-end stuff doing that at that young age. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home. It is fantastic for him and the Academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be sacked with no pay-off if Hammers go down - and needs top-eight finish to land bonus "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him. "But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
And O'Brien revealed Bilic came into the dressing room to thank the players after this comfortable win, which was secured by a Diafra Sakho double and James Tomkins' header. The Croat watched from the stands as academy manager Terry Westley took charge, leading Lusitans manager Xavi Roura to accuse him of thinking he was 'a Special One' and showing a lack of respect – a charge he is unlikely to revise with Bilic thought unlikely to travel to the second leg. But O'Brien says Sam Allardyce's replacement has made a positive impression. "He came in after the game and thanked us all," said the Irishman. "In Ireland (at the team's training camp) he came over, looked at us, spoke to a few of the lads and came across really well. "This is a chance for everyone – young lads, old lads, lads who haven't been playing. The manager comes in and it is a new start for everyone."

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'Slaven Bilic thinks he is the Special One' - West Ham boss accused of disrespecting Europa League opponents
Evening Standard
MARK BRYANS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 06:52, 03 July 2015

West Ham were left red-faced on Thursday night as their Europa League victory over FC Lusitans was over-shadowed by claims of a lack of respect from new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian, who replaced Sam Allardyce at Upton Park, was expected to take charge of his first game since his appointment on June 9. Instead it was academy director Terry Westley who selected the side and was in the dug-out for the 3-0 win whilst Bilic, who was presented to the sold-out crowd before the first-round qualifying clash, watched from the stands as a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header sealed a routine victory. And Westley was left defending the former Besiktas boss after Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused him of disrespecting his side. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch," Westley said. "Not every manager sits in the dug-out. The manager has flown back from a training camp (in Ireland), got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players. "He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."

But Roura, whose side welcome West Ham to Andorra for the return leg next Thursday, saw things differently and was upset by Bilic's no-show in the dugout. "Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. "It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented, that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One', should come to Andorra." Despite Roura's plea for Bilic, who has yet to face the media since landing the job, to turn up next week, Westley admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, with all that he's got going on. He can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg.

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Crystal Palace told to up Yohan Cabaye bid in order to fend off rivals
London 24
07:00 03 July 2015 Brad Pinard

Crystal Palace have been told to cough up £12million to sign midfielder Yohan Cabaye from PSG this summer. French reports claim the Eagles have lodged a £9million bid (€12.5million) but the French champions are not looking for a quick sale and so will it could take some serious negotiations to get the deal done. Palace are by far and away the favourites to sign Cabaye, who was linked with the likes of Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton last month. However, a number of those clubs have cooled their interest, with West Ham and Southampton still seeing Cabaye as a back up option. Alan Pardew is desperate to be reunited with his former Toon playmaker and is hoping to make him the Eagles' main summer buy.

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