Daily WHUFC News - 1st August 2015

'It was a very frustrating evening'
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic cut a hugely frustrated manager after seeing his West Ham
United side squander a two-goal UEFA Europa League third qualifying round
first leg advantage to Romanians Astra Giurgiu. The Hammers surged into a
deserved 2-0 lead through goals from Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate and
looked on course to wrap the tie up before James Collins was sent-off for a
second bookable offence just before the hour-mark. With West Ham having
already lost the injured Joey O'Brien and Enner Valencia, Bilic could not
shuffle his pack and an inspired Astra suddenly found new energy. First,
Brazilian Fernando Boldrin smashed in from 25 yards via the underside of the
crossbar, then the unfortunate Angelo Ogbonna marred his full debut by
diverting a hopeful ball into the box past the helpless Adrian. Speaking to
West Ham TV Bilic, who was himself sent to the stands by Swiss referee
Adrien Jaccottet late on, could not hide his disappointment at the
succession of events that derailed his side. "It was a very frustrating
evening because we played well until the moment we had a player sent-off,"
said the Croatian. "We were two-up and we were dominating the game. "We had
chances to score the third goal. It was a professional foul from Collins and
I can't blame him in that situation. The second yellow was a little harsh,
for me. "After that, until they scored that great goal, they didn't create
but they started to hurt us. We still had some counter-attacks and chances,
but in the end they scored one great goal and an own-goal, but it was a
different game after they scored the first one."

Before Collins was dismissed for bringing down Astra captain Constantin
Budescu, West Ham looked on course for a comfortable victory against
technically competent but largely toothless opponents to that point. With
Dimitri Payet influential and Valencia, Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate running
wild, the Hammers had 12 corners in the opening 45 minutes, while also
getting in behind the Romanian defence time and again. "We definitely played
well in the first hour, but the game lasts 90 minutes and we had to react
better to going down to ten men," Bilic reflected.
"The problem was also that we could not change a lot because we had already
done two substitutions so we had to wait. We were one man down and we
couldn't change in case someone else got injured and we went two men down.
We had to delay it. "At 2-2 it's a bad result for us and we're not happy.
Add the injuries to Joey, which hopefully doesn't look too bad, and Enner,
which we don't know until Friday when he has a scan but it doesn't look
good, and the frustration is bigger. "We played good and created chances and
were dangerous and lively and nice to watch, but we should defend better as
a unit after Ginge went off."

For Bilic, the frustration was further compounded when Mr Jaccottet sent him
to the stands late on. "The situation was I was not happy with his decision.
If they sent Collins off, then they should have booked the player [Valerica
Gaman] for his foul on Dimitri. I did not swear, definitely, but I just
asked why and he sent me off." With the Barclays Premier League season to
start at Arsenal less than 72 hours after the second leg in Romania, Bilic
concluded by confirming that he will think carefully before choosing which
players will make the 1,200 mile round-trip to Giurgiu. "It was the same
plan, no matter what the result is, that the majority of the players who
will start against Arsenal will not participate in that game," he explained.
"We would like to do both, but the Premier League was and is the priority
for us."

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Zarate: We have it all to do in Romania
WHUFC.com

West Ham United forward Mauro Zarate admits he was unable to celebrate his
fantastic individual strike and was unhappy that the team could only manage
a 2-2 draw against AFC Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League. Zarate scored a
superb effort early in the second half to net his first competitive goal at
the Boleyn Ground to put the Hammers into a two-goal lead. But the dismissal
of James Collins changed the game and Astra scored two late goals to keep
the tie wide open. The Argentine forward knows West Ham United will have to
be at their very best in the second leg if they are to reach the play-off
round. Zarate said: "It was bad in the dressing room after the game because
we scored two goals and in the second half we had to play a little bit more,
but that is football. "It was great for me to score a goal but I am also
very sad as this is not a good result for us. "We will have another tough
game in Romania next week. They will attack and we have to win. It will be a
good match for everyone." Zarate was also unhappy to see fellow forward
Enner Valencia carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury midway through
the first half. He added: "I have to speak with Enner. I think he turned his
knee and we will see what happens."

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New dates for Spurs and West Brom
WHUFC.com

Two of West Ham United's Barclays Premier League games in November now have
new dates.

The trip to White Hart Lane to take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will
now be on Sunday 22 November at 4pm, a day later than originally scheduled.

Meanwhile, the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion is now set for Sunday
29 November, with a 2.05pm kick-off.

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Payet impressed by Boleyn atmosphere
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet says the famous Boleyn Ground more than lived up to
expectation as he enjoyed a dramatic home debut in Thursday's 2-2 UEFA
Europa League third qualifying round draw with Astra Giurgiu. The Frenchman
was instrumental in guiding Slaven Bilic's men to a 2-0 lead against the
Romanian outfit, before James Collins' dismissal saw the hosts' evening
unravel in the latter stages. Payet had been warned to expect something
special from a night at the Boleyn Ground and the 28-year-old was not
disappointed. The Frenchman sparkled under the lights but reckons he is
still just warming to the task. "I was expecting a special atmosphere and
it's truly an English stadium, as they say, with a great atmosphere," he
told West Ham TV. "Honestly, it was a great pleasure to have started here
and I am very happy. "It's my third match, I'm still short of a bit of
rhythm, a bit of sharpness, but that's going to come. It's good, but you
must always do better."

Despite an ultimately disappointing scoreline, Payet, who was the architect
of Enner Valencia's headed opener, insists the Hammers should take heart
from the manner in which they controlled proceedings for an hour. And with
West Ham heading to Romania at two apiece next week, he is adamant that all
is by no means lost. He continued: "The positive is that before the sending
off we had the game in our hands. The red card weakened us and allowed them
to grow in confidence and we finish with a 2-2. "It's always complicated
with ten men. What we have to remember, beyond this game, is that until the
red card we were controlling the opposition with two goals scored, so we
have to hold onto that. "At 2-0 at home, we weren't put in any danger up
until that point. It [the red card] woke them up and it weakened us. "We've
still got the return leg. It's certainly going to be difficult, we're
playing away from home, but we'll be all square numerically. It's down to us
to do as we did here, to impose our game and to do what we must to qualify."


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Enner Valencia update
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia sustained what initially appears to be a significant injury
to his right knee and right ankle during Thursday's UEFA Europa League third
qualifying round first leg tie with Astra Giurgiu. The Ecuador forward will
see a specialist consultant at a clinic in central London on Monday morning
and an update will be provided following that meeting. It is too early to
put a timescale on how long Enner's recovery and rehabilitation period may
be.

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Noble - Players will be raring to go
WHUFC.com

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble says the players will remain positive
heading into the new season and will be raring to go when they face Arsenal
in the opening Premier League game. Noble was disappointed that his side
failed to hold onto a two-goal lead against AFC Astra Giurgiu in the Europa
League on Thursday night. Following the dismissal of James Collins, the
Romanian side got themselves back into the game with a wonder strike from
Fernando Boldrin and a late own goal from Angelo Ogbonna. West Ham United
now face a tough task in trying to reach the play-off round when they head
to Romania for the second leg next week, but Noble says the spirit must
remain high as they prepare for the start of the new Premier League season
at Emirates Stadium on August 9. Noble said: "We were disappointed by the
result. But if you ask if we are angry and upset I would say no because we
have got to try and win on Thursday night and then we have got Arsenal on
Sunday. "With the quality that we had on the pitch it could have been a lot
more but they had a wonder strike and a freak goal and it made it hard for
us. "We can't be upset because if we go into the Premier League feeling
sorry for ourselves we are going to get punished. We have got to stay
positive and I am sure we will be fine."

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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com

With just over a week to go before the opening Premier League game against
Arsenal all the attention has now switched towards signing another striker
before the transfer window closes at the end of August. The Club were
already targeting another forward, but with Enner Valencia being carried off
on a stretcher during the 2-2 draw with AFC Astra Giurgiu in the Europa
League, I believe that the search has now intensified. Diafra Sakho served
the last match of his three game European ban on Thursday and will be
available for selection, while Mauro Zarate also reminded Slaven Bilic of
his ability with a well taken goal early in the second half. But my sources
have told me that negotiations are continuing behind the scenes to bring in
more new signings in the forward line. I know that the search continues and
the Club are looking at a number of targets across Europe. There have been
reports linking West Ham United with a move for a top striker in Spain and
my understanding is that the deal hinges on him getting a work permit. I
also understand that the Club will have more news on the Valencia injury
later on Friday. I have been told that the player has undergone a scan and
the Club are now waiting for the results.

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Dev Squad fixture postponed
WHUFC.com

The Development Squad fixture at Welling United originally scheduled for
Friday 31 July has been postponed due to pitch maintenance work at Park View
Road.

The Hammers' youngsters will return to action on Wednesday 5 August, when
they head to The Prospects Stadium to take on Essex side Canvey Island at
7.45pm.

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Valencia to undergo scan on knee injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Enner Valencia will have a scan to determine the extent of the damage to his
knee on Friday morning. The Ecuador international went down clutching his
leg ten minutes before half time in last night's 2-2 draw against Astra
Giurgiu. He was eventually stretched off the field and replaced by Modibo
Miaga. Speaking about the injury following last night's draw, Hammers boss
Slaven Bilic confirmed that Valencia would be sent to see club doctors on
Friday. "It's a knee injury and I think he twisted it," he told the media.
"We're going to wait until tomorrow morning and do a scan - then we wait and
hope for the best. Until he takes the scan it's all speculation."

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West Ham Utd 2-2 Astra Giurgiu
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham will have to recall the spirit of Metz if they are to proceed any
further in this year's Europa League. The Hammers know they have to get a
result in Romania if they are to continue beyond the third qualifying round
after SLaven Bilic's side saw a two-goal lead disappear within minutes of
James Collins' second half dismissal for a second yellow card.
And Bilic will no doubt be calling upon the side to repeat the heroic
performance of 15 years ago in France, when West Ham overturned a 1-0
deficit in the first leg at the Boleyn Ground.
It had looked so good for the Hammers as they raced into a 2-0 lead. The
opening goal arrived midway through the first half via the head of the
returning Enner Valencia, who converted a deep Dimitri Payet cross from
close range. Sadly the Ecuador international's night was curtailed shortly
after when he was stretchered off the pitch following a challenge that left
him nursing a leg injury - moments after Joey O'Brien had been replaced
through injury. Despite that double blow, West Ham doubled their advantage
six minutes into the second half when Mauro Zarate dribbled past four
players before converting his first ever goal at the Boleyn Ground - much to
the delight of the Argentine forward. It should have been plain sailing for
West Ham from then on but James Collins - already cautioned for an earlier
misdemeanor - saw himself become the THIRD West Ham player to be dismissed
in this season's Europa League programme for a ill-judged challenge on
Budescu, who seconds earlier had been lucky to escape with just a booking
himself for a dreadful lunge on Payet. Astra, down and seemingly out at that
point sniffed their moment of opportunity and grabbed it with both hands.
Fernando Boldrin halved the deficit when he took advantage of a poor
clearance by Zarate to smash home the visitors' first off the underside of
Adrian's crossbar. But there was even worse to follow for West Ham when new
signing Angelo Ogbonna stretched for a deep delivery but could only send the
ball looping over Adrian's head into the far corner of the net, just eight
minutes from the end of normal time. West Ham now travel to Romania - just
72 hours ahead of the Premier League kick off at Arsenal - knowing they must
either win or score at least twice to stand any chance of making the final
play off round.

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Zarate unhappy with team performance
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Mauro Zarate may have been delighted with his first goal at the Boleyn
Ground - but was less than complimentary about his team's efforts on the
night. The Argentine forward criticised West Ham's performance following
last night's 2-2 Europa League draw against Astra Giurgiu. When asked to
comment on the result, Zarate replied: "It's pretty bad. We were playing
really well and scored two goals but in the second half I think we had to
play a little bit more, keep the ball, just pass and take our time. But
that's football. "it was good [to score] but it's really sad and not a good
result for us."

And looking ahead to next week's second leg, the 28-year-old insisted that
it'll take a far better performance from West Ham to secure passage to the
competition's next stage.
"I think it will be a similar match," he added. "They will attack and we
have to win. "It'll be a good match for everyone but we have to do more. We
have to work harder, we have to play a bit higher up the pitch - and we have
to win."

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Fortress Upton Park dismantled
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have been placed a lowly 40th in a new study to find the Football
League's most successful home team of all time. On the face of it, fresh
analysis by SkySports of the home records for every team to have featured in
the Football League since its inception 127 years ago makes bad reading for
Hammers fans. Unsurprisingly perhaps the all-conquering Liverpool team that
dominated English and European football in the 1970s and 1980s topped the
chart. The Merseysiders enjoyed a win percentage of 61.58, having won 1,359
or their 2,207 Football and Premier League football matches since the
1892/93 season. Not far behind come Manchester United, who have won 61.43
per cent of their home league fixtures (1,365 of 2,222 games) - with Arsenal
completing the top three on 59.27 per cent (1,308 win from 2,207 matches).
However you have to go way down to 40th spot, behind the likes of Reading
(6th), Swindon (22nd) and Northampton Town (33rd) to find West Ham United
with a win percentage of 50.92 per cent, having won 940 out of a total of
1,846 league matches played at the Boleyn Ground. Of course, West Ham's
position is hampered somewhat by the fact that the club have never played
outside of the Football League's top two divisions - unlike 36th placed
Southend United, for example, who have never played in the top flight whilst
spending nearly their entire history in the third and four tiers. When
removing any team to have featured in the league's third tier or below, the
Hammers rise to a far more respectable ninth place in the all-time table -
as you can see from our table below.

Top 10 home win percentages (all divisions)

1. Liverpool 61.58% (1,359 of 2,207)
2. Manchester United 61.43% (1,365 of 2,222)
3. Arsenal 59.27% (1,308 of 2,207)
4. Newcastle United 56.48% (1,255 of 2,222)
5. Manchester City 56.42% (1,266 of 2,244)
6. Reading 56.18% (1,104 of 1,965)
7. Aston Villa 55.12% (1,254 of 2,275)
8. Leeds United 55.04% (1,022 of 1,857)
9. Tottenham Hotspur 54.96% (1,075 of 1,956)
10. Everton 54.94% (1,246 of 2,268)


Top 10 home win percentages (teams featuring in the top two tiers only)

1. Liverpool 61.58% (1,359 of 2,207)
2. Manchester United 61.43% (1,365 of 2,222)
3. Arsenal 59.27% (1,308 of 2,207)
4. Newcastle United 56.48% (1,255 of 2,222)
5. Aston Villa 55.12% (1,254 of 2,275)
6. Tottenham Hotspur 54.96% (1,075 of 1,956)
7. Everton 54.94% (1,246 of 2,268)
8. Chelsea 53,47% (1,079 of 2,018)
9. West Ham United 50.92% (940 of 1,846)
10. Leicester City 49.87% (1,127 of 2,260)

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West Ham United: Enner Valencia has 'significant' injury
BBC.co.uk

Enner Valencia suffered a "significant injury" to his right knee and ankle
in his team's Europa League tie with Astra Giurgiu, West Ham have confirmed.
The 25-year-old Ecuadorian fell awkwardly during a challenge soon after
heading his side in front in the third qualifying round first leg tie. "I am
worried," said Hammers manager Slaven Bilic after the 2-2 draw. "It is too
early to say how long Enner's recovery and rehabilitation period may be,"
the club added. Valencia's injury capped a bad night for West Ham, who face
a battle to stay in Europe after letting slip a 2-0 lead at Upton Park.
Mauro Zarate added to Valencia's goal but a red card for defender James
Collins turned the game. Astra, who host the second leg on 6 August, hit
back through Fernando Boldrin's effort and an own goal from debutant Angelo
Ogbonna.
But it was Valencia's injury that concerned Bilic the most. "I am not happy
with the result of course but this is not as important as the injury. It
looks serious but we won't know for sure until he has a scan," added the
Hammers boss, who was ordered away from his technical area in the closing
stages after rowing with officials. West Ham qualified for Europe through
the Fair Play League but Collins' dismissal in the 59th minute means they
have now had three players sent off in five Europa League games. Forward
Diafra Sakho was sent off against Lusitanos in the first qualifying round,
while defender James Tomkins was suspended against Astra after being red
carded in Malta.

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Injury curse strikes again as Valencia diagnosed with 'significant injury'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Enner Valencia could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after
sustaining a knee injury during last night's 2-2 Europa League draw with
Astra Giurgiu. The Ecuador international had been on the field for little
more than 25 minutes when he was forced to withdraw - via a stretcher - due
to the injury.

And West Ham confirmed this afternoon that the 25-year-old will see a
specialist early next week to determine the extent of the damage.
"Enner sustained what initially appears to be a significant injury to his
right knee and right ankle," read a statement on whufc.com. "The Ecuador
forward will see a specialist consultant at a clinic in central London on
Monday morning. "It is too early to put a timescale on how long Enner's
recovery and rehabilitation period may be."

Valencia was making only his third appearance of pre-season and his first at
the Boleyn Ground, when he sustained the injury.

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Report: Hammers in for £8.4m striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The Irons are being reported as having lodged an£8.4 million bid to sign
Fenerbache striker Moussa Sow. The Hammers have been looking all over for a
loan striker and have had a £9 million bid for Javier Hernandez knocked back
but according to some outlets they have now moved in on Sow following the
nasty Enner Valencia injury. Reports in Turkey claim an £8.4 million bid has
been lodged and with Sunderland having already seen one offer rejected for
Sow ,the Irons have now allegedly become favourites for the player.

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BT Sport to show Astra v Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

BT Sports have stepped in to snap up the TV rights for the second leg of the
Hammers v FC Astra clash next Thursday evening.

The station will start broadcasting from 6.30 pm and the game is already
sheduled on the Sky TV guide. It will be shown on Channel 414 – BT Sports
Euro HD – in what should be a thrilling affair.

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Boleyn already very special for Payet
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Dimitri Payet has fallen in love with the Boleyn. The exciting Frenchman
turned on the style last night with a great assist for Enner Valencia's goal
and a fine all round performance on his UP debut. And afterwards he told
West Ham TV: ""I was expecting a special atmosphere and it's truly an
English stadium, as they say, with a great atmosphere. Honestly, it was a
great pleasure to have started here and I am very happy. "It's my third
match, I'm still short of a bit of rhythm, a bit of sharpness, but that's
going to come. It's good, but you must always do better."

Like ClaretandHugh blogger and former Irons striking legend, Frank
McAvennie, Dimi refuses to write off the second leg given the team's
supremacy before being reduced to ten men against Astra. He said: "The
positive is that before the sending off we had the game in our hands. The
red card weakened us and allowed them to grow in confidence and we finish
with a 2-2. "It's always complicated with ten men. What we have to remember,
beyond this game, is that until the red card we were controlling the
opposition with two goals scored, so we have to hold onto that. "At 2-0 at
home, we weren't put in any danger up until that point. It [the red card]
woke them up and it weakened us. "It's certainly going to be difficult,
we're playing away from home, but we'll be all square numerically. It's down
to us to do as we did here, to impose our game and to do what we must to
qualify."

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West Ham 'ready to finally sign Javier Hernandez from Manchester United with
improved transfer offer'
Louis Sealey for Metro.co.uk
Friday 31 Jul 2015 6:11 pm

West Ham are monitoring Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez ahead of
a possible transfer move, according to reports. The Hammers have been
heavily linked with Hernandez and tabled a £9million bid for the Mexican
earlier in the month. United boss Louis van Gaal has offered the former Real
Madrid loanee another chance to flourish at Old Trafford, but West Ham
remain keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season and
are keeping tabs on the forward, report the Evening Standard. Slaven Bilic
is desperate for a striker with Andy Carroll sidelined until October and
believes Hernandez could provide the attacking threat his side require.

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Bilic: 'Valencia injury doesn't look good'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic – sent to the stands by Swiss referee Adrien Jaccottet – saw
the Irons come off the rails after leading 2-0 against FC Astra and
declared: "We played well until the moment we had a player sent-off. " James
Collins had been dismissed for a second bookable offence and the manager
told West Ham TV: "We had chances to score the third goal. It was a
professional foul from Collins and I can't blame him in that situation. The
second yellow was a little harsh, for me. "After that, until they scored
that great goal, they didn't create but they started to hurt us. We still
had some counter-attacks and chances, but in the end they scored one great
goal and an own-goal, but it was a different game after they scored the
first one."

He said: "We definitely played well in the first hour, but the game lasts 90
minutes and we had to react better to going down to ten men," Bilic
reflected. The problem was also that we could not change a lot because we
had already done two substitutions so we had to wait. We were one man down
and we couldn't change in case someone else got injured and we went two men
down. We had to delay it. "At 2-2 it's a bad result for us and we're not
happy. Add the injuries to Joey O'Brien, which hopefully doesn't look too
bad, and Enner, which we don't know until Friday when he has a scan but it
doesn't look good, and the frustration is bigger. "We played good and
created chances and were dangerous and lively and nice to watch, but we
should defend better as a unit after Ginge went off." Of his own departure
he declared: " I was not happy with his (the referee's ) decision. If they
sent Collins off, then they should have booked the player [Valerica Gaman]
for his foul on Dimitri (Payet). I did not swear, definitely, but I just
asked why and he sent me off."

With the Barclays Premier League season to start at Arsenal less than 72
hours after the second leg in Romania, Bilic said he will think carefully
before choosing which players will make the 1,200 mile round-trip to
Giurgiu. "It was the same plan, no matter what the result is, that the
majority of the players who will start against Arsenal will not participate
in that game," he explained. "We would like to do both, but the Premier
League was and is the priority for us."

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Astra coach: "We're no favourites"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

FC Astra coach Marius Sumudica is refusing to accept it's a formality for
the Romanian outfit to progress at our cost in the Europa Cup tournament.
Two away goals is a formidable comfort cushion but the Astra boss is talking
down his team's chances as favourites to complete the job. Following the
game he declared: " We are definitely not favourites. We have played one
game so far and the pressure is actually on us because everyone thinks we
are the favourites."

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Zarate gives Valencia 'verdict'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Mauro Zarate produced a great performance and fine goal against the
Romanians last night but knows there is one hell of a job in over the second
leg. Imediately after the game he told the official site: "It was bad in the
dressing room after the game because we scored two goals and in the second
half we had to play a little bit more, but that is football. "It was great
for me to score a goal but I am also very sad as this is not a good result
for us. We will have another tough game in Romania next week. They will
attack and we have to win. It will be a good match for everyone."
Zarate was also unhappy to see fellow forward Enner Valencia carried off on
a stretcher with a knee injury midway through the first half. He added: "I
have to speak with Enner. I think he turned his knee and we will see what
happens."

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Frankie Mc: "No trouble in Romania"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
Frank McAvennie

I have no worries about the Europa Cup return leg and believe the Irons will
qualify for the next stage of the competition. However, the squad have to
GROW UP now and sort out these sendings off – Slaven are you listening lol.
Ok it was all very disappointing to see the team lose two goals but fair
play to Astra they gave it a real go after James Collins was sent off.
However, with eleven v eleven we were we would have gone on to win by three
or four because we had played some excellent stuff until then and there was
only one team at the races. If we mange to keep everyone on the pitch out
there we will beat them. The manager has a tough decision to make on what
sort of team he puts outwith the Premier League so close to kicking off but
I think we have a squad that can cope. Many are saying this morning that we
should kick Europe into touch now and concentrate on the Premier League but
whilst the PL has to be our Number One priority we have the resources to
continue a run in the Europa.. There's nothing like European nights under
the Upton Park lights and I don't think we should sacrifice that
opportunity. I want to see the club make a few quid out of the competition
and believe we can go on for a few rounds yet. I find it ironic way that we
have qualified for the competition via the Fair Play League but have had
four guys including the manager sent off in five games. Never mind, we are
good enough to press on in this competition and do ok in the PL so lets have
it – you don't chuck in the towel at this stage. The boss is still bringing
in new players and working out systems but trust me, he, like every other
manager, will have a preferred system of play and it will be fascinating to
see how we go at the Emirates on opening day. We coped with loads of games
in my day and they should be able to now. I can't see anything other than an
Hammers win in Romania

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German friendly to be screened
Posted by Hammers Newshound on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

This Saturday's preseason friendly game v Werder Bremen will be broadcast
LIVE on German Werder TV to registered subscribers. The LIVE German coverage
increases the chance the game will be streamed over the Internet in the UK
to Hammers fans. The fixture will mark the second time West Ham have faced
Werder in the Club's history, the only previous meeting taking place at the
Weserstadion on 14 August 1984. The German club ran out 2-1 winners on that
occasion. The pair were scheduled to clash in a pre-season match at the
Thermenstadion in Bad Waltersdorf, Austria, on 18 July 2009, only for the
match to be postponed due to a heavily waterlogged pitch. Advanced Ticket
advance prices of £20 for Adults, Under-21s and Over-65s and £10 for
Under-16s. Matchday ticket prices have been set as £25 for Adults, Under-21s
and Over-65s and £15 for Under-16s.

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Romanian TV to broadcast Europa match
Posted by Hammers Newshound on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Romanian TV channel Digisport will broadcast the second leg of the Europa
League third round qualifier between West Ham v FC Astra Giurgiu next
Thursday. Although no English commentary has been confirmed , the presence
of the LIVE cameras increases the chances that a British broadcaster will
take the coverage. At the worst it will be available as a Internet stream
with foreign commentary. West Ham have been allocated just 500 tickets for
the away leg in Romania priced at £11 each plus a £6.95 booking and special
delivery postal fee. Priority Points applicants will hear today whether they
have been successful in getting tickets for Romania. Media in Romania claim
around 3,000 Romanians attended last night's sell out match at the Boleyn
ground. Many mingled with home supporters in a match which finished 2-2.

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Open training day announced
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Fans will be able to watch Slav's new look squad close up at a special
training Open Day on August 11. The event will be staged on behalf of
Season Ticket Holders, Academy Members, Corporate Seasonal Members and New
Stadium Season Ticket Priority List Members. The official site reveals that
the Irons boss will "be putting his players through their paces as they
prepare for the first home game of the season against Leicester City four
days later." Training starts at 2pm, with entry to the Boleyn Ground from
1.30pm. A big attendance is expected as the new additions to the squad –
Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and Pedro Obiang -joining the likes of
Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid as they prepare for the year ahead.

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Five Hammers games on Sky
Posted by Hammers Newshound on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are scheduled for three Premier league games to be shown live on
Sky Sports between August and November this coming season. The Hammers
receive a facility fee of £864,810 for each match screened Live in the UK.

Sun 9th August : Arsenal v West Ham (1.30pm)

Mon 14th September: West Ham v Newcastle (8pm)

Sat 19th September: Man City v West Ham (5.30pm)

Sun 22nd November: Spurs v West Ham (4pm)

Sun 29th November: West Ham v West Bromwich Albion (2.05pm)

BT Sport have scheduled no West Ham matches so far between August and
November.

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Hammers sweat it out on Valencia
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham have just revealed to ClaretandHugh that Enner Valencia's scan will
be carried out later this afternoon. Slaven Bilic admitted this morning that
things didn't look to good for the striker but premature reports have been
circulating that the player has twisted a knee and would be about for three
months. Irons sources were quick to declare that until the scan is carried
out there can be no certainty about anything at this stage. We were told:
"There's still no definite news on Enner and we are all sweating it out a
bit as the scan won't be conducted until later this afternoon." (Fri)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shep's blog: Astra comeback a blessing in disguise
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 31, 2015 in News,
Shep's Blogs
C AND H

Before a ball had been kicked I suggested the Europa Cup could prove a
poisoned chalice for West Ham So it has proved and they would be better
off slipping quietly out of the competition next Thursday in Romania before
more damage is done.

Agreed I argued positives could be taken from the prolonged involvement in
the qualifying process in that new manager Slaven Bilic could assess players
in a competitive environment not just pre season friendlies and that might
help the team hit the ground running in the Premier League. The biggest fear
was that a key player would suffer injury and that came to pass in
Thursday's 2-2 draw to Astra Giugio when after scoring Enner Valencia was
stretchered off with a knee injury. The Ecuadorian striker looks like he
will miss the opening phase of the season. Even if he doesn't, the risks are
clear.

Given the return leg, which involves an arduous trip to Romania, is just
four days ahead of the PL opener at Arsenal Bilic now faces a difficult
juggling act. If West Ham are perceived to send a severely weakened team
for the second leg they could face censure from UEFA but deep down I suspect
Bilic and many of the players won't be bothered in the slightest if this
European adventure ends even before it's properly started.

It would make sense to send a "second string team" out there but still one
containing senior but now peripheral players such as Kevin Nolan and Matt
Jarvis to give it credibility. And no doubt some players wishing to prove a
point will give it a go out there . But if the Hammers did win there is
still a further play off round to play before the Europa League proper gets
underway. And as Tottenham and Everton have found in recent seasons
involvement in the "Thursday Night Cup" takes it toll and impacts on
domestic form.

It's not like the good old days of white knuckle rides in the knockout
formats of the now defunct Cup Winners and UEFA Cups. If the tournament
proper is reached it's a slog and for English clubs awash with PL TV money
not one which has the same attraction as for clubs from poor footballing
nations who like the extra revenue a league format offers. In the ramp up
season to the Olympic stadium and a brave new world beyond West Ham simply
cannot afford to have the life sucked out of them and be dragged into a
relegation battle. So in that sense there is no shame in the circumstance
for West Ham to adopt an attitude of "thanks for the ride it's been a bit
of fun, an eye opener too, but now it's time to get off of the train".

Let's not forget participation in the first place was an unexpected "bonus".
And how ironic that having qualified via the "Fair Play League" the Hammers
have had three players and the manager sent off in five matches making the
team the "dirtiest" in the competition so far. Maybe that's a sign that
it's time to pack up the tent. Of course at 2-0 up against Astra things
seemed a bit different but maybe the comeback by the Romanians to put them
in poll position in the tie is a blessing in disguise.

For Astra, a team who competed in the Champions League a few season ago,
playing in the Europa Cup proper is a big deal financially and a focal point
of their season. For English teams though the Europa League has often
proved a beast of burden and it's one West Ham can do without, allowing
them to focus on the business of a top ten PL finish and bidding farewell
to the Boleyn Ground on a high .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Set To Complete Loan Signing?
Posted by whufc_news@hotmail.com on July 31, 2015 in News, Transfer Rumours
C AND H

West Ham United are set to complete the loan signing of Atletico Madrid
forward Raul Jimenez, according to various reports in Portugal, Spain and
Mexico. The Mexican international, who signed for Simeone's side last season
has rarely featured in an Atletico shirt, and as a result he only scored
once for the Liga BBVA giants in the 2014/15 campaign. Slaven Bilic has
expressed his desire to bring a striker to Upton Park this summer and it
looks as if his search is over, with the 24 year-old set to join on a
12-month loan deal with NO option to buy.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The FourFourTwo Season Preview 2015/16: West Ham

With Big Sam having been given the big heave-ho, it's all change in east
London. In their final year at the Boleyn Ground, it's over to Slaven Bilic
to kick on...
And so the post-Big Sam era begins. Let the football fiesta begin, right?
Slaven Bilic may have almost picked up the Hammers' job by default after
Davids Gold and Sullivan failed to land anyone from a shortlist of
illustrious coaching names, but the Croatian (recently named 43rd in our
list of the top 50 managers in the world) may have the passion and tactical
nous to match whatever anyone else can achieve at the final season at the
Boleyn. A rumoured cessation clause without compensation exists should Bilic
do very badly, but with several possibly sage signings in the bank already,
the heights of the top half look well within reach. You still here, Nolan?
What the fan says

WestHamTilIIDie.com editor Iain Dale tells FourFourTwo how he sees West
Ham's final season at the Boleyn panning out.

TRANSFERS
IN
Pedro Obiang (Sampdoria)
Dimitri Payet (Marseille)
Angelo Ogbonna (Juventus)
Darren Randolph (Birmingham)
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, loan)
Manuel Lanzini (Al-Jazira, loan)
Stephen Hendrie (Hamilton)

OUT
Dan Potts (Luton)
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)
Carlton Cole (Released)
Guy Demel (Released)
Jussi Jaaskelainen (Released)
Nene (Released)

Why they'll do well

Gold and Sullivan have provided the means to shell out on several top
bracket players to help usher in Bilic, and the acquisition of Dimitri Payet
in particular looks to be good business. Stealing the playmaker away from
Marseille, where he was the leading assist-maker in Ligue 1 last season,
could prove a smart move and will help add guile to the Hammers' attack in
2015/16. If Andy Carroll can be kept fit more often, and Pedro Obiang and
Angelo Ogbonna (both looked at by the elite clubs) take to the Premier
League straight away, the immediate future looks claret and bright. With a
settled defence, now that Carl Jenkinson is back on another loan deal,
former Croatia boss Bilic has the makings of a good squad at his disposal.

Why they'll do badly
If, on the other hand, the European signings fail to pick up the pace and
relentless intensity of the English game, then the Hammers' squad may be
forced to rely on the unconvincing Mauro Zarate and Modibo Maiga should
Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho need a rest. Also, have the East End outfit
let Stewart Downing fly the nest a season too soon? The Hammers had a
storming start to last season, with Alex Song impressing in midfield, but
ran out of gas late on in the campaign, hinting at an understrength squad.
If this has not been addressed in the summer transfer market, there could be
trouble ahead when injuries come to bite – especially important given the
added stress and strain of a European campaign to contend with. Bilic's side
should at least play an attractive brand of football, grounded as he is in
West Ham's culture.

The big question...
1) How will Bilic fare as a Premier League boss?

The former Everton and West Ham centre-back's Besiktas side impressed last
season by pushing Arsenal in the Champions League qualifiers and then
beating Spurs and Liverpool in the Europa League. And we all remember how
his Croatia side made mugs of England at Wembley in 2007. Can Bilic now step
up to the rigours of the Premier League?
BEST BET
West Ham to finish top 10 – 17/10

2) Will youngsters benefit from Europa League?
Bilic may privately rue the a sapping pan European adventure in his first
Premier League managerial stint, but one advantage could be that it provides
the opportunity for West Ham's youngsters to shine. The likes of Reece
Oxford, Reece Burke and Elliot Lee could be the next talented youngsters
from the Academy of Football.

3) Can they keep Carroll fit?
The tall targetman made a paltry 12 starts last season yet still scored five
goals and impressed with his industry and bullish play, as usual. If the
medical staff can get a full season from him, the Gateshead-born spearhead
could prove to be the difference-maker.

Key player: Dimitri Payet

Dimitri Payet
The former Marseille playmaker was the most creative player in Europe's top
five leagues, supplying more through-balls than anyone else (except for
Lionel Messi) last season. And he has already excited the fans by scoring
two goals and registering an assist in his first game, albeit a friendly
against Southend. The Hammers may have suffered from a lack of creativity
under Big Sam (they were the only side in the top flight to not have one of
their substitutes supply an assist in 2014/15), so Payet's inventiveness
will be welcomed.

What we'll be saying come May
It was a great European adventure and West Ham look to have several stars of
the future coming through, but that 12th-placed finish won't have impressed
the Davids as the Olympic Stadium comes into view.

Prediction
To see where FourFourTwo think West Ham will finish – along with a bespoke
two-page preview – get our special new season issue, out Saturday 1 August.

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Photo: West Ham target Alex Song poses with Neymar as he passes through at
Barcelona
HITC
Mathew Nash

The Cameroonian is on his way out of Barcelona this summer, but still has
friends at the club. West Ham United are still in the hunt for Alex Song of
Barcelona, who spent last season on loan at the club. The former Arsenal man
started last season in incredible form, but it soon faded and questions have
been asked regarding West Ham's apparent desire to bring him in permanently.
Recently the current West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted he was still in
touch with Barcelona over a potential move back to the club for Song.
Barcelona have no use for Song this season and he is currently not a feature
of their pre-season preparations. However, he has been in Barcelona. He sent
out this message and picture on Instagram earlier today with current
Barcelona star Neymar, with whom he was close during his time at Barcelona.
Spanish paper Sport are reporting that song is not training with the club
but was 'passing through' as Barcelona try to come to an agreement with the
player over potentially ending his contract at the club. If that is the
case, West Ham might be able to bring him in this summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'in Moussa Sow transfer bid after Enner Valencia injury'
Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.uk
Friday 31 Jul 2015 2:53 pm

West Ham have made an £8.4million bid to sign Fenerbache striker Moussa Sow,
according to reports. The Hammers have been looking for another forward this
summer but it's become a pressing issue after Enner Valencia suffered a
nasty knee injury during the Europa League clash with Astra on Thursday. And
Slaven Bilic has wasted no time in finding cover with a £8.4m bid in for
Sow, with reports in Turkey saying it's now being considered by the club.
Sunderland have already seen one offer rejected for Sow, and West Ham have
now stormed into pole position.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM MAKE £8.4M BID FOR FORWARD
The Hammers are keen on adding another striker to their squad, and the
Turkish league star could be the solution.
Sow has an impressive goals to games ratio.
Dean Ammi

West Ham have tabled an £8.4m transfer bid for Fenerbahce forward Moussa
Sow, reports the Metro. The Turkish top tier team are said to be considering
the offer that the East London club have submitted. The 29-year-old would
link up with fellow Senegalese Hammers Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, if
he was to make the move to Upton Park. Although Sow is not an orthodox
striker, he predominantly features in a variety of wide attacking positions,
and could be deemed cover for the injured Enner Valencia. During the 2014/15
campaign, the attacking midfielder recorded 16 goals and 5 assists in just
29 domestic starts, and could be the answer to Slaven Bilic's striking
problems. Sow has 11 goals in 29 international appearances for the Senegal
national setup, and would be a fantastic addition to Bilic's squad. However,
fellow Premier League side Sunderland have also shown an interest in him, as
competition hots up.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: West Ham set to meet heavily-linked Danilo D'Ambrosio's
representatives next week
HITC
Chris Linnell

Inter Milan's Danilo D'Ambrosio could soon be a West Ham player, if latest
reports are proved to be correct. According to talkSPORT, West Ham United
are due to meet with the agent of Inter Milan defender Danilo D'Ambrosio
next week. Despite signing for Inter just 18 months ago, D'Ambrosio, who has
gone on to make over 40 appearances for the Serie A outfit, is set to depart
this summer. These latest reports follow on from Tutto Mercato Web's
suggestions that the Hammers had held preliminary talks over buying the
26-year-old. Now, the Upton Park hierarchy are expected to meet with the
player's representatives in order to work towards a deal. Having been
pushed down the pecking order at the San Siro after the club signed Martin
Montoya from Barcelona earlier in the summer, he is understandably eager to
secure first team football Inter Milan are understood to be willing to sell
D'Ambrosio for a decent price, and his versatility as both a defender and a
midfielder certainly makes him a very attractive proposition for the
Hammers. SEE ALSO: Five West Ham youngsters who could make their first-team
breakthrough this season The Italian made 23 appearances for Inter last
season, fashioning 20 key passes - including two assists - while winning 53%
of his attempted take ons. Reports - such as those from TMW - suggest London
rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on the situation, while the
Hammers will also have to fend off interest from Roma, who have contacted
Inter regarding the 26-year-old's availability.

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West Ham transfer news: Javier Hernandez remains a target as Valencia
suffers knee injury
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 31 July 2015 Updated: 12:51, 31 July 2015

West Ham look likely to be on the hunt for two new strikers after Enner
Valencia picked up a knee injury during last night's Europa League
qualifier. Slaven Bilic's side are desperately short of firepower and face
going into their opening Premier League match of the season, at Arsenal on
Sunday week, with just one regular first-choice front man in Diafra Sakho.
The Hammers were today linked with a move for Atletico Madrid's Mexico
international Raul Jimenez and are also continuing to monitor the situation
regarding Manchester United's Javier Hernandez.
They have already had one bid of £9million rejected and United manager Louis
van Gaal has said the Mexican will be staying at the club for now. Bilic's
striker situation is becoming acute, however, after Valencia, who opened the
scoring in the third qualifying round tie, was carried off on a stretcher
after falling awkwardly. "He is having a scan," said Bilic. "We hope it is
not too bad, but I am worried."

With Andy Carroll still more than two months away from fitness, Bilic has
limited options. Modibo Maiga and Mauro Zarate, who scored a superb
individual second goal for West Ham against the Romanians, remain the only
viable alternatives as the club step up their search for new blood. Bilic
also faces other selection problems before next Thursday's second leg. Wales
defender James Collins, who said the team must become "more streetwise"
following red cards in the two previous rounds, was sent off for two yellow
cards, after which West Ham lost the plot and conceded two second-half
goals. Bilic was also banished from the touchline by Swiss referee Adrien
Jaccottet after protesting at a foul on Dimitri Payet. It means Bilic's side
will go into the away leg without three recognised central defenders in
Collins and James Tomkins, who are suspended, and the injured Winston Reid.
Midfielder Mark Noble said of the result: "It's not the end of the world. We
played very well up until we had a man sent off and then they scored two
crazy goals — a wonder striker from 30 yards and an own goal. "We're not
happy about it but if you ask me whether we're angry I'd say 'no' because we
have to go to Romania next Thursday and Arsenal three days later — and we
need to be in the right mood for that. If you go into the Premier League
feeling sorry for yourself you get punished. We have to keep positive."

Noble had sympathy for Collins, saying: "Some of the decisions I've
witnessed have been incredible. Someone smashes into Dimitri from behind and
gets away with it, while James has hardly touched the fellow." Noble was
impressed after playing with Payet for the first time, saying: "He has a lot
of quality. I'm sure he will be a massive asset to us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic's frank reply over question about pre-season issue at West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic says there's no point moaning about a
pre-season issue at the club. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic gave a
very blunt reply when asked about juggling responsibilities, as covered by
the club's official website. Bilic suggested that there is no point
complaining about the several different jobs he's already had to do, as he
prepares for his first Premier League season with the Hammers. Bilic is in a
difficult situation where he's having to prepare the team for the Premier
League season, ensuring that everyone is getting fit and also ensuring that
the club progresses in Europe. "Well I've said it a few times already, and I
don't want to repeat myself, but we are taking it day by day, and week in
week out," he told whufc.com. "It's not ideal, but there's no point in
moaning over it, we just have to cope with the situation, and that's it, no
excuses."

Bilic's comments show that he's a very open and honest manager who will tell
things how they area. If someone makes a mistake, if he makes a mistake or
if the team plays badly, he will hold his hands up and admit it. It's a
refreshing attitude which always lets the players know where they are in
terms of their jobs and position in the squad and it's an attitude, which
lets the fans know exactly where the manager feels the side is in terms of
the way they are progressing.

Difficult periods will come

There are going to be difficult patches in the season where it's difficult
for the club in terms of results and the squad. Bilic will be seriously
tested during those spells but for now, he seems determined to be open and
determined for the club to get off to a good start in that game against
Arsenal next weekend.

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West Ham plot to replace crocked pair with move for Atleti striker
Raul Jimenez to sign for West Ham by 04/09/15
bwin.com

Things finally went awry for West Ham in Europa League qualifying, with
Slaven Bilic's side following up lacklustre two-legged victories over
Andorran and Maltese small fry with a 2-2 draw at home to Romanian outfit
Astra Giurgiu, having been 2-0 up with 20 minutes to go. It turned into an
awful night for the Irons, with James Collins becoming their third player
already this season to be shown a red card, following Diafra Sakho and James
Tomkins' dismissals against Lusitanos and Birkirkara respectively, while
Bilic also received his marching orders late on.
More bad news looks on the way for the east Londoners, with Ecuadorian
forward Enner Valencia, signed for £15m last summer and the first goalscorer
on the night, carried off on a stretcher after falling awkwardly, which his
boss admitted was due to a suspected serious knee injury. With Andy Carroll
out until at least October and probably beyond, West Ham's hunt for
increased firepower looks set to intensify, and recent reports have linked
the club with a move for Atletico Madrid hitman Raul Jimenez. The Daily Mail
initially reported that the Mexico international could move to the Boleyn
Ground on loan, but the Sun believes a £10m permanent transfer is now in the
offing for a player who started just four La LIga matches last season, after
joining Los Colchoneros from Club America in August. Jimenez was in useful
form for his country at the recent Copa America, bagging twice in three
matches en route to El Tri's group-stage exit, but didn't make former coach
Miguel Herrera's vastly-changed squad ahead of Mexico's CONCACAF Cup
victory. The black and yellow boys and girls at bwin.com price up Jimenez at
2/5 to still be an Atleti player by the time the transfer window closes,
with a move to West Ham in the requisite time period available at 7/4.
Bilic's side have also been linked with Jimenez's fellow Mexico striker
Javier Hernandez, of Manchester United, Roma's Mattia Destro, Liverpool's
Fabio Borini and QPR's Charlie Austin since the end of last season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'plan talks over transfer deal for Inter Milan defender Danilo
D'Ambrosio'
Jon Harvey for Metro.co.uk
Friday 31 Jul 2015 12:06 pm

West Ham are looking to steal a march on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for
the transfer of Inter Milan defender Danilo D'Ambrosio, with the Hammers
reportedly meeting with the player's agent next week in Italy. The
26-year-old has been linked with moves to Napoli, Spurs and now West Ham are
interested in signing the tactically versatile full-back, who can play on
the right and left of defence. According to Italian media, the Hammers will
offer him the regular first-team football D'Ambrosio wants in a bid to
secure his signature at a meeting next week with his agent, Vincenzo
Pisacane. When asked about D'Ambrosio's rumoured links to Napoli, Pisacane
denied talks had taken place but did not rule out a move for his client. 'He
is happy with the Nerazzurri and the club has faith in him. Napoli? There is
nothing concrete at the moment. It's only normal someone like him will have
offers, but there are no negotiations in place,' he told Fantagazzetta.com
Obviously if offers were to come in that are satisfying for both us and
Inter, then we could take them into consideration. 'Inter will have to
decide. I repeat, we cannot say with certainty what will happen from now to
the end of the transfer market. I cannot rule anything out.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don Hutchison makes a prediction on Twitter after crazy West Ham game
HITC
Tim Poole

The former West Ham midfielder thinks the east London side may be in store
for a rollercoaster season. Former West Ham United midfielder Don Hutchison
produced a naturally shocked reaction on social media after seeing the
Hammers let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2 with Astra Giurgiu. Indeed, James
Collins' red card turned the tide against West Ham after the east London
side found themselves in a commanding position - and Slaven Bilic's side now
face a tough task to ensure Europa League qualification during the reverse
fixture. And, after seeing the red card and West Ham collapse, Hutchison
couldn't help but predict a rollercoaster season for his ex-club.

Don Hutchison @donhutch4
Dear me what the.... is going on at West Ham. How many Red cards already!!
Rollout coaster season coming up I rek??

Collins' sending off was the club's third in five European games, while West
Ham also needed penalties to get past their last qualifying round. Despite
several promising signings, then, Bilic's Upton Park reign has gotten off to
a topsy turvy start. It'll all be worth it should United make the cut with
regards to European qualification - but it'll now be tough to make sure it
happens. No wonder Hutchison is predicting a rollercoaster campaign,
although Bilic and co will hope for a more settled run of form once everyone
beds in under his stewardship at West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ARE COLLINS, NOLAN AND O'BRIEN SET TO EXIT STAGE LEFT?
By S J Chandos 31 Jul 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

This summer, there has been much attention focused on the incoming transfers
at the club. And it has been a very busy time recruiting some very talented
new additions. Prior to last night's Europa League, 1st Leg, match at Upton
Park, Slaven Bilic confirmed that he was targeting two further additions
prior to the big PL kick off and that there may be some departures as well.
We can speculate on the incoming targets (such as Austin) but just who is
heading for exit door?

For me, there are three prime candidates. Firstly, Kevin Nolan, who at 32
years of age, and with the summer departure of mentor Sam Allardyce, looks
surplus to requirements; especially when you consider Bilic's advocacy of a
more expansive playing style. Also, a key factor is undoubtedly Nolan's
reported £50,000 a week contract, which is now entering its final year.
Whether his current lucrative salary proves an obstacle to a move remains to
be seen? But it is probable that the club will want to free up Nolan's
salary to help fund new signings. The truth is that the best that he can
hope for this coming season is a place on the bench. Nolan himself has
indicated that he wants to move clubs if he is not playing regularly and
that scenario might be the best outcome for both parties. Secondly, Joey
O'Brien, who made a useful contribution to the club during Allardyce's
managerial tenure, but will now struggle to displace Jenkinson at
right-back. Yes, he is cover for the position, but it begs the question does
he possess the quality that the club are looking for these days? If O'Brien
stays it will be because the transfer budget will not stretch to adding a
second right-back to cover and compete with Jenkinson. In that situation,
O'Brien will probably stay on for a further season. Finally, we have James
Collins and readers may be surprised that I am considering him. However,
with Reid, Tomkins, Ogbonna, Burke and Henry at centre-half, is there not a
case for moving Collins on? He has been a fine servant to the club, but
outside the triumvirate of Reid, Tomkins and Ogbonna, is it not better to
promote the promise of Burke and Henry? With these alternative
possibilities, and the opportunity to free up more salary monies, is that
not an option that Bilic might realistically consider?

If these three players are surplus to requirements then it might be that
they could be traded in part-exchange deals to bring in possible targets.
Imagine a deal where West Ham offered QPR Collins and Nolan in part-exchange
for Charlie Austin. QPR need an addition at centre-half with the retirement
of Dunne and Ferdinand. They also need a Captain like Nolan, who can
galvanize and uplift their squad's deflated morale and spirit. Nolan is an
excellent Club Captain and is just the type of figure that QPR need.
Similarly, perhaps we could offer O'Brien in part-exchange for a player like
Leeds Utd's Sam Byram. Byram is a very promising right-back, who is equally
comfortable playing as a right-winger. He would add quality, provide cover
for Jenkinson, also be utilised on the right flank and, potentially, replace
Jenkinson if he returns to Arsenal next summer.

I am not sure what is left in the transfer kitty this summer. But it is
fairly obvious that we need another top notch striker. Are we going to rely
on the fitness of Carroll (when he gets back in the first place) and Sakho
over the course of next season. The probability is that both players will be
side lined at some point and we need good quality cover/competition. It is
looking as if Austin is too expensive an option, but we shall see? The
advantage of signing him is that he has an established track record of
scoring goals in the PL. Arguably, Austin would fit in very well at the club
and give us plenty of options. From Bilic's reported comments it would seem
that the club are looking to loan a striker. That is all well and good, as
long as it is a quality deal, not one for a journey man or inexperienced
striker.

For me, it is imperative that we get that deal done. With Carroll, Sakho,
Zarate, Valencia, Lee and an addition we have options and strength in depth.
Of course Valencia sustained an injury in last night's match and opinions
vary on when Carroll will be ready to return. So that should concentrate
minds at the club and provide the extra incentive necessary to complete an
appropriate deal in the coming weeks. We can only hope that Valencia's
injury is not too bad and he can return fairly speedily. Two players that
might be considered due an exit this summer are Jarvis and Maiga. With the
sale of Stewart Downing, I do not think Matt Jarvis will leave this summer,
unless the club sign a new winger? Even then we need options and competition
out wide (Especially with Bilic allegedly favouring a 4-2-3-2 formation).
So, I feel the odds are that Jarvis will stay put, at least until January.
While Maiga is dispensable, in the current situation he will probably be
kept on as cover. However, that could change if Austin or a loanee joins. I
guess it is a case of wait and see?

The club are having another good summer in the transfer market. Payet looks
class, Lanzini and Obiang have rich promise and Ogbonna is a very good
quality centre-half. While Randolph and Hendrie have added depth to the
squad. Equally, things are starting to look far better on the youth
development front, with the likes of Howes, Page, Oxford, Cullen and Borg
looking good prospects. In addition, the impressive Samuelson has been
signed from Man City and we have made a good youth acquisition in landing
Dobson from Arsenal. This was always my ideal scenario, where the first team
is supplemented by a combination of top quality signings and our own youth
products breaking through. Certainly, none of the youngsters have let
themselves down in the Europa League matches and there is a whole new
atmosphere at the club on youth development. The dead hand of the Allardyce
regime is gone and hopefully we can get club's youth production line rolling
again. That can only be a positive for the future.

One player who certainly looks as if he could break through this season is
Diego Poyet. Hopefully, he will grow in to the class player that his
pedigree promises. One issue still unresolved is Alex Song's on-off transfer
from Barca, which has become complicated by his knee problem. At least we
know why his form dropped off so sharply after Christmas, last season, he
was obviously troubled by his knee. With luck, the issues will be ironed out
and Song will join us before the summer transfer window closes. It will be
November before he is fully fit, but Alex Song is worth the wait in my
opinion. The club should grant him a three year contract and get him signed
up.

Finally, as in the previous round, the club have not helped themselves with
last night's Europa 2-2 draw. Conceding two away goals has put us at a
distinct disadvantage. The dismissal of Collins was obviously the turning
point, as we were coasting with a 2-0 lead up until that point. To have
three players already sent off in the competition shows an indiscipline that
Bilic needs to address urgently. Now we have to go to Romania and do it the
hard way. We can still qualify, but it means we will have to play a stronger
line-up than we would have liked next week, days before the opening PL
fixture at Arsenal! Still, it is done now and we need to go there next week,
put in a professional performance and retrieve the situation.

Thank goodness Sakho is back from suspension. That could be important to the
result of the tie and us qualifying for the Europa League group stages.
Anything less than that would be a major disappointment for the club.

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic fears 'serious' knee injury for Enner Valencia
after seeing red in Europa League qualifying slip up
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 23:55, 30 July 2015 | UPDATED: 00:50, 31 July 2015
Daily Mail

Slaven Bilic saw his 10-man West Ham let slip a two-goal lead and was sent
to the stands on Thursday night - but he was left worried by a potentially
serious injury to Enner Valencia.
Goals from Valencia and Mauro Zarate had put the Hammers in control of their
Europa League third qualifying tie only for Romanian side Astra Giurgiu to
stage a stunning comeback.
James Collins was sent off for a second yellow-card offence, becoming the
third player sent off in five games this season, before the visitors hit
back through a superb Fernando Boldrin effort and an own goal from debutant
Angelo Ogbonna earned Astra a 2-2 draw. Bilic was also sent to the stands
after appealing against a decision in injury time, but it was a knee injury
to Valencia in the first half that left him more concerned than his side's
performance or ill-discipline. Valencia was starting his first game since
returning from Copa America duty.
'I am worried to be fair,' Bilic said after the game. 'And this is the
reason I am unhappy tonight. I am not happy with the result of course but
this is not as important as the injury. It looks serious but we won't know
for sure until he has a scan.' With Andy Carroll still sidelined, the
Hammers could be forced into the transfer market if their worst fears over
Valencia are realised. Another thing that Bilic needs to address is the
discipline in his ranks as Collins followed Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins
in picking up a red card this season. The former Croatia coach, no stranger
to a dismissal during his playing days, followed the Wales defender into the
dressing room and admits the disciplinary record of his side needs to change
- a statement made all the more ironic by the fact West Ham's very presence
in this competition came through their Fair Play League standing. 'We gave
three red cards in three rounds - it is too much,' said Bilic. 'This one was
totally different than the one in Andorra with Sakho or Tomkins in Malta.
This was professional and it was too harsh to be fair but I can't blame the
referee for the decision and I can't blame James Collins for that, the
situation was very dangerous.' Talking about his own dismissal, Bilic added:
'I just said to the referee that I wasn't very happy with the situation. 'If
that (the second Collins booking) was a yellow card then a foul on Dimitri
Payet was also a yellow and would have been that player's second yellow.
'I wasn't happy with that and I reacted with him (the referee). I didn't
swear. He just said I couldn't shout. 'They (Astra) have a good result. If
we play like we did in the first 60 minutes next week we definitely have a
chance to go through, but if we are going to get another red card it is
better we stay here.' Astra coach Marius Sumudica praised his side for their
reaction to Collins' sending-off after they started tentatively in front of
over 33,000 fans. 'We were a bit afraid at the beginning,' he said. 'We
expected a lot of pressure from the fans so we were a bit afraid. In the
second half, especially after the red card, we did much better and we
controlled the game and the result is a good one for us. 'We started
believing in our chances when the red card happened - before then I was
actually watching the opposing goalkeeper and he was time-wasting so this
made me proud.' Despite coming from behind to collect a valuable draw,
Sumudica still believes West Ham remain the favourites to progress ahead of
next Thursday's second leg in Romania. When asked if the result made his
team the favourites, he said: 'Definitely not. 'West Ham have a market value
of £140million - we have roughly £20million, that is seven times as much.
'We have played one game so far and the pressure is actually on us because
everyone thinks we are the favourites. 0-0 would be enough for us but it is
wrong to think about it like that. The chance is 60 per cent to West Ham, 40
per cent to us.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Raul Jimenez loan deal as Slaven Bilic looks to bring
Atletico Madrid striker to Upton Park
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:32, 31 July 2015 | UPDATED: 00:32, 31 July 2015

West Ham are exploring a loan deal for Atletico Madrid and Mexico forward
Raul Jimenez. The 24-year-old made just four La Liga starts for Atletico
last season with most of his appearances coming off the bench as he scored
only one goal for Atletico. He played for Mexico at this summer's Copa
America, scoring twice, then was left out of the squad that won the CONCACAF
Gold Cup on Sunday. Jimenez joined Atletico Madrid from Mexican side Club
America last August. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking to bring in a new
striker before the close of the transfer window and he has considered a
number of names including Javier Hernandez of Manchester United, Liverpool's
Fabio Borini, Mattia Destro of Roma and Charlie Austin at QPR. They have
also been rebuffed in two bids for Everton's Kevin Mirallas. Striker Andy
Carroll is out until November while Enner Valencia picked up an injury on
Thursday night and they need extra firepower with the season approaching.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Europa League round-up: Ten-man West Ham pegged back, violence hits Europe
by Sport360 staff
Friday 31 July 2015

West Ham, who qualified for the Europa League due to their fair play record,
had a player sent-off in a 2-2 draw with Astra Giurgiu on Thursday while
crowd trouble shamed the tournament.
West Ham were 2-0 up on their Romanian visitors at Upton Park in the first
leg of their third qualifying round tie thanks to goals from Enner Valencia
and Mauro Zarate. But James Collins then became the Hammers' third player to
be sent off in five games under new coach Slaven Bilic and the Romanians
took full advantage with Fernando Boldrin and an own-goal from debutant
Angelo Ogbonna levelling the tie. "We definitely played well in the first
hour, but the game lasts 90 minutes and we had to react better to going down
to ten men," said Bilic who was also sent to the stands by the referee.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic gives update on 'serious' Enner Valencia injury after Europa
League struggle
London 24

Slaven Bilic saw his 10-man West Ham let slip a two-goal lead and was sent
to the stands on Thursday night - but he was left worried by a potentially
serious injury to Enner Valencia. Goals from Valencia and Mauro Zarate had
put the Hammers in control of their Europa League third qualifying tie only
for Romanian side Astra Giurgiu to stage a stunning comeback. James Collins
was sent off for a second yellow-card offence, becoming the third player
sent off in five games this season, before the visitors hit back through a
superb Fernando Boldrin effort and an own goal from debutant Angelo Ogbonna
earned Astra a 2-2 draw. Bilic was also sent to the stands after appealing
against a decision in injury time, but it was a knee injury to Valencia in
the first half that left him more concerned than his side's performance or
ill-discipline. Valencia was starting his first game since returning from
Copa America duty. "I am worried to be fair," Bilic said after the game.
"And this is the reason I am unhappy tonight. I am not happy with the result
of course but this is not as important as the injury. It looks serious but
we won't know for sure until he has a scan." With Andy Carroll still
sidelined, the Hammers could be forced into the transfer market if their
worst fears over Valencia are realised. Another thing that Bilic needs to
address is the discipline in his ranks as Collins followed Diafra Sakho and
James Tomkins in picking up a red card this season. The former Croatia
coach, no stranger to a dismissal during his playing days, followed the
Wales defender into the dressing room and admits the disciplinary record of
his side needs to change - a statement made all the more ironic by the fact
West Ham's very presence in this competition came through their Fair Play
League standing. "We gave three red cards in three rounds - it is too much,"
said Bilic. "This one was totally different than the one in Andorra with
Sakho or Tomkins in Malta. This was professional and it was too harsh to be
fair but I can't blame the referee for the decision and I can't blame James
Collins for that, the situation was very dangerous." Talking about his own
dismissal, Bilic added: "I just said to the referee that I wasn't very happy
with the situation. "If that (the second Collins booking) was a yellow card
then a foul on Dimitri Payet was also a yellow and would have been that
player's second yellow. "I wasn't happy with that and I reacted with him
(the referee). I didn't swear. He just said I couldn't shout. "They (Astra)
have a good result. If we play like we did in the first 60 minutes next week
we definitely have a chance to go through, but if we are going to get
another red card it is better we stay here." Astra coach Marius Sumudica
praised his side for their reaction to Collins' sending-off after they
started tentatively in front of over 33,000 fans. "We were a bit afraid at
the beginning," he said. "We expected a lot of pressure from the fans so we
were a bit afraid. In the second half, especially after the red card, we did
much better and we controlled the game and the result is a good one for us.
"We started believing in our chances when the red card happened - before
then I was actually watching the opposing goalkeeper and he was time-wasting
so this made me proud." Despite coming from behind to collect a valuable
draw, Sumudica still believes West Ham remain the favourites to progress
ahead of next Thursday's second leg in Romania. When asked if the result
made his team the favourites, he said: "Definitely not. "West Ham have a
market value of £140million - we have roughly £20million, that is seven
times as much. "We have played one game so far and the pressure is actually
on us because everyone thinks we are the favourites. 0-0 would be enough for
us but it is wrong to think about it like that. The chance is 60 per cent to
West Ham, 40 per cent to us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three reasons Moussa Sow would be a success at West Ham
Posted by Emre Sarigul July 31, 2015
Turkish-Football.com

West Ham are preparing a £12 million transfer bid for Fenerbahçe striker
Moussa Sow according to the Express. Slaven Bilic is no stranger to Sow
having coached Istanbul rivals Besiktas for two-seasons but West Ham fans
may not be as familiar with the Senegalese international so here are three
reasons he would be a hit in East London.

1. Winner
Wherever Moussa Sow has played he has always been involved in winning
silverware. At Lille he played a key role in winning the Ligue 1 title and
the Coupe De France in 2011. The 29-year-old striker also played an
influential role in Fenerbahçe winning the Süper Lig as well as two Turkish
Cups.

2. Slaven Bilic connection

Sow did not play under the stewardship of Slaven Bilic but he caused the
Croatian manager all sorts of problems in derby games between Fenerbahçe and
Besiktas. Sow scored in both derbies last season with the Yellow Canaries
winning both. Bilic analysed Sow closely during his time in Turkey and will
be familiar with his strengths and how to get the best out of him.

3. Premier League dream

The Senegalese international has established himself as an important first
team player at Fenerbahçe. The fans love him, he has settled into life in
Turkey but the man has his dreams. "My dream is to play in the Premier
League, because you progress as a player with the atmosphere, goals and
game," Sow recently told NTV Spor.

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