Supporter Advisory Board meeting
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board met at the Boleyn Ground on
Tuesday evening to discuss the Club's digital ambitions, Farewell Boleyn
plans, Visit Football's recent assessment and to raise questions and
comments on behalf of the wider supporter base.
The SAB has three principal objectives. Firstly, to represent the whole
supporter base to the Club's board and senior executives, to shape Club
policy and finally to represent the Club at external forums, as and when
required by the Club.
On Tuesday evening, the Club were represented by Managing Director Angus
Kinnear, Executive Director, Marketing and Communications Tara Warren and
Head of Ticketing Gavin Stanley.
Mrs Warren kicked off proceedings with a presentation detailing the
evolution of whufc.com following the new website's launch in February. The
Club are now pleased to be in a position to offer instant access to West Ham
TV content, which, as well being completely free, is no longer behind a
registration wall.
Similarly, the Club made note of significant growth across its Social Media
platforms. The Hammers boast upward of half-a-million followers on Twitter,
while the Club's Facebook likes have now risen above 1.25 million.
West Ham were commended by both Brand Finance and Visit Football for their
engagement on Social Media and are naturally working hard to ensure those
excellent upward trends continue.
Supporters were then invited to share their feedback on the new site and the
Club's Social Media strategy, with the consensus being that new video
features 'Me and Him' and Yes/No, for instance, as well as the volume of
exclusive training ground footage, were proving particularly popular.
Those comments preceded a productive discussion surrounding the Club's
proposed ideas and SAB members offered their own suggestions of how to
improve the Club's digital offering yet further. Looking ahead, Mrs Warren
spoke of plans to explore a new West Ham United app, to introduce a Gaming
and/or Junior Hammers section of the site, in addition to a revamped social
hub.
Elsewhere, following Visit Football's recent assessment, the Club were
delighted to learn of significant improvements in a number of key areas,
including the pre-match experience, catering and cleanliness. Additionally,
West Ham's meet and greet volunteers, the Happy Hammers, were also commended
for their assistance to home and away supporters alike.
In terms of the Hammers' final season at the Boleyn Ground, supporters
reflected on the very successful Claret and Blue day against Leicester City
and confirmed that the introduction of former players at half-time had been
very well received thus far.
Additionally, Mrs Warren discussed the possible themed fixtures still to
come, with Cult Heroes, Greatest Goals, the Academy of Football, Bobby Moore
and the '60s, International Hammers and fans, Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy
Bonds/70s all under discussion.
As has already been the case, supporters will be invited to get involved on
Social Media, with fan input central to the success of these occasions.
As for the final game itself, it was confirmed that plans for an 'event'
following the final whistle are beginning to take shape behind the scenes
and supporters were invited to offer their suggestions for a final day
playlist. In terms of attendees, Mrs Warren explained that the Club are
working particularly hard to ensure that as many former players as possible
return to the Boleyn Ground between now and the end of the season.
Supporters were also treated to a previously unseen flythrough of the new
Stadium Megastore on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Mr Kinnear revealed that
the Store – on two floors – is designed to set a new benchmark in football
retail, with dramatically larger capacity than its Boleyn Ground counterpart
and has been ergonomically designed to ensure that the flow of visitors
operates more efficiently. And with more than double as many tills,
supporters can look forward to being served significantly quicker on a
matchday.
Mrs Warren's presentation was followed by a question and answer session with
all three of West Ham's representatives responding to queries from the
floor. Questions covered a broad range of topics, with ticketing, retail,
the new Stadium and the final Boleyn Ground season all coming under the
microscope.
When asked about the Club's ticketing service, Mr Stanley explained that the
Box Office had recently undergone improvements, including the facility for
supporters to join the automatic home cup scheme online, as well as 'print
at home' functionality. The Club also committed to having a new booking
system in place for the new Stadium.
In terms of the seat selection process at the New Stadium Reservation
Centre, supporters were reminded that the first Band 4 appointments are due
to begin in early November and will likely run into early 2016.
Crowd modelling and transport at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was again
discussed at length and the recent Rugby World Cup fixtures naturally served
as a useful frame of reference.
Mr Kinnear reiterated that senior members of West Ham United have attended
each and every Rugby World Cup fixture to understand how the Stadium
functions on matchday and the work that still needs to be done. On that
note, all matchday operations are being carefully reviewed but West Ham are
hugely encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from supporters.
Referring more directly to the various transport links to the Stadium, Mr
Kinnear confirmed that a full travel plan would be released by the Club in
the fullness of time but was keen to remind those in attendance that
Stratford is among Europe's most accessible stations.
Finally, on the topic of West Ham's plans for their Rush Green facility, Mr
Kinnear explained that it absolutely remains the Club's intention to have
training facilities commensurate with the Club's ambitions and the exciting
team that is fast developing.
Mrs Warren closed the meeting with a vote of thanks to the SAB for their
time, commitment and valuable contributions. The Board are very grateful for
their continued input and take careful note of their comments and
recommendations to shape future policy.
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Slaven Speaks - Watford
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Hammers trip to Vicarage Road on Saturday, Slaven Bilic held
his weekly pre-match press conference. The boss answered questions on a
range of topics, from facing Watford, maintaining their away form and where
the Hammers can improve.
Good morning Slaven, how do you reflect on the fantastic start to the
season? Why has it gone so well?
"Well, it's been a good start and we are enjoying it but we are keeping our
feet on the ground totally. It's only a start, but we are confident and if
we continue to work hard, like we have been from day one, I don't see a
reason why we should drop dramatically. There will be ups and downs with
results, that's football, but we are confident and we are gaining everything
that is important: atmosphere, individual confidence, team bonding. Winning
games is the best way of doing that.
"The reason we are doing well is the quality of the players, the team
spirit, our pattern of working hard, we are respecting the opponents but not
fearing them. It is down to hard work with individual responsibility. It is
very enjoyable so far."
What areas can you specifically improve on?
"Everything, everything. The players have only known each other for a couple
of months, we can improve on winning second balls, set pieces. We definitely
have to improve our shooting because we are not shooting enough from the
situations where we should be. Our transition from defence to attack and the
other way round can be better too. Basically, we can improve everything.
"This doesn't mean I'm not happy with our performances, I am happy. But we
know we can improve."
What are you expecting from Watford this Saturday?
"They are a very good team and very hard to beat. They are going to approach
the game very positively after they beat Stoke. They are a new team; they
are improving week by week. They have some good internationals, a lot of
experience.
"I rate Quique very highly, not only his past as a player but also as a
coach. To have 20 new players and in such a short time, turn them into a
solid team is amazing. They look very, very organised. Like every game, it
is going to be very difficult. We will have to be on top of our game in
order to win."
You're linked to a few players, are you expecting much activity in the
transfer window?
"We did our job in the summer, I am happy with the team. It's possible we
might get one or offload one or two, nothing major in terms of numbers. If
something exceptional becomes available then you never now. We did our job
in the summer and are OK."
What is the team news, any change from last weekend?
"Alex Song isn't available for Saturday. There hasn't been much change since
last weekend, we have to wait and see if Winston Reid is OK. We have a few
knocks and some players have to do their own individual training routine but
we are in a good way overall."
You're away form has been superb, against mainly top teams. Do you think you
will find it hard to motivate your side against Watford?
"No, it's a Premier League game and we are all professionals so it shouldn't
be a problem. It's a big game, Watford are a good side. We will lose a game,
and when we do I don't think it'll be down to motivation."
Are you surprised at how well Watford have done this season?
"Not really, Watford are a big club. Everyone has known about them for 30,
40 years with Elton John and everything. A lot of the Watford players were
on my list at Besiktas and some now here. They are good internationals, some
very young and they are hungry. If you add to that they have a really good
atmosphere at their stadium, and Quique's experience, it doesn't surprise me
at all. The only surprise is how quickly they have gelled together. He's
done a great job."
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Boleyn Memories - Stuart Slater
WHUFC.com
For any young player at West Ham United's Academy of Football, playing at
the Boleyn Ground is the ultimate ambition.
Stuart Slater was lucky enough to do so as a teenager, appearing in the FA
Youth Cup before going on to forge a successful first-team career in Claret
and Blue.
The winger shared his favourite memories of playing at the historic home of
the Hammers with West Ham TV ahead of the summer 2016 move to Stratford…
We generally tended to play the FA Youth Cup games at the Boleyn Ground.
They were special nights because obviously the Youth Cup was the biggest cup
competition for the Under-18s and you knew that if you played well, there
were people watching.
At the time, the first-team manager was John Lyall, and because it was quite
empty and quite eerie playing in the Youth Cup, all the boys looked up to
the stands to see if they could see if John was there.
If John was there, my goodness you had to put on a show. It shouldn't have
made a difference, but if he was there you wanted to put on a show because
he had an aura about him. He would come into the dressing room afterwards
and, after Tony Carr had said something, he would sit down for about an hour
and a half and everything he said made sense, but it put you under so much
pressure!
Those were my first times and memories playing at the Boleyn. Without a
doubt, there was still a buzz because you thought you were going to play,
even though there were no people in the stands, and I still get it working
as an ambassador for the club.
It's just a great, great venue, even though the pitch and stands were a lot
tighter back then. It was just beautiful to play in.
For my debut at home to Derby on 3 October 1987, I was on the bench and the
nerves before warming up and getting on were incredible. I had a buzz and
anticipation of doing well and I got on for 12 minutes, but I was so nervous
as I was doing what I had worked so long and so hard for at West Ham. It was
my dream becoming real and the hard work then started again to stay in the
squad.
It was electric and West ham fans are incredible, the best in the world.
They are passionate, knowledgeable and will let you know when you're not
doing things well, as they should.
My first goals at the Boleyn Ground came in a 2-0 win over Bradford City in
August 1989, when I got both of them! The first one was going wide and got
deflected in, but I'll take that one! It was early in the season, I played
up front and scored two goals. Once again, the buzz to score two in front of
your own crowd with expectations high was fantastic.
You had to be real footballers to play for West Ham under John Lyall. If you
were run of the mill and a hard worker, John didn't really entertain you.
You had to have skill and work hard as well.
I grew up with Paul Ince, Steve Potts, Kevin Keen and Georgie Parris and all
of them came through the Academy and had something to offer, as did all the
experienced players from around that era, Billy Bonds, Julian Dicks, Alvin
Martin, Ian Bishop, Liam Brady, Alan Devonshire and Ray Stewart, who were
brilliant to me, so good.
They were special talents and it was a pleasure to play with them. I knew,
wherever I played, I'd get good service and it was an entertaining game.
Albeit we didn't always get the results, but the fans appreciated the
football we tried to play.
They didn't appreciate getting relegated, but at the time they appreciated
good football and got entertained!
As for my favourite moments, when I come back everyone talks about the 1991
FA Cup quarter-final against Everton, when we won 1-0 and I got the winner.
After that game, Everton manager Howard Kendall said he had seen the 'next
£3 million player' and I really had a good game that day.
It had to be a 'scuffer' to beat a top goalkeeper in Neville Southall. It
was a Monday night and it was absolutely electric. We were 1-0 up in the
second half and I cut inside and scuffed it inside the near post to put us
2-0 up. The place was absolutely buzzing, they got a goal back but we won
2-1 so I got the winner and we moved onto the semi-finals.
Everton were winning everything back then and were the team to beat in that
era, so for me to play so well and tear their back four apart, on the TV,
was brilliant.
We also beat Sheffield United 5-0 in March 1990, when I didn't score but I
did set up four goals and in all the papers and in Match and Shoot magazine
I got ten out of ten. That was one of the best games I played for the club,
I think
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Sullivan - reach for the stars
KUMB.cm
Filed: Wednesday, 28th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's co-chairman David Sullivan insists that the club should
aim to finish in the Champions League positions this season - even if that
possibility remains an unlikely proposition. An excellent start to the
season under new manager Slaven Bilic has resulted in West Ham going into
November third in the Premier League, above the likes of Manchester United,
Liverpool and Chelsea. And Sullivan, speaking on the latest edition of the
club's 'Hammertime' show insisted that Bilic's squad had the potential to
maintain its current form for the rest of the campaign. "If you'd asked at
the start of the season I would have said it's impossible this year," he
said. "That said and done, it's not impossible this season. Forget dreaming
in the future. The unfortunate thing is that if you finish fourth you have
to play a qualifying game - and no doubt we'd get a real toughie - like the
fourth best team in Spain or Italy! "Realistically, I'd love [to finish]
fourth now and we'd take our chances. I know it's unlikely, but it really is
possible. One more win and we'd be top of the table, looking down! "I'm not
sure how clever that would be as it'd really put pressure on people; it's
not bad to be two [points] off the lead."
Despite the current wave of optimism, Sullivan admitted that West Ham -
whose unbeaten run in the league stretches back to mid-August - face a huge
struggle to maintain their current position in the table. "Let's not kid
ourselves, there's two other teams who've got the same amount of points," he
added. "We're just beating them on goal difference so they're queueing up.
We've just got to keep winning."
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham still have room for improvement
Last Updated: 29/10/15 12:49pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes his high-flying West Ham side are still capable of
improving in "every aspect" of their play. The Croat, who replaced Sam
Allardyce as manager in the summer, has guided the club to third in the
Premier League, claiming the scalps of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and
Manchester City along the way. West Ham visit Premier League newcomers
Watford on Saturday and Bilic is confident his side can maintain their
impressive form as the season wears on. "It has been a good start and we are
enjoying it but we are on the ground totally," he said. "It is only a start
but we are confident, we are playing well and if we continue to work hard as
we have since day one, of course there will be ups and downs results-wise,
but I don't see a reason why we should drop dramatically. "The core of the
team has been playing together for some time now and that is the greatest
thing, we only added some players we thought were necessary to make the team
better. "It is still early days to say where the limits are for this team -
what is definite is that we have lots of room to improve from every aspect.
Some players know each other only for a couple of months so we can improve
organisation and transition. "We can improve small things like set-pieces
and second balls. We definitely have to improve in shooting because we are
not shooting enough. That doesn't mean I'm not happy with the performances
so far but we can improve in absolutely everything."
Club-record signing Andy Carroll came off the bench to head the winner in
last weekend's 2-1 win over Chelsea while fellow striker Enner Valencia is
also closing in on a return to action.
Bilic admits he has some difficult decisions to make over team selection in
the coming weeks and hopes to keep his squad fit for a tricky run of
fixtures, which sees them host Everton and visit Tottenham in the next three
games. "Now I have a positive headache," he added. "I have many good players
who deserve to be selected in the first 11 or the 18 but I have to make the
choice. "We have most of the players back and I'm glad of it, our medical
team has done really well. We are planning that if someone is tired he will
get individual training and stay in the gym to protect them from injuries."
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Davids head for a January first!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are set for the quietest January in the time David Sullivan and
David Gold have held the Upton Park reins. Slaven Bilic indicated in the
pre-match press conference for the game against Wattford that the club's
business had all but been done in the summer.
This was as reported by ClaretandHugh several weeks ago and the club are now
likely to only be in the market for a back-up right back if one becomes
available on loan. It's entirely possible from our reading of the position
that this could become the first winter window since they became involved as
club owners that the the two Davids do nothing in the market at all. And
it's becoming increasingly unlikely that there will be any outward movement
with every member of the squad performing to the limits when called upon
this season.
Joey O'Brien, however is the one member of the squad who will be allowed to
leave on a free transfer with a "discussion" to be held on James Collins'
future.
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Hodgson : I'm keeping an eye on the Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2015 in News
C and H
England manager Roy Hodgson has been running the rule over West Ham's
potential international candidates and admits: ""In Tomkins, Cresswell and
Mark Noble, there are good football players who are quite capable of playing
for England." However, he warned: "But they face competition because one or
two others who have done well over the last few years. Speaking exclusively
to West Ham TV, Hodgson added: "There are five English players and we know
them well. Carl Jenkinson has already played for us, of course, and Andy
Carroll was an important part of our Euro 2012 team. "It's all a question
of competition and keeping an eye from my point of view to make sure I'm not
missing any."
In general he has been very impressed by the team as a whole explaining:
"It's very good. I think they've started the season quite brilliantly and
some of the players brought in by Slaven and the owners have really shown
that they are top-class players. "Not only do they have potential, but they
have shown they are top-class players straight away, so I assume that
everyone at West Ham must be delighted with the way the team is playing, the
way the atmosphere is at the club and in the dressing room, because you can
see a tremendous unity of spirit on the field.
"I imagine it is praise all-round and long may it continue. Everyone here
knows and is wise enough the season is long and it's great to get off to a
good start, but there is still a lot of hard work to do to maintain the
position until the end of the season."
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Irons proud of English players in squad
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Irons Chairman, David Gold is proud of the Hammers record with English
players in the current squad. Yesterday he tweeted
"West Ham are towards the top of the table for English players, with 37.5%
of the players they have used this season being English. dg"
West Ham fielded 12 English players last season which made them fifth in
the Premier League table of most English players. James Tomkins, Mark Noble,
Stewart Downing, Aaron Cresswell, Carl Jenkinson and Andy Carroll ensured
the Hammers have a healthy spine of English stars last season. Reece Burke
and Reece Oxford broke into into the first-team too. Other English first
team squad members this season include Kyle Knoyle and Elliot Lee. Stewart
Downing and Carlton Cole left the club at the end of the season but
Englishman Michail Antonio joined over the summer.
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Bilic plays down the great start
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2015 in News
C and H
Grounded Slaven Bilic has told his players not to get carried away by their
strong start to the season. He said in his pre-match press conference this
morning:: "It's only still the start but we are confident. There's going to
be ups and downs results wise but I don't see why it should drop. "Our goal
is to try and win as many football games as we can and to play as attractive
football as we can. It's still early days. "Our position in the table
motivates the players by itself because they are enjoying it and they want
to enjoy it longer." Thirteenth placed Watford have three wins from their
opening ten games and Bilic has been impressed with their start to the
campaign, He said: "It will be a tough game on Saturday because they are a
hard team to beat. They are also a new team who are improving week by week.
"They look a very organised team, and we have to be on top of our game if we
want to continue our good run."
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West Ham can WIN the Premier League this season, claims co-chairman David
Sullivan
15:19, 29 OCT 2015 UPDATED 15:19, 29 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
The Hammers are third in the table after shock victories over Arsenal,
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea
The Mirror
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan claims his club could WIN the Premier
League this season. And with the Hammers third in the table after shock
victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, Sullivan is
adamant that Slaven Bilic's men should be dreaming of a Champions League
place – even before next season's move to the Olympic Stadium. Talking to
West Ham's official website, Sullivan said: "We're very, very optimistic.
I'm not talking it down I want to talk it up, I believe it's achievable.
"It's a big myth, I mean look at what's gone wrong with Chelsea – that
looked an impossibility – so why shouldn't the opposite happen to us?
"In football, we're here to dream. At the start of the season we were in
four competitions and the aim was to win those four. "Now we're down to two
– we've got the big double left – and it's very, very unlikely but not
impossible. "If you'd asked about the Champions League at the start of the
season I would have said it's impossible this year – but it's not. Forget
dreaming in the future.
"The unfortunate thing is that if you finish fourth you have to play a
qualifying game – and no doubt we'd get a real toughie – like the fourth
best team in Spain or Italy! "Realistically, I'd love fourth place and we'd
take our chances. I know it's unlikely, but it really is possible. "One more
win and we could be top of the table, looking down! "I'm not sure how clever
that would be as it'd really put pressure on people but it's not bad to be
two points off the lead."
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham's best is yet to come
GIUSEPPE MURO 25 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic today warned Premier League rivals that the best is yet to come
from West Ham. The club are just two points off the top in third place and
have already beaten Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea this
season. The Hammers manager, who replaced Sam Allardyce in the summer, is
not getting carried away with their brilliant start to the season but
insists they can still improve. He said: "It's only the start but we are
confident [there is more to come]. There's going to be ups and downs in
terms of results but I don't see why it should drop. "Our goal is to try and
win as many games as we can and to play as attractively as we can. It's
still early days. "This doesn't mean I'm not happy with our performances, I
am happy. But we know we can improve on everything. "We can improve in
set-pieces, second balls and we can improve in our shooting. "It has been a
good start and we are enjoying it but are keeping our feet on the ground
because it is only a start. But we are playing well and we are confident.
We hope to continue like this because we have good players and a good team
spirit.
"Our position in the table motivates the players by itself because they are
enjoying it and they want to enjoy it longer." West Ham face Watford at
Vicarage Road on Saturday but having lost against Leicester and Bournemouth
this season, Bilic will not underestimate the threat they pose. "It will be
a tough game because Watford are a hard team to beat," added the
47-year-old. "They are also a new team who are improving week by week. They
look a very organised side and we have to be on top of our game if we want
to continue our good run.
"I rate [Watford boss] Quique [Flores] very highly, not only his past as a
player but also as a coach. "To have 20 new players and in such a short
time, turn them into a solid team is amazing."
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Barcelona: Javier Mascherano 'admits defrauding' Spanish tax authorities
over £1.08m
The Bleacher Report
October 29, 2015 13:23 GMT 2
Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has admitted defrauding the Spanish tax
authorities over £1.08m ($1.64m) in his income tax declarations of 2011 and
2012, according to reports in Spain. The former Liverpool and West Ham
United midfielder recognised his wrongdoing during a briefly declaration at
the court on 29 October as, according to a judicial source cited by AS,
"Mascherano admitted the facts of the two counts of tax fraud, so there was
no need to interrogate him".
The Argentina international has been under investigation by the Spanish
prosecutor in recent months after being accused of failing to declare his
earning of 2011 and 2012 properly by ceding his image rights to companies he
owns in Portugal and the US.
AS points out that in September, the former Liverpool star deposited £1.08m
to repay the amount owed plus an extra amount in interest and penalty
charges. Since he has admitted his guilt, he is expected to avoid a trial,
with his defence and the prosecutors making an agreement instead. The
Barcelona player is the latest star to be involved in an issue with the
Spanish tax authorities after similar allegations emerged against Neymar,
Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Lionel Messi. Reports in Spain earlier in
October announced that four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi faced 22 months in
jail if found guilty of defrauding the tax authorities after being accused
of three offences that saw his father allegedly defraud the state for around
£3m.
Two-game ban in La Liga
The news over Mascherano's tax fraud came just one day after the Spanish
Football Federation handed the Argentine a two-game ban following his red
card during the victory over Eibar on 25 October for verbally abusing a
linesman. The Argentina international will consequently miss the next La
Liga games against Villarreal and Getafe but will be available to return to
action for the much-expected first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid
on 21 November.
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West Ham statue celebrating 1966 World Cup heroes defaced with blue paint
after victory against Chelsea
SAM LONG Monday 26 October 20151 comment
Evening Standard
The statue outside Upton Park celebrating West Ham's 1966 World Cup heroes
was defaced on Saturday night hours after the east London club's 2-1 victory
against Chelsea. A litre of blue paint was tipped over the base of the
statue that pays tribute to the collective achievement of Bobby Moore,
Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst, who helped the Three Lions to win their
solitary major international trophy. The sculpture also features former
Everton player Ray Wilson, who carried England and Hammers skipper Moore as
he paraded the Jules Rimet Trophy around the Wembley pitch after the
memorable 4-2 win over West Germany.
Newham Council, who commissioned the statue with the club in 2003, confirmed
that a cleaning team had been sent to repair the damage. "We were alerted on
Sunday evening that blue paint had been poured on the plinth of the
Champions statue and sent a specialist cleansing team as soon as possible to
clear it up. "Around a litre of blue emulsion paint had been poured on the
plinth behind the statue and it took the team around 45 minutes to fully
remove it using a high pressure jet washer," read a council statement. The
statue, which cost £725,000 to erect and stands on the corner of Green
Street and Barking Road, has been damaged on three occasions in recent
years.
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West Ham eye £5 million deal for AC Milan star Keisuke Honda - Wednesday's
top transfer stories
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Standard Sport brings you the best lines from Wednesday's papers, including
potential managerial changes, and early season rumblings ahead of the
January transfer window. There may be a good three months to go before the
window opens, but there are plenty of sparks flying in the transfer rumour
mill at present. West Ham United have started the season in bright form, and
it appears that Slaven Bilic is keen to capitalise on their early success as
they hunt Champions League football. Keisuke Honda is a reported target for
the Hammers in January, and the midfielder may be available to reinforce
Bilic's options. The 29-year-old has mostly been restricted to substitute
appearances for AC Milan and appears to have fallen out of Sinisa
Mihajlovic's plans. However if the Japan international could rediscover the
form he showed at CSKA Moscow he could be a valuable addition at the Boleyn
Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic calls on Andy Carroll to stay fit and prove his
'unplayable' quality
13:00, 29 OCT 2015
BY DAVE KIDD
Carroll's Croatian chief says his quality has never been in doubt but wants
the 26-year-old to keep fit as his Hammers side continue aiming upwards
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has urged Andy Carroll to recapture the prolific Newcastle form
which once made him England's most expensive footballer. West Ham's Geordie
beefcake is finally fit against after a succession of injuries and headed
the winner which beat Chelsea last Saturday, propelling the Hammers into
third in the Premier League. Carroll, 26, netted 11 Premier League goals for
Newcastle in the first half of the 2010-11 season, earning him a £35million
January move to Liverpool. And Hammers boss Bilic said: "Andy's quality was
never in doubt, that was not the issue. It was always about fitness. "Apart
from in that one season when he scored a million goals for Newcastle - and
he should always be like this. "Whatever we do, he is putting us one level
up. The game against Norwich he came on for 15 minutes and we created three
chances with him being involved. He came on against Palace and got the
assist and Chelsea to get the goal.
"He should be more consistent and stay away from injuries. I'm saying
nothing new, it is the same old story. He did the same thing for years, came
into the side and scored the winning goal and then got injured." Bilic
believes that Carroll is unplayable for defenders when he is fit and firing.
He said: "We can't say that we don't have physical presence in the the box
without Andy Carroll, we have it. We are good in the air without Carroll, we
have [Diafra] Sakho and [Nikica] Jelavic who are good in the air but Andy is
maybe the best in England – definitely when he is fit. "When a good ball
comes in like [Aaron] Cresswell's against Chelsea it is basically up to him,
no matter how good the defenders are in the air, it is more up to Andy.
"If the good balls come in an area where he is it is almost impossible to
mark him. His game is not just about that, he has a sense and feeling for
the game, he sees the move two or three moves before which makes him a great
player."
And Bilic believes the Hammers should not drop away 'drastically' from the
top of the Premier League. He said: "It has been a good start and we are
enjoying it but we are on the ground totally. "We are confident, we are
playing well and if we continue to work hard as we have since day one, of
course there will be ups and downs results-wise, but I don't see a reason
why we should drop dramatically. "We are confident and we are gaining
everything positive that is important and necessary, like atmosphere and
team-work, bonding. "We hope we are going to continue like this, the reason
is because we have good players, good team spirit, a good quality, a
pattern. We are working hard, we are respecting the opponents and not
fearing them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: Why West Ham are in the Champions League places already
GOOD results are breeding so much confidence in the West Ham squad that
Slaven Bilic believes they can consistently challenge the best teams in the
Premier League.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 10:53, Thu, Oct 29, 2015 | UPDATED: 12:30, Thu, Oct 29, 2015
Express.co.uk
The Hammers sit third in the table, two points off league leaders Manchester
City and Arsenal, and are unbeaten since August. They beat Chelsea 2-1 last
weekend to add to major scalps over City, Liverpool and Arsenal. And, ahead
of Saturday's clash with Watford that could result in West Ham being the
surprise league leaders just 11 games into the season, Bilic explained the
magic formula that sees them competing for Champions League places. "It's
been a good start, we're enjoying it but we're totally grounded, because
it's only a start," he said. "We are confident, we are playing well and if
we continue to work hard as we have been from day one, of course there's
going to be ups and downs results wise, but I don't see a reason why we
should drop dramatically. "We are gaining everything positive that this is
important and necessary like the atmosphere, confidence in individuals, team
work and bonding. "Of course victories is the best way to do that. I hope
we're going to continue like this." Bilic signed 11 players in the summer
following this appointment after the club sacked the now Sunderland boss Sam
Allardyce. Asked about his squad's success, the Croatian replied: "The
reason for that is we have good players, a good team spirit, a quality. "We
have a pattern and are working hard, respecting our opponents but not
fearing them. "It's hard work with individual quality but it's been
enjoyable so far."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic tells West Ham squad to keep improving as Hammers aim to extend
unbeaten away run at Watford on Saturday
Slaven Bilic says West Ham must get better at 'absolutely everything'
Hammers looking to keep up unbeaten away run at Watford on Saturday
Manager says Andy Carroll must improve fitness to get into team
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:02, 29 October 2015 | UPDATED: 12:06, 29 October 2015
Slaven Bilic has told his West Ham players they must improve in every
department with the Hammers boss looking to extend their unbeaten away run
this weekend. West Ham travel to Watford on Saturday, having already beaten
Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace on the road in the
Barclays Premier League this season. Despite their remarkable form away
from Upton Park, Bilic insists he wants his team to get better at
'absolutely everything' to maintain their place near the top of the table.
Asked what his team can improve in, Bilic said: 'Everything. 'Some players
know each other only for a couple of months so we can improve organisation
and transition. We can improve small things like set-pieces and second
balls. 'We definitely have to improve in shooting because we are not
shooting enough. That doesn't mean I'm not happy with the performances so
far but we can improve in absolutely everything. ' The return of Andy
Carroll will help after the striker netted the winning goal against
champions Chelsea last week but Bilic has told his attacker to make sure he
stays fit. 'If the good balls come in an area where he is it is almost
impossible to mark him,' Bilic said. 'His game is not just that, he has a
sense and feeling for the game, he sees the move two or three moves before
which makes him a great player.
Bilic has told striker Carroll that he must keep fit if he is to break into
the Hammers starting eleven 'He should be more consistent and stay away from
injuries. I'm saying nothing new, it is the same old story. 'He did the
same thing four years ago, came into the side and scored the winning goal
and then got injured. 'His quality was never in doubt, that was not the
issue. It was always about fitness.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid nearing full fitness as Slaven Bilic reports of 'fatigue' in
West Ham camp
WINSTON REID could soon be back in the West Ham XI after almost a month out
with injury, manager Slaven Bilic has revealed.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 12:19, Thu, Oct 29, 2015 | UPDATED: 12:25, Thu, Oct 29, 2015
Express.co.uk
Centre-back Reid has been out with a hip problem since West Ham's 2-2 draw
at Sunderland on 3 October. It is doubtful he will take part in West Ham's
trip to Watford on Saturday (3pm).
But Bilic insists the 27-year-old is nearing full recovery and confirmed he
has an almost fully-fit squad for the clash at Vicarage Road. "The situation
is good, we will see today with some players who skipped yesterday's session
because of some small knocks and fatigue (if they can be included)," Bilic
said. "Some of them cannot train five days in a row on the pitch with us,
which is OK in the long-term. "Nobody has reported anything bad to me so we
should be alright, we should be almost fully fit. "Still, there are players
like Winston Reid, he has started his training for us for a few days now.
But nobody is properly injured."
Bilic signed 11 players over the summer and has been forced to balance his
squad alongside injuries to key players. Yet that has not stopped the
Hammers rising to third in the Premier League table after 10 games. And
Bilic hopes the side can go even further once his long-term absentees
return. "We have now a situation where we have most of the players back -
and I'm glad for it," he said. "Our medical team has done really well and we
are not cautious but we are planning, if somebody is tired, it give them
special training sessions to protect them from injuries. "Now I have a
really positive headache. You have many good players that deserve to be
selected int he first 11 or 18. But I'm going to make that choice."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burke has old head on young shoulders, says Bradford City boss
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
PHIL Parkinson reckons City are the right club to further Reece Burke's
education for now – and West Ham agree. The 19-year-old Premier League
centre half has been a big hit in his 11 games for the Bantams, who hope to
hang on to him as long as they can and have just extended his youth loan by
a further month. Parkinson believes the current arrangement with the England
under-20 international works well for both parties. And he revealed how the
Hammers, who gave Burke his top-flight bow in April, continue to keep close
tabs on their rising talent. The City boss said: "The best way I can
describe Reece is that he has got an old head on young shoulders. He plays
with a really calm and cool approach. "He has been great for us, especially
with the way he has come up here, got an apartment and settled in. "It's his
first time away from the south but it's great experience for him living on
his own and being away from his family, although they do come up to most
games." Parkinson has regular contact with West Ham academy director Terry
Westley, while City's head of sports science and fitness Nick Allamby
compiles updates on his training regime. The Bantams manager said: "Terry
has been very good with us. I liaise with him about how Reece is doing in
training as well as the games themselves.
"They watch him like we do when any of our players are loaned out. Nick does
a report as well, which West Ham requested to detail the training he has
been doing and the work in the gym.
"With loans it's so important you get players to the right club. We believe
this has been beneficial for West Ham as well. That's why clubs now are so
careful where they send players."
Burke has been an ever-present in League One since making his City debut at
Barnsley in August. The only game he has missed was the JP Trophy home
defeat against the Tykes a fortnight ago because he was playing against
Germany under-20s at the time. Meanwhile, Paul Anderson hopes he can
transfer to a lighter cast on his knee after seeing surgeon Steve Bollen
tomorrow. Physio Matt Barrass said: "Ando has still got another six weeks in
a cast but if the specialist is happy with how it's healing, then he will
change it. "It's still a long way off. Those type of injuries are generally
six months-plus."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham linked with strikers living off past glories in Defoe and Pato, but
they are better than that now
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United have been linked with January moves for two strikers
approaching the twilight of their careers but the club is better than that
now. The Hammers have been linked with a January move to bring their former
youth prodigy Jermaine Defoe back to Upton Park from Sunderland where he has
been left kicking his heels on the bench, as reported by the Express.
Another striker whose reputation has been on the wane in recent years has
also been linked with a move to East London with the Daily Mail reporting
that Brazilian Alexandre Pato is being eyed by the Hammers. Defoe has been
kept on the bench since ex-Hammers boss Sam Allardyce arrived on Wearside
and told the Express he will look to move on in the transfer window should
the situation remain the same. "At the age of 33, you want to play
football," Defoe said. "I didn't come here to sit on the bench. "You want to
play football and score goals. "I said that from day one."
Meanwhile, reports from Brazil claim former AC Milan star Pato could sign
for West Ham with his current club Corinthians' president Roberto de Andrade
said to be keen to offload the 26-year-old forward. The striker burst on to
the scene in Brazil a decade ago before a big move to Italy. But things did
not work out for him long-term in Serie A and his return to Brazil has been
equally unimpressive with Corinthians loaning him out to Sao Paolo in
February 2014. It is claimed Pato is 'keen' to play in 'one of the big
cities' in England and West Ham are suggested as the likeliest suitors.
A couple of years ago Hammers fans would probably have welcomed links to two
players of Defoe and Pato's ilk. But the club has evolved over the last two
summers. A revamped transfer policy has been paying dividends with Slaven
Bilic's side sitting pretty in third place in the Premier League more than a
quarter of the way into the season and just two points off leaders
Manchester City. The focus has been on young, hungry, powerful players who
will play their best years in East London. In truth Defoe and Pato are both
on the wane as players and West Ham no longer need to give a chance to
players looking for one last deal. The Hammers have had their fingers burned
countless times over the years following that policy with South African star
Benni McCarthy the prime example of such deals backfiring.
Deliberate shift in transfer policy paying dividends
A shift in the way West Ham approach the transfer market was a very
deliberate move by co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold after employing
top talent spotter Tony Henry to lead their recruitment drive. And any
Hammers fan will vouch that the last two summer transfer windows have been
among the best in the history of the club with the likes of Aaron Cresswell,
Adrian, Cheikhou Kouyate, Carl Jenkinson, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho,
Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses, Alex Song, Michail Antonio and
Angelo Ogbonna coming in. Sullivan has said the club will now rarely sign a
player over the age of 27 unless of outstanding quality and value. While
Pato is 26 and could yet still turn his career around, Defoe at 33, is
approaching the end of his top flight playing days. West Ham move to the
54,000 seater Olympic Stadium next summer and have designs on a more
meaningful existence. Bilic is already struggling to fit all his players in
with Andy Carroll, Sakho, Mauro Zarate, Nikica Jelavic and Valencia vying
for places up front. If Defoe cannot even get into a struggling Sunderland
side and Pato is seen as a burden to a club like Corinthians, why then would
they even be considered by the high-flying Hammers? The club has moved on
from those days and are all the better for it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'West Ham fans would have loved him' Slaven Bilic reveals aborted winger
deal
London 24
08:46 29 October 2015
Pete Evans
Tore, 23, has set up five goals already this season after spending the last
two seasons under Bilic's tutelage at the Turkish side. 2 And Bilic was keen
to bring the winger with him to Upton Park and admits Tore, who he says
would have suited English football, was on his wishlist when he accepted the
role. "I have always said that Gokhan Tore could play at any European team
he has both the quality and the potential," Bilic told Fanatik. "After
agreeing terms with West Ham I told the board that I want him and I strongly
believe he would add a lot to the team and be a success in England. "The
fans would have loved him but it did not happen we could not agree a deal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WITH ALEX SONG RETURNING, DO WEST HAM HAVE A SELECTION PROBLEM?
By DylanBregman
readwestham.com
With the imminent return of Alex Song into the West Ham squad Slaven Bilic
may have some problems choosing the central midfielders. I don't think that
Slaven will change the system as we are doing very well with it and are
currently third however he might have to think twice about the two players
he does play in central midfield.
MARK NOBLE
He's West Ham through and through. He came up through the academy and has
recently been given the responsibility of club captain by Bilic himself.
However some people have been saying that Noble has been our weakest link so
far this season so will he get a spot.
CHEIKHOU KOUYATE
The Senegalese tank. Kouyate joined West Ham in 2014 since then the
defensive midfielder has played 38 games scoring 7 goals. However he isn't
known for his attacking performances. Kouyate likes to sit in front of the
defense and protect the centre half's. A very important role in our team.
PEDRO OBIANG
Obiang joined us at the start of this season and hasn't had much game time
so far. He has come on as a sub quite a few times and has proved to Bilic
that he can change the game for the better if he needs to. However he
doesn't yet have the experience in my opinion to beat Kouyate, Noble and
Song to a place.
ALEX SONG
Song returns for his second loan deal at the hammers. He hasn't yet played
this season as he is returning from injury. Even though Noble and Kouyate
have done so well in midfield in the first quarter of this season can you
really turn down a player who's won La Liga, the English league cup and many
more.
It's a tough decision for Slaven Bilic but I believe he will make the right
decisions.
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