Preview - Leicester City
WHUFC.com
When and where?
Leicester City v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 31 December 2016, 3pm GMT
King Power Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United bring 2016 to a close with a trip to the 2015/16 Premier League champions Leicester City.
2016 is a year which created plenty of memories for both teams – the Foxes' title-winning triumph was truly remarkable, while West Ham brought the Boleyn Ground era to a close by registering their highest ever Premier League points total.
Neither team has hit those same heights so far this term, although the Hammers have returned to form with ten points from their last five games; a tally which has lifted them up above Leicester and to eleventh in the table.
That run has included three straight wins, against Burnley, Hull City and Swansea City, as the Hammers ran riot in South Wales on Boxing Day, with goals from Andre Ayew, Winston Reid, Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll firing them to a 4-1 victory.
Leicester were unable to give their fans a Christmas present, as Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku struck to give Everton a 2-0 win at King Power Stadium.
The defeat leaves them in 16th with 17 points from 18 games to date. They have, however, enjoyed better fortunes in the UEFA Champions League, topping Group G to set up a last 16 tie against Sevilla.
Team news
The Hammers are expected to welcome Manuel Lanzini back into their matchday squad after the Argentine midfielder returned to training this week.
He has been joined in training by Reece Oxford, Simone Zaza and Sam Byram after the trio recovered from their various injuries, but Diafra Sakho, James Collins, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa and Gokhan Tore remain sidelined.
For Leicester, England striker Jamie Vardy is suspended after being sent off against Stoke City, but Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs return from bans.
PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez is set to return to the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench against Everton.
Player Head-to-Head
Riyad Mahrez Michail Antonio head-to-head
Any links between the two?
Neither squad has a player who has turned out for the other side, although Sofiane Feghouli is an Algeria teammate of Leicester's Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.
Last term the Foxes ran out 2-1 winners at the Boleyn Ground, while West Ham secured a 2-2 draw in the return fixtures, as Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll found the net.
How do I get to the game?
Click here for directions to the King Power Stadium.
Up-to-the-minute news on the trains can be found here. If you're travelling by road, you can find traffic news here.
Where can I watch the game?
The match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can follow the action as it happens on the whufc.com Match Centre. There you can find live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social using #LEIWHU
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Urgent appeal for Hammers fan
WHUFC.com
Hammers fan Chris Tester was shot during a robbery at his parents' restaurant in Antigua
Friends and family have launched an appeal to bring him home to the UK for treatment
West Ham United supporters have helped raise more than £90,000 so far
Kind-hearted well-wishers have come to the aid of a critically-ill West Ham United fan who was shot in the head in Antigua on Christmas Day. Lifelong Hammer Christopher Tester was seriously injured when he was attacked by a masked gunman in a Christmas Day robbery at his parents' restaurant, The Boxer Shack, on the Caribbean island. The 37-year-old, from Torquay in Devon, was placed in an induced coma in hospital before being moved to the island of Guadeloupe to be assessed by doctors there. Friends and family launched an appeal to raise the funds needed to bring Christoper back to the UK by air ambulance for urgent treatment. Friend Charlotte Williams, who set up the appeal, wrote: "Dear friends. Tony and Gill Tester from Boxer Shack were held up at gunpoint last night. During the attack, their son Chris was shot in the head and critically injured. "We need to arrange immediate evacuation by air ambulance to the UK and need your help to fund this. Please, please give anything you can, any amount will help."
Chris has now arrived at the hospital in Guadeloupe and is being assessed by doctors there. Thank you all so much for getting us to this stage, without you, none of this would have been possible. "We are hoping that Chris will be well enough to leave for the UK in the next few days." Their initial target of £90,000 was quickly reached, and the family are now appealing for help in ensuring Christopher can receive the specialist treatment he needs when back in the UK.
To make a donation to the Chris Tester Urgent Appeal now, please click here : http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/chris-tester-urgent-appeal
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Bilic - Leicester are still a force
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has no doubts that Leicester will get their season back on track and is expecting another tough encounter at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
After defying all the odds to win the Premier League last season, the Midlands club have failed to reach the same standards this season and are languishing just outside the bottom three.
But despite their position in the table, the Hammers manager has no question that Claudio Ranieri's side have the quality in the team to turn their season around and will be looking to end 2016 on a high note.
Bilic said: "Leicester were a miracle last season. It was a big achievement and one of the biggest in football history.
"It was very difficult for the manager to maintain that level of keeping everything positive.
"The Champions League did not help them although they have done tremendously well in the competition.
"In the Premier League they are in a position where no-one is happy but there is a long way to go.
"They have the quality and the resources, they should be alright. But there is no free lunch. Considering where Leicester were four seasons ago it's quite a normal situation for them."
BilicThe Hammers head into the game full of confidence following their impressive Boxing Day victory over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
After making it three consecutive wins, Bilic is now hoping to see his side record another positive result and help them move into the top half of the table.
Bilic added: "I want to build on the performance, especially the recent one against Swansea, that was really good and not to lose confidence.
"We've had 10 points from four games and we know it will be extremely hard against Leicester. We are in good form and we are very positive. We have to do everything we can continue this.
"The confidence is back and fitness is back and you don't want it to stop. But you know it won't last for ever. You never know in the Premier League, you know you are facing good teams but you have to continue to play like this."
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Five Talking Points – Leicester City
WHUFC.com
The major points for discussion ahead of the New Year's Eve trip to King Power Stadium...
History repeating?
Turn the clock back a little under three years to 29 January 2014 and West Ham United sat 18th in the table.
A hard-earned draw at one of the Premier League's top clubs – Chelsea, whose manager Jose Mourinho accused the Hammers of playing '19th-century football' afterwards – sparked a run of victories that carried West Ham up the standings.
Wins over Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City, all by a 2-0 scoreline, and a 3-1 success against Southampton had Sam Allardyce's tenth by 22 February.
Fast forward to 11 December 2016 and West Ham United sat 18th in the table.
A hard-earned draw at one of the Premier League's top clubs – in this case, Liverpool – sparked a run of victories that carried West Ham up the standings.
Wins over Burnley, Hull City and Swansea have the Hammers up to eleventh, and a win at Leicester City on New Year's Eve could place them tenth come the first day of 2017!
Foxhunter
Andy Carroll enjoyed another productive day against Swansea City on Boxing Day, scoring for the fifth time in six appearances against the Welsh side.
On New Year's Eve, he faces another of his 'favourite' opponents, statistically at least.
The No9 has scored on each of his two Premier League appearances against the Leicester City – a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground in December 2014 and 2-2 draw at King Power Stadium in April 2016.
Fit and in form, Carroll will be seeking to complete another hat-trick of sorts when he steps out against the Foxes and their formidable centre-half pairing of Robert Huth and Wes Morgan on Saturday.
Leicester City
Champions dethtroned
Last May, Chelsea set an unwanted record. This May, Leicester City look set to break it.
The Blues ended the 2015/16 season tenth in the Premier League table, the lowest-ever finishing position for a club defending the title.
The Foxes are 18 games into their own defence and sit 16th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone.
Ayew or Lanzini?
Andre Ayew netted his first West Ham United goal and produced arguably his best performance in Claret and Blue against his former club on Boxing Day.
Now, however, Argentinean Manuel Lanzini is fit again after recovering from an abdominal injury.
When he has been available, Lanzini has been a regular starter for Slaven Bilic, so the manager has a selection decision to make for the New Year's Eve trip to Leicester City.
With Ayew soon to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations and Monday's Premier League home game with Manchester United to bear in mind, the Ghanaian may keep his place at the King Power Stadium. Alternatively, Bilic could opt to recall his diminutive No10.
No Vardy, no party?
Leicester City will be without their suspended England striker Jamie Vardy on Saturday, as the No9 is serving the second match of a three-game ban.
Without Vardy for the first time this Premier League season on Boxing Day, the Foxes were beaten 2-0 at home by Everton.
The 29-year-old's pace, commitment and goalscoring played a huge role in Leicester's title win last season, stretching opposing defences on a weekly basis, and his absence robs Claudio Ranieri's side of that dimension to their play.
Algeria international Islam Slimani and Japan forward Shinji Okazaki are more physical, less mobile forwards, and one of them is set to lead the Leicester line, with wingers Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton supplying the deliveries from wide areas.
Ranieri has one other option who has attributes more similar to Vardy's in Nigerian Ahmed Musa.
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I want to start by wishing a happy and healthy New Year to all of our supporters and hope we can secure another big victory against Leicester on Saturday.
2016 has been a memorable year for everyone connected with West Ham United and it was fitting that we were able to celebrate such a big 12 months, 50 years on from when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup for England.
It was sad for us to leave the Boleyn Ground where the memories will never be forgotten, but we left with a famous victory over Manchester United in the final ever game and then had a memorable closing ceremony.
We have now moved onto a new adventure and the majority of our fans see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Stadium is renowned throughout the world and we hope to become the biggest supported club in London.
I remember all my life when we were always the fourth club in the capital, but we have taken steps to change that and challenge our three biggest rivals in London.
We are just outside the top half of the table and the confidence is flooding back into the squad. We can now challenge once again.
To go on an unbeaten run in the Premier League and win three consecutive games changes everything - the mood around the camp, the league position and the fans are a lot more optimistic.
Key players returning from injury have also helped us and it is no coincidence that the return of Andy Carroll over the last four games has contributed to this impressive run of form.
We all know what Andy brings to the team and I was so pleased to see him get on the scoresheet. He is looking back to his best and we hope he will score even more goals in the coming weeks and months.
2016 has been a memorable year for everyone connected with West Ham United and it was fitting that we were able to celebrate such a big 12 months, 50 years on from when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup for England
I was also delighted to see Andre Ayew score his first goal for the Club. It takes time to build up your match fitness and you can see that he is getting stronger all the time and the quality he has.
We have to remember that Andre is the Club's record signing and he is a very good player with Premier League experience.
It is a big blow for us to be losing him now to the Africa Cup of Nations but we knew the situation when we signed him. We also lose Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli and we are going to miss them, but a lot of clubs will face the same situation.
All three players still have a part to play before they leave when we play Leicester City and Manchester United and we hope to continue this winning run.
There was never any question of the players' commitment in wanting to turn our season around and you could see from Winston Reid's goal against Swansea the passion and desire that our players have at the moment.
Winston was determined to win the ball more than the two defenders around him and I endorse what Alan Shearer said about him on Match of the Day. It shows what it means to the players.
We are beginning to look up now and there is no reason why we cannot get another positive result against Leicester on Saturday.
It was a remarkable story seeing them win the title last season and it was a fairytale outcome.
They certainly didn't buy the league and they won it because of their sheer determination and everything came right for them. It is why the Premier League is the best in the world.
We are coming up against a different type of Leicester team this season as they are fighting to move clear of the bottom three and it will be another tough game.
But our confidence is sky high and we are benefitting from a resurgence around the whole football club. It has been an amazing transformation.
I want to wish all our fans who are making the trip to the King Power Stadium a safe journey and let's hope we can end 2016 with another positive result and keep our unbeaten run going as we head into the New Year.
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Ayew praises 'top striker' Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew is enjoying working alongside an in-form Andy Carroll
Both forwards scored in the 4-1 Boxing Day win at Swansea City
Hammers seeking fourth Premier League win in a row when they visit King Power Stadium
Andre Ayew is looking to build on his partnership with 'top striker' Andy Carroll when West Ham United take on Leicester City on New Year's Eve. The pair each scored in the Hammers' 4-1 Boxing Day win at Swansea City – Ayew his first goal for the Club – and look set to work together again as they go for four straight Premier League wins at King Power Stadium. The duo are making up for lost time after both were ruled out of the early months of the season by injury, but the signs are that Ayew and Carroll could cause top-flight defences plenty of problems in the future.
"To be honest, Andy is a top striker," Ayew confirmed. "He's been here at the Club for a while and the guys know how to use him and play with him. For me, it's new and I'm learning but it's great because his quality is there and he helps the whole squad. Hopefully he can continue playing the way he is playing and scoring the goals he is scoring. "Our recent wins have brought a lot of confidence. We beat Burnley and Hull in a difficult way, then we beat Swansea by putting the ball on the ground, playing football and scoring four goals. We proved that we can play with different styles and win in different ways. "We are growing as a team and growing in confidence and we can win more games. Right now the confidence is high and hopefully it will stay high."
So, what of Saturday's game at the Premier League champions, who sit 16th in the table after a challenging defence of their title.
"It's a very difficult game," observed Ayew, who could come up against Ghana teammate Daniel Amartey. "Leicester have a very good squad that is doing well in the Champions League and we know what they did last season in the Premier League. They have quality players and kept the majority of their squad, so we just need to go there with a lot of confidence and belief and try to do something up there. "It's going to be tough for us, particularly in front of their fans, but we need to dig in to try and get something."
After facing Leicester and Manchester United at London Stadium on Monday, the No20 will jet out to the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon to represent Ghana. There, Avram Grant's squad will face Uganda, Mali and Egypt in the group stage. Should the Black Stars go all the way to the final, Ayew will return to east London in early February.
For the West Ham man, leaving for international duty provokes mixed emotions. "The Africa Cup of Nations is coming and it has been part of my dreams been since I was a kid," the 27-year-old said. "We have been very close to winning it and hopefully one day we are going to bring this trophy home "It would have been good to stay at the Club, but wearing my national colours is something I dreamt of when I was young and I am always proud and I will do everything I can for my nation. "It's difficult to leave the Club, too, but we have great players and hopefully West Ham will keep winning games and I'll come back and keep on working towards finishing as high as we can."
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Leicester City v West Ham United
SAT, 31 DEC 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: King Power Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs are available for Leicester after serving their one-match bans.
Jamie Vardy is still suspended but Riyad Mahrez is set to return after being left out of the team for the Boxing Day defeat by Everton.
West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang is back in the squad after serving a suspension.
Defender James Collins could be involved after missing several games with a muscular injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Leicester's summer of celebration has been followed by the mother of all hangovers that stubbornly refuses to clear and leaves them sitting just three points above the relegation zone as the year draws to a close.
"Claudio Ranieri's team have shown glimpses of their quality recently against Manchester City and Stoke, but are in real danger of being dragged into a full-blown relegation battle.
"West Ham's man of the match when I saw them against Hull a couple of weeks ago was the post (as voted by fans on the club's Twitter account), but they won that day and have found the sort of form recently that Leicester currently crave.
"A win here would be their fourth in a row and add to the champions' collective headache."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri: "I forgot 2016 already. My mind is on 31 December against West Ham.
"That is my life and I hope my players follow me in this way. Everything is in the past, it is the future that is important now.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! Every player that is available, it is always West Ham.
"You have the agents calling. Of course, you are bombed with names and everything. When you talk to them, everybody is like (Lionel) Messi or whatever.
"They are also very cheap, dying to come, and they have a little West Ham tattoo. Not now... but since the school days and all that.
"It's that time of the year."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I like the look of West Ham now they have some of their injured players back and, whichever Leicester team turns up, I think the Hammers will get something out of this game.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Leicester are unbeaten in the last four league and cup meetings, their best run against West Ham since 1977.
The Foxes needed a controversial stoppage-time penalty, scored by Leonardo Ulloa, to rescue a point in the corresponding fixture in April.
West Ham's only Premier League victory at Leicester in the last seven attempts was by a 3-1 scoreline in January 2000 (D3, L3).
Leicester City
Leicester could lose consecutive Premier League home matches for the first time since January to February 2015.
Ipswich Town in 1962-63 are the only reigning champions to have a worse record after 18 matches than Leicester's four wins, five draws and nine defeats.
The only reigning champions to be relegated from the top flight were Manchester City in 1937-38.
Leicester haven't lost their final league match of a calendar year since 2010 (W3, D2).
The Foxes have lost two of their last four home Premier League games - as many as they'd lost in their previous 31 top-flight matches at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester are without a clean sheet in 11 Premier League games. They last went on a worse run in 2002, when they went 14 games without a shutout.
West Ham United
West Ham could win four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since February 2014.
They have not achieved back-to-back away wins in the division for more than 15 months.
Michail Antonio has scored 16 Premier League goals for West Ham since the start of last season - five more than any other Hammers player.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 2-1 Probability of draw: 22%
Probability of home win: 58% Probability of away win: 20%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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Leicester v West Ham preview: Hammers target fourth straight win at struggling Foxes
Last Updated: 30/12/16 9:03am
SSN
West Ham will hope to continue their impressive run of wins in their New Year's Eve clash against Premier League champions Leicester, who are in the midst of a torrid run of form in the league. The Foxes are three points off the drop zone and have won only two of their past 10 games in the league while progressing to the last 16 in the Champions League. However, Bilic insists that it was always going to be difficult to maintain the heroics they produced last season. "From last season, the only way was down," Bilic said. "It was not a miracle, but it was a big achievement for them, one of the biggest in football history so it was difficult, especially for the manager, to maintain that level. "The Champions League didn't help, definitely. They did tremendously well in the Champions League. In the Premier League, okay they didn't do well but they are now in a position that they are not happy about it. But there's still a long way to go."
Team news
West Ham will welcome back midfielder Pedro Obiang for their trip to Leicester on Saturday. The 24-year-old Spaniard missed the Hammers' Boxing Day win at Swansea due to suspension but should start for their New Year's Eve clash. Midfielder Manuel Lanzini is back in training as he recovers from an abdominal strain sustained against Hull but remains sidelined. Bilic confirmed that defender Sam Byram trained with the squad on Wednesday but will be out for up to "five or six weeks" with an ankle problem. Gokhan Tore (knee), Reece Oxford (ankle) and Simone Zaza (knee) are unavailable while defender James Collins could return to the squad after missing the last few games with a muscular injury.
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri confirmed Riyad Mahrez will start after he came on as a second-half substitute against Everton Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs are also available after one-match bans but Vardy continues to serve a three-match suspension.
Match stats
Leicester are unbeaten in their past three in the Premier League against West Ham (W2 D1) - they've never gone four without defeat against the Hammers in the Premier League.
West Ham last failed to score against Leicester in a league match in August 2004 (in the Championship).
West Ham have beaten the reigning Premier League champions only once in an away match (D1 L18), beating Manchester United 1-0 in December 2001.
Leicester haven't lost their final league match of a calendar year since 2010, winning three and drawing two in the five years since.
The Foxes have lost two of their last four home Premier League games - as many as they'd lost in their previous 31 top-flight matches at the King Power Stadium.
West Ham have won their last three Premier League games - they last won four consecutively in February 2014.
Leicester are without a clean sheet in any of their last 11 Premier League games, their worst run since August 2014 (also 11 games). They last went on a longer run in April 2002, when they went 14 top-flight games without a shutout.
Since the start of last season, Michail Antonio has scored 16 Premier League goals for West Ham - five more than any other Hammers player (Payet and Carroll on 11).
Foxes midfielder Andy King's last league brace came against West Ham in a Championship encounter in October 2011.
Leicester have made the second-worst start by a top-flight reigning champion after 18 games (17 points), since Ipswich in 1962/63 (15 points, assuming three for a win).
Merson's prediction
No Jamie Vardy again for Leicester, while West Ham had a great result at Swansea. I'm going with a West Ham win - I watched them against Hull at home and they were absolutely rinsed, but won 1-0 when it could have been four for Hull. All of a sudden, they go to Swansea and the players want the ball. There's no pressure on them at Leicester, but there is for the hosts. With Andy Carroll up front, West Ham are a completely different team. These wins have given them confidence and all of a sudden they're flying - while Leicester are struggling at the moment.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (28/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
It's an even-money chance with Sky Bet for Premier League champions Leicester to bounce back from defeat to Everton on Boxing Day with three points against West Ham at the King Power. The Hammers are 5/2, with the draw available at the same price. The Foxes are 9/4 to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, and 5/1 to win by exactly two goals. It's 8/13 for both teams to score, with Islam Slimani (5/1) and Andy Carroll (6/1) rated the likeliest first goalscorer from each side.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic denies interest in Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 30/12/16 8:24am
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says there is no truth in reports suggesting he will make a loan move for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window. The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seen Rashford reduced to a bit-part player under new boss Jose Mourinho and he has struggled for game time, despite breaking into the United and England squads last season. Bilic admitted the club could invest in an English player with Premier League experience but he was quick to dismiss the speculation surrounding the player ahead of the Sky Live clash between the sides on January 2. "No way," Bilic said. "Rashford is very valuable for Manchester United. There's no way to get him. "They have many games, four competitions. He's playing, so no way."
The Hammers have also been linked with Juventus full-back Patrice Evra and Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe ahead of their New Year's Eve clash with Leicester but Bilic is expecting numerous calls from agents around the world ahead of the next window "It's that time of the year. You have the agents calling. I think we have a good principle. We have chairmen, there's me and my staff, and we are working quite well. "When you talk to them, everybody is like [Lionel] Messi or whatever. They are also very cheap, dying to come, and they have a little West Ham tattoo. Not now... but since the school days and all that. You know it's that time of the year. "At the end of the day it's part of the job. If it was during the whole year it would be crazy but then you have it twice a year. It is sometimes too much but sometimes you want it. "If we were talking about getting players then you cannot get them without agents. So you can't say I don't want to talk to them because then you will not get the players."
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West Ham loanee Simone Zaza could join Valencia in January
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 30/12/16 11:08am
SSN
Valencia are closing on a deal to sign West Ham loanee Simone Zaza, Sky sources understand Striker Zaza has proved a disappointment since his arrival at the London Stadium on loan from Juventus over the summer. The Italy international has made eight Premier League appearances, and 11 for the club in total, but is yet to score his first goal in England and is expected to cut his move short in January. Juventus are looking for a similar deal with Valencia to the one that brought Zaza to West Ham, a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £17m after a certain number of appearances is reached. Valencia could appeal to the 25-year-old former Sassuolo striker as they are coached by former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli. Zaza's father Antonio said on Thursday: "The West Ham adventure is finished and we are looking at different options for his future. "We're speaking with Valencia but theirs is not the only concrete option we're considering. "Of course, my son would love to be coached by a great coach like Cesare Prandelli, but it's possible that Simone could return to Serie A."
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Jermain Defoe plays down talk of a transfer from Sunderland to West Ham
By Jefferson Lake
Last Updated: 30/12/16 8:37am
SSN
Jermain Defoe has shrugged off speculation linking him with a move away from Sunderland and says he is enjoying his football in the North East. Sky sources understand West Ham are interested in re-signing the forward in the new year as they look to bolster their striking options following an injury to Diafra Sakho.
Slaven Bilic on Thursday described Defoe - who scored 41 goals in 105 games for the Hammers between 1999 and 2004 - as a "very good player" but his manager at the Stadium of Light, David Moyes, said there is no price for which he would be willing to sell the player. "There's going to be speculation because, let's be honest, the people that score goals are wanted," Defoe told Sky Sports News HQ. "Over the years, anyone that has scored goals has been talked about in terms of moving to different clubs. "I think it's just part and parcel. The players don't really get involved; you just get your head down and you play football. "It's a good feeling to be wanted but when you're playing well and scoring goals then you must be enjoying being at the place you're at."
Defoe turned 34 in October but is confident he can continue at the highest level for years to come and is happy for the fixtures to come thick and fast. "I think it's changed now with the sports science and what we have now, you can play for as long as you want," he said. "I'd rather be in a league where you play a lot of games in a short space of time because if you're feeling sharp and scoring goals you just want to be playing. "There is an issue of fatigue but if your recovery is right then you still go into games feeling fresh."
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MATCH PREVIEW: LEICESTER V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 30 Dec 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Back in 1999/2000, West Ham United were in the midst of a season which had seen them earn UEFA Cup football, by virtue of winning the InterToto Cup, and been third in the league after five games but the campaign had started to unravel. Without a win since the end of November and out of the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup, the Hammers finally registered their first win of the new millennium on the 22nd January 2000 by beating Leicester City 3-1 at Filbert Street in front of 19,019. Manic Street Preachers were number one with 'The Masses Against The Classes' and Sleepy Hollow was in UK cinemas as Paulo and Paolo secured the three points.
The Hammers took the lead on 13 minutes when Frank Lampard played a pass into the penalty area for Paulo Wanchope to steer home his first goal in ten games. The Foxes were depleted by injuries (defender Tommy Goodwin made his only appearance for the club in this game) but were level just 11 minutes later when Emile Heskey was allowed to run at the Hammers' defence before rifling a shot beyond the injured Shaka Hislop, who was replaced two minutes later by Craig Forrest.
The Irons would be forced into a second change before half-time when a challenge from Greek midfielder Theo Zagorakis left Steve Lomas grounded with a leg injury, which saw him replaced by Michael Carrick after 38 minutes. Carrick's shot four minutes into first-half stoppage time was intercepted by Wanchope who drove through the legs of Pegguy Arphexad from a tight angle to give West Ham the lead at the interval.
Wanchope (pictured above) turned provider in the second half, sending the ball out to Paolo Di Canio on the left of the penalty area – the Italian jinked his way beyond two defenders before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner with 60 minutes played. Di Canio was later denied by Arphexad and, after beating three defenders, also saw an effort headed off the line by Phil Gilchrist. The 3-1 scoreline was enough to see the Hammers record their first away league win since late August and overtake the Foxes into eighth place in the Premier League table.
Alongside Goodwin, Jordan Stewart also made his Leicester debut that day and went on to make 127 appearances for the Foxes until his departure for Watford in 2005. Stuart Campbell and Joe Cole were midfield opponents in this match – Campbell is now Cole's manager at Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Harry Redknapp's West Ham would end the season in ninth position, while Martin O'Neill's Leicester would finish eighth and win the League Cup. Manchester United won the league title, Chelsea won the FA Cup and Di Canio was voted Hammer of the Year, with Trevor Sinclair runner-up.
Leicester City: Pegguy Arphexad, Frank Sinclair, Phil Gilchrist, Matt Elliott, Tommy Goodwin, Darren Eadie, Theo Zagorakis (Jordan Stewart), Stuart Campbell, Arnar Gunnlaugsson (Danny Thomas), Emile Heskey, Graham Fenton.
West Ham United: Shaka Hislop (Craig Forrest), Rio Ferdinand, Neil Ruddock, Javier Margas, Trevor Sinclair, Frank Lampard, Steve Lomas (Michael Carrick), Joe Cole, Marc Keller (Scott Minto), Paulo Wanchope, Paolo Di Canio.
Club Connections
Players who have represented both the Hammers and the Foxes include:
Goalkeepers: George Hebden, Colin Mackleworth.
Defenders: John Pantsil, Gary Charles, Chris Powell, Rufus Brevett, Paul Konchesky, Dai Jones, Matthew Upson, Billy Oakes.
Midfielders: Andy Impey, Shaun Newton, Nolberto Solano, Franz Carr, Sid Bishop.
Strikers: David Connolly, Mike Newell, Brian Deane, Paul Kitson, Norman Proctor, Les Ferdinand, David Kelly, Tony Cottee, Jimmy Quinn.
Frank O'Farrell, Martin Allen and Jimmy Bloomfield have played for the Hammers and managed the Foxes.
Today's focus though is on a player who only played a total of five matches for West Ham United and Leicester City. Clive Clarke was born in Dublin on the 14th January 1980 and started his career at Stoke, where he played 264 matches and won two full caps for Ireland before joining Alan Pardew's West Ham United in July 2005 for a fee of £275,000. Although primarily a left-back and signed as cover for fellow new signing and future Fox Paul Konchesky, all of Clarke's appearances for the Hammers were on the opposite flank at right-back. The 25-year-old made his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Bolton in the third round of the League Cup on 26th October 2005 but had to wait until 1st February 2006 for his first Premier League appearance, the famous 3-2 win at Arsenal in which he came up against Thierry Henry in the Gunners' final defeat at their old Highbury home. Clarke's final game in claret and blue was his home debut, on the 18th March 2006 in a 4-2 defeat to Portsmouth at Upton Park. After just three appearances for West Ham, he moved to Sunderland in August 2006 in a deal that saw George McCartney move to East London.
After four appearances for the Wearsiders, Clarke moved to Coventry for a three-month loan spell. He joined Leicester at the age of 27, then managed by another former Hammer in Martin Allen, in another three-month loan deal in August 2007 but in a League Cup second round tie at Nottingham Forest, just twelve days and two matches into his loan spell, Clarke collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest in the changing rooms at the City Ground causing the match to be abandoned at half-time. Five days after the incident, Clarke told the BBC:
"I remember feeling a bit lethargic on the field in the first half, and I was involved in a collision with our goalkeeper Paul Henderson, which led to their goal. I sat quietly in a corner of the dressing room and felt a bit queasy. I can recall [team-mate and centre-half] Patrick Kisnorbo talking to me, but it wasn't really registering. Then I just passed out. When I was told what had happened, the blood drained from my body. I just thought I could have been dead and that I might never have seen my family again".
Clarke never played professional football again, returning to Sunderland as scheduled in November 2007 and leaving the Black Cats by mutual consent in February 2008 on medical advice. Now 36, Clarke is a managing director of JPA Worldwide, a management and marketing service in the professional sports industry.
Referee
The referee on New Year's Eve will be Anthony Taylor – the Hammers were allocated the 38-year-old on five occasions last season as he took charge of our defeat at Tottenham, as well as our home win over Newcastle which came just three games after he had controversially sent off Adrian against Leicester. He was also the man in the middle for our FA Cup third round win over Wolves and our 3-2 win at Everton in March. Most recently, Taylor took charge of our 2-0 defeat at Everton in October and our 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in August, awarding the home side a penalty and later controversially failing to issue a second yellow card to Diego Costa for an awful lunge at Adrian – Costa remained on the pitch to score the 89th-minute winner.
Indeed, controversy and incident are never far away when the Cheshire-based official is the referee for a West Ham United match. Taylor is the referee who had not one, but two red cards rescinded from the same game after he had sent off Carlton Cole and Darron Gibson in the Hammers' 2-1 home defeat to Everton in December 2012. He sent off the home side's Kevin Mirallas against the Hammers at Goodison Park in March and awarded the Toffees a penalty which Romelu Lukaku saw saved by Adrian.
Possible line-ups
Leicester City have no injury concerns but Claudio Ranieri will be without suspended England striker Jamie Vardy. Ranieri rested Danny Drinkwater and Riyad Mahrez against Everton on Boxing Day and changes could be in store for the Foxes. Leicester are unbeaten in their last four matches against the Hammers in all competitions, while West Ham have not recorded a Premier League win away at Leicester since this preview's featured match, in January 2000.
For West Ham United, Sam Byram, Reece Oxford, Manuel Lanzini and Simone Zaza are back in training and Pedro Obiang returns from suspension. Alvaro Arbeloa is out for a few more weeks with a badly bruised leg which has put him on crutches since the Arsenal match while fellow full-back Arthur Masuaku is several weeks away from a return after suffering a knee injury in training. James Collins returns to training next week after a calf strain but Gokhan Tore and Diafra Sakho are out for months after knee and back surgery respectively. Michail Antonio will miss the home match against Manchester United on Monday if he is booked at Leicester – New Year's Eve is the cut-off point for receiving a ban though so Antonio will not receive a suspension for five bookings after that date. West Ham have only won two of their last ten Premier League away games. The Hammers have only won once at the home of a reigning Premier League champion, when Jermain Defoe scored the only goal of the game at Manchester United in December 2001. The Irons have drawn one (at Chelsea in March) and lost 18 of their other matches away to reigning title-holders.
Possible Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Schlupp; Mahrez, Mendy, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Slimani, Musa.
Possible West Ham United XI: Randolph; Kouyate, Reid, Ogbonna; Antonio, Obiang, Noble, Cresswell; Ayew, Carroll, Payet.
Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!
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West Ham eye Jermain Defoe return as David Moyes faces fight to keep "priceless" striker at Sunderland
The Hammers are desperate for firepower and could look to bring back the 34-year-old who left the club in 2004
BYDARREN LEWISNEIL MCLEMAN
22:30, 29 DEC 2016UPDATED21:04, 29 DEC 2016
The Mirror
David Moyes faces a battle to keep Jermain Defoe , with West Ham convinced the Sunderland striker wants to join them next month. Moyes last week insisted Defoe remains "priceless" to the Black Cats and maintained the marksman would not be sold. But Slaven Bilic is ready to wait until the end of the window to bring Defoe back to the Hammers, where he made his name scoring goals between 1999 and 2004. The Hammers are desperate for striking power in January with Andre Ayew away on African Nations Cup duty and Diafra Sakho injured. And Bilic yesterday refused to rule out a move for the 34-year-old who left Upton Park under a cloud to join Tottenham in 2004. "He's a very good player," said the former Croatia boss. "Defoe is scoring goals and that is important. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best of strikers they have played with. He's someone else's player so I don't want to talk about it."
Bilic believes Defoe would complete a fearsome attacking line-up at the club, now on a three-game winning streak, as they push for a European place over the second half of the season. Dimitri Payet has so far provided 15 Premier League assists in 2016, more than any other player. West Ham believe Defoe would thrive from the ammunition provided by the Frenchman. When asked what type of players he is after, Bilic said: "You have the boxes you would like and you want the players to tick all the boxes - young, cheap, scoring goals, if they have experience in the Premier League, they are handsome! "Unfortunately you can't have players like that all the time as other clubs are looking for them. We are trying so many times. "English and British players have priority as this is an English club."
Defoe has hit eight League goals for the Wearside this season, more than twice that of Victor Anichebe and Patrick van Aanholt, both with three. Last season Defoe struck 15 times for the Black Cats to save them from relegation and make himself a fans' favourite. But the Sunderland board have failed to splash the cash to bring in proven quality and are again battling against the drop. It is understood Moyes, whose men travel to Burnley on Saturday, may even have to sell to buy in this window in his bid to save the Premier League strugglers. Everton remain interested in centre-back Lamine Kone who put in a transfer request last summer in a bid to force a move to Goodison Park before being persuaded to sign a new deal by Moyes. Defoe still has friends and family in London, where he also played for Spurs over two spells totalling nearly ten years.
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Manchester United transfer news: Slaven Bilic rules out West Ham move for Marcus Rashford
Bilic said there way 'no way' he would be allowed to leave
Olawale Kuponipe
The Independent
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says there is no truth in reports suggesting he will make a loan move for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window. The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seen Rashford reduced to a bit-part player under new boss Jose Mourinho and he has struggled for game time following his breakout season. Although Bilic admitted that the club could invest in an English player with Premier League experience, the 48-year-old Croatian was quick to dismiss the speculation. "No way," Bilic said. "Rashford is very valuable for Manchester United. There's no way. There's no way to get him. They have many games, four competitions. He's playing. So no way. No way."
The Hammers have also been linked with Juventus full-back Patrice Evra and Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe ahead of their New Year's Eve clash with Leicester but Bilic is expecting numerous calls from agents around the world ahead of the next window. He added: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! Every player that is available, it is always West Ham. "It's that time of the year. You have the agents calling. I think we have a good principle. We have chairmen, there's me and my staff, and we are working quite well. "Of course, you are bombed with names and everything. When you talk to them, everybody is like (Lionel) Messi or whatever. They are also very cheap, dying to come, and they have a little West Ham tattoo. Not now... but since the school days and all that. You know it's that time of the year. "At the end of the day it's part of the job. If it was during the whole year it would be crazy but then you have it twice a year. It is sometimes too much but sometimes you want it. "If we were talking about getting players then you cannot get them without agents. So you can't say I don't want to talk to them because then you will not get the players."
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West Ham plot £4m move for Taulant Xhaka in January transfer window
Taulant is the brother of Arsenal midfielder Granit
BYFRANCISCO ACEDO
19:58, 30 DEC 2016UPDATED19:59, 30 DEC 2016
The Mirror
West Ham are considering a move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka's brother Taulant. They have been sounded out about the Basel midfielder's potential availability in January. Valencia are also watching developments on the 25 year old who can also play in defence. West Ham are backing Slaven Bilic in the transfer window and Xhaka would cost around £4m. His brother has been a regular for Arsenal this season, scoring three goals and receiving one red card. The Hammers currently lie 11th in the Premier League.
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Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe admits ''it's a good feeling to be wanted'' amid West Ham interest
The forward hit 41 goals in 105 games in his first spell with the Hammers and Slaven Bilic has admitted the ex-Spurs man is 'a very good player'
BYJAMES WHALING
10:14, 30 DEC 2016UPDATED10:14, 30 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has admitted 'it's a good feeling to be wanted' amid interest from his former club West Ham. The forward hit 41 goals in 105 games in his first spell with the Hammers and Slaven Bilic has admitted the ex-Spurs man is 'a very good player'. An injury to Diafra Sakho has forced Bilic to scour the market and the Irons are weighing up their forward options ahead of the January window. David Moyes insists the Black Cats are not willing to sell Defoe, but the England international knows he is attracting interest. "There's going to be speculation because, let's be honest, the people that score goals are wanted," he told Sky Sports. "Over the years, anyone that has scored goals has been talked about in terms of moving to different clubs. "I think it's just part and parcel. The players don't really get involved; you just get your head down and you play football. "It's a good feeling to be wanted but when you're playing well and scoring goals then you must be enjoying being at the place you're at."
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Cottee: 2016 has been unique for West Ham, now we can move forward
09:30 29 December 2016 Tony Cottee, West Ham Columnist
Eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk
Our Hammers Columnist Tony Cottee looks back over an historic year for his beloved club
You have to say that 2016 has been a year unlike all others for the club and it has also been a totally rollercoaster West Ham year. It has been unique. For the first time since 1904 we have started at a new stadium; we have changed training grounds; we've seen players come and go and we have seen Slaven Bilic have a superb first season. The most memorable moment of the year for me was that final, emotional game at Upton Park against Manchester United – that has to be one of my most
memorable moments of all time at the old ground We have now moved on to the London Stadium and though there is still work to do there, I think it is positive. I liken it to moving house. When you get in there, you miss your old house and the new one needs a bit of
tinkering, but in the end it is going to be better.
We have had approaches to take us over and I liken that to people knocking on the door of your new house and asking if it is for sale – it is a compliment. I want to see us go forward as a club and though it is not going to happen overnight, I want to see us win trophies and
qualify for the Champions League in the next few years. We are certainly finishing the year well with a fantastic result at Swansea City on Boxing Day, which took us back to the away form of last season. That made it 10 points out of 12 and things look a lot rosier for us going into the next two games. The first of those is a trip to one of my old teams in Leicester and I really think we have a chance of getting another three points. They have beem so
inconsistent in the league this season and will also be without Jamie Vardy who is so important to their team. We should have won there last season only to concede a last-minute goal, but I think we are capable of getting a result there this time. After that we have a huge clash with Manchester United at home on Monday.
In reality we have only had two big home games this season against Arsenal and Chelsea and I think the atmosphere for this one is going to be the best yet. Jose Mourinho is starting to get them playing well after a slow start and in Zlatan Ibrahimovic I think they have one of the best strikers in Europe still. But we have chances to win both, so I am going for a 2-1 victory at Leicester and 1-1 against United. A happy and prosperous new year to all West Ham fans. COYI!
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Happy New Year one and all. The next digest will be 3rd January 2017 COYI!
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 31
Thursday, December 29
Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2016
Lanzini back in contention
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Manuel Lanzini is hoping to be back in contention for the Premier League game against Leicester on Saturday. Lanzini was forced to miss the 4-1 Boxing Day victory over Swansea after picking up a rib injury during the last home win over Hull at London Stadium.
The Argentine midfielder was forced to rest over the Christmas period, but he is now hoping to resume training with the rest of the first-team squad and declare his fitness for the game at the King Power Stadium. Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang is also available for selection once again after serving a one-match ban against Swansea. Bilic said: "Manuel Lanzini will train with us and we will see for Leicester because he got a knock in his abdominal part (of his body) against Hull and missed the Swansea game. "He missed a few training sessions but will be back with us for the first time (on Thursday) so we will see for the Leicester game.
"Everyone else who played in the Swansea game should be okay. We had a regeneration session for the players who featured against Swansea on Wednesday.
"Obiang is back from suspension and we are going to have a good team."
There was more good news on the injury front after Bilic revealed that talented duo Sam Byram and Reece Oxford are also back training with the first-team squad this week. Byram has been ruled out of action since the start of October after picking up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Oxford, who recently signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Club, has also faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but both players are now closing in on a return to action. Bilic added: "Sam started to train with us on Wednesday and he is looking good. We are going to see about his match fitness because he lacks some of it, but it is good to have him back in training. "Reece Oxford starts training for the first time in five or six weeks because of his ankle so the players are coming back. "Next week we should have James Collins back as well. A few of them are going to be back in action."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his final update of 2016 – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room of 2016.
We have had a very good couple of weeks and we hope this will continue. I am an optimist and the situation does not look too bad as we go into the busy New Year period of three games in seven days. We are happy that Manuel Lanzini, Simone Zaza, Reece Oxford and Sam Byram are all back in training with the first-team squad. We have five injuries at present – Diafra Sakho, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa, Gokhan Tore – and James Collins, who is set to return to training next week. All the other senior players are in full training.
After suffering back pain, Diafra underwent a successful operation before Christmas. He is currently resting and will undergo a period of rehabilitation with the aim of returning him to the pitch in the spring. Arthur injured his knee in training and is still several weeks away from a return. Ginge pulled his calf in the game against Arsenal. He is working individually on the pitch and in the gym rebuilding his fitness. Alvaro is recovering from a nasty contusion he suffered in the Arsenal game. He has been on crutches for a few weeks but started a more active recovery phase on Wednesday. He will be out for several more weeks. Gokhan has undergone knee surgery in Europe after suffering a serious injury in training and is now continuing his rehabilitation with his parent club, Besiktas. He will be out for a long period.
The most challenging aspect for the medical and sports science department at this time of year is striking the balance between training, games and recovery.
We are not complaining, because lots of matches in a short space of time over Christmas and New Year is a great tradition of English football, but if you play two games in three days, it becomes impossible to recover players and have them perform again at the same level 48 hours later. We have a great group of players, great staff and great management, but you can only do so much. You try to control as many aspects as you can, but as football is a high-intensity, contact, team sport your body needs time to recover. It becomes more of a lottery for the players if you play two matches in 48 hours, where you can lose the quality of the game and put the players at risk of injury.
As I said, Boxing Day and New Year football is a tradition of English football that should not be lost, but maybe we should look to introduce a winter break in January.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Feghouli to face 'two brothers'
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli set to face two Algeria teammates at Leicester City on New Year's Eve
Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani both expected to feature in Premier League fixture
West Ham United winger hoping to feature after setting up a goal on Boxing Day
Sofiane Feghouli is relishing the opportunity to share the pitch with 'two brothers' when West Ham United travel to Leicester City on New Year's Eve.
Hammers winger Feghouli and Foxes forwards Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are all stars of the Algeria national team, helping The Greens to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Between them, the trio have been capped more than 100 times, have scored 40 international goals and won three of the last four the Algerian Footballer of the Year awards – Feghouli in 2012, Slimani in 2013 and Mahrez in 2015.
On Saturday, the three Desert Warriors will come face to face at the King Power Stadium, where the in-form West Ham will seek to heap further misery on the struggling champions.
"It's a match against two teammates, two brothers, so it's always a pleasure to play against them," Feghouli told whufc.com. "I hope we will be able to win it to climb up the table again and to make our supporters happy."
The No7 helped the Hammers to do just that at Swansea City on Boxing Day, where he appeared as a substitute and assisted Andy Carroll's emphatic fourth in a 4-1 Premier League victory.
"It was a very good result for the team. We scored four goals and won 4-1, it's never easy to score so many goals especially away from home, so it's very good for the confidence," he confirmed.
"It was the third victory on the trot, we need to keep it up and try to do better and to improve and work on our weaknesses and eliminate any errors.
"There are some things that come naturally to me, and with Andy, I know that when I tear down the wing, he likes to hang back and wait at the back post to be able to win the ball. I knew he was in that area so I was happy that he scored and also happy that I was able to deliver a decisive pass."
Following Saturday's trip to Leicester and the visit of Manchester United to London Stadium on 2 January, Feghouli will pack his bags to join Mahrez, Slimani and his Algeria teammates in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sofiane FeghouliThe Greens face North African neighbours Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal in the group stage, with Algeria's tournament kicking-off in Gabon on Sunday 15 January.
"First of all there's a match and I'm concentrated and focussed on the match with Leicester, then after there's the preparation for the African Nations Cup," he confirmed.
"It's very important for me and for the Algerian team and for all the fans of the Algerian national team.
"So, we're going to make it our job to prepare well, to get to know our upcoming opposition, and above all we're going to turn up determined to make a success of our tournament."
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Bilic on January transfer window
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admits the Club are working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad in January and says they will look to attract players with Premier League experience.
The Hammers are set to lose three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations with Andre Ayew, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli departing next week.
Bilic has always maintained that he is happy with the quality of players he has in the squad, but will look to bring in more new signings if the right player becomes available.
Juventus defender Patrice Evra is the latest big name to be linked with a move to the east London Club, but the Hammers boss insists the former Manchester United defender is not a player they are looking to sign and has other targets that the Club will look to pursue over the coming weeks.
Bilic said: "I think we are the Club that are linked with the most players in Europe. 95 per cent of that is not true. It is definitely not true with Evra. He's a great player but in that position we are well covered.
"You have boxes you would like and you want the players to tick all the boxes. Young, cheap, scoring goals, if they have experience in the Premier League, they are handsome!
"Unfortunately you can't have players like that all the time as other clubs are looking for them. We are trying so many times. English and British players have priority as this is an English club.
"Even the great players need time to settle in. That is why we are looking for players who play in this league, then the risk is lower. But therefore the players are very expensive or very few, but we are trying to find them.
"In the African Cup we will be without Kouyate, Ayew, Feghouli, that's three, Sakho is not involved as he us injured.
"We don't have a big squad, but without three of them we are good if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are a bit overstretched.
"We're not panicking. We're trying to get a couple, maximum of three but we won't buy for the sake of it. If we find someone who can tick most of the boxes - apart from the handsome one - we will do it! If not we will hope that we won't get injuries."
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SLAVEN BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED HERE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 29 DECEMBER 2016 AT 12:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
In an exciting new feature for the site we are delighted to announce that we will be able to cover Slaven Bilic's press conference and all the questions and answers that he gives. The site has further exciting news coming our way soon and we appreciate all your support within our first year of growth!
Have you got any injury updates for us?
"We will see on Lanzini for the Leicester City game because he took a knock during the Hull game in the first half and has missed some training sessions" "Sam Byram started training with the first team yesterday and Reece Oxford will start today. "James Collins will be back next week".
What is your expectations for the Leicester game?
To continue on and build on the performances especially the one against Swansea. It will be a hard game but we are in form and we are very positive.
What have you made of their results this season?
The only way was down from last season because they performed one of the biggest achievements in football history last year so it was very hard for the management to sustain it. The Champions League has also been a distraction although they are doing very well in this. They have the quality and resources to turn it around.
What's your reaction to Bob Bradley's departure?
He didn't get a fair chance. He wasn't there long enough and he had no preseason with the squad and the games come thick and fast and it was very hard for him. I am not a fan of that kind of culture towards managers who do not get enough chance to establish their mark on a team. I wasn't shocked about it though but I am disappointed.
The winning run that we are on how long will it continue?
I don't know but we just hope that by putting the shifts in, confidence and fitness will increase and you don't want it to stop but of course it will not last forever.
In terms of the strikers how happy are you with them?
It is better now, we have been missing them until now. It was a long period to be without Carroll, Ayew and Sakho and was a big blow for us.
With a player like Andy Carroll, who has had a lot of injuries, how do you manage someone who plays with no fear and help them prevent injuries?
Training prevents the injuries. It is wrong to think rest is the best way to do it. We don't train all the time when games are close together but the best way to prevent injuries is through training.
Do you set him goalscoring targets?
No. He brings more to the team than just goals. He contributes in every aspects of the games.
With January round the corner, Evra has been linked? Any news?
We are the club linked with the most players in Europe. It is definitely not true with Evra, ok he is a great player and all that but we are very well covered in that position with Cresswell and Masuaku (Exactly the words of Ex on the radio show last night which you can listen to here: (http://www.phoenixfm.com/2016/12/28/the-west-ham-way-show-23/)
Will you be looking at domestic players?
There are lots of things we will be looking at and this is a factor that we would consider but you have to look at what is the best available. Yes we are trying for English or British players and we have priorities but even more so players with experience in the Premier League. I'm not saying it's the best league but it is a different league so the risk is lower if they have played here before but they are very expensive. You hope all the players you are getting tick all the boxes. If they have experience, if they are handsome!
Does the current league position help attract players?
Yes, for the moment it helps but we are only half way through the season but things can change. We are always linked with players because we are an attractive club to play for.
How many players are you looking at?
We have to be careful we speak a lot about it but because of the African Nations we are going to be without three players so we need to replace them. We are ok if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are tight it's hard because you don't want players who will just play a few games and then not play again. January is not a great time to buy, we are not going to panic but we will try. A maximum of three but we are not going to buy for the sake of buying.
Is one of those players Defoe?
He is a very good player. The way he plays for Sunderland and scores goals, he is a top player. I have a few midfielders from different countries saying his movement is the best that they have played with. He is a Sunderland player so I cannot speak about that.
Are you pleased or upset that Ayew is going to the African Nations having come back from injury?
It's a big blow for us that he is going because he is looking good and building his fitness up after a long time out. Now he is going he won't be able to show that for us but it is a big tournament for him where we cannot do anything about and I wouldn't ever stop a player playing for his country.
Were your comments about players playing with a lack of intensity after Arsenal the turning point?
Yes but having players who attend training regularly is the most important thing and now their injuries are recovering we are starting to see that now.
On the back of the Tottenham penalty last night are you clear on the new rules?
Yes but rules that are not black or white are hard to explain. I didn't watch the second half so I didn't see it but I know what you mean, I am against double punishment. It can destroy the game. One punishment should be enough but then look at Palace; they had a penalty which should have a been a goal, they missed it so they got nothing however I am totally against double punishment.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rules out January move for Patrice Evra
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 29/12/16 4:29pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says he is not planning to make a bid for Juventus full-back Patrice Evra during the January transfer window. It has been reported that former Manchester United defender Evra is keen on a return to the Premier League with London Stadium tipped as a possible destination. But Bilic insists he has sufficient cover in that position and will instead focus on strengthening other areas of his squad, with the Croat targeting players with Premier League experience.
Bilic said: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! "Every player that is available, it is always West Ham. "Ninety-five per cent of that is not true, definitely not true with Evra. "OK, he is a great player, but at that position we are well-covered. We are not going to panic and will try and get a couple of players. "We want players who have Premier League experience."
Veteran forward Jermain Defoe has also been linked with a return to West Ham and, while refusing to confirm his interest, Bilic spoke of his admiration for the Sunderland man. "A very good player of course," said Bilic. "He is playing well for Sunderland and he is scoring goals. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."
West Ham are now 11th in the table after three consecutive wins. They travel to Leicester on New Year's Eve before hosting Manchester United on January 2, live on Sky Sports. The Hammers began the hectic post-Christmas period with an impressive 4-1 win at Swansea and Blic says they need to keep up the momentum at the home of the struggling champions on Saturday. "The confidence is back with the points we are taking and we don't want it to stop," said Bilic. "We have to continue to play like this. "Leicester are not happy about their position in the Premier League but they have the quality and the resources. They should be all right."
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West Ham and Stoke interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke - Sky sources
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 29/12/16 9:35am
SSN
West Ham and Stoke are among the clubs interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke, Sky sources understand. The Germany U21 international has been linked with a move away from Leipzig, who sit second in the Bundesliga, after finding first-team opportunities limited this term. Selke has scored two goals this season but has only started one game for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side. His father has told Sky Germany: "I will not comment on any of these inquiries, but one thing is clear: we want to see a way and a perspective for Davie. "His current situation [not playing] must not be a permanent state. The situation is not satisfactory and this is also the responsibility of RB Leipzig". Selke dropped down a division to join Leipzig from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2015 for a then-German second tier record fee of €8m (£6.8m). The striker, who turns 22 next month, scored 10 goals as helped Leipzig win promotion last season before going on to represent Germany at the Rio Olympics last summer.
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Torino Look At West Ham Linked Goalkeeper As Joe Hart Replacement
Inside.futbol
Torino are eyeing a summer move for Roma loanee and West Ham linked goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski as a replacement for Joe Hart. Currently on loan at Empoli, the 25-year-old goalkeeper has managed to attract the prying eyes of a few clubs in Europe with his performances in the Italian top tier Torino signed Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal, but are afraid that the England goalkeeper will return to his homeland in the summer, without committing to a long term contract. And the Serie A club are keen to avoid any confusion and according to Sky Italia, they have identified Skorupski as the man to replace Hart between the sticks at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The club are expected to open talks with Roma for the signature of the 25-year-old Polish custodian in the summer and are hopeful of getting a deal over the line when the time comes.
However, Torino are expected to face stiff competition from Premier League club West Ham as the east Londoners are also on the lookout for a new number one and have identified Skorupski as a possible summer recruit. The greater financial muscle of the London club could throw Torino's plans to sign the Pole into doubt and the speculation over his future is only going to gather more pace in the summer months.
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CRYSTAL PALACE BATTLE WEST HAM FOR CARL JENKINSON
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver
ReadWestHam
West Ham are looking for a new right-back in January and could move for Carl Jenkinson on loan for a third time. The England international joined the Hammers initially on loan for the 2014/15 season where he was largely impressive at right-back, giving the Hammers an extra dimension down that side of the field.
Slaven Bilic renewed the deal during his first season in charge of West Ham and Jenkinson's form dipped before an ACL injury back in January forced Bilic's hand who then terminated the deal. Now Jenkinson is back to full fitness and again on the outside looking in at the Emirates, he is being touted again for a loan move with West Ham amongst possible suitors. However, according to the Croydon Advertiser, Crystal Palace are ready to battle West Ham for the former Charlton youth standout. New Crystal Palace manager, Sam Allardyce, was the man who initially brought Jenkinson to West ham during his time in charge, so perhaps he could be looking to link up with Allardyce once again. West Ham are willing to let Alvaro Arbeloa leave the club next month and Jenkinson would be a like-for-like replacement.
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West Ham FC transfer news: Slaven Bilic refuses to rule out Jermain Defoe move but insists he is not interested in Patrice Evra
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has refused to rule out a move for Jermain Defoe - but has denied any interest in Patrice Evra. Defoe has been closely linked with a January return to the Hammers having starred for Premier League rivals Sunderland. Bilic was coy when asked about a potential bid for the 34-year-old on Thursday, but talked up the ex-England frontman's talents and did not quash the rumours. "He is a very good player and [I see] the way he plays for Sunderland and is scoring goals," he said. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."
While West Ham could be in for Defoe, Bilic rubbished reports he is interested in a deal for Patrice Evra. The 35-year-old former Manchester United defender is set to leave Juventus in January and has been linked with a switch to the London Stadium. "Our club is linked with the most players in Europe," said Bilic. "Every player, who is available is always linked with West Ham. I would say 95 per cent of that is not true and definitely not with Evra. "He is a great player, but in that position we are well covered."
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West Ham FC news: Simone Zaza in talks with Valencia as striker's father confirms Hammers career is 'finished'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Simone Zaza's 'adventure' at West Ham is over, his father has confirmed. The striker arrived from Juventus on a season-long loan spell in the summer but has had a dreadful time of it in east London. The 25-year-old has failed to score in his 12 first-team appearances for the club and will now cut short his loan. His father, Antonio Zaza, told Tuttosport: "The West Ham adventure is finished and we are looking at different options for his future." Another loan, this time to Valencia, has been mooted for the second half of the season while it has also been suggested that he may attempt to fight for his place back at Juve. Zaza senior added: "We're speaking with Valencia but theirs is not the only concrete option we're considering. "Of course, my son would love to be coached by a great coach like [Valencia manager] Cesare Prandelli, but it's possible that Simone could return to Serie A. "We are not considering the possibility of a return to Juventus. We're a long, long way from that point of view."
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Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez joins Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in £70m switch
TOM DUTTON
Eveing Standard
Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has joined Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. The Chinese club announced the signing of Tevez from Argentinian side Boca Juniors on Thursday in a statement on their official website. Shanghai are reported to have agreed a deal worth £70million for the forward, including a salary of more than £500,000 a week. "Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez is officially joined Shanghai Shenhua," the statement said. Thirty-two-year-old Tevez, who has also played for Manchester United, Manchester City, Corinthians and Juventus, will play for Gus Poyet's side next season after scoring 25 goals in 56 matches for Boca Juniors. Shanghai finished fourth in last year's Chinese Super League standings.
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West Ham United set for double boost in January transfer window with Simone Zaza exit and Patrice Evra
Guardian Series
25 mins ago / Shona Duthie, Sports reporter / @shonaduthie4
West Ham United's boss Slaven Bilic could receive a late Christmas present with Juventus willing to loan Patrice Evra to east London and take back Simone Zaza.
According to The Sun, the former Manchester United player is unhappy at spending most of the season on the bench and has fallen foul of boss Max Allegri. It was also mentioned the Italian club are happy with his strong social media profile. Evra's relationship with the Bianconeri boss came to a head following the Italian Super Cup defeat to AC Milan with the former accusing Evra of poor marking against Susu for Giacomo Bonaventura's equalising goal. Evra still believes he can compete at the highest level and in his eight-and-a-half years spell at Manchester United he won the Premier League five times and the Champions League.
West Ham initially agreed to pay the fee to make the Zaza loan deal permanent back in the Summer but with him failing to impress it is unlikely the east Londoners will now do so. Valencia has also shown an interest in the forward meaning Juve will want the player to return to sell him before his contract expires It looks as though West Ham's January period could brighten up.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Manuel Lanzini is hoping to be back in contention for the Premier League game against Leicester on Saturday. Lanzini was forced to miss the 4-1 Boxing Day victory over Swansea after picking up a rib injury during the last home win over Hull at London Stadium.
The Argentine midfielder was forced to rest over the Christmas period, but he is now hoping to resume training with the rest of the first-team squad and declare his fitness for the game at the King Power Stadium. Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang is also available for selection once again after serving a one-match ban against Swansea. Bilic said: "Manuel Lanzini will train with us and we will see for Leicester because he got a knock in his abdominal part (of his body) against Hull and missed the Swansea game. "He missed a few training sessions but will be back with us for the first time (on Thursday) so we will see for the Leicester game.
"Everyone else who played in the Swansea game should be okay. We had a regeneration session for the players who featured against Swansea on Wednesday.
"Obiang is back from suspension and we are going to have a good team."
There was more good news on the injury front after Bilic revealed that talented duo Sam Byram and Reece Oxford are also back training with the first-team squad this week. Byram has been ruled out of action since the start of October after picking up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Oxford, who recently signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Club, has also faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but both players are now closing in on a return to action. Bilic added: "Sam started to train with us on Wednesday and he is looking good. We are going to see about his match fitness because he lacks some of it, but it is good to have him back in training. "Reece Oxford starts training for the first time in five or six weeks because of his ankle so the players are coming back. "Next week we should have James Collins back as well. A few of them are going to be back in action."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his final update of 2016 – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room of 2016.
We have had a very good couple of weeks and we hope this will continue. I am an optimist and the situation does not look too bad as we go into the busy New Year period of three games in seven days. We are happy that Manuel Lanzini, Simone Zaza, Reece Oxford and Sam Byram are all back in training with the first-team squad. We have five injuries at present – Diafra Sakho, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa, Gokhan Tore – and James Collins, who is set to return to training next week. All the other senior players are in full training.
After suffering back pain, Diafra underwent a successful operation before Christmas. He is currently resting and will undergo a period of rehabilitation with the aim of returning him to the pitch in the spring. Arthur injured his knee in training and is still several weeks away from a return. Ginge pulled his calf in the game against Arsenal. He is working individually on the pitch and in the gym rebuilding his fitness. Alvaro is recovering from a nasty contusion he suffered in the Arsenal game. He has been on crutches for a few weeks but started a more active recovery phase on Wednesday. He will be out for several more weeks. Gokhan has undergone knee surgery in Europe after suffering a serious injury in training and is now continuing his rehabilitation with his parent club, Besiktas. He will be out for a long period.
The most challenging aspect for the medical and sports science department at this time of year is striking the balance between training, games and recovery.
We are not complaining, because lots of matches in a short space of time over Christmas and New Year is a great tradition of English football, but if you play two games in three days, it becomes impossible to recover players and have them perform again at the same level 48 hours later. We have a great group of players, great staff and great management, but you can only do so much. You try to control as many aspects as you can, but as football is a high-intensity, contact, team sport your body needs time to recover. It becomes more of a lottery for the players if you play two matches in 48 hours, where you can lose the quality of the game and put the players at risk of injury.
As I said, Boxing Day and New Year football is a tradition of English football that should not be lost, but maybe we should look to introduce a winter break in January.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Feghouli to face 'two brothers'
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli set to face two Algeria teammates at Leicester City on New Year's Eve
Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani both expected to feature in Premier League fixture
West Ham United winger hoping to feature after setting up a goal on Boxing Day
Sofiane Feghouli is relishing the opportunity to share the pitch with 'two brothers' when West Ham United travel to Leicester City on New Year's Eve.
Hammers winger Feghouli and Foxes forwards Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are all stars of the Algeria national team, helping The Greens to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Between them, the trio have been capped more than 100 times, have scored 40 international goals and won three of the last four the Algerian Footballer of the Year awards – Feghouli in 2012, Slimani in 2013 and Mahrez in 2015.
On Saturday, the three Desert Warriors will come face to face at the King Power Stadium, where the in-form West Ham will seek to heap further misery on the struggling champions.
"It's a match against two teammates, two brothers, so it's always a pleasure to play against them," Feghouli told whufc.com. "I hope we will be able to win it to climb up the table again and to make our supporters happy."
The No7 helped the Hammers to do just that at Swansea City on Boxing Day, where he appeared as a substitute and assisted Andy Carroll's emphatic fourth in a 4-1 Premier League victory.
"It was a very good result for the team. We scored four goals and won 4-1, it's never easy to score so many goals especially away from home, so it's very good for the confidence," he confirmed.
"It was the third victory on the trot, we need to keep it up and try to do better and to improve and work on our weaknesses and eliminate any errors.
"There are some things that come naturally to me, and with Andy, I know that when I tear down the wing, he likes to hang back and wait at the back post to be able to win the ball. I knew he was in that area so I was happy that he scored and also happy that I was able to deliver a decisive pass."
Following Saturday's trip to Leicester and the visit of Manchester United to London Stadium on 2 January, Feghouli will pack his bags to join Mahrez, Slimani and his Algeria teammates in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sofiane FeghouliThe Greens face North African neighbours Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal in the group stage, with Algeria's tournament kicking-off in Gabon on Sunday 15 January.
"First of all there's a match and I'm concentrated and focussed on the match with Leicester, then after there's the preparation for the African Nations Cup," he confirmed.
"It's very important for me and for the Algerian team and for all the fans of the Algerian national team.
"So, we're going to make it our job to prepare well, to get to know our upcoming opposition, and above all we're going to turn up determined to make a success of our tournament."
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Bilic on January transfer window
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admits the Club are working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad in January and says they will look to attract players with Premier League experience.
The Hammers are set to lose three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations with Andre Ayew, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli departing next week.
Bilic has always maintained that he is happy with the quality of players he has in the squad, but will look to bring in more new signings if the right player becomes available.
Juventus defender Patrice Evra is the latest big name to be linked with a move to the east London Club, but the Hammers boss insists the former Manchester United defender is not a player they are looking to sign and has other targets that the Club will look to pursue over the coming weeks.
Bilic said: "I think we are the Club that are linked with the most players in Europe. 95 per cent of that is not true. It is definitely not true with Evra. He's a great player but in that position we are well covered.
"You have boxes you would like and you want the players to tick all the boxes. Young, cheap, scoring goals, if they have experience in the Premier League, they are handsome!
"Unfortunately you can't have players like that all the time as other clubs are looking for them. We are trying so many times. English and British players have priority as this is an English club.
"Even the great players need time to settle in. That is why we are looking for players who play in this league, then the risk is lower. But therefore the players are very expensive or very few, but we are trying to find them.
"In the African Cup we will be without Kouyate, Ayew, Feghouli, that's three, Sakho is not involved as he us injured.
"We don't have a big squad, but without three of them we are good if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are a bit overstretched.
"We're not panicking. We're trying to get a couple, maximum of three but we won't buy for the sake of it. If we find someone who can tick most of the boxes - apart from the handsome one - we will do it! If not we will hope that we won't get injuries."
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SLAVEN BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED HERE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 29 DECEMBER 2016 AT 12:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
In an exciting new feature for the site we are delighted to announce that we will be able to cover Slaven Bilic's press conference and all the questions and answers that he gives. The site has further exciting news coming our way soon and we appreciate all your support within our first year of growth!
Have you got any injury updates for us?
"We will see on Lanzini for the Leicester City game because he took a knock during the Hull game in the first half and has missed some training sessions" "Sam Byram started training with the first team yesterday and Reece Oxford will start today. "James Collins will be back next week".
What is your expectations for the Leicester game?
To continue on and build on the performances especially the one against Swansea. It will be a hard game but we are in form and we are very positive.
What have you made of their results this season?
The only way was down from last season because they performed one of the biggest achievements in football history last year so it was very hard for the management to sustain it. The Champions League has also been a distraction although they are doing very well in this. They have the quality and resources to turn it around.
What's your reaction to Bob Bradley's departure?
He didn't get a fair chance. He wasn't there long enough and he had no preseason with the squad and the games come thick and fast and it was very hard for him. I am not a fan of that kind of culture towards managers who do not get enough chance to establish their mark on a team. I wasn't shocked about it though but I am disappointed.
The winning run that we are on how long will it continue?
I don't know but we just hope that by putting the shifts in, confidence and fitness will increase and you don't want it to stop but of course it will not last forever.
In terms of the strikers how happy are you with them?
It is better now, we have been missing them until now. It was a long period to be without Carroll, Ayew and Sakho and was a big blow for us.
With a player like Andy Carroll, who has had a lot of injuries, how do you manage someone who plays with no fear and help them prevent injuries?
Training prevents the injuries. It is wrong to think rest is the best way to do it. We don't train all the time when games are close together but the best way to prevent injuries is through training.
Do you set him goalscoring targets?
No. He brings more to the team than just goals. He contributes in every aspects of the games.
With January round the corner, Evra has been linked? Any news?
We are the club linked with the most players in Europe. It is definitely not true with Evra, ok he is a great player and all that but we are very well covered in that position with Cresswell and Masuaku (Exactly the words of Ex on the radio show last night which you can listen to here: (http://www.phoenixfm.com/2016/12/28/the-west-ham-way-show-23/)
Will you be looking at domestic players?
There are lots of things we will be looking at and this is a factor that we would consider but you have to look at what is the best available. Yes we are trying for English or British players and we have priorities but even more so players with experience in the Premier League. I'm not saying it's the best league but it is a different league so the risk is lower if they have played here before but they are very expensive. You hope all the players you are getting tick all the boxes. If they have experience, if they are handsome!
Does the current league position help attract players?
Yes, for the moment it helps but we are only half way through the season but things can change. We are always linked with players because we are an attractive club to play for.
How many players are you looking at?
We have to be careful we speak a lot about it but because of the African Nations we are going to be without three players so we need to replace them. We are ok if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are tight it's hard because you don't want players who will just play a few games and then not play again. January is not a great time to buy, we are not going to panic but we will try. A maximum of three but we are not going to buy for the sake of buying.
Is one of those players Defoe?
He is a very good player. The way he plays for Sunderland and scores goals, he is a top player. I have a few midfielders from different countries saying his movement is the best that they have played with. He is a Sunderland player so I cannot speak about that.
Are you pleased or upset that Ayew is going to the African Nations having come back from injury?
It's a big blow for us that he is going because he is looking good and building his fitness up after a long time out. Now he is going he won't be able to show that for us but it is a big tournament for him where we cannot do anything about and I wouldn't ever stop a player playing for his country.
Were your comments about players playing with a lack of intensity after Arsenal the turning point?
Yes but having players who attend training regularly is the most important thing and now their injuries are recovering we are starting to see that now.
On the back of the Tottenham penalty last night are you clear on the new rules?
Yes but rules that are not black or white are hard to explain. I didn't watch the second half so I didn't see it but I know what you mean, I am against double punishment. It can destroy the game. One punishment should be enough but then look at Palace; they had a penalty which should have a been a goal, they missed it so they got nothing however I am totally against double punishment.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rules out January move for Patrice Evra
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 29/12/16 4:29pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says he is not planning to make a bid for Juventus full-back Patrice Evra during the January transfer window. It has been reported that former Manchester United defender Evra is keen on a return to the Premier League with London Stadium tipped as a possible destination. But Bilic insists he has sufficient cover in that position and will instead focus on strengthening other areas of his squad, with the Croat targeting players with Premier League experience.
Bilic said: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! "Every player that is available, it is always West Ham. "Ninety-five per cent of that is not true, definitely not true with Evra. "OK, he is a great player, but at that position we are well-covered. We are not going to panic and will try and get a couple of players. "We want players who have Premier League experience."
Veteran forward Jermain Defoe has also been linked with a return to West Ham and, while refusing to confirm his interest, Bilic spoke of his admiration for the Sunderland man. "A very good player of course," said Bilic. "He is playing well for Sunderland and he is scoring goals. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."
West Ham are now 11th in the table after three consecutive wins. They travel to Leicester on New Year's Eve before hosting Manchester United on January 2, live on Sky Sports. The Hammers began the hectic post-Christmas period with an impressive 4-1 win at Swansea and Blic says they need to keep up the momentum at the home of the struggling champions on Saturday. "The confidence is back with the points we are taking and we don't want it to stop," said Bilic. "We have to continue to play like this. "Leicester are not happy about their position in the Premier League but they have the quality and the resources. They should be all right."
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West Ham and Stoke interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke - Sky sources
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 29/12/16 9:35am
SSN
West Ham and Stoke are among the clubs interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke, Sky sources understand. The Germany U21 international has been linked with a move away from Leipzig, who sit second in the Bundesliga, after finding first-team opportunities limited this term. Selke has scored two goals this season but has only started one game for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side. His father has told Sky Germany: "I will not comment on any of these inquiries, but one thing is clear: we want to see a way and a perspective for Davie. "His current situation [not playing] must not be a permanent state. The situation is not satisfactory and this is also the responsibility of RB Leipzig". Selke dropped down a division to join Leipzig from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2015 for a then-German second tier record fee of €8m (£6.8m). The striker, who turns 22 next month, scored 10 goals as helped Leipzig win promotion last season before going on to represent Germany at the Rio Olympics last summer.
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Torino Look At West Ham Linked Goalkeeper As Joe Hart Replacement
Inside.futbol
Torino are eyeing a summer move for Roma loanee and West Ham linked goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski as a replacement for Joe Hart. Currently on loan at Empoli, the 25-year-old goalkeeper has managed to attract the prying eyes of a few clubs in Europe with his performances in the Italian top tier Torino signed Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal, but are afraid that the England goalkeeper will return to his homeland in the summer, without committing to a long term contract. And the Serie A club are keen to avoid any confusion and according to Sky Italia, they have identified Skorupski as the man to replace Hart between the sticks at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The club are expected to open talks with Roma for the signature of the 25-year-old Polish custodian in the summer and are hopeful of getting a deal over the line when the time comes.
However, Torino are expected to face stiff competition from Premier League club West Ham as the east Londoners are also on the lookout for a new number one and have identified Skorupski as a possible summer recruit. The greater financial muscle of the London club could throw Torino's plans to sign the Pole into doubt and the speculation over his future is only going to gather more pace in the summer months.
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CRYSTAL PALACE BATTLE WEST HAM FOR CARL JENKINSON
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver
ReadWestHam
West Ham are looking for a new right-back in January and could move for Carl Jenkinson on loan for a third time. The England international joined the Hammers initially on loan for the 2014/15 season where he was largely impressive at right-back, giving the Hammers an extra dimension down that side of the field.
Slaven Bilic renewed the deal during his first season in charge of West Ham and Jenkinson's form dipped before an ACL injury back in January forced Bilic's hand who then terminated the deal. Now Jenkinson is back to full fitness and again on the outside looking in at the Emirates, he is being touted again for a loan move with West Ham amongst possible suitors. However, according to the Croydon Advertiser, Crystal Palace are ready to battle West Ham for the former Charlton youth standout. New Crystal Palace manager, Sam Allardyce, was the man who initially brought Jenkinson to West ham during his time in charge, so perhaps he could be looking to link up with Allardyce once again. West Ham are willing to let Alvaro Arbeloa leave the club next month and Jenkinson would be a like-for-like replacement.
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West Ham FC transfer news: Slaven Bilic refuses to rule out Jermain Defoe move but insists he is not interested in Patrice Evra
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has refused to rule out a move for Jermain Defoe - but has denied any interest in Patrice Evra. Defoe has been closely linked with a January return to the Hammers having starred for Premier League rivals Sunderland. Bilic was coy when asked about a potential bid for the 34-year-old on Thursday, but talked up the ex-England frontman's talents and did not quash the rumours. "He is a very good player and [I see] the way he plays for Sunderland and is scoring goals," he said. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."
While West Ham could be in for Defoe, Bilic rubbished reports he is interested in a deal for Patrice Evra. The 35-year-old former Manchester United defender is set to leave Juventus in January and has been linked with a switch to the London Stadium. "Our club is linked with the most players in Europe," said Bilic. "Every player, who is available is always linked with West Ham. I would say 95 per cent of that is not true and definitely not with Evra. "He is a great player, but in that position we are well covered."
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West Ham FC news: Simone Zaza in talks with Valencia as striker's father confirms Hammers career is 'finished'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Simone Zaza's 'adventure' at West Ham is over, his father has confirmed. The striker arrived from Juventus on a season-long loan spell in the summer but has had a dreadful time of it in east London. The 25-year-old has failed to score in his 12 first-team appearances for the club and will now cut short his loan. His father, Antonio Zaza, told Tuttosport: "The West Ham adventure is finished and we are looking at different options for his future." Another loan, this time to Valencia, has been mooted for the second half of the season while it has also been suggested that he may attempt to fight for his place back at Juve. Zaza senior added: "We're speaking with Valencia but theirs is not the only concrete option we're considering. "Of course, my son would love to be coached by a great coach like [Valencia manager] Cesare Prandelli, but it's possible that Simone could return to Serie A. "We are not considering the possibility of a return to Juventus. We're a long, long way from that point of view."
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Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez joins Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in £70m switch
TOM DUTTON
Eveing Standard
Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has joined Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. The Chinese club announced the signing of Tevez from Argentinian side Boca Juniors on Thursday in a statement on their official website. Shanghai are reported to have agreed a deal worth £70million for the forward, including a salary of more than £500,000 a week. "Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez is officially joined Shanghai Shenhua," the statement said. Thirty-two-year-old Tevez, who has also played for Manchester United, Manchester City, Corinthians and Juventus, will play for Gus Poyet's side next season after scoring 25 goals in 56 matches for Boca Juniors. Shanghai finished fourth in last year's Chinese Super League standings.
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West Ham United set for double boost in January transfer window with Simone Zaza exit and Patrice Evra
Guardian Series
25 mins ago / Shona Duthie, Sports reporter / @shonaduthie4
West Ham United's boss Slaven Bilic could receive a late Christmas present with Juventus willing to loan Patrice Evra to east London and take back Simone Zaza.
According to The Sun, the former Manchester United player is unhappy at spending most of the season on the bench and has fallen foul of boss Max Allegri. It was also mentioned the Italian club are happy with his strong social media profile. Evra's relationship with the Bianconeri boss came to a head following the Italian Super Cup defeat to AC Milan with the former accusing Evra of poor marking against Susu for Giacomo Bonaventura's equalising goal. Evra still believes he can compete at the highest level and in his eight-and-a-half years spell at Manchester United he won the Premier League five times and the Champions League.
West Ham initially agreed to pay the fee to make the Zaza loan deal permanent back in the Summer but with him failing to impress it is unlikely the east Londoners will now do so. Valencia has also shown an interest in the forward meaning Juve will want the player to return to sell him before his contract expires It looks as though West Ham's January period could brighten up.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 29th December 2016
Joint-Chairman pledges to unite support
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan makes New Year's resolution to unite
supporters in 2017
Board pledge to work hard to further strengthen relationship with fans
Regular meetings and fan-led initiatives are planned to resolve outstanding
issues
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says his New Year's resolution
is to further unite West Ham's Board of Directors and the Club's supporters.
As 2016, a year which has seen unprecedented change for Hammers fans, draws
to a close, Mr Sullivan has pledged that he and the Board will help
strengthen the relationship between the two in 2017. "I am aware that since
the beginning of the season a small number of supporters have struggled to
adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as West Ham
supporters," Sullivan told whufc.com. "At the Club, we have been working
hard to help supporters with this process and we have definitely made good
progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's resolution to unite us
completely moving forward. "With that in mind we plan to continue meetings
with supporter groups, bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with
the Club on social media, to find out what the problems are and to do our
utmost to try and resolve as many of them as possible. "This will act as a
means of discussing the future of the Club and an opportunity to illustrate
to supporters the challenges that we face as a Board to make certain
changes. "We are determined to work with supporters on areas they want to
see improved."
The Club has been reaching out to various supporter groups over the last few
months and have a number of supporter-led initiatives planned for the New
Year.
And with results beginning to improve on the pitch, the Joint-Chairman and
the Board are looking to build on the growing positive feeling at the Club.
"I believe we are on the cusp of seeing a lot of hard work come to fruition
on and off the pitch," he continued. "Whilst we know we are certainly not
back to our best yet, we are picking up points and seeing the signs of the
rapid improvement we need to climb the table properly. "Contrary to what
some might think, our supporters have more access to their Board than at any
other Premier League club, and I am determined to use these channels to
unite all of us "I know we have a long way to go still, but I can assure
you I am completely committed to the task and will personally ensure that
this is the focus of our Board in 2017."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll thrilled with winning return
WHUFC.com
Carroll took personal tally to five goals in six West Ham games against
Swansea with Boxing Day volley
Striker has helped team take ten points from five games since comeback from
injury
No9 hailed team performance after 4-1 thumping of the Swans
Andy Carroll has made a nice habit of scoring against Swansea City - so it
came as little surprise when he got on the end of Sofiane Feghouli's cross
to volley past Lukasz Fabianski and complete West Ham United's 4-1 victory
on Boxing Day. In six games for the Hammers against the South Wales squad,
the big No9 now has five goals, and no other club has felt the force of
Carroll as keenly as the Swans. More importantly, his goal helped Slaven
Bilic's men register a third straight victory and climb up to eleventh in
the Premier League table. Now Carroll has his eyes on further scalps. He
said: "I don't know what it is about Swansea but I seem to have a good
record against them. Five goals in six games against them is a nice little
tally, so hopefully I can continue with that. "It was a great all-round team
performance on Boxing Day. From Daz [Randolph] all the way up, everyone
played their part and put a shift in. We deserved it. "It was a great
result. We played well and it was a nice Christmas present for the fans who
travelled down to Swansea."
Carroll's return to the team has been a successful one, with two goals and
ten points from five games and with a trip to Leicester around the corner he
is keen to keep the good form going. He added: "I wanted to play the minutes
I have in the last three games. I've been training hard, and the manager has
thrown me in when he thought I was ready. "I've played the last three now
and I'm feeling good, [especially] coming in and scoring straight away. The
main thing is though we're getting the points. "The two home games
previously weren't as good, but we got the points on the board and the
performance at Swansea was great. We're progressing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Domingos Quina
WHUFC.com
When the Hammers snapped up Portuguese midfielder Domingos Quina during the
summer, there was a feeling that someone special had arrived in east London.
Two first team appearances in the UEFA Europa League and places on the
substitutes' bench for four Premier League games later, there's absolutely
no reason to doubt that five months on.
A wonder-goal from the halfway line for the U23s and putting pen to paper on
his first professional contract are two more stand-out moments from the
17-year-old's first campaign at West Ham United. Does he think there are
more to come?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Aaron Cresswell
WHUFc.com
On Boxing Day, Aaron Cresswell became the 174th West Ham United player to
reach 100 first-team appearances for the Club.
The No3 has been a revelation since joining the Hammers in summer 2014,
making the left-back berth his own and impressing with his commitment,
consistency and magical left foot.
The 27-year-old, who made his England debut in November, is now setting his
sights on more milestones in Claret and Blue.
Aaron, congratulations on reaching 100 appearances! Let's start with your
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt?
"I've got to say the last-ever game at the Boleyn Ground is my
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt.
"We were getting beat 2-1 by Man United and everyone had seen the atmosphere
before the game, with tens of thousands of people outside the ground. I
think it took Man United about three hours to get in from the top of Barking
Road.
"If I had to pick a game, it would be that Final Game at the Boleyn Ground
against Man United. I still speak to Nobes and the other lads about it and
it was a game the like of which you won't play many of in your career.
"If you ask any fan, I'm sure they'll say it was one of the best-ever times
they've had at a football match and I don't think I'll top that game."
OK, how about your favourite goal of the four you've scored in Claret and
Blue? All of them were decent strikes!
"Feeling-wise, it was my goal against Newcastle because that was my
first-ever goal in the Premier League, but my best goal of the four was the
one at Leicester. If I can get another one like that this season, I'll be
happy!"
To reach 100 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons is good going. You must
be proud of that achievement?
Aaron Cresswell"I've been here two-and-a-half years now and it's gone very
quickly," said the 27-year-old. "To reach 100 games is a great achievement
at a Club like West Ham and I'm really proud of it.
"Since I joined everyone has been fantastic with me and I couldn't really
have hoped for it to have gone any better, especially in the first year when
I won Hammer of the Year.
"Then last year we finished seventh and won the most points any West Ham
team has ever won in the Premier League, and we also got to the
quarter-finals of the FA Cup and were unlucky not to get through to the
semi-final."
And of course you're now an England international!
"Since I was a little boy I've wanted to represent my country and it's the
pinnacle of my career. All of that is down to West Ham giving me an
opportunity and my own hard work, so I can't thank West Ham enough."
So, what's next for you and for West Ham United?
"Obviously this season hasn't gone quite as well for me now, but that's in
the past and I just hope we can push up that table in the New Year and
finish as high as we can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reaching out; Sullivan seeking unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan says that he hopes to unite the club in the New Year.
Sullivan, speaking in the wake of three successive victories against
Burnley, Hull and Swansea insisted that he was determined to build bridges
between the Boardroom and the fanbase following the numerous issues that
have dogged the club's move to Stratford.
"I am aware that since the beginning of the season a number of supporters
have struggled to adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as
West Ham supporters," he wrote.
"We have been working hard to help supporters with this process and we have
definitely made good progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's
resolution to unite us completely moving forward.
"With that in mind we plan to continue meetings with supporter groups,
bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with the club on social media,
to find out what the problems are and to do our utmost to try and resolve as
many of them as possible.
"This will act as a means of discussing the future of the club and an
opportunity to illustrate to supporters the challenges that we face as a
Board to make certain changes. We are determined to work with supporters on
areas they want to see improved."
Coincidentally, Sullivan's statement was published a matter of days after
KUMB Forum members created their own 'ten point plan' for the club's owners
- with one of the most popular suggestions being for the Board to "treat the
fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just those who share
your vision - on a regular basis".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A ten point pledge of our own
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
In the wake of the numerous issues that have beset West Ham United's move to
Stratford, KUMB readers have created their own 'ten point pledge' for the
Board of West Ham United FC.
The ten points, which we are asking the Board to adhere to, cover a range of
subjects designed to ease what has already proved to be a difficult
migration process and enhance the supporter's experience of the club's new
ground.
None of the points raised are beyund the realms of possibility (although
point 3 would require considerable, financial investment) and all are made
with the aim of uniting the club's fractured fanbase and strengthening the
relationship between supporters and the Board.
Our ten point plan is as follows:
1. Surround the ground with local vendors - selling
food/programmes/memorabilia as per Green Street - to give the surrounding
area 'a West Ham feel' and make it feel more homely. Consider adding signage
around the stadium.
2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground
stewards as possible on the same terms they enjoyed previously (iincluding
the same rates of overtime and receiving the London living wage).
3. Replace the temporary stands with genuine, retractable seating, as
promised by the club in their pre-move communications, with stands that are
closer to the pitch.
4. Offer the Supporters' Club, which is intrinsically linked to the club via
both historical financial contributions and the Hammer of the Year award, a
new home close to the new stadium.
5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers (those taking advantage
of the Thomas Cook offers, or Newham Council employees and their guests) in
the upper tier and allocate the TBL seats next to the away fans to season
ticket holders, as per the Boleyn Ground. This will also help to generate a
better atmosphere.
6. Put the home fans first! Open access to all nearly overground/tube
stations and ensure away fans leave last, if it necessary to avoid both
factions leaving simultaneously.
7. Provide both recognisable singing and family enclosures at the new
stadium, an accurate, up to date, seating plan and ensure stewards are
instructed to be 'fan friendly'.
8. Provide a notable increase in the number of shuttle buses running from
Stratford to the stadium for the benefit of those supporters experiencing
difficulty with the lengthy walk and make the drop-off points for travelling
fans safer/more accessible.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers in line with other Premier
League clubs to talk to act as fan representatives. (West Ham currently
employ one, most PL clubs have at least five whilst Arsenal employ a team of
20+.)
10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just
those who share your vision of a 'brand' new club - on a regular basis. If
you are intent of banning supporters, for whatever reason, publish a Code of
Conduct that we may adhere to.
These were the main points discussed, although supporters discussed a whole
raft of potential improvements -
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal ready to listen to offers for defender Carl Jenkinson with Crystal
Palace and West Ham ready to swoop
Arsenal will listen to loan and permanent offers for defender Carl Jenkinson
Jenkinson has made just five starts for Arsenal this season
Crystal Palace and West Ham - where he spent two season's on loan - could
make a move for Jenkinson in the January transfer window
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:05, 28 December 2016
Arsenal will consider offers for out-of-favour full-back Carl Jenkinson next
month. The defender has recovered from a long-term knee injury and has made
five starts for the club this season. But he is set for a move away from the
Emirates Stadium next month, with the Gunners ready to listen to permanent
or loan offers for the right-back. Jenkinson is likely to interest a host
of clubs when the transfer window reopens in January. New Crystal Palace
manager Sam Allardyce is an admirer and could launch a bid to take the
24-year-old as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks. Jenkinson may also
interest West Ham, where he spent two consecutive season-long loan moves.
Hector Bellerin is fully established as the Arsenal's first choice
right-back meaning Jenkinson's chances of first team football under Arsene
Wenger are limited. Back-up right-back Mathieu Debuchy is injured but is due
back earlier next month while Gabriel can play in the position in an
emergency.:
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll has inspired West Ham's festive revival, says Aaron Cresswell
West Ham have won their last three games to move away from the drop zone
Striker Carroll has started all three games after recovering from knee
injury
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 01:05, 28 December 2016
Aaron Cresswell is convinced Andy Carroll's return to fitness is behind West
Ham's festive revival. West Ham have surged away from the relegation zone on
the back of three straight wins, including the 4-1 demolition of Swansea on
Boxing Day. That run has tied in precisely with Carroll's recovery from the
knee injury which kept him out for almost four months, with the striker
coming off the bench in the first two games of his comeback and then
starting in each of the victories. His aerial domination made West Ham's
opener at Swansea and he later volleyed his second goal in five games, which
has launched Slaven Bilic's side within four points of the top seven. Asked
if it was a coincidence that West Ham have won each of the games Carroll has
started, Cresswell said: 'No, it isn't. Andy makes a huge difference, not
just going forward but the defending he does at set pieces. 'He has been out
quite some time and the shift he puts in is great to see. I just hope he can
really kick on now. 'He's massive for us. It was great to see him back when
he scored against Arsenal, but he was excellent for us at Swansea and he has
been since he came back. Touch wood he can stay injury free and a big boost
for him and for us.' The win at Swansea was a case of West Ham delivering a
performance as well as a result, which has not often been the case this
season. Cresswell said: 'Wins always give you confidence despite the
performances. We knew the performances weren't great at home (in the 1-0
wins against Burnley and Hull), but I am sure fans will look back on it now
and think the six points are more important. 'Against Swansea we got both
the points and the performance. That will give us more confidence looking
into the Leicester game on Saturday.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan makes New Year's resolution to unite
supporters in 2017
Board pledge to work hard to further strengthen relationship with fans
Regular meetings and fan-led initiatives are planned to resolve outstanding
issues
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says his New Year's resolution
is to further unite West Ham's Board of Directors and the Club's supporters.
As 2016, a year which has seen unprecedented change for Hammers fans, draws
to a close, Mr Sullivan has pledged that he and the Board will help
strengthen the relationship between the two in 2017. "I am aware that since
the beginning of the season a small number of supporters have struggled to
adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as West Ham
supporters," Sullivan told whufc.com. "At the Club, we have been working
hard to help supporters with this process and we have definitely made good
progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's resolution to unite us
completely moving forward. "With that in mind we plan to continue meetings
with supporter groups, bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with
the Club on social media, to find out what the problems are and to do our
utmost to try and resolve as many of them as possible. "This will act as a
means of discussing the future of the Club and an opportunity to illustrate
to supporters the challenges that we face as a Board to make certain
changes. "We are determined to work with supporters on areas they want to
see improved."
The Club has been reaching out to various supporter groups over the last few
months and have a number of supporter-led initiatives planned for the New
Year.
And with results beginning to improve on the pitch, the Joint-Chairman and
the Board are looking to build on the growing positive feeling at the Club.
"I believe we are on the cusp of seeing a lot of hard work come to fruition
on and off the pitch," he continued. "Whilst we know we are certainly not
back to our best yet, we are picking up points and seeing the signs of the
rapid improvement we need to climb the table properly. "Contrary to what
some might think, our supporters have more access to their Board than at any
other Premier League club, and I am determined to use these channels to
unite all of us "I know we have a long way to go still, but I can assure
you I am completely committed to the task and will personally ensure that
this is the focus of our Board in 2017."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll thrilled with winning return
WHUFC.com
Carroll took personal tally to five goals in six West Ham games against
Swansea with Boxing Day volley
Striker has helped team take ten points from five games since comeback from
injury
No9 hailed team performance after 4-1 thumping of the Swans
Andy Carroll has made a nice habit of scoring against Swansea City - so it
came as little surprise when he got on the end of Sofiane Feghouli's cross
to volley past Lukasz Fabianski and complete West Ham United's 4-1 victory
on Boxing Day. In six games for the Hammers against the South Wales squad,
the big No9 now has five goals, and no other club has felt the force of
Carroll as keenly as the Swans. More importantly, his goal helped Slaven
Bilic's men register a third straight victory and climb up to eleventh in
the Premier League table. Now Carroll has his eyes on further scalps. He
said: "I don't know what it is about Swansea but I seem to have a good
record against them. Five goals in six games against them is a nice little
tally, so hopefully I can continue with that. "It was a great all-round team
performance on Boxing Day. From Daz [Randolph] all the way up, everyone
played their part and put a shift in. We deserved it. "It was a great
result. We played well and it was a nice Christmas present for the fans who
travelled down to Swansea."
Carroll's return to the team has been a successful one, with two goals and
ten points from five games and with a trip to Leicester around the corner he
is keen to keep the good form going. He added: "I wanted to play the minutes
I have in the last three games. I've been training hard, and the manager has
thrown me in when he thought I was ready. "I've played the last three now
and I'm feeling good, [especially] coming in and scoring straight away. The
main thing is though we're getting the points. "The two home games
previously weren't as good, but we got the points on the board and the
performance at Swansea was great. We're progressing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Domingos Quina
WHUFC.com
When the Hammers snapped up Portuguese midfielder Domingos Quina during the
summer, there was a feeling that someone special had arrived in east London.
Two first team appearances in the UEFA Europa League and places on the
substitutes' bench for four Premier League games later, there's absolutely
no reason to doubt that five months on.
A wonder-goal from the halfway line for the U23s and putting pen to paper on
his first professional contract are two more stand-out moments from the
17-year-old's first campaign at West Ham United. Does he think there are
more to come?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Aaron Cresswell
WHUFc.com
On Boxing Day, Aaron Cresswell became the 174th West Ham United player to
reach 100 first-team appearances for the Club.
The No3 has been a revelation since joining the Hammers in summer 2014,
making the left-back berth his own and impressing with his commitment,
consistency and magical left foot.
The 27-year-old, who made his England debut in November, is now setting his
sights on more milestones in Claret and Blue.
Aaron, congratulations on reaching 100 appearances! Let's start with your
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt?
"I've got to say the last-ever game at the Boleyn Ground is my
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt.
"We were getting beat 2-1 by Man United and everyone had seen the atmosphere
before the game, with tens of thousands of people outside the ground. I
think it took Man United about three hours to get in from the top of Barking
Road.
"If I had to pick a game, it would be that Final Game at the Boleyn Ground
against Man United. I still speak to Nobes and the other lads about it and
it was a game the like of which you won't play many of in your career.
"If you ask any fan, I'm sure they'll say it was one of the best-ever times
they've had at a football match and I don't think I'll top that game."
OK, how about your favourite goal of the four you've scored in Claret and
Blue? All of them were decent strikes!
"Feeling-wise, it was my goal against Newcastle because that was my
first-ever goal in the Premier League, but my best goal of the four was the
one at Leicester. If I can get another one like that this season, I'll be
happy!"
To reach 100 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons is good going. You must
be proud of that achievement?
Aaron Cresswell"I've been here two-and-a-half years now and it's gone very
quickly," said the 27-year-old. "To reach 100 games is a great achievement
at a Club like West Ham and I'm really proud of it.
"Since I joined everyone has been fantastic with me and I couldn't really
have hoped for it to have gone any better, especially in the first year when
I won Hammer of the Year.
"Then last year we finished seventh and won the most points any West Ham
team has ever won in the Premier League, and we also got to the
quarter-finals of the FA Cup and were unlucky not to get through to the
semi-final."
And of course you're now an England international!
"Since I was a little boy I've wanted to represent my country and it's the
pinnacle of my career. All of that is down to West Ham giving me an
opportunity and my own hard work, so I can't thank West Ham enough."
So, what's next for you and for West Ham United?
"Obviously this season hasn't gone quite as well for me now, but that's in
the past and I just hope we can push up that table in the New Year and
finish as high as we can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reaching out; Sullivan seeking unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan says that he hopes to unite the club in the New Year.
Sullivan, speaking in the wake of three successive victories against
Burnley, Hull and Swansea insisted that he was determined to build bridges
between the Boardroom and the fanbase following the numerous issues that
have dogged the club's move to Stratford.
"I am aware that since the beginning of the season a number of supporters
have struggled to adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as
West Ham supporters," he wrote.
"We have been working hard to help supporters with this process and we have
definitely made good progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's
resolution to unite us completely moving forward.
"With that in mind we plan to continue meetings with supporter groups,
bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with the club on social media,
to find out what the problems are and to do our utmost to try and resolve as
many of them as possible.
"This will act as a means of discussing the future of the club and an
opportunity to illustrate to supporters the challenges that we face as a
Board to make certain changes. We are determined to work with supporters on
areas they want to see improved."
Coincidentally, Sullivan's statement was published a matter of days after
KUMB Forum members created their own 'ten point plan' for the club's owners
- with one of the most popular suggestions being for the Board to "treat the
fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just those who share
your vision - on a regular basis".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A ten point pledge of our own
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
In the wake of the numerous issues that have beset West Ham United's move to
Stratford, KUMB readers have created their own 'ten point pledge' for the
Board of West Ham United FC.
The ten points, which we are asking the Board to adhere to, cover a range of
subjects designed to ease what has already proved to be a difficult
migration process and enhance the supporter's experience of the club's new
ground.
None of the points raised are beyund the realms of possibility (although
point 3 would require considerable, financial investment) and all are made
with the aim of uniting the club's fractured fanbase and strengthening the
relationship between supporters and the Board.
Our ten point plan is as follows:
1. Surround the ground with local vendors - selling
food/programmes/memorabilia as per Green Street - to give the surrounding
area 'a West Ham feel' and make it feel more homely. Consider adding signage
around the stadium.
2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground
stewards as possible on the same terms they enjoyed previously (iincluding
the same rates of overtime and receiving the London living wage).
3. Replace the temporary stands with genuine, retractable seating, as
promised by the club in their pre-move communications, with stands that are
closer to the pitch.
4. Offer the Supporters' Club, which is intrinsically linked to the club via
both historical financial contributions and the Hammer of the Year award, a
new home close to the new stadium.
5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers (those taking advantage
of the Thomas Cook offers, or Newham Council employees and their guests) in
the upper tier and allocate the TBL seats next to the away fans to season
ticket holders, as per the Boleyn Ground. This will also help to generate a
better atmosphere.
6. Put the home fans first! Open access to all nearly overground/tube
stations and ensure away fans leave last, if it necessary to avoid both
factions leaving simultaneously.
7. Provide both recognisable singing and family enclosures at the new
stadium, an accurate, up to date, seating plan and ensure stewards are
instructed to be 'fan friendly'.
8. Provide a notable increase in the number of shuttle buses running from
Stratford to the stadium for the benefit of those supporters experiencing
difficulty with the lengthy walk and make the drop-off points for travelling
fans safer/more accessible.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers in line with other Premier
League clubs to talk to act as fan representatives. (West Ham currently
employ one, most PL clubs have at least five whilst Arsenal employ a team of
20+.)
10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just
those who share your vision of a 'brand' new club - on a regular basis. If
you are intent of banning supporters, for whatever reason, publish a Code of
Conduct that we may adhere to.
These were the main points discussed, although supporters discussed a whole
raft of potential improvements -
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Arsenal ready to listen to offers for defender Carl Jenkinson with Crystal
Palace and West Ham ready to swoop
Arsenal will listen to loan and permanent offers for defender Carl Jenkinson
Jenkinson has made just five starts for Arsenal this season
Crystal Palace and West Ham - where he spent two season's on loan - could
make a move for Jenkinson in the January transfer window
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:05, 28 December 2016
Arsenal will consider offers for out-of-favour full-back Carl Jenkinson next
month. The defender has recovered from a long-term knee injury and has made
five starts for the club this season. But he is set for a move away from the
Emirates Stadium next month, with the Gunners ready to listen to permanent
or loan offers for the right-back. Jenkinson is likely to interest a host
of clubs when the transfer window reopens in January. New Crystal Palace
manager Sam Allardyce is an admirer and could launch a bid to take the
24-year-old as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks. Jenkinson may also
interest West Ham, where he spent two consecutive season-long loan moves.
Hector Bellerin is fully established as the Arsenal's first choice
right-back meaning Jenkinson's chances of first team football under Arsene
Wenger are limited. Back-up right-back Mathieu Debuchy is injured but is due
back earlier next month while Gabriel can play in the position in an
emergency.:
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Andy Carroll has inspired West Ham's festive revival, says Aaron Cresswell
West Ham have won their last three games to move away from the drop zone
Striker Carroll has started all three games after recovering from knee
injury
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 01:05, 28 December 2016
Aaron Cresswell is convinced Andy Carroll's return to fitness is behind West
Ham's festive revival. West Ham have surged away from the relegation zone on
the back of three straight wins, including the 4-1 demolition of Swansea on
Boxing Day. That run has tied in precisely with Carroll's recovery from the
knee injury which kept him out for almost four months, with the striker
coming off the bench in the first two games of his comeback and then
starting in each of the victories. His aerial domination made West Ham's
opener at Swansea and he later volleyed his second goal in five games, which
has launched Slaven Bilic's side within four points of the top seven. Asked
if it was a coincidence that West Ham have won each of the games Carroll has
started, Cresswell said: 'No, it isn't. Andy makes a huge difference, not
just going forward but the defending he does at set pieces. 'He has been out
quite some time and the shift he puts in is great to see. I just hope he can
really kick on now. 'He's massive for us. It was great to see him back when
he scored against Arsenal, but he was excellent for us at Swansea and he has
been since he came back. Touch wood he can stay injury free and a big boost
for him and for us.' The win at Swansea was a case of West Ham delivering a
performance as well as a result, which has not often been the case this
season. Cresswell said: 'Wins always give you confidence despite the
performances. We knew the performances weren't great at home (in the 1-0
wins against Burnley and Hull), but I am sure fans will look back on it now
and think the six points are more important. 'Against Swansea we got both
the points and the performance. That will give us more confidence looking
into the Leicester game on Saturday.'
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