Daily WHUFC News - 14th January 2016

Moose's Memories - Tony Gale
WHUFC.com

talkSPORT presenter and lifelong West Ham United supporter Ian 'Moose' Abrahams chats to Hammers great Tony Gale...

Hello everyone,

As you will all know, we beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Emirates FA Cup third round on Saturday, to set up a fourth-round trip to Liverpool or Exeter City. Looking back, when I think of historic games against Wolves, I remember some of the great sides in Old Gold from the past and the forward lines they've had; John Richards and Andy Gray in the late 1970s and early 1980s and then, a decade later, Steve Bully and Andy Mutch. I also remember some great goals we've scored against them; Frank Lampard Senior thumped in a terrific goal in November 1974 and then there was a very famous last goal for Liam Brady against the men from Molieneux on this ground in 1990. And that's where I began my chat with one of our Boys of '86 and a man with his own FA Cup tales to tell, Tony Gale...

"Chippy was sub for that game, as he'd just come back from injury and was desperate to play and desperate to get back on the pitch because he knew it was his last professional game of football," Galey recalled of Brady's final game in Claret and Blue. "I remember when he came on and he came over to me and I said to him, 'It'll be a great way to go out if you scored a goal', and he scored a ripper with probably the last kick of the game and we won 4-0. "It was a typical Brady goal, drifting across to left-hand side and shooting across the 'keeper. It was a wonderful goal from one of the game's superstars."

Having played with such greats as Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking and Alan Devonshire, I asked Galey to compare Brady with them in terms of the skill the Irishman had. "I put him up there with Trev, Billy and Dev; Billy not just on the skill levels but as an icon of West Ham and one of the game's gentlemen, who managed and played for our Club," Galey continued. "Billy is right up there as one of the greats. Everyone talks about Moore, Hurst, Peters, but then after that in no particular order you would go Bonds, Brooking and Devonshire, as all three were wonderful."

When it comes to West Ham's FA Cup history, there have been our three final wins and the White Horse final at the old Wembley Stadium. Then we all remember what happened ten years ago in arguably the best FA Cup final of modern times, when we were edged out by Liverpool on penalties. In between, there was the 1991 semi-final and the controversial red card shown to a certain Tony Gale…

"That was probably the game or the moment that made me famous or should I say infamous, getting sent off in an FA Cup semi-final," the man himself recalls. "Normally getting sent-off in an FA Cup semi-final, people would probably of thought 'What a plonker!', but not this time because they realised what a bad decision it was from the referee, Keith Hackett. "It was one of the first decisions, of the so-called 'professional foul', because the rule was only implemented on the Wednesday and we played Forest on the Sunday, so in my opinion he had to be the first one to do it, regardless of what Keith has said since!"

Galey was given his marching orders in the first half of the game at Villa Park, leaving West Ham with an even tougher task against Brian Clough's side. "I went up to the dressing room and was waiting for the lads to come in at half-time," Galey continued. "I had heard the roars when George Parris hit the post. All I could hear was 'Billy Bonds's Claret and Blue Army' ringing around the stadium. "I don't think there were any Forest fans inside Villa Park that day, certainly none that could be heard. "Anyway at half-time it was 0-0 and the lads came into the dressing room. Billy came in and gave his team talk and I was waiting for my telling off, which never came. In fact, Billy went round every player except me and then as the team were about to go out for the second half, he went all Winston Churchill on us."

Mimicking Billy's accent, Galey recounts what Bonzo said…

"Right lads, before you go out, if you don't win it for the players, your teammates; if you don't do it for the supporters, who've been absolutely wonderful; if you don't do it for the staff, then you go out there and do it for your mate, your pal, one of us, who really has been the victim of one of the worst referring decisions ever, do it for that man there, Tony Gale."

As Galey ends the anecdote he adds with his typical mischievous laugh: "Well they went out and lost 4-0, which goes to show what a friend I must have been to them!"

This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 9 January 2016.

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

We will start with the good news this week.

Victor Moses is training fully after six weeks out with a hamstring injury and will be available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle United.

Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have a good chance to be available for some part of the game at St James' Park.

Cheikhou suffered a groin problem in the win over Liverpool on 2 January, while Mauro had a small thigh problem last week in training.

Dimitri Payet has made a quick return from the serious high ankle injury and made his first start in two months at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Dimi played for 80 minutes and came off with cramps as his body is not yet fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League after his injury, but that will get better with every game.

Dimi and Enner Valencia missed a lot of training days and during this congested period it is important to recover. The lack of training days will be compensated during 'normal' weeks with less games.

After a Tuesday night game, the main job of the Medical and Sports Science team is to optimise the recovery of the players, minimise fatigue and ensure they are as fresh as possible for Saturday's match.

Some players are more fatigued than others, some played more and others lack training due to injuries. We individualise the training programs and adapt the daily routine accordingly to make sure players are ready to play.

We picked up an injury and a few knocks and bruises from the mid week game game. unfortunately Andy Carroll came off with a hamstring injury and he will have a scan on Thursday, after which we will know more about the extent of the problem.

If it is a Grade One injury, he will be out for around ten days, while a Grade Two injury means four to six weeks, depending on what part of the muscle is injured.
We'll have more news tomorrow.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble was an extremely proud West Ham United captain after leading the Londoners to a superb come-from-behind 3-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday. The Hammers rose to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table after two goals from Enner Valencia and a sublime Dimitri Payet free-kick wrested the points away from Bournemouth. Noble said hard work is central to the Hammers success and just wants the feelgood factor to continue.

What was the key to the comeback against Bournemouth?

MN: "A lot of hard work went into that performance over Bournemouth. We have had a lot of games recently and it has been asking a lot of the players. We are obviously grateful to have Dimi and Enner back. "We probably should not have been 1-0 down in the first half and had some good chances. But it shows the spirit we have got in this team to come back and win the game. I have said it before many times that we have got an unbelievable spirit. "The back four was fantastic once again and I thought in the second half we showed what a good team we are.

Dimi obviously had a huge impact – how important is he?

MN: "What more can be said about Dimitri Payet. At the end of the day we paid £10m for him and would we pay double for him now - the answer is probably yes. "He has got so much ability and he works so hard for the team. A lot of people don't see that. They see his skills and the amazing goals he scores. But the hard work he puts in for the team, he has fitted in fantastically well. "It is my job to bed players in like that – the foreign players who don't speak a lot of English and have new surroundings. But he has bedded in pretty well."

You played with Carlos Tevez here – is the impact he is having similar to his?

MN: "I think Carlos is more of a striker, but the way the fans think of him, he is the same. West Ham fans love a hero – Paolo Di Canio, Carlos Tevez and now I think it is Dimitri Payet!"

It was a night of great free-kicks and Enner's was special as well…

MN: "It is a great piece of skill from Dimi to set up the second goal but the first finish is fantastic. It is easy to sky that over the bar, but we see Enner score goals like that all the time in training. It was a special one against Bournemouth."

How far can this team go?

MN: "We are going to keep working hard, keep putting points on the board. We are over the moon that no-one is talking about us and talking about the other teams. Hopefully, we are going to keep creeping up table."

How big a blow was Andy going off?

MN: "The only downside to the win over Bournemouth was the injury picked up by Andy Carroll. He has been great for us over the last month and scored some very important goals.

"It is a big loss but I thought Jelavic came on and worked so hard and put in a real shift for the team. That is what has got us through all the injury problems."

Newcastle next, you must be viewing that as another opportunity to keep the run going?

MN: "We have another away game on Saturday against Newcastle and it is another long trip for us.

"We will get back and recover and we won't need a lot of training because of all the games we have played over the Christmas period.

"I said it in my programme notes last week that to go unbeaten through that period and now win four on the bounce with the quality players we have lost, it shows the special team spirit and quality that we have got."

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Ogbonna hails Hammers game-changers
WHUFC.com

Angelo Ogbonna praised manager Slaven Bilic and match-winners Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia for inspiring Tuesday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory at AFC Bournemouth. The Hammers trailed going into half-time at the Vitality Stadium, but a change in tactics from Bilic and three sublime goals from Payet and Valencia turned the game on its head. Speaking to West Ham TV, the Italy defender hailed the decision made by Bilic to change the formation, as well as his teammates' ability and desire to score three goals and secure a third straight league win. "The manager changed something, but that is why he is the manager and he is really clever about that because he can read the situation," said the centre-half, who produced another physically-dominating performance. "In the second half, we changed a lot of things. "The free-kick of Dimi was perfect, as was the second free-kick of Valencia as well. We have got some really good players to change many situations in the game."

West Ham did not just overcome an in-form Bournemouth side, but also inclement weather conditions and a vociferous home crowd. A strong, biting cold wind helped pen the visitors in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes, but with the blasting air at their backs in the second period, it was a different game after the interval. Ogbonna also thanked the 1,400-strong Claret and Blue Army for playing a huge part in helping the Hammers to secure a victory, with the fans' non-stop urging their team forward at every opportunity. "We started and maybe we were a little bit unlucky because the wind didn't really help us and every shot, every pass and every tackle was really bad, but in the second half we showed a really different class," the No21 explained. "Our supporters helped us to do what we did. I want to say 'Thank you' to our fans because the support was really, really good and I thought we had 12 on the pitch. It's really beautiful in this situation. "The first half was difficult because of the wind but we have a different class, so in the second half we put in everything. Thank you to Dimi, thank you to Valencia and thank you to everybody for doing what they had to do."

Next up is another lengthy away trip, with Newcastle United the hosts fresh from their own inspiring comeback against Manchester United on Tuesday evening. The Magpies came from two goals down to draw 3-3, while Saturday's opponents have also signed England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Senegal winger Henri Saviet this week to bolster their own battle against relegation. "We are really clever and we are really intelligent and we have to read the situation and keep our feet on the ground and take it step by step," he concluded. "The manager knows what is best for us, so it is time to enjoy this game but we have to focus on the next game because it will be really, really difficult away from home. "In England, there are no easy games, so that's why we have to focus because Newcastle know our team. I think they will prepare everything well, so we have to focus because we want to beat them."

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Andy Carroll: New injury worry for West Ham striker
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have a new injury worry after striker Andy Carroll was substituted with a hamstring problem in the Hammers' 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes and manager Slaven Bilic says the injury will be assessed on Wednesday. It's a big blow for us because he started this game good," said Bilic. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long." The 27-year-old has scored two goals in West Ham's past four games after returning in September 2015 following seven months out for knee surgery. A former Newcastle player, Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013.

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Andy Carroll: Timeline of West Ham forward's injuries
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 13/01/16 3:45pm
SSN

West Ham forward Andy Carroll is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool initially on loan in August 2012 before making the move to east London permanent at the end of that season for £15m. But the 27-year-old has been beset by injuries during his three-and-a-half years at the club. Here we take a look at his catalogue of recent complaints…

September-October 2012 (hamstring, missed three matches)

Carroll made a great start to his West Ham career, producing a superb debut performance in the 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. Having signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool two days earlier, the towering striker was immediately drafted into the starting line-up and played a major role in Kevin Nolan's third-minute opener. Carroll tormented Fulham's defence and was virtually unplayable as the Hammers went into the interval three goals to the good. But his joy was short-lived as he suffered a hamstring injury in the 68th minute after an aerial challenge with Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. He missed the draws with Norwich and Sunderland before making his return as a second-half substitute at Queens Park Rangers on October 1.

November 2012-January 2013 (knee, missed 11 matches)

Carroll had returned to the West Ham first team following his hamstring injury and netted his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. However, only a week later he twisted his knee in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford and was left facing another spell on the sidelines. He was withdrawn just after the hour mark and subsequently missed two months of the season, returning as a substitute in the 3-1 loss at Fulham on January 30.

May-September 2013 (heel, missed four matches)

After returning from injury, Carroll enjoyed a superb end to the 2012-13 season, scoring six times in 10 matches. He played the full 90 minutes of West Ham's 4-2 victory over Reading on the final day of the season, despite picking up a heel injury. Despite this, West Ham decided to take up the option to make Carroll's move to the club permanent, paying Liverpool £15m. He missed the start of pre-season training because of the heel injury, but soon returned to training and was expected to make his return against Southampton on September 15.

September 2013-January 2014 (foot, missed 21 matches)

Despite that hope, Carroll suffered a fresh injury - this time to his foot - and was ruled out until the New Year. He sustained the injury in training and, although the problem suffered was in the same foot, West Ham insisted the ailment was new. Carroll travelled to Antwerp in Belgium in an attempt to cure the problem and went under the care of Belgian physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck. He returned in January as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, setting up midfielder Mark Noble for West Ham's second goal. He scored two goals in 16 games as West Ham maintained their Premier League status, finishing 13th.

July-November 2014 (ankle, missed 11 matches)

Carroll returned to pre-season training and had been looking forward to beginning his first season free of injury since 2012. However, his injury jinx struck again during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand when he tore his ankle ligaments in training and was quickly sent to undergo surgery in Baltimore in the United States. Having returned to England, he began his rehabilitation and made his return as a substitute in the goalless draw with Aston Villa in November, nearly scoring just minutes into his first match since May.

February-September 2015 (knee, missed 24 matches)

Carroll had scored five times in 16 appearances before suffering another injury blow that ruled him out for the rest of the 2014-15 season and the beginning of the following campaign. Carroll replaced Diafra Sakho after 55 minutes against Southampton at St Mary's, but lasted just 20 minutes. He suffered the injury following a challenge with Southampton defender Maya Yoshida. Carroll left the south coast on crutches and underwent knee surgery a week later. He would not play again for West Ham until September, making his return against former club Newcastle in a 2-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground.

January 2016-? (hamstring)

With only one goal to his name - a winner in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in October - Carroll had come in for criticism from a section of West Ham supporters. However, two winning goals in two matches over the festive period put him firmly back in the good books of those doubting fans.

Manager Slaven Bilic insisted it was key Carroll remained fit to stand any chance of earning a spot in England's squad for the European Championships, but after only 12 minutes against Bournemouth, the forward was walking down the tunnel this time clutching his hamstring.

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JANUARY TRANSFER NEWS ROUND UP - WEEK TWO
By Sean Whetstone 13 Jan 2016 at 22:00
WTID

So here is week two of my transfer news round-up. As the management continue to tell us it is going to be a quiet January but the media are not listening and we continue to be linked with various players as well as outbound rumours. Bilic told us last Wednesday during a press conference "We have a good squad, a big squad, and it's 99 per cent certain we will leave it like this and make our signings in the summer. If something exceptional comes along, whether that's a long-term deal for one great player, or a loan deal for a back-up player for six months, we will do it. But we won't buy just because it's the transfer window."

Last Thursday saw the return of the club's Boleyn Insider on WHUFC.com, here is some of what he had to say:

"There has been speculation in the media surrounding the futures of several players, but my understanding is that no first-team players are for sale unless the opportunity arises to buy an even better player. My sources tell me that the Club have spent all their wages for the year, so unless somebody goes there is no movement to do anything else. The Club has a wage cap that is set by the Premier League. There have been reports suggesting the club are considering a move for Juventus striker Simone Zaza. My understanding is that Zaza is a player the club greatly admire and they tried to sign him last summer. He scored again on Wednesday night and the Club might try something again this month.These are certainly exciting times with the move to the new Stadium during the summer and I have been told that the Club are already putting plans in place to make a big move for a proven and established striker at the end of the season who can score 20 goals and help take them to the next level."

Roughly translated they have lined up Simone Zaza on loan with an option to buy should either Zarate, Carroll or Jelavic leave the club in the January window. There have been some crazy rumours doing the rounds that Juve were ready to pay the player's wages in order for him to get game time, but Claret and Hugh have been told by a top club source: "In our dreams. That simply isn't going to happen – a player will need to leave for the deal to happen." Our senior source told us "We are no closer. The position is as it has been all year – somebody has to go in order to release wages for the player."

The 20 goal striker teaser for the summer transfer window is more of a mystery although it has been suggested the player is valued at £20m and plays for a top European league. Guesses have included Wilfred Bony, Lacazette, Manolo Gabbiadini and Burak Yilmaz.

I am told there have been zero bids or inquires for Carroll, Zarate or Jelavic despite constant media speculation. I have also been told that Jelavic is on a massive £55,000 per week at West Ham which surprised me somewhat, if true.


A source close to the club has also told us that we will not make a mega money bid for Sam Byram from Leeds this transfer window. The source said no club will play the kind of money Leeds are asking and the Hammers are happy to wait until the summer to attempt to snap him up for free and just pay the compensation from an independent tribunal. Our top source told us: "We like the player but there are other options – about nine of them! They'll want daft money, we want him in the summer with the fee set by Tribunal"


West Ham have been linked to a move for young Chelsea right back Ola Aina in the Summer. The Hammers are thought to be tracking the promising England Under-21 defender and considering trying to exploit his contract expiring with the Blues this summer.The 19 year old has refused to sign a new deal so far and has been demoted from Chelsea's first-team set-up to their U21s, edging him closer to an exit. Arsenal, Everton,Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli have all been linked with the young man. There remains a possibility the player could sign a pre-contract this winter.Aina has been at Chelsea since he was 11.

Slaven Bilic confirmed that West Ham are no longer interested in Charlie Austin. The manager told assembled press…

"He is a good player and he has been linked with most of the clubs when they got relegated because of his record and everything. So we were also among those clubs in the summer but we have chosen other options, now we are not looking for that type of player."
Aston Villa troubled midfielder Jack Grealish has been linked with West Ham in the media. The latest rumours suggest that the Hammers have joined Spurs and Liverpool in attempting to sign the 20 year old troubled midfielder.


The Hammers have been linked with Grays Athletic striker Dumebi Dumaka, who has been dubbed non-league football's next Jamie Vardy by the Daily Express. Dumaka has been impressive for Grays this season with 15 goals so far in the Ryman Isthmian League. Affectionately known as "DD", he has already spent time training with Ipswich Town, Fleetwood and Cambridge United this season after a host of clubs were alerted to his scoring exploits for Grays.

West Ham have again been linked with Argentinian striker Jonathon Calleri from Boca Juniors. Calleri is still a young striker who at the age of just 22 has made a real impact at Boca scoring 24 goals since his move their in July 2014.The Boca striker has been also linked with Chelsea and Arsenal but now appears to be on the verge of joining Inter Milan according to club president Daniel Angelici.


A recycled rumour doing the rounds last week is that West Ham have joined Arsenal, Spurs, Barcelona and Internazionale in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ezequiel Lavezzi.The Argentine international's deal at the Parc des Princes expires in the summer and he would be available for as little as £4.4 million, though he would still command sizeable wages.West Ham were linked with Lavezzi in the summer when he was said to have been offered around to a number Premier League clubs including the Hammers for a price tag around £10m.

Aaron Cresswell has started all but one of West Ham's top-flight fixtures this term and his individual performances have attracted interest from both Manchester City and Liverpool, according to London Standard this week. The report claims City are considering a summer move for the defender despite the fact the 26-year-old signed a new five-year deal in June.

As I suggested last week, Coventry City have confirmed they are contemplating a loan move for West Ham defender Reece Burke. The 19-year-old completed a loan spell at Bradford City recently but suffered a gashed wrist in his final game for the Bantums after colliding with an advertising board.

The Mirror have suggested Arsenal may offload Carl Jenkinson in the summer despite him signing a new five year contract before joining West Ham on loan for a second time. West Ham insiders say there will be no renewal or bid for Jenkinson in the summer. West ham paid a £1.5m loan fee on top of £45,000 weekly wages plus an appearance fee per match played.


Finally the ridiculous Mikel Arteta rumour gets the silly season award of the week. Why would we buy a 33 year old in the summer? It's makes no sense what so ever. The rumour started on a Spanish website Fichajes which has been repeated by the The Star, Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph.

However, It is true that Alex Song might not be offered a permanent deal at the end of the season. The powers that be think his current form is not worth the £70k per week wages he is earning but he has the rest of the season to prove the management wrong.

We have been told by a club insider "It's not happening at the moment for him but he's a class player at his best. There is time for him to show us that he can get back to the form of which we know he is capable. There are 18 games left plus FA Cup ties. There's time but it needs to start happening soon."

That's it for this week's round up. More next week.

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West Ham can dare to dream after return of magical Dimitri Payet as Bilic hails Frenchman's display
12:00, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 12:32, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 28-year-old Frenchman was missing in November and December due to injury but was back with a bang to inspire the Hammers to victory at Bournemouth
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic could not come up with enough superlatives after yet another virtuoso performance. Dimitri Payet had just brought the house down with a tour de force to brush Bournemouth aside and move West Ham a point behind fourth-placed Spurs. With the crazy money flying around for players right now, the £10.75million spent on the Frenchman is easily the most impressive investment in a transfer window for some time. Bilic said: "When I see some of the players that cost much more than him then he is a bargain. West Ham fans always used to love that kind of player, with a bit of magic. He has more than a bit. "Its not just about his quality. He is deciding games and doing the things that are very hard in football when teams are trying to keep him down. "He is a leader. He thinks to himself: 'We are down, I have to step up' - and he stepped up in the second half."

Too right. Bournemouth were on course to win this with West Ham going nowhere. Then, deep into the second half, Payet moved up a gear to score one, make one and leave the home side in pieces. It was a brutal lesson for the promoted Cherries, fresh from spending big themselves, in taking your chances. The Irons were robbed of so much of their attacking threat when injury kept their prize asset out of their line-up during November and December. With Payet fit and firing they are back to being serious contenders for a shock Champions League place. Yes, really. Irons co-chairman David Sullivan described him last month as the best player he has bought in the last 25 years.

Bilic has placed him on a par with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil. When you see the highlights from this game on TV and the way in which Payet prised the three points from Bournemouth's grasp you will agree that he really is quite special. Not only does he step up when the going gets tough, the Frenchman electrifies the players around him. West Ham are justified in dreaming big after this confirmation that he is back to his best. In fact, what a roller-coaster of emotions this contest was for the east Londoners. Andy Carroll picked up a hamstring injury after just 15 minutes and will be out for yet another few weeks. It was another cruel blow for the player and a club that has had their fair share of injuries this season. Bilic said: "Its a really bad situation for us. He pulled a hamstring and we don't know now how bad it is. We can only hope it won't be too long."

Credit to West Ham, however, they recovered from Carroll's absence and from going behind superbly. Harry After broke the deadlock with a 17th-minute effort from outside the box from which Adrian should have done better. Bournemouth, with Carroll gone, then had a string of chances. Debutant Benik Afobe, signed for £10million from Wolves, headed over the bar from six yards. Charlie Daniels tested Adrian from distance and Afobe trod on the ball when he should have rounded the keeper from a fine Junior Stanislas through ball. Even when West Ham hit back, just before half time, the Cherries held firm. Keeper Artur Boruc saved magnificently to keep out a deflected effort from Nikica Jelavic and a Payet effort from range. Then, in the second half, Payet took over. His sensational 67th-minute free-kick from 25 yards was later described as "world class" by Howe. Payet followed up by beating two players on the right-hand touchline to tee up Valencia who put the Hammers ahead. Valencia wrapped things up with a sizzling free-kick of his own with six minutes left and that was that. By the time this cracking contest started, the Cherries were the biggest spenders in English football's January transfer window. On top of the Afobe capture they had signed Lewis Grabban for £7million from Norwich. They had also landed Italian forward Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma in a deal that could cost them £14million in the summer. There was no shame in being beaten here by a side with big things ahead of them over the next five months. As for West Ham, they can start daring to dream.

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West Ham striker Andy Carroll ruled out for four-to-six weeks with hamstring injury
11:54, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The England striker limped off in the first-half of the Hammers' come-from-behind 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night
The Mirror

Andy Carroll has been ruled out for four to six weeks by West Ham. The 27-year-old striker will have a scan today after injuring his hamstring in the club's 3-1 win at Bournemouth last night. The Hammers are hopeful that he could be back sooner but they expect him miss the rest of January and the early part of February after receiving initial estimates. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes of last night's game. Minutes earlier he had set up a chance for team-mate Michail Antonio. Boss Slaven Bilic said: "It's a big blow for us because he has been working really hard. He came back after a long, long injury. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long. He is disappointed because he knows he was back."

Luckless Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013. His time at Upton Park, however, has been beset by injuries. He has recently given cause for optimism with two goals in the club's past four games. He netted the winner at home to Southampton last month and the second goal in the Irons' 2-0 home win against Liverpool on January 2. The Irons had been hoping that the strikes were a sign that Carroll was back to his best after returning in September from seven months out with a knee surgery. Instead they are examining their options with Diafra Sakho already out injured. Malaga have targeted Mauro Zarate while Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande are keen to sign Nikica Jelavic. But both players could now stay to ensure the Hammers are not left short up front.Bilic added: "Its a really bad situation for us. After Liverpool I said he was back. He looked sharp, he looked strong. "He was covering the whole pitch. He was terrorising the defence and everything. Then we said: 'Yes, this is it. He is back. He is back.' "He started well against Bournemouth. Dominating and everything. Then he pulled a hamstring. We don't know now how bad it is, we can only hope it won't be for long."

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Everton edge ahead of West Ham in race to sign unsettled Leeds star Sam Byram
10:15, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 10:18, 13 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and was watched by the Toffees' chief scout in last night's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich
The Mirror

Everton have moved ahead of West Ham in the race to sign Leeds' Sam Byram after Roberto Martinez sent one of his chief scouts to watch him last night. Everton's European scout Ian Atkins was at Portman Road to see Byram play in Leeds' 2-1 defeat to Ipswich and the Blues have been tracking him for the last couple of seasons. West Ham are also keen and would prefer to land Byram, who can play on the right side of midfield or defence, on a Bosman when his contract expires in the summer. Byram, 22, is ready to leave Elland Road after refusing Leeds' offer to extend his current £12,000-a-week contract and is understood to prefer a move to Everton . Former Everton boss David Moyes spotted Byram as a teenager and was torn between signing him and John Stones before buying the latter from Barnsley three years ago.
Leeds chairman and owner Massimo Cellino hopes the rivalry between Everton and West Ham will drive up the price for Byram to £5million and he wants to cash in on him now Cellino would prefer not to get involved in a compensation wrangle over Byram and he has seen that Burnley have still not received a single penny from Liverpool for Danny Ings six months after he left Turf Moor.

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Deadly Dimitri Payet is making the difference for West Ham
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 13/01/16 11:25am
SSN

Dimitri Payet is back in the headlines and the stats highlight just how important he is to West Ham. The French winger marked his first Premier League start since November with a match-winning performance as the Hammers came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night. West Ham's 3-1 win over Bournemouth was well-deserved, according to Slaven Bilic.
Payet cancelled out Harry Arter's opening goal with a stunning free kick from 30 yards out at the Vitality Arena, and he turned provider a few minutes later when he wriggled free on the right flank to set up Enner Valencia's first goal. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer, had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury against Everton on November 7, but his performance against Bournemouth was a continuation of a fine start to the campaign. The 28-year-old has scored six goals and claimed four assists in 13 Premier League starts for the east Londoners, and his heroics on the south coast moved them above Manchester United and into fifth place in the Premier League. "It was a team win but Payet made the difference," said manager Slaven Bilic. "West Ham fans love that kind of player with a bit of magic and he has got more than a bit."

Payet is already a hero among Hammers fans, and the stats highlight just how much difference he makes.

West Ham with and without Dimitri Payet - Premier League 2015/16

With Payet Stat Without Payet
2 Goals per game 0.9
1.8 Points per game 1.4
53.8% Win % 25.0%
47.0% Possession 42.3%

Bilic raised eyebrows in some quarters when he compared Payet to Mesut Ozil in January, but the stats show he is not far behind the Arsenal man in terms of creativity, with his 52 chances created coming at an impressive rate of 3.7 per game.

Chances created per game - Premier League 2015/16

Player Team Chances created per game
Mesut Ozil Arsenal 4.4
Dimitri Payet West Ham 3.7
Kevin De Bruyne Man City 3.4
Christian Eriksen Tottenham 2.9
David Silva Man City 2.7

And as well as the technical skill, Bilic says Payet's attitude is second to none. "What I admire most is his character, because that is what all true champions have got," he said. "When he makes a mistake - and I am talking about training here - he is crazy and angry at himself and that is what is makes him a leader."

Dimitri Payet at West Ham - Premier League 2015/16
Goals 6 1st
Assists 4 1st
Chances created per game 3.7 1st
Shots per game 1.9 3rd
Dribbles per game 2.2 2nd
Passes per game 39.9 2nd
Crosses per game 2.2 1st

Bilic insists the winger's impact has not surprised him. "I don't know why people are that surprised because he came from Marseille, and Marseille is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and he was doing similar things there," he added. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football. "Maybe we give him more responsibility and more confidence and he is enjoying it and we are enjoying him big time. But it is not only about his quality. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football." West Ham's unbeaten run now stretches to eight games and they are just one point off the Champions League places. With their terrific talisman back in the frame, there could be plenty more to come…

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Irons use Reid as AC yardstick
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are basing their expected return date on Winston Reid's recent injury. Carroll – as reported in the Mirror by Darren Lewis will be back within 4-6 weeks with a source explaining to ClaretandHugh: "It's a very similar injury to Winston's so we have a guide. "We won't know 10 per cent until tomorrow ( Thurs) when he's been scanned but it looks like a four to six week job based on early examinations. "It's a shame for Andy because he was coming back to his best form but with Diafra Sakho nearly fit things could be worse couldn't they." AC has showed himself capable of playing to an alternative system under the manager but his absence would inevitably see Slaven Bilic revert to the formation which proves so successful early in the season.

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Payet still not fit to play 90 minutes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham Slaven Bilic was asked by Rob Pritchard from West Ham in-house TV about the condition of Dimi Payet after he was substituted after 78 minutes during yesterday's 3-1 victory at Dean Court. Slav explained Dimi had complained of cramps and tightening of his muscles after the equaliser he scored.

"Dimi is different, he told me he had cramps before the second goal, it was 1-1 and we really didn't want to risk him and already we prepared Alex (Song) and then he (setup) a goal but he would come off anyway because no matter how the game was important we didn't want to lose him for a long term."

Bilic also spoke about Payet is his post match conference:

"He had a long term injury with his ankle and we waited, the physios did a good job, he did a good job, he came back in great shape and slowly we were putting him (back) and now he is fit, OK he is still not fit to play 90 minutes but he basically one of those players that is making all the other players better and he is a player that in the last third of the pitch is making a difference with assists, with his goals, with his passing and everything"

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No apology after Independent man's Irons attack
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

You may recall that last week we ran a piece from The Independent which had caused some bigwigs inside the club to claim they were still awaiting his apology for a rather savage attack on the decision not to renew Sam Allardyce's contact in the summer. The piece had appeared in The Independent under a headline "Welcome to West Ham United: the home of deluded fans and the most clueless owners."

The author of this piece – Kiran Moodley – had declared of the board and our new manager: "Even worse, there is no direction as to what to do next. "Rumours they want Carlo Ancelotti; they made an approach to Jurgen Klopp; they are planning on getting Rafa Benitez: if any of these men do come to E13, it would only be because their club of choice did not take them. Oh but don't worry, there's always Slaven Billic. He's never managed in the Premier League before – whereas Sam has for over a decade – but hey, we're business people, we know how to hire managers. Remember Avram Grant? Moodley later contacted ClaretandHugh explaining that he would give his response to www.Westhamtilidie.com where he writes under the pen name Bobby Shovels.

It seemed a tad strange as the more usual route is to give a response to the media outlet who published the story but move on he clearly had his own reasons – maybe "traffic" – who knows?

The piece is now available to read under the headline:
No apologies – just the love of the club and the ability to express myself.

The first line declares: "Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." – whatever that is supposed to mean.

And the final line says: "PS: As I wrote this week – again for the Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie – and stick to what you believe."

Dunno about David Bowie. I remember my Mum and Dad telling me that! However, I mention these two lines to allow you to work out what comes in between.

The piece is on www.westhamtilidie.com now if you want to read what he has to say!

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NO APOLOGIES - JUST THE LOVE OF THE CLUB AND THE ABILITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF
By Bobby Shovels 13 Jan 2016 at 17:00
WTID

"Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." So it's somewhat surprising and quite nice to know that someone "high up at West Ham" is still awaiting an apology for a comment piece I wrote for The Independent last May following the departure of Sam Allardyce. At the time, I got the usual amount of bile as well as constructive criticism from West Ham fans on Twitter. It died down. Then, the piece started doing the rounds again following the Southampton and Liverpool results. It seems many wanted an apology and laughed at my criticism of the owners and the fans for departing with Big Sam.

I am always thankful for the opportunity to write for WHTID. Not only has it allowed me a regular outlet for my opinions and, yes, often negative outlook on the club's ups and downs, but it also has a wonderful comment section – not full of bad language and anger but reasoned thought and discussion.

Little can be said for those who comment on Twitter, an entirely different breed of fan. Combine the free-flowing toxidity that emanates on a daily basis on Twitter with the passion and fire of football and you have the worst that humankind has to offer. One fan told me that, rather than Allardyce's departure making me "sad and worried" as I had wrote, he hoped it had made me "suicidal". Others have told me to not show my face at the Boleyn, posting my picture and saying they knew what I looked like and they'd come find me.

In the face of that social media abuse, the idea of an apology from me for my reasonable opinions seems laughable.

On the other hand, there is a body of fans who feel angered by my criticism of the West Ham fan base and the owners. So it is important to respond. But the idea of an apology? Why? Because I have been proved wrong?

Well, firstly, no; I honestly don't think I have and even if you think I'm wrong, that's not the way debate works. If you say to me I should commit suicide, that's offensive and I would ask for an apology. If you criticise my opinions and offer a different view point, then I would not ask for an apology if later I thought you had been shown to be wrong. No, I would continue to debate what we both see as right and wrong opinions on the status of the club – not cry victory.

Secondly, this is not just about apology, it's about my ability to express my opinions as a West Ham fan that run counter to what other people feel. Just because you hated Sam Allardyce and are much happier with results, doesn't mean I have to issue an apology to you for saying I wasn't confident without Allardyce. Your opinions are valid; I respect them, listen to them and respond to them. However, I have my own views and I will stick to them.

Finally, the worst aspect to come out from this debate is that I am not a true West Ham fan – or people questioning whether I like the club. That for me, even more than the threatening language of some Twitter users, was the most upsetting. My grandmother bought me my first season ticket at the age of nine and I have been going ever since. Perhaps my years of football at the Boleyn from such a young age have made me such a negative character.

But what it has given me is a love of all things West Ham and a rich memory and store of opinions that make me perfectly entitled to say what I think. Football is about passion, loyalty and debate: you don't have to agree with what I say and can argue that I'm wrong, but I'm never going to apologise for the way my mind works. And to the person "high up at West Ham" awaiting my apology: it's never coming. You can take my season ticket money every year and all that I buy from the club shop (which is a hell of a lot), but what I feel about the club and the way it is run is solely mine.

We have opinions; we say things and make decisions which we stick by because they are traits that make us who we are. If the club want an apology for my words, should I ask for an apology for the hiring of Avram Grant by the board? That was a clear disaster and got us relegated. But I don't ask for an apology. Why would I? I've moved on.

On one last point, and sorry to bore those on WHTID who have themselves moved on and are looking forward to a new year, I also feel many people failed to even read the piece that so riles them. For within that article I say that I am not interested in short-term fixes but more long-term projects, and telling me to apologise after six months strikes me as…well, a short-term reaction. Why say the job has been done before we have even moved into the new stadium let alone before the end of the season.

Lastly, I am delighted with the team's performance and current standing in the table – but I am more interested in seeing how the next two months progress. Many people tout our great victories away and a better style of football, but I raise two issues. Firstly, as Sky Sports recently detailed, under Bilic the number of short passes has increased slightly and the number of long balls has stayed the same from Allardyce's tenure. Secondly, we now are looking at games in January and February that see us face – bar Manchester City – teams in the bottom half of the table. Many ask me to apologise because they are convinced we will beat all those clubs. I am sure the same number said the same ahead of our games against Sunderland, Aston Villa, Norwich, West Brom and Swansea. It remains a fact that we have not picked up enough points against those clubs lower down the table and now we must really see improvements against these teams in the weeks ahead. The Bournemouth result is a step in the right direction and I'm confident we can continue the good form against Newcastle at the weekend.

I am firmly on Bilic's side anyway. I'd much rather see us win the FA Cup than finish top six. Top six or top four are finishes I see happening in the long term as part of the exciting future project for the club. A trophy would be a nice treat to end this season and take with us into the Olympic Stadium. Of course, as I know too well, that's a lot easier said than done.

Up the Hammers.

PS. As I wrote this week, again for The Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie and be yourself – and stick to what you believe.

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Devastated AC makes feeling known
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Andy Carroll has gone onto Twitter to explain how devastated he feels after suffering yet another injury. No doubt the knockers will be out in force but it would be a very hard hearted individual who would not feel some real sympathy for the striker. AC as rapidly returning to his best when he was forced off with what turns out to be a hamstring injury after a quarter of an hour. And club sources later confirmed that the ill fated hit man faces another lay-off of between four and six weeks.

The player, bitterly disappointed, declared on Twitter: "Words can't describe how I feel today!!😡

All of us at ClaretandHugh send him best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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This is beyond our wildest dreams
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sometimes words are not enough – this is one of those times! Instead you have to trust your emotions…your heart rather than your head and it's a real joy to be able to do that as we watch West Ham fly and fly. I had a call from a very good Manchester City pal this morning whom I've known for many years. Like us, City have been there and suffered down the years and he knows precisely how us Hammers are feeling. His first words were: "What a team you've got…how good is that Payet? I'm really chuffed for you lot. You truly deserve this season and this doesn't look like a flash in the pan."

It's not…we know it's not don't we? Has there ever been an Irons team as good as this one? Ok too early to say but my God it is a very very special side, elevated by Payet who, as Slav so rightly says, makes everybody in the team play better. I can remember Alan Devonshire at his best. I'm struggling to believe that the great man was any better than Dimi on what we have seen from him so far but we'll need to give it more time. dimitri-payet (1)Last night was extraordinary with most agreeing that we struggled when AC came off – yes this is the same AC that many – including me – said couldn't fit into a Slaven Bilic team!!!! Yet the difference is that his injury almost coincides with a Diafra Sakho return to action and the best form we've seen from Enner Valencia. Payet of course is simply different level. We also have Winston Reid and Manu Lanzini to return. Can life get any better? I honestly think this is beyond anything I can recall in my long Hammers-supporting career. Slaven has to take the plaudits. It's clear that he has the dressing room in the palm of his hand and to have brought us to this point in just five and a half months is a phenomenal achievement. Had it happened by this time next year there would have been nothing but celebrations but in five and half months with a new set of players? I've never known anything like it in the many, many years I've been involved in this game and I want to say right here a very, very personal: "Thank you Slav…you are proving yourself a giant to us as a man and a manager." The football is fantastic and the press conferences, where he has shown total honesty, has been more refreshing than anything I can recall. Great man. I believe he could become our greatest ever manager. At the very least I hope and pray he is here for a long long time. There's a temptation to make a comparison with his predecessor but I won't do it or say anything other than: This is what West Ham United is all about. I thought we had lost it forever and we all owe everything to the new boss. And I will say this too – thank you David Sullivan and David Gold for taking this club from a near knackers yard case to where we are today. Last summer has set us up for a long time to come – it's going to be a fantastic farewell year to our 'old lady.' I for one feel as happy today as I have been at any stage of my relationship with this great club.

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Hammers "will listen" to striker bids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are ready to allow Mauro Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out of Europe. There was much cynical shoulder-shrugging when the player reported with a "niggle" which ultimately ruled him out of the squad for Bournemouth last night. And ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst there have been no firm bids for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him in this January window. Malaga have long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved either permanently or on loan eight times.
And whilst the club told ClaretandHugh" The has been no official approach from anywhere" that was quickly followed by a source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to be honest were we to get one later on in the window. "Should bids come in then we will certainly be ready to listen."

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West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on Premier League loan move
TOM COLLOMOSSE 24 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard

Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on a loan move to the Premier League as Juventus are keen to keep him. The Italian forward is wanted by West Ham and would be interested in a move as he tries to secure a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2016. Yet even though Zaza, 24, has been a fringe player for Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri this season, the club are reluctant to let him leave during the transfer window. Zaza has scored six goals in 12 appearances this term and Standard Sport understands Allegri wants to keep Italian talent like Zaza and defender Daniele Rugani as the club try to retain the Serie A title while also making an assault on the Champions League. The Bianconeri are currently two points adrift of league leaders Napoli in Italy's top tier and face a difficult draw against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.

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CHERRY CRUMBLE AT DEAN COURT
By Zaman Siddiqui 13 Jan 2016 at 11:00
WTID

What a sweet victory it was against Bournemouth! There was a level of uncertainty as to what we could've expected from the Cherries. They have got Iturbe, Grabban, and £10M striker Afobe. Benik Afobe couldn't play against us on Saturday for Wolves, as he needed to stay fit in order to sign for Bournemouth on Sunday. Winning two games being 1-0 down at half time is absolutely terrific. We lost both games to Leicester City and Bournemouth earlier this season by a single goal. In both of those matches, we were 2-0 down. It is very difficult to react after conceding 2 goals, as the opposition has too much control on the match. We easily could have lost both games to the Saints and Bournemouth yesterday, if we had stopped trying after being in a losing position. It speaks volumes of the team's character and how much progress they have made together, as well as their resilience. I was most impressed with the reaction of the squad when Payet was injured. It was delightful to see him back in the starting XI since November.

AARON CRESSWELL ? @Aaron_Cresswell
Another big win and great effort from the boys!! @dimpayet17 you are illegal my friend haha!! ?????? ?

Speaking of which, the effect of Payet has been stupendous! Whenever the Frenchman has been in the squad, an average of 2 goals a PL match have been scored. By contrast, only 0.7 goals a PL match have been scored without Payet. Dimitri is simply invaluable to us. What makes Payet even more likeable is his leadership. He consistently makes runs back to recover the ball and defend. Furthermore, what fills me with more confidence in Payet is that he has been performing well for quite some time, as the graphic below suggests. Something that interests me is that most, if not all of the players listed, are already world class players. They perform when they are called upon, and do more than is required. That is why Payet recuperated well before his expected return. It is as if they are superheroes who can score whenever they want, or make the crucial tackle or save as they so please. In other words, they are the crème de la crème. I can still reminisce over that wonderful free kick from Payet, which got us level, and gave us the confidence we needed to win.


There is a lot of growing confidence this season, as we are 5th in the table, and will stay there after today's fixtures. This season also represents our best league run since 2000. Despite having a larger squad, it is crucial that we keep Payet fit, as he is at the heart of our attack. The influence of the manager at HT is something I feel has gone unnoticed. The team talks Bilic has had with the squad have been of vital importance, as we have a larger squad with more styles of play that can be fully utilised. For instance, subbing Jenkinson on in the second half is something that is helping us perform much better. There are several other strategies in place that have allowed us to play with more adjustability, whether it is to push on for the win, or protect the lead. Last season, we failed to do the latter so frequently that we failed to secure a top half finish.

The role of the captain is one that means a lot to Mark Noble. The skipper has just won in his 300th league appearance. With a testimonial on the way on Easter Monday (March 28), the skipper needs to ensure that we avoid any possible slip-ups on a top-half finish as we did last season. Despite the new recruits, most of the squad is the same and have also endured that fall from 3rd to 12th last season. If we look at the final 19 games of last season, we would finish 18th with Newcastle and QPR below us in said form table. The Magpies survived with 4 points – 3 of which came against us on the final day. QPR were rock bottom of both the league and form tables. It is very surprising just how badly we managed to underperform in order to get to a position like that. If the season had started as it ended, who knows what would've happened to us? Having a larger squad is no reason why the same couldn't happen. We had the likes of Kouyaté, who was recently new. He may have played well, but there was no certainty he could lift the entire team. Moreover, there is a sense of optimism, as the influence of new players should guide us elsewhere, as there are many more. Competition for places will be tougher, as Moses may soon experience, with Antonio struggling to slow down.
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West Ham News: International striker move, Leeds chase, £6m defender, midfielder scouted
EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest from Upton Park.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 08:00, Wed, Jan 13, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, Wed, Jan 13, 2016

West Ham are chasing a striker to replace the outgoing Nikica Jelavic, according to reports. Jelavic, 30, is expected to leave Upton Park after failing to cement his place in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans. The former Hull and Celtic striker has knot scored in 11 appearances for the Hammers this season and has only started twice. The London Evening Standard claim he could be on his way to China, with Guangzhou Evergrande supposedly interested in his services. Meanwhile, West Ham are keen to land a forward in place of the Croatia international.
It is claimed Simone Zaza, a bit-part player at Juventus this season, is on Bilic's radar. Zaza, 24, only joined Juve from Sassuolo last summer after his dual-ownership between the two clubs was resolved. He has scored six goals in 13 appearances for the club this season but Juve are reportedly seeking a replacement striker to help boost heir title chances. The Jelavic sale could also positively affect West Ham's pursuit of Leeds United youngster Sam Byram. The Hammers are on a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the right-back. Byram, 22, is free to discuss pre-contract terms with other sides, as his current deal with Leeds expires this summer. Leeds are keen to cash in on Byram now and hope they can get £8m for their academy product, who can also play in midfield. Reports claim offloading Jelavic would free up space and wages for Byram, who would still cost a potential buyer around £2m in compensation should he agree a free transfer at the end of the season. Another defender West Ham are supposedly keen to secure is Benfica's Lisandro Lopez. According to the Brentwood Gazette, West Ham will battle it out with Fiorentina for the services of the 26-year-old. Lopez, valued at £6m, has played 13 games for the Portuguese title-chasers this season. He would provide competition for a starting place in the West Ham backline as Bilic seeks to build a strong foundation by the end of his first year in charge. West Ham could make further moves in Portugal, meanwhile, after it emerged a scout watched FC Pacos Ferreira beat Vitoria 2-1 on Monday night. According to website London 24, Arsenal and Aston Villa also had scouts at the game. It is claimed 19-year-old midfielder Diogo Jota caught the eye, with Barcelona also considering a swoop.

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Andy Carroll injury setback frustrates West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
By SIMON JENNINGS, REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 09:33, 13 January 2016 | UPDATED: 09:32, 13 January 2016
Daily Mail

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was left frustrated and confused by Andy Carroll's latest injury setback after the striker pulled up with a hamstring problem in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. The injury-prone England international, who has scored twice in the last three league games, left the pitch after 15 minutes and will be assessed on Wednesday. 'It's a big blow for us because he started this game good,' Bilic told the BBC of a player who only returned to first-team action in September after a seven-month spell recovery from knee surgery.
'I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long.' In Carroll's absence, West Ham were reliant on the talents of midfielder Dimitri Payet, who made his first start since early November after he picked up an ankle injury. The 28-year-old Frenchman came up with a goal and an assist to help his team move up to fifth in the league table. 'I'm very happy because I don't play for two months,' he told the club's website. 'I'm very happy I can play, and (get a) good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy.'

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