Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2016

Stat's a Fact - Bournemouth
WHUFC.com

'We've got Payet!' sang the West Ham United fans long into the night at AFC
Bournemouth on Tuesday, and everyone connected with the Hammers will be
delighted that they do after another virtuoso performance from the midfield
schemer. Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in
November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in
the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down,
helping them secure a fourth straight win. The No27 curled home a beautiful
free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium
clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on
Enner Valencia's goal for 2-1. He departed the action after 78 minutes well
satisfied with a good night's work that meant the Hammers moved above
Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League tab le.

Earning a rating of 9.0 on football stats side WhoScored.com, Payet had 69
touches of the ball – more than any other attacking player on the Vitality
Stadium pitch. As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as
the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the
Bournemouth door down. Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took
two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet's
influence was clear for all to see.

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Westley - It's a happy dressing room
WHUFC.com

Following the Development Squad's progression into the quarter-finals of the
U21 Premier League Cup, Terry Westley highlighted the collective effort from
both the players and the backroom staff. The win, a 3-2 over Fulham after
extra-time, saw the young Hammers extend their unbeaten to an impressive
eight matches. Speaking after the final whistle, Westley said: "I'm
delighted with the player's commitment and desire. "It's all a collective
effort, obviously from the players but also away from the pitch. Liam
Manning has come in and made a huge impact. All the work Steve Potts and
Mark Philips does for the U18s; it's a collective effort from everybody."

In a thrilling match that ebbed and flowed, opponents Fulham took the lead
twice in the first half yet a Djair Parfitt-Williams header and an Elliot
Lee brace including a late penalty, was enough to see off the Cottagers.
Westley continued: "The character of everyone to comeback from behind twice
was really excellent. It's a happy dressing room at the moment. "You can see
the confidence in the way we're playing, and this was against a good team,
they had a lot of senior players with lots of league experience. In the end
I thought we deserved to win on the strength of our second half performance.
"I'd highlight our two centre-halfs Leo Chambers and Reece Oxford, as really
standing out and dealing with the threat their senior striker posed.
"The back four and goalkeeper were very solid. The midfield in the end
dominated, Josh Cullen was everywhere and then we had a threat in behind and
on the wings."

For Westley, the positives continue to mount as the Dev Squad are currently
in the Play Off positions in the Barclays U21 Premier League Division Two
table. Further to that, the likes of Reece Burke, Lewis Page and Martin
Samuelsen are all prospering out on loan in the lower leagues. Now, the
experienced coach is hoping more players make the step up into the Football
League: "The bottom line is, can you bridge that gap and play games in the
Football League? Samuelsen has done that by playing for Peterborough, Burke
is doing the same. That's the challenge these boys face. They've either got
to get into our team or be an asset by playing away somewhere else and
coming back stronger. "You can see when we play like we are at the moment
that all the players are capable of having careers in the game at a good
level, we were excellent collectively and individually."

The Hammers are set to face Fulham for a third time in short succession,
when the two sides face each other again on Friday 22 January at the
Cottager's Motspur Park training ground.
"I think both teams will be fed up of each other! We're playing each other
twice over a quick space of time. "Our players now need a rest. Cullen, Song
and Oxford all got back from Bournemouth after 2am on Wednesday morning so
there commitment is excellent."

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Carroll injury update
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm Andy Carroll underwent a scan on his left leg on
Thursday morning. The results show an injury to his hamstring, which is
expected to keep him out of action for a month. Carroll's absence means
Slaven Bilic is likely to use either Enner Valencia or Nikica Jelavic in the
Hammers attack for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

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Chadwell Chatter – Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

What a week it's been! Saturday's another big game for us and it's always
difficult to play at St James' Park. Manchester United drew there on Tuesday
night and it's definitely a difficult place to go to and win. But we're
going to rest up, rest the minds, rest the legs and prepare as best we
possibly can to get a result there. We were perhaps a bit below par in the
first half on Tuesday but thankfully we were able to turn it around in the
second half with three goals and we were delighted with that.

We were up against a good side, we saw that in the first half. If you let
them play, they can hurt you. In the second half we were a lot more
aggressive, we played as a team, we played on the floor, which enabled us to
score three goals and to be a lot more dangerous. I think there was a slight
deflection on my free-kick but it didn't change the ball's trajectory and
the goal really brought me into the game. It's great for Enner as well. I'm
really pleased that he's hitting the back of the net again!

We're in a good position in the league now. We're picking up points and when
you win three on the spin you can rise up the table. But we can slide down
just as quickly if we're not careful! We have to continue working hard. The
love affair with the fans continues and all the better for it! You show me
your love and I try to repay it on the pitch, with hard work, goals and
assists, so that it continues. Apparently my song's going to be the next big
single!

Come on you Irons,
Dimi

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Lee delighted to be back among the goals
WHUFc.com

Having scored a match-winning brace against Fulham on Wednesday evening,
Elliot Lee described the football the Development Squad have been playing
recently as "the best we've played in years." The 21-year-old striker scored
twice for the Development Squad, helping his side to come back from behind
twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Rush Green. The win takes the Hammers into the
quarter-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup as well as extending their
unbeaten to eight games. A delighted Lee said: "It's great to be back here
in with the boys and I think we showed great character tonight. 3-2, in
extra time, it was tough out there so the boys are delighted and obviously
I'm delighted to score twice. "We talked about that strength to come back
from behind afterwards in the changing room, it shows the character we have
in the squad. Everyone knows we started the season badly but we knew we'd
turn that round. "Now, we're playing the best football we've played in
years, credit to the lads for sticking together and carrying on the winning
streak."

In total, Lee, now top goalscorer, has now scored six goals for the Dev
Squad in eight appearances. He continued: "There's a few slumped bodies in
the dressing room now but happy faces. It was a great effort from the lads.
120 minutes against a good side was tough but we fully deserved the win
tonight. "It's brilliant for the development of all the players who are
involved, people weren't really talking about us at the start of the season
but they are now. A lot of people are talking, so credit to the lads because
we deserve that. "Eight games unbeaten, most of them wins, is brilliant. It
can only bode well for all of us."

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Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFc.com

Ahead of the Hammers trip to Newcastle United Slaven Bilic held his weekly
pre-match press conference.

During the briefing, the manager answered a range of questions on Andy
Carroll, the transfer window and facing the Magpies.

Morning Slaven, can we start with injury news about Andy Carroll?

SB: "I knew you were going to ask me that! It's a hamstring injury, it's one
of those injuries that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having
a scan later on today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's
not a small one either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks
or so, not four to six.

"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."

Do you have to make sure he stays positive?

SB: "Yes, but he is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt
he was back and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big
story about it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is
three weeks then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a
very significant part of the season."

Does this injury have any impact on your plans for the Transfer Window?

SB: "Not big time, no. We are working in the transfer window, but that
started before the injury. We are well covered quantity wise, so only if
something good comes up then we'll act. We don't need the numbers, and I
think that is right. Our players who haven't featured much have done well
when they have played, they started our unbeaten run, I want to give them
credit and I believe in them."

We've heard about Andy Carroll, what other injury updates are there?

SB: "Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed
the Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then,
but we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of
the best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."

You play Newcastle this weekend, what do you make of them? They seem to be
an improving side?

SB: "Definitely, they had a slow start but now they are doing OK. They are a
massive club, they are improving, they have a very good roster of players.
Going forward they have many options, they are very dangerous. They had a
good comeback against Man United so they are on a high. It should be a good
game, at a great stadium so we are really looking forward to it."

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Don't panic, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham will not panic buy in the transfer
window despite having lost both main strikers for a month. With Diafra Sakho
and Andy Carroll both ruled out until February, Bilic faces the next few
games with just Nikica Jelavic and Mauro Zarate - both of whom have been
tipped to leave the club during the current transfer window - as attacking
choices. However despite the continuing injury concerns, Bilic confirmed
that West Ham will not be pushed into making a signing during the window -
although he refused to rule out bringing in at least one quality player,
should the opportunity present itself. "We are good. We're not panicking and
we're confident," he said during his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We're well-covered, quantity-wise, in all positions in the team.
Only if something really good comes along - whether that's permanent or
temporary - ar we going to act. "We don't need numbers, that's what we
decided and I think that's right. It's not very likely to happen, but we're
doing good. Those players who didn't play a lot, when they got a chance they
were unbeaten and playing well. So give them credit; I believe in them.
"There's no team in the world that can't be improved. Even Barcelona are
trying to buy a striker - and if there's a team in the world that doesn't
need one, it's Barcelona! So every team in every situation can be improved.
But we have to find a balance. "We are in a situation where we might think
that way and we are thinking that way - that if we add one or two, we should
be better. On the other hand, if you bring in too many that can damage the
good atmosphere at the club. "But if we find a quality player who is
available, wants to come to us and we can afford it then we're going to
react."

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Trio set to return for Newcastle trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Vic Moses should all be available for
this weekend's trip to Newcastle, says Saven Bilic. Neither the midfielders
nor the striker were available for the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday
night due to injury - minor ones in the case of both Kouyate and Zarate, who
pulled out less than 24 hours before kick off. However Bilic expects all
three players to return to his match day squad this weekend, when West Ham
face a resurgent Newcastle at St James' Park. "Victor Moses started to train
with the team the day before Bournemouth so he's available," confirmed the
manager. "He's training with us today and tomorrow so we're going to see
what shape he's in before the game. "Cheikhou Kouyate missed the game at
Bournemouth as he felt a little bit [of a strain]. He was 80, 85 per cent
fit and maybe he could have played. But as he's a very physical player,
who's played all the games for us, we opted to rest him and give him a few
days off so he'd be 100 per cent [for Newcastle]. "After training the day
before the Bournemouth game, Mauro Zarate was shooting and taking free kicks
and felt kind of a cramp. But he's also training today and should be fit for
Saturday. "Meanwhile [Diafra] Sakho is progressing really well and [Manuel]
Lanzini is in rehab."

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Everton beat West Ham to transfer of highly-rated Leeds defender Sam Byram
20:02, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:18, 14 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
Roberto Martinez had Byram watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief
European scout Ian Atkins and has swooped for the 22-year-old
The Mirror

Everton have beaten West Ham to the signing of Sam Byram after having a
£3million bid accepted by Leeds. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez had Byram
watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief European scout Ian Atkins
and has swooped for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Leeds were keen to sell
Byram now rather than lose him on a Bosman in the summer and he had refused
their offer of a new deal. The initial fee is £3million plus another
£1million in add-ons. The transfer has yet to be finalised and Byram can
expect a hike on his current £12,000-a-week salary at Elland Road. West Ham
were also interested in Byram, who can play right-back or right midfield,
but the Academy product preferred a move to Everton.

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Football fans to be offered FREE Sports Direct winter jacket if Newcastle
beat West Ham
19:06, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:16, 14 JAN 2016
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Mike Ashley is offering the unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn
every neutral into a Newcastle fan for the day
The Mirror

Footy fans are being offered a FREE winter jacket by Sports Direct Tycoon
Mike Ashley ... if Newcastle beat West Ham. Ashley is offering the
unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn every neutral into a
Newcastle fan for the day. As snow hit Newcastle and the North, Ashley, who
also owns Newcastle United, set aside an amazing £2.4 million of freebie
stock in case Steve McClaren's side deliver three points. The offer of an
Everlast super-warm padded jacket is open to ANY fan on Sports Direct's
Facebook page. A free jacket would also be a comfort to any West Ham fans
annoyed by a defeat on Tyneside.
A Sports Direct insider said: "Mike knows that customers love our crazy
prices and great giveaways so he's decided to go the extra mile to get
everybody behind the team." Newcastle owner Ashley originally vowed to give
away the jackets if Newcastle had won against Manchester United on Tuesday.
But a thrilling 3-3 draw meant fans were left out in the cold. A Sport
Direct source said: "Newcastle threw everything at Man Utd so Mike felt that
it's only fair that fans should get a second chance to claim their jacket."
Sports Direct say the offer is to members of the public regardless of what
team they support. Participants who register will receive a voucher that
will entitle them to the free Everlast coat worth £59.99, which will be
available from Sports Direct website subject to normal delivery charges
while stocks last.

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Exclusive: Samuelsen set for major deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Exclusive

West Ham are preparing a big new deal for their superb teenage prospect
Martin Samuelsen. The young Norwegian is out of contract next summer but the
Davids are ready to offer the youngster a package which reflects his huge
potential and value to the club. Samuelsen has been touted as a future £20
million superstar by both Peterborough director of footballer Barry Fry and
former Hammer hero Jack Collison – now with Posh when discussing him with
ClaretandHugh. Martin has been on loan at the club since November and Fry
wants him for another season should the Posh make it into the Championship.
Commenting on the player's situation tonight (Thurs) ClaretandHugh's senior
source made it clear the club would ensure he would be offered a new deal
which "reflected his promise and value to the Irons." He explained: "We have
an option to extend and we'll look to offer him a longer contract in the
summer which truly reflects his value to us. We are thrilled with the
progress he is making and realise he's a very exciting young player."

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Bilic reports on Sakho progress
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven told told a press conference this morning that "Diafra Sakho is
progressing really good" Sakho returned to training in the last week of
December and is expected to make his return in early February with the
possibility of inclusion in the squad for the Aston Villa home game on the
2nd February. If not then the Southampton away game on the 8th February or
Norwich away on 13th Feb would appear to be nailed on for his return to the
squad. Last week Bilic told the press conference "Sakho is ahead of
schedule, so he could be fit earlier than we thought. It will be a big
thing for us when he comes back." The striker has been sidelined since 29th
November after injuring himself against West Bromwich Albion. Sakho has made
13 appearances this season scoring 3 goals, in total he has made 35
appearances and scored 13 goals since joining the Hammers in August 2014 on
a 4 year contract.

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Julien Faubert: Former West Ham and Real Madrid winger eyeing England return
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 14/01/16 6:14am
SSN

Julien Faubert speaks to Sky Sports about his special connection with West
Ham, the truth behind that loan move to Real Madrid and his dream of
returning to England to finish his career…
It was seven years ago this January that Julien Faubert found himself at the
centre of one of the most surprising transfers in recent history. The French
winger was in and out of mid-table West Ham's starting line-up after an
injury-hit start to life in east London, when out of nowhere he received a
phone call from Real Madrid. Even Faubert couldn't quite believe it. "I
remember I was on the team coach to go to play against Fulham when they
called me," he tells Sky Sports. "First of all I said: 'Yeah, I'm quite busy
now', because I didn't really believe it. We played the game, I think we
won, and afterwards I picked up my phone and I saw around 15 calls and 20
messages. I thought, okay, maybe it's not a joke! It was crazy."

Faubert called his agent, who confirmed the news, and two weeks later he was
unveiled on a six-month loan deal at the Bernabeu. The reigning La Liga
champions needed cover on the right flank, and they were willing to pay an
initial £1m for Faubert, who had joined West Ham from Bordeaux 18 months
earlier. Faubert would return to Upton Park that summer having made just two
substitute appearances for Madrid, but the experience holds happy memories
too. "I didn't play a lot because, to be honest, I didn't have a good
connection with the manager Juande Ramos," he said. "The team was also
playing pretty well, and in my place Arjen Robben was playing and scoring
every game. The feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio
Cannavaro, Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy. "The press and
friends were laughing and things, but not many players can say that kind of
club was interested in you. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and
the feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio Cannavaro,
Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy."

Faubert was infamously - and unfairly - accused of falling asleep on the
bench during a La Liga game with Villarreal, but no one could reproach him
for slacking now. The 32-year-old rejected offers from the MLS and elsewhere
after reaching the end of his second stint at Bordeaux in the summer, and he
has spent the last few months tirelessly honing his physical condition with
a view to finding a new club in the winter transfer window. Near his family
home in Catalonia, Faubert spends six days a week training with CE
L'Hospitalet, a small club in Spain's third tier who have welcomed him with
open arms. "I'm training every week from Monday to Saturday, because they
play on Sundays," he says. "In the morning I train with them, then I have a
rest in the afternoon, and at 7pm I go to the gym with a personal trainer,
lifting weights, doing foot exercises and cardio. So that's my day. Every
day, every day, every day… I'm in good shape, I'm ready to play and mentally
I'm hungry. I need to play now. I need to compete."

The ramshackle surroundings of L'Hospitalet are a world away from the
Bernabeu, but Faubert is optimistic about the future. After all, this is a
player who, at the age of 22, wore Zinedine Zidane's iconic No 10 shirt on
his debut for France, marking the occasion with a late winner against Bosnia
and Herzegovina. The highly-rated wideman looked destined for big things
when he earned a £6m transfer to West Ham a year later, but disaster struck
when he ruptured an Achilles tendon on his first appearance for the club in
pre-season. The prognosis was six months out. His debut would have to wait.
"It was my dream to play in the Premier League so when I arrived I was
really motivated," he recalls. "The pain was crazy but mentally as well it
was like a punch in the head." Alan Curbishley, West Ham's manager at the
time, described it as a "devastating blow for everyone". "The club was
really kind to me and helped me to come back," says Faubert. "They didn't
push me, they didn't put me under pressure. To be honest West Ham is just an
amazing club in England. In France, the people don't know that club like
English people. I think that's why I had some problems with the national
team. But I really love that club."

Payet making the difference
The stats that show how important Dimitri Payet is to Slaven Bilic's West
Ham.
Faubert was one of West Ham's best players after returning from Real Madrid
in the 2009/10 campaign, making 33 Premier League appearances and endearing
himself to supporters when he played through a 0-0 draw with Blackburn just
48 hours after the death of his mother. In the end, his last game for the
club was the victorious Championship play-off final against Blackpool in
2012. "West Ham is a part of my life now, and when I go back to Upton Park
it feels like home," he says. "I spent a really good time there with crazy,
special fans. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have
done. I don't know exactly what happened when I left. I had an agent who
told me they had offered me something, but I never saw the offer. In the end
I had to find something else."

Faubert had a brief stint in Turkey before his second spell at Bordeaux, but
now he is dreaming of a return to England. There has been interest from the
Championship, and newspaper reports have linked him with Remi Garde's Aston
Villa. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have done.
"My body is ready and I have three or four years in front of me," he says.
"At the moment I have nothing concrete, but we are in touch with some clubs
in the Championship. I hope it's going to happen. I think everybody knows I
like English football. I had one year in the Championship and I enjoyed it a
lot because the tempo and the rhythm of the game is crazy." Faubert's career
has taken plenty of unexpected turns over the years, but coming back to
England just feels right. "If something happens," he says, "I will be very
happy."

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Bilic breaks silence on Zarate
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic has broken his silence on Mauro Zarate and his mysterious
absence from Tuesday night's squad against Bournemouth. Slav told the
assembled media at a press conference this morning "On Zarate, he felt
(pain) before the Bournemouth game in training the day before he was
shooting some free kicks and all that then he felt a bit (of pain), but wast
just a kind of cramp so he is also training today and should be fit for
Saturday and that is basically it"
Zarate's absence created speculation he could be outbound in this January
transfer window. We have been told that 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. ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga have
long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved
either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the 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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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."

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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."

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Bilic: Carroll will be out for three and a half weeks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic faced the press this morning ahead the Hammers
game against Newcastle and was asked about Andy Carroll and other injuries
Bilic told the media that Andy should be out for three and a half weeks and
not four to six weeks. " It's a hamstring injury, it's one of those injuries
that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having a scan later on
today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's not a small one
either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks or so, not four
to six."
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."

"He is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt he was back
and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big story about
it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is three weeks
then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a very
significant part of the season."

"Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the
Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but
we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the
best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."

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Obiang is open to offers says agent
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

A person claiming to be the agent of West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang has
told CalcioMercato.it in Italy that his client would consider offers from
other clubs but bizarrely insisted Obiang is currently happy to stay with
the Hammers. 23 year old Obiang only joined the Irons from Serie A side
Sampdoria last summer on a five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to
be £4.5 million. Jose Miguel Gonzalez has told CalcioMercato.it that Obiang
would consider leaving if a team made a proposal for him. "We're very
pleased with the adaptation to the new project with West Ham and the Premier
League in general," said Gonzalez. "Pedro is fascinated by the city, the
language and everything else. It's a great experience and the team is doing
very well, fighting for the top places."

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BT Sport to show Hammers FA Clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

BT Sports has announced it will provide TV coverage of West Ham's FA cup
trip to either Exeter or Liverpool. Kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Saturday
30th January. If Liverpool over come Exeter the Irons will need to beat
Jurgen Klopp's outfit for the third time this season after the thrilling 2-2
draw at St James' Park. The possibility of doing the treble over the Reds
will be a major incentive for Slaven Bilic's side who have seen the
merseysiders off twice this season. We have not played Exeter for 101 years
since we beat them 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd January 1915 in front of
7,000 fans in the old Southern First division, on that day Hammer Sydney
Puddlefoot scored a hat trick. We have played the Grecians 14 times between
1909 and 1915 with 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses.

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West Ham linked with Ligue 1 striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham has been linked with Ben Yedder after reports in France claimed he
is ready to force a move out of Toulouse this month. The twenty-five year
striker is one of French football's rising stars netting six goals in his
last six games for the Ligue 1 outfit. That form has attracted the attention
of the Spurs, Lyon, Marseille and West Ham according to a report in the Sun
today. Radio station RMC reported that Toulouse have told their Ligue 1
rivals that the former France Under-21 international would be available for
just £5.3million — as long as he is loaned straight back to the club for the
rest of the season. Yedder who scored fourteen league goals last season is
believed to prefer a move to the Premier League in this transfer window.
Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage is aware of the player's desire to move
on, and admitted last week that he might not be able to keep hold of the
attacker. He said: "With every game we have in January I will have several
press conferences a week and every time I will get asked the question about
Ben Yedder. I will say that I am very happy to have him in the squad. He is
a powerful player and I want him to be with us as long as possible, but
indeed there is a possibility that he leaves."

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Irons react to Obiang transfer talk
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive

West Ham have made it clear this morning that Pedro Obiang is their player
for the next three years and that it may be as well for agents to understand
that. The Italian was at the centre of reports this morning that he could be
up for a transfer if a club came in for him and the clubs are not in a
position to discuss what may or may not be going on among his advisers.
We reported earlier that the midfielder's agent, Jose Miguel Gonzalez, has
told CalcioMercato that Obiang would consider leaving if a team made a
proposal for him. But ClaretandHugh's top source immediately told us
exclusively: "In reality 99% of players at all clubs would consider/like to
move if they were offered say twice the money they are on. However, if they
are contracted to a club they can't and Pedro is contracted to West Ham for
another three years. Every window there are players who think we should let
them leave for nothing or a low fee if they are aware of other clubs ready
to offer them more."

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The Reason Payet is NOT the New Tevez
verywestham

Dimitri Payet has undoubtedly been the Premiership's signing of the year to
date. The midfield talisman is blessed with outrageous skills and, despite a
two month absence of late, is already being hailed as a Hammers legend! The
comparison points for such status are fascinating - Carlos Tevez being the
most recent benchmark. While Tevez's contribution to our survival in 2007
was outstanding, there are many key differences between Payet and 'the
Apache'.

Firstly, Tevez arrived at Upton Park in that bizarre transfer in poor shape
- overweight and unfit, both he and Mascherano initially struggled to adapt
to English football such that Tevez's first nine games consisted of one draw
and eight defeats! And no goals. In fact, the gamble on the two
Argentinians was a key reason why West Ham faced certain relegation in 2007.
Moreover, Carlos also had a few tantrums during his time at Upton Park -
most notably storming out of the ground after a match versus Sheffield
United. And then there was THAT run in with all those key goals, and that
crucial goal on the final day that ensured legendary status in what surely
was the greatest ever Premiership escape (yes, better than Leicesters recent
efforts!).

In stark contrast, Payet has hit the ground running and already has almost
surpassed the Apachhe in goals and, one suspects, has quadrupled his assist
count. For sure, Dimitri is part of a better team, but his contribution in
terms of leadership and example is tremendous. Tevez tried (and ultimately
succeeded) to do it on his own. Payet, as Bilic keeps reminding us, makes
everybody better. We can debate who has the greater innate skills (surely
Payet also wins this?) but in the comparison of team leader versus maverick
there can only be one winner! It's time to go back much further in seeking
our comparison points for this evolving legend, much further indeed!

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Manuel Lanzini: The jewel of River Plate now shining for West Ham after Al
Jazira spell
West Ham are reportedly close to making Manuel Lanzini's loan switch from Al
Jazira to Upton Park permanent, and Sport360 analyses why the east London
side are in such a hurry to wrap-up a deal.
Sport360
Peter Coates
13th January 2016

Lanzini, 22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. Lanzini,
22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. The era of Sam
Allardyce and his dour brand of football had come to an end at Upton Park
and in his place arrived law graduate, guitar-playing rocker Slaven Bilic.
The charismatic new West Ham boss swaggered back into East London and when
the high-profile signings of Dimitri Payet and Alex Song followed it wasn't
only bubbles in the air, it was a renewed sense of optimism. In the
circumstances, The Hammers' loan signing of young Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini from UAE side Al Jazira went somewhat under the radar. A
slightly built South American who had been playing in a league with a
reputation as more of a final payday for footballers rather than a breeding
ground for talent was understandably viewed as a signing that would require
a little patience.

The truth, however, was that the West Ham faithful needed to wait just three
minutes into Lanzini's debut for a glimpse of his talent. The 22-year-old
dropped his shoulder, cut onto his right foot and rifled Bilic's side in
front against Romanian's Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League qualifiers. Some
would argue that impressing against relative minnows and excelling in the
Premier League are worlds apart but it wasn't long before Lanzini answered
those critics too.

A second goal in his first start for the trip to Anfield confirmed Lanzini's
presence in Bilic's midfield for the season but his impact surprised even
the Croatian coach, who had been tracking the youngster since his River
Plate days. "I am only surprised that he hit it off straight away," Bilic
said. "I thought he was going to need more time because he played in the
UAE. It is a good level but you can't compare that with the Premier League.
"He is a phenomenal player, who is very comfortable on the ball, no matter
where he is and gives everything in every training session. I know him
really well because I tried a couple of times to get him to my previous
club, Besiktas, but it didn't happen."

Besiktas' interest in Lanzini whilst at River was well documented but Bilic
appears to have seen something in the attacking midfielder that few others
did. Emerging from the youth system of the Argentine giants, which he had
joined as a nine-year-old, Lanzini made his first-team debut at 17 and drew
immediate comparisons with former No. 10, Pablo Aimar. What both players
lacked in physical attributes they made up for in touch and vision and the
similarity was not lost on the young Lanzini. "Aimar was my hero", explained
Lanzini. "He came through the youth ranks in more or less the same position.
I watched him often, partly because it was a pleasure – the way he moved the
ball and got the team going – and partly because people said we had similar
styles. I honed in on him for that."

Bestowed the famous River No. 10 shirt, Lanzini at times struggled for
consistency but endeared himself to supporters with two memorable goals at
La Bombonera against bitter rivals Boca Juniors – his header in the 2013
Torneo Final being the fastest scored in a superclásico. Given the reported
European interest and Argentine football economics dictating player sales,
Lanzini's exit was inevitable but it came as something of a surprise when
that move was to Emirati club, Al Jazira. The concern was that Lanzini was
taking a sideways step in his career but he and the Pride of Abu Dhabi club
appeared confident that his stay in the UAE capital would be temporary. Liam
Weeks, the club's head of performance analysis, would later say they "knew
as soon as he arrived that he wouldn't stay long". It proved to be entirely
accurate.

Marking his debut with a brace, Lanzini's overall contribution to the Al
Jazira attack during the 2014-15 campaign was impressive. Behind
centre-forward Mirko Vucinic, Lanzini scored a modest eight but crucially
was involved in 70 per cent of his side's goals. Not wanting to miss out on
Lanzini again, Bilic ordered West Ham to move and a one-year loan agreement
with an option to make the deal permanent for £7 million (Dh37m) was
arranged. The statistics that Lanzini produced in the UAE are not quite so
spectacular in the Premier League but his four goals from twelve appearances
fail to fully capture what the 22-year-old has brought to the Boleyn Ground
side. With a pass completion rate of 88.8 per cent, no West Ham regular can
boast a higher value and only Payet, in his more advanced role, is more
creative. Bilic has taken Lanzini, the advanced playmaker, and dropped him
deeper to play a far more significant role in retaining possession,
dictating play and assisting with defensive duties. Where many had seen
Pablo Aimar, earlier in his career, Bilic sees more of his Croatian
counterpart, Luka Modric.
"I have never seen a player who reminds me of Luka Modric as much as
Lanzini," Bilic asserted after the Argentine scored in the victory over
Crystal Palace. "Luka is my favourite player. He is my prototype of a great
midfielder and Lanzini has the same kind of qualities. "He is making other
players better. He always wants the ball and that's why we put him in
midfield. He always makes himself available. If players are in trouble, he
comes and gets it. He doesn't look strong but some players can defy that
physicality to impose themselves. Modric is the same and, like him, Lanzini
is not afraid either."

Bilic can certainly take credit for making Lanzini a far more complete
midfielder and West Ham look a much better side with the 22-year-old in the
starting eleven. These performances have prompted interest from other clubs
but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has already calmed supporters by
claiming the transfer will be made permanent before the deadline. "By
February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player," Sullivan said.
"He could be a top, top, top player. He's already sensational and he could
be as good as any player in the world." There is some way to go before this
is true but Lanzini is beginning to deliver on his early promise and a
bright future surely beckons.

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Dimitri Payet shares what Aaron Cresswell told him before scoring stunning
free-kick
HITC
Olly Dawes

Dimitri Payet scoring a remarkable free kick for West Ham against
Bournemouth. West Ham United hero Dimitri Payet has told the club's official
website that left back Aaron Cresswell urged him to shoot from his free-kick
against Bournemouth. The Hammers made it three Premier League wins in a row
on Tuesday evening, as they recorded a 3-1 victory away at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth took the lead through Harry Arter, but three goals in 17 second
half minutes turned the game or West Ham, with Dimitri Payet hitting the
first, and Enner Valencia adding two more later on. French playmaker Payet
was making his first Premier League start in two months, having been ruled
out with an ankle injury since November, and he marked it in style with a
stunning goal. Payet's free kick from 25 yards went over the will, dipped
viciously and cannoned in off the crossbar, leaving Cherries goalkeeper
Artur Boruc with no chance. After the game, Payet spoke to the West Ham
official website, and admitted that the reason he shot from his free kick
rather than cross it into the box was because left back Aaron Cresswell told
him to have a go from range. Payet also reflected on his superb return to
the West Ham side having spent two months out of action, celebrating his
goal in the process. "Cress said to me 'Shoot!' so I shoot," said a gleeful
Payet. "I'm very happy because I don't play for two months. I'm very happy I
can play, and [get a] good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy,"
he added.

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Report: Sunderland still considering free transfer move to reunite Allardyce
with Kevin Nolan
HITC
Olly Dawes

Sunderland are reportedly still looking at a deal for Kevin Nolan. According
to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are still pursuing a move for free agent Kevin
Nolan, who has been one of Sam Allardyce's most trusted players over the
years. The Black Cats have made one move so far during the January transfer
window, with Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff joining the club earlier
this month. Further additions are expected for Sunderland, who are still
fighting relegation despite a superb 4-2 win at Swansea City tonight, where
Jermain Defoe's hat-trick handed Allardyce a vital three points. Fans will
be hoping to see some players with Premier League experience brought in to
help battle the drop, and it seems that Allardyce has his eye on a familiar
face. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has been a free agent ever since being released
by West Ham United back in August, and the Daily Mail report that Sunderland
are still considering a move to sign Nolan. The 33-year-old worked with
Allardyce at both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham, enjoying the best stints of
his career under 'Big Sam' and his management. A move to reunite the duo
would make some sense, especially with Nolan available for free, but after
nearly five months out of the game, there have to be questions over his
fitness, whilst League Two side Leyton Orient tried to sign Nolan, according
to the report, but couldn't strike a deal - and many will question whether
Nolan still has a role to play in the Premier League at this stage of his
career.

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Report explains how West Ham feel about Payet's future and contract
situation
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham reportedly aren't looking to hand Dimitri Payet a new contract.
According to The Times, West Ham won't be offering Dimitri Payet a new
contract despite his fine performances - and believe he will stay at the
club regardless. Payet, 28, has been one of the signings of the Premier
League season, with his skill dazzling the Upton Park faithful, earning
comparisons to former Hammers heroes such as Paolo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez
in the process. Having arrived from Marseille, Payet was billed as West
Ham's big summer arrival, and he has certainly lived up to the hype, even
though he has missed two months of the season through injury. Payet's first
start in the league since November came on Tuesday night in West Ham's 3-1
victory at Bournemouth, and he came back with a bang, scoring a superb free
kick before notching an assist for Enner Valencia to score. Now, The Times
report that despite the fact that Payet has been serving up some incredible
performances, West Ham currently have no plans to offer him a new and
improved contract. It's also stated that West Ham don't fear losing Payet
right now, and believe that they can keep hold of him long-term - because
they think playing at Upton Park on a regular basis offers him the best
chance to get back in to the French national team squad.
Payet currently isn't in the plans of France boss Didier Deschamps, and
doesn't look like making the French squad for their home European
Championships campaign this summer - but if he continues to keep up this run
of form, it will be hard for Deschamps, and possibly rival clubs, to ignore
him.

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FAKING IT
By Blind Hammer 14 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer examines whether Bilic has any options for a False Number 9.

The injury to Andy Carroll has again highlighted the comparative fragilities
of our front line. Hopefully Sakho will return early and immediately hit the
ground running, but in the short term it appears that only Jelavic will be
available as a main central forward option. Interestingly whenever I have
heard Bilic refer to Valencia he has called him not a striker but a "winger"
which seems to indicate that he, at least, sees Valencia primarily in a wide
role.

Bilic strikes me as a manager who dislikes not having an alternative Plan B
to his Plan A. We have seen how, in recent weeks, he has changed games in
the second half. Assuming Jelavic is the default starting Plan A then Bilic
will have limited option to move to a plan B in the absence of both Sakho
and Carroll.

It may be then that Bilic, as a deep thinking strategist, has to give
serious thought to West Ham playing with a Fake or False number 9 in the
weeks ahead.

Once upon a time all teams played at least two forwards in a 4-4-2
formation. West Ham was actually one of the pioneers of playing with one
striker with the other forward in a withdrawn deep lying role. The most
famous example of this was the tactical masterstroke Lyall pulled off in the
1981 FA Cup Final win over Arsenal where Stuart Pearson was withdrawn into
midfield with David Cross up front by himself. This move completely
disorientated the Arsenal defence who wasted player manpower with defenders
marking a non-existent forward.

The False number 9 is and extension of this idea where even the lone striker
is withdrawn into midfield. Although known as a tactic from the 1930's the
strategy appears to have its roots in Pep Guardiola's successful Barcelona
team in 2010. His use of Lionel Messi as a False Number 9 altered the
landscape for football strategy across the world forever.

Messi was light years away from the old-fashioned number 9, traditionally a
physically strong and tall leader who battled for possession and held up
play for an advancing midfield.

Barcelona instead confused defenders by playing their way with short
diagonal passes from the back to front into the final third. Here they
retained possession, hitting teams with lightening runs, amazing dribbles
into the box or slip passes to runners from deep to bamboozle unprepared
defenders. In such a system retaining possession is key and there is not
often the luxury of a long ball unless it is released over a running wide
player.

So playing with a false nine relies on midfielders running from deep to do
the damage in the opposition penalty area. The system was in a sense natural
and logical for Barcelona to implement as it played into their strengths.
Messi was too talented a player to be simply deployed in a wide role,
potentially on the periphery of any action. Playing him as a traditional
number 10 also courted the risk that he be man marked out of the game. In
the event Messi was supported in a running and passing game in midfield, the
most advance of a midfield quintet.

See the Bleacher Report for a good general discussion of the False Number 9
strategies.

There are of course cynics who will argue that in playing Jelavic West Ham
are already playing with a false number 9 but this is a frivolous view and
one that misses the crucial point. Payet has drawn comparisons with Messi
over the last year and it is not inconceivable that he might be able to
adapt into a false Number 9 role, at least in the short term.

The role of the false number 9 is complicated, demanding and ultimately
integral to the team's performance. He must not only be able to retain
possession under pressure, but must have an eye for the killer pass and be
able to beat a player on the ground with dribbling ability. The demanding
nature of the role requires a level of world class skill. Few players are
able to perform the role consistently. However if any player in the Premier
League is capable of playing the false number 9 role it is probably Payet.

Of course West Ham has used a False Number 9 before, most famously in the
3-0 demolition of Spurs in October 2013. In that team Ravel Morrison, Nolan
and Downing combined to execute a passing press up the pitch which Spurs
could not cope with. The success of this ploy was not long lived however.
Spurs were taken by surprise on the night but in subsequent weeks other
teams wised up and countered the effectiveness of the strategy. We did not
have Barcelona style players to implement the strategy beyond this initial
surprise.

Arguably now we are better equipped to support a Fake Number 9. Not just
Valencia and Antonio but also the returning Moses may well provide the
running and dribbling threat for Payet to find as they arrive in the penalty
area.

Notwithstanding all this, the likely event is that we will almost certainly
start with the Plan A of Jelavic up front in the upcoming games against
Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Given what we know about Bilic
though I would be extremely surprised if he is not now considering a Plan B
of a fake Number 9, utilising to the full the world class skills of Payet.

David Griffith

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THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD?
By S J Chandos 14 Jan 2016 at 13:00
WTID

I have previously commented on the absence of a winning mentality amongst
sections of our support base. Years of under-achievement and bitter
disappointment has conspired to nurture a skeptical outlook which expects
and almost seeks comfort in the worst case scenario transpiring. For
example, we sign a world-class talent in Payet and discussion turns to
losing him to one of the so-called 'big clubs.' We hit an injury crisis and
the narrative turns to clinging on to 10th place in the league. I disagree
with that viewpoint, but I do understand it. And at the end of the day, it
will probably only change when the club secures sustained success and
actually give the fans something to be confident about!

However, what I cannot understand is a club source actually stating that
they would prefer to win the FA Cup over qualifying for the Champions
League. Now, I have great memories of the FA Cup and, like all Hammers fans,
I would of course relish winning the cup for a fourth time. But does a PL
club with ambition make such a public statement? Qualification for the
Champions League this season would indeed signal that the club are moving up
a level. Apart from the financial incentives, involvement in the CL would
put a whole new complexion on the debut season at the OS. We have the world
class stadium, we have the squad (and it will be strengthened even further
in the summer) and we have the opportunity. So, lets go for it! Lest we
forget, we currently sit in 5th, one point behind Spurs (in 4th) and five
points behind Man City (in 3rd). Moreover, we have played many of our
toughest away matches, our remaining fixtures are fairly favourable and we
are presently on a strong unbeaten run, having won our last three PL
matches. Thus, the tide appears to have turned in our favour and we have a
massive opportunity in the here and now.

Here is a novel thought, how about we deploy the full playing resources of
our squad (injuries allowing) and attempt to maintain a strong challenge on
both fronts. After all, does FA Cup progress inevitably mean that there has
to be a drop off in our league form and results? Of course not. lndeed, if
you aspire to be a top four club, then it is a pre-requisite that you are
able to challenge for honours on two or three fronts. It is something that
all such clubs have in common. It is a non-negotiable fact of life at the
top of the PL tree! So, we might as well accept it and try to show that we
are capable of doing it. Hopefully this is exactly what the club intend to
do. It is just that I question this apparent logic that the FA Cup should be
prioritised over the PL. Because if you communicate that preference to the
squad, what is to stop it adversely influencing PL performance and results?
That would be very disappointing considering the excellent league position
that we have carved out for ourselves up to this juncture.

I was expecting the club to adjust and strengthen the squad in the January
window. I was not anticipating a major recruitment, but I thought that the
club would make one or two quality signings to 'keep the pot boiling.' In
particular, I thought that either Jelavic or Zarate might move on and this
would free up room for a new striker. Similarly, I also hoped that we might
bring in another play-maker on-loan to cover for Payet and Lanzini. With
both Sakho and Carroll now injured maybe the board will be forced to revisit
their winter transfer plans? Although I must admit that I do wonder to what
extent this 'no business in January' position is a tactical manoeuvre to
underline the point to selling clubs that they will not be held to ransom?
We shall see?

At the end of the day, we can always talk about 'jam tomorrow.' But
sometimes a unique opportunity presents itself (a la our current league
position) and the challenge is to capitalise upon it. It could turn out to
be a 'great leap forward' as juxtaposed to a planned, gradualist advance. An
unexpected plan B to supplement the anticipated plan A. So, lets buckle
down, deploy our squad and try to finish as high as possible in the PL and
progress in the FA Cup. Who knows, it could turn out to be a significant
short-cut in the club's journey towards a bigger and better future?

SJ. Chandos.

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