Daily WHUFC News - 20th January 2016

From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

We were nowhere near our best during the first half on Saturday and sadly
that ended up costing us the game. I agree 100 per cent with the manager
that we were better in the second half and we could have nicked a draw. It's
so refreshing to have a manager who is so honest about our performance. In
reality all the teams on Saturday who had also played away during the
midweek seem to be affected. Maybe the travelling had an impact on them as
in seven games, five lost and two drew.
I want to say a big thank you our supporters who made the long trips to
Bournemouth and Newcastle in the space of four days. Our support at both
grounds was fantastic as always and I know the players, management and the
board are so grateful for the time and effort you spend following us up and
down the country.
We know we have to better on Saturday or it will be another tough afternoon
as Manchester City are playing to their maximum at the moment. Despite
Saturday ruining my weekend, as I'm sure it did for most supporters, in the
cold light of day we are not having a bad season ! We are still in the top
six and there is still everything to play for. We have already done the
double over Liverpool this season and having recorded an impressive victory
at the Etihad Stadium back in September, I am sure Slaven and the players
will be doing everything they can to record another memorable victory on
Saturday.
We are celebrating our sixth anniversary on Tuesday since myself and David
Gold took control of West Ham United back in 2010. It has been a memorable
spell in charge and we have now assembled the strongest set of players since
we took ownership of the Club. The future is looking so bright and with our
move into the new Stadium during the summer we can only dream of bigger and
better things for everyone connected with the football club.

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The Big Interview - Victor Moses
WHUFC.com

Victor Moses has become an integral part of the first-team squad at West Ham
United following his move across London this season and has played his part
in some memorable victories for the Hammers. The talented winger joined on a
season-long loan from Chelsea and made an immediate impact on his debut
against Newcastle when he stuck the crossbar and Dimitri Payet was on hand
to fire the rebound into the back of the net. Things got even better for the
Nigeria international in his second game against Manchester City when he
scored an impressive goal at the Etihad Stadium to set West Ham on their way
to a 2-1 victory. Moses still has fond memories of his first goal for the
east London club and hopes he can experience a similar feeling when the two
teams meet again at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

Victor, how important was the win at Manchester City back in September and
what were the key factors in seeing the Hammers come away with all three
points?

VM: "I remember the game very well. After the Newcastle game where I made my
debut and we managed to get the three points, we then had another big game
at Manchester City.

"We went to the Etihad Stadium and were really looking forward to the game.

"It was really important that we got an early goal and that gave us the
perfect springboard to work hard as a team and we then managed to get the
second goal.

"They came back into the game and pulled a goal back right on half-time, so
we had to re-group again and stop them scoring the equaliser. The most
important thing is the hard work and we definitely put a shift in that day."

Having already beaten Arsenal and Liverpool in the early part of the season,
did you sense in the dressing room before the game that the players were
confident of coming away with all three points?

VM: "There was definitely belief among the players that we could get the
victory. If you look at the quality of players that we have got, we were all
on top form that day and having beaten Arsenal and Liverpool, we went there
full of confidence that we could get a result.

"We knew it would be a tough task, but we stuck together as a team and made
sure that we got the three points that we deserved."

It was a pretty impressive shot from you that beat England number's one Joe
Hart. Is that one of the best goals you have scored in recent times?

VM: "I was kind of delighted with that strike! I got the ball from Payet and
when I turned, there was nobody around me.

"The next thing on my mind was to have a shot and thankfully the ball went
into the corner. That was the first time I had scored past Joe Hart as well.

"You have got to be happy when you score against Manchester City because
they are a good team and have world class players. Scoring against them
meant a lot to me."

How much would you love a repeat performance on Saturday and see the team
come away with another big victory against the former Premier League
champions?

VM: "The most important thing is that we stay together as a team again and
do everything to get the three points on Saturday."

What has the spirit been like since you arrived and how much has that played
a role in the Club's impressive performances this season?

VM: "The spirit is a lot different. Everyone wants to play for the manager
and looking forward to each game.

"Everyone wants to express themselves to make sure the manager and fans are
happy. It is good to win games and we have definitely showed with our spirit
this season that we are prepared to come back in any game and come away with
a positive result."

Everyone knows the attacking threat that Manchester City will have on
Saturday with the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva, but they should
also be worried about our attackers and the dangers we will pose to their
defence?

VM: "We can cause them lots of problems with the position we find ourselves
in the table. We just want to keep winning games and it doesn't matter who
we are playing against.

"If we can beat Manchester City at their place, there is no reason why we
cannot do the same at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. It will be a good game
and hopefully we can get the result that we deserve on Saturday."

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Dev Squad draw Rovers in quarter finals
WHUFC.com

The West Ham United Development Squad have been drawn against Blackburn
Rovers in the quarter-final of U21 Premier League Cup. The Hammers cup run
started with a commanding 4-0 away win over Exeter City before securing a
3-2 win over London rivals Fulham after extra-time.
Meanwhile opponents Blackburn, overcame local rivals Burnley 3-1 before
recording a 1-0 victory over Leicester City. Earlier in the season, the two
sides played out a seven goal thriller at Ewood Park. Despite leading three
times, the young Hammers could not convert the lead into points as Rovers
won 4-3 thanks to a late Connor Mahoney brace.

The venue, time and date will be confirmed in due process.

Full Draw:

Southampton or Huddersfield Town v Charlton Atheltic
Liverpool or Leeds United v Everton or Brighton & Hove Albion
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
Millwall v Hull City

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West Ham for Europe, predicts Lawro
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Mark Lawrenson may have incurred the wrath of West Ham supporters for his
dreadfully negative predictions this season - but he still believes the
Hammers are on course to qualify for Europe.
Match of the Day pundit 'Lawro' - as he is popularly known - and his
predictions are responsible for one of the KUMB Forum's longest-running
threads, in which his offerings have been overwhelmingly ridiculed for the
past eight years or so. This season, were his predictions correct West Ham
would be residing in the Premier League's relegation zone rather than the
upper echelons of the table. However the former Republic of Ireland
international insists that he has nothing against West Ham.

Speaking exclusively to the KUMB Podcast, Lawresnson revealed that Hammers
fans were just the latest to criticise him. "Southampton fans were on my
back the year before last and Swansea were another club whose fans didn't
particularly like me," he told Podcast hosts Chris Scull and Bianca
Westwood. "Evertonians always give me grief as well, so it is what it is!

"You've never upset me - and I nearly went to West Ham as a kid! Everyone
thinks I sit there, look at the teams who I don't like and decide who's
going to get beat. But basically, the guy just rings me up and I decide
whether West Ham and the other 19 clubs are going to win, lose or draw. So
it's nothing personal, I can assure you!"

Lawrenson, who made more than 240 appearances for Liverpool during his
career also defended his predilection for being more favourable to his
former club. "WHen I'm on the TV and radio, I'm probably Liverpool's worst
critic," he insisted. "So it's probably the case that I would like them to
win, but they're not doing particularly well at the moment. "West Ham have
got a better team than Liverpool at the moment so happy days, they've done
absolutely fantastic. When they appointed Bilic after Sam [Allardyce], I
wasn't sure. An old player going back as manager, does it ever really work?
Then you had a fantastic start, all those fabulous away wins - then a dip
like Sam's team last year. "But with all those players injured you had a
long, unbeaten run so they've done great. And I tipped you to draw last
weekend and you got beat 2-1, so I can't be wrong all the time! "I go to a
lot of games and people stop me and say 'last week you predicted this and
that' - to which I have a stock answer: if I could predict football results
every week in the Premier League do you think I'd be going to Oldham on a
cold, wet, Wednesday night - or would I be sat on a boat in the Bahamas?"

Still old habits die hard and when asked by the KUMB Podcast team to predict
a winner from West Ham's forthcoming clash with Manchester City, Lawrenson
reverted to type. "Ah, you're going to get beat!" he replied in an instant.
"I was at Man City against Palace at the weekend and they didn't play very
well in the first half. Palace were good but couldn't score and then gave a
stupid goal or two away. But I think City are going to get the it between
their teeth now. "They're not good defensively do I think you're going to
score but I'd have to go for Man City. I've a feeling they're going to go on
a long run now - and now tjkust because they're playing West Ham."

Yet despite his opinion of West Ham's chances against Manuel Pellegrini's
title-chasers, Larwo predicts a happy ending for West Ham fans when the
curtain finally falls on the Boleyn Ground at the end of this season. "This
is the year where you can make the Europa League," he said. "I was at
Liverpool at the weekend - Manchester United were unbelievably average and
they're going to finish in the top four. "I'd say West Ham have got better
individual players than Manchester United, they just don't have as many
because of the size of the squads and stuff. But this is the year where
Europa League qualification is definitely achievable."

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In Conversation with Graeme Howlett (KUMB)
Posted on 19 January 2016 by bettingrunner
www.bettingrunner.comby Bettingrunner on 19 January 2016

In this session we are in conversation with Graeme Howlett, the founder of
Knees Up Mother Brown (KUMB) – a blog dedicated purely for the English
Premier League club, West Ham United FC. Since 1997, KUMB offers news, match
reports and everything related to West Ham United. Read further and find out
more about Graeme, KUMB and West Ham United.

Hello Graeme, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I've been following West Ham religiously since I saw my first match on TV –
the 1975 FA Cup Final against Fulham (we won 2-0, so I've always been a bit
of a glory-hunter). My first live game came the following year, a 2-1 home
defeat to Derby County in which Charlie George scored the winning goal for
the Rams. My family – both sides – emanate from east London, many of whom
have also been season ticket holders over the years – so in that sense I'm
just carrying on a tradition.

How did KUMB start?

Knees up Mother Brown began life in the summer of 1997 when I was learning
web development. I needed a project to work with and as a regular follower
of the club, a website about West Ham United seemed a logical choice. 18
years later and that temporary project is still going strong!

What's the story behind the name – Knees Up Mother Brown?

The website is named after a popular drinking song which is believed to have
its origins in Victorian London and was sung by travelling West Ham
supporters on the terraces regularly through the 1970s and 1980s (and more
sporadically, long before that). The titular 'Mother Brown' is believed to
be a reference to Queen Victoria, who is said to have married servant John
Brown following the death of her beloved husband Albert.

What's your role there? Who are the other main contributors?

I'm the website owner, main content contributor and Editor. I'm also
responsible for all web development (front and back end), My deputy for the
last decade or so has been Gordon Thrower (aka 'Gnome'), who also assists
KUMB's nine-strong forum moderating team. Chris Scull and Bianca Westwood
(better known for her appearances on Sky Sports) are the current presenters
of our Podcast team whilst a cast of hundreds have contributed articles and
match reports over the last 18 years.

What is unique about KUMB?

We enjoy a close relationship with one or two club insiders which helps us
bring important news relating to WHUFC before other sources and the national
press. We also host an active forum (with some 21,000+ members) which was
named the web's Best Football Forum in the 2015 Football Blogging Awards.

What are some challenges you face?

Recent years have seen a boom in copycat websites and blogs, which means we
have to constantly fight to maintain our position as the web's number one
independent resource for all things West Ham related. The advent of social
media could have proved costly, although our readership has actually
increased substantially since the likes of Twitter and Facebook first
appeared. But as with anything inspired by technology, the key is keeping
abreast of new developments and standards.

Let's talk about football. In your opinion, who is the greatest West Ham
United player of all time?

That would be Sir Trevor Brooking. He was a genius with the ball, my idol as
a child and someone I've been privileged to have interviewed on behalf of
KUMB since.

So far, who was the greatest manager West Ham United ever had?

In most supporters' eyes, it'd be a face-off between Ron Greenwood and his
successor, John Lyall. Ron changed the way West Ham played in the early
1960s and brought us success on a both national and international stages
whilst Lyall brought us two FA Cup wins, another European final and our
highest ever top flight finish (third in 1985/86).

How far do you think West Ham United will advance in this Premier League
season?

If West Ham can maintain their current form it'll be an excellent first
season for Slaven Bilic, who is someone the fans have taken to immediately.
With good cause too – he's an intelligent man, a thinker; one of the new
breed of managers.

Do you think the current situation will get better with the upcoming
transfers?

Although the club are unlikely to be spending too much during the current
transfer window, big promises have already been made for the summer. West
Ham are moving to the Olympic Stadium after 111 years at the Boleyn Ground
and the Board have promised that Bilic will have a sizeable war chest to
take with him.

Follow him on Twitter @kumbdotcom

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Byram medical today
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Sam Byram is set to undergo a medical this afternoon ahead of his move to
West Ham. The Leeds defender was the subject of a £3.7million bid from the
Hammers earlier this week and has travelled to London ahead of his planned
move to the Boleyn Ground. The deal was confirmed by Chairman David Sullivan
on Sky Sports this lunchtime (Tuesday).

Sullivan also admitted that West Ham had not planned to bid for the
22-year-old defender until the summer, as previously stated here on KUMB,
but moved after Everton had an offer - also worth £3.7million, Leeds' asking
price - accepted for the player. "Originally we were going to do nothing as
we spent our money in the summer," he said. "We hoped to sign Sam Byram in
the summer when he was out of contract with Leeds but in the last few days
it looked like he was going to Everton, so we realised it was now or never.
"Hopefully that will go through in the next 24 hours if everything is agreed
between him and the club. "I wouldn't normally say this but the Leeds
Chairman has made it public and I think it's wrong to mention what you're
doing until it's actually done. But if they're happy for it to be public,
then so are we. We've agreed terms with Leeds, we've agreed terms with the
player and we expect it to go through."

Alex Callaghan @Callyhan
As much as I want Byram at Everton, I can see why he'd want to join West
Ham. More and more apparent that we're not keeping up with others
1:51 PM - 19 Jan 2016

Thurrock-born Byram decided to return South after rejecting Everton's
advances - much to the fury of some of their supporters. And it is the
second time in a matter of months that a player has picked the Hammers over
their Merseyside rivals, with Angelo Ogbonna also rejecting the opportunity
to move to Goodison Park last summer.

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Sullivan confirms interest in 'overseas' striker
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has refused to comment on rumours linking West Ham with a
move for Watford's in-form striker Odion Ighalo. West Ham United's co-owner
appeared on Sky Sports this lunchtime (Tuesday) to talk about the transfer
window and West Ham plans. And whilst he refused to be drawn on the club's
claimed interest in the 26-year-old Nigerian international, Sullivan
admitted that West Ham are planning to bring in at least one new face in
addition to defender Sam Byram, who is undergoing a medical today. "We can't
comment because it's called tapping-up!" he said. "But we are looking
long-term for a 20-goal-a-season striker and there's a possibility that an
overseas striker will come in on loan within the next seven days with an
option to buy."

And when asked to indicate the identity of the player, Sullivan replied: "If
I told you, you wouldn't believe me! I can't tell you because you'd know
exactly who it is. It's like when we signed Manuel Lanzini from Saudi
Arabia, but he has played in higher leagues. "It's just a possibility and it
may not happen - and if all our strikers are fit, we've probably got too
many anyway."

Sullivan also confirmed that Mauro Zarate could be leaving the club before
the end of the month - although much depended on who else was fit and
available by then. "Mauro wants first team football," he said. "He realises
that if everyone is available he may be a little down the batting order, so
it's possible that we'll let him go. But at this moment in time we can't let
anybody go because of the injury situation. "We've got so many strikers
injured. We don't really want to let anybody go but also you don't want to
have unhappy players, so it's about striking a balance and doing what's best
for the player and club."

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Nolan to return - at Orient
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammers captain Kevin Nolan is set to return to the game - as
player/manager of League One Leyton Orient. The third-tier side parted
company with another former Hammer earlier this week when they dismissed
former Hammers coach Ian Hendon after just seven months in the post. And
KUMB understands that the Os are poised to name Nolan, who spent four years
at West Ham between 2011 and 2015 as his replacement imminently. Nolan
joined West Ham following the club's relegation from the Premier League in
2011 and was Sam Allardyce's first signing when succeeding Avram Grant. The
former captain led West Ham to play-off success against Blackpool at Wembley
in 2012 before helping the club re-establish itself as a top flight force.

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'It was now or never' to sign Sam Byram, says West Ham chairman
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 19/01/16 3:35pm
SSN

David Sullivan has revealed West Ham wanted to sign Sam Byram this summer
but, after realising Everton moved for him last week, it was "now or never"
to get their man. Sky sources reported on Monday night that the Hammers had
swooped in for the right-back after Everton agreed a deal with the
22-year-old's current club Leeds United. And Sullivan confirmed to Sky
Sports News HQ on Tuesday that both personal terms and a transfer fee have
been agreed with all parties. He said: "We hoped to sign Sam Byram in the
summer when he was out of contract at Leeds. "In the last few days, it
looked like he was going to Everton, so we realised it was now or never and
had to pitch in to sign him. "Hopefully that will go through in the next 24
hours. Everything has been agreed with the player and the club. "I wouldn't
normally say this but the Leeds chairman has made it public, because I think
it's wrong to mention what you're doing until it's done. But if they're
happy to mention it, so are we."

Sullivan believed his club would not do any business in the winter transfer
window but he also revealed they are looking to bring in a striker on loan.
There's a possibility that a striker will come in on loan.... He's an
overseas striker. If I told you, you wouldn't believe it. "We are looking,
long-term, for a 20-goal-a-season striker," he said. "There's a possibility
that a striker will come in on loan, with the option to buy, within the next
seven days. He's an overseas striker. "If I told you, you wouldn't believe
it. I can't tell you which league because then you'll know exactly who it
is. "We are signing from a very strange league. But he has played in higher
leagues."

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Ridiculous Sturridge rumour typifies silly season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham United are ready to make a £18m offer for Liverpool striker Daniel
Sturridge as Jurgen Klopp looks to cash in on the player' says the Brentwood
Gazette with a straight face.The Daily Star and Daily Express took the
rumour seriously and reprinted it for their readers this evening to an
uproar on social media.

Back on planet earth, we are seeing a humorous pattern emerge with our
friends over the Brentwood Gazette with some stories worthy of yesteryear
Sunday Sport newspaper headlines like 'World War Two Bomber found on moon'

In addition to Daniel Sturridge, the Gazette have linked us to a £15 million
bid for Swiss striking sensation Josip Drmic and a return for Carlos Tevez
from Boca Juniors. Last week the Gazette ran articles saying 'West Ham are
ready to make a move for Milan striker Mario Balotelli' and that West Ham
has fallen behind Watford and Crystal Palace in the race to sign former
Spurs and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Look out for their next story in the next few days that Neymar will be
joining West Ham in the summer after a failed attempt by the Hammers in
2010. Some of this stuff is comic genius, just a shame some of our tabloid
friends didn't get the joke and reprinted it seriously. Maybe the Brentwood
Gazette mystery journalist behind these stories should be working for the
Sunday Sport which is under David Sullivan's ownership again.

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Does Mexican league hold loan striker clue?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham chairman David Sullivan said we could be signing a loan striker
from a strange league in the next seven days. That strange league could be
the Ligue MX in Mexico. The striker in question could be French man
Andre-Pierre Gignac who plays Mexican team Tigres UANL.

The 30 year old striker was a former team mate of Dimtri Payet at Marseille
and the French national team and they are understood to remain good friends.

Gignac was linked to West Ham in the last January transfer window previously
scoring 20 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions in French Ligue one
and attracted the attention of some of Europe's top clubs before his move to
Mexico.

Earlier today on Sky Sullivan told viewers "There is a possibility that a
striker could come in on loan in the next seven days with an option to buy
him. He is an overseas striker. If I told you (the league) you wouldn't
believe (it)."

"It's like when we signed Lanzini from, I didn't know what league he was in,
but I call it Saudi Arabia. People said we are signing players from a very
strange league but he has played in higher leagues. This one may not happen
it is just a possibility.If all of our strikers are fit we have probably got
too many strikers anyway"

That is our best guess so far on who the mystery striker might be.

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West Ham defender linked to Roma move
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News
C and H

Reports in Italy claim Roma will look to make a move for West Ham defender
Angelo Ogbonna, despite the player having only moved to Hammers in the
summer and settling in well. The 27-year-old Italian international joined
the Hammers from Juventus just over six months ago. An article in La
Gazzetta dello Sport says the player's services have been offered to the
Giallorossi, who have struggled at times defensively, and they are weighing
up whether to make their interest more concrete. The story has all the hall
mark of an agent inspired story. The West Ham centre back has made 15
appearances this season, 96 clearances and 21 tackles.

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West Ham admit striker inquiry
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive

West Ham have this morning admitted they have made a first inquiry for
Watford's £20 million rated striker Odion Ighalo. The Express had reported
a bid was on for the summer but a top Irons insider revealed exclusively to
ClaretandHugh: "We have already inquired but Watford aren't ready to sell
at the moment. "He could be on the radar again in the summer but then so
could several others – we are determined to secure a 20 goals a season
striker and are working on several options. "We have certainly made an
inquiry for Ighalo and will continue monitoring him – mind you he has dried
up over recent games!"
The 26-year-old Nigerian has been in good form this season, scoring an
impressive 13 goals in the Premier League. He first impressed Irons forthe
first time during their 2-0 defeat at Vicarage Road when Ighalo scored both
goals during an outstanding display.

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West Ham strike canny deal for Byram
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham have struck a canny deal for Leeds right back Sam Byram according
the Daily Express. The tabloid claims Everton had agreed a £3.7m initial
transfer fee with Leeds with the Toffees paying a further £1.3m in add-ons
and bonuses for Byram, bringing the overall fee to around £5m. The article
claims Leeds know they would earn around £2m in compensation if their
academy product leaves on a free transfer when his contract expires this
summer. West Ham appear to have hijacked the Everton deal much to the
annoyance of Leeds owner Massimo Cellino who says West Ham have bid less
than Everton's overall offer but admits he does not control tghe player so
there is little he can do about it. "I'm really sorry for Everton because
they really acted like gentlemen, but Sam chose West Ham," Leeds owner
Massimo Cellino confirmed. "I've signed nothing yet but West Ham's bid is
much lower than Everton's. I don't control the player. He wants to go, he
decides where and when."

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Sakho crashes his new Lamborghini
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Photos have been posted on social media this evening of Diafra Sakho's new
Lamborghini sports car crashed into a front wall and owners car in Emerson
park. The owner of the house and car called Sophie Engstrom posted on
twitter "Great night when Sakho drives into your house & car ??????" "The
fact that no one cares that no one was hurt just asking me if he's injured
says a lot about you all"
She later confirmed no-one had been injured adding "Everyone was fine thank
god !" The incident is thought to have taken place this evening outside
Nelmes United Reformed Church, in
Nelmes Road, Hornchurch, Essex. Sakho posted a message on his own twitter
account after the incident saying "Thank you for the messages. Was involved
in a small car accident this evening. Thankfully no one was hurt." Sakho
posted a photo of his Matte grey Lamborghini on snap chat just two weeks
ago. The striker has been out injured since late November but has resumed
training and is set to fit again early next month.

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Byram: No Leeds loan back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sam Byram is currently at West Ham tying up the final details of his move to
the club from Leeds United, The right back will undergo a medical and is set
to become a West Ham player later today or tomorrow as the club continues to
make their ambitions very public in the transfer market. ClaretandHugh
understands too that Byram will not – as has been suggested – be loaned back
to Leeds for the remainder of the season which suggests that a player may be
on the way out given wage considerations. Mauro Zarate and Nikicia Jelavic
the likely candidates although the club made it clear to us yesterday they
will not entertain the loan deals offered for the Argentinian leaving the
striker as the most likely departure. Byram was born in Essex and is
understood to come from a Hammers-supporting family which – after we had
offered the same personal terms as Everton – made his decision to join the
club pretty simple. Our top source told ClaretandHugh: "We want to ensure
that we do a very thorough assessment of him. We know he's a very good
player of course but want to look at all aspects of his abilities and we can
only do that if he's with us."

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"I thank these men from the bottom of my heart"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Scott A

ClaretandHugh's top blogger and East End boy Scott Alsweiller is 'exiled' in
New York. He lives, breathes, eat and drinks West Ham United and in this
latest piece pays his personal tribute to the two Davids for all they have
done since taking over our great club six years ago.

"There is no other club we would want to be at so for us we have come home
and that's what it's all about" – David Sullivan.

Six years ago Messrs. Sullivan and Gold came in and rescued us. Our
situation was dire. We were on the verge of becoming a footnote to history.
TIFC/WHUFC 1895-2010. An ignominious end to a tradition and club we all
loved. Our owners were broke, and had left the club in deep trouble. It's
difficult to emphasize just how close we were to disappearing entirely.

There were other bidders. But none were ever going to be as personally
involved, and as emotionally attached, as our Davids. Their love for West
Ham is palpable – David Gold played for West Ham Boys as a youngster, and
they've both always been supporters. And it shows. We're unique and blessed
to have them at the helm.

Now, six years after our near collapse, look where we are. Riding high, with
a manager we love, playing football our way – the West Ham Way – and loving
it. It's worth remembering that it hasn't been an easy road to travel.
Nobody is likely to forget Avram Grant, or his successor (although that one
does deserve credit for pulling us back into the top tier at least). But
it's all changed, and that is thanks to the owners.

When you look around the leagues, you'll see few clubs where the owners are
real fans. Far too many are owned by people who only see a business
opportunity. Owners with not even the most tenuous connections with the
clubs they own. Owners who don't share the passion, who don't feel the joy
and despair that comes with being part of a club with a rich history and
camaraderie. Ours are different.

As we move forward into our new home, it's true, they may look for
additional partners. But I hope we never see them selling on simply to take
a profit. And I don't think they're likely to do so. They interact regularly
with us – the fans – and it seems a love of West Ham United is a family
affair as well. Jack Sullivan may have sometimes overstepped the bounds, but
there's no denying that he feels very strongly about the club, and wants to
be a part of it.

Most of us, myself included, will probably never get the chance to
personally thank them for what they've done for us. But the gratitude is
real. And this is one way to express it.

Messrs. Gold and Sullivan; thank you. You've saved, and given back to us,
the club we love. You'll lead us to our new home, and into future glory. We
know that our future in in good hands. Your obvious dedication and
unwavering support will help us onwards as we continue to become leaders in
the League and in Europe. May the next six years be filled with beautiful
football, passionate play, and maybe even some silverware.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart

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Sullivan clarifies Zarate situation
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Sullivan has revealed that Mauro Zarate will only be allowed to leave
the club if the injury situation allows it. Talking to Sky Sports the
chairman said: Mauro wants first team football and he realises if everyone
is available then he may be a little bit down the batting order. "So it is
just possible that we would let him go but at this moment in time, we can't
let anybody go until we see our injury situation because we have got so many
strikers injured. "We don't really want to let anybody go but you also don't
want unhappy players, so it is striking that balance and doing what's best
for the player and best for the club"

Zarate has missed the last two matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle. He
has been linked with Malaga and Fiorentina in recent days.
ClaretandHugh revealed earlier that Fiorentina are interested in a loan deal
but quoted our own sources as explaining injuries may rule out a move and
that the club are not interested in loan deals.

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Sullivan looking at loan striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham Chairman David Sullivan has told Sky Sports the club could be
signing a loan striker within the next seven days. The co chairman covered
the issue in a wide ranging interview after the club confirmed to
ClaretandHugh they had inquired about Watford's £20 million rated striker
Odion Ighalo. We were told the Hornets were unready to sell at this time and
in his interview Sullivan declared that he couldn't give the name of the
striker he is currently tracking. He said: "We can't comment, it's called
tapping up and you get your knuckles wrapped very severely but we are
looking long term for a 20 goals per season striker. "There is a possibility
that a striker could come in on loan in the next seven days with an option
to buy him. He is an overseas striker. If I told you (the league) you
wouldn't believe (it). It's like when we signed Lanzini from, I didn't know
what league he was in, but I call it Saudi Arabia. People said we are
signing players from a very strange league but he has played in higher
leagues. This one may not happen it is just a possibility.If all of our
strikers are fit we have probably got too many strikers anyway"

He explained how the club went about its business eplaining there are some
friendly agents who have been very lucky for the Irons. He said: " There is
an agent called Will Salthouse who bought us Mr Cresswell, our backup
goalkeeper and Mr Antonio. "He has some very good players including the
Tottenham striker who will not be coming to us by the way . He has brought
us a striker and has been lucky for us. Some agents are very talented and
very good people"

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Could Sam Byram signing spell the end for loan star?
Date: 19th January 2016 at 2:36 pm
Written by: James Pearson | Comments (0)
foreverwestham.com

A deal for Byram could be completed this week
Sam Byram is set to complete a transfer to West Ham United, for a fee of
around £3.5 million. The 22 year old has reportedly turned down Everton, who
offered a higher fee, and decided he wants to join the Hammers instead. £3.5
million seems like a bargain for a talented right back who can also play
further up the pitch, especially considering the fact that he is English
which seems to double or triple usual transfer fees in the Premier League.

If we do secure the services of the youngster this week, it wouldn't be
surprising to see someone leaving the club before the transfer window is
over. Byram is not going to be returning to Leeds on loan, and will go
straight into Slaven Bilic's first team plans which means that to cover his
wages it would suggest that someone will be leaving The Boleyn Ground in the
next couple of weeks.

There have many rumours about where Mauro Zarate will end up, with Malaga
constantly linked with the Argentine throughout the last month or so. But
this seems unlikely as Bilic would want someone as a direct replacement for
Zarate, another attacking midfielder. The most likely could be Carl
Jenkinson.

Jenkinson has been a decent loan acquisition since he first joined last
season, but is currently out of favour at Upton Park. He seems to have a
lack of confidence and James Tomkins has been superior to him since Bilic
moved him to right back. Jenkinson also signed a new Arsenal deal in the
summer. They have Bellerin in that position, but with the possibility of
Mathieu Debuchy leaving this month, that frees up room for Jenkinson as
their second choice right back, instead of going further down the pecking
order at The Boleyn Ground.

If we can keep both, that would be ideal. Jenkinson has made a real impact
here and deserves a chance to stay and prove his worth but if someone needs
to be shifted to keep wages low enough, then it wouldn't be surprising if
the young right back was the player that makes way.

Byram is already a fans favourite after turning down Everton despite them
offering more money. Leeds owner Massimo Cellino said yesterday, "I'm
really sorry for Everton because they really acted like gentlemen, but Sam
chose West Ham".

If Byram does sign this week, then let's hope that he can make the step up
like Aaron Cresswell did when he joined from Ipswich in the Championship.

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David Sullivan gives Sam Byram update as Leeds United star set for Hammers
switch
14:47 19 January 2016
Brad Pinard
London 24

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has confirmed the club hope to sign Sam
Byram this week. 0 We exclusively revealed on Monday afternoon that Byram
was set to reject Everton in favour of a move to Upton Park and the deal
could be done as soon as this afternoon. Everton bid more money for Byram
but Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino confirmed on Monday night that West
Ham was the likely destination. Sullivan admits Byram was a long-term target
but the Hammers had to move fast. 'We hoped to sign Byram in the summer when
he was out of contract," Sullivan told SkySportsNews. "But in the last few
days we saw he was close to moving to Everton so we had to step in. "We hope
to sign him in the next 24 hours and he has agreed to join us and we have
agreed everything with Leeds. "I wouldn't normally make this public but
Leeds have already done so."

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West Ham to table £6m bid for long-standing target Burak Yilmaz
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Tuesday, January 19, 2016

West Ham are ready to reignite their long-term interest in Galatasaray
striker Burak Yilmaz with a £6million January offer. According to Turkish
radio station RadyoSpor, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is finally ready to
make an offer as he bids to reinforce his frontline this month. It has been
suggested that the free-scoring frontman is considering his options after
nearly four years at Galatasaray, during which time he has hit 64 goals in
just 104 league outings. And now the Hammers could be about to offer the
30-year-old a chance in the Premier League after spending his entire career
in Turkish football. Bilic knows all about Yilmaz's quality having watched
him in action during his time in charge at Besiktas.

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West Ham poised to sign £3.7m Leeds ace
By James Jones - Jan 19, 2016 0

West Ham appear to have pipped Everton to the signing of highly-rated Leeds
United star Sam Byram, as reported by Sky Sports. It looked as if the
Toffees were going to wrap up a deal for the 22-year-old right-back earlier
this week, before West Ham entered the running for his services. The very
well connected @ExWHUemployee claimed earlier this week that we were hoping
to make a move for Byram in the summer when his Elland Road contract
expired, but Everton's interested ultimately forced us to move quickly this
month. There have been different reports surrounding the details of the
deal, with the likes of the London Evening Standard claiming West Ham are
prepared to loan Byram back to the club as part of the deal, while
@ExWHUemployee claims there is no loan option and the two clubs are reached
an agreement that will see Byram join the club immediately. Sky Sports quote
Leeds president Massimo Cellino as saying: "I'm really sorry for Everton
because they action like gentlemen, but Sam chose West Ham."

In a report by the Yorkshire Evening Post, it is claimed Byram's decision to
snub a move to Everton in favour of West Ham will cost Leeds £1.3m in
add-ons, which Everton had agreed to pay alongside of the £3.7m bid they had
accepted. The same report claims West Ham have offered Leeds the same
transfer fee but without any add-ons. Phil Hay, a reporter for the Yorkshire
Evening Post, tweeted earlier that Byram was "heading down to West Ham",
presumably to finalise personal terms.

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West Ham transfer news: Sam Byram poised for loan move after £3.7m Hammers
switch
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Sam Byram was undergoing a medical today prior to joining West Ham from
Leeds for £3.7million. Everton had an offer for the full-back accepted at
the weekend but Byram wanted to think things over and has decided on a move
to Upton Park. West Ham would have preferred to do a deal in the summer as
by then Carl Jenkinson's loan from Arsenal would have expired. However,
Everton's intervention during this transfer window has forced their hand and
it is possible Byram could be loaned out for the rest of the season to give
the 22-year-old regular football.
With West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insisting the club have reached their
wage cap for the season, it seems inevitable one or more players will be
leaving, with striker Mauro Zarate wanted by Malaga and Nikica Jelavic
another possible departure.

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West Ham star Diafra Sakho thanks God after crashing £300,000 Lamborghini
Aventador into Mini Cooper
Lewis Dean By Lewis Dean
January 19, 2016 12:19 GMT 1
IBTimes

Diafra Sakho has thanked God after smashing his £300,000 ($430,000)
Lamborghini Aventador into a Mini Cooper in a night-time crash in
Hornchurch. The West Ham striker was driving the supercar through East
London when he apparently lost control and crashed. The Premier League star
was not injured in the accident, which will be welcome news to Hammers boss
Slaven Bilic – Sakho has not featured for the London side since he was
injured in December. He later told fans on Snapchat "Sorry for the scare
guys", before posting on Twitter: "Thank you for the messages. Was involved
in a small car accident this evening. Thankfully no one was hurt."
The incident comes months after Sakho was arrested for a second time in
August last year after allegedly threatening to kill his girlfriend at his
Essex mansion. The 25-year-old Senegalese was bailed after allegedly
assaulting the same woman. The charges were later dropped. ""Following
allegations of assault and malicious communications made against West Ham
and Senegal footballer Diafra Sakho in August, the police have confirmed
there will be no action taken," a statement by Sakho's PR said. "At the
time, Mr Sakho vigorously denied the allegations and this matter has now
been brought to an end following a police investigation."

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Pedro Obiang's agent says client wants to play more, but his future is at
West Ham
HITC
Dan Coombs

Pedro Obiang's agent says his client's future remains at West Ham. Pedro
Obiang's agent has rebuffed suggestions the midfielder could return to Italy
this month. Obiang signed from Sampdoria in the summer, but has been in and
out of the side, partly due to injury. His agent Jose Miguel Gonzalez told
Tuttomercatoweb: "He's unlikely to leave West Ham in January. The club wants
to retain him, he is happy in London and is comfortable with his teammates.
"He would like to play a little more, but it is normal, but there is
competition, and the team is doing very well in the Premier League. "At the
moment I have not received any calls from Italy, Pedro left a great memory
in Serie A and it is normal that there is talk of the interest of the big
teams in his favour." Obiang has made seven starts this season in the
league, with eight appearances coming from the bench. He has completed 90
minutes just three times, and was particularly impressive against
Bournemouth a week ago, but was substituted off at half-time at the weekend
in the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United. Tuttomercatoweb report Napoli are
interested in Obiang, and his agent did a good job of playing both sides,
adding: "Obiang would be perfect for their characteristics. At now, though,
I have not received any call from Napoli."
It is unlikely West Ham would want to sell him after just a few months, and
at just 23, the Spaniard has real potential to develop into an outstanding
player. If he is getting itchy feet about wanting to play more regularly,
the time to assess the situation should be the end of the season rather than
right now.

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Leeds United to lose cash in West Ham Byram deal as chief confirms Everton
snub
LEEDS UNITED have accepted a lower transfer fee from West Ham than what
Everton were willing to pay for defender Sam Byram, according to reports.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 06:55, Tue, Jan 19, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:56, Tue, Jan 19, 2016
Express.co.uk

Byram, 22, held talks with Everton and he appeared set to complete a
£3.7million transfer to the Toffees this week. But the Hammers have hijacked
the deal by offering the right-back an immediate role in Slaven Bilic's back
four. "I'm really sorry for Everton because they really acted like
gentlemen, but Sam chose West Ham," Leeds owner Massimo Cellino confirmed.
"I've signed nothing yet but West Ham's bid is much lower than Everton's. "I
don't control the player. He wants to go, he decides where and when."
According to the Daily Star, Bilic's promises of first-team football
overrode Roberto Martinez's reputation for bringing on young talent into
Everton's first team. Leeds and West Ham are expected to complete the deal
by the end of the week. But, as Cellino explained, the Hammers will not
stump up the same fee Everton were willing to pay. As part of Leeds'
agreement with Everton, the Premier League side would have paid a further
£1.3m in add-ons and bonuses for Byram, bringing the overall fee to around
£5m. It is not known exactly how much West Ham are prepared to pay for
Byram, although Leeds know they can earn around £2m in compensation if their
academy product leaves on a free transfer when his contract expires this
summer.

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