Payet calls for consistency
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet says West Ham United have to perform as they did against Manchester City in every Barclays Premier League game if they want to sustain their challenge for European football.
The Hammers came within a whisker of toppling Manuel Pellegrini's men at the Boleyn Ground and the mercurial Frenchman insists victory would have been nothing more than his side deserved.
The challenge now, says the 28-year-old, is to replicate that level of performance no matter who the Hammers are up against. "Honestly, it was an exciting game to be involved in," he told whufc.com. "We are all motivated, we all want to do well and we showed that on Saturday evening. "We hit the bar with the last attack of the game and we deserved better. We were up against Manchester City, so we'll settle for the point and we'll definitely take the positives of the game. "We have to remember what we've achieved, because against a team like City, it's interesting to see us play the way we did and it's from this sort of game that you take the experience and you progress. "Unfortunately, the championship doesn't only consist of teams like this, we saw last week at Newcastle that it was much more difficult for us. We have to be consistent if we want to finish toward the top of the table. "We have to be ambitious. We know there are some big teams above us but it's up to us to continue as we played on Saturday, to put our game in place. The battle's going to be tough, but we mustn't get carried away, we have to stay concentrated."
Elsewhere, Payet was quick to pile plaudits on the in-form Enner Valencia, who has now bagged four times in his last three outings. The summer signing from Marseille says Valencia is a natural goalscorer and was always destined to get back among the goals. He continued: "That's the Enner we know. He's obviously had his injuries but it feels like he's rediscovered his confidence and he's a true finisher."
And he had a special word for young debutant Sam Byram too, who showed no little composure and ability on his Hammers bow, despite being thrown in at the deep end after just 13 minutes.
"I shouldn't think he was expecting to end up on the pitch so early. He absolutely did his job. "I know he ended up with, I'm not sure what, slight cramp, I suppose, but his debut was very encouraging. "It's not easy to come on that early and it's not easy against City and he had to deal with both! Congratulations to him."
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About the SAB
About the supporter Advisory Board (SAB)
WHUFC.com
Originally founded in May 2011, the SAB has been instrumental in spearheading all manner of high-profile campaigns, not least the hugely popular partnership with adidas. Among their many other telling contributions, they paved the way for the introduction of a new digital platform, the digital matchday programme and helped to revitalise the Boleyn Ground's matchday entertainment line-up to the benefit of their fellow supporters.
Most recently and perhaps most significantly the group has played a vital role in informing new Stadium policy, as well as helping to steer the Club's commemorative plans for the final Boleyn Ground season.
The Club are determined to build on those strong foundations and are confident that, with the appointment of a dedicated Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), a new-look SAB can have an even more meaningful impact on the most important matters. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady was a key driver in establishing this fan initiative three years ago and is rightly proud of its evolution.
"We are enormously grateful to the SAB for all their hard work over the past three years and I personally want them to know that they have made a considerable difference to this football club," "I am proud of all that we have achieved together and their input is going to be more important than ever as we continue the exciting transition to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It's imperative to us that our supporters are comfortable with and understand the process, so there will be much to discuss in the coming weeks and months."
"I am proud of all that we have achieved together and their input is going to be more important than ever as we continue the exciting transition to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady As has always been the case, the SAB will continue to be a key sounding board on core issues, while also advising on strategy, not least where the new Stadium is concerned. Additionally, for the first time ever, the SAB and its members are now to be called upon to represent the Club at major external meetings, for example at the Premier League and the like.
For 2015/2016 a modified selection process has seen the formation of a slightly smaller overall group than previous years, but one that better represents the diversity of the Club's fans. Though membership has previously been restricted to Season Ticket Holders and Members, the SAB now has representatives of independent supporter groups, Bondholders, Corporate Members, wheelchair and ambulant fans, and many other representative groups.
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Carl Jenkinson update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Carl Jenkinson injured his left knee during the early stages of Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Manchester City. Unfortunately, it appears that Carl has suffered a significant injury and he will be assessed by a specialist in central London on Wednesday. A further update will be provided when the full extent of the injury has been confirmed.
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Golovkin - I want to put on an amazing show
WHUFC.com
Boxing superstar Gennady Golovkin insists he is ready to headline a major fight at the new Stadium and has become a big fan of the Hammers this season. The IBF & WBA middleweight world champion attended the Boleyn Ground last Saturday and was impressed with the West Ham performance as they were unlucky not to take all three points against former Premier League champions Manchester City. Golovkin has a formidable record with 31 knockouts from 34 fights and is rated one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. And with potential fights against Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr on the horizon, Golovkin has not ruled out the possibility of staging a big event at the Hammers new home in Stratford. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, Golovkin said: "I have heard that the club are moving into a new home during the summer and congratulations to them. This is a big move for them. "I hope that I can go there in the future. Why not? They are beautiful people and it feels like a big family. I have a lot of respect for them. "I want to put on an amazing show. I hope to stay champion for a long time. "I really enjoyed my time at West Ham United and thought it was a great game against Manchester City. "Congratulations to the team for the way they played and they are having a good season. "It was my first visit to the Boleyn Ground but I really enjoyed it and I have become a fan!"
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Cullen confident ahead of cup clash
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Development Squad's quarter-final with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday 27 January, Josh Cullen said their nine games unbeaten run has left them full of confidence.
Cullen fired the young Hammers to their latest win, a 3-1 victory away at Fulham, as he coolly slotted home a penalty which saw the Dev Squad recover from a goal down.
Having won eight of those last nine matches, Cullen believes the Hammers have what it takes to progress into the semi-finals: "All the lads really believe we can go on and win it. We have to treat tomorrow like any other game and keep going.
"It's always nice to have a cup run, we're in the quarters now and everyone wants to keep our run going. If we get the win tomorrow we'll be unbeaten in ten. Hopefully we can get the job done and go through into the semis."
The 19-year-old has been in superb form for the Dev Squad throughout the season, and his impressive performances have been rewarded with multiple appearances on the first team bench.
The talismanic Hammer has recently added more of a goal threat to his game, and this season has four strikes to his name.
Cullen continued: "Getting more goals is something I've been trying to do for a while now. It's an important trait, it's something I've been working on over the last few seasons and it's nice to see it pay off.
"I've just got to keep on getting in those dangerous positions and hopefully I can keep on scoring more goals."
Having made his first team debut in the Europa League before making his Premier League bow in the historic 3-0 win an Anfield this term has proven to be a season of milestones for the avid Hammer.
And another personal highlight would be securing his first piece of silverware in a claret and blue shirt.
Cullen explained: "I've never won a cup in my time at West Ham, this is the furthest I've gone.
"Everyone knows we have a slow start to the season, we didn't win in the first seven games but from then, we've kicked on and moved up the table. That's been down to our sheer hard work, we've always known that we have the quality to go out and win every game, it's down to our hard work."
Despite losing to the Rovers once earlier this season, a pulsating game which ended 4-3 at Ewood Park, Cullen insisted the result would bear little significance tomorrow night.
"Even though we lost at their place, we played well that night; our performance was good so we won't take too much notice of the result.
"We can go out with confidence knowing we can win, that's what we did in the first half at Ewood Park, we need to make sure we can do it over the full 90 minutes. We're all looking forward to the game."
The Development Squad host Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday 27 January, Rush Green Stadium, 7pm. Admission is FREE for all fans.
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City...
West Ham maintained their magnificent home record with an entertaining draw against Manchester City, but Slaven Bilic's men could have come away with all three points.
For the first time in years, there was a genuine sense of optimism before Saturday's game, helped by the fact that we have become somewhat of a giant-killer this season.
I'm sure you'll all remember the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium, where we scored early through Victor Moses and went on to claim the win. Well, the same very nearly happened at the Boleyn Ground.
Just 55 seconds after the game had begun, we were ahead courtesy of Enner Valencia. Cheikhou Kouyate burst forward, easily going past Yaya Toure, just as we have seen Toure do all his career, before crossing the ball low and hard. A fortunate deflection saw it fall to the Ecuadorian striker, who smashed home past Joe Hart.
Manchester City responded immediately as expected, with the in form Sergio Agüero lobbing Adrian and seeing his effort bounce off the inside of the post.
Just a few minutes later, he brought his side level. Having exchanged passes and darted into the box, Carl Jenkinson felt the need to make a challenge, knocking the number 10 down and injuring himself in the process.
The Argentine slotted the spot kick home coolly, and we had a real game on our hands after just 15 minutes.
New signing Sam Byram was forced on because of Jenkinson's injury and even though he had only been in east London for a matter of days, you could have been fooled into believing he had been there for years.
The Essex-born defender looked confident and comfortable on the ball, exchanging some impressive cross-field passes with Dimitri Payet just minutes after coming on.
Payet himself was the main talking point throughout, and he came close to putting the Hammers ahead with what was a perfect free kick. He curled his effort over the wall and it was heading for the top right corner, before Hart flew to his left and tipped it clear. There was literally nothing more the Frenchman could have done, and you'll be hard pushed to find a better save all season.
The free kick was earned when Martin Demichelis brought down Michail Antonio when the winger was almost in on goal. He was booked for the challenge, but it's difficult to see how he wasn't sent off, as Antonio's pace would have sent him through one-on-one.
The second half started well, with Antonio heading narrowly wide from a corner, before Fabian Delph hit the post after his shot deflected off the heels of Byram.
We were largely the better side in the second half, and credit must be given to Bilic, who has well and truly brought attractive, fluid, exciting football back to East London.
The excellent Antonio put us 2-1 with a bizarre but intelligent goal. The ball went out for a throw inside the City half, and Antonio picked it up immediately and threw it all of 30 years, over the City defenders and into the path of Valencia who poked home.
It was a piece of genius from the West Ham winger, who saw that the City back line were napping and took full advantage.
However, Hammers hearts were well and truly broken ten minutes from time, as substitute Kelechi Iheanacho drove into the penalty area and knocked the ball off of two Hammers defenders and into the path of Agüero, who neatly finished past Adrian.
It was a magnificent game for the neutral, but one that we really could have won, with Kouyate heading onto the crossbar with the last kick of the game.
City have their Capital One cup tie against Everton to look forward to next, whereas Bilic and Co. face the red half of Merseyside in the FA Cup this weekend.
Saturday's close affair means that we are still sixth, but going strong, and the idea of European football is becoming increasingly more possible.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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Bilic played me out of position, complains Zarate
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Mauro Zarate has taken a sideswipe at West Ham boss Slaven Bilic on the day that he was unveiled as a Fiorentina player. The 28-year-old Argentine forward was allowed to depart West Ham on a permanent basis having failed to convince his third manager in two years that he deserves a regular place in the starting XI. And Zarate - who managed to score a total of just six goals in a 20-month spell at the Boleyn Ground - couldn't resist accusing Bilic of playing him in an unfamiliar role during the press conference to confirm his arrival at the Italian club. "I'm happy to be back in Italy and to show my qualities with a great team," he said. "It is an important opportunity for me to get back on track. "In England, things were good because English football is enjoyable. But I have to admit I wasn't very comfortable with my role within the club and that's why I decided to come here. "I want to play in a more attacking position. I have already spoken with [Fiorentina boss] Paulo Sousa and he has assured me I'll have that."
Zarate appeared 15 times in the Premier League for West Ham during the first half of the 2015/16 campaign, scoring three times - against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.
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West Ham play down Olympic Stadium groundshare talk
By Sara Orchard
BBC Sport
West Ham say it would be "impossible" to share their new Olympic Stadium ground with another Premier League club without their agreement. Stadium bosses London Legacy Development Corporation told a tribunal they would be open to discussions with Tottenham and Chelsea, who are redeveloping their grounds. But West Ham said they take "priority". Monday's hearing, much of which was in private, centred on whether details of West Ham's deal should be made public. The LLDC is appealing against a ruling by the Information Commissioner to put the full 99-year rental agreement in the public domain. The hearing was adjourned to a date to be fixed, with a decision likely to be made weeks after that second day of evidence. West Ham, who will reportedly be paying between £2m and £2.5m annually in rent, have said they are happy for the contract to be made public and did not send a representative to the hearing.
Cost of transforming the stadium
Of the £272m costs, £15m is being provided by West Ham, with £1m coming from UK Athletics. The stadium will have an initial 54,000 capacity and has already staged other events including rugby union matches and motorsport.
Work has included installing a new 45,000 square metre cantilever roof, twice the size of the original, covering all the seats - it will be the largest of its kind in the world. The local borough of Newham is contributing £40m, and national government £25m, with the rest coming from a variety of sources, including Olympic Park land sales. Retractable seating for 21,000 spectators is being fitted to allow the athletics track to be used in the summer, and the venue will host the 2017 World Athletics Championships.
LLDC chief Geraldine Murphy told the tribunal that West Ham do not have the power to veto a groundshare and that it remains "possible". But the LLDC did say any new arrangement with a top-flight club would need the "co-operation" of West Ham and the Premier League. "As anchor tenant we have primacy of use during the football season and our contract gives us overriding priority to use the stadium, ensuring our fixtures and events are ring-fenced and will always take priority over all other events," said a West Ham spokesman. "It would therefore be impossible to accommodate the fixtures of another Premier League club without West Ham agreeing - a position which was fully supported at today's hearing." There is no suggestion an approach has been made, but Chelsea and Tottenham will be in need of temporary accommodation while their stadiums are redeveloped. The Blues have applied for permission to redevelop Stamford Bridge, while Spurs are planning to turn their existing White Hart Lane site into a 61,000 arena. West Ham are in their final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving about three miles to the former Olympic Stadium in east London.
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West Ham insist they have final say on any Olympic Stadium groundshare
By Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 26/01/16 8:28am
SSN
West Ham are confident they have the final say on any possible ground share at the Olympic Stadium. Speaking at a tribunal in London on Monday, Geraldine Murphy, the finance executive of stadium owners the London Legacy Development Corporation, said a groundshare could happen "if the teams co-operate and the Premier League co-operates". But a West Ham spokesman says it would be impossible for another Premier League club to play at the Olympic Stadium without their approval. The spokesman said: "As anchor tenant we have primacy of use during the football season and our contract gives us overriding priority to use the stadium, ensuring our fixtures and events are ring-fenced and will always take priority over all other events. "It would therefore be impossible to accommodate the fixtures of another Premier League club without West Ham agreeing - a position which was fully supported at today's hearing."
West Ham's London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are currently looking for temporary homes, with Chelsea likely to be away from Stamford Bridge for three seasons as they plan a £500m revamp of Stamford Bridge, although they do not yet know when they will be able to begin work in SW6. Meanwhile Spurs will be away from White Hart Lane for the 2017/18 season while they build their new ground adjacent to the current stadium. But with West Ham spending their first campaign in the Olympic Stadium next season, the club regard the possibility of a groundshare as a highly unlikely event.
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Crystal Palace rivalling West Ham to sign Emmanuel Emenike
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 26/01/16 12:32pm
SSN
Crystal Palace are rivalling West Ham to sign Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike, Sky sources understand. Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that the Hammers had made an offer to take the 28-year-old on loan with the view to a permanent transfer in the summer. Sky sources claimed the deal had hit a snag late last week and it is understood that snag is the interest from Palace. Eagles boss Alan Pardew wants another option up-front and could lose Connor Wickham for three matches after he was charged by the FA with violent conduct. Emenike, who was of interest to Tottenham several years ago, has been playing on loan in Dubai for Al Ain and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic knows him from his time in charge of Besiktas. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week that the club was interested in a striker who had been playing in a "strange" league. "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 in the next seven days, with the option to buy him. "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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No ground share without our say so, insist West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have refuted claims by the LLDC that another club could potentially ground share at the Olympic Stadium without the club's agreement. A spokesman for the London Legacy Development Corporation told a tribunal yesterday that either - or both - Chelsea and Tottenham could potentially feature at the Olympic Stadium alongside the Hammers. However a spokesman for West Ham has told KUMB.com that this is NOT possible without the club's agreement. "As anchor tenant we have primacy of use during the football season and our contract gives us overriding priority to use the stadium, ensuring our fixtures and events are ring-fenced and will always take priority over all other events," they said. "It would therefore be impossible to accommodate the fixtures of another Premier League club without West Ham agreeing, a position which was fully supported at yesterday's hearing."
The tribunal is taking place at the behest of the LLDC, who are contesting a ruling by the Information Commissioner ordering the organisation to place details of its arrangement with West Ham in the public domain. West Ham were not represented at the tribunal.
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We think you understand now!
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th January 2016
By: Paul Walker
It's all happened in a bit of a rush, hasn't it? You have to wonder whether the Davids and Karren write their own scripts these days! The ambition of moving towards a new level with a team playing attractively with belief, confidence and style was what we all craved, and only but the most stupidly inpatient were happy to give it a little time. But there we were in the anniversary week to mark six years of David Sullivan and David Gold's ownership, and our achievements on and off the field this season were being lauded across the globe.
Hot on the heels of being told we were Europe's most improved club this season came Deloitte's Money League table which has us back in the top 20 of Europe's (and that means the world's) richest clubs. Last time we were there--I must have missed it--was a decade ago around the time we were playing in the FA Cup Final and then finding that Alan Pardew would not use properly two of the world's best players. And yes, I know Carlos and his Argie mate Javier had been partying after the World Cup in Germany and were a touch unfit. It all went downhill from then on really, and it has taken ten years to claw our way out of that hole, one that nearly buried us under the ludicrous excesses of the Icelandic owners.
However much I admired Hayden Mullins' graft, nobody will ever convince me that he was a better player than Mascherano, while if Tevez had been given just a little bit more love early on, he might have stuck around a lot longer and maybe no-one would ever have known about the dodgy clause in his contract. Who knows? But here we are, finally getting praise for the efforts of Slaven Bilic and his hungry, ambitious team. Taking Manchester City to the very limit was just the icing on the cake of an eye-opening week.
And it wasn't a fluke. We were unlucky not to win, and for half an hour at the beginning of the second half we played City off the park, much like Liverpool had floundered in the previous home league game. The key now is for Slav to avoid the inconsistencies. After stuffing Liverpool we were ordinary against Wolves in the Cup, excellent eventually at Bournemouth but limp and disappointing at Newcastle. It would be nice to play at Liverpool in the Cup on Saturday just like we did against City, and then carry that character and desire into next Tuesday's home game with Aston Villa.
But that is a really a small piece of nit-picking. What we have watched evolving at the Boleyn these past weeks has been truly remarkable, and we are being taken seriously by everyone, despite producing these performances on the back of a lengthy and worrying injury list. This is the best West Ham side I have seen in many years, they have bought into Slav's ethos, of team spirit and hard graft. It's becoming a joy to watch. And there has been some interesting media coverage too. It's been hard to avoid Sullivan on the TV or in newspapers. The best interview was with the Daily Mail (yes, surprised me too, not one mention of porn barons or rabbits).
Ian Ladyman, another old mate of mine, is one of the Mail's brightest and best writers, and he got some interesting stuff out of Sully. The only thing I took issue with was our co-chairman saying us fans want dreams and not reality. Sorry, I've done the dreaming stuff for more years than I can remember. I want the reality of modern football now ingrained into our DNA. I want proof that the club is being run properly, with a seriously structured business plan that goes way beyond moving to Stratford. I would be more than happy with major foreign investment, I want to feel like Manchester City fans feel. I want to see our team being competitive with the best week in week out, not just the usual cannon fodder. .And our outstanding form against the Rich List big boys has been brilliant, "Super Slav's man" has seen to that. But I have seen too many dreams fade and die, thank you. I want to believe there is not some horrible disaster just around the corner, waiting to trip us up again. Or some thug Merseyside player just waiting to kick the amazing Dimitri Payet out of a game again, so be careful up there at Anfield on Saturday, Monsieur!
The Mail piece implied that supporters are suspicious, even cynical of owners. Too right. I for one have never believed a word agents, players, managers or owners say at face value. I want proof. Sorry for the cynicism, but this game makes you that way. What was interesting about the Rich List was not just how far we are behind the regular Champions League contestants…their earnings dwarfing ours three times over...but the fact that Newcastle were still above us. Now this is a club that has won nothing, done nothing for years. Their position in the list is based solely on the size of their ground and the spending power of 50,000 plus "bar codes" each week. It shows how much more we can improve once we are at Stratford, I concede.
And we are closing on Everton, a club our owners admire for the way they are run with a similar size ground, income and fan base to ourselves The tide is clearly turning for us. It started in the summer when we signed Payet from a Marseille club in a nightmare financial plight. They couldn't match our Premier League spending power, much to the annoyance of arrogant, pompous French FA people, so "insulted" and angry that one of their best players could leave for a mid-table English club. That attitude has probably cost Payet his place in the France squad.
The next step has been snatching Sam Byram away from Everton. Previously when confronted with the Goodison Park club in a race for a player, we would have lost. We were unable to compete financially with Everton, or spin a convincing enough line to turn heads towards the East End. Not so now. Byram admitted as much. And that is what got up Roberto Martinez's nose. His foot-stamping playground " I didn't want him anyway" routine did not fool our owners, they know that the Olympic Stadium is a big draw now, and Byram is the first of many I believe who will feel that way.
And what a debut he had against, in my view, the best English side of the past five years. When he trotted on more than a few muttered, "Good luck son, you will need it." Well he played David Silva off the park and looked a serious player, but after playing over 170 games for Leeds I could not really take seriously the theory that he was one for the Development Squad.
The boy knows his way around; he's 22, not a raw 18 year-old. He will be cup-tied at Anfield, but if we can meet them head on and put up a decent show, I will be happy. Sadly I have witnessed too many of our shockers at Liverpool to be over-confident now. Beating them three times in a season is a bit of a long shot, isn't it?
Now it wouldn't be me without a bit of a moan, would it? But stick with me. Rumours bouncing around the Boleyn on Saturday claimed our last home game against Swansea will be moved to a Monday night by Sky. Now it was never going to be a 3.00pm kick-off because it will definitely be on TV, the club have known this all along, I believe, because if it had been on the last Sunday of the season, TV would have been only interested in the title race and relegation issues. So I have expected a Saturday evening maybe, or a Sunday date. But by shifting the game to a Monday night, it would be a kick in the teeth to so many of our fans. Youngsters with school the following day are hardly likely to be able to go, while the many thousands who travel from all over the Home Counties and the rest of the UK would struggle to get home on public transport. I would expect it to be a real occasion, with speeches at the end and a real party atmosphere. That could not happen if people were leaving the ground so late. For example, my last train home from Euston midweek is at 11.00pm. No chance of making that. I want to save goodbye to my stadium, the memory of my dad and brother, in my own way. Do not try to deprive me of that. I could stay over, at vast cost, but my son would have work in the morning and a young baby and wife to consider. And it is not just the long-range fans. Plenty of Irons supporters from deepest, darkest Essex and beyond would also have difficult, if not impossible, late journeys.
West Ham's owners have gained a lot of credibility this season with the relatively smooth migration to Stratford, and a general feeling that they are doing a more than decent job running the club and slowly solving our financial problem and building a strong squad. So my message to or owners, if this rumour is true (seemingly it was being put about by a Sky employee on Twitter), is 'don't' you dare ruin our farewell party, our wake at OUR ground, by grabbing the TV money. You will never be forgiven if you wreck this historic moment for a vast amount of loyal, long-standing fans. I hope you understand!
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Carl Jenkinson out for the season
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carl Jenkinson is unlikely to play for West Ham again - after it was revealed that the injury he sustained against Manchester City was far more serious than initially anticipated. The on-loan full back is scheduled to remain at West Ham until the end of the season. However the son of co-owner David Sullivan claimed this lunchtime (Tuesday) that the injury he sustained during the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend will keep him out of action for the rest of the campaign. And that, if correct, would signal the end of his time at West Ham - with Arsenal having already confirmed that he will not be allowed to go out on loan next term. Jenkinson, who endured a slow start to the season had been in and out of the team in recent weeks. However better performances of late had resulted in a recall to the first team by Slaven Bilic. But with less than ten minutes on the clock during Saturday's clash, Jenkinson was replaced by new signing Sam Byram after sustaining a knock whilst giving away a penalty.
We'll have more for you on this as it happens...
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Jenkinson to be assessed for 'significant injury'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Carl Jenkinson will visit a specialist tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury which, it has been claimed, will keep him out of action for the rest of the season. Co-owner David Sullivan's youngest son Jack claimed via social media this lunchtime that the on-loan full back, who suffered an injury to his left knee during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City would not play again this season as a result of the injury. And whilst the club itself hasn't been quite so dismissive of Jenkinson's chances of pulling on a claret and blue shirt again, his injury was nonetheless described as "significant". "West Ham United can confirm that Carl Jenkinson injured his left knee during the early stages of Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Manchester City," read a statement published on the club's website this afternoon (Tuesday). "Unfortunately, it appears that Carl has suffered a significant injury and he will be assessed by a specialist in central London on Wednesday. A further update will be provided when the full extent of the injury has been confirmed."
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Crystal Palace rivalling West Ham to sign Emmanuel Emenike
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 26/01/16 12:32pm
SSN
Crystal Palace are rivalling West Ham to sign Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike, Sky sources understand. Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that the Hammers had made an offer to take the 28-year-old on loan with the view to a permanent transfer in the summer. Sky sources claimed the deal had hit a snag late last week and it is understood that snag is the interest from Palace. Eagles boss Alan Pardew wants another option up-front and could lose Connor Wickham for three matches after he was charged by the FA with violent conduct. Emenike, who was of interest to Tottenham several years ago, has been playing on loan in Dubai for Al Ain and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic knows him from his time in charge of Besiktas. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week that the club was interested in a striker who had been playing in a "strange" league. "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 in the next seven days, with the option to buy him. "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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Hammers give Emenike update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham don't believe they are any further forward in the pursuit of Emmanuel Emenike. The club's negotiators are being frustrated at every turn as they attempt to bring the Nigerian in on loan with an option for a permanent deal next season . To coin an over-used cliche this one is going right down to the wire as Fenerbache play hide and seek with the Hammers over the possible switch. We spoke with our top source tonight who was clearly irritated at the length of time and lack of regular contact involved with the Turkish club's officers. He said: "To put this is a nutshell we keep hearing different stories from Turkey and it's probably best to say that we are now hopeful rather than expectant. They are very difficult negotiations but there is still time." The Irons are reported as having an agreement in place with the player but any progress on dealing with Fenerbache looks to be as tough as pulling teeth.
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Man United could Boleyn's last game visitors
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are busy preparing for a final farewell party for the last fixture at the Boleyn ground on the 7th May against Swansea City. That date could yet move to the Sunday or Monday if TV rights holders decide they want to show the farewell spectacle live on TV. However, there is another possible twist to our final game in Green Street with a potential fixture clash with our home game against Manchester United on 23rd April.
If either West Ham or Manchester United progress to the FA Cup semi finals they will not be able to play their fixture that weekend so it will need to be re-scheduled. Manchester United have made the FA Cup semis five times since 2004 while West Ham have managed the one in 2006 beating Middlesbrough at Villa Park to face Liverpool in the final.
If Manchester United also progress to the Europa league Semi finals to be played on 28th April and 5th May it would make re-scheduling very difficult the proceeding week.Manchester United face FC Midtylland in February in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League. A bit of long shot we know, but if all these things come true there appears to be a very real possibility that West Ham v Manchester United could be scheduled the week after when we play Swansea for our last game at the Boleyn ground. A midweek evening game before Sunday 15th May when we face Stoke City away being the most obvious period to re-schedule that match.
The question was asked at the West Ham Supporters Advisory Board this evening by ClaretandHugh historian, Nigel Kahn. The club confirmed there is a remote possibility of the Manchester United home match being the last ever at the Boleyn Ground and if this happened they would move the celebrations and festivities to that game.
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Hammers pay high Jenks price
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham will continue to pay Carl Jenkinson and Arsenal around £80k a week until June despite the player being ruled out of action following a cruciate knee injury. The Arsenal player is on his way back to the Emirates and is set for surgery which will see him out for the season but the Hammers will be forced to continue picking up the tab. We understand from Hammers sources the loan fee, wages and appearance bonuses – not that there will be any of those now – total around £80k a week and there is no escape clauses in the contract based on injury considerations.
Our source said: It's a lose/lose situation all the way. Insurance is not available either because in this business injures are considered an occupational hazard. "We are left to pay his wages, cash to Arsenal, appearance fees and more to agents. There's absolutely nothing that can be done – we have to swallow it.
Meanwhile Jack Sullivan has taken a hammering on a leading Arsenal website http:// www.arsenalnewsservice.com which criticises the way the news was broken on the teenager's Twitter feed and say in part: "… the release of this information should have been handled properly by the West Ham management team.
That means they should have coordinated the release of the information with Arsenal, so left hand knew what right hand was doing. Yet that's a million miles away from what actually happened. I personally don't know what went on in the Sullivan residence in Essex last night. But somehow, Jack got wind of the extent of Jenkinson's injury. And he felt compelled to tell the world. I can't recall the last time a teenager was given sensitive information of this nature and allowed to broadcast it. David Sullivan needs to take his son to one side and give him a damn good ticking off – and tell him, in no uncertain way, not to do this kind of thing again."
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Posh turned down offer to sign Oxford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Peterborough owner and chairman, Darragh MacAnthony has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Reece Oxford in this January transfer window. Adrian Durham and Jason Cundy asked MacAnthony about loaning players from the Premier League on Talkspory radio last Friday. MacAnthony explained "Terry Westley is brilliant, every few days is on to the manager speaking about Martin Samuelson, so much so they offered the young boy (Reece) Oxford, they offered us other players from West Ham because they are so impressed with what we are doing with Samuelson, West Ham have left us to get on with Martin, We want to make Martin into a man now, Martin's is 18/19, there are things West Ham might not do that we do that is good for Martin. You have have other clubs we have dealt with that are a pain in the arse to deal with, they close their eyes and don't care. I have got in rows about it. There you go that is the issue with the game!"
Asked whether Reece Oxford would be joining Posh, MacAnthony answered "No, because of the areas we are covered in, he is probably going to the Championship but he was offered to us first"
Later on twitter MacAnthony added that the decision not to sign Oxford was more to do not being abale to offer guaranteed game time rather that the quality of Reece, adding "Not cause he isn't quality player but game time we couldn't guarantee etc so wouldn't be fair on him."
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West Ham have overriding priority use of the OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
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LLDC finance executive, Geraldine Murphy, told an information tribunal appeal today in London that a ground share of the former Olympic Stadium could happen "if the teams co-operate and the Premier League co-operates." She added "It's a very competitive market, competitors will use the release of this agreement to undercut commercial deals. It would benchmark negotiations at a point. In any commercial negotiation, it's very difficult if you've got an anchor."
A three-person panel headed by the tribunal judge, Melanie Carter, heard arguments from Murphy as to why the tenancy details should remain private. A West Ham United spokesman told Claret and Hugh: "As anchor tenant we have primacy of use during the football season and our contract gives us overriding priority to use the stadium, ensuring our fixtures and events are ring-fenced and will always take priority over all other events. It would therefore be impossible to accommodate the fixtures of another Premier League club without West Ham agreeing, a position which was fully supported at today's hearing."
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Slav to wrestle with Cup-tied issue
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic will be sweating on James Tomkins being fit for the weekend trip to Liverpool given that Sam Byram is Cup Tied. Sam is ineligible following his involvement in the Leeds tie against Rotherham and could leave the manager with a problem on the right side. Carl Jenkinson is also injured but of course given his current form that may be an even bigger issue than injury as the position – which has been a headache all season until Tomkins fitted into the role – is continuing to cause real difficulties. It maybe that fit-again Joey O'Brien could get his first call up of the season. Slaven has admitted he will be taken the FA Cup very seriously which was demonstrated very amusingly in a recent video when he brought gales of laughter from the media when holding an imaginary Cup over his head and insisting he'd sooner win that han qualify for the Champions league. Victor Moses is likely to get a start and Angelo Ogbonna may be recalled to give James Collins a rest after spledndid recent performances.
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£20m Marseille striker target loves Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's summer transfer target, Michy Batshuayi has shown his love for West Ham playmaker Dimtri Payet by posting a message on his official twitter saying Payet, Payet, Payet followed by three love hearts. The social media post by Batshuayi has created further speculation that the striker would love a chance to join Dimi at West Ham and play in the Premier League.
Marseille are thought to be unwilling to let the hitman leave mid-season but that has not stopped some reports in the media today suggesting that the Hammers will make an early move for the striker to scupper attempts by Arsenal and & Spurs to hijack a deal in the summer. The report suggests the player could sign a pre-contract which is like a gentleman's agreement.
The 22-year-old striker has scored 15 goals in 27 Ligue 1 and Europa League games for Marseille this season. Scouts from West Ham, Manchester United and Liverpool attended Marseille's's 1-1 draw with Lyon on Sunday night.
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There is no clear agreement about Emenike
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic yesterday confirmed there is no agreement to sign Emenike with Fenerbahce at the moment. "There is no clear agreement about Emenike," said Bilic on Monday."He is an important player but Fenerbahce may need another striker first, so it's by no means certain that they will release him." He however he confirm for the first time that Yilmaz is on the list of possible strikers. "Yilmaz is a very good footballer," said Bilic. "He's an excellent striker and among the fittest of players. I know him very well and I admit that he is one of the names on our list.But he is not the only player on our list. If we decide to take one striker, then we can take action." Media reports claim West Ham are scheduled to hold talks with officials from Fenerbahce on Tuesday evening as they attempt to seal the loan signing of Emmanuel Emenike.
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Gold predicts we'll keep our players happy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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David Gold is confident the Hammers are set to close the financial gap which allows them to lay out big wages over the next year or two. And that's good news for those of us who worry about Dimitri Payet's future should one of the big boys come calling as the brlliant midfielder inspires this club to an entirely different level. Gold has long declared the big boys will be looking over their shoulders at what's going on at West Ham nd his words of earlier in the summer are coming about much quicker than anybody could have believed. And he said: "As I've said before we are no longer a selling club and as income incrases from the move to the Olympic Stadium we will be in a stronger and stronger position to offer the sort of wages that ensure our players are not tempted by other clubs. "I see no reason why we can't think in these terms. We are aware we have some very good players here and we are heading into a position where we can keep them happy. "It's a tribute to what has happened here over the last 12 months that our players are likely to become noticed.
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Jenkinson" out for season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Carl Jenkinson has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season after suffering an injury during the game against Manchester City at the weekend. Chairman's son Jack Sullivan has tweeted the news over the last few minutes and it seems likely – as is the case with all injured loan players – the player will now be on his way back to his parent club. Jenkinson left the action against City after conceding a needless penalty, converted by the victim of his foul, Sergio Aguero. He walked off a minute later pointing to towards his ankle or lower leg after Slaven Bilic called to him from the dug out. It looked a fairly harmless problem but Sullivan jnr claims in his tweet that it is more serious than had been at first thought. He declared: "Carl Jenkinson's injury is far more serious than we thought and is our for the rest of the season. We wish Carl the speediest of recoveries."
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Mauro Zarate happy with Fiorentina switch after claiming he was played out of position at West Ham
By ROHAN BANERJEE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:50, 26 January 2016 | UPDATED: 16:09, 26 January 2016
Former West Ham forward Mauro Zarate has criticised the way he was utilised by the club after sealing a £1.6million January move to Fiorentina. The 28-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with La Viola and spoke of his frustrations playing for the Irons. He told reporters at his unveiling at the Stadio Artemio Franchi: 'I'm happy to be back in Italy and to show my qualities with a great team.' Zarate added: 'It is an important opportunity for me to get back on track. In England, things were good because English football is enjoyable. 'But I have to admit I wasn't very comfortable with my role within the club and that's why I decided to come here. I want to play in a more attacking position.' The former Argentina under 20 international explained: 'My favourite role on the pitch is to play in a free one in attack, allowing me to roam, one that isn't specific to a particular position. 'I have already spoken with (Fiorentina manager) Paulo Sousa and he has assured me I'll have that.' Zarate joined West Ham from Velez Sarsfield in summer 2014 and had scored five goals in 22 appearances this season before making the switch to Serie A. Zarate has played in Italy previously and was part of Lazio's squad that won the Coppa Italia in the 2008–09 campaign.
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West Ham's on-loan defender Carl Jenkinson set for Arsenal return after injury blow
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Carl Jenkinson's time at West Ham appears to be over after it was revealed the defender is likely to miss the remainder of the season. The Arsenal right-back has been on loan at Upton Park since the start of the 2014/15 campaign and enjoyed an impressive first year with the Hammers. Jenkinson's form suffered a dip this term, forcing manager Slaven Bilic to bring in youngster Sam Byram from Leeds during this month's transfer window. And now it has been revealed by Jack Sullivan, the son of West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan, that Jenkinson will miss the rest of the season following the foot injury he sustained against Manchester City at the weekend. He tweeted: "Carl Jenkinson's injury is far more serious than we thought and he is out for the rest of the season."
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Burak Yilmaz hands in transfer request at Galatasaray amid interest from West Ham
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Tuesday, January 26, 2016
West Ham target Burak Yilmaz has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Galatasaray. The Turkey international has been subject to interest from a number of Premier League clubs this month but West Ham are the clear favourites to land him. Slaven Bilic has already gone on record to state his admiration for the striker and now, according to Milliyet, Yilmaz has told manager Mustafa Denizli he wants to leave the Süper Lig club. Yilmaz has scored nine goals in 19 appearances for Galatasaray this season and has been a key member of their squad since signing from Trabzonspor in 2012. But the 30-year-old's desire to play in the Premier League is well-known and Gala's fans have already accepted the player is likely to leave this month.
West Ham are closely monitoring Yilmaz's situation and are expected to make a bid for him by the end of the week.
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West Ham and Tottenham set for battle over Premier League hitman
Express
CALLUM WILSON is reportedly being lined up for an approach by West Ham and Tottenham.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 11:21, Tue, Jan 26, 2016 | UPDATED: 12:30, Tue, Jan 26, 2016
According to The Guardian, the crocked Bournemouth striker is a transfer target for both London clubs. The 23-year-old has been out with a serious knee injury since September which has hampered his first season in the Premier League. Having played a significant role in the Cherries' promotion from the Championship last season, Wilson started the new term well. A hat-trick at West Ham back in August - the Hammers' last home defeat in all competitions - showed off his potential. Two more goals in his next three starts had him as a leading goalscorer in the early stages of the campaign until his big injury blow. Wilson should return to action before the end of the campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. Bournemouth's survival in the Premier League could well determine whether he stays or not, with the south coast club currently occupying 16th place. Meanwhile, the January arrivals of Benik Afobe from Wolves and Lewis Grabban from Norwich has strengthened their front line. Hammers fans may be reluctant to anticipate another forward with a history of injuries joining, with Andy Carroll once again absent and Diafra Sakho also out until February. At Tottenham, a January arrival in their attacking department would appease title-dreaming fans with Harry Kane leading a very thin striking department. And if Wilson shows more of the same form at the end of the season though that saw him notch 20 Championship goals last term, the London duo could be tempted to move in.
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Sam Byram reveals all on having to sing a West Ham initiation song
SAM BYRAM claims he will be more nervous singing his initiation song than he was on his West Ham debut.
Star
By Paul Brown / Published 26th January 2016
Byram, 22, was handed a baptism of fire in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City after an injury to Carl Jenkinson. But the £3.7m signing from Leeds put in a more cool and confident performance than he expects to when he takes to the mic. Byram, who only made the bench after an injury to James Tomkins, said: "I thought I'd be very nervous but I was almost emotionless to the occasion. "I wasn't excited, I wasn't nervous I just tried to keep a cool head and approach it like a normal game. "I've not had my initiation yet. It's normally on the away trip you've got to get up and sing. 'm trying not to think about it! "One of the young lads when I was at Leeds sung Uncle Kracker, Follow Me. That went down well. I might stick with that one"
Sam Byram "Can I sing? No, I'm horrific. We were in the hotel before the game and I was thinking someone was going to be tinging the glass to get me to do it. "I will be more nervous doing that than playing. "One of the young lads when I was at Leeds sung Uncle Kracker, Follow Me. That went down well. I might stick with that one."
Thurrock-born Byram, whose family are Hammers fans, snubbed a move to Everton to sign for West Ham after speaking to Slaven Bilic. He said: "I spoke to the manager and I really like the way he spoke about West Ham and how he likes to play, and how he could improve me was the main thing. "As a young player the main thing you want to do is get better. He'd identified the areas he thinks I can improve on and explained how he would help me improve on them. "There's the Olympic Stadium, the quality of players in the squad. In training I've been blown away by some of the things some of them do in training. "I don't think anyone gets the ball off Dimitri Payet in training. He is very good on the ball, his dribbling, his vision, his touch, and everything about him. "He's by far the best player I've had the pleasure of playing with. "Stepping up to this level is only going to make me better. I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
Byram celebrated his debut by taking the train home to get the rest of his clothes, which he had to leave behind when he travelled down to sign his four-and-a-half year contract. But he's now dreaming of a European tour with the Hammers just six points away from the Champions League places. Asked whether he thought a top-four finish was possible, ambitious Byram said: "I think so. "When teams like City are coming to play us at home and we're disappointed not to get three points says something about where we're pushing to be. "The players we've got here, the way we perform, it really is an exciting time for the club."
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Tottenham interested in West Ham target Burak Yilmaz - Monday's top transfer stories
SAM LONG 10 hours ago
Evening Standard
The January transfer window has entered its final week and time is of the essence for the teams in England's top tier who are still keen to conduct some business. While clubs have taken a relatively relaxed approach to the window so far, the annual trolley dash could be about to begin. Many fans will be hoping that it will come to fruition as large sections of Premier League supporters have grown to love the frantic last few days of the month. Yet others will be willing their team to resist the temptations to panic buy and put their faith in with what they have got. The White Hart Lane faithful appears to be split into two camps. While some Spurs supporters are keen for Mauricio Pochettino to bring in support for Harry Kane others are more than happy to stick with what they have rather than twist on the unknown. Burak Yilmaz falls into the latter category as the Turkey international does not boast a high profile on these shores. But the 30-year-old has been in fine form for Galatasaray this season, which was enough to spark interest from West Ham. When does the transfer window close across Europe? Scroll over the map below to find out Slaven Bilic has stayed coy and suggested he is not interested in the forward, for now, but new reports claim both Spurs and Stoke are 'keen' on his services.
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Sam Byram reveals his biggest fear after leaving Leeds for West Ham
Express
By PAUL BROWN
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Mon, Jan 25, 2016
Byram, 22, was handed a baptism of fire in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City after an injury to Carl Jenkinson. But the £3.7m signing from Leeds put in a more cool and confident performance than he expects to when he takes to the mic. Byram, who only made the bench after an injury to James Tomkins, said: "I thought I'd be very nervous but I was almost emotionless to the occasion. "I wasn't excited, I wasn't nervous I just tried to keep a cool head and approach it like a normal game. I've not had my initiation yet. It's normally on the away trip you've got to get up and sing. I'm trying not to think about it! "Can I sing? No, I'm horrific. We were in the hotel before the game and I was thinking someone was going to be tinging the glass to get me to do it. "As a young player the main thing you want to do is get better. He'd identified the areas he thinks I can improve on and explained how he would help me improve on them. "I will be more nervous doing that than playing. One of the young lads when I was at Leeds sung Uncle Kracker, Follow Me. That went down well. I might stick with that one."
Thurrock-born Byram, whose family are Hammers fans, snubbed a move to Everton to sign for West Ham after speaking to Slaven Bilic. He said: "I spoke to the manager and I really like the way he spoke about West Ham and how he likes to play, and how he could improve me was the main thing. "There's the Olympic Stadium, the quality of players in the squad. In training I've been blown away by some of the things some of them do in training. "I don't think anyone gets the ball off Dimitri Payet in training. He is very good on the ball, his dribbling, his vision, his touch, and everything about him. "He's by far the best player I've had the pleasure of playing with. "Stepping up to this level is only going to make me better. I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
Byram celebrated his debut by taking the train home to get the rest of his clothes, which he had to leave behind when he travelled down to sign his four-and-a-half year contract.
But he's now dreaming of a European tour with the Hammers just six points away from the Champions League places.
Asked whether he thought a top-four finish was possible, ambitious Byram said: "I think so.
"When teams like City are coming to play us at home and we're disappointed not to get three points says something about where we're pushing to be.
"The players we've got here, the way we perform, it really is an exciting time for the club."
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Stadium Bosses Want West Ham Olympic Stadium Contract Made Public
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/
Published January 26, 2016
An appeal "against the decision to release full details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal is due to be heard in London on Monday," according to Frank Keogh of the BBC. Stadium bosses, the London Legacy Development Corp., have spent about £17,000 ($24,230) "fighting a ruling that the contract should be made public." It "argues the deal contains commercially sensitive information." Last month, the London Assembly "called for the rental agreement to be published in full." Monday's independent tribunal hearing is open to the public, "although it is likely to be several weeks before a decision is announced." At a meeting earlier this month, the London Assembly "heard thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money has been spent in an effort to keep full details of the West Ham deal out of the public domain." Stadium bosses are "worried that if all the figures are made available, it would place them at a commercial disadvantage, undermine negotiations and reduce returns to the taxpayer." Other venues in London, such as Wembley and Emirates Stadiums, do not publicize "all the details of their arrangements." One "big unknown from the deal is who benefits, and by how much, from the stadium naming rights." This arrangement is "likely to run into tens of million of pounds." Other questions the coalition says "it wants answered include:"
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New West Ham star Michail Antonio makes bold claim on Twitter
HITC
Damien Lucas
New West Ham United star Michail Antonio is full of confidence after the club's pulsating 2-2 draw with mega rich Manchester City. The Hammers were twice pegged back by Manuel Pellegrini's side and their superstar striker Sergio Aguero at Upton Park on Saturday night. Enner Valencia struck within the first minute to shock City into life and Aguero won and converted a penalty eight minutes later for 1-1. Valencia struck again when he reacted quickest to a quick-thinking long throw from Antonio in the second half but Aguero popped up to pounce on a mistake in the Hammers defence with 10 minutes to left to ensure it ended honours even. Slaven Bilic's side emerged from the thrilling game, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a lot of credit, though. Antonio has been a revelation for West Ham after finally getting his chance following his £7 million summer move from Nottingham Forest. The Hammers are sixth in the Premier League with 16 games remaining of this most open of seasons.
Bold claim
And the powerful winger feels the result, and the way West Ham played, sends out a strong message. "Yesterday once again proved we can compete at the very top of the Premier League," Antonio said on Twitter. Antonio was one of West Ham's best players against City and many fans felt Bilic made a mistake substituting him for on loan winger Victor Moses with the hosts leading 2-1 in the second half. The hardworking former Sheffield Wednesday wideman was a constant threat on the break for West Ham but also put in his usual graft in tracking back and helping his teammates. One such moment received a standing ovation from the Hammers faithful as Antonio chased jet heeled Aguero down the win, caught him, outmuscled him, took the ball away and launched an attack of his own.
Right to be confident
Antonio is right to be confident too, West Ham have proved this season they are no flash in the plan and have only lost once in their last 10 games in all competitions. How high they can finish will depend largely on how quickly they can get injured trio Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll back fit with the trip due back in action in February. The Hammers will need to win at least another eight or nine games if they are to challenge for one of the Champions League spots, or average around two points per game.
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West Ham aim to agree Michy Batshuayi signing before season ends
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham are keen to beat clubs including Arsenal to the signing of striker Michy Batshuayi. West Ham are pushing to sign Michy Batshuayi this summer, and The Sun report they aim to tie up a deal for the striker before the end of the season. Marseille are unwilling to let the hitman leave mid-season, but in the summer they expect to cash in, claims the report, as they did with Florian Thauvin, Giannelli Imbula and Dmitri Payet among others this summer. It is the Payet deal which gives West Ham the biggest hope it will be them who lands Batshuayi, ahead of North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers have good contacts with the French side due to the way the deal was conducted, and believe this puts them in pole position to sign the Belgian striker. The Sun report they want an agreement in place for the £20 million rated forward by the end of the season, making a deal a formality once the transfer window opens.
It would be smart business from the Hammers, to get a deal tied up before his potential involvement at Euro 2016, which would not only delay a decision over his future, but risk other clubs becoming alerted and his price tag rising. The 22-year-old striker has scored 15 goals in 27 Ligue 1 and Europa League games for Marseille this season.
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A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME
By Bobby Shovels 26 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID
I did not feel as much despair as I had expected the final whistle went and when we drew 2-2 at the weekend. It was more a realisation of what a good team we are; a team greater than the sum of its parts, consisting of bargain geniuses (Payet, Kouyate), old-school stalwarts (Collins, Noble) and Championship players turned Premiership stars (Cresswell, Antonio, and now Byram).
I thought we would hold on, but then, Aguero is arguably the greatest striker in the world and the sad fact of football is that a team like City, who pile millions into their squads, will eventually rely on that quality to pull them through. Never mind their rather turgid performance and lack of imagination; Pellegrini is a man who just has to throw his 11 most expensive players at the pitch and let the rest happen. Sometimes it works, sometimes he gets lucky and sometimes he fails. This time, unfortunately, it was the middle outcome.
Yes, it was two points dropped in some ways: we thoroughly deserved the victory, a game akin to the Liverpool match with the only difference being an Argentinian striker. Yet to look at any game against a team aiming for the title as an unfortunate draw is cause for such optimism and an understanding of the potentials for next season. If our scouting on a minimal budget can produce such quality, with added revenue the possibilities are endless and exciting.
For that is the story of the season, not just its unpredictability but the opening up of the league to clubs like ours who can enjoy a lot more expectation and optimism given that there seems to be a period of transition among teams like Chelsea and United, while others are realising how well you can spend your money, if even your stash is small, and what that could mean next year when the big money comes in from the TV deal.
Again, as I said last week, with City perhaps hoping to win the League Cup and thus their likely top-four finish meaning an extra Europa Cup place may come available, I would like us to focus on a sixth-place finish and a good FA Cup run. It feels the top four pack is drifting away from us and United and that our concentration should be on other areas. I wonder what others think: whether top four is still within our reach or whether we should focus on the FA Cup? Again, as I have said, I would love to see us lift some silverware.
Two other side notes. Is anyone else concerned about Sakho off the pitch? I know previous allegations have been quashed but I couldn't help but feel surprised at him writing off his car during his recovery. It doesn't strike me as someone concerned about keeping safe after an injury and ensuring they are back on fine form, both physically and mentally. I'm beginning to question his mentality behind the scenes.
Finally, there is, as always during January, rumours abound about signings and David Sullivan has spoken about a new '20-goals-a-season striker'. Now, I usually try to ignore all transfer gossip, not because it's not interesting or might be true, but just because I'd rather just wait until a deal is confirmed and the pictures are taken. Now while Mr Sullivan has done some good deals, I couldn't help but be reminded of his comments about Charlie Austin, talking about his injury problems and that he wasn't worth £15 million. I remember at the time thinking, wait, didn't we sign a striker with injury problems for £15 million anyway? And anyway, did that "slur" in Austin's words not sour relations and mean that, when a smaller price was in the offing, Austin was definitely not going to come to Upton Park. Now he goes and scores a winning goal with his second touch of the ball at the price of just £4 million. I of course understand the worries about his injuries and that he may not be able to replicate his one season in the Premier League for QPR, but £4 million? It's certainly worth the risk and one that I am sure Southampton will be pleased with. Bargains are there to be had.
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Sam Byram: the next Championship transfer success story in waiting at West Ham?
By Greg Johnson
Posted on January 25, 2016
Last season, Aaron Cresswell was the new face at full-back for West Ham, lighting up Upton Park with his slick deliveries and attacking runs from deep after impressing for Ipswich Town in the English second tier. After making his debut in the Hammers' opening day loss to Tottenham Hotspur the former Tranmere Rovers youngster went on to play every single minute of every game in the Premier League. His run of 38 appearances was equal to the ever-present Adrian in goal and more than any other outfield player, and he also created the third-most chances in Sam Allardyce's squad behind Stewart Downing and Mark Noble. Cresswell created the third-most chances for West Ham last season. Aaron Cresswell created the third-most chances for West Ham last season. Cresswell may not be in the spotlight as much this season but he has created the second-most chances for West Ham behind Dimitri Payet.
Now, over a year-and-a-half on, Sam Byram looks set to become a similarly important presence from full-back down the right for Slaven Bilić. Following his January transfer from Leeds United, he produced a bright first outing in West Ham's 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the soon-to-be-derelict Boleyn Ground. Come next season, the Irons will be tenants at the Olympic Stadium, down the road from their traditional digs close to where their predecessors Thames Ironworks originally played; a now defunct club from which they still draw much of the imagery and heraldry that surrounds the modern side. A move to a larger, state-of-the-art stadium will be an opportunity to create a bold new era at a new home with an enhanced capacity that could eventually come to offer the east Londoners a foothold in the upper echelons of the Premier League table and the competition for European places.
Byram created 24 chances in 22 games for Leeds United this season. Sam Byram created 24 chances in 22 games for Leeds United this season. Byram is precisely the kind of signing that could help to bring about this new epoch out on the field, both in terms of his image and performance. At just 22, he will have plenty of potential still to mine in the years to come but is already a player good enough to make 143 appearances in all competitions for Leeds over the last three-and-a-half seasons, playing at right-back and on the right wing. He left Elland Road as the club's third-most creative player this season, and with three goals in 22 games, their third-highest scorer. He announced himself to the Upton Park faithful with a debut performance off the bench that offered a few glimpses of quality and plenty of effort, and even ended with the defender ambling through the last 10 minutes or so struggling with cramp in his legs.
While Cresswell benefited from a Premier League pre-season last year, the younger Byram has been dropped into the midst of a fast and frantic campaign that's already under way. Although his body may still need time to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, he showed enough to suggest that, with his substitution for Carl Jenkinson after 13 minutes, he may become a regular feature of Bilić's starting line-ups in the not-too-distant future. Even if Byram is forced to wait, the wages of Arsenal's on-loan right-back may be a little too rich for West Ham to make his move permanent in the summer, and with his new understudy in place and ready to battle for game time, that may now be an expensive option they can more easily dismiss.
Despite the locking up of his fatigued muscles late-on, the 22-year-old's feet and brain looked more than well-equipped to cope with the pace of the game pin-balling around him. His first proper touch of the game came shortly after his arrival on the field, chesting down a wild, hoofed clearance under pressure before putting it the ball on the deck to ping a precise, long diagonal pass across the park over to Dimitri Payet on the left.
Byram's season at Leeds compared to Jenkinson's season with West Ham. Byram's season at Leeds compared to Carl Jenkinson's season with West Ham for goals, chances and successful passes per game. It was a slick, clean and composed first introduction for Byram to the home crowd who responded with cheers. The idea of there being such a thing as the "West Ham way" is either treasured as a legitimate tradition to live up to or a self-destructive delusion by hard-line romantics and realists respectively, but their is little doubt that such confidence on the ball is what many within the Irons' fanbase would prefer their football to be about.
Everton originally lead the chase to sign Byram and much has been made over his decision to opt for Upton Park over Goodison Park. With Ireland international Seamus Coleman currently the clear, first-choice at right-back for Roberto Martínez when fit, the route through to first team football looked far less certain on Merseyside compared to the more easily-traversed obstacle of Jenkinson in east London. The Toffeemen reportedly offered more money but the player's final decision was to move from Leeds to the capital, following to some extent in the footsteps of Cresswell, as reported by the Guardian.
Online comments by former West Ham academy product Rio Ferdinand about John Stones and the criticism and heckles shouted out by nervous Everton fans during games at their young, ball-playing centre-back may rankle but there is little doubt that his former club can provide an excellent platform for players that fit the mould. It's too soon to talk about England call-ups but if Byram can replicate the kind of early momentum generated by Cresswell in his first few months at the club, and continue on a similar trajectory, he could eventually come to stake a claim on the right-back slot in Roy Hodgson or his successors' squads. Byram has some way to go before he can challenge Clyne and Walker but he can more easily compete with Jenkinson than Coleman. Byram has some way to go before he can challenge Nathaniel Clyne and Kyle Walker but he can more easily compete with Jenkinson than Seamus Coleman. Unlike at left-back, where a healed and recuperated Luke Shaw remains the player fated to finally replace Ashley Cole, the opposite flank remains open to challengers with Kyle Walker and Nathaniel Clyne the leading candidates at present. Byram may never be able to ever convincingly displace them permanently but there are plenty of caps to be won in battling it out for appearances through form and fitness in the tournament cycles to come. First, however, the former Tranmere and Leeds starlet must make the right-back slot his own under Bilić – a task that will only be made easier by winning his own highly vocal constituency of supporters within the club's fanbase who appreciate his qualities and his potential.
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West Ham United – how far can this side go?
Posted on January 26, 2016 by Headmaster
claretandblues.com
It has been many a long year since those of us old enough to remember the good times can recall a period in which there seems to be so much optimism and a feel-good factor in and around the club. The contrast between now and the relatively recent past could not be more stark, as evidenced by the message boards of the forums and on Twitter. It was perhaps summed up to me by @mickysz on Twitter the other evening, when he said: "I left the ground absolutely buzzing on Saturday… in 30 years I can't remember a time when I turned up to every game knowing that we could win it."
Much is said about the boys of '86 and rightly so. However, like the National team of 66, inevitably the modern fan is looking for their successors. This current side is not that yet, granted. The potential, however, has to be there. In the current context with our star rising, the imminent move to a fantastic new stadium, potentially one of the most progressive managerial signings in recent history and a renewed commitment to play football in the way we all want it to be played, there have been no finer hours in recent years in which to be a Hammer. More remarkable still is that Bilic is achieving the current accolades without the benefit of a Cottee or a McAvennie. He has had to juggle his squad, using its depths to their maximum potential given that there have been injuries to every key player and sometimes for a sustained period during the season to date. Imagine how things might have been had we had the services of Payet, Lanzini Sakho, Carroll and Valencia without interruption.
It remains to be seen whether or not we are to add to the squad during this window although the noises coming out of Turkey in particular suggest that we just might. If we can add a competent goalscorer into the mix we may just be able to start dreaming about a justified entry into European competition as opposed to the charade we endured at the beginning of this season.
So, just how far can this team go? Optimism abounds. In a recent survey the excellent new Twitter account @WestHamPolls asked this very question with all but 3% of recipients currently expecting us to finish in eighth or above! Incidentally, if you are not following this particular account, get on it. It is run by son of HM and is picking up hundreds of followers a day at the moment because of the quality of its posts and its non-opinionated stance. Follows everyone back too!
Me? I would be happy with top eight, representing amazing progress both in the style of football as well as league table position from a year ago but, in truth, I am struggling to name five sides that I think will be good enough to finish above us.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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