Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic had nothing but praise for Darren Randolph after he earned a man of the match display to help the Hammers earn a replay against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Randolph has been forced to wait patiently for his chance but he showed everyone his quality once again with a number of fine blocks – including a superb triple save in the second half.
Adrian flew back to Spain to be with his wife ahead of the birth of their first baby, but the Hammers boss confirmed that Randolph was always going to start the game and will be the Hammers keeper in the FA Cup this season. Bilic said: "Darren was supposed to start anyway and it was not because Adrian went back to Spain. We wish his wife well. "Darren was in goal against Wolves and he is going to play in the cup because he is a great goalkeeper and he deserves to have his games. "He has never let us down and every day he shows in training what he can do. It was a great triple save in the second half but every time he did well for us."
Bilic had nothing but praise for his players after they managed to keep another clean sheet at Anfield and is already looking forward to the replay which takes place at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February. Bilic added: "We got a draw and kept a clean sheet. We had good defending and we deserved a replay. "It is not ideal because nobody wants a replay at this stage of the season but we can live with one. "It is going to be another great football night with an FA Cup replay at the Boleyn Ground and we are going to try and knock them out."
The Hammers boss revealed that James Tomkins remains a doubt for the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Tuesday night after he suffered a head injury, but Cheikhou Kouyate should be ready to take his place despite leaving the pitch towards the end of the first half.
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Joint-Chairman thrilled with Emenike signing
WHUFc.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is thrilled to have finally secured the signing of Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike and hopes he will bring plenty of goals to the first-team. Mr Sullivan has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with club secretary Andrew Pincher to get the deal concluded after having to negotiate with both Fenerbahce and Al-Ain where he has been on loan in the United Arab Emirates this season. Emenike arrived at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday and is now hoping to be a big success in the Premier League this season. Mr Sullivan has no doubts he will bring pace and power to the Hammers attack and feels it will be another exciting addition to the squad. He said: "I am delighted to welcome Emmanuel Emenike to the club. "We hope he will bring goals and we have an option to sign him at the end of the season. "Our manager knows him from Turkey & Russia and says he is a very good player. He is very fast and you can never have enough goals or pace in any team. "It took two weeks of tortuous negotiations and hard work by myself and our club secretary Andrew Pincher to get the player to the club. It was one of the most difficult deals we have ever done as we were dealing with two clubs not one. "I would publicly like to thank Andrew, as he really is an unsung hero of the club, for all his hard work on this transfer, all the other transfers we have done in the last few years and the dozens we tried to do and failed with."
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Emmanuel Emenike - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com
Find out more about our latest arrival with ten fast Emmanuel Emenike facts…
- Emmanuel was born in Otuocha, Nigeria on 10 May 1987 and began his career in his homeland with Delta Force.
- His professional career took off when he moved to South Africa in 2008, first playing for MP Black Aces and then Cape Town FC.
- After serving his apprenticeship in Africa, a first taste of European football followed when Karabukspor took him to Turkey.
- A highly productive 2009/10 campaign saw him being named the best foreign player in the Turkish 1.Lig, as he helped Karabukspor win promotion to the top flight.
- He also notched on his Super Lig debut, going on to total 14 goals in 23 appearances that campaign.
- Next stop for Emenike was Russia and Spartak Moscow, where the 5'11 striker spent two years, scoring 24 goals in 51 appearances.
- His continued prolific scoring rate took him back to Turkey, with Fenerbahce splashing out a reported £10.2m to secure his signature in August 2013.
- He tallied 12 goals in his debut season, but was on the move again last summer when he joined Abu Dhabi club Al Ain on loan.
- Internationally, Emenike was a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria and also featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- However, after nine goals in 37 caps, he announced his retirement from the national team in October 2015.
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Joey's thrilled to be back
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien made an emotional return to the pitch following a six-month injury lay-off in Saturday's Emirates FA Cup stalemate at Liverpool. The Irishman had missed virtually the entire season to date with a niggly ankle problem, but came through his Anfield runout unscathed, much to his delight. Now, having marked his comeback he is determined to play his part over the closing part of the campaign. He explained: "It's great to be back on the pitch. It's been a long time since I played in the European games in the summer, and coming to a place like Anfield it what it's all about. "Getting on earlier than I even dreamed off was nice. Over the years I've had some bad times [with injury], and people were saying 'you haven't played in a long time', but I had two-and-a-half years without playing before. "People forget that, but I don't and I take inspiration from that time that I missed back in the day. Six months is nothing really, but it is great to come back. "I hurt my ankle in a practice game against Crystal Palace and thought nothing of it at the time. "It was a lot worse than we thought and it lingered on, but it's over now and playing these games is what you do the rehab for. "We were disappointed not to win on Saturday. Very few times have I come up to Anfield and been disappointed with a draw, but we're looking forward to the replay and hopefully doing the business."
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Bilic welcomes Emenike arrival
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says new signing Emmanuel Emenike will bolster West Ham United's attacking options. The Nigeria forward became the Hammers second – and expected to be final – capture of the January Transfer Window when he joined on loan from Fenerbahce on Sunday. Bilic knows Emenike well, having previously managed in the same city as the 28-year-old in both Moscow and Istanbul, and expects the No29 to add versatility and firepower to his squad. "We got the deal done and we are happy and of course he is happy too, I suppose!" said the manager. "We wanted him because Mauro Zarate left for Fiorentina and there is a possibility that Nikica Jelavic will go. "We have a couple of strikers injured, who will hopefully be back very soon, but we needed a player who can play in three positions up front and Emenike has been on our radar. "I have known him for a long time and he's a great player and I hope that he is going to do a great job for us."
Emenike spent two seasons in Russia with Spartak Moscow, the second of which saw him come up against Bilic's cross-city rivals Lokomotiv. In summer 2013, both made the switch to Turkey, where Bilic took charge of Besiktas and the forward moved to Fenerbahce, where he scored 12 goals won the Super Lig title in his first season. "He is not that tall, but he is big, he is strong and he is extremely quick and he is really direct, he is a good goalscorer and he will work well for the team and run the channels," said Bilic, who went on to confirm that the Club will not be actively seeking any new signings on Monday. "We won't be busy on Deadline Day. We are finished. That's it – in and out."
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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen came on at half-time for Peterborough United as Posh secured a replay against Premier League West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. The visitors came back twice from Saido Berahino strikes through Shaquile Coulthirst and Jon Taylor. Samuelsen almost scored himself and bamboozling to Baggies his shot was well saved by Boaz Myhill.
Sam Howes has been recalled from his loan spell at Wealdstone FC after Raphael Spiegel picked up an injury. The England youth international went straight into first team action as he was named on the substitute's bench an Anfield.
Lewis Page played the full 90 minutes as Cambridge United secured a 3-1 win away at Leyton Orient. Page played alongside Orient manager Kevin Nolan in the early rounds of the Hammers' Europa League campaign this season, however it was the youngster who came away with the three points.
A Ben Williamson brace and a Jimmy Spencer goal secured the win which takes the U's to eleventh in League Two.
Jaanai Gordon has joined Irish outfit Sligo Rovers on loan. The forward will join up with his new teammates in time for the start of the League of Ireland season.
Diego Poyet was an unused substitute as the Addicks recorded a much needed win in emphatic style with a 4-1 away victory at Rotherham.
A Simon Makienok brace and goals from Igor Vetokele and Ademola Lookman sealed the three points.
Clarke Bogard and Ross Elsom both started as Tilbury FC drew 0-0 at home with Haringey Borough. Elsom went close to breaking the deadlock with a rasping shot while Brown made a string of saves to earn a clean sheet.
Tim Brown played the full game for Chelmsford City as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Sutton United.
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Ladies beaten in penalty thriller
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies crashed out of the Capital Women's Cup on penalties at the quarter-final stage on Sunday after a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
In the early stages of the game, Avilla Bergin put Spurs ahead with a well taken finish, before Italian forward Romina Pinna equalised for the home side with a rocket of a free-kick.
Neither team could break the deadlock for the remainder of the game, so it took a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner where defender Danni Ritson's spot kick was saved by former Hammer Toni-Anne Wayne before Sydney Hinchcliffe sealed the win for the visitors.
After last weekend's FA Cup second round heroics against Crystal Palace Ladies, manager Marc Nurse made just one forced change to his starting eleven. Midfielder Shirvae Edwards was unavailable for selection, allowing Erika Campesi to return to the Hammers midfield.
A couple of weeks ago the Hammers fell to a different cup defeat away to Tottenham where the score ended 5-0 and Spurs couldn't have been blamed to eyeing up a similar result after just five minutes when Bergin found room inside the penalty box to fire the visitors ahead.
Nurse's side were out to gain victory though and refused to be pushed aside and suffer the same consequences. Pinna, along with new French signing Cindy Ferreira and Whitney Locke were causing the Spurs defence all sorts of problems.
That is where the Hammers' equaliser came from too. After Alexandra Keown fouled Pinna just outside the box, the Italian star stepped up and bent an unstoppable free-kick into the corner of the net past Wayne.
The hosts could have then even pushed themselves ahead on several occasions as the time ticked on towards extra time, but Locke spurned a good opening, whilst Campesi smashed a shot off the crossbar that appeared to bounce over the line before being cleared.
Into extra-time and Nurse's side were the much stronger team and most likely to win it, with Pinna having several chances inside the box but failing to get a meaningful shot off at Wayne's goal.
The referee blew for full time after 120 minutes of pulsating football meaning penalty kicks were needed to decide which team would face Camden Ladies in the semi-finals.
Pinna, captain Katie Bottom, Ferreira, Campesi, Gemma Abela and New Zealand-born Rosie Missen all converted their efforts, before former Palace defender Ritson saw her penalty saved by Wayne, allowing Hinchcliffe to confidently beat Hammers keeper Lauren Picton and secure the victory.
The Ladies return to cup action on Sunday 7 February as they host FA Women's Premier League North side Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the FA Women's Cup third round at AFC Hornchurch, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
Ladies: Picton, Ritson, Bottom (c), Wheeler, Sammons, Abela, Missen, Campesi, Pinna, Ferreira, Locke. Subs not used: Kelly, Hinz, Strange, Smith
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Alex back on Song for the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Alex Song believes he is getting back to his best form and has nothing but praise for the way Slaven Bilic has eased him back into first-team action. Song suffered a frustrating start to the campaign when he was forced to miss the first few months with an ankle injury. But the former Barcelona and Arsenal star has been working hard behind the scenes to regain full fitness and is now starting to show the form which saw him become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground last season. Song was outstanding against Manchester City in the last Premier League game and also played his part in another impressive display against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Cameroon midfielder is now hoping to maintain his high standards when the Hammers face Aston Villa at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night and says the club can achieve big things this season.
Song said: "I am very happy to be back in the team. For seven months it was not easy and the team was doing very well. It was hard for the manager to give me time on the pitch. "For me to get back to my level I need to play every game but it was hard for the manager because the other midfielders have been playing so well. "If I want to get back to my level I need to play. I have been given my opportunity in the last two games and I feel I am getting back my levels again. I am very happy with how the manager has managed me and how the team are doing. "We want to achieve something this year. I want to contribute to the team and when the manager needs me I want to give something back. "We can do more this season. At the moment we are doing very well and we just need to take it step by step. We are stronger than what we were last season."
Song is excited by the arrival of new signing Emmanuel Emenike and feels he will add even more quality to the Hammers attack this season.
The 28-year-old played against the Nigeria international in the Champions League when he was at Barcelona and can still remember the tough challenge he faced at the Nou Camp. Song added: "I played against him three-years ago when I was playing centre-back for Barcelona. He was so strong and I was asking 'who is this guy'. He was so strong. "It is great for us to have a player like this and I am very happy that he has signed for the club and can help us achieve what we want this season. "He is very strong and very quick and it is good to have players like him who can make a difference."
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Phillips delighted with Academy win
WHUFC.com
Under-18s coach Mark Phillips was delighted with both the performance and result after the Academy secured a 2-1 win over Swansea City at Little Heath on Saturday.
Swans striker Brandon Griffiths put the visitors ahead early in the game, before former Chelsea winger Danny Kemp fired the hosts level from the penalty spot after Idris Kanu was tripped in the box.
For the second week in a row, Jahmal Hector-Ingram struck the winner in the second half, securing a pleasing result for the Hammers youth coach.
"I was delighted with the first half and thought it was one of our best 45 minute performances of the season, even though we was behind for a little while," admitted Phillips. "We passed the ball really well into midfield, through the midfield and into the final third but strangely, we weren't creating as many opportunities as you'd expect from a performance like that.
"Swansea seemed to sit really deep in the first half and they allowed us to control possession and play our game in the midfield, whereas after a telling off at half time from their coach, they came out and pushed us back a bit more, which then opened up pockets in behind their defence that we could try to play into.
"In the second half, we had around four clear-cut opportunities to score where you're wondering if it's ever going to go in, but Jahmal popped up with the winning goal for the second week in a row and we are pleased with the three points and the performance.
Since the Academy opened 2016 with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Reading, they have now secured three important 2-1 home victories over Aston Villa, Southampton and Swansea.
Phillips admitted that the Reading game was a bad day at the office and explained how they have turned their fortunes around in recent weeks.
"It was a bad day at the office where nothing went right for us," continued Phillips. "That's not me making an excuse for our performance because we didn't play well and didn't deserve to win that day.
"Steve [Potts] and I looked back at that game on DVD with the boys and analysed where we went wrong and worked on those areas ahead of the three home games.
"In hindsight, it might've been the wake up call that we needed, although we obviously didn't intentionally lose that game. We've come out of it really well though and the boys worked hard to win the next three games 2-1.
"I'm proud with the way that the boys recovered mentally from that defeat and turned their fortunes round themselves, especially because the game that followed the Reading defeat was against Aston Villa who are a very tough and competitive team.
"I was really disappointed in our performance in the first half against Southampton the following week, but then equally delighted with out first half performance against Swansea.
"At the end of the day, it's ups and downs that you get in Under-18 football and the boys will learn more from the game when they experience the highs and lows."
Phillips and the Academy head south to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday morning as they end their regular season with another tough fixture, hoping that if they come away with the win and other teams drop points in their remaining games, the Hammers could still sneak into the top four play-off group in the end-of-season phase.
"It's obviously still a possibility, but we need to make it four wins out of four games first because that will give us 37 points and after looking at the table, we'd need others to slip up to help us out," he added.
"Chelsea are the team most likely of winning the league, whilst Reading already cannot be caught as they are already on 41 points and Fulham should pass our 37 point total with the games they've got left too.
"It looks like that fourth spot is still open though and we may need Villa or Arsenal to slip up in their remaining games, but more importantly, we need to concentrate on ending the season with three points at Brighton.
The match against the Seagulls kicks-off on Saturday 6 February at 11am, with live updates available through the club's official channels.
Under-18s: Matrevics, Eggleton, Rice, Akinola, Borg, Carter (c), Lewis (Sylvestre), Diangana, Kanu, Kemp, Hector-Ingram. Subs not used: Henry, Hammam, Leonard, Coventry
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Hammers play-off hero given his cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te - whose goal sent West Ham back to the Premier League in 2012 - has been released from his contract at Charlton after just two-and-a-half months at The Valley. The 29-year-old forward returned to London at the beginning of November in order to join the Championship side until the end of the season. However Charlton confirmed late this evening that Vaz Te had been released from his contract with immediate effect - with no reason given for his early exit. "Charlton have terminated the contracts of Ricardo Vaz Tê and Franck Moussa by mutual consent," read a statement posted on cafc.co.uk. "Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United forward Vaz Tê joined the Addicks in November, making his debut away at Birmingham City, and went on to make 11 further appearances. "
The Portuguese forward earned himself a place in Hammers folklore on 19 May 2012 when he scored the 87th-minute winner that returned the club to the Premier League - although he soon found himself surplus to requirements following promotion. Vaz Te - who had also been training with Premier League Bournemouth prior to joining the Addicks - made a total 61 appearances for West Ham during his three years at the Boleyn Ground, scoring 19 goals in total.
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Teddy on his toes - after just nine months
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
Teddy Sheringham's stint as manager of Stevenage came to a premature end this afternoon, when he was fired just nine months after taking the role. The 49-year-old former striker departed West Ham at the end of last season having landed his first management role at Broadhall Way.
However his tenure at the League Two club ended abruptly today after he received his cards. A statement released by the club this afternoon (Monday) said: "Stevenage FC have today parted company with manager Teddy Sheringham following a run of results that's seen the team take three points from the last 24 available. "The club are just above the relegation zone with just six wins from 29 games this season."
Chairman Phil Wallace added: "Teddy has had the worst luck I've seen in the 16 years I've owned the football club. Normally we'd have one or two major ops on key players in a season but we've had more this season than the last three combined. "You also occasionally lose points in the last few minutes of games but we've been in this situation in four of the last eight matches. However, we are where we are and the club have to make a change. "Teddy came in having to work on a lower budget than we've had before and the lack of available funds has made it difficult to get the players he'd like. He's given it his all but it hasn't worked and now we have to thank him for his efforts and move on."
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Joey bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have rejected an approach by Sunderland for full back Joey O'Brien. The 29-year-old defender, who made his first appearance for West Ham's first team since last July in the goalless draw at Liverpool last weekend was the subject of interest by the Wearsiders earlier today. However Sunderland - currently managed by former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who brought O'Brien to the Boleyn Ground five years ago - have been told unequivocally that the Irish international is not for sale, according to the Mail Online. In other transfer titbits, West Ham have been linked with a deadline day swoop for Liverpool's perma-crock Daniel Sturridge. KUMB understands that the chances of this one happening are on par with Lionel Messi leaving the Camp Nou for the Boleyn Ground.
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Ox linked with Southend switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
Reece Oxford is being linked with a transfer deadline day switch to League One club Southend United. The 17-year-old central defender, who can also operate in midfield was set to join Championship side Charlton last week but the move was vetoed by Addicks manager Jose Riga. And that has alerted the Shrimpers, who currently play in the tier immediately below Charlton, who KUMB understand have contacted West Ham view view to taking the England youth international on loan for the remainder of the season. Oxford, who has made eight appearances for West Ham's first team this season was an unused substitute for the first team last weekend when Slaven Bilic's side drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield.
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Jelavic set for £9million swansong
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
Nikica Jelavic is set to sign a contract worth a bumper £9million with a Chinese Super League club. The 30-year-old Croatian striker, who only joined West Ham last summer in a £2.5million switch from Championship front-runners Hull City will earn in the region of £60,000 per week over the course of three years by moving to Asia. Jelavic, who KUMB understands will undergo a medical this week is scheduled to leave England after the trip to Southampton, next weekend. He is set to move on a free transfer. Since moving to the Boleyn Ground, the back-up striker has scored three goals in 19 appearances - most of which have come from the bench. Chinese Super League clubs have spent in excess of €135million on transfers during the current transfer window - more than any other national league.
Recent high-profile arrivals include Ramires (Chelsea to Jiangsu Suning), Gervinho (Roma to Hebei China Fortune) and Fredy Guarin (Inter to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua).
Jelavic: career stats
2002-2007: Hajduk Split - 35 apps, 8 goals
2007: Waregem - 23 apps, 3 goals
2008-2010: Rapid Vienna - 75 apps, 31 goals
2010-2012: Glasgow Rangers - 54 apps, 26 goals
2012-2014: Everton - 69 apps, 21 goals
2014-2015: Hull City - 49 apps, 13 goals
2015-2016: West Ham Utd - 19 apps, 3 goals
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Jenkinson loan terminated
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carl Jenkinson's season long loan has been officially terminated, it has been revealed. The Arsenal full back returned to The Emirates last week after sustaining a cruciate injury which is likely to keep him out of action for the remainder of the season And it was exclusively revealed on the KUMB Forum this evening that the defender's long-term loan contract has been torn up tonight.
That move would allow West Ham to bring in an extra player on loan - however KUMB understands that the club are unable to replace the former England international due to time constraints.
And the club's stance is very much as it has been since earlier in the day, when Slaven Bilic told Sky Sports that the club's transfer window business has been completed with the capture of striker Emmanuel Emenike from Fenerbahce.
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West Ham United v Aston Villa
TUE, 02 FEB 2016
PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: Boleyn Ground
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham defender James Tomkins could miss Tuesday's game against Aston Villa after suffering a head injury against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Sam Byram returns after being cup-tied but fellow new signing Emmanuel Emenike looks likely to miss out as he awaits international clearance.
Villa are likely to be without injured forwards Rudy Gestede and Libor Kozak. Carlos Sanchez remains sidelined, while Ashley Westwood (calf) and Alan Hutton (hamstring) are doubts.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Conor McNamara: "A half-full Villa Park for the FA Cup defeat by Manchester City on Saturday says it all. Reaching the final of that competition last season seems a long time ago now. "Aston Villa can concentrate on the league but lamentably they have had more cup wins this season (3) than league victories (2). "And yet, three league games unbeaten is - relatively speaking - a purple patch for Remi Garde. He will be desperate to keep it going. "West Ham's fine season sees them still in the hunt for a European place and home form is crucial. Slaven Bilic's team haven't lost in the Premier League at Upton Park since August."
Twitter: @ConorMcNamaraIE
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde: "We want the same spirit that we showed in the home game against West Ham. We will have to play better football than against Man City, for sure. "And then we have to start stronger in the games. It has been a problem in a few matches. That will be very important."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
There have been just five goals scored in the last five Premier League meetings, with the fixture at Upton Park ending goalless in each of the previous two seasons.
Aston Villa managed a season's best eight shots on target against West Ham in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
West Ham United
The Hammers have only lost one of their last 10 league matches (W3, D6).
They are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League game (W4, D5).
Fourteen players have scored a Premier League goal for West Ham United this season, a joint-high with Chelsea.
Nikica Jelavic has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa
Villa are unbeaten in three Premier League games (W1, D2), their longest run since a five-match streak in December 2014
They have 13 points after 23 games - the only side with the same record to avoid relegation from the Premier League were West Brom in 2005.
Their only away win in the last 14 attempts came at Bournemouth on the opening day of the season (W1, D3, L10).
The Villans have scored just eight goals in 12 Premier League games under Remi Garde.
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Emenike deal a tortuous process, admits Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes new signing Emmanuel Emenike can hit the ground running.
The Nigerian international, who was the club's main January target finally signed in at the Boleyn Ground last night - just 24 hours ahead of the transfer deadline.
And Sullivan, who has worked diligently in recent weeks to bring the 28-year-old to east London was delighted to finally land his man following protracted negotiations with parent club Fenerbahce and UAE club Al Ain, where Emenike had been scheduled to spend the entirety of the current season.
"It took two weeks of tortuous negotiations and hard work by myself and our club secretary Andrew Pincher to get the player to the club," he told the club's website. "It was one of the most difficult deals we have ever done, as we were dealing with two clubs not one.
"I would publicly like to thank Andrew, as he really is an unsung hero of the club, for all his hard work on this transfer, all the other transfers we have done in the last few years and the dozens we tried to do and failed with."
The co-Chairman has been accused in the past of signing the occasional 'Sulli special' - a term coined to describe the series of cheap, unknown foreign players introduced to the club and not necessarily with the incumbent manager's approval.
However Sullivan believes that Emenike, who has scored goals wherever he has played, represents good value for money - and is set to hit the ground running.
"We hope he will bring goals," he added. "Our manager knows him from Turkey and Russia and says he is a very good player. He is very fast - and you can never have enough goals or pace in any team."
The deal - which brings Emenike to the Boleyn Ground for the remainder of the season - includes an option to make the contract permanent upon completion, according to Sullivan. That potential fee is thought to be in the region of €11million.
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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive Column: Our transfer deadline activity explained here
January 31, 2016
West Ham Way.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
So here is my latest column on the eve of the transfer deadline day and we have just announced the signing of Emeneke on loan until the end of the season via www.thewesthamway.co.uk writer Jack Sullivan. This is a transfer that I exclusively revealed was happening two weeks ago here:
http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/#!ExWHUEmployee-another-Transfer-Exclusive-Emmanuel-Emenike-to-join/maip4/569ec6490cf2dd2c16645e3d
He has a lot of potential to be a very useful player for the club. He is big, strong and quick and has all the attributes to fit in quickly in the Premier League. He has been a top scorer at the African Nations Cup in 2013 and has almost averaged a goal every two games throughout his career. The deal does not include a final purchase fee despite what is being reported because we couldn't get his agent to agree to it, which has meant the deal has dragged on. I can also confirm that there is no such deal for us to pay £11m euros for him if he plays 10 games. The transfer has been described by top club sources as "the longest deal we have ever had to conclude" so the clubs hierarchy obviously believe this is a deal worth doing. Thankfully he is also match fit and will go straight into the squad for the Villa game. This deal should give us four very competent Premier League forwards something which we haven't had in many previous seasons and shows the good work of the chairman.
The club expect to make NO further first team signings, something which David Gold hinted at in his tweet last night. The club expect Carroll back in one week and Sakho and Lanzini back in two so do not believe they need anyone. Jelavic will leave to China a story first mentioned exclusively in this column http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/#!ExWHUEmployee-Column-Jelavic-set-to-leave-Zarate-could-follow-Zaza-in/maip4/5692ca580cf263fc5a82916a soon. At the moment we will probably hold onto him until Carroll and Sakho return as the Chinese season is yet to start. Although this could change at ANY point as we do not want to stand in the way of the deal so will cooperate fully.
I can confirm however that Steven Fletcher will not be joining. I regret my "spat" with Darren Lewis over this and it was out of character as such. I have heard from journalists that I respect that he is a decent bloke and have tried to say sorry three times now. I have had a tough week but that doesn't excuse it at all. I wish I had just said I don't think he will join, sat back with a cigar as one follower said and left it at that. Anyway we move on…..
There will be some players leaving especially at youth level. Jordan Brown who was a highly rated youngster who we signed from Arsenal has been on trial in Germany in the third division and whilst he was there a higher league club has noticed him and hope to conclude a deal to sign him. Terry Westley is actively looking to loan out a number of players. There could be some big names such as Cullen, Oxford and Howes potentially getting loan moves. The moves have to be to clubs where Westley thinks they will get first team football at a competitive level as he firmly believes this is the best way to develop a young player with Burke, Poyet and Samuelsen being the obvious examples.
We have also finalised the naming rights to the stadium, something that I have reported in previous columns but due to a few disputes still going on with the stadium it cannot be announced just yet. It is said to be very profitable for the club and the last I heard the company involved will come up with some options for the fans to vote on for the new name. Next year's kit has also been designed and it is looking very nice for the new stadium apparently.
We have many exciting projects coming with the site. Please make sure that you also follow our twitter account which will be providing details of all the latest transfers from across the English leagues plus any exclusive news that we can bring about West Ham. I admit now though there may not be very much to report, especially in terms of buys.
It has been a great window for the club and once again our future is very exciting. COYI
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Liverpool vs West Ham FA Cup replay selected by BT Sport for television coverage
17:37, 1 FEB 2016 UPDATED 17:38, 1 FEB 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Reds face a trip to the East End with a fifth-round berth up for grabs after the two sides played out 0-0 bore draw at Anfield
The Mirror
Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round replay against West Ham will be televised live on BT Sport. The match, which kicks off at 7.45pm next Tuesday, will decide who progresses to the fifth round to take on Blackburn at Ewood Park. West Ham frustrated Jurgen Klopp's side in the first game at Anfield, as the two sides played out a drab 0-0 draw. The German bemoaned the result and the extra fixture, due to to Liverpool's already hectic schedule. They have reached the Capital One Cup final after a penalty shootout victory over Stoke in midweek, and are preparing to resume their Europa League commitments with a last-32 tie against FC Augsburg. "We had the bigger chances but now we have to play again," Klopp told BT Sport. "West Ham have good quality in their team and play well in the league. We tried everything, you need a bit of luck. "I was pleased with the whole team. Steven Caulker played for the first time in his position in defence and did well but I cannot fault anyone, they tried and gave all. "We played much better than we did at West Ham, but we didn't score so it is not over. "[On any injury news] Not now. I was fully focused on this game. The 10 players we changed had the day off today so hopefully nothing happened to them."
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Sturridge? West Ham halt the madness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Ridiculous rumours that Daniel Sturridge is a transfer window target for West Ham are total and complete nonsense. The 'story' first emerged in the Brentwood Gazette earlier this month claiming he could be on his way to the Irons next summer. But various media outlets have recycled it with a new spin today claiming he is on the radar for a late Deadline Day bid. But ClaretandHugh can reveal (if it needs revealing at all) the club has no interest whatsoever in returning to Merseyside for striker with ongoing injury problems after the Andy Carroll nightmare. Sturridge has only played 106 minutes for Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp became manager on October 9 and has not been sighted since the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on December 6, when he damaged his hamstring. So the idea that David Sullivan, particularly given his outspoken comments on AC and Charlie Austen in the past could be tempted, would be entirely out of character at best and entirely ludicrous at worst. We were told few minutes ago: "We know everything gets blown out of proportion on Deadline Day but the idea of going in for Sturridge given our past experiences beats all."
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The £1.3m pound striker gamble
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 1, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
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So we finally got our man, Mr Emmanuel Emenike, although it feels like an anti climax this morning. We reportedly paid a £760,000 loan fee together his wages thought to be £36,000 per week plus a £9,500 per match appearance bonus. With 15 weeks of the season remaining that's an investment of £540,000 in wages even if he doesn't play which is £1.3m in total.
David Gold has confirmed on twitter that Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho should all be fit enough to play some part in the Liverpool FA Cup replay on Tuesday 9th February which asks the important question when exactly is Emenike going to play?
He was not registered in time to be available for the Aston Villa match tomorrow night because he lacked International clearance and so the Southampton away game on Saturday might be his only real opportunity to impress. He is ineligible for the FA Cup replay the following Tuesday.
Let's just hope he doesn't just feature in only one game! At £1.3m for one match he would rival Kieron Dyer for value for money in a West Ham shirt.
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Emmanuel Emenike will miss Villa clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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New West Ham signing Emmanuel Emenike will miss Tuesday night's game with Aston Villa under the Boleyn Ground lights after it was not possible to register him before the 12pm deadline today.
The 28-year-old Nigerian has yet to receive international clearance and until then the player can not be registered.
Like many, Claret and Hugh had assumed the match fit striker would go straight into the squad tomorrow and looked certain to play some part of tomorrow's Premier League clash but that is not the case.
A source close to the club said "We never said he would be eligible to play on Tuesday night, we need to get his international clearance sorted first. We will clarify on WHUFC.com later"
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Bilic has done homework on loan signing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has dubbed Emanuelle Emenike "a good goalscorer and he will work well for the team and run the channels."
And on the basis of that it seems the Nigerian is more in the Diafra Sakho mould than Andy Carroll both of home are expected back within the next 10 days.
Sak has changed his game under Slav to run the channels and move defenders around which creates space for the likes of Dimi Payt and Manu Lanzini. Bilic has had plenty of time to do his homework on a player of whom he became aware via the Russian and Turkish Leagues so despite some of us knowing anything much about the front man the "Trust Slav" slogan must be kept firmly in mind! And the manager – explaining he was signed following Mauro Zarate's departure and the likliehood of Jelavic noving to China – added: " "We needed a player who can play in three positions up front and Emenike has been on our radar. "I have known him for a long time and he's a great player and I hope that he is going to do a great job for us. He is not that tall, but he is big, he is strong and he is extremely quick and he is really direct. Bilic,confirmed the club's business was now done saying: "We won't be busy on Deadline Day. We are finished. That's it – in and out."
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West Ham fan attacked in Liverpool
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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James Tomkins was not the only person to leave Liverpool with a sore head, West Ham fan, Shaun Manning was one of the 3,000 strong away army supporting his team at Anfield but he left the city with a bandaged head.
Tweeting a photo his blood stained shirt and bandaged head he said "Go to watch West Ham in Liverpool and ended up getting hit with a brick 5 times but still going strong"
Shaun explained he was in the city centre after the match when some man started hitting him with a brick several times in an unprovoked attack.
Shaun told Claret Hugh's associate editor "We was in the town centre and some guy was started on every one that walked past him so we told him to shut up and go away, he then carried on spat at my mate and punched him and then run of up the road come back down with a brick and went for me. He hit me five times in the head as we was kinda fighting and went to the floor then got split up and then come back down with a pole and assaulted me again I got stitches and glue in my head were there was like five big cuts"
Shaun had earlier told his twitter followers that the police arrested his attacker and he doesn't believe the attack was football related saying: "The police got him and arrested him that night. It wasn't football violence! I got on with the fans in the fans in the pub"
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A MONTH WE CAN LEARN A LOT FROM
By Benjamin Cronin 1 Feb 2016 at 22:00
WTID
Embed from Getty Images
I don't think I'm the only person that feels like this month has flown by. I've barely had time to digest my Christmas dinner and the January transfer window is about to close. I guess that means it's the perfect time to reflect on what has been another interesting few weeks in the life of a West Ham fan. This period is usually spent trying to decipher which of the countless transfer rumours have a thread of credibility about them, yet for once, we haven't been linked with every player under the sun and it's been a relatively quiet month where we can just enjoy the football.
While there hasn't been much to speak of in terms of comings and goings, the action and talking points have occurred where they should do, on the pitch. The start of the year got off to a flyer as we managed to complete the double over Liverpool for the first time in 52 years with a rather convincing 2-0 win. Next up was a scrappy FA Cup third round tie against Wolves that may not have produced the impressive display we saw the previous week, but the outcome was still the same and that was really all that mattered. The decent run of form continued into the mid-week fixture against Bournemouth where a second half comeback, inspired by a delightful Dimitri Payet free-kick (we'll forget about the tiny deflection) saw another three points added to our tally for the season. The moment the pessimists were waiting for came halfway through the month in an away fixture against Newcastle, with a lacklustre performance bringing an end to a ten game unbeaten run. The final Premier League fixture in January epitomised our season, a 2-2 draw against Manchester City that would have previously been seen a massive triumph but this year, felt like a major disappointment.
Our most recent fixture is one that I wouldn't like to dwell on for too long but is one that proved a point many have been making this season, the fact that we are a team that is incredibly hard to beat. Apart from a dominant opening twenty minutes in terms of possession and a few openings late on (and of course a couple of stonewall penalty claims), Liverpool had by far the better chances and thanks to the new fan favourite, Darren Randolph, we earned a fourth round replay at Upton Park. Given our level of consistency in performances this season, we perhaps should have taken advantage of an inexperienced Liverpool side but we can take confidence into the reverse fixture and hopefully be in the next round to face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Whilst many fans will be glued to Sky Sports News this evening, hoping for that unexpected late night deal that brings a world-class to their club, we have been afforded the luxury of focusing on tomorrow night's fixture against the Premier League's bottom side, Aston Villa. It is most certainly a game we can't take for granted, and one I'm sure Slaven Bilic won't allow the players to either. It seems strange but the worry I have when coming up against a side who it would seem can't buy a win, is that they must be due one soon. I sincerely hope and to a point, expect, Villa don't eke out only their third win of the season at The Boleyn Ground. Failing to win against a side who sit ten points off safety, fresh from a 4-0 drubbing at the weekend, would really be a hard one to take. It's one game that may not have the biggest impact in terms of our position in the table, but one that should be used to cement our position and put pressure on the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.
The old adage goes 'we'll take one game at a time', so without looking too far ahead, just a quick word on our FA Cup replay against Liverpool. Taking place next Tuesday (9th February) and, as expected, being shown live on BT Sport, it offers a great opportunity to progress and maintain hope of winning a trophy this season. More often than not, our performances this season have been a joy to watch and it feels like a great time to be a Hammer. What an end it would be to the Boleyn Ground era to win the FA Cup in our final season there, whilst having our best season in recent years along the way. It may be considered a bit greedy but there's no reason why our league form can't be transferred into a cup competition and with a few bits of luck along the way (and a couple of kind draws), if we manage to progress into the next round, we really do have a solid chance of getting our hands on some silverware.
Embed from Getty Images
It's refreshing to have a relatively quiet month on the transfer front. There is some level of enjoyment and excitement with all the gossip that goes around but if you're linked with players every day of the week, it usually means something isn't right with the squad. We've made a couple of decent acquisitions this month, without shelling out the silly amounts of money that appears to be the norm nowadays. Sam Byram is a player of real potential and someone who has had plenty game time to gain experience in The Championship over the last few seasons. The 22-year-old Englishman seems quite adaptable in terms of the position he plays but will most likely be utilised at right-back, he is certainly a player that I can see being a regular in the starting XI before the end of the season. Emmanuel Emenike is a harder one to call. The Nigerian international comes to our club with a bit of a mixed reputation. Apparently known to cause a stir in the dressing room, if there is any sort of attitude issues, Bilic is the man you'd want to have a crack at getting it under control. At first glance he's a bit of a powerhouse who can certainly finish, with a ratio of a goal in just over every two games. I'll play it safe and hold out before passing judgement on the 'complicated' loan deal (slight confusion over our option to buy at the end of the season, despite it being announced on the official website) but I have faith in Bilic and so should everyone else given his track record with signings thus far.
All in all, it's been a quiet, yet pleasing start to the new year for the club from my perspective. We might have our own opinions on certain players we could have, or maybe should have, brought in but unfortunately, we don't really have that much of a say. We've strengthened where we've needed to and if we manage to start February in the same fashion we started January, there won't be much to complain about. Until then, let's just seen what happens.
COYI!
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Slaven Bilic excited by new West Ham signing Emmanuel Emenike
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 01/02/16 10:35am
SSN
Slaven Bilic says his latest signing Emmanuel Emenike is a strong, quick, direct goal scorer and stated there will be no more deals at West Ham. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes new signing Emmanuel Emenike's versatility will be a big asset for the rest of the season. The 28-year-old striker has joined from Turkish side Fenerbahce until the summer when West Ham will have the option of making the deal permanent. Emenike played in Russia and Turkey when Bilic was managing other clubs in the same leagues and he has long been an admirer of the Nigerian forward. Bilic admitted Nikica Jelavic may be allowed to leave the club if the right offer comes in and, with Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll out with thigh and hamstring injuries respectively, he was keen to bolster his striking options. "We got the deal done and we are happy of course and he is happy," Bilic said. "We wanted it because Mauro Zarate left as you know to Fiorentina and there is a possibility that Jelavic will go. "With a couple of strikers injured still - hopefully they will be back very soon - we just needed a player who can play in three positions up front. "Emenike has been on our radar and I know him for a long time. He is a great player and I hope he is going to do a great job for us. "He is big. He is not that tall but he is big and strong. He is extremely quick and he is very direct. He is a good goal scorer and he works for the team. He goes in the channels. He is a really good player." When asked if West Ham planned to do any more business before the window closes, Bilic said: "No. That's it, it is finished... I think."
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Slaven Bilic warns West Ham of Aston Villa danger following poor display in Liverpool FA Cup tie
22:30, 1 FEB 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
The Irons are expected to beat the bottom side at home on Tuesday but their boss is worried because Remi Garde's men are starting to pick up points
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has warned his West Ham team that complacency could scupper their European hopes. The Irons are expected to beat rock-bottom Aston Villa with ease on Tuesday night and take a step closer to the top four. But, despite a run of just one defeat in 12 games, boss Bilic still had strong words for his sixth-placed team after a poor display in the FA Cup against a Liverpool second-string side on Saturday night. He said: "Villa are struggling, and on the one hand we should be confident because of our run. "But on the other, it's the Premier League, and if you go into a game five per cent less than the red zone then your chances are reduced not by five per cent, but by 55 per cent. "In this league every team is well organised. Villa have struggled, but they have improved a lot and they are picking up points now. "So, we have to show the right attitude. Not only that, but if we play like we did against Liverpool we will have to be lucky to win."
The Midlands side are 10 points adrift of safety and Villa chief Garde said: "One or two new players would have been helpful, but we still need to believe. "I have a strength inside of me. I will cope with every situation I have to. I am proud to manage this club."
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Byram suffers slight knock
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sam Byram has suffered a slight knock and will not start tomorrow David Gold has confirmed on twitter tonight. Asked whether Byram would start against Villa tomorrow Gold "Sadly, No. Small injury. dg"
However, Gold did have some good news saying that Tomkins was included in the squad and Kouyate had a 50% chance of making the squad. Gold posted "Hard to believe but James Tomkins is in the squad for tomorrow's game against Aston Villa after receiving 13 stitches in his forehead. dg" On Kouyate he said "He's 50/50 but I'm hopeful he will make it. dg"
He also confirmed Reece Oxford will be tomorrow's squad by tweeting "I don't know if he will play tomorrow but he's in the squad. (Reece Oxford) dg"
To signal the end of the January transfer window Gold confirmed it was now safe to go to bed "Our press officer Paul Stringer has just rung me to say that our club secretary is about to leave. So I assume it's safe 'to go to bed'. dg"
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Emenike may get chance as AC/Sakho head back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Emanuelle Emenike may not have been entirely impressed by the timing of a David Gold tweet as he signed on the dotted loan for his Hammers loan deal. The 28 year old – coming in for the soon to be gone Nikica Jelavic – was probably unintentionally reminded of his place in the strikers pecking order soon after signing by the so chairman. For DG was keen to explain to followers that both Andy Carroll and No 1 striker Diafra Sakho will be back and ready to stake their claims within the next 10 days. It could of course be that that Emenike may get some game time as the two come back to full fitness but clearly the duo are seen as the pair to reclaim their places up front. Despite that the Nigerian could easily get an early chance to impress as with neither fit for Tuesday night's game against Villa, an opportunity may be beckoning. "We were told: "Unlike many of these winter loan signings, he's been playing regularly and is fit and ready to go if required."
DG had tweeted in the meantime: "Shortly after the window closes we will see the return of Andy, Manuel and Diafra. All could play some part in the Liverpool game. dg" And a top source has told ClaretandHugh several times over past days as the deal stalled and stuttered: "This signing is a safety net against injury with Jelavic leaving. His deal in China looks done and dusted before the start of their season in February. "We are committed to spending between £20- £25 million on a top striker in the summer but we will take a good look at Emanuelle when the opportunity arises between now and the end of the season and then make a decision on whether we make him permanent."
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"Half of Europe" chasing top Irons target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are fully aware that they have competition "right across Europe" for the top Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi. Whilst the loan arrival of Emanuelle Emenike has been preoccupying the Hammers headlines, the real hard work has been concentrated on Batshuayi during January. We were told early in the window that with things being very quiet most concentration would be on lining up the main summer signing – that 20 goal striker who has eluded us for so many years. With relationships good with the French club from the signing of Dimitri Payet, the Irons have been in conversations over the last two or three weeks. But it's been clear for some time that clubs right across Europe are into the player who has so far managed 21 goals in 26 games for Marseille. We were told: "It's well known that he loves playing with Payet and has made his appreciation of the player very clear. You look for every edge you can get. "But it's already very clear that half of Europe want the lad and it will be a very tough fight."
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Ticket office struggles under Liverpool demand
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's ticket office hotline and website is struggling under heavy demand this morning as fans scramble for tickets for the FA Cup replay against Liverpool on Tuesday 9th February.
It appears Liverpool have been given the whole of the Sir Trevor Brooking Lower and Upper stands which have 5,900 seats so Season Ticket Holders in those stands will need to relocate to other parts of the stadium. Season ticket holders wanting to choose their seats online are being greeted by a message on the website saying you are in a queue but they are able to get in to the website after a wait of about ten minutes when Claret and Hugh tried this morning. Callers to the 10p per minute telephone hotline are less fortunate and when we tried to call this morning around 9.45am we were placed as Number 64 in the queue with an estimated wait time of 33 minutes! Tickets have been priced for Season Ticket Holders at £20 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-21s £10 and £5 for the Under-16s. Non-Season Ticket Holders will pay £25 for Adults, £15 for Over-65s and Under-21s £15 and £10 for Under-16s. Members will get a chance to buy tickets on Wednesday 3rd February and it will go on General Sale on Thursday 4th February if any seats remain by then. Many areas of the Boleyn Ground have already sold out for the Tuesday game and there remains limited availability in the remaining sections of the ground this morning.
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Sullivan confirms option to buy Emenike
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2016 in Whispers
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David Sullivan believes loan signing Emmanuel Emenike will bring a new pace and power element to the Irons attack. And he spurned suggestions there is no option to buy the player at the end of the season confirming ClaretandHugh's reports declaring: "I am delighted to welcome Emmanuel Emenike to the club. We hope he will bring goals and we have an option to sign him at the end of the season." Speaking to the official site DS explained: "Our manager knows him from Turkey and Russia and says he is a very good player. He is very fast and you can never have enough goals or pace in any team. "It took two weeks of tortuous negotiations and hard work by myself and our club secretary Andrew Pincher to get the player to the club. It was one of the most difficult deals we have ever done as we were dealing with two clubs not one. "I would publicly like to thank Andrew, as he really is an unsung hero of the club, for all his hard work on this transfer, all the other transfers we have done in the last few years and the dozens we tried to do and failed with."
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Aston Villa, Swansea and Bournemouth consider bid for former Manchester United prodigy Ravel Morrison
Ex-Manchester United man Ravel Morrison could leave Serie A side Lazio
Morrison swapped east London for Rome last season on a free transfer
However, Morrison has only featured six times for the club since his move
Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Swansea are all considering a deal for him
Follow all the latest transfer deadline day news here
By LAURIE WHITWELL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:55, 1 February 2016 | UPDATED: 11:02, 1 February 2016
Ravel Morrison is potentially on the move from Lazio. The former Manchester United prodigy and West Ham player is on the market and being considered by Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Swansea, Torino and Sampdoria. Morrison, who turns 23 on February 2, has been offered to clubs after making only six appearances for Lazio this season. He moved to Italy last summer after leaving West Ham on a free following a loan spell at Cardiff of only seven games. He has failed to live up to the hype that surrounded him in early days at Old Trafford, or the dazzling form he showed under Sam Allardyce at the start of the 2013-14 season - but managers in need of a creative spark may take the gamble. Lazio manger Stefano Pioli is open to letting Morrison go and the player himself suggested a departure by posting a message on Twitter that read: 'January...' The chance of a Premier League return depends on whether Villa, Bournemouth or Swansea believe his potential can be extracted.
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West Ham transfer news: Slaven Bilic admits there is a 'possibility' Nikica Jelavic could leave the Hammers today
SAM LONG 10 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has admitted there is a 'possibility' Nikica Jelavic could leave West Ham on transfer deadline day. The 30-year-old joined the Hammers from Hull City as recently as last summer but has struggled for regular football in recent months. The striker has started just one Premier League game this season and is set to slip even further down the east Londoners' pecking order after Emmanuel Emenike's arrival on loan. Bilic has confirmed he completed a deal for the Nigerian not only to provide cover for the injured members of his front line but also in preparation for Jelavic's potential departure. "We got the deal done and we are happy - of course," he told Sky Sports News. "We wanted him because [Mauro] Zarate left to Fiorentina and there is a possibility [Nikica] Jelavic will go. "With a couple of strikers injured still - hopefully they will be back very soon - we just needed a player who can play in three positions up front and Emenike has been on our radar. "I have known him for a long time. He's a great player and I hope he can do a good job for us."
Emenike, who has won 37 caps for the Super Eagles, arrives from Turkish club Fenerbahce and West Ham have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer. Bilic, meanwhile, expects the forward to be the last player to arrive at Upton Park during the current transfer window. When asked whether he expected to be busy for the remainder of the day the Croatian manager replied: "No. That's it. It's finished."
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Striker: What I think of former rival Slaven Bilic after done deal
NIGERIA striker Emmanuel Emenike says the opportunity to finally work with manager Slaven Bilic rather than against him convinced him to join West Ham.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 08:52, Mon, Feb 1, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:04, Mon, Feb 1, 2016
Express.co.uk
Emenike, 28, has agreed a loan move at the Hammers from Turkish club Fenerbahce until the end of the season. He has the chance to make it a permanent move in the summer, when West Ham will be preparing to move into the Olympic Stadium. Emenike has twice played against rival teams managed by Bilic, in Moscow and in Istanbul. And the 6ft forward explained to West Ham TV why he decided to move to the Premier League. "I'm very, very happy and very, very excited that I'm here," Emenike said. "I have always known West Ham as a great club. I've always been watching them. "West Ham's a great club and I'm happy to be here. "I've known him [Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we've known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him. "We've followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together." Emenike has replaced Mauro Zarate at Upton Park, while he will also provide cover for Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho.
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Emmanuel Emenike explains what he will bring to West Ham after loan switch
London 24
07:48 01 February 2016
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Nigeria centre-forward Emmanuel Emenike on loan for the rest of the season from Fenerbahce. 0 The 28-year-old hopes to have an instant impact for Slaven Bilic's squad, having known the Irons manager from his spells coaching in Russia and Turkey. "I have always known West Ham as a great club. I have always been watching them. West Ham's a great club and I am very, very happy and very, very excited that I am here," Emenike told West Ham TV. "I've known him (Bilic) for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we have known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him. "We have followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together." Emenike added: "That is why I am here, to always be in the first XI, always try to make the fans happy and to make myself happy. I really hope it works out. "The Premier League is the best in the world, it is everyone's dream to come and play here. I am excited to be here. "But it is not always just about the player, it is team work and it is all about us as a team. I am here to play with the team and work with the team." Emenike, capped 37 times by the Super Eagles, spent part of this season on a loan spell at Arabian Gulf League side Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates. The Hammers have the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer, and the forward will provide some welcome attacking options for Bilic with Andy Carroll currently sidelined again by injury.
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Why West Ham have already won the transfer window after signing Sam Byram and Emmanuel Emenike
Julian Shea for Metro.co.uk
Monday 1 Feb 2016 8:35 am
To buy or not to buy, that is the transfer window question – but if you are West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, the answer is neither; borrow instead. The last few hours before the closing of the window can resemble a Christmas Eve afternoon trolley dash, with clubs who have failed to plan ahead grabbing whatever they can off the shelves, regardless of quality, whilst more organised shoppers go in armed with a list of exactly what they want and how much they have to spend, and generally faring better.
Mercifully, Irons fans find their manager in the latter camp. With his biggest problem at the start of January – a right back – solved by the purchase of Sam Byram from Leeds (a piece of business which is now all the more commendable given Carl Jenkinson's serious injury and James Tomkins's new penchant for picking up facial injuries), the only place where Bilic's squad could be improved was up front. And rather handily, he has done just that.
With Enner Valencia newly fit and in in form, and Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini all approaching a return to fitness, arguably the Irons did not really have to be active in this transfer window, but given the extremely promising position in which they find themselves – sixth in the table, still in the FA Cup, and with a favourable run of fixtures in February to consolidate things – Bilic has decided to go for it by bulking up his options up front.
Attack, it would appear, is the best form of attack – and after years of watching West Ham teams with an approach of concentrating on avoiding defeat, and regarding anything else as a bonus, this is a wonderfully refreshing approach. So welcome to the club, on loan, Emmanuel Emenike.
Although someone with no experience in England, the Nigerian comes to Upton Park having proven himself in plenty of other demanding arenas, including the World Cup, Champions League and Russian and Turkish domestic leagues, both during times when Bilic was coaching in the same competitions, so he is clearly something of a known quantity to the manager, if not to West Ham fans.
All of these achievements explain why, although names like Demba Ba, Galtasarary's Burak Yilmaz and – rather bizarrely – Sunderland's Steven Fletcher were in the mix at various times, Bilic has had his sights on his man for some time, and has managed to complete the deal safely in advance of the deadline.
On Monday, other teams and managers may scrabble through the bargain bins and the shelves of over-priced but unsold players, throwing their money around as the potentially season-deciding seconds tick away.
West Ham fans, on the other hand, can sit back with a degree of satisfaction and enjoyment and be happy with the improvements that their manager has managed to make to the side. Byram at the back, and now Emenike at the front. What West Ham needed is exactly what they have got. The ideal transfer window upgrade.
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REPORT FROM THE SUPPORTERS' ADVISORY BOARD
By Iain Dale 31 Jan 2016 at 22:53
WTID
Safe Hands reports from the Supporters Advisory Board
Embed from Getty Images
Despite having an agenda for this meeting, we didn't get anywhere near it as the Q&As took up all the time so they've been scheduled for the next meeting (which will be sooner rather than later). Karren Brady was due to do an introduction but unfortunately she had to leave early on club business to get to City airport – despite our questions of where she was headed, they repeated 'on club business' … I'll leave you to fill in the blanks :)
I haven't put the full detail of each discussion as this would be a very long article so I've summarised and hopefully included the salient points:
Olympic Stadium
• When asked about the ground sharing, the response was that no ground sharing has been proposed – the club's needs must come first and it's not practicable for another PL club to share it with us.
• Travel to the ground – the club will publish all this info idc but they have discussed travel discounts with railway companies but it's proving hard to pin them down especially if they're about to reapply for their franchise. FYI Westfields are building another car park.
• The club were asked about the travel and access for disabled fans and those with mobility issues/infirmities. Cohesive information will be released idc but here's a few snippets: there will be 50 disabled car parking spaces (20 at the Boleyn); 253 wheelchair spaces in the OS; large passenger lifts; a recent BBC accessibility survey to stadia says it will be 2nd best in the country.
• West Ham take over the occupancy of the ground on 26 June.
• Naming rights – it hasn't been agreed as yet but it will be announced idc by E20/LLDC.
• Delaware North will be the caterers and the prices won't be as inflated as during recent events. The food concession stands will open earlier although they won't necessarily be open the whole time the game is on as people will then be getting up and shuffling along the seated fans to get out. Food will be available after the game if there's the demand.
• Champions Place stones will be laid in June and those that were purchased together will be laid together. The statue will also move there and something will be put in its place in the area. However, it may not be at the same location as Newham are thinking of changing that road junction.
• Concerns were raised about standing. As the OS is a 'family stadium' there are no family sections, so there will be children everywhere and people who don't stand could be mixed with those that usually do. Standing is not permitted and it'll be for people to ask other supporters to sit down and/or the stewards to be involved.
• The club are speaking to the sponsors about what can be done outside the stadium in the QE Park – Aston Villa were mentioned as they do a lot for kids before the game.
Ticketing
• Priority points will stay the same, ie 1 point for every away game attended.
• Nothing will happen to the current phone or online ticketing system this season. There will be a new system next season and you will be able to view things such as priority points and credits online.
Other points
• There are lots of groups represented at the SAB, and newly represented is Pride of Irons. It's a LGBT group founded a year ago (we had someone from it who wrote an article on here) and they'll be a point of contact for assisting the club with national initiatives as well as supporting them on issues that may arise. For information, you can search for them on Facebook or you can look at their Twitter account @PrideofIrons.
• Support was requested for the club to consider what can be done to help fans with autism. The club reported that they have had meetings with the National Autistic Society to see what can be done now and at the OS.
• The First Team and Academy will swap training grounds at the end of the season – Little Heath will not change.
• The Academy: the club are planning for growth and they hope to get Terry Westley to the next SAB; the latest the matches can kick off is 19.00 due to the players' age; the remainder of their games will not move to the Boleyn so as to protect the pitch.
• They will investigate why there aren't as many female security guards at the turnstiles.
• The last game – the club have had discussions with the PL and Sky so they know where we stand. However, if we or Man U progress in the FA Cup, that game could be moved which may result in that one being the last game at the Boleyn.
• The official site has audio commentary for all the games … except the recent Wolves game as the provider's systems failed which affected not only us but other clubs.
• Matchday programme is available online from 9 am on the day of the match but it will now be available from midnight if not earlier.
• There's to be a review of what's shown on the coaches as there's a limit to how many Only Fools and Horses you can watch!
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Sam Byram: West Ham boss Slaven Bilic did his homework - it was as if he had studied me
INTERVIEW - Sam Byram signed for West Ham instead of Everton because of Slaven Bilic's eye for detail, he tells Jason Burt
Jason Burt By Jason Burt6:48PM GMT 31 Jan 2016
Telegraph.co.uk
It has been a blur for Sam Byram but the moment when he decided to sign for West Ham United was a point of stillness in that "whirlwind". It came after the West Ham manager, Slaven Bilic, sat him down and analysed the way Byram played in almost forensic detail. "It was as if he had studied me and knew exactly what I was good at and what I could improve on," Byram said.
"I just liked the way he spoke, the way he spoke about the club and how he did things. That was the feeling I got. He had really done his homework on me with a real attention to detail – the number of games he had watched that I had played in, the areas where I could improve. It made me feel that under him I was going to get better."
The 22-year-old chose West Ham over Everton – he even met manager Roberto Martínez to discuss personal terms after a £3.7 million fee was agreed – but, he revealed, there were also other Premier League clubs interested when Leeds United decided to sell in the January transfer window with Byram's contract up in the summer.
"It was the biggest decision I have had to make in my life up until now," Byram said. "There were a few sleepless nights thinking about the different things but when it came down to it and I had spoken to the manager and with what he said and with the new stadium, then I had to choose here."
West Ham's move to the 54,000-seat Olympic Stadium at Stratford was indeed a factor for Byram and may become a significant bargaining chip for the ambitious club when it comes to acquiring other players; as is the presence of Bilic and the style of football he wants. Plus, Byram says, Aaron Cresswell.
"Obviously he [Cresswell] came from the Championship [signed for £2 million from Ipswich Town in July 2014] and has done unbelievably well. So to see that pathway from there to the first team and into the Premier League gives me confidence," Byram said during this, his first, newspaper interview since the move.
West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium played a big part in Byram's decision
"The Olympic Stadium is a huge factor as well – the thought of playing in front of so many fans in an iconic stadium in London. I already knew about it but they said it's going to be an unbelievable time to play for the club and in front of so many people. So it was a factor but, to be honest, it really came down to the football side of things. That was the major point – the style of football, the way I can get better, the chance of fighting for my place.
"We are sixth in the table and there is the chance of Europa League or even Champions League football. And the squad are doing unbelievably well. Everything about it is moving in the right direction."
Bilic said Byram was bought for the future. The full-back made the bench for West Ham's home fixture against Manchester City but was soon in the team with Carl Jenkinson injured. Jenkinson has now returned to Arsenal, having sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury, and is out for the rest of the season. So an immediate opportunity has opened up for Byram, who was cup-tied for the FA Cup fixture at Liverpool on Saturday, having played for Leeds in the third round, but is hoping to start against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
First that debut. "It's probably been one of the best weeks of my life – from joining the club to getting my Premier League debut. It's been a whirlwind," Byram says. "I think I did all right given the circumstances. I had not trained a lot because of the transfer and then to come on against one of the best teams in the league…"
Byram made his Hammers' debut against Man City
Byram cramped up badly near the end: "I was hobbling. I think it was a combination of the occasion, a few nerves, taking its toll physically because I normally run a lot further than I did in that game."
Was it any different? "I think on the ball it almost felt a bit easier. Just in terms of the movement of the players, you've got a lot more options, the way you can pass the ball. The main difference was when they [City] had the ball around our box, then the pace at which they move it, the one-twos, that was a big difference compared to the Championship."
Despite his delight at the move it was a wrench to leave Leeds, who Byram had joined aged 10. "It's a huge club with a massive fan-base. You see it every away day with the number of fans they take. The training ground, the stadium, everything about it is a big club.
"But I am 23 this year. You see young players getting their chance in the Premier League and that is my dream also and I was given the chance to come and fight for a place at West Ham and it was something that I could not turn down. It was definitely the right time for me to move."
And, in a sense, move back home, also. Byram, with a distinctive Yorkshire accent, is actually from Essex. He was born in Thurrock and lived there for the first two years of his life. "My dad then got a job in York, in a bank, so we moved up north and I have been there ever since.
"My mum's side of the family live in Eltham [south-east London]– my uncle, auntie and three cousins. They are all big West Ham fans and are season-ticket holders. It didn't influence my decision because it was really all about the football but it was an added bonus."
Despite his talent and versatility, and despite the fact a number of Premier League clubs have been tracking him, Byram has not yet represented England at any level. "I was meant to go to the under-20 World Cup [in 2013] and went to the training camp but had to pull out because of an injury, which I was gutted about. Since then I think there have been players in my position who are already in the Premier League and who are then naturally going to get picked over someone in the Championship. But I am working hard and it [playing for England] is another goal. It's something I want to achieve..
"There's Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard who have proved that if you get a few good games in the Premier League and do well for your club, then you can have a shot at being called up."
That, Byram hopes, is for the future. "I am just very proud at how far I have come," he says, having signed a 4½-year contract at West Ham. From being in the academy at Leeds, putting an unbelievable amount of hard work in, to get to where I am today. I am just glad it is starting to pay off."
Sam Byram is a part-time trader on eToro, the world's leading social trading network. As an Official Partner of West Ham Utd, Byram is donating the money to The Moore Family Foundation at the end of the season. www.eToro.com
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