Daily WHUFC News - II 9th February 2016

Ron Greenwood - 1921-2006
WHUFC.com

Tonight marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of legendary West Ham United manager – Ron Greenwood CBE. The late Greenwood oversaw the development of the Academy of Football through the early 1960s, helping the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Ronnie Boyce and many more fulfil their potential in a first-team shirt. Under Greenwood, a keen follower of the techniques and methods used by leading European clubs, West Ham won the FA Youth Cup in 1963, with a team that included John Sissons, Harry Redknapp and four-goal final hero Martin Britt. The following year, Sissons was in the senior side that beat Preston North End 3-2 at Wembley to win the FA Cup for the first time in the Club's history – with Academy graduate Boyce scoring a last-minute winner. The following year was Greenwood's pièce de résistance, as West Ham produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat West German Cup winners 1860 Munich and win the European Cup Winners' Cup – with striker Alan Sealey scoring both goals. Another of Greenwood's greatest achievements was turning Hurst from a wing-half into one of the finest centre forward English football has ever seen – one that netted 249 goals for the Club. In 1974, Greenwood moved 'upstairs' and appointed another home-grown product, John Lyall, as his successor. The pair combined to guide West Ham to a second FA Cup triumph in 1975 – 2-0 over Moore's Fulham. Two years later, the great man ended 15 years at the Boleyn Ground when he was appointed England manager, guiding the Three Lions to Euro 1980 and the 1982 FIFA world Cup finals – their first since 1970. Ron Greenwood passed away on 9 February 2006, aged 84.
Tonight, the late, great former Hammers and England boss will be remembered as a number of his former charges get together at the Boleyn Ground in his memory - John Ayris, Eddie Bovington, Peter Brabrook, Martin Britt, Terry Connelly, Roger Cross, Brian Dear, Alan Dickie, John Dryden, David James, Mick McGiven, Eddie Presland and Peter Shearing.

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West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com

Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the Club over a new contract. However, the Club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly. Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the Board, manager and fans since he joined the Club in the summer.

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Cresswell dreams of FA Cup glory
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell would love to fulfil a boyhood dream of winning the FA Cup and hopes to play his part in another famous victory over Liverpool this season. Cresswell still has fond memories of the Hammers emphatic 3-0 win over the Merseyside Club at Anfield back in August and was also part of the team that beat the Reds 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground at the start of 2016.
After being held to a goalless draw at Anfield ten-days ago, the talented full-back knows the Hammers stand a big chance of making it through to the Fifth Round of the competition.
Despite the importance of finishing well in the Premier League, Cresswell insists the players are also desperate to do well in the Emirates FA Cup this season and would love to help West Ham win major silverware. Cresswell said: "It's still one of the best cups in which a player can be involved. Certainly, when I grew up, kicking a ball around the streets, I was always trying to score the winning goal in an FA Cup Final. "For me and especially the other English lads it's especially important and it hasn't lost any of its attraction. "Growing up I was a Liverpool fan, especially when they had players like Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard. It was good then to be a Liverpool supporter but things have changed now. I'm at West Ham now and we want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup. "There's not many of my family and friends coming down for this one but I'm sure they will be watching on TV. I do have a few mates travelling down but hopefully we can upset a few and progress through the next round. "Everyone wants the best of both worlds I suppose, we want to finish high up in the Premier League and win the FA Cup Final. If you ask any of the lads though, if they had the chance of getting to Wembley but sacrificing a league position or two – I'm sure they would snap your hand off."

Cresswell is hoping the Hammers will bounce straight back from the disappointing 1-0 defeat against Southampton on Saturday and knows the start to the game will be crucial for both teams.
He added: "There's a few games this season where we've started slowly. We can't put a finger exactly on what it is but it's not what we want to be doing. If you start slowly then sometimes you can't recover. "After the game we were disappointed but there's still plenty of reasons to be positive. "We're sixth in the Premier League, we've lost just two in the last 13 and we're still in the Cup. There's a lot to look forward to."

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ExWHUEmploye: Liverpool game team news. Jenkinson the truth! New Contracts?
February 8, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

The performance against Southampton was disappointing. After they lost a man I really thought we would at least get a draw but there was some poor play from the attacking players and we never really looked like scoring. That said, the reactions from some of the "fans" afterwards to the players, manager and club in general on twitter was ridiculous. It was poor, yes it was, however it was a blip in a very good season and one which I think we will correct tomorrow anyhow.

Speaking of tomorrow we will have a very strong team out with both Ogbonna and Kouyate returning to the starting line up from injury. The team is fairly predictable with O'Brien coming in at right back which has been confirmed by Slav. Obiang also comes into the starting team.

Unfortunately the game comes too soon for Lanzini and Sakho but both could feature against Norwich. Youngsters Cullen and Oxford will also be on the bench. I cannot say much more about the team as I do not want to give it completely away (as that is not constructive) but it is much stronger on paper than Liverpool's eleven, but they will welcome Sturridge back to their starting team.

It has been reported by many people that contracts have been negotiated with a number of key personnel. The chairman regularly speak to agents, as this is what agents do, but so far no new terms will be agreed as yet but could be discussed in the summer. The club do want to review Bilic's contract because of the fact he was unproven, his original contract doesn't reflect his current achievements and this is something that we will look at. There are a number of players too that may be discussed in the summer including Kouyate and Payet. There is no need to at the moment as both players are very happy but the club intend to keep them at the club long term.

People regularly ask me about the stadium and the naming rights. I do believe that the agreement has now been signed with a worldwide company but due to various legal obligations it cannot be reported in the media at the moment.

It is nice to have the window finally over. It is far less stressful for me ha! I have been asked the situation with Jenkinson a number of times and what happened. So at the start of the window, especially when it looked like we were signing Byram we tried to move him on and find a club who would take over his loan; paying a percentage of the fee we paid and his wages. We had a deal agreed with Sunderland but then he got injured against Manchester City and that ruined the deal and in turn this meant another target (Fletcher) who may have been part of the deal, no longer became a target, one which I publically discussed and tried to help a journalist with! (You know who!!). Once his injury was confirmed and that he was out for the season we terminated his loan in the hope/back up that we may be able to sign a domestic loan replacement. This came too late in the window for it to be used but we still continue to pay the fee we agreed with Arsenal and his wages until the original deal expires. We will not be signing Jenkinson again and this is also likely to be the case with Moses too with a number of replacements already highly on the radar.

The Liverpool game tomorrow is an exciting fixture and I personally cannot wait. The club is in a very good place at the moment and we must all remember this and where we have come from. When we finished bottom of the Premier League I never thought, in such a short time, the future would be so much rosier.

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Payet pledges future to West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th February 2016
By: Staff Writer

Fans' favourite Dimitri Payet says he hopes to remain at West Ham for many years. The French international joined West Ham last summer and has been in inspirational form since moving to east London. Earlier today it was claimed by some sections of the media that Payet was seeking a huge pay-rise in order to stay at the club - a story that resulted in West Ham taking the surprise step of issuing an official denial via their website. "Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract," it said. "However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. "Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly. "Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the Board, manager and fans since he joined the Club in the summer."

Dimitri Payet ✔ @dimpayet17
I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of west ham
My future is here and I hope for many years http://wes.hm/Payet0902 @whufc_official
10:40 AM - 9 Feb 2016

And that message was swiftly followed by a message appearing on Payet's twitter timeline this lunchtime, in which he declared his "pride" at having represented West Ham - insisting that he intends to remain at the club for the foreseeable future. The former L'OM star has made 22 competitive appearances for West Ham since moving to England last July, scoring six goals.

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West Ham United v Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th February 2016
By: Preview Percy

We're not saying Preview Percy is old but (part 94): He can remember the last time a Man Utd FA Cup tie WASN'T selected for live tv. It may be hard to believe but he has actual proof of a preview even worse than his. Don't believe us? Read on......

What? Liverpool? Again? Ok if one must. Extra time and penalties must. FA Cup 4th round replay. 7:45pm kick-off on Tuesday. Extra time and penalties available in the event of a draw. Best check those night bus timetables then.

Liverpool then. Still providing comedy gold every time you look at them. Take last weekend. They go 2-0 up at home to a Sunderland team who, in all probability, will be joining Villa through the exit door come May. On 77 minutes their supporters get all "right-on" at the increase in the cost of a couple of hundred tickets in their new stand to £77 next season, and a quarter of them walk out. Whereupon Mignolet has a 'mare and a typically decent finish from Defoe sees them drop points, much to the amusement of everybody outside Newcastle. Funnily enough I don't recall too many of them protesting back in the 80's when their club were successfully campaigning for the change in rules that used to split gate money between clubs for league matches but there you go.

They were without their manager at the weekend. Jurgen Klopp went and caught appendicitis, meaning that there was nobody to lead the traditional joyous end of match celebrations that usually accompany a disappointing home draw against a relegation-threatened outfit.

In Klippety's absence the team was in the hands of his coaching staff, messrs Buvac, Krawietz, Lijnders and Achterberg (wasn't that the original line-up of a-Ha?). However, Klopp himself was fit enough to take the pre-match press conference, though he wasn't particularly forthcoming either on the subject of who would be playing or on the matter of how he would stop their defenders walking out on 77 minutes to join their supporters, as happened on Saturday.

It was a much-changed team that we faced up at Anfield the other week when they brought in a few of the kids, Whether or not they will do the same this time I suppose will depend on their sense of priorities. They obviously want to play in Europe next season and, despite the god-awful ordinariness of their football, there are still four potential paths to qualification. Firstly, there's the league. Well they're a bit off the pace there, though there's a long way to go. Then they have the League Cup, the final of which they will contest with Man City at the end of the month. That's probably their quickest route abroad. Thirdly there's the FA Cup of course and finally there's the Thursday Night League. Now that's an interesting one. In the past nobody has really taken it seriously until the later stages. However, nowadays the winner gets to play in the so-called Champions League the next season. For a bit. You may see the knockout stages of that one involving lots more of the senior players.

The one player that is a bit of concern in these parts is Sturridge. They seem to rely on him one hellova lot which, given that his injury record is on a par with that of Carroll, must be a major worry for Klippety and his staff. What worries me is that he seems to have a habit of making injury comebacks against us and scoring in them. So the fact that he is edging towards another comeback, having made it as far as the racing car seats for the Sunderland match is one that, like the sight of Lukaku in the Everton line up, puts one slightly on edge. Especially as he was specifically mentioned as having "looked good in training" during the one bit of their press conference that didn't concentrate on either surgery or tickets.

Other than Sturridge, they have doubts about Loveren and Allen, both of whom picked up injuries in the first half of the Sunderland draw, whilst Origi and Coutinho will both be facing injury tests so we may well be facing a youngster or two irrespective of the prioritisation process.

And so to us. Saturday? Disappointing. It was one of those slow starts that cost us. In an odd way we were probably playing a bit better when it was 11 v 11 – we finished the first half the stronger of the two sides and, if we'd had a set of competent officials (a long shot admittedly) we'd have probably gone in at 1-1 with Noble converting the penalty due when Valencia was clipped in the box having had more contact from the defender than Man Utd get in a season's worth of spot kicks.

The sending off removed the conundrum that Southampton were facing as to "stick or twist" and, with Payet and Valencia both choosing the evening to have off-days we didn't have the guile or nous to break them down. It's days like these that you need the likes of Lanzini to relieve some of the creative burden on the admirable Payet. Not long now guys.

Talking of Southampton it was good to see a quarter of their fans supporting the Liverpool walkout, though somebody ought to have made it clear to them that the walkout was supposed to have occurred on 77 minutes rather than before the start of the game. That must have been the emptiest Premier League ground in the country on Saturday, given that Sunderland were actually away. Now bearing in mind I mis-spent a lot of my youth in Hampshire I know just how dull Southampton is on a Saturday night (pretty much the same as it is on a Monday) so the fact that even those dubious charms were deemed by the locals to be preferable to watching their football side says a lot. Either that or many locals didn't feel up to spending two hours in the company of the Muppet cast that makes up their support, something I could easily sympathise with.

We didn't really see too much of new-boy Eminike, though he did get into one promising position only to head wide. Early days and all that. This being a cup match may see him more involved, though I'd expect Carroll to start this one. Tomkins pulled up lame with what looked like a calf muscle problem and, with Byram cup-tied, we will probably see another runout for Joey O'Brien, whose return to availability has been fortuitously well-timed. The work-experience kid with the Harry Potter spectacles furnished me with this assessment of "young" Joey that appeared on the Independent's website:

Filling in for James Tomkins, who suffered a calf injury at Southampton, O'Brien has some big shoes to fill and the pressure will be on. Bilić has backed the youngster, insisting he has what it takes to fill the void. His lack of experience could however leave West Ham's right flank exposed with Anfield trio of Sturridge, Origi and playmaker Coutinho set to return. .

Youngster??? Lack of experience??? That would be the Joey O'Brien who turns 30 in just over a week then. And you thought MY previews were poorly-researched. At least I don't do this for a living!

Sakho and Lanzini are listed as being available for the weekend – I'd expect that to be through the bench and, in any case, this tie is a smidgeon too early for them I'd wager.

As for goalkeeper it wouldn't be the end of the world if Randolph were given another runout, his 3rd round appearance was a result of squad rotation and he may have played at Anfield even if Adrian hadn't been playing happy families back in Seville.

Irrespective of whichever team they decide to field, let's hope for a strong ref. In the first match Atkinson couldn't have been more of a Homer had he changed his surname to Simpson by deed-poll. The continued unpunished assaults that led to Kouyate's early withdrawal were carried on whenever "young" Joey O'Brien got the ball on the wing. Then here was the Caulker handball, the other Caulker handball and the bizarre suspension of the back-pass law all of which were features of a typical Anfield refereeing evening.

It would also be nice if the officials could clamp down on what is becoming an increasingly common tactic of trying to kick Payet out of the game – at least Clattenberg got that one right at the weekend. That might be a particular point for the officials to note should Flanagan, say, get a start.

Prediction? Well we have a habit of following up a disappointment with a better performance this season so, on that, basis, I'll therefore be going for a home victory. The traditional £2.50 which I was going to put towards buying a new book of baby names for the Met Office (I mean Storm Imogen??? Come on..) will be taken to Winstones The Turf Accountants with a view to it being wagered on a 2-1 home win, possibly after extra time.

Enjoy the game!

When Last We Met At The Boleyn: Won 2-0 (January 2016) Blimey just how bad is your memory? Antonio started and finished the move that sent us 1-0 up. Carroll doubled the tally after the interval with a towering header from Noble's cross. Noble then saved himself 5p by picking up a white plastic bag that had been blowing about the pitch, Rumours that Liverpool were considering offering Benteke as part of a swap deal for the bag were, of course, totally false – there were no signs of their having made their usual illegal approach for the bag.

Referee: Roger East Whereas we get Atkinson five or six times a season, this is only the third time we've seen this particular official in the last three seasons. The other two matches were a 3-2 win over Cardiff in the League Cup and a 1-1 draw against Stoke last April as our season ground slowly to its tortuous conclusion.

Danger Man: Daniel Sturridge – assuming he plays. Otherwise, if he plays, Jon Flanagan might be a cause of physical danger to the likes of Payet. See also Coutinho if he plays. Honestly I don't know how they expect me to do a "Danger Man" piece if they can't make their minds up who is playing.

Irritating Celebrity Supporter of The Week: Given that, by their very nature, ALL Liverpool supporters are irritating by default, irrespective of their celebrity status, it's never that difficult to find a candidate amongst the hoardes of celeb glory-hunters now regretting going public as to which club they "support". This week one has plumped for Elvis Costello. Like the world needs another pontificating rock star telling us not to eat meat, and his take on "Good Year For The Roses" achieved the seemingly impossible task of making a Country & Western dirge sound even worse.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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Joey has a job to do
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th February 2016
By: Staff Writer

Joey O'Brien is set to make his first start for West Ham since last July when West Ham face Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground tonight. The 29-year-old full back, who was linked with a move to Sunderland on transfer deadline day has been out of action for the entire season so far after sustaining his latest injury at the beginning of the campaign. But with new signing Sam Byram Cup-tied and James Tomkins set for two-to-four weeks on the sidelines with a calf injury sustained during the 1-0 defeat at Southampton last weekend, the popular Irish defender is poised to return to Slaven Bilic's starting XI for the first time since the Hammers drew 2-2 with Astra Guirgui in the Europa League qualifiers last July. "Sam is okay for the Premier League and Joey O'Brien is back in training after a long absence," said Bilic, speaking ahead of the game. "Of course he is a good player, his quality was never in doubt. "It's a big blow for us that Tomkins is out, especially after after what happened to Carl Jenkinson but it's a good thing that we got Sam - and with Joey O'Brien, we are well covered in that position. O'Brien joined West Ham in August 2011, since when he has made 104 appearances for West Ham. In his first season following his switch from Bolton, the full back made 33 appearances whilst West Ham were in the Championship. The following year - West Ham's first back in the Premier League - he made 36 starts, since when he has made 20 (2013/14), 11 (14/15) and previously this season, just six.

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Sing up for Ron, 10 years on
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st February 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool will take place on the tenth anniversary of the passing of West Ham and England legend, Ron Greenwood. And to celebrate Ron's extraordinary achievements for both club and country, fans are calling for a minute's applause to begin in the 64th minute, in honour of West Ham's 1964 FA Cup and 1965 Cup Winners Cup victories. "Many of us were privileged enough to watch West Ham under the late, great Ron Greenwood and his pupil John Lyall," wrote KUMB Forum member westhamshares, who suggested the idea. "They were certainly my greatest memories of watching 'the West Ham way' from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. "By coincidence, we play Liverpool on the tenth anniversary of Ron's death - and later in the year it will also be 10 years since John died. "Let's keep the memory of all that Ron stood for - something that so many of us hold so dear even after decades of watching our dreams fade and die - alive. "So on 9th February, let's have a celebration of Ron's achievements for West Ham and England. After all, it was Ron who developed the three players that enabled West Ham (and England) to win the World Cup in 1966.

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Ron Greenwood 1921-2006
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th February 2006
By: Gordon Thrower

Ron Greenwood was born in Burnley in 1921. At the age of 10 the family upped sticks and moved down to London .The son of a painter, he was apprenticed as a youngster to a firm of signwriters – some of his handiwork ended up in Wembley Stadium of all places. As a player he attracted the attention of Chelsea who signed him in 1940 only for more pressing matters in Europe to see him drafted into the RAF.

After the war Ron signed for Bradford Park Avenue returning to London with Brentford in 1949. Three years later he returned to Chelsea and, although he was transferred to Fulham in February 1955, his 21 appearances for "The Pensioners" that season were enough to gain him a League Championship medal. He retired from playing at the end of the 1955/56 season having gained one international cap at England "B" level.

After retirement from playing he turned to coaching and, following a spell at Eastbourne United he ended up in 1958 as assistant manager to George Swindin at Arsenal, a job he combined with part time roles within the England youth and under 23 set-ups. Ron's inspiration at the time had been the legendary 1953 Hungarian side that had come to Wembley and become the first side outside the British Isles to defeat England on home soil. The flowing, attractive style of "The Magnificent Magyars" was in direct contrast to the regimented and inflexible style prevalent in English football at the time and the lesson was one that was not wasted on Greenwood.

In 1961 Ron Greenwood became only the fourth person to manage West Ham United FC. Ron was the first person from outside the club to have been appointed to the top role. Ron carried on the work started by his predecessor Ted Fenton who, with senior professionals such as Malcolm Allison, had started a quiet revolution in E13 by espousing a more continental approach to the game. Under Ron's visionary approach to the game West Ham started to flourish and in 1964 the club won its first FA Cup with a 3-2 win over Preston North End at a Wembley Stadium that still had signs on its doors that had been hand-painted by a young R Greenwood esq!

One of the goals in that final was scored by Geoff Hurst. Hurst's place in history owes much to his club manager as it was Greenwood who saw Hurst's potential as a striker – before Greenwood's arrival at the club Hurst had been an unspectacular midfield player.

Twelve months later Greenwood's Hammers were back at Wembley , taking the now defunct European Cup-Winners Cup with a memorable 2-0 victory over TSV Munich 1860. The manner of the victory in what was described at the time as the finest game ever seen at the stadium owed everything to Greenwood's style of football – respected continental coaches were amazed at how "un-English" West Ham's style of play had been.

As any self-respecting fan knows it was West Ham that went on to win the 1966 World Cup, again at Wembley. If you ever come across a supporter of another club who might want to dispute this fact, you could do worse than pointing them in the direction of Geoff Hurst's first goal. Bobby Moore's quick free-kick was met perfectly by Hurst's perfectly-timed near-post run across a surprised West German defence. The near-post cross. Simple, effective and perfected at Chadwell Heath under Greenwood's expert tutelage. Or, as my Dad always put it "a West Ham goal".

Ron Greenwood was often described as a purist. His desire to do things in what he liked to call "the right way" extended into all his dealings within football. An example of this was the signing in 1967 of Bobby Ferguson from Kilmarnock for what was at the time a world record fee for a goalkeeper of £65,000.

Greenwood had earlier been in touch with Leicester City with a view to signing World Cup winner Gordon Banks but, as time had dragged on, Greenwood decided that a new 'keeper was required sooner rather than later and turned his attention to Ferguson. Following discussions with Killies manager Malcolm MacDonald – a former playing colleague from his Brentford days – Greenwood verbally agreed to sign Ferguson. However, shortly after shaking hands on the deal Leicester boss Matt Gillies contacted Greenwood offering Banks for £50,000. Greenwood refused the deal on the, by modern standards, amazing grounds that he had shaken hands on the Ferguson deal.

Geoff Hurst was also someone who had total faith in the manager's integrity, on one occasion signing a blank contract entrusting Greenwood to complete the little details such as wages, bonuses etc!

In 1974 after a shaky start to the season Ron decided that the time was right for his protégé, assistant Manager John Lyall, to take over control of first team affairs and he stepped "upstairs" to take the position of "General Manager" – a position I guess that modern day clubs would refer to as "Director of Football". A stunning spell of results saw the team go from near bottom of the league to top in a few short weeks at one spell scoring over 20 goals in five games and the team reached the 1975 Cup Final. Lyall, mindful of Greenwood's input into the club, suggested that Ron should lead the team out at Wembley. Ron's reply was typically modest. "No – It's your team. You should lead them out".

And there the story might have ended but for the tale of an England manager and a trip to oil-rich Dubai. In 1977, part way through an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign, England boss Don Revie took a trip to Dubai with a view to taking over the running of the United Arab Emirates national side. An outraged FA banned Revie from football for 10 years though the ban was later overturned in the High Court. Revie had won League Championships but few friends as his Leeds side had taken gamesmanship to new depths. There had also been unsubstantiated rumours of financial irregularities and even allegations that opposition players had been bribed to throw matches. Revie's latest tactic was almost regarded as treason within the FA hierarchy and it was decided that a safe pair of hands would be required at the England helm. Cloughie was interviewed but eventually Ron Greenwood was chosen to bring some dignity back to the national side.

Greenwood's arrival, which many thought should have taken place on the dismissal of Sir Alf Ramsey, came too late to enable qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, though a 2-0 Wembley win over eventual qualifiers Italy restored some pride.

An unspectacular Euro1980 where England failed to get past the group stages was followed by a difficult qualifying competition for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. An unexpected defeat in Switzerland prompted Ron to seriously consider resignation only to be talked out of it by the senior members of his squad. A spectacular win in Budapest over Hungary – the one with the goal from Trevor Brooking that ended up stuck between stanchion and net- put qualification back on course. Injuries to the key partnership of Brooking and Keegan cost England dearly as two 0-0 draws against West Germany and the host nation in the second group stage meant that England went out unbeaten and Greenwood went off to enjoy well-deserved retirement.

The word influential is often bandied about with little thought. It's fair to say that Ron Greenwood MBE can be considered to be truly influential. Many developments in modern football – such as the aforementioned "near post cross" tactic may not have been invented by Ron but he did more than anyone to develop the game and much of what we take for granted as "The West Ham Way" can be traced directly back to the advent of the Greenwood Years. Both West Ham and English football owe a major debt of gratitude to someone who was that rarity in football – a gifted coach and a gentleman.

Rest in peace sir and thank you.

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Dimitri Payet wanted by Chinese club, who are willing to pay £38m
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 09/02/16 12:47pm
SSN

An unnamed Chinese club are prepared to pay £38m to sign West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet, according to Sky sources. Sky sources understand the Chinese club have made an offer to Payet through his representatives and have proposed to pay the France international £7m-a-year in wages. However, West Ham confirmed on Tuesday they were in talks with Payet over a new deal and a club source told Sky Sports: "I can't see him going to China." The Hammers revealed that contract negotiations, initiated by the club, are "progressing well" and stressed that neither Payet or his agent have made any demands over a new deal. The Daily Mirror claimed Payet's agent had demanded a new contract worth £125,000-a-week, just seven months after the France international joined West Ham from Marseille for an initial £10.75m. "Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time has Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract," a club statement read. "However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly.
"Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the board, manager and fans since he joined the club in the summer."

Following the club's announcement, Payet declared his desire to remain at West Ham for the foreseeable future. "I say and I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of West Ham. My future is here and I hope for many years," he said via his official Twitter account. Ahead of West Ham's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Liverpool, manager Slaven Bilic stressed the importance of keeping Payet at the club. Payet has been exceptional for West Ham during his debut season in the Premier League and has played a pivotal role in the club's challenge for European qualification. The 28-year-old, who is contracted to West Ham until June 2020, has scored six times and provided four assists this season. Dimitri Payet is our best player. And of course I would love to have him happy, long-term, at the club. "The club is moving, with the new stadium and everything, and the most important move is to keep your best players," Bilic said.
"Dimitri Payet is our best player. And of course I would love to have him happy, long-term, at the club. "He only signed a few months ago, but he has made a huge impact and while he has a long contract he is in a good position. We all want to keep him for a long, long time."

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Irons to tie up three 'star' contracts in a month
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News
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West Ham are confident they will have tied up deals for Dimi Payet, Chiek Kouyate and of course Manu Lanzini within the next month. The Hammers are 90 per cent down the road on Payet's deal which doesn't involve reported wages of £125k a week but is likely to include hefty annual signing on fees which are paid in full.
Our negotiating team headed by Sullivan have been taken aback by the £125k a week claims and have since made it clear they are making the running in talks which have been going well and which were described to ClaretandHugh as "90 per cent there." Sullivan and the board are also in negotiations with Kouyate 's team of advisers and the two sides are closing in on an improved deal after rumours of interest from Spurs. The player is under contract until 2018 and there is an option in the club's favour but the Hammers are keen to ensure the Senegal midfielder is kept happy as the club heads into what could be a hugely ambitious finish. Lanzini's switch from Al Jazera was agreed back in September and will happen once he has shown he is totally recovered from his injury worries. A top West Ham source told ClaretandHugh exclusively a few minutes ago: "We'll sort Payet out and Lanzini and Kayoute in the next month and we have three key players sorted for next season." A source cose to Payet added that talks were going well declaring to us: "It's all looking pretty good – we are 90 per cent there."

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Leroy gives his Irons v Liverpool verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
LEROY
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Ii's a sobering thought that those crowded into the Boleyn this evening will be watching West Ham's last ever Cup game under those famous old lights. It has of course been mentioned many times in the build-up to a game which has all the hallmarks of a real thriller which I'm taking the Irons to edge 3-2 after extra time. We of course need to start fast and press a Liverpool team who for all their possession in the first match carried little goal threat. Tonight I think and hope it will be a lot different as the Hammers set about another match which could end with an FA Cup Final victory in their last year at this fabulous old stadium. Some believe that Andy Carroll should start. I don't! For me West Ham are at their best when they are using fast and mobile players. I can't, like everybody else, wait to see Sakho and Lanzini back. I like Andy and I can see some arguing he would worry their goalkeeper Mingolet who is certainly not of the very top quality. He worries if he makes a mistake and isn't as calm and composed as the very best so it's important to keep him under pressure. However, despite that he can blow hot and cold I'd go with Enner Valencia up front and should Dimi Payet come back to his very best we have the flair to unpick a nervous Liverpool defence. Having been pulled back from two up by Sunderland at the weekend they won't be over confident and I believe we will have too much for them tonight

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Official WHUFC statement on new Dimi deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News
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West Ham have this morning issued an official statement on Dimitri Payet's contractual situation revealing they are involved in "amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract." And they are saying that those talks were initiatted by themselves rather than giving way to any demands made by the player's agents. The statement reads: "Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the Club over a new contract.However, the Club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly.
Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the Board, manager and fans since he joined the Club in the summer.

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Sullivan's big reminder to team
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News
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David Sullivan has reminded the squad that victory tonight put them within 90 minutes of an FA Cup semi final appearance! It may sound a little like stating the obvious but put that way the reality and importance of tonight's game really kicks in. Speaking on the official site he says: "We are now preparing for another big game under the lights when we play Liverpool at the Boleyn ground. It is a huge game for us as a victory would take us to a winnable match at Blackburn in the Fifth Round. A victory there would take us to within 90 minutes of a Wembley semi-final so there is everything to play for." Sullivan is delighted to see Andy Carroll back and said: "It might take him a few games to get back to his best, but I hope he he has a real impact against Liverpool and Norwich this week. It is looking more promising on the injury front and once we get Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini back in action, I believe we will start to score a lot more goals. I hope both players will be back in action within the next two weeks."

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Randolph ready – but no more heroics PLEASE
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News
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Darren Randolph is ready for Liverpool – let's hope he doesn't have to be a hero again! A nice quiet night would be handy after his brilliance kept us in the hat for the next round after a superb performance at Anfield. And speaking to www. whufc.com the keeper said: "I hope we can get the job finished. We have to fancy ourselves as we are playing at home and we can take confidence from the performances and results we have had against them in the past. "In the days leading up to the game it gets mentioned that it could be the last every cup game at the Boleyn Ground so it makes it special and the fact that we are playing Liverpool makes it even more special. "If we can get past Liverpool, we would fancy ourselves again if we play Blackburn to progress even further in the competition. We put out a strong team and hopefully we will get a good result against Liverpool. "You look at any of the players who have come into the team this season and they have all added something and played their part. It is good to have a strong side in the cup like we have. "We were on a good run, not only results but performances as well. We had a bit of a slow start against Southampton which we were angry about. "If we can put in a strong start against Liverpool than there is no reason why we cannot put in a solid performance for the ninety minutes and get the result that we want. "Whatever team he (Jurgen Klopp) decides to put out is up to him. They have a lot of games coming up, but it is down to us to put in a good performance. We have got a lot of confidence so we should not worry too much about what other teams are doing and focus on what we are doing. Randolph added: "I take heart from any game that I play in and especially the performances I have put in over the last few games and hopefully I can take that into the Liverpool tie. "I am just happy to play and get any game time I can get. The Liverpool game is another chance for me to go out and show what I can do."

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Slav's honest approach to new deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has made it clear that landing an improved contract is entirely dependent on where he has led the club when May arrives! Talks – as reported by ClaretandHugh earlier this week – are underway with the boss but it certainly doesn't appear to be the number one priority on his agenda. As has been reported many times, the West Ham United job has never been about money but as ever he approached the topic honestly when it was raised by the media. He said he will only be worth a pay-rise if he turns the promise of his first season in charge into achievement come May. He said: "I have a contract, I said the same at (his previous club) Besiktas – my contract is my work and only good work guarantees me that. "What it says on paper, OK, it can give you a little bit of security but that doesn't protect you from bad things. So my contract is my daily work, my next few games, but I am extremely happy here."

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Jack Sullivan has quashed talk of a £38 million offer from an unnamed Chinese club for West Ham United's Dimitri Payet
Tom Bodell
Guardian SeriesJack

Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham United co-owner David, has quashed talk of a £38 million offer for Dimitri Payet from an unnamed Chinese club. The 28-year-old had, according to Sky Sports, been the latest player targeted by a club in the increasingly powerful Chinese Super League. Chelsea's Ramires joined Jiangsu Suning for £25 million last month while Jackson Martinez traded Atletico Madrid for Guangzhou Evergrande in a £33 million move. However, Sullivan Jnr revealed there hadn't been an offer for Payet and tweeted: "This is wrong. Just spoke to DS (David Sullivan)…And I can confirm 'we have Payet, Dimitri Payet'." The French international joined the Hammers from Marseille in the summer and has lit up Upton Park with a string of excellent displays. However, the Hammers released a statement this morning to confirm they were in talks about a new contract with Payet. He has scored six goals in 17 Premier League starts this season and recorded four assists.

Jack Sullivan @jsullivanwhu
This is wrong. Just spoke to DS... And I can confirm ' we have Payet, Dimitri payet'
1:20 PM - 9 Feb 2016

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West Ham star Dimitri Payet makes statement after being linked with Arsenal and Chelsea
DIMITRI PAYET has insisted his future is at West Ham after his agent reportedly demanded a new £125,000-a-week deal.
By UCHE AMAKO
PUBLISHED: 12:32, Tue, Feb 9, 2016 | UPDATED: 12:35, Tue, Feb 9, 2016
Express.co.uk

The French attacker has been a revelation for the Hammers this season, scoring six times and providing four assists. After reports this morning suggested Payet was angling for a new bumper deal - with Arsenal and Chelsea tracking the situation - West Ham denied any dispute and confirmed "amicable and productive talks" were underway. "Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time has Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract," a club statement read. "However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly. "Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the board, manager and fans since he joined the club in the summer." And the 28-year-old has also declared his his intention to remain at the club for "many years".
He wrote on Twitter: "I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of west ham. "My future is here and I hope for many years."

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West Ham open Dimitri Payet contract talks, deny £125k wage demands
ESPN

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic believes pressure is not driving Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to attend their FA Cup match, despite having his appendix removed on Saturday. West Ham United have confirmed contract negotiations have begun with midfielder Dimitri Payet amid speculation the player was demanding a huge pay increase. Payet, 28, only joined the Hammers in the summer but has proved to be one of the best pieces of business completed by a Premier League club and has been hailed by manager Slaven Bilic this week as West Ham's best player.
The France international has scored six league goals in 18 appearances and has also laid on four assists to help West Ham to sixth place in the table. A report in the Daily Mirror on Tuesday claimed that Payet's agent was demanding his client's wage to be increased to £125,000-a-week -- something the club refuted before revealing in the same statement that they were now in discussions about a fresh contract for the player. "Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract," the statement released by the club read. "However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly. "Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the board, manager and fans since he joined the club in the summer."
Payet's consistently impressive displays had already seen him linked with a host of other clubs, with Arsenal the latest side reportedly preparing a bid. But, with the move to the Olympic Stadium coming in the summer, West Ham will be keen to keep hold of a man Bilic is clearly very fond of. "The club is moving, with the new stadium and everything, and the most important move is to keep your best players," he said ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup fourth-round replay against Liverpool. "Dimitri Payet is our best player. And of course I would love to have him happy, long-term, at the club. "He only signed a few months ago, but he has made a huge impact and while he has a long contract he is in a good position. We all want to keep him for a long, long time." Shortly after West Ham's announcement, Payet tweeted a link to the statement and stressed he wants to stay at the club for the foreseeable future. "I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of west ham," he wrote. "My future is here and I hope for many years."

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West Ham's captain, leader, legend... can Mark Noble follow Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds and lift the FA Cup?
West Ham host Liverpool at Upton Park in FA Cup replay on Tuesday
The Hammers have won the famous trophy on three occasions
Mark Noble will be hoping to follow in footsteps of Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds in lifting the FA Cup with Upton Park club
The local boy, born in Canning Town, has spent his career with West Ham
By JOE BERNSTEIN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:58, 9 February 2016 | UPDATED: 10:12, 9 February 2016

Mark Noble is a throwback to another era – a local boy who goes onto play his entire career with his hometown club. Who would be more deserving to follow legends Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds and lift the FA Cup for West Ham? And in this season of the underdogs, who says it can't happen? West Ham face Liverpool in a fourth round replay at Upton Park on Tuesday night with a winnable tie at Championship club Blackburn Rovers up next. Many fans will be willing them to reach Wembley, partly for Noble's sake. Unrecognised by England, winning the Cup would be a more than adequate compensation for the Hammers midfielder who was born in nearby Canning Town. Nowhere would FA Cup success be more spectacularly celebrated than at West Ham. The last time they won it, Trevor Brooking's header against Arsenal in 1980, the size of crowds in east London to watch the victory procession were estimated to be anything between 250,000 and 500,000. It's hard to believe Noble is still only 28. He made his debut at the start of the 2004/05 season and is the fifth longest-serving one-club man in the Premier League behind John Terry, Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman and Steven Taylor. He is the only one of those still in his twenties. Having made 350 appearances already, he is more than halfway to Moore's number of 643 games in a claret-and-blue shirt with possibly another decade to come. At this rate, if he's still at West Ham aged 37, he'll pass Moore's tally. Having made his debut under Alan Pardew, he has now also served Alan Curbishley, Avram Grant, Gianfranco Zola, Sam Allardyce and Slaven Bilic, who made him captain at the start of the season to succeed Kevin Nolan. All have appreciated his all-round midfield game, and the ability not only to win the ball but use it as well. He has made more Premier League appearances than any other West Ham player. Former manager Allardyce summed it up when he said: 'There aren't too many playes who spend their entire careers at one club and it is looking that way for Mark. It is getting rarer and rarer since the Class of 92.

HAMMERS LEGENDS
BOBBY MOORE (1958-1974)
Appearances: 643 Goals: 27
Honours with West Ham: FA Cup, Cup Winners' Cup

BILLY BONDS (1967-1988)
Appearances: 695 Goals: 59
Honours with West Ham: FA Cup (x2), Second Division title

MARK NOBLE (2004- )
Appearances: 350 Goals: 37
Honours with West Ham: Championship Play-off winner (x2)

'After John Terry, Mark Noble will stand out as a one-club man. He loves the place. If he did go anywhere, he'll never have the same affection as for West Ham.' Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp pointed out six different West Ham managers who have all made Noble their first name on the team sheet can't be wrong. 'He is West Ham's Mr Consistent,' he said. 'You would do well to find a player in the Premier League who gives more for his team than Noble, but he's a quality player, too.' Overlooked by England, he has his supporters to be at Euro 2016, pundit Robbie Savage among them, but has the misfortune to be around at a time when Dele Alli and Ross Barkley are emerging to compete with Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph and Jack Wilshere, let alone table-topper Danny Drinkwater. Still, there is always hope of the silverware at West Ham. In the club's final season at Upton Park, Bilic's men will genuinely fancy their chances of going a long way in the Cup; what a way to set up their move to the Olympic Stadium. West Ham are above Liverpool in the League table, sixth versus ninth, and have the outstanding individual on either side, Dimitri Payet. He may have gone off the boil recently amid reports of a contract wrangle but the Frenchman has shown before he is always up for the big occasion.
Bilic has different ways to beat Liverpool, too. If the pace, skill and athleticism of Enner Valencia, Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Cheikhou Kouyate doesn't work, he always has the best header of the ball in English football, Andy Carroll, at his disposal. And he can always rely on Noble. He might not have the status of Moore or even Bonds but in 2016, he is West Ham's captain, leader, legend.

*West Ham have won the FA Cup three times in their history. Bobby Moore was skipper for their success against Preston North End in 1964 while Billy Bonds captained them against Fulham (1975) and Arsenal (1980)

THE PREMIER LEAGUE'S LONGEST-SERVING ONE-CLUB MEN

JOHN TERRY (CHELSEA) Debut: 1998
Chelsea's captain throughout the glory years of Roman Abramovich, winning three Premier League titles though he was suspended for the Champions League final success in 2012. Now 35, he is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after claiming he's had no recent communication with the club over a new contract

TONY HIBBERT (EVERTON) Debut: 2001
Dependable right-back at Goodison Park for the last 15years though injuries and the emergence of Seamus Coleman have curtailed his appearances under Roberto Martinez after being a regular for many seasons under David Moyes. Played for Everton in the 2009 FA Cup final, the 34-year-old's current contract is up at the end of the season

LEON OSMAN (EVERTON) Debut: 2003
Another facing the exit door in the summer with contract talks with Everton yet to begin. Osman made his debut against Spurs as a late substitute for Li Tie and has served the club with distinction ever since, fully deserving his two England caps that came later in his career in 2012/13. A creative midfielder with great feet.

STEVEN TAYLOR (NEWCASTLE UNITED) Debut: 2004
Centre-half whose career has been seriously affected by injuries, Taylor has nevertheless played 261 times for his boyhood heroes and was twice named as a substitute by England without getting on the pitch. It was noticeable that in his first appearance for six months last weekend, Newcastle kept a clean sheet against West Brom. Also a threat at set pieces and has scored 15 goals in his career.

MARK NOBLE (WEST HAM)
Destined to be the longest-serving one-club man at some point as he is considerably younger, 28, than his rivals and his importance to West Ham is growing by the season. Noble is a combative midfield player who can win his duels, but is also good on the ball as a springboard for attacks. Was captain of England under 21s when they lost the final of the 2009 European Championships to Germany, but has never won a full cap.

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West Ham open contract talks with Dimitri Payet but insist star player has not demanded a wage rise to stay at the club
West Ham are offering Dimitri Payet a new contract to keep him at the club
Club denied that Payet had demanded new deal but have opened talks
Frenchman has had a fantastic season attracting interest from Arsenal
But manager Slaven Bilic is determined to keep 'best player' at the club
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 11:44, 9 February 2016 | UPDATED: 11:44, 9 February 2016
MAILONLINE

West Ham have entered contact negotiations with France international Dimitri Payet as they look to satisfy their star player's wage demands. The 28-year-old only joined the Hammers in the summer but has proved to be one of the best pieces of business completed by a Premier League club and has been hailed by manager Slaven Bilic as West Ham's best player. Payet, who signed from Marseille for £10.75million, has scored six league goals in 18 appearances and has also laid on four assists to help West Ham to sixth place in the table. Payet is believed to have made demands for a bumper new deal - something the club refuted before revealing in the same statement that they were now in discussions about a fresh contract for the player. 'Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract,' the statement released by the club read. 'However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly.
Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the board, manager and fans since he joined the club in the summer.' Payet's consistently impressive displays had already seen him linked with a host of other clubs, with Arsenal the latest side reportedly preparing a bid. But, with the move to the Olympic Stadium coming in the summer, West Ham will be keen to keep hold of a man Bilic is clearly very fond of. 'The club is moving, with the new stadium and everything, and the most important move is to keep your best players,' Bilic said ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup fourth-round replay against Liverpool. 'Dimitri Payet is our best player. And of course I would love to have him happy, long-term, at the club. 'He only signed a few months ago, but he has made a huge impact and while he has a long contract he is in a good position. We all want to keep him for a long, long time.' Shortly after West Ham's announcement, Payet tweeted a link to the statement and stressed he wants to stay at the club for the foreseeable future.
'I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of west ham. My future is here and I hope for many years,' he wrote.

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