Preview - WBA
Whufc.COM
The background
West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when
they travel to the West Midlands to take on West Bromwich Albion.
European qualification is very much on the Hammers' radar as they head to
the Hawthorns, with three points the aim as they look to book a place in the
UEFA Europa League – or even mount a late bid for the Champions League – in
2016/17.
With Liverpool and Southampton breathing down their necks, Slaven Bilic
knows his team will need to maintain their unbeaten run to keep them at bay.
The Hammers are nine without defeat and will attempt to register
back-to-back wins having beaten Watford last time out.
West Brom, meanwhile, ended a three-game losing streak on Monday when they
came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur – putting a huge
dent in Spurs' title ambitions in the process.
The Baggies are safely in mid-table, with their 41 points positioning them
13th in the standings. However, they have gone six games without victory,
defeating Manchester United 1-0 on 8 March to give their last three-point
haul.
The history
Saturday's game will be the 100th time the Hammers have met West Brom in
Premier League, Football League, FA Cup or League cup action.
The Baggies lead the head-to-head with 39 wins to West Ham's 37, but Bilic's
side will be looking to win at the Hawthorns for a second year in succession
in the league.
Last season, Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins scored the goals to give the east
Londoners a 2-1 victory.
Earlier this campaign, a Winston Reid own goal cancelled out Mauro Zarate's
early free kick and ensured the points would be shared.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from for
Saturday's game. Sam Byram and James Collins have recently returned from
injuries, while Andy Carroll has been in fine form up front, with six goals
in his last six games.
West Bromwich Albion
Baggies duo Ben Foster and Saido Berahino will both be assessed after
missing their draw with Spurs due to ankle injuries.
James Morrison is back in training following a hamstring injury, but is
unlikely to play on Saturday.
Match info
Saturday's referee is Lee Mason. He will be assisted by Dave Bryan and
Andrew Fox, with Michael Oliver as fourth official.
Seven of the 13 Premier League meetings have been drawn, including the last
two.
West Brom are on a six-match winless run and have only scored twice in that
period (D2, L4).
Their last two home matches have ended in 1-0 defeats.
Only Aston Villa (25) have scored fewer league goals than the Baggies' 32
this season.
The Baggies have created a Premier League-low 169 goalscoring attempts from
open play this season.
West Ham are unbeaten in nine league matches (W4, D5).
They have gone four successive away games without defeat despite conceding
two goals in each (W1, D3).
The Hammers have scored 15 times in their last six matches, in contrast to
West Brom's two goals over the same period.
Dimitri Payet has created 102 Premier League chances this season - 75 more
than West Brom's leading player, Darren Fletcher.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT.
A damp afternoon is expected at the Hawthorns, with the temperature only set
to reach 7C (45F).
Click here for the latest travel news on the roads and here for trains.
If you're not heading to the game, our digital channels are where you need
to be to catch all the action. The whufc.com Live Match Centre will have
live audio commentary, updates from social media, in-running stats and
photos and more, while you can get involved in the conversation on social
media using the hashtag #WBAWHU
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Academy set for trio of overseas trips
WHUFC.com
The domestic season may be coming to a close, but West Ham United's Academy
sides are set for an exciting summer of action overseas. The Hammers' youth
team will complete their Barclays U18 Premier League campaign at Everton on
Saturday. Meanwhile, the Development Squad will hope to end on a high when
they travel to Hull City for the U21 Premier League Cup final second leg on
Wednesday 4 May holding a slender 1-0 advantage. On the same day, the
Academy will also send an 18-player squad to the prestigious FC Blue
Stars/FIFA Youth Cup tournament in Zurich, Switzerland. Then, between 20-22
May, a squad will take part in the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens 2016
tournament in Hong Kong, where the Hammers will look to go one better than
last year, when they finished as runners-up.
In July, a West Ham United XI will travel to partner club VVV-Venlo for a
special match honouring the Dutch club's former player Herman Teeuwen, and a
second game against PSV Eindhoven's U21s. Academy Director and Head of
Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley said all three would be of
huge benefit to the Club's young players. "As an Academy, we always look to
give our young players the broadest possible footballing education, and
these three events will certainly help us to do that," said Westley. "With
regard to Venlo, we are coming to the end of the first year of our
partnership and it has gone very well. They are doing very well and are just
a handful of games away from gaining promotion, so we wish them all the best
in their Play-Off matches. "Sam has gone there and benefitted from training
with the first team on a daily basis, has been involved on matchdays, and
also developed his life skills away from the pitch. "Manchester City have
recently agreed a partnership with NAC Breda, so they too can clearly see
the benefit of sending young players to a technical league in Holland. "The
ultimate aim is to have an arrangement similar to that which Chelsea have
with Vitesse Arnhem, where their young players are playing against the likes
of Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord and top international players. "We are looking
forward to sending a squad to the Netherlands in the summer and spending a
week training at Venlo, while also playing pre-season matches with PSV U21s
and Venlo's first team."
At the FC Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup, the Hammers have been placed in Group B
and will face U21 squads from Chinese club Guangzhou, Belgian giants
Anderlecht and Swiss sides FC Zürich and FC Luzern in matches of 20 minutes
per half. West Ham will play three matches on Wednesday, kicking-off against
FC Luzern at 3pm before facing Anderlecht at 4.40pm and ending the day
against FC Zürich at 7.10pm. Thursday will see the Hammers tackle Guangzhou
at 11.40am before taking part in a play-off match to determine their
finishing position in the afternoon. Group A contains host club FC Blue
Stars, Dutch side Feyenoord, Portuguese club Benfica, Germans FC St. Pauli
and Swiss outfit Grasshoppers. West Ham will be competing in the FC Blue
Stars/FIFA Youth Cup tournament for the first time since 1983, when Tony
Carr took a squad containing Alan Dickens and George Parris to Switzerland.
Prior to that, the Hammers finished second to Manchester United in both 1966
and 1968 and third behind the same winners and Italian club Verona in 1959.
Looking further into the future, the Academy will send a West Ham United XI
to the Netherlands for two pre-season matches against PSV U21s and partner
club Venlo. The PSV fixture will be played on Wednesday 27 July, while the
Herman Teeuwen Memorial match will be played at Venlo's Seacon Stadion on
Saturday 30 July 2016 at 3pm local time. The game will be the centrepiece of
a week-long training camp – reciprocating an arrangement which saw the Dutch
squad train at Rush Green for a week during their January mid-season break
and play out a goalless draw with the Development Squad. Venlo have
benefitted from the arrangement this season, with young defender Sam Westley
playing his part in the club's challenge for promotion from the Dutch second
tier. With one league match remaining, Venlo sit second in the table and
will face fifth-place Go Ahead Eagles in a two-legged Nacompetitie promotion
play-off in mid-May. Should they win that tie, Venlo will go through to
semi-finals and potentially a final round in the hope of being promoted back
to the top flight after a three-year absence. *The Academy will complete
their Barclays U18 Premier League Group Two Play-Off campaign with a visit
to Everton on Saturday 30 April at 11am. The Hammers have drawn five of
their six Group Two fixtures but can end on a high by defeating the Toffees
at their Finch Farm Training Ground.
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West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
SAT, 30 APR 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: The Hawthorns
Craig Dawson
TEAM NEWS
West Brom pair Ben Foster and Saido Berahino will be assessed after missing
Monday night's draw at Tottenham with ankle injuries. Midfielder James
Morrison is training again after a hamstring injury but is unlikely to
feature. Youngsters Jonathan Leko and Tyler Roberts have been training with
the first team and could be involved.
West Ham have a fully-fit squad, meaning in-form forward Andy Carroll is set
to start again for the Hammers.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Having seen West Brom throw a large spanner in
Tottenham's title challenge works, West Ham will know their opponents aren't
in beach mode yet. The Hammers need the points to strengthen their hold on
sixth place, which would give them a spot in the Europa League. "Liverpool
and Southampton are breathing down their neck and although seventh place
might still be enough should Manchester United win the FA Cup, Slaven Bilic
is understandably keen for his side to keep matters in their own hands.
"West Ham's form is by far the better of the two; they're unbeaten in nine,
while West Brom are looking for a first win in seven."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Brom head coach Tony Pulis: "West Ham have had a wonderful season. They
have signed some good players and Slaven (Bilic) is a good manager.
"He has come back to England, knows the scene, and taken the bull by the
horns."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "The top six is a target and it has been a
target for quite a while now. It wasn't a target at the beginning of the
season but with four games to go we have a little bit of a gap, but we can't
afford to lose games. It's going to be hard but we are unbeaten in a long
time, we have had a good run and we are fully motivated. If we continue to
play like we have been playing, we have a good chance."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Brom ended a run of three straight defeats with a draw against
Tottenham on Monday. Tony Pulis' side never seem to have to wait too long to
pick up a point - and when they get one decent result they tend to get two
or three on the bounce.
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Seven of the 13 Premier League meetings have been drawn, including the last
two.
West Brom won 4-0 in the FA Cup fifth round last year when West Ham last
visited The Hawthorns.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom are on a six-match winless run and have only scored twice in that
period (D2, L4).
Their last two home matches have ended in 1-0 defeats.
Only Aston Villa (25) have scored fewer league goals than the Baggies' 32
this season.
The Baggies have created a Premier League-low 169 goalscoring attempts from
open play this season.
West Ham United
West Ham are unbeaten in nine league matches (W4, D5).
They have gone four successive away games without defeat despite conceding
two goals in each (W1, D3).
The Hammers have scored 15 times in their last six matches, in contrast to
West Brom's two goals over the same period.
Dimitri Payet has created 102 Premier League chances this season - 75 more
than West Brom's leading player, Darren Fletcher.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 29%
Probability of home win: 31% Probability of away win: 40%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by Professor Ian
McHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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Europa League means stronger squad for Irons
April 29, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Slaven Bilic has hinted that West Ham qualifying for the Europa League for a
second consecutive season would potentially see the Hammers attempt to bring
a couple of extra players in during the transfer window, the London Evening
Standard reports. The Irons are sixth in the Premier League table currently
so stand a very good chance of playing in the continental competition next
season. And Bilic has suggested that qualifying for the tournament may see
them look to make more signings than they had initially planned. "Here at
West Ham, we are also thinking about next season. We don't know if we will
be in Europe but it won't affect our pre-season too much - perhaps we would
need another couple of players maximum," he told the London Evening
Standard. "The Premier League anyway is very demanding, especially with no
winter break, so you need a good, stable squad."
While the Hammers did not go too far in this season's competition - being
knocked out in the third qualifying round - the competition gave Bilic the
chance to give some of the prospects knocking on the door at the Boleyn
Ground an opportunity to show what they could do. But with the club's
profile arguably set to reach another level next season with the move to the
Olympic Stadium, the possibility of playing in Europe could also help the
club attract better players, and may help them move towards what may be one
of their major goals in reaching the Champions League, and thus, it may be
more important for Bilic to make the signings that help take them further in
next year's competition.
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Hammers top 50,000 season ticket holders
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has revealed that West Ham expect in excess of 50,000 season
ticket holders to pack the Olympic Stadium from next season. Brady, speaking
in a new video (which you may see below) confirmed that the club have
reached the landmark figure for the new stadium - which is more than double
the number of season tickets sold this season for the final year at the
Boleyn Ground. "We would like to say a massive 'thank you' to the
50,000-plus season ticket holders who are going to be here fore the start of
next season," said Brady. "Not only have we had to increase the capacity to
60,000 to cope with the demand, but we will be very shortly completely sold
out of season tickets and corporate seats for our first season. "Plus, we
will have tens of thousands of fans on our waiting list for season tickets
for our second year."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic urges ex-players to become referees after
controversial decisions cost his side
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic would like to see newly retired players become referees in a
bid to help the beleaguered profession. Andy Carroll and Bilic avoided FA
punishment after criticising Jon Moss after his officiating of a 2-2 draw
with Leicester, in which a late penalty was awarded against the striker for
a challenge on Jeffrey Schlupp, and it is not the only occasion that West
Ham have felt aggrieved by referees' decisions. The Hammers have borne the
brunt of a string of controversial decisions over recent months, with a
report by former assistant referee Glenn Turner claiming Bilic's side would
be second were it not for 'errors' by officials. Bilic welcomed those
findings to an extent, but is convinced that more must be done to improve
the relationship between officials and players on the pitch. One of his
suggestions was that former players could turn from poachers into
gamekeepers and become referees. "It would help if some players wanted to,"
Bilic said. "It's a good job, a good career now, they are like
professionals. "It's a good idea because no one feels the frustration of the
players to say something to the referee than the players themselves."
Next season could see video assistants trialled in the FA Cup and Bilic is
eager for football's governing bodies to spread the technology as quickly as
possible. "For me there is no other option but technology – but up to some
limit," he said. "It shouldn't be like hockey, where you wait down there for
two or three minutes. But something like goal technology - that you don't
even notice and that there is no pause or stop in the game and they are
connected with watches or signals or whatever." "The sort of technology that
is there but doesn't affect the game. Because if the games loses its flow
then I'd rather have these mistakes."
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham will miss Europa League spot if we're complacent
during run-in
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Four games to go, starting at West Brom tomorrow — and a great deal at stake
for us. To be realistic, a top-four finish, although mathematically
possible, will be very difficult. Of the other options still open to us, we
could move up to fifth or go down a couple of places. It's up to us and no
one is thinking that these last four games of the season will be anything
but a real challenge. I don't buy the theory that clubs who are safe in
mid-table are going to just roll over. Look at the way West Brom fought back
to draw 1-1 at Tottenham on Monday. You would expect nothing less from a
Tony Pulis team. If we approach these last four games of the season with any
complacency, then we will not finish with the points we need to qualify for
the Europa League. I have learned, by bitter example, that you never, ever
take anything for granted in football. Back in the mid-Nineties I was
playing for Karlsruher in the Bundesliga and we were due to play at
Wattenscheid in the final match of the season. They were already relegated,
while we had a chance, if we won, of finishing second. A point would
guarantee us a place in Europe but if we lost and Cologne, Leverkusen and
Dortmund all won, we would drop four places and not qualify. I was
suspended, having being sent off in the previous match against Bayern
Munich, but I travelled with the team and an hour and a half before kick
off, the Wattenscheid players were coming to us and saying: "Take it easy,
don't be too hard on us." Result? They beat us 5-1! All those other teams
won and we missed out on European football. That year was the first
Karlsruher had played in Europe and we reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals,
beating Porto, Bordeaux, PSV Eindhoven and Valencia on the way. We were
named the German team of the year — the votes were cast before that final
game — and the club had arranged a trip, I think it was to Sicily as a
treat. They cancelled everything after that final game.
Here at West Ham, we are also thinking about next season. We don't know if
we will be in Europe but it won't affect our pre-season too much — perhaps
we would need another couple of players maximum. The Premier League anyway
is very demanding, especially with no winter break, so you need a good,
stable squad. You don't need a massive squad if you are in Europe because
you lose that atmosphere and discipline. It's very hard for every individual
to feel important. Of course, there are more demands because of the schedule
and the travelling but you can cope.
You look at the players at Manchester City and Real Madrid who played in the
Champions League this week and will be in action again at the weekend — and
again next week in the second leg of their semi-final. It becomes a habit
for those clubs and players — they become used to that schedule — but for
clubs such as ours, it is more uncommon and could come as something of a
shock to our players.
For example, you could be flying to Turkey on Wednesday, play Thursday,
return on Friday and travel again on Saturday to play away in the Premier
League on Sunday. Adding another five players to your squad won't help but
the players will need to adjust. They've maybe been used to having a day off
on Wednesday but, should we qualify for Europe, they will be travelling on
that day next season. That needs preparation and consideration. You can't
dismiss such a schedule by shrugging your shoulders and saying: "So what?"
Hopefully, though, those situations will come for us. There is an added
factor. We are moving to a new home at the Olympic Park and we have to get
used to that. If that wasn't enough, we are also moving our training
headquarters from Chadwell Heath to Rush Green in time for pre-season.
Yes, many routines will be changing but there is no need to be apprehensive.
The stadium will be bigger, with 60,000 fans there, but it is still in East
London, not far from the Boleyn Ground — and it is our home. Yes, we are in
for some big changes but there is no reason to approach them with any
negativity. It is exciting for me, for the players, for the staff and the
supporters. All of that is a few months down the line. First, we have to
keep focused on the football — and that will be a challenge with just two
matches still to be played at our old stadium. There will be plenty of
emotion around, especially for that final game against Manchester United,
but we need to use that as motivation. We don't want it to weigh us down but
rather make us even more determined not to suffer disappointment and defeat
in those last two games, against Swansea and then United.
Juve are more than a club
I am thrilled that our opening match at our new home will be against
Juventus. The Old Lady are one of the biggest clubs in Europe, they are more
than a club if you like. I use them a lot to illustrate a point when I talk
to players, staff, my friends. "Yes," I say, "football is a sport but at
Juventus it is a sport for men." It is professional, serious — and no one is
bigger than the club. They have had some great players throughout their
history, such as Michel Platini, Liam Brady, Roberto Baggio, Zinedine Zidane
and Alessandro Del Piero, but it is always Juventus first and then the
individuals, which is great and the way it should be.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic does not want to rely on Manchester United safety
net
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 29/04/16 9:24am
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic does not want to end the season as a Manchester
United fan. The Hammers are chasing a top-six finish in the Premier League
and a place in Europe, but an FA Cup final win for the Red Devils could
extend the Europa League spots to seventh. However, Bilic is hoping West Ham
will have sewn up qualification themselves rather than wait on the outcome
of United's Wembley clash with Crystal Palace a week after the league
campaign has ended. "I would like to see [United] win it, that would give us
a bit of a cushion," said Bilic, whose side head to West Brom on Saturday.
"But the good thing is everything is in our hands and I'd rather us do it
than wait until one week after the season with our red flags and be a Man
United fan. "The top six is a target and it has been a target for quite a
while now. It wasn't a target at the beginning of the season but with four
games to go, we have a little bit of a gap but we can't afford to lose
games. "It's going to be hard, we have Liverpool and Southampton [behind
us]. But we are unbeaten in a long time, we have had a good run and we are
fully motivated. "If we continue to play like we have been playing, we have
a good chance."
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West Brom v West Ham preview: Slaven Bilic's European dream hangs in balance
Last Updated: 29/04/16 12:22pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet's inspirational form had led to West Ham being hailed as
Champions League contenders, but four draws out of five mean they are
looking over their shoulder to hold on to a Europa League spot. The fans are
still hoping to leave Upton Park in style and bringing European football to
their new stadium would be a fitting finale. West Brom's season appears
pretty much over, but do not expect Tony Pulis to allow his players any
respite - as Tottenham found to their cost.
Team news
Saido Berahino and Ben Foster will be assessed by West Brom. The pair missed
Monday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham with ankle injuries but Pulis is hopeful they
will be fit. James Morrison has returned to training after a hamstring
injury but is unlikely to feature while Chris Brunt is sidelined until next
season with a knee injury. Youngsters Jonathan Leko and Tyler Roberts have
been training with the first-team squad and could play a part on Saturday.
West Ham have a fully-fit squad. Slaven Bilic's side have had 10 days to
shake off any knocks sustained during the 3-1 win over Watford last time
out, and the Hammers boss has reported a clean bill of health. Andy Carroll
is set to start up front again after scoring six goals in his last six
games.
Opta stats
Seven of the last 10 Premier League meetings between West Bromwich Albion
and West Ham have ended in a draw.
West Ham have lost just two of their last 11 league away trips to West Brom
(won five, drawn four).
More than half of Andy Carroll's 23 Premier League goals for the Hammers
have been scored with his head (12 - 52 per cent).
Payet has created 102 goalscoring chances for West Ham so far; more than
twice as many as any team-mate, and 75 more than Darren Fletcher, who is
West Brom's most creative player this season.
Albion have crafted a league-low 169 goalscoring attempts from open play
this season.
Fourteen of the 18 Premier League goals that Berahino has scored since the
start of last season have come at the Hawthorns.
Merson's predictions
West Brom are a hard team to beat. You hear all these West Brom fans say:
"Oh, it's boring Tony Pulis football", but look where they are in the
league. How many teams go to Tottenham and get a result? And be in the
middle of the table. If Pulis was the manager of any of the three teams in
the relegation scrap, they'd be where West Brom are, which tells you
everything. West Brom fans need to be careful what they wish for. Having
said that, I think West Ham will win this game because they have to, and
it'll be quite an entertaining game.
Paul predicts: West Brom 1-2 West Ham - Andy Carroll to score first
Betting
West Ham have been made even-money favourites by Sky Bet to pick up an away
win at West Brom as they still chase the possibility of Champions League
football. The home side, who secured their Premier League status in Monday's
draw with Tottenham, are priced up at 14/5 to secure the win. Sky Sports
pundit Matt Le Tissier has tipped West Brom striker Solomon Rondon to score
the first goal. The Venezuelan has been priced at 6/1 to do this, while Phil
Thompson's first scorer tip is Dimitri Payet who is boosted from 6/1 to 7/1
to break the deadlock. Get the latest odds here.
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Slav is MAN and manager of the year
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 29, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
It's Player of the Year time when the obvious very often becomes totally
predictably and boring. Not this year,however, as players from unfashionable
clubs lead the way with ourselves and Leicester representing the changing of
the guard at the top of the Premier League. That's all been well covered and
we don't really expect Dimi to become the top man do we? However, it's not
the Player of the Year that interests me as the MAN…ager of the year and
although Claudio Ranieri will have a big shout I reckon there's only one
serious contender – Slaven Bilic.
Ranieri has dignity…Slav has the charm and integrity to go with it – he
refuses to moan about dodgy refs despite getting the seriously rough end of
the stick all season long. He's warm, funny and affectionate – a manager who
within a year has coped with a ridiculously long campaign, produced results
which nobody could have dreamed of and met triumph and the very odd defeat
with maturity and self belief. Who van forget his one liners about "parking
the bus with the handbrake on" or away wins being as "good as walking into a
room full of girls."
No wonder we all love him. He has restored a footballing philosophy we had
thought was dead forever and done it with a huge smile on his face.
Integrity is his watchword – he tells the truth in all circumstances and has
brought the pride back to not only this great club but to the game of
football as a whole. Slaven Bilic step forward – you are unquestionably the
MAN and manager of the year with this website!
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West Brom vs West Ham: Team news, kick-off time, probable line-ups, odds and
stats for the Premier League clash
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 10:58, 29 April 2016 | UPDATED: 10:59, 29 April 2016
MailOnline
Ahead of the action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to
know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds
and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need as West Ham make the
trip to the Hawthorns.
TEAM NEWS
West Brom
Saido Berahino and Ben Foster will be assessed by West Brom ahead of the
visit of West Ham in the Barclays Premier League. The pair missed Monday's
1-1 draw at Tottenham with ankle injuries but boss Tony Pulis is hopeful
they will be fit to face the Hammers. James Morrison has returned to
training after a hamstring injury but is unlikely to feature while Chris
Brunt is sidelined until next season with a knee injury. Youngsters Jonathan
Leko and Tyler Roberts have been training with the first team squad and
could play a part on Saturday.
Provisional squad: Foster, Myhill, Dawson, Gamboa, Chester, Evans, Olsson,
McAuley, Pocognoli, Sandro, Pritchard, Gardner, Yacob, Fletcher, McClean,
McManaman, Sessegnon, Berahino, Lambert, Anichebe, Rondon, Leko, Roberts.
West Ham
West Ham have a fully-fit squad available for the trip to West Brom. Slaven
Bilic's side have had 10 days to shake off any knocks sustained during the
3-1 win over Watford last time out, and the Hammers boss has reported a
clean bill of health. Andy Carroll is set to start up front again after
scoring six goals in his last six games.
Provisional squad: Adrian, Randolph, Cresswell, Byram, Tomkins, Collins,
Reid, Ogbonna, Oxford, Noble, Kouyate, Obiang, Lanzini, Antonio, Moses,
Payet, Valencia, Sakho, Emenike, Carroll.
Seven of the last 10 Barclays Premier League meetings between West Bromwich
Albion and West Ham have ended in a draw. The Irons have lost just two of
their last 11 league away trips to West Brom, winning five and drawing four.
Carroll has scored six goals in his last six competitive appearances for
West Ham United. Over half of Carroll's 23 Premier League goals for the
Hammers have been scored with his head (12 – 52 per cent). Dimitri Payet has
created 102 goalscoring chances for West Ham this season; more than twice as
many as any other West Ham player.
Payet (102) has created 75 more chances for his team-mates than Darren
Fletcher (27), who is West Brom's most creative player this season in the
Premier League. West Ham have seen a league-high nine opposition players
sent off in the Premier League this season. The Baggies have played 21.8 per
cent of their passes long in the Premier League this season; a higher
proportion than any other side. Albion have crafted a league-low 169
goalscoring attempts from open play this season. Of Berahino's 18 Premier
League goals he has scored since the start of last season 14 have come at
the Hawthorns (78 per cent).
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 30
Friday, April 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th April 2016
First and Last - Adrian
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as
well as some firsts. Goalkeeper Adrian goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you ever owned?
"Before my first car I had a motorbike called a Gilera and I remember using
it because I used it to attend training when I was 17. Later when I got my
driving license I got a Citroen Xsara which belonged to my mum. She bought a
new one and let me have her car."
What was the first CD you bought?
"It was a flamenco group called El Barrio. They were important singers and a
typical flamenco group."
Who would be the first West Ham player you would vote off the X Factor?
"I would definitely say myself because I am a terrible singer. But if I had
to choose one of my team-mates I would have to say Manuel Lanzini because he
is just as bad as me!"
What was the first concert you went to in England?
"I went to see Beyonce in London at the O2 Arena. She was amazing and it was
a great concert."
When was the first time you knew you would make it as a professional player?
"I remember the moment and it was when I started training with the
first-team squad at Real Betis. I had been playing for the Under-21 side for
a few years and I was the third goalkeeper in the squad. But the first time
I went to train with the senior squad I knew that was the moment."
LASTS
Who is the last teammate you would want to be stuck in a lift with?
"I don't have anyone I dislike but before left in January would have been
Mauro Zarate with his bad jokes and sometimes bad stomach!"
When was the last time you saved a penalty?
"Against Watford at home, just last week – from Troy Deeney. That added to
my count, as I've now saved five in the Premier League since I joined the
Hammers!"
What was the last meal you cooked?
"Every time I go into the kitchen my wife tells me to go back and watch TV.
She is an unbelievable chef. If I do cook it is simple things like a pizza."
What was the last book you read?
"It was a book about being father of your first baby [as I have just
welcomed baby Enzo into the world]. There are lots of questions just for the
father. There are a lot of easy questions but when you are having your first
child you don't know too much about it and it was very interesting because I
am learning many things."
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Slaven Speaks - WBA
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was asked about refereeing decisions, the top-six race and
Aaron Cresswell's future
According to a national newspaper report, if 'bad refereeing decisions'
hadn't happened this season, your side would be second in the table…
"What can I say? On one hand it's nice to know we should or could have been
second in the table, but OK, here we are. The most important thing is that
we are playing good and we're very motivated for the last four games."
Do bad and good decisions even themselves out over the course of a season?
"According to that table, no they don't! I don't think they do, but it's
part of the game to be fair, and you will see that it's not only England –
it's everywhere. I read that Barcelona should have been awarded a penalty
and the referee said he'd made a mistake – it happens, and it's part of the
game unfortunately."
Is top four still your aim?
"Top four will be very hard for us. Mathematically, it's still there, but we
didn't approach that subject in that matter ten weeks ago or eight weeks
ago. We are still looking at it the same way, in that let's play against
West Brom and win that game and see where that will take us."
So, is the top six now a minimum?
"Yeah, it is a target. It's been a target for quite a while now. It wasn't a
target at the beginning. With four games to go, we have a gap, but we can't
afford not to win game or lose games. The top six is the one we're looking
for now. It will be hard, as we have four tough games – and Liverpool and
Southampton are playing well and picking up points – but we're on a good run
and we're fully motivated. If we continue to play how we have been, we have
a good chance.
If Manchester United win the FA Cup, there could be a safety net of another
Europa League place…
"Of course I would like to see them win it, because it would give us a bit
of a cushion. The good thing is that everything is in our hands, though. I'd
rather we did it ourselves that wait a week after the end of the season and
be a Man United fan!"
People will say West Brom will be on the beach, but they proved against
Spurs that wasn't the case.
"No, that's not the case. Teams are playing for pride, fans and themselves.
Once I played in Germany, and we had to win the last game to get to Europe.
We played a team that had been relegated in February or March and they beat
us 5-1! West Brom with Tony Pulis and the English mentality; we're expecting
them to play at their maximum. They are safe. West Brom it looks like
they've never been in trouble. That shows they have a good team and a great
manager."
Are there any new injuries in your squad?
"No, we have a full squad. We have done for a good period now. OK, one or
two were injured, but it's a big boost for us. The pitch is full of players
when we train, which is really good. I have to praise the players and also
the medical team who have done an excellent job."
Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a few big clubs – what's your view on
his situation?
"He's having a great season. Last year, he was Hammer of the Year. First of
all, he's a great professional and it's a privilege to have those kind of
players. He has improved a lot. On the ball, with his crosses and technique
he was always good and he is almost like a playmaker on the left side, but
defensively, he has improved tremendously and he has become a great player
and a great full-back. Of course, that attracts interest of so many clubs,
but I spoke to him, and first of all he's under contract, and secondly, he
is really happy here and he loves it here. He can't wait for the new season.
He is going to stay with us for a long time, hopefully."
Reece Burke won the Bradford City Player of the Year – is he someone you'll
look at for next season to play a part with the first team?
"I like Reece. He already played some friendlies and in Europe for us. He's
a very clever player. It was and still is part of the plan for a few to go
on loan, minimum one year, maybe two, for them to improve, and them to come
back with a clear situation. To say, you will play a part for West Ham and
be an important player for the squad. After that, we will decide if he's
going to do another year, and that has to be at least the Championship, or
he's going to stay with us. He will stay with us only if he has a good
chance to play."
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Former Player Memories
WHUFC.com
Former Hammers defender Christian Dailly made 191 appearances in Claret and
Blue over seven seasons for the Club, becoming a fans' favourite in the
process. He spoke to West Ham TV about playing every minute of the 2001/02
campaign and that goal against Ipswich in the 2004 play-off semi-final…
To be honest, every time I played a game [at the Boleyn Ground], it was a
privilege and a pleasure, when I think back. The Ipswich game is probably
the loudest night I've ever experienced in football and a few other people
also said that to me.
Other than that match, there were so many other great times as well. When I
look back, the whole thing was just a brilliant experience.
The Ipswich goal was a painful memory, though! I've looked back at it now
and again, and it was obviously worth it. The only thing was, I wish I could
have celebrated it a bit, that was the only thing, but I just couldn't! But
still, they were great memories.
I think all the games in general were always great. Some of the great
players you're playing against, and the great teams, mean there are
fantastic memories. The year we finished seventh in the Premier League,
playing every game, we had a fantastic home record, and hardly conceded a
goal. It was just a brilliant season.
We a very unusual number of big characters at one Club too, but the Club
seemed to attract that type. It was great to be part of that and one of
them.
It's brilliant to see the team doing so well now. I obviously keep a close
eye on the Hammers' results, and it's exciting. I think the crowd obviously
always want everyone to give their all for the Club, but you also want teams
to be exciting.
At times [in football] it has been a bit too boring. I understand it's a
results-based business, but I don't personally like that. There's a demand
on clubs like West Ham to have an exciting blend. You want to win the games
but you want to have the right types.
There are a few teams this year who have the right types in there that allow
other players to play. It's made it exciting to watch and West Ham have been
really exciting to watch this year.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody,
I am pleased to report that we have no injuries for the moment ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion.
Since my last update a week ago, we have won an important home match against
Watford and, from a medical point of view, we came through the game with no
serious injury concerns other than the usual bumps and bruises.
Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the Watford game. The
players then returned to training on Saturday and we have preparing for West
Brom.
On Monday evening, I joined many of the first-team players at the Barclays
U21 Premier League Cup final first leg at the Boleyn Ground, where we beat
Hull City 1-0. Let's hope we can complete the job at the KC Stadium next
week.
It was good for Sam Byram and Reece Oxford to get back in the match rhythm
by playing the full 90 minutes, and also encouraging to see Doneil Henry and
Stephen Hendrie in action.
We have four important matches to come over the next two-and-a-half weeks
and hopefully we can keep all players available.
That's all for now and, as we say in my home country of Belgium, no news is
often good news!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive Column: Juventus to open New Stadium, Lacazette keen
on Hammers, Sakho back in frame
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
So it has been announced we will play Juventus in the opening game of the
season. This is a great tie for us to open the stadium with. As someone who
has Italian blood I have always had a soft spot for Italian football. When I
grew up it was on channel four and I used to watch it religiously. Whilst I
would say AC Milan are my Italian team, it is still very exciting to see
another Italian great. It is no secret that Barcelona, Madrid and Munich
were all contacted but Juventus were the most enthusiastic and I cannot wait
to see this fixture.
There has been a lot of grumblings over the price of this fixture. The price
however includes the opening ceremony and again this is set to be pretty
spectacular. There is a real determination from the club to go out of The
Boleyn in style but yet enter a new era at the Olympic Stadium
spectacularly.
The Manchester United game is so close now and I cannot really believe it. I
am going to miss the stadium so much. I was lucky in my youth that I
regularly got to go to games and then go on the pitch after matches and that
excitement I had as a kid doing this is very hard to replace. The ground
holds such special memories for us all. Sky have recognised this and are
intending to do a whole day of hourly reports from the stadium on the last
day hosted by Jim White (the notorious yellow tie wearing transfer deadline
reporter), Tony Cottee and Tony Gale.
You will soon be able to buy your seat from the ground and I will certainly
be buying mine plus enter the auction for so many items that will go on sale
and will give you a piece of football history. I get sad thinking about our
move but when you see the Olympic Stadium and the conversion that is going
on you will see that it is the right move. The new stadium looks spectacular
and all the facilities that it has will make the transition worthwhile.
The club really want to have top quality players to play in the stadium and
already extensive work has gone in to finding us a new forward. We had
already lodged a number of bids and it is clear that Lazacette and Batshuayi
lead the way for the top targets.
The one problem we have is that with Euro 2016 in the summer both clubs may
hope their players"star" in the tournament and therefore raise their
transfer value.It is thought at this point that Lazacette has expressed a
strong interest in moving here. We have also made very strong moves for an
Argentinian forward (no it is not Tevez!) We have been linked with a number
of big name "injury" prone players. The club is determined to not go down
this route and they showed this stance by the fact that they closely
monitored Lanzini's recovery from injury before committing to buying
him.Therefore the continuous linking of Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal and
even more ludicrously (given how many centre backs we have) Vermaelen of
Barcelona are far fetched. These players do not represent value for money
and we would not risk it on injured players.We have looked at a number of
wingers too. These have been reported in our previous columns and we are
exploring the options of an experienced right back. We have been looking at
Europe and domestically and have identified a couple of targets here too.
It is good that Sakho is back playing with the squad and I actually thought
him and Carroll were superb against Watford. Sakho was made to apologise to
the whole of the squad on the training ground after the Arsenal"injury" and
this was accepted by the team. Sakho has been having some off field
difficulties and the club have taken this into consideration. I do not
expect to see Alex Song playing for the club again however. He will leave in
the summer with a number of clubs keen to sign him, although none of the
stature of his parent club, Barcelona. Victor Moses will go but the club are
determined to keep hold of Obiang. He has become a little frustrated by his
lack of regular first team action and has spoken with Bilic about this. It
is felt however that with Europe potentially on the horizon he would be
perfect for those games. Valencia is another who we would consider an offer
for,as I discussed in my column last week, there is interest from China,
Italy and Spain for the player. A few fringe players will also leave in the
summer; most notably Joey O'Brien, Elliot Lee, Jordan Brown, Mavilla and
Nasha. Reece Burke finds himself in a tricky situation.It is clear at the
moment with the four first team centre backs that we have and Reece Oxford
also emerging that he has a tough battle to get to the first team. After
winning Bradford's player of the season this year he is now attracting
interest from other clubs. We intend to loan him to a championship club and
we would like that club to be Bradford (if they get promoted). Reece is a
diehard West Ham fan and doesn't want to leave but is evaluating his next
move. The club hope he will go on loan for another year or so and then be
fighting for a first team place here.We will continue to search for top
young players to bring here.I was delighted to exclusively bring the news of
the signing of Domingos Quina in the week from Chelsea and there are two
more players that could be heading to the youth team before the end of the
season. These are two very talented individuals. Speaking of talented
youngster Samuelsen is back with us from his spell with Peterborough and
hoping to make the bench in the forthcoming fixtures as well as leading us
to victory in the cup final against Hull.
The site is moving forward rapidly and you are now reading our first ever
fanzine. Please make sure you continue to check this out and contact myself
for advertising both in this and on the website or offering other
contributions should you wish. We will have a special edition available for
the Manchester United game. Thank you to all the writers who have
contributed and I haven't been able to thank personally yet. Remember our
App is available to download and to follow us on snapchat, Facebook and
YouTube. We have a new website round the corner and another "unique" new
feature coming soon. I will be at the WBA game so I look forward to seeing
some of you up there and follow all the action on our Snap Chat.
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Barca interested in Lacazette?
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
According to today's edition of L'Equipe, Barcelona are now interested in
acquiring Lacazette from Lyon. It's explained that Barcelona know they need
to buy someone as support to their their world class trio of forwards.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are thought to need more rest than they
currently get, and Luis Enrique is short of options. The manager wanted to
sign Nolito from Celta Vigo during the winter transfer window, but
Barcelona's tricky finances at the time scuppered it. Eric Abidal is said
to be important in any potential deal taking Lacazette to Barcelona, with
close links to everyone involved. The problem for Barcelona (apart from the
rather obvious point of Lyon wanting a big fee and Barcelona not wanting to
pay one) is said to be playing time, with Lacazette not keen on a supporting
role. At the end of their article, L'Equipe say: 'The Hammers have also
returned to the fray in recent days.'
L'Equipe had previously reported last week that West Ham had submitted a bid
for the Lyon Hitman. Coincidentally some Spanish media sources had stated
last week that West Ham where also interested in the Celta Vigo star,
Nolito.
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Bilic aiming for top six and Europe
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has admitted that his aim for the remainder of this season is
to finish in the top six of the Premier League - and hopefully qualify for
Europe.
Bilic - whose team need just two points from their remaining four matches to
better West Ham United's record tally of 57 points from a 38-game season -
is hoping to become the first Irons boss to finish in the top six since
Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad finished fifth.
"Yes, it is a target - and it's been our target for quite a while now," he
said during a media briefing.
"It wasn't a target at the beginning of the season, but with four games to
go we have a little gap. We can't afford not to win game or lose games but
top six is what we're looking for now.
"It's going to be hard as we have four really tough games and both Liverpool
and Southampton are playing well and picking up points. But, we're unbeaten
in the Premier League for a while, on a good run and we are fully motivated.
"We're good and if we continue to play well in our last games, we have a
good chance."
West Ham will qualify for a Europe League spot should they end the season in
the top six. However a Manchester United win in next month's FA Cup Final
would result in an additional Euopean spot becoming available, due to the
Reds being on the verge of qualifying for Europe via their league position.
Bilic admitted that he would be backing Louis Van Gaal's side in next
month's Wembley showpiece as a result - even though he hopes to have
everything wrapped up by that point.
"I would like to see them win it because it would give us a bit of a
cushion," he added, when questioned on the subject.
"The good thing though is that everything is in our hands - and I would
rather we did it ourselves that have to wait until a week after the season
and wear red scarves and flags and be Man United fans!
"I don't want to talk about it like it's happened already, let's try to do
it first. That's all I can promise. It is in our hands but there's four
games to go and it can very easily slip out of our hands. But, it would be
great."
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West Ham host Show Racism the Red Card School Competition Awards
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 28/04/16 2:30pm
SSN
West Ham's Boleyn Ground played host to the 16th annual Show Racism the Red
Card (SRtRC) School Competition Awards Ceremony on Thursday. West Ham
full-back Sam Byram, former player Leroy Rosenior and joint-chairman David
Gold attended the ceremony, as well as PFA deputy chief executive Bobby
Barnes and Chelsea Ladies and England forward Gemma Davison. Run with
support from a number of organisations including the FA, PFA and the
National Union of Teachers, the School Competition Awards form part of Show
Racism the Red Card's 20th anniversary celebrations. Awards including
football shirts and prizes donated by football clubs and other organisations
were collected on the day by young people from all over the country, who
were selected as competition winners. Show Racism the Red Card chief
executive, Ged Grebby said: "We are thrilled that West Ham has agreed to
host the School Competition awards. This is a special year for both of the
organisations, it being SRtRC's 20th anniversary and West Ham United's final
year at their historic Boleyn Ground, ahead of their move to the Olympic
Stadium. "The competition sees thousands of young people take part annually
and it is a hard job for the judges to pick the winners from so many great
entries. This year there were some wonderfully original entries and we would
like to thank all of the teachers for promoting the competition in their
schools. "SRtRC would also like to congratulate all the winners of the 2016
School Competition on their achievement. This event is a fantastic example
of the hard work and commitment of thousands of young people and the
enthusiasm the SRtRC campaign inspires."
Funke Awoderu, equality manager at the Football Association said: ''The FA
is once again delighted to be sponsoring the Show Racism the Red Card School
Competition. The campaign provides a terrific platform for young people to
get involved in a creative and meaningful way.'' PFA chief executive Gordon
Taylor added: ''The PFA would like to congratulate all the entrants of the
Show Racism the Red Card Schools Competition. We are always delighted to
support the campaign in their vital work delivering key message around
diversity and inclusion using football and players as the delivery tool.''
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Slaven Bilic confident Aaron Cresswell will stay at West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 28/04/16 1:40pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic says Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and expects the
defender to remain at the club. Cresswell, who joined West Ham from Ipswich
Town in 2014, has recently been linked with a summer move away from the
Hammers, with Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly among the clubs
interested. The 26-year-old has four years left on his contract, with the
option of a further two years, and Bilic is confident he will be able to
call upon him next season at the Olympic Stadium. "Aaron Cresswell is
having a great season. He was Hammer of the Year last year, he's a great
professional and he's always available. He's great," he said. "He had a
great season last season, on the ball and with his crossing and technique.
He is almost a playmaker from defence. "Aaron improved defensively and is
almost a complete player now. He naturally became of interest to so many
good clubs. "I spoke to him. First, he is under contract and second, and
more importantly, he is really happy here and can't wait for the future."
Cresswell is likely to make his 44th appearance of the season on Saturday
when West Ham face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. West Ham are on
course to secure a place in Europe for next season and win over the Baggies
would see them leapfrog Manchester United into fifth spot. But Bilic is
taking nothing for granted and is expecting a tough encounter against Tony
Pulis' side, who are almost certain to be playing Premier League football
next season after passing the 40-point mark. "West Brom are not on the
beach. They are playing for pride, for their fans, for themselves," he
added. "Once, in Germany, we played the last game to go to Europe against a
team who had been relegated and they beat us 5-1!
"Make no mistake, especially with Tony Pulis in charge and the English
mentality, we are expecting they will play at their maximum. "They scored
44-45 per cent of their goals from the set pieces and they have a lot of
clean sheets and energy in transition. "They get four players in the box and
deliver quality. They are a good team and of course they are safe. They've
never been in trouble."
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Rio Ferdinand to play alongside brother Anton in England vs Germany
'legends' game at Upton Park
21:01, 28 APR 2016 UPDATED 21:01, 28 APR 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The pair join a host of other big names as the two sides do battle on May 2
to mark the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions' World Cup win
The Mirror
Anton Ferdinand has become the latest name to join the star-studded line up
for the England vs Germany 'legends' game at Upton Park on May 2.
The former West Ham centre-half joins brother Rio in the England squad for
the match which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions'
World Cup win. Ferdinand, who still plays professionally in the Championship
with Reading, will line up alongside names such as Teddy Sheringham, David
James, Sol Campbell, Trevor Sinclair and Peter Bearsley. David Haye, Damien
Lewis, Mark Strong and Lee Mack are some of the celebrities that will also
take part in the match at the Boleyn Ground. Ray Winstone will lead the
Three Lions, who come up against a Germany side with no shortage of quality.
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will play, as will ex-Bayer
Leverkusen stars Oliver Neuville and Thomas Hitzlsperger. The match marks a
return to the East End for Ferdinand who played over 200 competitive games
for the club between 2003 and 2008.
Kick-off is at 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
Tickets are available by calling call 0871 091 1811 or visiting
www.whufcboxoffice.com .
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West Ham would be second were it not for errors by officials, claims former
referee's assistant
JAMES BENGE Wednesday 27 April 20166 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham would be second in the league were it not for refereeing errors,
according to a report by former assistant Glenn Turner. Recent weeks have
seen Slaven Bilic's side come out on the wrong side of a host of
controversial decisions from officials, including a goal from Manuel Lanzini
against Arsenal wrongly ruled offside and a last-minute penalty given
against Andy Carroll in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. After the 3-3 draw
with Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground earlier this month Bilic suggested his
side would be third if they had had the rub of the green but research from
you-are-the-ref.com claims that the Hammers should be even higher in the
table. Keith Hackett, a former top flight referee and head of Professional
Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), believes the intimidating confines of
Upton Park are pressuring referees into making the wrong calls: "I think
what might come into play is the fact that it's a pretty vociferous crowd.
"West Ham followers, they make the referee at times feel uncomfortable by
the very nature of their reaction to decisions, right or wrong. "However
the referee needs to focus and maintain concentration and I think some of
the decision makers when you look across the stats, need a kick up the rear!
I question whether there's a level of accountability that operates for
referees that are making major errors, they're still getting major
appointments."
This season has seen what you-are-the-ref.com believes to 84 key decisions
made incorrectly during the 333 Premier League matches prior to last
weekend's fixtures. These include incorrectly allowing or disallowing a
goal, awarding a penalty or failing to do so and failing to make the right
decision in a potential red card incident. Jon Moss, the referee at the
centre of Leicester's controversial clash with West Ham, was adjudged the
worst performing referee in the Premier League and Hackett is concerned
that too many of the league's top officials are struggling when the
spotlight is on them. He said: "I used to talk regularly with our referees
(when chief of PGMOL) and say to them 'we don't want a single error this
weekend' and we used to occasionally get one but our overall average was 1
in 10 games compared to now which is 1 in 4. "Some referees aren't capable
of managing big events. We all know that when Howard Webb, Mark Halsey
leaving prematurely, all these situations, they lost Phil Dowd, Lee Probert
and the quality hasn't been replaced."
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Exclusive: Galey bares his Boleyn soul
C and H
Tony Gale is preparing himself for one of the most emotional nights of his
life. He will be doubling up as one of the Hammers favourites during a
parade of the legends along with carrying out his Sky duties where he has
become a well respected analyst. And in an exclusive interview with
ClaretandHugh the former central defender said: "It's going to be one of the
most emotional nights ever – there won't be a dry eye in the house.
tgale"Over the last couple of weeks the absolute reality of the situation
has dawned on everybody and it's a hard one isn't it. Yes, I'm for the move
to the Olympic Stadium. It's an absolute must if we are going to compete at
the top with the big boys. "None of us a are silly. We all understand it but
unfortunately emotions and memories get in the way and the ida of leaving
the Boleyn is really pretty unbelievable."
He feels for those who have lived their lives in the area and are born and
bred and regrets the passing of "community" saying: "Some are now
millionaires and others are on the dole but when they return to the ground
they are what they have always been – Boleyn boys and girls. "After a
wonderful season we can leave with a flourish but it's still gong to be the
toghest all in the world for so many. I love that place heart and soul. I
had ten years at the club and lo ve the place. "The final night against
Manchester United is going to be hard, very hard – we will all have tears
flowing. That's for sure."
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No injuries so here's the team we want to see
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C abd H
Slaven Bilic is this week in a position for the first time in ages to pick
his first team. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has
reported that "we have no injuries for the moment ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion." And barring any
accidents in training that means the boss will be able to show his hand at
West Brom where we can expect an attacking formation as the Irons continue
to mount their assault on Europe.
Vandenbroucke said: "Since my last update a week ago, we have won an
important home match against Watford and, from a medical point of view, we
came through the game with no serious injury concerns other than the usual
bumps and bruises.Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the
Watford game. The players then returned to training on Saturday and we have
preparing for West Brom."
So the guessing game on Slav's selection start and here's the team we would
like to see:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Payet,
Carroll, Sakho
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Hammers on Cresswell rumour
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Speculation that Liverpool are keen to sign Aaron Cresswell this summer have
been killed off by West Ham. Rumours have been circulating for some time
that the Reds see the scouser as a summer target but short of an "absolutely
astronomical bid" there is zero interest inside Upton Park. Cresswell only
recently signed a new deal which sees him locked into a Hammers contract
until 2120 with another two year option both ways at the end of that. Kop
manager Jurgen Klopp has been impressed with the left back in the matches
between the two sides but the Hammers are totally disnitested in a bid. An
insider told ClaretandHugh: "We've read the stories but as both chaormn have
said on several occasions, we are no longer a selling club. "There is no
chance of Aaron moving anywhere. it would have to be an absolutely
astronomical bid for us to even look ."
Meanhile Cresswell himself is very happy at the club telling the London
Evening Standard: "It's going to be fantastic next season – once it's all
kitted out, I can't wait to see it," he told the London Evening Standard.
West Ham fans feel that Cresswell has been unlucky not to stake a claim for
a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016.
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Hammers waiting game on striker targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham will move in seriously on their striker targets once the season
comes to an end. Although the club has identified four serious players they
are unable to process any moves whilst the season is is still underway. We
understand that Christian Benteke = although unlikely – has not been 100 per
cent discarded. And both Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuay are strongly
fancied although a source close to the club added that there are three other
names on the short list which has been whittled down from 12 over recent
weeks. We were told that fans need not expect any serious developments until
the season comes to an end. ClaretandHugh was told by a senior club insider:
"We know the supporters are desperate for news and obviously we have plans
in place but nothing will happen until the end of the season. Agents and
clubs quite understandably don't want to lower the form of players by
putting thoughts of transfers into their heads. "
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Police advice ahead of Hawthorns clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Midlands Police have posted advice to West Ham Supporters on social
media ahead of West Ham's match with West Brom on Saturday afternoon. The
Force's Football Unit have posted advice for those travelling and attending
the match. "West Bromwich Albion v West Ham, 25,000 are expected with West
Ham having sold their full allocation of 2,700, have a good day." "Coaches
and minibuses can park for free in Middlemore Road, plenty of car parks
along Birmingham Road for private vehicles" "If your travelling by train to
the the match it is best to drink in Birmingham town centre and then on the
Heavy rail or Metro to the Hawthorns stadium" "If your going for a drink
near the ground away supporters are welcome at the Royal Oak Holyhead Rd
,which is the nearest pub to the ground." "You can also get a drink at the
Fan Zone or inside the stadium ,have a safe journey and see you there."
"Than You"
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Pulis gives his Hammers opinion
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Tony Pulis has told Slaven Bilic he is the success story of the season. The
West Brom boss pits his wits against Super Slav at the Hawthorns on Saturday
knowing he's in for one of the toughest battles of the season. Speaking
exclusively to CandH he said: "What a team West Ham have become under Slaven
– who apart from being a great manager – is a terrific man. He has real
quality – a very good person indeed. "He has produced exactly the right mix
at the club – great players playing terrific football in front of a crowd
who obviously think the world of him. "If I'm honest I really didn't expect
him to be so successful in his first season – his has been a fantastic
achievement."
Pulis claims that the squad assembled is quite extraordinary with Dimi Payet
taking the club to a different level declaring: "It was a fantastic summer
for them and he has been one of the players of the season. "Mind you Michail
Antonio has been brilliant and represents a real handful to us or anyone
else. This is going to be an incredibly difficult game for us – they have
become a great team."
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An evening with Alvin Martin
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammer, Alvin Martin, will be hosting a live TV screening of West Ham
v Manchester United on Tuesday 10th May at Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket,
London.
The event is designed for Hammers who have been unable to purchase a final
ticket for the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground.
Alvin will host a Q&A session and pose with fans for photographs and sign
autographs.
Although invited to the last game at the Boleyn Ground by the club, Alvin
told Claret and Hugh, this afternoon that his last ever game at the Boleyn
was earlier this month during the recent 3-3 draw with Arsenal. Asked for
his favourite Boleyn Ground memory he chose the first time he stepped out to
a packed Boleyn ground against Coventry describing as a 'Wonderful feeling'
Alvin added "This is the best squad since 1986, Bilic is the real deal and I
said it WHEN he was appointed!"
Venue:
VIP LOUNGE
Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket, London
Date: Tuesday 10 May 2016
Drinks Reception: 6pm / Buffet: 6.45pm
Kick off: 7.45pm
Cash Bar
ONLY £60.00 per person !!!
includes signed photograph & buffet
(Limited to 100 tickets only)
Sponsorship / Groups / Individual Tickets
To book contact us at info@eclipsesports.co.uk
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Actually, this is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season…
By James Jones - Apr 28, 2016 0
WestHamWorld.co.uk
Earlier this week we published an article that questioned whether the
decision to play our last ever game at the Boleyn Ground on a weeknight
rather than a weekend was the biggest injustice to our season – you can read
that here. But we think we may have found an ever bigger injustice to what
is already a historic season, but could have also been the club's most
successful in its history. We all know how much we've been robbed of
refereeing decisions over the past few months. The penalty that never was at
Old Trafford, the penalty that should've been a free-kick at Chelsea,
Kouyate's red card for a fair tackle against Palace, Lanzini's offside goal
against Arsenal that was onside… the list goes on and on and on and on. It
has cost us points. Points that perhaps wouldn't have meant a great deal had
we been competing in mid-table. Instead, these incompetent decisions from
referees this season may have in-fact cost us a place in the Champions
League next season. We're currently eight points off fourth place with four
games to play, but had referees done their jobs properly we'd actually be
second and eight points clear of fifth – just one win away from
mathematically securing our place in the biggest club competition in the
world. Instead, we're now hoping teams above us drop points while we cling
on to a place in the top six. Have a look at the league table below – this
really is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season. And how much
has it cost us in potential income?
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Slaven Bilic insists Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay for
'a long time' despite interest from Liverpool
West Ham United news: Click here for all the latest from Upton Park
Aaron Cresswell has become a key player for West Ham this season
The full back's performances have attracted interest from Liverpool
But Slaven Bilic has said Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay
Bilic sees the 26-year-old defender having a long career with the Hammers
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:17, 28 April 2016 | UPDATED: 12:30, 28 April 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic defiantly insists Aaron Cresswell will not be
going anywhere this summer despite interest from Liverpool. The Hammers
manager acknowledged the defender's 'great season' had inevitably attracted
interest from higher-profile clubs but insisted Cresswell is 'really happy'
at Upton Park. Speaking ahead of Saturday's visit to West Bromwich Albion,
which could see his side take another step towards a Europa League place,
Bilic said: 'He is having a great season. 'Last year he was Hammer of the
Year and, first of all, he is a great professional and it is great to have
him and those kind of players. He's played every game this season, he's
maybe missed one. He is great. 'He has improved a lot and he has had a great
season on the ball, with his crosses and with his skill and technique. He's
almost a playmaker on the left side of the defence but defensively he has
improved tremendously. 'So he has become a great full-back and a complete
footballer. So he naturally gets the interest of so many big clubs, bigger
clubs - though I don't agree they're bigger clubs. 'I spoke to him. First
he is under contract. Second, more important than the length of the
contract, is that he is really happy here, he loves it here and he can't
wait for the new season. Those clubs can try to talk to him but I spoke to
him a couple of times, he is very happy and he is going to stay with us for
a long time.' Cresswell, 26, was signed from Ipswich Town for £3.75m in 2014
and has developed into an indispensable part of the Hammers squad. He has
missed just one Premier League match this season, playing 43 games across
all competitions. West Ham are currently sixth in the Premier League and on
course for Europa League football. They have home matches against Swansea
and Manchester United after their visit to The Hawthorns and conclude their
season at Stoke. On their top six ambitions, Bilic added: 'It is a target
and it has been a target for quite a while now. We have a bit of a gap but
we can't afford to lose games. 'The top six is where we are looking for now.
It's going to be hard, we have Liverpool and Southampton there [in seventh
and eighth]. 'But we are unbeaten in a long time, we have had a good run and
we are fully motivated. If we continue to play like we play, we have a good
chance.' Bilic also praised youngster Reece Burke, who was named Bradford
City's Player of the Season after impressing during his loan spell with the
League One club. The Croatian manager raised the prospect of 21-year-old
Burke becoming part of the Hammers squad next season or potentially going on
loan to a Championship side. He said: 'I like Reece, he already played in
some friendlies and in Europe for us. He is a very clever player and has a
great stature. He is very smart and I like him a lot. 'It is part of the
plan for him and them - we have a few promising players - to go on loan for
a minimum of two seasons. After one season or two seasons, to come back with
a clear situation - either be an important member of the squad or go
somewhere else. 'If he's going to do another year, it has to be at least
Championship or if he stays with us, we'll see if he has got a good chance
to play and not only to train.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as
well as some firsts. Goalkeeper Adrian goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you ever owned?
"Before my first car I had a motorbike called a Gilera and I remember using
it because I used it to attend training when I was 17. Later when I got my
driving license I got a Citroen Xsara which belonged to my mum. She bought a
new one and let me have her car."
What was the first CD you bought?
"It was a flamenco group called El Barrio. They were important singers and a
typical flamenco group."
Who would be the first West Ham player you would vote off the X Factor?
"I would definitely say myself because I am a terrible singer. But if I had
to choose one of my team-mates I would have to say Manuel Lanzini because he
is just as bad as me!"
What was the first concert you went to in England?
"I went to see Beyonce in London at the O2 Arena. She was amazing and it was
a great concert."
When was the first time you knew you would make it as a professional player?
"I remember the moment and it was when I started training with the
first-team squad at Real Betis. I had been playing for the Under-21 side for
a few years and I was the third goalkeeper in the squad. But the first time
I went to train with the senior squad I knew that was the moment."
LASTS
Who is the last teammate you would want to be stuck in a lift with?
"I don't have anyone I dislike but before left in January would have been
Mauro Zarate with his bad jokes and sometimes bad stomach!"
When was the last time you saved a penalty?
"Against Watford at home, just last week – from Troy Deeney. That added to
my count, as I've now saved five in the Premier League since I joined the
Hammers!"
What was the last meal you cooked?
"Every time I go into the kitchen my wife tells me to go back and watch TV.
She is an unbelievable chef. If I do cook it is simple things like a pizza."
What was the last book you read?
"It was a book about being father of your first baby [as I have just
welcomed baby Enzo into the world]. There are lots of questions just for the
father. There are a lot of easy questions but when you are having your first
child you don't know too much about it and it was very interesting because I
am learning many things."
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Slaven Speaks - WBA
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was asked about refereeing decisions, the top-six race and
Aaron Cresswell's future
According to a national newspaper report, if 'bad refereeing decisions'
hadn't happened this season, your side would be second in the table…
"What can I say? On one hand it's nice to know we should or could have been
second in the table, but OK, here we are. The most important thing is that
we are playing good and we're very motivated for the last four games."
Do bad and good decisions even themselves out over the course of a season?
"According to that table, no they don't! I don't think they do, but it's
part of the game to be fair, and you will see that it's not only England –
it's everywhere. I read that Barcelona should have been awarded a penalty
and the referee said he'd made a mistake – it happens, and it's part of the
game unfortunately."
Is top four still your aim?
"Top four will be very hard for us. Mathematically, it's still there, but we
didn't approach that subject in that matter ten weeks ago or eight weeks
ago. We are still looking at it the same way, in that let's play against
West Brom and win that game and see where that will take us."
So, is the top six now a minimum?
"Yeah, it is a target. It's been a target for quite a while now. It wasn't a
target at the beginning. With four games to go, we have a gap, but we can't
afford not to win game or lose games. The top six is the one we're looking
for now. It will be hard, as we have four tough games – and Liverpool and
Southampton are playing well and picking up points – but we're on a good run
and we're fully motivated. If we continue to play how we have been, we have
a good chance.
If Manchester United win the FA Cup, there could be a safety net of another
Europa League place…
"Of course I would like to see them win it, because it would give us a bit
of a cushion. The good thing is that everything is in our hands, though. I'd
rather we did it ourselves that wait a week after the end of the season and
be a Man United fan!"
People will say West Brom will be on the beach, but they proved against
Spurs that wasn't the case.
"No, that's not the case. Teams are playing for pride, fans and themselves.
Once I played in Germany, and we had to win the last game to get to Europe.
We played a team that had been relegated in February or March and they beat
us 5-1! West Brom with Tony Pulis and the English mentality; we're expecting
them to play at their maximum. They are safe. West Brom it looks like
they've never been in trouble. That shows they have a good team and a great
manager."
Are there any new injuries in your squad?
"No, we have a full squad. We have done for a good period now. OK, one or
two were injured, but it's a big boost for us. The pitch is full of players
when we train, which is really good. I have to praise the players and also
the medical team who have done an excellent job."
Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a few big clubs – what's your view on
his situation?
"He's having a great season. Last year, he was Hammer of the Year. First of
all, he's a great professional and it's a privilege to have those kind of
players. He has improved a lot. On the ball, with his crosses and technique
he was always good and he is almost like a playmaker on the left side, but
defensively, he has improved tremendously and he has become a great player
and a great full-back. Of course, that attracts interest of so many clubs,
but I spoke to him, and first of all he's under contract, and secondly, he
is really happy here and he loves it here. He can't wait for the new season.
He is going to stay with us for a long time, hopefully."
Reece Burke won the Bradford City Player of the Year – is he someone you'll
look at for next season to play a part with the first team?
"I like Reece. He already played some friendlies and in Europe for us. He's
a very clever player. It was and still is part of the plan for a few to go
on loan, minimum one year, maybe two, for them to improve, and them to come
back with a clear situation. To say, you will play a part for West Ham and
be an important player for the squad. After that, we will decide if he's
going to do another year, and that has to be at least the Championship, or
he's going to stay with us. He will stay with us only if he has a good
chance to play."
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Former Player Memories
WHUFC.com
Former Hammers defender Christian Dailly made 191 appearances in Claret and
Blue over seven seasons for the Club, becoming a fans' favourite in the
process. He spoke to West Ham TV about playing every minute of the 2001/02
campaign and that goal against Ipswich in the 2004 play-off semi-final…
To be honest, every time I played a game [at the Boleyn Ground], it was a
privilege and a pleasure, when I think back. The Ipswich game is probably
the loudest night I've ever experienced in football and a few other people
also said that to me.
Other than that match, there were so many other great times as well. When I
look back, the whole thing was just a brilliant experience.
The Ipswich goal was a painful memory, though! I've looked back at it now
and again, and it was obviously worth it. The only thing was, I wish I could
have celebrated it a bit, that was the only thing, but I just couldn't! But
still, they were great memories.
I think all the games in general were always great. Some of the great
players you're playing against, and the great teams, mean there are
fantastic memories. The year we finished seventh in the Premier League,
playing every game, we had a fantastic home record, and hardly conceded a
goal. It was just a brilliant season.
We a very unusual number of big characters at one Club too, but the Club
seemed to attract that type. It was great to be part of that and one of
them.
It's brilliant to see the team doing so well now. I obviously keep a close
eye on the Hammers' results, and it's exciting. I think the crowd obviously
always want everyone to give their all for the Club, but you also want teams
to be exciting.
At times [in football] it has been a bit too boring. I understand it's a
results-based business, but I don't personally like that. There's a demand
on clubs like West Ham to have an exciting blend. You want to win the games
but you want to have the right types.
There are a few teams this year who have the right types in there that allow
other players to play. It's made it exciting to watch and West Ham have been
really exciting to watch this year.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody,
I am pleased to report that we have no injuries for the moment ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion.
Since my last update a week ago, we have won an important home match against
Watford and, from a medical point of view, we came through the game with no
serious injury concerns other than the usual bumps and bruises.
Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the Watford game. The
players then returned to training on Saturday and we have preparing for West
Brom.
On Monday evening, I joined many of the first-team players at the Barclays
U21 Premier League Cup final first leg at the Boleyn Ground, where we beat
Hull City 1-0. Let's hope we can complete the job at the KC Stadium next
week.
It was good for Sam Byram and Reece Oxford to get back in the match rhythm
by playing the full 90 minutes, and also encouraging to see Doneil Henry and
Stephen Hendrie in action.
We have four important matches to come over the next two-and-a-half weeks
and hopefully we can keep all players available.
That's all for now and, as we say in my home country of Belgium, no news is
often good news!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive Column: Juventus to open New Stadium, Lacazette keen
on Hammers, Sakho back in frame
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
So it has been announced we will play Juventus in the opening game of the
season. This is a great tie for us to open the stadium with. As someone who
has Italian blood I have always had a soft spot for Italian football. When I
grew up it was on channel four and I used to watch it religiously. Whilst I
would say AC Milan are my Italian team, it is still very exciting to see
another Italian great. It is no secret that Barcelona, Madrid and Munich
were all contacted but Juventus were the most enthusiastic and I cannot wait
to see this fixture.
There has been a lot of grumblings over the price of this fixture. The price
however includes the opening ceremony and again this is set to be pretty
spectacular. There is a real determination from the club to go out of The
Boleyn in style but yet enter a new era at the Olympic Stadium
spectacularly.
The Manchester United game is so close now and I cannot really believe it. I
am going to miss the stadium so much. I was lucky in my youth that I
regularly got to go to games and then go on the pitch after matches and that
excitement I had as a kid doing this is very hard to replace. The ground
holds such special memories for us all. Sky have recognised this and are
intending to do a whole day of hourly reports from the stadium on the last
day hosted by Jim White (the notorious yellow tie wearing transfer deadline
reporter), Tony Cottee and Tony Gale.
You will soon be able to buy your seat from the ground and I will certainly
be buying mine plus enter the auction for so many items that will go on sale
and will give you a piece of football history. I get sad thinking about our
move but when you see the Olympic Stadium and the conversion that is going
on you will see that it is the right move. The new stadium looks spectacular
and all the facilities that it has will make the transition worthwhile.
The club really want to have top quality players to play in the stadium and
already extensive work has gone in to finding us a new forward. We had
already lodged a number of bids and it is clear that Lazacette and Batshuayi
lead the way for the top targets.
The one problem we have is that with Euro 2016 in the summer both clubs may
hope their players"star" in the tournament and therefore raise their
transfer value.It is thought at this point that Lazacette has expressed a
strong interest in moving here. We have also made very strong moves for an
Argentinian forward (no it is not Tevez!) We have been linked with a number
of big name "injury" prone players. The club is determined to not go down
this route and they showed this stance by the fact that they closely
monitored Lanzini's recovery from injury before committing to buying
him.Therefore the continuous linking of Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal and
even more ludicrously (given how many centre backs we have) Vermaelen of
Barcelona are far fetched. These players do not represent value for money
and we would not risk it on injured players.We have looked at a number of
wingers too. These have been reported in our previous columns and we are
exploring the options of an experienced right back. We have been looking at
Europe and domestically and have identified a couple of targets here too.
It is good that Sakho is back playing with the squad and I actually thought
him and Carroll were superb against Watford. Sakho was made to apologise to
the whole of the squad on the training ground after the Arsenal"injury" and
this was accepted by the team. Sakho has been having some off field
difficulties and the club have taken this into consideration. I do not
expect to see Alex Song playing for the club again however. He will leave in
the summer with a number of clubs keen to sign him, although none of the
stature of his parent club, Barcelona. Victor Moses will go but the club are
determined to keep hold of Obiang. He has become a little frustrated by his
lack of regular first team action and has spoken with Bilic about this. It
is felt however that with Europe potentially on the horizon he would be
perfect for those games. Valencia is another who we would consider an offer
for,as I discussed in my column last week, there is interest from China,
Italy and Spain for the player. A few fringe players will also leave in the
summer; most notably Joey O'Brien, Elliot Lee, Jordan Brown, Mavilla and
Nasha. Reece Burke finds himself in a tricky situation.It is clear at the
moment with the four first team centre backs that we have and Reece Oxford
also emerging that he has a tough battle to get to the first team. After
winning Bradford's player of the season this year he is now attracting
interest from other clubs. We intend to loan him to a championship club and
we would like that club to be Bradford (if they get promoted). Reece is a
diehard West Ham fan and doesn't want to leave but is evaluating his next
move. The club hope he will go on loan for another year or so and then be
fighting for a first team place here.We will continue to search for top
young players to bring here.I was delighted to exclusively bring the news of
the signing of Domingos Quina in the week from Chelsea and there are two
more players that could be heading to the youth team before the end of the
season. These are two very talented individuals. Speaking of talented
youngster Samuelsen is back with us from his spell with Peterborough and
hoping to make the bench in the forthcoming fixtures as well as leading us
to victory in the cup final against Hull.
The site is moving forward rapidly and you are now reading our first ever
fanzine. Please make sure you continue to check this out and contact myself
for advertising both in this and on the website or offering other
contributions should you wish. We will have a special edition available for
the Manchester United game. Thank you to all the writers who have
contributed and I haven't been able to thank personally yet. Remember our
App is available to download and to follow us on snapchat, Facebook and
YouTube. We have a new website round the corner and another "unique" new
feature coming soon. I will be at the WBA game so I look forward to seeing
some of you up there and follow all the action on our Snap Chat.
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Barca interested in Lacazette?
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
According to today's edition of L'Equipe, Barcelona are now interested in
acquiring Lacazette from Lyon. It's explained that Barcelona know they need
to buy someone as support to their their world class trio of forwards.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are thought to need more rest than they
currently get, and Luis Enrique is short of options. The manager wanted to
sign Nolito from Celta Vigo during the winter transfer window, but
Barcelona's tricky finances at the time scuppered it. Eric Abidal is said
to be important in any potential deal taking Lacazette to Barcelona, with
close links to everyone involved. The problem for Barcelona (apart from the
rather obvious point of Lyon wanting a big fee and Barcelona not wanting to
pay one) is said to be playing time, with Lacazette not keen on a supporting
role. At the end of their article, L'Equipe say: 'The Hammers have also
returned to the fray in recent days.'
L'Equipe had previously reported last week that West Ham had submitted a bid
for the Lyon Hitman. Coincidentally some Spanish media sources had stated
last week that West Ham where also interested in the Celta Vigo star,
Nolito.
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Bilic aiming for top six and Europe
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has admitted that his aim for the remainder of this season is
to finish in the top six of the Premier League - and hopefully qualify for
Europe.
Bilic - whose team need just two points from their remaining four matches to
better West Ham United's record tally of 57 points from a 38-game season -
is hoping to become the first Irons boss to finish in the top six since
Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad finished fifth.
"Yes, it is a target - and it's been our target for quite a while now," he
said during a media briefing.
"It wasn't a target at the beginning of the season, but with four games to
go we have a little gap. We can't afford not to win game or lose games but
top six is what we're looking for now.
"It's going to be hard as we have four really tough games and both Liverpool
and Southampton are playing well and picking up points. But, we're unbeaten
in the Premier League for a while, on a good run and we are fully motivated.
"We're good and if we continue to play well in our last games, we have a
good chance."
West Ham will qualify for a Europe League spot should they end the season in
the top six. However a Manchester United win in next month's FA Cup Final
would result in an additional Euopean spot becoming available, due to the
Reds being on the verge of qualifying for Europe via their league position.
Bilic admitted that he would be backing Louis Van Gaal's side in next
month's Wembley showpiece as a result - even though he hopes to have
everything wrapped up by that point.
"I would like to see them win it because it would give us a bit of a
cushion," he added, when questioned on the subject.
"The good thing though is that everything is in our hands - and I would
rather we did it ourselves that have to wait until a week after the season
and wear red scarves and flags and be Man United fans!
"I don't want to talk about it like it's happened already, let's try to do
it first. That's all I can promise. It is in our hands but there's four
games to go and it can very easily slip out of our hands. But, it would be
great."
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West Ham host Show Racism the Red Card School Competition Awards
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 28/04/16 2:30pm
SSN
West Ham's Boleyn Ground played host to the 16th annual Show Racism the Red
Card (SRtRC) School Competition Awards Ceremony on Thursday. West Ham
full-back Sam Byram, former player Leroy Rosenior and joint-chairman David
Gold attended the ceremony, as well as PFA deputy chief executive Bobby
Barnes and Chelsea Ladies and England forward Gemma Davison. Run with
support from a number of organisations including the FA, PFA and the
National Union of Teachers, the School Competition Awards form part of Show
Racism the Red Card's 20th anniversary celebrations. Awards including
football shirts and prizes donated by football clubs and other organisations
were collected on the day by young people from all over the country, who
were selected as competition winners. Show Racism the Red Card chief
executive, Ged Grebby said: "We are thrilled that West Ham has agreed to
host the School Competition awards. This is a special year for both of the
organisations, it being SRtRC's 20th anniversary and West Ham United's final
year at their historic Boleyn Ground, ahead of their move to the Olympic
Stadium. "The competition sees thousands of young people take part annually
and it is a hard job for the judges to pick the winners from so many great
entries. This year there were some wonderfully original entries and we would
like to thank all of the teachers for promoting the competition in their
schools. "SRtRC would also like to congratulate all the winners of the 2016
School Competition on their achievement. This event is a fantastic example
of the hard work and commitment of thousands of young people and the
enthusiasm the SRtRC campaign inspires."
Funke Awoderu, equality manager at the Football Association said: ''The FA
is once again delighted to be sponsoring the Show Racism the Red Card School
Competition. The campaign provides a terrific platform for young people to
get involved in a creative and meaningful way.'' PFA chief executive Gordon
Taylor added: ''The PFA would like to congratulate all the entrants of the
Show Racism the Red Card Schools Competition. We are always delighted to
support the campaign in their vital work delivering key message around
diversity and inclusion using football and players as the delivery tool.''
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Slaven Bilic confident Aaron Cresswell will stay at West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 28/04/16 1:40pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic says Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and expects the
defender to remain at the club. Cresswell, who joined West Ham from Ipswich
Town in 2014, has recently been linked with a summer move away from the
Hammers, with Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly among the clubs
interested. The 26-year-old has four years left on his contract, with the
option of a further two years, and Bilic is confident he will be able to
call upon him next season at the Olympic Stadium. "Aaron Cresswell is
having a great season. He was Hammer of the Year last year, he's a great
professional and he's always available. He's great," he said. "He had a
great season last season, on the ball and with his crossing and technique.
He is almost a playmaker from defence. "Aaron improved defensively and is
almost a complete player now. He naturally became of interest to so many
good clubs. "I spoke to him. First, he is under contract and second, and
more importantly, he is really happy here and can't wait for the future."
Cresswell is likely to make his 44th appearance of the season on Saturday
when West Ham face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. West Ham are on
course to secure a place in Europe for next season and win over the Baggies
would see them leapfrog Manchester United into fifth spot. But Bilic is
taking nothing for granted and is expecting a tough encounter against Tony
Pulis' side, who are almost certain to be playing Premier League football
next season after passing the 40-point mark. "West Brom are not on the
beach. They are playing for pride, for their fans, for themselves," he
added. "Once, in Germany, we played the last game to go to Europe against a
team who had been relegated and they beat us 5-1!
"Make no mistake, especially with Tony Pulis in charge and the English
mentality, we are expecting they will play at their maximum. "They scored
44-45 per cent of their goals from the set pieces and they have a lot of
clean sheets and energy in transition. "They get four players in the box and
deliver quality. They are a good team and of course they are safe. They've
never been in trouble."
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Rio Ferdinand to play alongside brother Anton in England vs Germany
'legends' game at Upton Park
21:01, 28 APR 2016 UPDATED 21:01, 28 APR 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The pair join a host of other big names as the two sides do battle on May 2
to mark the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions' World Cup win
The Mirror
Anton Ferdinand has become the latest name to join the star-studded line up
for the England vs Germany 'legends' game at Upton Park on May 2.
The former West Ham centre-half joins brother Rio in the England squad for
the match which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions'
World Cup win. Ferdinand, who still plays professionally in the Championship
with Reading, will line up alongside names such as Teddy Sheringham, David
James, Sol Campbell, Trevor Sinclair and Peter Bearsley. David Haye, Damien
Lewis, Mark Strong and Lee Mack are some of the celebrities that will also
take part in the match at the Boleyn Ground. Ray Winstone will lead the
Three Lions, who come up against a Germany side with no shortage of quality.
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will play, as will ex-Bayer
Leverkusen stars Oliver Neuville and Thomas Hitzlsperger. The match marks a
return to the East End for Ferdinand who played over 200 competitive games
for the club between 2003 and 2008.
Kick-off is at 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
Tickets are available by calling call 0871 091 1811 or visiting
www.whufcboxoffice.com .
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West Ham would be second were it not for errors by officials, claims former
referee's assistant
JAMES BENGE Wednesday 27 April 20166 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham would be second in the league were it not for refereeing errors,
according to a report by former assistant Glenn Turner. Recent weeks have
seen Slaven Bilic's side come out on the wrong side of a host of
controversial decisions from officials, including a goal from Manuel Lanzini
against Arsenal wrongly ruled offside and a last-minute penalty given
against Andy Carroll in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. After the 3-3 draw
with Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground earlier this month Bilic suggested his
side would be third if they had had the rub of the green but research from
you-are-the-ref.com claims that the Hammers should be even higher in the
table. Keith Hackett, a former top flight referee and head of Professional
Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), believes the intimidating confines of
Upton Park are pressuring referees into making the wrong calls: "I think
what might come into play is the fact that it's a pretty vociferous crowd.
"West Ham followers, they make the referee at times feel uncomfortable by
the very nature of their reaction to decisions, right or wrong. "However
the referee needs to focus and maintain concentration and I think some of
the decision makers when you look across the stats, need a kick up the rear!
I question whether there's a level of accountability that operates for
referees that are making major errors, they're still getting major
appointments."
This season has seen what you-are-the-ref.com believes to 84 key decisions
made incorrectly during the 333 Premier League matches prior to last
weekend's fixtures. These include incorrectly allowing or disallowing a
goal, awarding a penalty or failing to do so and failing to make the right
decision in a potential red card incident. Jon Moss, the referee at the
centre of Leicester's controversial clash with West Ham, was adjudged the
worst performing referee in the Premier League and Hackett is concerned
that too many of the league's top officials are struggling when the
spotlight is on them. He said: "I used to talk regularly with our referees
(when chief of PGMOL) and say to them 'we don't want a single error this
weekend' and we used to occasionally get one but our overall average was 1
in 10 games compared to now which is 1 in 4. "Some referees aren't capable
of managing big events. We all know that when Howard Webb, Mark Halsey
leaving prematurely, all these situations, they lost Phil Dowd, Lee Probert
and the quality hasn't been replaced."
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Exclusive: Galey bares his Boleyn soul
C and H
Tony Gale is preparing himself for one of the most emotional nights of his
life. He will be doubling up as one of the Hammers favourites during a
parade of the legends along with carrying out his Sky duties where he has
become a well respected analyst. And in an exclusive interview with
ClaretandHugh the former central defender said: "It's going to be one of the
most emotional nights ever – there won't be a dry eye in the house.
tgale"Over the last couple of weeks the absolute reality of the situation
has dawned on everybody and it's a hard one isn't it. Yes, I'm for the move
to the Olympic Stadium. It's an absolute must if we are going to compete at
the top with the big boys. "None of us a are silly. We all understand it but
unfortunately emotions and memories get in the way and the ida of leaving
the Boleyn is really pretty unbelievable."
He feels for those who have lived their lives in the area and are born and
bred and regrets the passing of "community" saying: "Some are now
millionaires and others are on the dole but when they return to the ground
they are what they have always been – Boleyn boys and girls. "After a
wonderful season we can leave with a flourish but it's still gong to be the
toghest all in the world for so many. I love that place heart and soul. I
had ten years at the club and lo ve the place. "The final night against
Manchester United is going to be hard, very hard – we will all have tears
flowing. That's for sure."
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No injuries so here's the team we want to see
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C abd H
Slaven Bilic is this week in a position for the first time in ages to pick
his first team. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has
reported that "we have no injuries for the moment ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion." And barring any
accidents in training that means the boss will be able to show his hand at
West Brom where we can expect an attacking formation as the Irons continue
to mount their assault on Europe.
Vandenbroucke said: "Since my last update a week ago, we have won an
important home match against Watford and, from a medical point of view, we
came through the game with no serious injury concerns other than the usual
bumps and bruises.Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the
Watford game. The players then returned to training on Saturday and we have
preparing for West Brom."
So the guessing game on Slav's selection start and here's the team we would
like to see:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Payet,
Carroll, Sakho
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Hammers on Cresswell rumour
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Speculation that Liverpool are keen to sign Aaron Cresswell this summer have
been killed off by West Ham. Rumours have been circulating for some time
that the Reds see the scouser as a summer target but short of an "absolutely
astronomical bid" there is zero interest inside Upton Park. Cresswell only
recently signed a new deal which sees him locked into a Hammers contract
until 2120 with another two year option both ways at the end of that. Kop
manager Jurgen Klopp has been impressed with the left back in the matches
between the two sides but the Hammers are totally disnitested in a bid. An
insider told ClaretandHugh: "We've read the stories but as both chaormn have
said on several occasions, we are no longer a selling club. "There is no
chance of Aaron moving anywhere. it would have to be an absolutely
astronomical bid for us to even look ."
Meanhile Cresswell himself is very happy at the club telling the London
Evening Standard: "It's going to be fantastic next season – once it's all
kitted out, I can't wait to see it," he told the London Evening Standard.
West Ham fans feel that Cresswell has been unlucky not to stake a claim for
a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016.
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Hammers waiting game on striker targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham will move in seriously on their striker targets once the season
comes to an end. Although the club has identified four serious players they
are unable to process any moves whilst the season is is still underway. We
understand that Christian Benteke = although unlikely – has not been 100 per
cent discarded. And both Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuay are strongly
fancied although a source close to the club added that there are three other
names on the short list which has been whittled down from 12 over recent
weeks. We were told that fans need not expect any serious developments until
the season comes to an end. ClaretandHugh was told by a senior club insider:
"We know the supporters are desperate for news and obviously we have plans
in place but nothing will happen until the end of the season. Agents and
clubs quite understandably don't want to lower the form of players by
putting thoughts of transfers into their heads. "
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Police advice ahead of Hawthorns clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Midlands Police have posted advice to West Ham Supporters on social
media ahead of West Ham's match with West Brom on Saturday afternoon. The
Force's Football Unit have posted advice for those travelling and attending
the match. "West Bromwich Albion v West Ham, 25,000 are expected with West
Ham having sold their full allocation of 2,700, have a good day." "Coaches
and minibuses can park for free in Middlemore Road, plenty of car parks
along Birmingham Road for private vehicles" "If your travelling by train to
the the match it is best to drink in Birmingham town centre and then on the
Heavy rail or Metro to the Hawthorns stadium" "If your going for a drink
near the ground away supporters are welcome at the Royal Oak Holyhead Rd
,which is the nearest pub to the ground." "You can also get a drink at the
Fan Zone or inside the stadium ,have a safe journey and see you there."
"Than You"
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Pulis gives his Hammers opinion
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Tony Pulis has told Slaven Bilic he is the success story of the season. The
West Brom boss pits his wits against Super Slav at the Hawthorns on Saturday
knowing he's in for one of the toughest battles of the season. Speaking
exclusively to CandH he said: "What a team West Ham have become under Slaven
– who apart from being a great manager – is a terrific man. He has real
quality – a very good person indeed. "He has produced exactly the right mix
at the club – great players playing terrific football in front of a crowd
who obviously think the world of him. "If I'm honest I really didn't expect
him to be so successful in his first season – his has been a fantastic
achievement."
Pulis claims that the squad assembled is quite extraordinary with Dimi Payet
taking the club to a different level declaring: "It was a fantastic summer
for them and he has been one of the players of the season. "Mind you Michail
Antonio has been brilliant and represents a real handful to us or anyone
else. This is going to be an incredibly difficult game for us – they have
become a great team."
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An evening with Alvin Martin
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammer, Alvin Martin, will be hosting a live TV screening of West Ham
v Manchester United on Tuesday 10th May at Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket,
London.
The event is designed for Hammers who have been unable to purchase a final
ticket for the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground.
Alvin will host a Q&A session and pose with fans for photographs and sign
autographs.
Although invited to the last game at the Boleyn Ground by the club, Alvin
told Claret and Hugh, this afternoon that his last ever game at the Boleyn
was earlier this month during the recent 3-3 draw with Arsenal. Asked for
his favourite Boleyn Ground memory he chose the first time he stepped out to
a packed Boleyn ground against Coventry describing as a 'Wonderful feeling'
Alvin added "This is the best squad since 1986, Bilic is the real deal and I
said it WHEN he was appointed!"
Venue:
VIP LOUNGE
Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket, London
Date: Tuesday 10 May 2016
Drinks Reception: 6pm / Buffet: 6.45pm
Kick off: 7.45pm
Cash Bar
ONLY £60.00 per person !!!
includes signed photograph & buffet
(Limited to 100 tickets only)
Sponsorship / Groups / Individual Tickets
To book contact us at info@eclipsesports.co.uk
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Actually, this is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season…
By James Jones - Apr 28, 2016 0
WestHamWorld.co.uk
Earlier this week we published an article that questioned whether the
decision to play our last ever game at the Boleyn Ground on a weeknight
rather than a weekend was the biggest injustice to our season – you can read
that here. But we think we may have found an ever bigger injustice to what
is already a historic season, but could have also been the club's most
successful in its history. We all know how much we've been robbed of
refereeing decisions over the past few months. The penalty that never was at
Old Trafford, the penalty that should've been a free-kick at Chelsea,
Kouyate's red card for a fair tackle against Palace, Lanzini's offside goal
against Arsenal that was onside… the list goes on and on and on and on. It
has cost us points. Points that perhaps wouldn't have meant a great deal had
we been competing in mid-table. Instead, these incompetent decisions from
referees this season may have in-fact cost us a place in the Champions
League next season. We're currently eight points off fourth place with four
games to play, but had referees done their jobs properly we'd actually be
second and eight points clear of fifth – just one win away from
mathematically securing our place in the biggest club competition in the
world. Instead, we're now hoping teams above us drop points while we cling
on to a place in the top six. Have a look at the league table below – this
really is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season. And how much
has it cost us in potential income?
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Slaven Bilic insists Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay for
'a long time' despite interest from Liverpool
West Ham United news: Click here for all the latest from Upton Park
Aaron Cresswell has become a key player for West Ham this season
The full back's performances have attracted interest from Liverpool
But Slaven Bilic has said Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay
Bilic sees the 26-year-old defender having a long career with the Hammers
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:17, 28 April 2016 | UPDATED: 12:30, 28 April 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic defiantly insists Aaron Cresswell will not be
going anywhere this summer despite interest from Liverpool. The Hammers
manager acknowledged the defender's 'great season' had inevitably attracted
interest from higher-profile clubs but insisted Cresswell is 'really happy'
at Upton Park. Speaking ahead of Saturday's visit to West Bromwich Albion,
which could see his side take another step towards a Europa League place,
Bilic said: 'He is having a great season. 'Last year he was Hammer of the
Year and, first of all, he is a great professional and it is great to have
him and those kind of players. He's played every game this season, he's
maybe missed one. He is great. 'He has improved a lot and he has had a great
season on the ball, with his crosses and with his skill and technique. He's
almost a playmaker on the left side of the defence but defensively he has
improved tremendously. 'So he has become a great full-back and a complete
footballer. So he naturally gets the interest of so many big clubs, bigger
clubs - though I don't agree they're bigger clubs. 'I spoke to him. First
he is under contract. Second, more important than the length of the
contract, is that he is really happy here, he loves it here and he can't
wait for the new season. Those clubs can try to talk to him but I spoke to
him a couple of times, he is very happy and he is going to stay with us for
a long time.' Cresswell, 26, was signed from Ipswich Town for £3.75m in 2014
and has developed into an indispensable part of the Hammers squad. He has
missed just one Premier League match this season, playing 43 games across
all competitions. West Ham are currently sixth in the Premier League and on
course for Europa League football. They have home matches against Swansea
and Manchester United after their visit to The Hawthorns and conclude their
season at Stoke. On their top six ambitions, Bilic added: 'It is a target
and it has been a target for quite a while now. We have a bit of a gap but
we can't afford to lose games. 'The top six is where we are looking for now.
It's going to be hard, we have Liverpool and Southampton there [in seventh
and eighth]. 'But we are unbeaten in a long time, we have had a good run and
we are fully motivated. If we continue to play like we play, we have a good
chance.' Bilic also praised youngster Reece Burke, who was named Bradford
City's Player of the Season after impressing during his loan spell with the
League One club. The Croatian manager raised the prospect of 21-year-old
Burke becoming part of the Hammers squad next season or potentially going on
loan to a Championship side. He said: 'I like Reece, he already played in
some friendlies and in Europe for us. He is a very clever player and has a
great stature. He is very smart and I like him a lot. 'It is part of the
plan for him and them - we have a few promising players - to go on loan for
a minimum of two seasons. After one season or two seasons, to come back with
a clear situation - either be an important member of the squad or go
somewhere else. 'If he's going to do another year, it has to be at least
Championship or if he stays with us, we'll see if he has got a good chance
to play and not only to train.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th April 2016
Awards night success for loan star Burke
WHUFC.com
West Ham loan star Reece Burke gained recognition for his fantastic season
at Bradford City by winning seven awards on Tuesday night at the club's
presentation evening. The 19-year-old Academy product collected the main
accolade – club Player of the Year – as well as similar awards from a number
of supporters' clubs. Also picking up the Most Consistent Player prize, it
was a terrific evening overall for the defender who has made 34 appearances
for the Bantams this season. After collecting the awards, the centre-back
said: "To win seven, I don't know what to say. It's a big achievement for
me. I couldn't thank people enough; my family and people who have voted for
me. "The aim when moving to Bradford was to get a few league games under my
belt but I've come a long way since then! I've played quite a few and it's
great to win Player of the Year. "It means a lot for my family to be here
when I collected my awards. We're very close. My Dad comes up for most games
and travels back, so it's hard work for him, but if it wasn't for him I
wouldn't be the man I am today. "I think working with the manager and being
around the players has helped me develop. I've grown up quite quick on the
pitch and it's been a great season for me."
Burke is just one of many promising Hammers who have been successful out on
loan this term; Josh Cullen has impressed alongside him at Bradford while
Elliot Lee and Kyle Knoyle have done well at Colchester United and Dundee
United respectively. City manager Phil Parkinson was full of praise for the
pair of Hammers, who have grown up at the Academy of Football, he has had at
his disposal this season. "We have been delighted with the progress that
both Burke and Cullen have made since arriving at the club," he said.
"Obviously Reece came up first towards the start of the season and he
settled in well with the rest of the players and in the area itself. "The
exact same can be said about Josh when he joined too. They have performed
excellently for us during their time here and they are both examples of the
young players West Ham United are trying to produce. They are a credit to
their Club."
In his first full season in senior football, Burke played three times for
the Hammers in their Europa League ties at the start of the season, before
joining the play-off chasing League One side. His loan move, which has seen
the rising star become a fans' favourite at Valley Parade, came on the back
of six impressive displays in Claret and Blue for the first team at the tail
end of last term. Bradford City are currently fifth in League One and look
set for a play-off campaign, having narrowly missed out last term, in a bid
to win promotion to the Championship.
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Collins - I'm dying to play my part
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender James Collins is itching to get back on the pitch after
returning from injury and is looking forward to facing a manager this
weekend who once tried to sign him.
The big centre-half, who made a cameo return appearance from the bench
against Watford last week, is fit and ready for selection having recovered
from a hamstring problem as the Hammers face West Bromwich Albion at the
Hawthorns on Saturday.
And the Welshman revealed that Baggies manager Tony Pulis, then boss of
Stoke City, was a big fan of his years ago, however the 32-year-old instead
left the Hammers for Aston Villa.
Collins said: "I almost signed for [Pulis] a couple of years back when he
was at Stoke. I went to Villa a couple of days later instead, though.
"He is from Newport and grew up not far from me, so I've always had a good
bit of banter with him. I know boys that have played for him, but he's a
great manager and a great man.
"He gets his teams working hard and it's going to be tough on Saturday.
We're confident though that we can get the three points. I am dying to get
back on the pitch and play my part in the rest of the season."
Prior to the 3-1 victory over the Hornets, Collins last appeared for Slaven
Bilic's side in the Hammers' 1-0 win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The defender admitted that it has been a slower return to match fitness than
he would have liked, but he now wants to help the side finish as high up the
Premier League table as possible.
"It took me a bit longer to get fit than I wanted and I had a couple of
setbacks, but I'm looking forward to getting some game time now and looking
forward to the Euros too," continued the Wales international.
"It's still been a great season for us. If you ask the rest of the boys,
they'll probably say the same as me, that we've conceded a few too many
goals recently, and I'm not just saying that because I'm not playing!
"We could have had a few wins where we've drawn, but we're still going well
and we're looking forward to the last three games. We're working to finish
as high up as we can.
"There have been times where a couple of decisions have gone against us but
we need to finish off strongly as we don't want to fizzle out – we need to
carry it on."
Collins – capped by Wales on 46 occasions – will join up with the rest of
the Dragons' squad and manager Chris Coleman at the end of the season for
UEFA Euro 2016 in France, and he is looking forward to the nation's huge
clash with Roy Hodgson's England.
"The draw has been made and obviously we have got England, so it's going to
be a massive tournament and a massive game against them. We're meeting up
quite early though, so we'll be fully prepared and will have a good few
weeks to look forward to it.
"We will go there full of confidence that we can perform how we have been
[in the qualifiers] and confident of getting to the next stage."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Football journalist Rory Smith reckons the Juventus are a fitting club to
for the Hammers to open the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
against in August…
There's no doubt that the Hammers' opponents in the first game at their new
Stadium – Juventus – are one of the world's biggest clubs, something that
has perhaps been forgotten in recent years with Barcelona and Bayern Munich
taking over.
The Old Lady are massive, though; to think they have won 32 Serie A titles
is extraordinary. They say that one in every two football fans in Italy is a
Juventus fan, meaning they're beyond the Manchester United of Italy. You
either actively support them or actively support against them over there. It
shows what a genuinely massive club they are.
They are one of the three teams in Serie A to own their stadium, they have
now won five titles in a row and they are regulars in the latter stages of
the UEFA Champions League. They obviously got to the final of the
competition last season, and many would have backed them to get to the
quarters or the semis again had they not met Bayern in the last-16 this
year. Even in that tie, they ran the German side close.
They are a team on the up, that's for sure. They often provide the backbone
for the Italy team, and the three of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and
Leonardo Bonucci are Italian football-made flesh. They're brutal, hard and
tough – and a little bit snide in a nice way – but also elegant and what you
think of when you consider Italian football.
One of the reasons Fiorentina hate Juventus is because they feel they have
always been over-represented in the Italy side. Gianluigi Buffon is one of
those players who you want to appreciate watching now; there's a good chance
he's the best goalkeeper who has ever lived. Not just his ability
contributes to that, but also how long he lasted at the top of world
football for club and country.
I remember him making his debut for Parma when he was 18, and that would
have been almost 21 years ago. He's one of those players that when your
grandkids ask 'who have you seen play?', it would be nice to answer
'Gianluigi Buffon'. West Ham fans now have a chance to do that.
Like West Ham, Juventus are a factory team, and they have massive English
links with their former managers.
They're a side full of symbolic Italian players, however they also have some
younger, exciting players as well. Paul Pogba is arguably one of the most
complete midfielders in Europe; Paulo Dybala is the next Argentinian
sensation…there are lots of players who are worth watching.
It is sure to be an exciting game to open the new Stadium that everyone
connected with West Ham will be looking forward to.
Rory Smith's new book 'Mister: The Men Who Gave The World The Game' is
available now online and from most good bookshops.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not
necessarily the opinions held by West Ham United.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
News
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Sport Football West Ham transfer news
West Ham out of transfer chase for Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they
focus on signing a top striker
22:30, 27 APR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hammers chiefs have decided to invest major funds in the centre-forward
position with Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke among the names on their
radar
The Mirror
West Ham have decided against pursuing a move for Arsenal 's Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain — because they have already made a high-class striker
their main priority.
We revealed last week that the ambitious Hammers - still chasing Champions
League qualification with four games to go - have been offered midfielder
Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the Gunners set to offload a number of players this
summer.
But the Irons are currently battling London neighbours and rivals Spurs for
the signature of Marseille marksman Michy Batshuayi, who has scored 19 goals
this season.
They have also confirmed their interest in out-of-favour Liverpool frontman
Christian Benteke.
A decision has been taken to invest substantial funds into addressing the
centre-forward position ahead of next season, even though the club are among
the Premier League's highest scorers in the current campaign.
Talented England international Oxlade-Chamberlain has also attracted
attention from his former club Southampton and both Manchester giants.
The 22-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has 24 caps for
England but is unlikely to be picked for the European Championship this
summer as he is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ticket booking fees rise by 30%
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Booking fees for buying tickets over the telephone from West Ham's new
ticket partner Ticket Master have increased by 30% to £1.95 per ticket.
Under the current contract with See Tickets at the Boleyn Ground,
Bondholders/Season Ticket Holders/Academy and Youth Academy Member pay £1.50
per ticket. However, buying tickets online for the Olympic Stadium will
remain the same at £1 per ticket booking fee.
A source close to the ticket office told Claret and Hugh
"Unfortunately, this was a tough decision but we took in the fans view on
the problems encountered with the current box office particularly in the
time spent waiting on the phone due to the small size of the See Tickets
call centre"
The source added "It's tough to find an improved system at the same cost,
Ticket Master offer a better service but for this, supporters will have a
slightly higher charge applied to their transactions. We have battled hard
to keep the online the same and this is where biggest improvement in terms
of demand and also usage will be seen"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sky plan a massive Boleyn farewell
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 27, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
Sky Sports will be serving up a Hammers treat for the last game at the
Boleyn. Plans are well advanced from the broadcaster to ensure that those
unable to get to the game will see the 'old lady' get a brilliant send off.
Sky regulars Tony Gale and Tony Cottee will be giving hourly bulletins from
Upton Park whilst Bill Bonds and Alan Devonshire will be heavily featured.
The climax to the night is still shrouded in secrecy by the club although we
understand a large number of Irons 'legends' will be joining the
celebrations. BondsHowever, the club is desperate that fans remain in their
seats for the evening and any crowd invasion would be a disaster after
months of planning at considerable expense It would also prevent some of the
biggest names in club history from making their entrance for the last time
so let's all stay cool.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Great news for Dad Slav
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic's long term girlfriend, Ivana Djeldum is expecting her second
child with the West Ham manager according to Croatian tabloids. This will be
his fourth child and second with Ivana who gave birth to their first child
two years ago before he joined West Ham, last summer. His young daughter
Sofi and the two year old lives with her mother in his home town of Spilt,
and Slav regularly visits them when he gets time off from the Hammers. He
also has two children, a son and a daughter by his former wife of 14 years,
Andrijana Bilic who also lives in Spilt, Croatia. They are called Leo who is
now nineteen and Alani who is twelve. Congratulations to Slaven and Ivana on
their news from ClaretandHugh.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers seat sales soon underway
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 27, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham are close to organising how fans will buy their seats to keep as a
permanent reminder of their old Boleyn home. ClaretandHugh has learned this
morning (Wed) that the club will be dismantling the seats after the final
game and those who have sat in the same seat for years will either be
allowed to collect it for a fee or have it delivered. No price has been
revealed but sources are claiming they will be sold at around £70. A
spokesman for the club told us: "All the plans are in place and we will be
revealing costs and all the rest of the details on line very soon. "It's not
an entirely straightforward operation as the back and bottom of the seat has
to be remove from the bits of fittings. "We will be providing the back nd
seat itself and it would probably be preferable if they were collected from
the club although we would expect to also put delivery plans into effect for
those who can't manage that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham loan star Reece Burke gained recognition for his fantastic season
at Bradford City by winning seven awards on Tuesday night at the club's
presentation evening. The 19-year-old Academy product collected the main
accolade – club Player of the Year – as well as similar awards from a number
of supporters' clubs. Also picking up the Most Consistent Player prize, it
was a terrific evening overall for the defender who has made 34 appearances
for the Bantams this season. After collecting the awards, the centre-back
said: "To win seven, I don't know what to say. It's a big achievement for
me. I couldn't thank people enough; my family and people who have voted for
me. "The aim when moving to Bradford was to get a few league games under my
belt but I've come a long way since then! I've played quite a few and it's
great to win Player of the Year. "It means a lot for my family to be here
when I collected my awards. We're very close. My Dad comes up for most games
and travels back, so it's hard work for him, but if it wasn't for him I
wouldn't be the man I am today. "I think working with the manager and being
around the players has helped me develop. I've grown up quite quick on the
pitch and it's been a great season for me."
Burke is just one of many promising Hammers who have been successful out on
loan this term; Josh Cullen has impressed alongside him at Bradford while
Elliot Lee and Kyle Knoyle have done well at Colchester United and Dundee
United respectively. City manager Phil Parkinson was full of praise for the
pair of Hammers, who have grown up at the Academy of Football, he has had at
his disposal this season. "We have been delighted with the progress that
both Burke and Cullen have made since arriving at the club," he said.
"Obviously Reece came up first towards the start of the season and he
settled in well with the rest of the players and in the area itself. "The
exact same can be said about Josh when he joined too. They have performed
excellently for us during their time here and they are both examples of the
young players West Ham United are trying to produce. They are a credit to
their Club."
In his first full season in senior football, Burke played three times for
the Hammers in their Europa League ties at the start of the season, before
joining the play-off chasing League One side. His loan move, which has seen
the rising star become a fans' favourite at Valley Parade, came on the back
of six impressive displays in Claret and Blue for the first team at the tail
end of last term. Bradford City are currently fifth in League One and look
set for a play-off campaign, having narrowly missed out last term, in a bid
to win promotion to the Championship.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins - I'm dying to play my part
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender James Collins is itching to get back on the pitch after
returning from injury and is looking forward to facing a manager this
weekend who once tried to sign him.
The big centre-half, who made a cameo return appearance from the bench
against Watford last week, is fit and ready for selection having recovered
from a hamstring problem as the Hammers face West Bromwich Albion at the
Hawthorns on Saturday.
And the Welshman revealed that Baggies manager Tony Pulis, then boss of
Stoke City, was a big fan of his years ago, however the 32-year-old instead
left the Hammers for Aston Villa.
Collins said: "I almost signed for [Pulis] a couple of years back when he
was at Stoke. I went to Villa a couple of days later instead, though.
"He is from Newport and grew up not far from me, so I've always had a good
bit of banter with him. I know boys that have played for him, but he's a
great manager and a great man.
"He gets his teams working hard and it's going to be tough on Saturday.
We're confident though that we can get the three points. I am dying to get
back on the pitch and play my part in the rest of the season."
Prior to the 3-1 victory over the Hornets, Collins last appeared for Slaven
Bilic's side in the Hammers' 1-0 win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The defender admitted that it has been a slower return to match fitness than
he would have liked, but he now wants to help the side finish as high up the
Premier League table as possible.
"It took me a bit longer to get fit than I wanted and I had a couple of
setbacks, but I'm looking forward to getting some game time now and looking
forward to the Euros too," continued the Wales international.
"It's still been a great season for us. If you ask the rest of the boys,
they'll probably say the same as me, that we've conceded a few too many
goals recently, and I'm not just saying that because I'm not playing!
"We could have had a few wins where we've drawn, but we're still going well
and we're looking forward to the last three games. We're working to finish
as high up as we can.
"There have been times where a couple of decisions have gone against us but
we need to finish off strongly as we don't want to fizzle out – we need to
carry it on."
Collins – capped by Wales on 46 occasions – will join up with the rest of
the Dragons' squad and manager Chris Coleman at the end of the season for
UEFA Euro 2016 in France, and he is looking forward to the nation's huge
clash with Roy Hodgson's England.
"The draw has been made and obviously we have got England, so it's going to
be a massive tournament and a massive game against them. We're meeting up
quite early though, so we'll be fully prepared and will have a good few
weeks to look forward to it.
"We will go there full of confidence that we can perform how we have been
[in the qualifiers] and confident of getting to the next stage."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Football journalist Rory Smith reckons the Juventus are a fitting club to
for the Hammers to open the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
against in August…
There's no doubt that the Hammers' opponents in the first game at their new
Stadium – Juventus – are one of the world's biggest clubs, something that
has perhaps been forgotten in recent years with Barcelona and Bayern Munich
taking over.
The Old Lady are massive, though; to think they have won 32 Serie A titles
is extraordinary. They say that one in every two football fans in Italy is a
Juventus fan, meaning they're beyond the Manchester United of Italy. You
either actively support them or actively support against them over there. It
shows what a genuinely massive club they are.
They are one of the three teams in Serie A to own their stadium, they have
now won five titles in a row and they are regulars in the latter stages of
the UEFA Champions League. They obviously got to the final of the
competition last season, and many would have backed them to get to the
quarters or the semis again had they not met Bayern in the last-16 this
year. Even in that tie, they ran the German side close.
They are a team on the up, that's for sure. They often provide the backbone
for the Italy team, and the three of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and
Leonardo Bonucci are Italian football-made flesh. They're brutal, hard and
tough – and a little bit snide in a nice way – but also elegant and what you
think of when you consider Italian football.
One of the reasons Fiorentina hate Juventus is because they feel they have
always been over-represented in the Italy side. Gianluigi Buffon is one of
those players who you want to appreciate watching now; there's a good chance
he's the best goalkeeper who has ever lived. Not just his ability
contributes to that, but also how long he lasted at the top of world
football for club and country.
I remember him making his debut for Parma when he was 18, and that would
have been almost 21 years ago. He's one of those players that when your
grandkids ask 'who have you seen play?', it would be nice to answer
'Gianluigi Buffon'. West Ham fans now have a chance to do that.
Like West Ham, Juventus are a factory team, and they have massive English
links with their former managers.
They're a side full of symbolic Italian players, however they also have some
younger, exciting players as well. Paul Pogba is arguably one of the most
complete midfielders in Europe; Paulo Dybala is the next Argentinian
sensation…there are lots of players who are worth watching.
It is sure to be an exciting game to open the new Stadium that everyone
connected with West Ham will be looking forward to.
Rory Smith's new book 'Mister: The Men Who Gave The World The Game' is
available now online and from most good bookshops.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not
necessarily the opinions held by West Ham United.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
News
Politics
Football
Sport
Celebs
TV & Film
Weird News
TRENDINGCRISTIANO RONALDODELE ALLICHAMPIONS LEAGUEPREMIER LEAGUE TITLE
RACEHILLSBOROUGH INQUESTS Technology Money Travel Fashion Mums
Home
Sport Football West Ham transfer news
West Ham out of transfer chase for Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they
focus on signing a top striker
22:30, 27 APR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hammers chiefs have decided to invest major funds in the centre-forward
position with Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke among the names on their
radar
The Mirror
West Ham have decided against pursuing a move for Arsenal 's Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain — because they have already made a high-class striker
their main priority.
We revealed last week that the ambitious Hammers - still chasing Champions
League qualification with four games to go - have been offered midfielder
Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the Gunners set to offload a number of players this
summer.
But the Irons are currently battling London neighbours and rivals Spurs for
the signature of Marseille marksman Michy Batshuayi, who has scored 19 goals
this season.
They have also confirmed their interest in out-of-favour Liverpool frontman
Christian Benteke.
A decision has been taken to invest substantial funds into addressing the
centre-forward position ahead of next season, even though the club are among
the Premier League's highest scorers in the current campaign.
Talented England international Oxlade-Chamberlain has also attracted
attention from his former club Southampton and both Manchester giants.
The 22-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has 24 caps for
England but is unlikely to be picked for the European Championship this
summer as he is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ticket booking fees rise by 30%
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Booking fees for buying tickets over the telephone from West Ham's new
ticket partner Ticket Master have increased by 30% to £1.95 per ticket.
Under the current contract with See Tickets at the Boleyn Ground,
Bondholders/Season Ticket Holders/Academy and Youth Academy Member pay £1.50
per ticket. However, buying tickets online for the Olympic Stadium will
remain the same at £1 per ticket booking fee.
A source close to the ticket office told Claret and Hugh
"Unfortunately, this was a tough decision but we took in the fans view on
the problems encountered with the current box office particularly in the
time spent waiting on the phone due to the small size of the See Tickets
call centre"
The source added "It's tough to find an improved system at the same cost,
Ticket Master offer a better service but for this, supporters will have a
slightly higher charge applied to their transactions. We have battled hard
to keep the online the same and this is where biggest improvement in terms
of demand and also usage will be seen"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sky plan a massive Boleyn farewell
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 27, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
Sky Sports will be serving up a Hammers treat for the last game at the
Boleyn. Plans are well advanced from the broadcaster to ensure that those
unable to get to the game will see the 'old lady' get a brilliant send off.
Sky regulars Tony Gale and Tony Cottee will be giving hourly bulletins from
Upton Park whilst Bill Bonds and Alan Devonshire will be heavily featured.
The climax to the night is still shrouded in secrecy by the club although we
understand a large number of Irons 'legends' will be joining the
celebrations. BondsHowever, the club is desperate that fans remain in their
seats for the evening and any crowd invasion would be a disaster after
months of planning at considerable expense It would also prevent some of the
biggest names in club history from making their entrance for the last time
so let's all stay cool.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Great news for Dad Slav
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic's long term girlfriend, Ivana Djeldum is expecting her second
child with the West Ham manager according to Croatian tabloids. This will be
his fourth child and second with Ivana who gave birth to their first child
two years ago before he joined West Ham, last summer. His young daughter
Sofi and the two year old lives with her mother in his home town of Spilt,
and Slav regularly visits them when he gets time off from the Hammers. He
also has two children, a son and a daughter by his former wife of 14 years,
Andrijana Bilic who also lives in Spilt, Croatia. They are called Leo who is
now nineteen and Alani who is twelve. Congratulations to Slaven and Ivana on
their news from ClaretandHugh.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers seat sales soon underway
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 27, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham are close to organising how fans will buy their seats to keep as a
permanent reminder of their old Boleyn home. ClaretandHugh has learned this
morning (Wed) that the club will be dismantling the seats after the final
game and those who have sat in the same seat for years will either be
allowed to collect it for a fee or have it delivered. No price has been
revealed but sources are claiming they will be sold at around £70. A
spokesman for the club told us: "All the plans are in place and we will be
revealing costs and all the rest of the details on line very soon. "It's not
an entirely straightforward operation as the back and bottom of the seat has
to be remove from the bits of fittings. "We will be providing the back nd
seat itself and it would probably be preferable if they were collected from
the club although we would expect to also put delivery plans into effect for
those who can't manage that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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