Daily WHUFC News - 11th June 2016

Payet prepped for Euro 2016 opener
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet and France kick-off Euro 2016 against Romania in Paris on
Friday
West Ham United star has scored three goals in 18 caps for his country
The 29-year-old set to form part of star-studded forward line for Didier
Deschamps' side

Dimitri Payet is hoping to be part of a feared France attack when Les Bleus
kick-off UEFA Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday. The French begin their
home tournament as 3/1 favourites and Payet is expected to be an important
figure for Didier Deschamps? star-studded side.

Payet has carried his scintillating form for West Ham United into a France
shirt in the run-up to Euro 2016, scoring sensational free-kicks in
victories over Russia and Cameroon.

The Hammer of the Year is expected to start in Friday?s tournament opener at
the Stade de France in a six-pronged attack alongside Juventus powerhouse
Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, Atletico Madrid striker
Antoine Griezmann, outstanding Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial
and Arsenal centre forward Olivier Giroud. However, the 29-year-old is
taking nothing for granted.

Payet continued his outstanding pre-Euro 2016 form by setting up two goals
in a 3-0 win over the Scots in Metz last weekend.

When asked about his own form leading up to the finals, the Hammers star is
enjoying playing alongside energetic central midfielders Pogba and Matuidi
and being given the opportunity to dictate the play himself from a central
trequartista position.

?I was involved in the play a lot against Scotland, and that allows me to be
at the beginning of the attacks,? he continued.

?I can link-up with midfielders Paul and Blaise in particular, and we made
??good combinations.?
While his ability to pick holes in defences from open play will pose a
threat to any defence, it is Payet?s skill from set plays that will have
fans on the edge of their seats throughout Euro 2016.

The Reunion-born maestro scored SIX direct free-kicks for Club and country
in 2015/16, including a wonderful last-minute effort to defeat Cameroon on
31 May.

?This is an important weapon, as there will be close games and set pieces
can unlock situations,? the West Ham favourite confirmed.

Payet is rated as a 25/1 shot to be named Player of the Tournament, behind
only teammates Pogba and Griezmann, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo,
Germany?s Thomas Muller, Belgium pair Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and
England?s Harry Kane. He is also a 50/1 chance to finish the competition as
top scorer.

France face Romania in their Group A opener in Paris at 8pm BST tonight,
live on ITV, before tackling Albania in Marseille on Thursday 15 June (ITV)
and Switzerland in Lille on Monday 19 June (BBC 1), with both matches also
kicking-off at 8pm.

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Moose's Euro 2016 preview
WHUFC.com

I am sure all West Ham fans would agree with me that Mark Noble, Aaron
Cresswell, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio should have been strong
contenders to play for England at Euro 2016.

But the Hammers will nevertheless still have four players at the tournament
in Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and James Collins.

All four have had to prove themselves this season to their national coaches
and thoroughly deserve their chance to shine in the second biggest
tournament they can feature in for their countries, outside the World Cup.

It wasn't so long ago that France head coach Didier Deschamps questioned
Payet and his ability to produce the same form for his country.

Dimi proved otherwise, as the Hammer of the Year forced the France coach to
have a rethink, with his outstanding performances and free-kicks.

Dimi should start for me in Paris in the opening game against Romania and
show those in his homeland what we've been marvelling at here. France are my
favourites and Dimitri could be one of the star performers at the
tournament.

No-one could begrudge any of the Wales squad the right to be fiercely proud
of making it to a first major tournament in more than 50 years, and to that
end it is great to see Ginge back in the squad.

James and Wales manager Chris Coleman had a difference of opinion but,
having sorted it out, Ginge is set to end a memorable season with a historic
time in France.

"It's massive as ten or 12 years ago, with no disrespect to the teams or
managers I have played under for Wales, we were meeting up and half-thinking
'we haven't got a chance of qualifying'." Ginge told me.

"Now it's a club feel, a lot more professional and we're doing well. Results
speak for themselves and we've got some world-class players now, a real team
spirit and a real bond. It's more than just Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey,
but obviously they are our main players. They are two tremendous players, so
if we can use them to our advantage as we have been then all the better for
us."

Good luck to Ginge and Wales, except against England of course!

Shay Given is Ireland's number one goalkeeper, or he was until he got
injured, allowing Darren Randolph his chance in qualifying – a chance he
definitely took!

Darren never lets anyone down and although it must be hard being an
understudy to Adrian at West Ham and Shay with Ireland, the quietly-spoken
but incredibly friendly keeper definitely deserves his place in France. I
hope he doesn't go upsetting that mild-mannered Roy Keane though!

Finally to Angelo Ogbonna. I'll never forget the night against Liverpool in
the FA Cup.

After his match-winning goal I spoke to him for the first time. With a
beaming smile and grasp of English that has surprisingly improved
dramatically over the months, Angelo really won me over.

He got better as the season went on and I was delighted that Antonio Conte
picked him. I don't think he'll get too much match time if all the Italians
stay fit, but the experience can only benefit him going forward.

So we have four men, all having proved a point, but still with one to prove,
on the eve of the biggest tournament of their lives. I've tipped France to
win it, so what a summer if could be for West Ham's Player of the Year?

Wales could make the quarter-finals, certainly the last-16. Despite it being
a long way off Italy's best squad, we know they will make the quarters or
semis, and if Roy Keane has anything to do with it, Ireland will give it a
really good go in a difficult group.

I have just arrived in Paris for my sixth major tournament for talkSPORT –
wouldn't it be something if a West Ham player made a big impact in this
tournament?

Don't forget, you can tweet me throughout Euro 2016 @BroadcastMoose

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RailHawks ready for familiar foes
WHUFC.com

Two Carolina RailHawks have extra special reason to be excited about West
Ham United's US Tour 2016.

Railhawks regulars Paul Black and Matt Watson were both born and started
their careers in England before heading for North Carolina at the start of
the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season.

For former Manchester City trainee and Rochdale defender Black, the prospect
of facing the Hammers at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday 12 July is one he
cannot wait to arrive.

"It's nice to play an English team as I've not against played one for a
while," said the 26-year-old, who played professionally for Oldham Athletic,
Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United and Cheltenham Town before moving to NASL
club Atlanta Silverbacks in January 2015."

Prior to moving Stateside, former England U19 international Black faced a
Charlton Athletic side containing West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph and
Tranmere Rovers team including Aaron Cresswell.

The right-back is relishing the visit of Slaven Bilic's UEFA Europa League
qualifiers to the Tar Heel State, which has already caught the imagination
of thousands of Hammers fans from across the United States.

"Obviously West Ham are a Premier League team as well so it will be massive
for the club and for myself as well," he continued. "It will be nice to play
against some players that I've played against in England as well. I'm
excited. It's going to be great."
Obviously West Ham are a Premier League team as well so it will be massive
for the club and for myself as well
Carolina RailHawks defender Paul Black

Redditch-born Watson moved to the US to attend the University of Maryland,
where he scored five goals and recorded 16 assists in two seasons. From
there, started a successful professional career with USL side Richmond
Kickers before winning the NASL regular season title with the RailHawks in
2011.

The 31-year-old moved to the top-flight MLS (Major League Soccer) with
Vancouver Whitecaps in 2012 – earning a US green card in the same year –
before joining Chicago Fire in March 2014. Watson returned to Carolina in
January this year.

The midfielder, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, confirmed his excitement at
facing the Hammers, saying:

"It's obviously great experience to play against a very experienced squad
playing at the top level. It should be a good night."

Tickets are selling fast for the second match of West Ham's US Tour 2016,
with three sections of WakeMed Soccer Park already filled by the Claret and
Blue Army for the 8pm kick-off Eastern Time.

Fans from all over the United States have snapped up seats for the
eagerly-anticipated fixture, with supporters from Ohio, Washington DC,
Atlanta, New York, Pennsylvania and both North and South Carolina all
confirmed attendees.

To secure your Carolina RailHawks v West Ham United tickets now, click here.

West Ham will also take on the best-supported club in the club, Seattle
Sounders, at CenturyLink Field on Tuesday 5 July at 8pm Pacific Time. For
tickets to this game, click here.

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Collins' Wales set for Euros debut
WHUFC.com

James Collins and Wales set for their first-ever UEFA European Championship
finals
The Dragons are in Group B alongside first opponents Slovakia, England and
Russia
The Times correspondent Gary Jacob gives his lowdown on Wales' chances
James Collins and Wales will attempt to make history when their Euro 2016
campaign gets underway in Bordeaux this weekend.

The Welsh will play at their first UEFA European Championship finals – and
just their second-ever major tournament – in France, where they have been
paired in Group B alongside rivals England, Russia and Saturday's opponents
Slovakia.

Chris Coleman's side have been in outstanding form over the last few years,
reaching their highest FIFA ranking – above England – and finishing as
runners-up in a qualification group that included Belgium, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Israel.

Now, the challenge for Collins, close pal Gareth Bale and company is to make
their mark at Euro 2016, where they are considered third-favourites to win
their group behind England and Russia.

With four of the eight third-place teams set to reach the last-16, The
Times' Wales correspondent Gary Jacob – a regular at West Ham United matches
in recent seasons – says The Dragons can reach the knockout stages.

However, Jacob feels Collins may have to be patient and wait for his chance
to shine in France.

"Chris Coleman likes a 3-4-2-1 system to get his two most influential
attacking players, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, as far up the pitch as
possible and cause the maximum possible damage to the opposition," Jacob
told whufc.com from Wales' training camp in the Brittany town of Dinard.

"He uses two deep-lying midfielders and essentially three-at-the-back when
attacking and five-at-the-back when Wales are defending, with the two
wing-backs dropping in.

"Coleman has preferred to use captain Ashley Williams alongside James
Chester and Ben Davies in the middle, with Chris Gunter and Neil Taylor in
the wing-back positions, then James Collins and Jazz Richards as options on
the bench."

Despite their struggles against Sweden in their one and only warm-up fixture
in Stockholm last weekend, when Wales were defeated 3-0, Jacob feels Coleman
will stay loyal to his defenders against Slovakia.

"James Chester started against Sweden and didn't have the best of games, and
when Ginge came on at 2-0 down he had a positive attitude, clapped his hands
and tried to get them motivated for the final half-hour," Jacob continued.

"James Collins had his best season in a few years and was absolutely
outstanding for West Ham around Christmas time and some people would say he
should be starting for Wales alongside Williams and Davies.

"However, Chris Coleman is very loyal and I expect him to stick with Chester
against Slovakia. He may be tempted to change things and bring Ginge in
against England and Russia, who will carry more of a physical threat."

Whether he starts or not, Jacob says Collins' presence in the Wales camp is
always felt.

"At a press conference this week talk turned to Joe Ledley's return after a
broken leg and Coleman was asked 'Has he had a James Collins tackle yet?',"
Jacob revealed.

So, with one world-class player, a smattering of Premier League regulars and
Football League stars, how will Wales approach Euro 2016?

"Slovakia is key for Wales, because the feeling within the camp is that four
points will be enough to qualify for the last-16, so a win would set them up
nicely ahead of the England and Russia games," Jacob continued.

"The thing for Wales is that they like to play on the break, but teams like
Slovakia and Russia also like to sit back, so they may have trouble breaking
their opponents down. In qualifying they played better against the teams who
let them play, while they struggled to break down Andorra and Israel, so it
remains to be seen how things will play out.

"One thing Wales can rely on is their team spirit. Coleman has formed this
#TogetherStronger mentality and that will not have been affected by the
Sweden defeat."

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Foundation youngsters enjoy European adventure
WHUFC.com

Representatives for the Foundation traveled to the San Siro in Milan, Italy
for the tournament
This year's tournament, which promotes co-operation and raises cultural
awareness, was the fourth such event
The young Hammers reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out

West Ham United Foundation's handpicked youngsters from its Premier League
Kicks programme represented the UK at the fourth international Football for
Friendship forum in Milan.

The group travelled to Italy on the weekend of the UEFA Champions League
final and the event featured a total of 32 countries from Asia, Africa,
Europe and South America.

Teams gathered for a spectacular opening ceremony, which demonstrated each
of the participating nation's pride and confidence as they were introduced.

It also served as a perfect illustration of the enormity of the event as the
600 participants had the opportunity to size up the opposing teams for the
first time.

Once the tournament got underway the young Hammers were narrowly defeated by
Slovenian side FC Maribor in the Round of 16.

While the Foundation side demonstrated great individual ability, the results
failed to reflect their performances.

However, despite this frustrating defeat, the team was in high spirits as
they acknowledged their weaknesses and gained an appreciation of the
different styles of football from around the world.

The tournament acted as a gateway to developing tolerance towards other
cultures, while the competition as a whole proved a perfect platform which,
despite the different language barriers, football became a means of
communication.

As the competition progressed, a fierce competitive atmosphere soon
dissipated as an air of camaraderie and sportsmanship took hold.

The fourth season of the Football for Friendship international children's
project came to a brilliant conclusion as the participants got an exclusive
opportunity to have a Q&A session with legendary football icon Franz
Beckenbauer during a flamboyant closing ceremony full of wonderful dance and
musical performances which preceded the final game between Hungary and
Slovenia.

"We went into this tournament with only one goal in mind, which was to win
it," said Elliot Wavita, goalkeeper of the young West Ham side.

"Although we were disappointed with the overall outcome, I think the team
did well and it was a fantastic experience meeting young footballers from
all over globe and making friends along the way which for me was the
highlight of this whole experience.

"Playing with these people showed me what I lacked and I am sure the others
feel the same way."
Battles were lost, hearts were broken but bonds were made, friendships were
created and this is the fundamental aim of this Football for Friendship
forum.

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Raphael Raymond is one of the most respected journalists in France and has
been following the progress of Dimitri Payet throughout the season.

Raymond works for French newspaper L'Equipe and will be covering Payet and
France during the Euro Finals.

After scoring an impressive free-kick for France against Cameroon last week,
Raymond is expecting Payet to continue his best form when the host nation
get the tournament underway in the opening game against Romania on Friday
night....


It has been a great first season for Dimitri in the Premier League. In
France everyone thought it would be very hard for him in his first year.

But I have known Slaven Bilic since Euro 2008 and he is a great coach. He
loves his players and Dimitri is a player who needs to be loved and to play
his best football.

I came over to England earlier in the season and went down to the West Ham
training ground to see Slaven and Dimitri. I can see it is a family club and
it is a very good club for Dimitri.

I understand now why he has enjoyed such a good season because he is happy
there. It has nothing to do with his ability because he is one of the best
players in France.

He deserves to be in the France squad for the Euro Finals. Didier Deschamps
called him up for the Russia game back in March and he scored a great
free-kick.

When Deschamps takes a place three months before a big competition gets
underway, he is not doing it to be nice. He was planning to have him for the
tournament this summer.

I first saw Dimitri play for Nantes when he was a youngster and saw his
first professional goal against Metz back in 2005. Ten years later has
matured into a great player and has so much ability.

We know he is a great player and it was not good for the fans that he left
the French League. But everybody in France is happy for Dimitri that he is
now doing so well.

I expect France to do very well in the tournament.

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Shadowman Adrian for Euro call-up?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Unconfirmed reports a few minutes ago suggest that Adrian could be on the
brink of a Spanish call-up for the European 2016 Championship. The news
follows dramatic allegations that the Manchester United goalkeeper could be
sent home. The reports claim he has been dismissed from the Spain squad but
a few moments ago Sky Sports News reported the stopper was still at the
Spanish team hotel. And the Mail reported: "Manchester United goalkeeper
David de Gea has reportedly been implicated in a police probe into a porn
director accused of running a child prostitution ring.
A protected witness has reportedly implicated de Gea in an ongoing
high-profile case centred on well-known X-rated film entrepreneur Ignacio
Allende Fernandez. The Spain squad is scheduled to hold a press conference
on Friday evening. It is not believed De Gea will be in attendance. Adrian
was injured at the end of the Premier League season and we are waiting
confirmation that he fit enough to play if called upon. Sources close to
West Ham are unaware of plans for a Euro 2016 call-up but since he is
officially on holiday in Spain, news may not have filtered through as yet.

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Snag looms on Albion ace interest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are "keeping their powder dry" after Watford were reported to have
moved in on West Brom striker Saido Berahino.

The Hornets are believed to have lodged a bid with the front mn who has been
regularly linked with Spurs over the last 12 months.

However, although the Hammers are keeping a careful eye on him they fear he
won't be allowed to leave until Christmas with Albion's owner Jeremy Peace
apparently ready to sell the club should he get the right offer.

A Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "Our understanding is that's the case.
The Albion chairman may want Berahino in place until Christmas as the club
then becomes more attractive to a potential buyer.

"Yes we are interested in the boy as we are several other strikers and it's
one that we would obviously be monitoring."

Berahino managed just seven goals in 35 appearances last season when but hit
20 in the previous campaign when his Enland under 21 international career
was taking off.

He has had well publicised problems at the club with reports of late
arrivals at training and a court appearance before North Cheshire
magistrates on a drink-driving charge.

He's gone public to put his reputation a different light insisting he's not
the bad boy he's painted by the media and clearly a new start is beckoning a
striker with plenty of goals in him.

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West Ham eye Albion striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have enquired into the availability of West Bromwich Albion striker
Saido Berahino. The 22-year-old was expected to leave The Hawthorns this
summer, with Tottenham being heavily linked with a move for the
£20million-rated goalscorer. However Berahino remains with the Baggies -
although that could all be set to change with West Ham one of four clubs
looking into the possibility of landing the England under 21 international.
Watford, Everton and Crystal Palace are also understood to be monitoring the
striker's situation, with former potential suitors Tottenham having moved on
to other targets since the end of last season.
Meanwhile Albion have not entirely ruled out the possibility of retaining
the services of Berahino, who has just 12 months remaining on his current
contract. Speaking recently, Albion Technical Director Nick Hammond admitted
that he hopes to keep the player. "I've had conversations with him and have
been very impressed with him as an individual," he said.
"He's a very talented individual, he's a good age and he's a home-grown
academy player. I like him a lot and think he's a top player. I told him
clearly I'd love him to be at the football club next season."

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By 'eck! Burke makes Yorkshire Team of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's teenage defender Reece Burke has been named in the
Yorkshire Post's Team of the Year for the 2015/16 season. The 19-year-old,
who spent much of the season on loan at Bradford was named alongside Hull
City's Michael Dawson in the newspaper's select XI for the most recent
campaign.

The full team, as selected by the Post, was as follows:

Lee Camp (Rotherham); Moses Odubajo (Hull), Charlie Taylor (Leeds), Michael
Dawson (Hull), Reece Burke (Bradford; Adam Clayton (Middlesbrough), Barry
Bannan (Sweff Weds), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley); Fernando Forestieri (Sheff
Weds), Nahki Wells (Huddersfield), Sam Winnall (Barnsley).

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Snag looms on Albion ace interest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are "keeping their powder dry" after Watford were reported to have
moved in on West Brom striker Saido Berahino. The Hornets are believed to
have lodged a bid with the front mn who has been regularly linked with Spurs
over the last 12 months. However, although the Hammers are keeping a careful
eye on him they fear he won't be allowed to leave until Christmas with
Albion's owner Jeremy Peace apparently ready to sell the club should he get
the right offer. A Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "Our understanding is
that's the case. The Albion chairman may want Berahino in place until
Christmas as the club then becomes more attractive to a potential buyer.
"Yes we are interested in the boy as we are several other strikers and it's
one that we would obviously be monitoring."

Berahino managed just seven goals in 35 appearances last season when but hit
20 in the previous campaign when his Enland under 21 international career
was taking off. He has had well publicised problems at the club with reports
of late arrivals at training and a court appearance before North Cheshire
magistrates on a drink-driving charge. He's gone public to put his
reputation a different light insisting he's not the bad boy he's painted by
the media and clearly a new start is beckoning a striker with plenty of
goals in him.

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"Dimi to become the hero"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News
C and H

France World Cup winner Frank Lebouef reckons Dmi Payet is set to become a
hero! The former Chelsea star believes the West Ham maestro is the main man
for the Ero 2016 home team declaring: "II am really proud of Dimitri. When
he wasn't in the squad, every time I was asked to speak about him I said he
had to be in the squad. He told ESPN: "So I am so pleased he has become one
of the leaders in the team. He not only has the potential, but the
intelligence and knowledge of football to bring class to the team. "Not
since Platini has France had such a fantastic free-kick taker. "When he is
in a good mood the team is better. I am very fond of him and hope he will be
the key man." And he added: "I saw him the day before he was about to join
up with the squad and he was in good spirits. He was up for it. It's a
fantastic chance for him to become a hero."

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More and more players on bookies Irons list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's regular links to various players sees them feature strongly in
any of the various bookies lists when looking at summer transfers. Four
strikers feature with Theo Walcott – despite categorical denials from West
Ham insiders and co chairman David Sullivan's son Jack – is priced up at
10/11 which isn't going to tempt me – nor should it you.
Christian Benteke is at a hugely unattractive 5/2 after club insiders have
regulary admitted that he's in their minds whilst adding that his persona
terms are too high as they normally are with Anfield players. Big outisders
are Daniel Sturridge and Saido Berahimo at 18/1 – odds which probably aren't
long enough.

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Slav puts his foot down – he's not leaving
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic rates Angelo Ogbonna as important at the back as Dimi Payet is
further forward and has no intention of selling the Italian. Reports have
been circulating that Roma are keen on the 28 year old but the Irons boss
has made it clear privately he will resist all bids. After the arrival of
Payet, Slav had made central defence his major priority are on arriving at
the club and Ogbonna was his single target. And after a season which
included injuries, Ogbonna responded superbly to nail down a place at
central defence – plus of course THAT goal against Liverpool – and show why
he is one of Slav's most important players. ClaretadHugh was told this
morning that the manager had made it clear this was a player he wanted from
the moment he took over at the club and that he rates him very highly inde
ed. A source said: "Dimi rates him as highy defensively as he does Dimi
offensively. There's no chance of Angelo going anywhere."

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MIND THE GAP
By Blind Hammer 10 Jun 2016 at 08:28
WTID

Blind Hammer assesses how much financial pressure West Ham can place on the
top 4 positions and wonders if we will need to manage expectations from our
move to the OS.

Leicester's upsetting of the form book was a memorable highlight of last
season, along with our sparkling performances at Arsenal, Manchester City
and Liverpool. For the first time in a long time the apparent "right" of
clubs with greater financial resources to dominate the top of the Premier
League was shaken up. Chelsea finished in an unfamiliar 10th place and
Manchester United, despite winning the FA Cup missed out on Champion's
League qualification.

As well as Leicester and ourselves , Tottenham also achieved above most
expectations grabbing a Champion's League spot, whilst Arsenal provided the
consistency which many of their fans complain about, in grabbing for yet
another season, a Champion's League berth. The relative fluidity of places
in the top 4, plus the prospect of moving into the Olympic Stadium has
caused some excitement that West Ham are also poised to break into the top
four of the Premiership. Paul Merson has predicted that West Ham will be a
Champion's League club by 2019. The argument goes is that the move to the OS
will allow West Ham the financial clout to compete with the top four. Whilst
West Ham may compete on the pitch, whether they can compete, in the short
term financially is less certain.

Despite the relative decline of Chelsea and Manchester United the extent to
which their financial resources still dwarf that of West Ham is sobering.
Not many football supporters realise the sheer size of the inequality in
resources in the Premiership. Sullivan has gone on record as saying that he
expects turnover at West Ham to increase next year because of increased
ticket sales, but this increases is not as much as you would expect as the
club lose exclusive rights to catering and other sources of revenue from
activities such as stadium tours. Sullivan estimated that the club would
receive a net £12 million boost from the move to the OS.

Whilst this is a welcome increase in resources, it is a drop in the ocean
when we compare it to existing turnovers in the Premier League. The latest
figures available are for the 2014-2015 season. In that year Manchester
United had a turnover of £395 million, and Chelsea had £319 million. Their
turnover figures were both massively higher than West Ham's, about 3 times
higher, at £121 million. The gap between West Ham and Manchester united and
Chelsea turnover was therefore £274 million and 198 million respectively. In
other words the gap in financial power alone dwarfed West Ham's complete
turnover. As you might imagine similar gaps exist between us and Manchester
City and Arsenal. Arsenal's turnover of £345 million was £224 million bigger
than ours and Manchester City's at £352 million was £231 million greater.
Even Liverpool at £298 million was £177 million ahead of us.

So whilst with the move to the Olympic Stadium West Ham can start a process
of catch up, we should have no illusions as to the scale of the financial
mountain we have to climb. Financial resources are not, as we have seen last
season, necessarily a guide to performance. Newcastle united had a greater
turnover than West Ham, at £129 million, yet still managed to suffer
relegation. Yet across Europe if we look at a table of turnover we find that
money provides results. The clubs with the largest turnovers tend to
prevail. The reality is that over time money talks, clubs are able to buy in
the players they need to compete at the top level.

In fact, a good way of judging the performance of your club is to compare
results against the turnover table. West Ham was 9th in the turnover table,
so can be judged, in finishing 7th to have performed well, punching above
their weight.

So given the turnover table that are the sides around us who are our nearest
competitors? Well the good news for next season at least is that 2 of our
nearest turnover competitors were relegated. Newcastle was 2 places above us
at £129 million, whilst Villa was one place behind us at £116 million. This
means that, looking upwards, our nearest competitor was Everton at £126
million, and looking behind, Southampton at £114 million. With these
competitors our yearly £12 million increase will potentially make a
difference, however as we know Everton have been promised extra investment
to try and maintain their edge.

For many of us though the most pertinent question is what is the gap between
West Ham and Tottenham? The gap in turnover between West Ham and Tottenham
is not as big as other top 6 clubs but is still substantial. Tottenham at
£198 million is a hefty £77 million greater than West Ham. Tottenham Also
have plans to move into a 61,000 seater stadium. Whilst the terms of this
stadium construction is unlikely to approach the deal available to West Ham
at the OS, it does mean that, unlike West ham, they will have exclusive
rights to income generated from their stadium.

Much will depend, over the next 10 years, as to the extent that West Ham can
extend their commercial revenues amongst an expanded supporter base both at
home and abroad. In this they are involved in a race with other clubs to
unlock resources in developing world markets. However the consequences of
the gap will also tend, I imagine, over time to increase pressure on ticket
prices at the OS.

The existing gap in resources is a reality background we should bear in mind
when we move to the OS. We will not, as a result of moving to the OS become
a club with the resources of Tottenham and Liverpool, let alone Chelsea or
Arsenal overnight and we may have to manage expectations. If the project all
goes according to plan West Ham can start the long process of overhauling
the gap which exists between us and these clubs above us in the turnover
table. As with everything results will be critical. Attempts to expand the
turnover potential of the club will flounder if the team struggles in their
new home. For myself I will keep an eye on the turnover table. If our
results on the pitch match or exceed our financial turnover I will consider
each season a success.

COYI

David Griffith

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