Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2016

Sensational Payet fires France to victory
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet scores sensational winner to fire France to 2-1 victory over
Romania
West Ham star also sets up opening goal for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
Les Bleus open Group A with a valuable victory in Paris
Dimitri Payet made the whole of Europe understand as he produced a
sensational match-winning performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
win over Romania. The Hammer of the Year produced a fantastic individual
display to set up Les Bleus opening goal for Olivier Giroud before blasting
home a wonderful 89th minute winner at the Stade de France. Payet was
impressive all game long, and could have had chalked up a succession of
assists before Giroud headed home his country's 57th-minute opener. Romania
equalised eight minutes later through Nicolae Stanciu's penalty, but Payet
was not to be denied as he scored a Goal of the Tournament contender with a
minute of normal time remaining. Having scored six free-kicks with his right
foot, Payet added to his left-foot assist with a truly world-class
long-range drive with the same left foot to get his nation off to a winning
start in Paris. The goal sent the home fans – as well as ITV pundit and
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and West Ham United fans everywhere – wild and
set Payet's country off to the perfect start in their home tournament. A
pre-match Twitter poll @whufc_official saw 36% of Hammers fans predict Payet
would chalk up a goal and an assist against the Romanians – who included
former West Ham full-back Razvan Rat in their starting XI – and they were
proved correct as the France No8 produced another virtuoso display.

Former France international Thierry Henry believes Payet had a major point
to prove after missing out on a place in the squad for the World Cup Finals
two years ago. Henry said: "Dimitri Payet thought he was going to the 2014
World Cup in Brazil. He was involved in every qualifying game but they took
that away from him. "Tonight you saw a man who was hurt. He was saying with
that performance 'you didn't take me to the World Cup and I am going to show
you'. He wanted every single ball. You can't win a game by yourself. but
that strike... oh my gosh. "No one is going to take what is happening to
him now away from him. He showed tremendous desire. He was the one that
drove the team forward."

The French, who also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home turf, face Albania
in Marseille in their second Group A fixture on Wednesday 15 June before
closing out the opening round against Switzerland in Lille on Sunday 19
June.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic hails 'amazing' Payet
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic hailed Dimitri Payet after his West Ham United charge produced
a 'Man of the Match' performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
Group A win over Romania. Payet lit up the Stade de France with a fine
assist for Olivier Giroud and sensational 89th-minute winner from 30 yards,
but it was his all-round contribution that impressed his Club manager most.
The Hammers boss watched the game closely as part of the ITV broadcasting
team in the French capital, where he also created headlines with his
insightful punditry, among other things! "Dimi would be man of the match
anyway (before the goal)," said Bilic, who explained how important Friday's
game was to Payet, who forced his way back into the France set-up during a
sensational debut season in Claret and Blue. "He was the best man on the
pitch, not just his assist but also his skill. "Sometimes it doesn't produce
a lot of things, but the things he did on the halfway line that lift the
crowd and the team and everything. The goal was amazing and of course we are
very glad for him. "It was a big-time emotional game for him, because he has
proved himself in England, but he needed to do that extra thing for France
in a competitive game."

While he had been capped previously, Payet lost his place in the
national-team set-up in recent years, despite his outstanding form for
former club Marseille. However, a combination of his own wonderful displays
for West Ham and the absence of Franck Ribery, Mathieu Valbuena and Karim
Benzema from the squad gave Payet the opportunity he needed. On Friday, he
took that opportunity in the full glare of European football, producing a
virtuoso performance in a midfield and attack that included a host of big
names. "He's a great player and it's great for West Ham that he is our
player," said Bilic. "He just forced the coach to put him in. Don't forget
that in Brazil in the World Cup, everyone was saying something positive
about France, that it was a new France and all that, but he lost his whole
attack – Ribery, Valbuena, Benzema. "He had to find new ones, so I really
don't think Payet is a perfect player on paper for Deschamps, who likes
players who run behind, but Payet with his unbelievable ability and
unbelievable season forced him [to pick him]. "I'm not just talking about
the free-kicks, it's more than that. The amount of influence he can have on
Giroud and Griezmann and especially Matuidi and Pogba, who are great at
running without the ball into the box like Frank Lampard did, with his
passing, he is their main player. He forced Deschamps to put him in the
team."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com

The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July

The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family.

Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her Mum and Dad
when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared in an
episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has greatly
improved.

The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to represent her
country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.

The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.

Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions.

"I still participate now. The season just finished went really well, I've
really enjoyed every minute of it to be honest. The whole experience, the
new skills and the new people I've met have all been amazing."After I'd left
home, my parents did stay in contact, but now I'm living independently we're
all trying to rebuild that relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're
getting on really good."

In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign.

There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie, whose talent has
shone through during the training sessions.

She continued: "Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met
them and I was really, really over the moon, I was speechless!

"They gave loads of tips, and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're
doing.

"I was quite nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of
the Day was a dream come true, it was really amazing."

After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us.

"Showing our support hopefully gives them more of a drive and gives them
that self-belief.
"It's not easy to get the right opportunities in life but as long as you're
determined and willing to push yourself, it can be done."

West Ham United Foundation chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's
sentiments saying: "This is a fantastic example of how the work we're
carrying out is a real long-term journey for our participants.

"Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just shows that the right kind of
intervention can help change young people's lives! To go from being homeless
to representing England in a football tournament, just shows local young
people that anything is possible."

The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it.

"Projects like Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in
situations like myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what
they can do, I think they do a great job."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner aiming for last-eight place
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia will be hoping to maintain his outstanding international
scoring record and fire Ecuador through to the Copa America quarter-finals.

Valencia has 15 goals in 27 games for his country, including a vital strike
in a 2-2 Group B draw with Peru earlier this week – a result that leaves El
Tri with an opportunity to reach the last-eight on Saturday night.

Ecuador take on outsiders Haiti in their final group-stage fixture in East
Rutherford, New Jersey knowing victory by a two-goal margin will take them
through, as long as Brazil do not lose to the Peruvians in Foxborough,
Massachussets.

Valencia, who netted with a smart control and volley against his fellow
South Americans, will be confident of bagging again when Ecuador tackle a
Haiti side beaten 7-1 by Brazil and already eliminated from the centennial
Copa America tournament.

Following Thursday's draw in Glendale, Arizona, Valencia tweeted positively:
"Go #Tricolor of Ecuador! Only we know the effort we make. We are now
focused on our next target!"

Valencia made his senior debut against Honduras in January 2012, before
establishing himself in 2013 and scoring his first goal against the same
opposition in November of that year.

The Hammers No11 scored in six consecutive internationals in summer 2014,
including one against England and then three at the FIFA World Cup finals.

After netting twice more at last year's Copa America tournament, Valencia
missed a number of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers through injury but
returned with a goal in his comeback match against Paraguay in March this
year.

Kick-off at MetLife Stadium is at 23.30 BST (18.30 local time) on Sunday 12
June. The match will be screened exclusively live in the UK by Premier
Sports (Sky 428/Virgin 551).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2015/16 in review: November & December
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of
KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo
newspaper throughout the campaign.

Today we look back at November and December 2015 in part four of our
review...


22 November

It was a case of men against boys at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon as
Tottenham hammered the Hammers 4-1 in the day's big London derby.

And it could have been even more embarrassing for Slaven Bilic's side but
for the intervention of the woodwork and goalkeeper Adrian, who made several
excellent saves to keep the score at an almost-respectable level.

West Ham went into the game having won all three of their London derbies
this season, having recorded wins against Arsenal, Crystal Palace and
Chelsea.

However they were comprehensively beaten on a grim afternoon in north London
by a rampant Spurs - yet remain sixth in the Premier League with the defeat
being only their second away defeat in the league this season.

Once again I find myself bemoaning individual mistakes - and once again
James Tomkins was a central figure in West Ham's demise. It's only two weeks
since I expressed concerns at the team's inherent ability to self combust;
something you cannot afford to do against Watford, let alone an in-form
Tottenham who thoroughly deserved their win on the day.

Missing talisman Dimitri Payet, the Hammers had virtually no creative force
to threaten the opposition. Bilic gambled by playing both Andy Carroll and
Diafra Sakho in his starting XI - a big mistake, as hindsight was to later
prove.

Played out of position on the right wing, Sakho cut a frustrated figure as
he struggled to make an impact whilst Carroll was largely anonymous, looked
far from match fit and still well off the pace.

West Ham have now failed to record a win in their last three outings and the
excellent early start is a distant memory now following the failure to beat
Everton, Watford or Tottenham. However there was some good news; that being
the return of another Dimitri, midfielder Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong -
better known as just Alex Song.

The former Cameroon international made his first appearance of the season
and will be needed as Mark Noble picked up a fifth booking of the season
that will exclude him from next week's home game versus West Bromwich
Albion.

There was also good news for KUMB.com this week as we picked up the award
for Best Forum at Thursday night's Football Blogging Awards in Manchester. A
good night was had by all and we all returned south the next day slightly
worse for wear, but happy with that particular result.


29 November

West Ham United's run of Premier League games without a win extended to four
on Sunday afternoon following a desperately disappointing draw at home to
West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground.

In itself, a 1-1 draw with Tony Pulis' Baggies isn't the worst possible
result - but it will satisfy few Hammers fans given the Irons' complete
dominance of the opening 45 minutes.

Prior to the half time interval Slaven Bilic's side bossed the game; they
enjoyed 62 per cent of possession, created eight chances - to Albion's two -
and scored the only goal of the half, a fantastic free kick from Mauro
Zarate.

However there were few West Ham fans inside the Boleyn who, if questioned,
would have argued the Argentine's strike would be sufficient to secure all
three points - and that's exactly how it transpired, with Ricky Lambert
grabbing a point for Albion courtesy of a deflected shot five minutes after
the restart.

In the end either side could have grabbed a winner although a draw was
probably a fair result. But West Ham's inability to keep a clean sheet is
becoming a major concern and seriously affecting what was a fantastic start
to the campaign.

You have to go back to the 2-0 win over a hapless Newcastle United on
September 14th to find West Ham's last clean sheet, some ten matches ago -
and that was only their second of the campaign, having kept Arsenal at bay
on the opening day of the season.

Since then, Bilic's team have shipped 17 goals, even though Tottenham are
the only opponent who managed to register more than twice. And regardless of
the personnel employed - Angelo Ogbonna returned to the starting XI in place
of the out-of-form James Tomkins this weekend - it appears to make little
difference to West Ham's defensive frailties.

Yet perhaps an even bigger blow than the two points dropped was the loss of
Diafra Sakho to a thigh muscle injury, one that looks set to keep the
Senegal international out of action for the rest of the year. Although he
was far from his best against Albion, the striker's pace and commitment will
be hugely missed by the Hammers who are already operating without fellow
goalscorer Enner Valencia.

Although the point lifts West Ham back up to seventh place in the table, it
doesn't get any easier for United with the daunting prospect of a trip to
Old Trafford on the horizon. Without the likes of Dimitri Payet and Sakho -
who between them have contributed one third of the goals scored this season
- it promises to be an even tougher task than usual.


6 December

West Ham United's winless run extended to five Premier League matches at
Manchester United on Saturday afternoon - but it was a much-improved
performance that resulted in Slaven Bilic's men taking a share of the
spoils.

The last time a West Ham team tasted success at Old Trafford came eight
years ago in May 2007, when Alan Curbishley's side completed an incredible
recovery from a seemingly insurmountable position to avoid relegation on the
final day of the season by winning 1-0. On Saturday they went mightily close
to emulating that momentous occasion with Bilic's injury-ravaged class of
2015.

Prior to being denied twice by the woodwork, Victor Moses had already missed
a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he was foiled by David De Gea,
who made a smart stop with his feet from West Ham's on-loan winger. But
perhaps the most glaring miss of all came late on from Mauro Zarate, who
found himself free inside the penalty area but unable to beat De Gea from no
more than six yards out.


Had the Argentine's effort found the net it would have almost certainly
secured a first Premier League win for the Hammers since the 2-1 victory
over relegation-threatened Chelsea at the back end of October. As it is they
have to look forward to the visit of Stoke at the Boleyn Ground next weekend
in order to break a disappointing recent run that has resulted in just three
points gained from the last 15 available.

Despite missing key first team players such as Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho
and Manuel Lanzini, United were well worth a point - at the very least.
Winston Reid was a colossus in defence whilst James Tomkins once again
filled in ably at right-back with Carl Jenkinson - who ended the game
playing on the left-wing! - dropped.

A telling statistic is that from 20 shots at goal, Manchester United managed
just one on target - testament to West Ham's defensive resolve. For their
part the Hammers only managed two from their nine shots in total - although
the woodwork saved our hosts on two further occasions, much to the
frustration of Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid.

Despite having fallen away from the higher echelons of the Premier League
table in recent weeks, West Ham are back up into sixth place as a result of
the draw - although Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace have a game in
hand at time of writing. With the busy Christmas period just around the
corner, Slaven Bilic will be hoping his squad can use Saturday's result as a
springboard for more positive results as 2015 draws to an end.


13 December

As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go
down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.

With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with
nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two
goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish
stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils,
after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.

Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against
Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always
looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri.
That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony
Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.

Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six
matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's
performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to
test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine
Premier League appearances.

However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability
to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having
scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to
the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.

Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club
which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a
supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses -
the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.

And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was
similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi
became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during
training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being
forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex
with immediate effect.

Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston
Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either
of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far
- may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam
Allardyce in the summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet key to France Euro 2016 hopes after stunner sinks Romania
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 11/06/16 11:33am
SSN

A stunning strike from West Ham's Dimitri Payet earned host nation France a
2-1 win over Romania
West Ham fans have been taunting their opposition with chants of "we've got
Payet" all season. France supporters will be singing a similar song after
his match-winning wonder-strike against Romania in the opening game of Euro
2016. The midfielder - one of the Premier League's brightest stars in
2015/16 - delivered a masterclass at the Stade de France and his 89th-minute
moment of magic set him apart as the best player on the pitch. With the
hosts facing a frustrating draw with resolute Romania, Payet stepped up and
delivered. Nudging the ball into the path of his weaker left-foot, the
29-year-old struck a sweet, curling shot beyond goalkeeper Ciprian
Tatarusanu. It was a goal befitting the occasion - but the type of
spectacular strike Payet is making his trademark. "It is quite easy when you
can bang it into the top corner, it solves a lot of problems," joked France
boss Didier Deschamps after the game. Payet had already won acclaim for his
swerving free-kicks against Manchester United, Russia and Cameroon but they
pale into insignificance compared to Friday night's effort. Substituted in
the final moments, the tears in Payet's eyes highlighted the importance of
the occasion and what it meant to the player to deliver for his country in
an emotionally charged Euro 2016 opener. "I have no doubts over Dimitri and
the influence he can have on the game," added Deschamps. "He can make the
difference. It is very important to start with a victory."

That victory secures France three points and, given the generous qualifying
route out of the group phase, puts them well on course for the knockout
phase. But the win will also have meant much more to a country gripped by
security scares and seeking inspiration from its football team.

Goal and an assist
Dimitri Payet is the first French player to score and assist in a European
Championships game since Thierry Henry in 2000. Payet was his side's spark
throughout the contest. Linking up brilliantly with the impressive Paul
Pogba, Payet slipped into pockets of space between the high press of the
Romania backline and the opposition midfield trying to close down his
talented team-mate from Juventus. From there Payet threaded through balls
and clipped crosses into the box, repeatedly testing and teasing Romania's
defence. Opta recorded eight Payet passes leading directly to an effort on
goal. No other player on the pitch managed more than three key passes.

Olivier Giroud must particularly relish playing alongside his Premier League
colleague. The Arsenal striker should have opened the scoring in first-half
stoppage time when he headed over Payet's pinpoint corner and contrived to
shoot straight at the goalkeeper when put through on goal at the start of
the second half.The forward finally found the net on 57 minutes when he
nodded home another Payet centre.

Allied with his late winner, that pass takes Payet's contribution in his
past four internationals to three goals and two assists. That's some return
for a player not even in the France squad at the start of this season. There
could - should - have been more assists to his name, too. As well as Giroud,
Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were guilty of failing to finish off openings
crafted by the West Ham playmaker. They will have to be more clinical in
future fixtures if France are to match their billing as tournament
favourites. But, with Payet in the side, those chances will more than likely
keep coming their way. And, as he showed on Friday, he has the ability to
conjure up a decisive strike himself, anyway. "He's better than Zidane" goes
another line of that West Ham song. France fans will settle for Payet
driving their team to the final at this stadium in a month's time - just as
Zinedine Zidane did at the World Cup in 1998.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet serenaded by world chess champion after firing France to Euro
2016 victory over Romania
19:19, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 19:20, 11 JUN 2016
BY MATT LEWIS
The West Ham ace smashed in a wonder goal to secure host nation's first
points of the tournament in the opening match of the Euros
The Mirror

Silence is golden in the game of chess - but Dimitri Payet's France heroics
got the world champion making plenty of noise last night. The West Ham ace
smashed in a wonder goal to fire the host nation to victory over Romania in
the opening match of Euro 2016. His 89th-minute stunner sparked wild scenes
in at the Stade De France and sent French supporters into a frenzy all over
Paris and beyond. None more so than Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus
Carlsen, who was in awe over Payet's heroics after attending the match on
Friday night. He was interviewed outside the stadium by French TV and took
the opportunity to serenade the Hammers star with a chant heard on the
terraces at Upton Park.
Usually reserved when carrying out his day job in front of the chessboard,
Carlsen belted out the tune before drifting off into the night. The cheeky
chant even goes as far as to claim Payet is better than France legend
Zinedine Zidane, who inspired the country to World Cup success in 1998.
Payet is now being linked with a big-money move to Chelsea as part of
Antonio Conte's rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are at the
front of the queue for the West Ham star, according to reports, and are
willing to pay £60million to get their man. Payet cost the Hammers just
£10.5million from Marseille and went on to star in the Premier League last
season under Slaven Bilic, earning himself an improved £125,000-a-week
contract with the club in February. That deal will keep the Frenchman at
West Ham until 2021 - unless they decide to cash in on their asset - with no
shortage of takers in the forthcoming transfer window. Payet declared
himself happy at West Ham after signing the new contract and Chelsea would
need to push hard to sign the playmaker without the lure of Champions League
football next season. However, Roman Abramovich is willing to bankroll a
spending spree to herald the arrival of new manager Conte this summer and a
huge fee and wages for Payet would not be an issue for the Blues.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet's France team-mates heap praise on West Ham winger after
electrifying display against Romania
12:41, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 12:41, 11 JUN 2016
BY JACK LANG
The Hammers star turned in a man-of-the-match performance at the Stade de
France in the Euro 2016 opener
The Mirror

There were tears in Dimitri Payet's eyes as he left the field on Friday
night, but this was no heart-wrenching Gazza moment. The West Ham star was
simply overwhelmed by the standing ovation afforded to him by the Stade de
France after his man-of-the-match display against Romania, which dragged
Didier Deschamps' sluggish side to victory. Payet set up Olivier Giroud's
opener and teed up countless other chances before sending France fans into
ecstasy with a long-range winner in the dying moments of the match. It was a
moment of redemption for the 29-year-old, who only returned to the national
team in March after a nine-months absence and has often had his critics on
the other side of the channel. "This is the real Dimi, the Dimi that we
love," said Patrice Evra, who believes that Payet's move to the Premier
League last summer was a key moment in his belated ascent to the France
starting XI. "It's the player we saw at West Ham. I think playing in England
has done him good. The game there is tougher: it's another style of
football. He's started to score incredible free-kicks, almost from the
middle of the pitch. At West Ham, he's really the star player."

Payet now looks set to become a talisman for his country as well after
outshining Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann on opening night. "He's an
important player for the team," continued Evra. "I play with him on the left
and he puts in a lot of work. I'm very pleased for him and I know that he
will not get carried away. If he keeps it up, it's perfect for France. "The
coach gives him a lot of liberty to come inside and get involved in play: to
get behind the forwards instead of waiting out on the left. He is free. "I
told him, 'Dimi, if you really want to be the star for France as well, just
do what you do for West Ham and you won't have any worries.' "He does
magnificent things."
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was similarly impressed. "Dimitri saved us
with that sublime goal," he said. "Whether it's with the national team or
with West Ham, we know all about his talent. It's great for him: he's up and
running in the tournament and you can see he is full of confidence. We win
as a team, but you always need these players who are at the highest level."
Payet himself, though, insists he is not getting ahead of himself and
believes one of his team-mates will have their moment in the sun when France
face Albania on Wednesday night. "Today it was me, but next time it might be
someone else," he said. "It doesn't matter as long as it helps the team.
"Being the star is not something that interests me. I just try to perform
and be decisive. It's going well at the moment, so I'm enjoying it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh Dimi that was bad news for us Irons!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hugh's Blogs,
Whispers
C and H

I suggested in my first 'write' of this piece mmediately after the match
that Slav's body language on ITV after the match as he commented on Dimi's
winner for the French aganst Roumania was anxious and worried? Most of those
commenting on the forum reckon believe I was wrong.

I have to accept that and maybe I am being unduly pessimistc but whilst
with all my heart I hope that's the case I believe it would be fantasy land
to believe other clubs aren't watching and that bids wil emerge.

I have feared – like most of you – this or something like it – would
happen. Of course I'm pleased for Dimi that he produced such a magnificent
performance. He is a truly wonderfl player and, I'm told, a fabulous bloke.

But his man of the match performance was the worst possible news for West
Ham United although in checking this sort of scenario out prior to the
tournament I was told categorically he cannot leave – if that's what happens
– for less than £50-£60 million.

It was a fantastic performance! One brilliant assist and one incredible goal
to which we have all become accustomed but is surely bound to draw more
attention than we would want.

I want Dimi to remain at this club until retirement …I believe he can become
one of the greatest legends the club has ever had…I aso want him to calm
down at Euro 2016 a bit!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CandH Exclusive: Sullivan "Dimi is not for sale"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Hugh Southon

David Sullivan has made it crystal clear to every top club in the world that
our hero Dimi Payet is simply not for sale. Fears have not unnaturally grown
among Hammers fans after an epic performance in the opening Euro 2016 clash
between France and Romania that the midfield magician could be on hs way to
anywhere from Manchester to Madrid. However, choosing to respond to
ClaretandHugh, David has exclusively sent a message to all the world's
chairmen and managers that they need not bother picking up their phones.
Agreeing that Dimi's performance was quite out of this world last night
(Fri) he then snapped: "It's as simple as this – we are not selling him –
not at any price. "West Ham United is building a team around Dimi Payet – he
will not be moving anywhere and that is that." The news will come as a
massive boost for fans who can now sit and enjoy the remainder of the
tournament knowing the chairman has spoken.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginger Pele snubbed for Wales start
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hammer, James Collins will have to wait patiently on the subs bench as West
Brom's James Chester was picked ahead of him to start ahead of him in
Wales's first Group B match against Slovakia which kicked off at 2pm on
Saturday.

Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side twelves years ago against
Norway in 2004 and scored his first goal for Wales in a 3–1 defeat to Cyprus
on 13 October 2007. He scored again against Russia in 2009 and Iceland in
2014 to take his International goal tally to three.

More recently he came on a 64-minute substitute in the May 3-0 loss to
Sweden. Wales are currently one nil up at half time against Slovakia, thanks
to a Gareth Bale free kick. Our caption question is what is Gareth Bale
laughing at in this photo (above) with James Collins aka the Ginger Pele.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com