Daily WHUFC News - 22nd June 2016

Eamonn Dolan passes away
WHUFC.com

Former Hammer Eamonn Dolan has passed away aged 48
The West Ham forward came through the Club's Academy as a youngster
Ex-Academy Director Tony Carr pays tribute to player he coached through ranks

West Ham United are saddened to hear the passing of former player Eamonn Dolan. The striker came through the Club's Academy and went onto make 21 first team appearances between May 1987 and November 1989, scoring four goals for the Hammers. One of Dolan's major highlights in Claret and Blue was netting a brace in the side's 5-0 demolition of Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground back in October 1989. The Galway-born forward, after spells at Birmingham City and Exeter City, then forged a successful career as a coach, notably at Reading where he headed the club's academy. Prior to his time at the Madejski Stadium, Dolan had served as boss of the Grecians after his playing career had ended and enjoyed a successful season as boss at St. James Park.
Dolan passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer and will be missed by everyone connected with the Club. Former Academy Director Tony Carr knew Eamonn well, having been in charge as he rose through the Hammers' ranks, and expressed his sadness at the news. He said: "I'm extremely sad to hear the news of Eamonn's passing and football has lost a great man. "He was a good lad, a Chelmsford boy who was a good, honest footballer. He made the absolute most of the talent he had and obviously played for the first team. He was a top all-round lad; there's no two ways about that. "Eamonn went into a career of coaching and I bumped into him on several occasions over the years. We were on committees together within the Premier League for various youth development ideas, and everyone valued his thoughts and knowledge in the area. "We would always reflect on his time as a young player, doing our pre-season and giving everything he had. "I feel for his family, for his father Vince, who I knew very well at the time of Eamonn's West Ham days. We will miss his humour; he always made a fun and jovial line out of a story and as I've said, football has lost a great man."

Everyone at the Club would like to express their condolences to Eamonn's family and friends at this difficult time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendrie to join Blackburn on loan
WHUFC.com

West Ham United left-back Stephen Hendrie will join Championship club Blackburn Rovers on loan for the 2016/17 season. The 21-year-old enjoyed a progressive first season with the Hammers last term, winning the U21 Premier League Cup and being named on Slaven Bilic's substitutes' bench on eight occasions. Hendrie also spent a successful month on loan with League One outfit Southend United, scoring once in five appearances for the Essex club. The summer 2015 arrival from Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical is a Scotland U21 international and will hope to gain valuable first-team experience during his season at Ewood Park. Hendrie will link up with Blackburn for the start of pre-season training on 27 June, where he will work under new manager Owen Coyle. The left-back becomes the second former Scottish football star to join Rovers, as ex-Falkirk and St. Johnstone boss Coyle has also completed the permanent signing of Celtic and Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers legend - This is another big year for Payet
WHUFC.com

When it comes to legendary midfielders at West Ham United they don't come much bigger than Alan Devonshire. The Hammers fans' favourite made 448 appearances and scored 32 goals during a memorable spell in east London. Dimitri Payet has wasted no time becoming a cult hero with the West Ham fans and Devonshire knows more than most what is needed to win over the Hammers fans. Devonshire is hoping the French superstar can grow even stronger next season and help the Club move onto the next level when they prepare for a historic move into the new Stadium....

When you look back at the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground, do you think the team did everyone proud with what they achieved over the season?

AD: "They made everyone proud. It was a pity that we could not get to the FA Cup Final when Manchester United beat us, but we made up for it in the final ever home game. "They have had a great season and hopefully they can now push on and add a few more players. It will be nice to get into the European places on a regular basis."

The Club are preparing to make a historic move this summer. Do you think it can help West Ham move onto another level?

AD: "I do think that can be the case. With investment coming in, it might help the club push on. "As Leicester have shown it is not always about money and to be fair to Slaven he has done really well in his first year in charge. "I am pleased with how the team spirit seems to be running through the side and that is the main thing in any team. "Hopefully he can build on that and with Julian Dicks involved as well, that is a big thing because he knows what the fans want. Hopefully they can both build on that next year. I wish them both all the best."

You entertained the fans when you were playing at West Ham United and Dimitri Payet certainly did that last season. How excited have you been by his arrival at the Club and the impact he has made at West Ham?

AD: "He has been great. He is 29 and is the finished article. He has not got anything to learn. He will be tested next year because the first one is always the easiest. But he is now showing what he can do for France at the Euros and hopefully he can push on even more for West Ham over the next three or four years."

Why do you think the West Ham fans have taken to him so quickly?

AD: "He is totally different. He has got great feet and takes a great free-kick. He works hard for the team. The West Ham fans work hard and that is why they have probably taken to him."

What can you say about Slaven Bilic and the job he has done at West Ham during his first season in charge?

AD: "Slaven has done a great job. It will also be his second year at the Club and we will need to see how he does with the move into the new Stadium. "It will be new for everyone and I just hope we do well and keep the season-tickets sold out for the next few years."

How impressed are you with the support from the West Ham fans and the fact we have sold out all the season-tickets for the new Stadium?

AD: "What more can I say about the fans. I played at West Ham for such a long time and the fan base was always massive. "When I first joined there was always a big waiting list of fans wanting to get season-tickets. "The base was always there and now we are moving I have no doubts we will continue to sell out the stadium if the team are doing well."

Can the Hammers follow in the footsteps of Leicester and challenge for the Premier League title?

AD: "Why not? They have showed it can be done and it is not just about money and these big clubs. It is about team spirt and the balance of your squad so why can't it be done again."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet - I think I can still improve
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is refusing to put extra pressure on himself going into the knockout stages of the European Championships. Payet has been the star performer in the group stages of the competition and stole all the headlines with his memorable late strike against Romania in the opening game of the tournament. The Hammers forward quickly followed that up with another goal in the 2-0 victory over Albania and could have made it three goals in three games when his volley against Switzerland cannoned back off the bar. Payet has shown the whole of Europe why he is rated so highly by everyone at West Ham and is determined to continue his good run of form. Payet is now gearing up for the Round of 16 this weekend, but is refusing to get carried away with all the expectations resting on his shoulders from the host nation. Payet said: "It would be stupid to ruin it all by putting myself under pressure for no reason. I want to enjoy myself on the pitch. "People believe in me and they expect things from me; which counts a lot. I think I can still improve. "I've come a long way and I want to make the most of it now."

Payet reveals his experience of playing in the Premier League has made him an even stronger player and given him the extra quality to become a major performer at the Euro Finals. Payet added: "A lot of the physical contact is right on the limit. You're playing against a big European club every couple of weeks and you have to be ready. "I think the level of the Premier League prepared me for international standards."

Despite France being the strong favourites to win the competition, Payet still feels his side need to be more clinical and believes Germany and Spain are the teams everyone will have to beat if they want to win the European Championships. "We need to kill games off ... We've got to start putting them away. 'Germany and Spain' (are the tournament favourites. "(They) are a bit above the rest. They have the potential to go all the way."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ogbonna and Randolph to go head-to-head
WHUFC.com

West Ham United star Angelo Ogbonna is set to make his UEFA Euro 2016 bow for Italy in Wednesday's Group E finale against Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland.

The Azzurri have already wrapped up the group after back-to-back wins over Belgium and Sweden, and coach Antonio Conte has been forecast to make wholesale changes by the Italian media.

With his former Juventus teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci both on yellow cards and at risk of suspension if they pick up another against the Irish, Ogbonna is tipped to line up alongside Andrea Barzagli and his close friend and ex-Torino colleague Matteo Darmian at the back.

Reports from the Italians' Montpellier training base also suggest Conte may opt to change his formation for the final group-stage fixture to a more attacking 4-4-2 system.

The strong and versatile defender became an increasingly important figure for the Hammers during his debut season in east London, appearing 34 times and scoring once – an unforgettable last-gasp FA Cup winner against Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground.

The 28-year-old is a two-time Italian champion from his time with Juventus and has eleven senior caps for his country. The Cassino-born player travelled to Euro 2012 with Italy, but remained on the bench as they finished as runners-up to Spain.

As for Randolph, the West Ham goalkeeper knows Ireland have no wriggle room in Lille, with only a victory giving them a chance of securing a place in the round of 16.

A 1-1 draw with Sweden was followed by a 3-0 defeat by Belgium on Saturday, leaving the Hammers stopper and his fellow Boys in Green needing to beat Italy to finish second or third in the group.

"It's not the end of the world," he said, reflecting on the loss to the Belgians. "We've got one more game, we know what we need to do, it's that simple – we win or we go home."

Ireland also took on Italy at Euro 2012, where the Azzurri ran out 2-0 victors, and the Italians have won eight and lost just two of the countries' 13 meetings – including a 1-0 win at the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals.

However, the Irish will draw on the memory of their famous 1-0 win over Italy at the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States, when West Ham Academy graduate Ray Houghton scored the memorable only goal in New Jersey.

The last meeting between the two, a friendly played in London in May 2014, ended goalless.

Kick-off in Lille is at 8pm on Wednesday 22 June, with the game being screened live in the UK by ITV.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendrie leaves on season-long deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Stephen Hendrie has joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old Scottish full back moved from Hamilton Academicals to West Ham last summer but failed to make a single Premier League appearance under Slaven Bilic, who was not involved in the deal that brought Hendrie south. "I'm absolutely delighted to put pen to paper," the defender told Blackburn's website. "Obviously it's a massive club, it's going places and I'm buzzing to be here and I can't get wait to get started. "The manager played a big part [in my move] as did the size of the club. Hopefully it's going to be a good season, I just want to come here, get games, kick on and see how I do. "Back at West Ham, playing Under-21s is not ideal. It's good, but I want to be playing first team football and the Championship is such a good league so I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to get started. "I enjoyed it when I went [on loan] to Southend, I just wish it got extended so I could play more games. I only played about six games, but now I'm here and it's a full season loan and I just can't wait to get started."

Meanwhile Rovers manager Owen Coyle claimed that Hendrie had the potential to be a first choice at West Ham for many years to come - even if his lack of appearances thus far might suggest otherwise. "He's not the finished article because he's a young kid, but he has scope for development," said Coyle. "I know West Ham have got high hopes for him to play in the Premier League in future years."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham see £2.3million bid for midfield transfer target Atiba Hutchinson rejected
14:50, 21 JUN 2016 UPDATED 14:50, 21 JUN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Irons have already moved quickly to snap up Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli and Borussia Moenchengladbach defender Havardt Nordvedt
The Mirror

West Ham have had a £2.3million bid rejected for Besiktas midfielder Atiba Hutchinson. The versatile Canadian, 33, is able to play as a holding midfielder or at right-back. Besiktas president Fikret Orman said: "[Slaven] Bilic suggested three million euros [£2.3million] for Atiba. We rejected this proposal and thank him. "Atiba has one more year on his contract with us." The Irons have already moved quickly to snap up Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli and Borussia Moenchengladbach defender Havardt Nordvedt. They continue to hunt a high-class striker and want to strengthen their midfield.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham player denies Ibe link
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

This morning, the Liverpool Echo claimed to have solved the mystery of Liverpool player Jordon Ibe photographed in a West Ham shirt which went viral on the internet on Monday. The Echo claimed this morning "The ECHO understands that the photos are genuine but it wasn't a sign that Ibe is about to join Slaven Bilic's men was in fact having a kickaround with mates in a local park in Essex when he agreed to pose for photos with fans. Among his friends was Nathan Mavila, who is on the books at West Ham. Ibe had borrowed a Hammers shirt from his pal which used to belong to France international Dimitri Payet."
Only problem with this theory is the West Ham academy player knows nothing about it. When ClaretandHugh contacted Mavila on social media earlier today to ask if he lent a Hammers top to Ibe during a kick in an Essex park he simply replied "😂 rubbish mate"

Nice try Liverpool Echo but we are still none the wiser. The photo appears to show Reece Oxford in the background. Ibe played for Liverpool against West Ham in the FA Cup at Anfield earlier this year while Reece Oxford was included on the bench in that game. Both are part of the England youth setup.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers continue 30 year striker search
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 21, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H

Alexander Lacazette's decision not to join the Hammers is a big blow but hopes remain high that we will find the man we need. It really is time we found such a player and it's a chastening thought that we haven't unearthed one since 85-86 when Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee were wearing the claret and blue. Co-chairman David Gold admits that it's of crucial importance we manage to find one this season as we close in on the pre-season and PL campaign proper. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "Dean Ashton would have managed it I'm sure and that he got that injury is a total tragedy but we have to look to the present and the future and find that man. "Top defenders are incredibly important of course but a 20 goal a season man changes your life as a football club. "We couldn't be working harder to find the right man. It's been our focus since before the end of last season and such a player is well overdue at this club."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meet the man behind Dimitri Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

This mystery Frenchman is Dimitri Payet's agent. His name is Jacques-Olivier Auguste.

The football agent from the Vosges mountain region of France first met Payet in 2007 while he played for Nantes. He would later land a 200,000 Euro per month salary for Payet at Marseille in a four-year contract and more recently renegotiated the £125,000 per week five-year contract for his client at West Ham.

Auguste graduated with a law degree before deciding to become a licensed sports agent .He first became became a sports agent in basketball in 2003 then International rugby before finally getting into football as an agent.

The 42 year old still playing local football himself in the regional division for Eloyes for which he is a keeper. "My father played football at Thillot and E Epinal" said the sports agent to French media "I also played Thillot then Remiremont and Eloyes"

It is perhaps this trusted advisor who holds the future of Dimitri Payet in his hands.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet in Real Madrid talks – Irons respond
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have quickly rubbished suggestions that Real Mardid representatives have met with Dimi Payet's agent. A jounalist @EmaGiulianelli claimed on Twitter that the meeting took place in London yesterday (Tuesday). Giulianelli describes himself on Twitter as a football writer and journalist. Tribal Football columnist, cooperate with FIFA Weekly, Panenka, FourFourTwo, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero.

He tweeted: "Payet's agent is meeting a Real Madrid representative in central London today."

However, out top source inside West Ham threw disdain over the claim immediately declaring: "It would be amazing if that were the case. "Why would the agent – who is French – be in London? He will be at the Euros with Dimi and if such a meeting were to take place – which, by the way, I don't believe – why would it not be in France or Spain. "Let's get something perfect clear anyway shall we. There's always a bottom line and it is this – Dimitri Payet is contracted to West Ham United for five years."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sounders and States so close
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Unbelievably we are just 15 days away from our first game of the season – in America. We have become so preoccipied with Euro 2016 that the trip to the States has slipped almost out of our minds. But here's a great image of the stadium – built 20 years ago – awaiting to welcome our fans The Hammers travel to the States for their first game against Seattle Sounders with manager Slaven Bilic saying: When the opportunity was presented to travel to America, we were delighted to pursue it. sounders"I, my staff and the players are already excited about playing in the United States, and we are looking forward to taking the squad to new places, meeting new supporters and spreading the name and style of West Ham United far and wide."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CANDH EXCLUSIVE: Lacazette makes up his mind
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 21, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham have been told that Alexandre Lacazette has no desire to join West Ham United. Amid widespread rumours of another bid going in – with one or two sites claiming it would be of £37 million – ClaretandHugh has been told categoically this morning: "That is not going to happen." Our top insider revealed: "We have been told 100 per cent by the player's agent that he doesn't want to comeand won't be joining us. "As a result of course there can be no further bids. It would need a dramatic change of heart by the player and that is seriously unlikely to happen ."
The general feeling inside the club is that Lacazette has used the Hammers interest in the hope that Paris St Germain will move in with a serious bid as it is widely believed this is the club he wants. However, in fairness to the player he has never made any secret of the fact that he wants Champions League football and the message has now been relayed to the Hammers in order to finally end the speculation. We were told: "We could have done no more but you can't persuade a player who appears to have made his mind up. IT remains with him but there will be no further bids."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic raves about England's defender!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 21, 2016 in News
C and H

Bilic lavished so much praise on Chris Smalling after the England v Slovakia, he started a few conspiracy theories running. The Hammers boss is known to be in the market for a central deender but Smalling – Manchester United's England man? Hmm. Following the game he said: "Smalling's great on the ball, can pass well, is very vocal, a leader, great in the air, very quick – blimey anything else? – "Three years ago he was a bit shaky. Maybe he's not as attractive as John Stones but he is good on the ball, passes wel, diagonal passes. He's one of the best in England." Couldn't be …could it?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry: "Payet will want to stay"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 21, 2016 in News
C and H

Former West Ham manager, Harry Redknapp believes West Ham will hold on to Dimtri Payet this summer insisting he will want to stay. Speaking to betting site Betsafe Harry said:
"I don't think they'd sell him. West Ham have a new stadium, 60,000 stadium, Olympic Stadium, sold 50-odd thousand season tickets, David Sullivan, David Gold, they aren't into selling that club, it's worth a fortune. They won't be short of money, I don't see a reason why they would sell their star player. "The fans idolise him, he has become a superstar with the West Ham supporters, probably the biggest crowd favourite since Paolo Di Canio. I definitely don't see West Ham selling Payet, he has either signed a new contract or is on the verge of signing a new contract. "I'm sure Slaven Bilic and the board will keep him. West Ham is an emerging club; they were excellent last year and next year they could do even better. Dimitri Payet will want to be part of that West Ham team; he has loved being at the Hammers. I'm sure he'll want to stay."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading academy boss Eamonn Dolan dies aged 48
Last Updated: 21/06/16 3:19pm
SSN

Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan has died at the age of 48. A club statement confirmed the Irishman had "lost a brave battle against cancer", 23 years after a playing career featuring spells at West Ham, Birmingham and Exeter was cut short by the disease. Dolan went on to manage Exeter before joining Reading as academy boss in 2004, and he was briefly in charge following Brian McDermott's departure during the Premier League season of 2013/4. Reading's statement read: "It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we regretfully inform supporters of the passing of Eamonn Dolan, who tragically lost a brave battle against cancer on Monday evening at the age of 48. "Our sincere condolences go out to his family and many, many friends. Eamonn was, and will forever remain, one of our own. "His energy for football was infectious. His enthusiasm for the sport we all love was evident in every compelling word he uttered. The level of pride he had in his work was enviable. "And each young player who Eamonn carefully nurtured through our Academy ranks and into professional football will today stand tall as testament to one great man's total dedication and unassuming but single-minded commitment to his job."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United transfer news: Where could Dimitri Payet be playing next season?
By Joe Coleman - @JoeColeman1508
Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Fresh from an outstanding debut season that saw him named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, Dimitri Payet has lit up Euro 2016 with a series of sensational performances.
Discarded by Didier Deschamps little over a year ago, Payet's resurgent form with France at the European Championship has led to increased speculation over his future and even a bumper contract may not be able to keep the playmaker at West Ham United next season.

Here, talkSPORT examines the potential destinations if the 29-year-old leaves the Hammers this summer...

Real Madrid

Even before Payet's Euro 2016 displays, Los Blancos had held an interest in the Frenchman following his performances in east London. The problem however, could be fitting Payet in.
Zinedine Zidane has favoured a 4-3-3 formation allowing Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to flourish alongside Karim Benzema, removing the need for an attacking midfielder. The demise of James Rodriguez, a player of similar ilk to Payet, should serve as a warning that a big-money move does not guarantee a place at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona

With uncertainty over Neymar's future, the Catalan giants may well be looking for a player with the ability to cut inside and create for the likes of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Given Payet's performances for his country thus far, performing at the Camp Nou on a regular basis would be unlikely to faze him. The sticking point for any deal could be Barca's commitment to bringing through La Masia graduates, rather than buying superstars. Alen Halilovic impressed on loan at Sporting Gijon last season and the young Croatian will be keen to impress Luis Enrique this time around.

Manchester City

It was rumoured back in February that Pep Guardiola had set funds aside to make a move for Payet his priority once he arrived in at the Etihad. Clearly a fan, the incoming head coach will be keen to make his mark on the side he will inherit from Manuel Pellegrini. The struggles of Raheem Sterling will also be of concern to Guardiola. Rather than sell the 21-year-old, he may well assign Payet a mentoring role for the young star once both have returned from France. However, the Blues will be wary of poaching a fellow Premier League side's superstar. Costly moves for players such as Wilfried Bony, Jack Rodwell and Joleon Lescott in recent years have all had limited success.

West Ham United

Staying at West Ham would certainly make sense for Payet. Adored by the fans, the 29-year-old appeared to commit his long-term future to the Hammers by signing a massive five-year contract less than seven months after signing from Marseille last summer. Having completely sold out of season tickets for the Olympic Stadium ahead of the 2016/17 season, David Sullivan and David Gold will be well aware that the club are under no financial pressure to sell any of their star players. Payet may well find that his best move will be to start the season with West Ham, especially with a manager in Slaven Bilic whose stock continues to rise since leading the Hammers to a respectable seventh-placed finish last season.
However, the east London side's inability to offer him Champions League football may convince the Frenchman his future lies elsewhere.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monaco to finalise deal for Liverpool and West Ham target Benjamin Mendy by Wednesday - reports
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Monaco are hoping to tie up a deal for Liverpool and West Ham target Benjamin Mendy by Wednesday. The 21-year-old is leaving Marseille this summer as the club is in desperate need of balancing its books. Liverpool and West Ham had both scouted the left-back, while clubs in Spain were interested too. But, according to several reports in France, Mendy will be a Monaco player by Wednesday. The Frenchman will be moving for a fee of around £9million, with various add-ons and bonuses meaning that amount could go up over time. Mendy will also sign a five-year deal with Monaco and it is now only left for him to complete his medical.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CLOSER TO AGREEMENT FOR BATSHUAYI THAN SPURS
MICHAEL OLIVER ReadWestHam

Marseille club president Vincent Labrune wants Michy Batshuayi to join West Ham over Premier League rivals Tottenham this summer. According to French source Buzzsport, Labrune is eager to see his star striker join the Hammers as they are offering a better deal than Tottenham are currently. The situation with Marseille is quite strange. In their financial accounts they will present to the DNCG at the end of June, they have already accounted for Batshuayi's sale in order to meet the regulations set of them. As it stands, with nine days left of the month, Batshuayi is still as Marseille player, and those costs they have accounted for have yet to be covered, meaning they could face sanctions from the DNCG where the strongest penalty would be demotion to the French Ligue 2.
Labrune and Marseille are looking for €40m to sell the Belgian striker this summer in order to cover those costs and avoid sanctions. Batshuayi, however, is willing to hold out for the right offer to come in for him, but Marseille don't have that time. The 22-year-old has made his intentions clear, he would prefer a move to Tottenham over West Ham, with Champions League football being a big factor in his decision. Spurs' offers so far are not suitable for Marseille who have rejected bids from the North London club for Batshuayi. They as a club would rather sell to West Ham who are much closer to the club's asking price for their star striker. For now, Batshuayi is not willing to talk to West Ham about a move as he is waiting for Tottenham to possibly up their offer. If that fails to happen, Marseille still need to sell, leaving West Ham the only option.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM STEP UP EFFORTS TO SIGN CALLERI
THOMAS BORE
ReadWestHam

West Ham have stepped up their efforts to sign Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri, according to Italian source Tutto Mercato Web. TMW say the Hammers have 'intensified negotiations' in the last 48 hours in order to thrash out a deal for Calleri and fend off stiff competition from Serie A side Inter Milan. Internazionale hold an interest in Calleri but are not prepared to be dragged into a bidding war with West Ham. Sport Witness claim London rivals Tottenham are also interested in signing the young Argentine.
Calleri was signed by Uruguayan outfit Deportivo Maldonado in 2014, for a reported £8.25million, but has been shipped out on loan to Sao Paulo in Brazil. His loan expires on July 31st and, should West Ham reach an agreement with Deportivo, that is when he would complete his move to East London. The 22-year-old has been touted as the 'new Carlos Tevez', a cult hero among West Ham fans, while Transfermarkt compares the player to Spanish forward Ayoze Perez of Newcastle. So far this season, Calleri has scored nine times in twelve appearances for Sao Paulo.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS SET £12M PRICE-TAG ON TOMKINS
THOMAS BORE
readwestham

West Ham have slapped a £12million asking price on former England under-21 international James Tomkins, as the race for his signatures heats up. HITC Sport understands Premier League duo Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion have already made initial enquiries regarding the availability of Essex-born Tomkins, while Crystal Palace, Southampton and Sunderland are also credited with interest. Tomkins is ready to call time on his 19-year West Ham career, having signed for the youth academy in 1997. The 27-year-old is thought to be unhappy with his squad role and wants a move away in search of guarantees over playing time. Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is hopeful of reuniting with Tomkins, though the Daily Mail suggest the asking price may deter the Black Cats from bidding. Allardyce also remains keen on securing the services of Senegalese forward Diafra Sakho, who netted seven times in 24 appearances last campaign. The Hammers reportedly set a £15million price tag on Sakho and have already rejected two bids from Sunderland for the 26-year-old – worth £11million and £12million.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MAKING PAYET PAY
By Blind Hammer 21 Jun 2016 at 07:45
WTID

Blind Hammer looks at how OS and TV Money makes an economic case for West Ham to resist a transfer for Payet.

When I wrote my recent Mind the Gap article some people commented that expanded TV monies were largely making stadium capacity irrelevant. This article is about why I think stadium capacity matters if we want to keep Payet.

If we look at how the TV money is divided amongst the clubs then some interesting features emerge. TV money does not follow league position. Last season, for example Arsenal was clear winners in Premier League TV money, even though they did not finish top. Despite winning the League Leicester finished not just behind Arsenal but also Manchester City, Manchester United and even Tottenham. Arsenal earned £100,952,257, whilst Leicester earnt £93,219,598. Why did Leicester earn less? The answer lies in the way TV money is distributed. TV money is made up of three payments. A core payment which is paid to all clubs, a merit payment which is based on league position, and finally and probably most crucially a facility payment based on the number of times that a club is shown live on TV.

The way the system works is that the Broadcasters get the rights to show 10 matches from each club without incurring any extra payment. For every match over 10 shown the Broadcaster had to pay an extra £747,922.

A good way then to judge the marketing success of your clubs is to count the number of live games in excess of this standard 10.

A not surprising cohort is in the group appearing only 10 times or less. Norwich with 9 games and Watford and Bournemouth with 8 games failed to reach even the 10 game marks. This is a little damning for these clubs as the Broadcasters could have shown 1 of Norwich's and 2 of Bournemouth's and Watford's games, in effect for at least half price, or even free if against each other. A second group of clubs are stuck on the 10 game marks. Crystal Palace, West Brom Stoke and Swansea complete the list of 6 clubs who received no extra TV monies last year. Despite the economic disadvantage this places these clubs in they probably still do better than the European counterparts where clubs negotiate individual TV deals.

Hovering just above this group was Aston Villa with 11 games, probably in less disastrous seasons they would have shown more, and Southampton with 12 games, surely disappointing given the quality of football they played.

Then there is a middle league in which West Ham currently sit. At the bottom of this middle league is Sunderland where the Broadcasters invested in 3 extra games, then come Leicester and West Ham, both showing 15 games, then this middle league is topped by Newcastle with 16 games and Everton who enjoyed TV monies from 8 extra games having 18 matches shown.

Then we have a top 6 where there was serious TV monies paid. The Broadcasters paid Spurs for 11 extra games, showing 21 matches, Chelsea came next with 22 matches, Liverpool with 23, Manchester City with 25 , Manchester United with 26 and finally Arsenal who proved to be the Broadcasters' favourites, having and extra 17 matches shown with 27 live appearances in all.

All this shows that the TV Monies league does not necessarily match performance, not only were Leicester trailing down this league, relegated Newcastle were also mid table. There is however, a closer correlation between TV Monies and a stadium capacity league table. This is not an exact match as the two main North East clubs; Newcastle and Sunderland were exceptions with larger capacities of 48,000 and 52,000 respectively, although each club rarely filled their stadiums.

Despite the North East anomaly the pattern of TV money following stadium capacity generally persists. The top 3 TV earners all have stadium capacities over 50,000. The top 5 clubs all have capacities over 40,000. All 6 of the bottom TV earners have capacities under 30,000. Outside of the top 5 only Newcastle Sunderland and Aston Villa have capacities over 40,000. Generally TV revenues are attracted to larger capacity stadiums across the league.

Why should bigger stadiums attract more interest from Broadcasters? Well part of this obviously reflects historic greater levels of support for these clubs. Equally important though is the fact that football is a glamour entertainment industry. The vast cathedrals of a modern football ground are the exciting backdrop to showcase the cream of the world's talent. Despite its famous lack of atmosphere the library at Arsenal's Emirates is the stage to which the Broadcasters are consistently attracted.

However even marginal advantages in revenue caused by extra TV money and attendance matter. Bill Kenwright commented on why Everton could not match the economic power of Liverpool. He explained that although Anfield exceeded Goodison by only 6,000 this meant that 19 times a season Liverpool achieved this extra revenue. 114,000 supporters more a season watched Liverpool. Over 5 years the gap inexorably grows with over half a million more paying customers. Also this extra support is unlikely to be confined to the same 6,000 extra people every game. It is more likely that many more supporters attend only a few games. In other words Even if a person attends only one game, they may become hooked into supporting a club in the longer term thus further generating TV interest. .

Consequently not only week in and week out, but over the longer term year in and year out, Everton are unremittingly pressured by Liverpool's competitive edge. Over time, Liverpool can generate more resources. Their marginal capacity advantage over Everton is further amplified when the TV monies deal is struck.

Yet stadium capacity alone, as Newcastle and Aston Villa have proven, does not necessarily translate into football success. Whilst the Olympic Stadium provides the infrastructure for growth we must have accompanying football excellence to realise this project. West Ham must grab the horns of the OS Opportunity to grow their TV appeal by providing the football to match.

This is why it would be economically insane to entertain any offers for Payet on the basis of transfer monies. Over four years Payet could probably garner the amount we would receive in any transfer monies simply from marketing of merchandise allied to the extra matches that the broadcasters will want to show. Apparently Broadcast money per game next year will grow even more. If West Ham achieve the same number of TV games as Spurs this is likely to generate £21 million a year in basic TV Match fees alone, before we even start to talk about merit payments and the increased core components of TV Monies. Of course each extra live match also provides the opportunity for an unparalleled free two hour merchandising advert for West Ham across the Globe.

Payet is now a global talking point. He can help West Ham expand not just for the here and now, but help provide the structural Launchpad to establish years of growth persisting long after his career has ended. He could be the figure for West Ham that Zola was in the period of Chelsea's transformation. This is probably a once in a life time opportunity for West ham to shake up the structure of the league. The Olympic Stadium must exhibit the football which makes the TV companies buzz around it like bees in a honey pot.

Currently Payet is the hottest property in world football. If he can be signed up for the West Ham ambition it is time to make Payet pay for West Ham.

David Griffith

Notes for information.
Below I reproduce the table I created to help me research and compose this piece. It shows the league table according to live matches shown and also shows the attendance of each club.

TV appearance League compared to Stadium Capacity.
Pos. Team. Matches shown. Capacity.
1. Arsenal. 27. – 60,260
2. Manchester United. 26. – 75,653
3. Manchester City. 25. – 55,097
4. Liverpool. 23. – 45,522
5. Chelsea. 22. – 41,798
6. Tottenham. 21. – 36,284
7. Everton. 18. – 39,571
8. Newcastle. 16. – 52,338
9. West Ham. 15. – 34,950
9. Leicester. 15. – 32,312
10. Sunderland. 13. – 48,707
11. Southampton. 12. – 32,505
12. Aston Villa. 11. – 42,660
13. Crystal Palace. 10. – 25,073
13. West Brom. 10. – 26,850
13. Stoke. 10. – 27,740
13. Swansea. 10. – 20,909
14. Norwich. 9. – 27,224
15. Bournemouth. 8. – 11,464
14. Watford. 8. – 21,500

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com