Daily WHUFC News - 27th June 2016

Payet marches on
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet's Euro 2016 dream lives on after France came from behind to
defeat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Sunday's last 16 tie in Lyon.
Les Bleus were given a stern test by Ireland, who went in front in the
second minute through a Robbie Brady penalty and the hosts toiled during a
first half in which Martin O'Neill's team looked comfortable. But France
came out in the second period with a stronger tempo and levelled in the 58th
minute with an Antoine Griezmann header. The same player struck again three
minutes later to turn the game on its head and leave Randolph's side
defeated. Payet and Randolph both played the 90 minutes, with the France
star seen consoling his teammate at the final whistle at the Stade des
Lumieres. Randolph enjoyed a terrific tournament, keeping a clean sheet
against Italy to get Ireland to this stage, while Payet will hope to
continue his sparkling form in making himself one of the stars of the
competition to date.

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Ogbonna's Italy prepared for Spain clash
WHUFC.com

Angelo Ogbonna's Italy side head into their first UEFA Euro 2016 knockout
fixture against Spain on Monday night in Paris in one of the tournament's
most intriguing matches so far. The West Ham centre-back made his first
appearance in the tournament against the Republic of Ireland last week as
manager Antonio Conte made eight changes with the group already won, but The
Azzurri were downed by a late Robbie Brady header and lost 1-0. By then,
however, Italy already knew their fate – Spain's defeat to Croatia in their
final Group D fixture meant Vicente Del Bosque's team finished second, and a
clash between two of Europe's heavyweights was confirmed. Ogbonna of course
had come up against fellow Hammer Darren Randolph in Lille on Wednesday,
with the Irons' No1 keeping a clean sheet to secure Ireland's qualification
to the round of 16. That meant all four Hammers at the tournament were
through to the next round, with Dimitri Payet's France and James Collins'
Wales topping their respective groups.

Ogbonna's opponents Spain – the holding champions – will be hoping to add a
third European Championship in a row – a fourth in total – to their
collection, while Italy will be keen to progress in a bid to win their
second Euros. With the Spaniards in seemingly imperious form prior to the
defeat to Croatia, Ogbonna, speaking after the Ireland clash, knows it will
be a tricky tie. He said: "We are totally focused on the next game against
Spain. Every game is really tough, though. "[The next match] is very
complicated. We have to prepare everything everywhere on the pitch. We have
to keep our feet on the ground also, so step-by-step, we need to get there.
We have to be focused for the match."

The winners of the last-16 match will face either Germany or Slovakia in the
quarter-finals held in Bordeaux.

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Cullen - I want to be around the first team
WHUFC.com

Hammers midfielder Josh Cullen says his ambitions for next season must be to
be in and around the first team squad following a terrific spell on loan at
Bradford City last campaign.

The 20-year-old, speaking at the opening of the new Stadium Store on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park, spent the final four months of last term in
Yorkshire and helped the Bantams achieve a play-off spot in League One.

And though Phil Parkinson's men were beaten over two legs in the third tier
semi-finals, Cullen impressed and now has objectives within Slaven Bilic's
side.

He said: "The aim is to be in and around the first team squad. I was on the
bench a few times last year and now it's time to kick on with a good loan
spell under my belt.

"I need to make sure I try and cement my place in it. I enjoyed my time on
loan at Bradford and it helped me gain experience and learn more about the
game.

"It was my first time away from West Ham and I think that's helped me grow
up as a player. Now I'm just looking forward to getting back to West Ham and
kicking on and trying to make an impression during pre-season."
Cullen, wearing the Hammers' new away strip for the 2016/17 campaign, was
impressed with the setup at the new Store on the opening day which was
attended by hundreds of excited supporters.

"The design and everything about the shop is quality," he continued. "It's
fitting for the type of Stadium we have got now.

"It is kitted out with loads of stuff for all the fans and it's good to see
so many here coming to get their shirts and coming to the opening to be the
first to get their stuff.

"The commitment shown sums up West Ham fans in general really. The passion
they've got for the Club is second to none.

"The new away kit is nice. It's nice and simple and I think that's the best
thing about it. It looks good and hopefully we can do it justice this season
and put in some good away performances."

Cullen, a Republic of Ireland U21 international, has been keeping track of
Darren Randolph's performances at UEFA Euro 2016, as well as the other three
Hammers involved in the tournament and hopes they can fly the West Ham flag
as far as possible in the knockout stages.

"All the lads that are out at the Euros have qualified. Ginge [James
Collins] and Angelo [Ogbonna] have for Wales and Italy respectively [as well
as Dimitri Payet and Darren Randolph].

"Payet is lighting the tournament up so far and hopefully he can keep that
going and all the lads can do well progressing further in the tournament.
They've all done West Ham proud."

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Stadium Store open for business!
WHUFC.com

Since skipper Mark Noble and the crowds battled the floods to officially
open West Ham United's new Stadium Store on Thursday, Hammers fans have been
pouring into the Club's flagship Store in their droves.

The Stadium Store, located on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, sits smack bang
outside the Hammers' iconic London Stadium home and, for those keen to see
what awaits come the new season, the state-of-the-art Store and Café gives
an exciting taste of things to come.

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is urging Hammers fans to check out the
newly-opened Store for themselves.

"We've invested a great deal of time and money in creating a Stadium Store
that our fans will enjoy visiting," Mr Sullivan said.

"You must come and have a look. It's worlds apart from what we had at the
Boleyn Ground and the feedback we've had so far has been amazing."

The Hammers' new retail space, which is more than two-and-a-half times the
size of its Boleyn Ground equivalent, is also home to three leaves of the
iconic John Lyall Gates, which sit pride of place at the heart of the
two-floor megastore.

It features the full range of Umbro kit, training wear, fan wear and Hammers
fashion for men, women and children and is also home to the West Ham United
Coffee Co., a bespoke café and casual dining area.

The new-look Store also features a brand new personalisation station. This
allows you to order all of your favourite West Ham merchandise including
mugs, mouse mats, key rings and even mock newspaper clippings with any name
you chose – all at the touch of a screen.

With 44 till points available to serve supporters, you will never have to
wait too long to kit yourself out in Claret and Blue.

The Stadium Store is just a short walk from Westfield Stratford City and
supporters are recommended to walk via The Street and Stratford Walk.

With construction works continuing around the Stadium over the summer,
access to the Stadium Store will be via the bridge nearest the Store, which
is adjacent to the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Matchday 9am-Kick-off (Re-opens after final whistle)

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Elliott Lee: Barnsley sign striker from West Ham for undisclosed fee
BBC.co.uk

Barnsley have signed striker Elliot Lee from Premier League club West Ham
United for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old made seven appearances for
the Hammers and netted his only goal for them in a Europa League
qualification round match against Andorran side FC Lustrains last season.
Lee had two loan spells in League One last term, with Blackpool and then
Colchester United. He scored twice for the U's but was unable to save them
from relegation. The length of Lee's contract with the promoted Tykes has
not been revealed.

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Dimi does Darren
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet's France are through to the quarter finals of Euro 16 - at the
expense of Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland. The hosts became the first
nation to book their place in the last eight of the tournament courtesy of a
2-1 win over the Irish, despite having fallen behind to a Robbie Brady
penalty inside the first two minutes in Lyon ths afternoon. Atletico striker
Antoine Griezmann equalised for France with a header 13 minutes into the
second half before he added his second of the day just four minutes later,
sending his country into a last eight encounter with either Iceland or
England next weekend.
Payet, who had almost single-handedly propelled the French into the knock
out phase of Euro 16 had a much quieter afternoon than in recent outings,
despite playing the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately Hammers team mate
Randolph proved to be far busier than he might have hoped, although two
excellent saves from United's reserve stopper meant he could hold his head
high despite his team's exit.

* James Collins' Wales are also through to the quarter finals following
their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday at the Parc des Princes,
Paris. The centre half is yet to feature at the tournament.

* The fourth and final Hammer to be involved in Euro 16, Angelo Ogbonna, is
currently preparing for Italy's mouth-watering last 16 clash with Spain
tomorrow afternoon.

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Leave vote will cost us, admits Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 24th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has admitted that the result of the EU Referundum is likely
to affect the club negatively. Last Thursday the UK voted to leave the
European Union. And according to West Ham United's co-owner, should the
pound continue to fall in value any transfer deals involving European
players could be adversely affected. "There are going to be a lot of
implications for the Premier League and football in general," said Sullivan
on whufc.com. "If sterling continues to fall against the euro, players at
European clubs will become more expensive so that impacts our buying power.
"Even at this present time, where we currently owe instalments to clubs who
we have signed players from, we will also lose out if the value of sterling
falls, but every club is in the same boat. "I have seen reports that some
big name players including Dimitri Payet would not have been able to secure
their moves into the Premier League if we would have already left the
European Union. "[In the] long term players from the European Union will
need to obtain work permits, but I have to stress that is a few years away."

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Amigos accumulate
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 24th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Good friends Elliot Lee and George Moncur have been reunited - at
Championship side Barnsley. The two former West Ham youth prospects will
team up once again at Oakwell after Lee's capture - on a free transfer - was
confirmed this morning, just a matter of days after Moncur's arrival from
Colchester was announced. "Barnsley Football Club is delighted to confirm
that West Ham United striker Elliot Lee has today agreed personal terms at
Oakwell and will join the Reds ahead of the 2016/17 season," read a
statement on Barnsley's website. That followed a statement earlier in the
week confirming combative midfielder Moncur's move to England's second tier.
"The sought-after midfielder was a wanted man after an excellent campaign
for Colchester United and the 22-year-old will team up with the Reds for
pre-season training," it read. "A product of West Ham's illustrious Academy
system, the talented midfielder scored 14 times last season, including twice
against the Reds."

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Dimi thoughts for Darren as keeper despairs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimi Payet showed himself the absolute top man again as he ran to his
Hammers team-mate emotional Darren Randolph after the French sent the Irish
home with a 2-1 Euros victory earlier this evening. Ireland had taken the
lead after just two minutes, Robbie Brady scoring a penalty, before Antoine
Griezmann struck twice scored twice. Darren had been absolutely brilliant
during the tournament as a whole and especially tonight with nine great
saves to keep his team in things until the end. But after the final whistle
Randolph, 29, couldn't hide his emotion and had to fight back tears. So
rather than celebrate at the other end Dimi ran to Darren and gave the
goalkeeper a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek. Class act!

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Randolph's Irons future questioned
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 26, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H

One very significant West Ham related question was raised during commentary
on the France/Republic game this afternoon. I can't tell you who the
commentator was as I take little notice of such things but after Darren
Randolph had made a point blank second half save he said: "Darren
Randoph…surely not to be West Ham second keeper for much longer." It's not
the first time this has been mentioned and whilst I don't thnk for a second
he will leave, doesn't it make a nice change to hear of our players being
discussed in these terms. Darren is a top keeper and after he's hugely
uncertain start with the Irons produced some top class performances when
required notably during the FA Cup run. I am often told that this club is
aiming to having a minimum of two top players for each position and that
includes Darren who is indeed one of the best number twos around. He had a
great Euro 2016 – congratulations from all at ClaretandHugh Darren.

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Exclusive: Tore deal twist as talks go on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 26, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H

Reports that West Ham have agreed to sign Gokhan Tore at a fee of around
£10.5 million are wide of the mark. Regular recent speculation that a deal
has been agreed to bring the Beskitas wideman to the Olympic Stadium is
correct – but ClaretandHugh can exclusively reveal that this remains only as
a loan deal. Turkish publication FutbolArena has reported that both clubs
have now agreed the fee for the 24-year-old in a move which would reunite
him with his former boss Slaven Bilic. However, given how many rumours have
come out of Turkey – with no deals being completed since Slav's arrival –
ClaretandHugh's Rumour Ratng registered at "Moderate." when we first drew
attention to the Turkish media report. And today we have learned from our
top source inside West Ham that any deal at this stage will be a season's
loan arrangement but he added: "At this moment we still can't agree terms."
He added: "We are hoping we can it done but at this stage we are still
talking on the loan."

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Hammers linked with second bid for Cherries man
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The Daily Mail are claiming West Ham will come back in with a second bid for
Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

The Mail said "Bournemouth are anticipating further interest from West Ham
in coveted striker Callum Wilson and winger Matt Ritchie though their
£30million valuation for the pair has proved a deterrent so far. West Ham
manager Slaven Bilic and his staff are working on various targets."

Wilson and team-mate Matt Ritchie were the subject of a reported failed
£20million bid from West Ham last month.

RR Moderate24-year-old Wilson told the Bournemouth Echo at the time: "I am a
loyal person. I am grateful to Bournemouth for giving me the opportunity to
play at a high level in the Championship."

"We had a good season last year and got promoted and then I got my chance to
play in the Premier League. I want to maintain that for as long as
possible."

And asked whether he had been surprised to have been the subject a bid after
his recent injury, Wilson replied: "Because I had been out for six months, I
didn't take much notice of it. I had just come back from injury and then,
all of a sudden, I was being linked with clubs. It was a bit unrealistic.
You take confidence from your name being linked with big clubs."

There is no doubt West Ham have scouted both Wilson and Ritchie for some
time and their names are on a long list of summer targets. We also know they
were subject to a Hammer bid in May, but whether it was really £20m is in
serious doubt and whether we would ever pay £30m for the pair is in more
serious doubt.

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Fans want Pedro to stay
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The vast majority of West Ham supporters want Pedro Obiang to stay this
summer, a poll conducted by Claret and Hugh has revealed. Despite having
limited chances, 81% of fans say Obiang should stay despite him being tipped
for the exit door if his valuation is met by another club.

Bilic is happy to move on fringe players where we can get an improvement,
unhappy players who are not pleased with their first team opportunities at
West Ham and disruptive players who can be drama queens. Bilic wants harmony
in his squad and will tolerate any strops from players or any sulking in the
dressing room. Obiang is reportedly unhappy with his lack of first-team
opportunities last season.

Although he had 24 appearances last season, he only started in eleven of
these and he remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes on just six
occasions.

The 24-year-old joined the Irons from Serie A side Sampdoria last summer on
a five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to be £4.3 million. From
over 700 fans polled 81.2% (583) want him stay, 13.09% (94) say he can go
while 5.71% (41) don't know.

Today we ask the same question for Enner Valencia. Should Valencia stay at
the club beyond the summer transfer window?

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Arsenal and Madrid in for Lacazette?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Steve Stammers from the Daily Mirror suggests that Arsenal has now entered
the race to sign Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette

Stammers claims "Gunners' boss Wenger is to meet with a representative of
the player this week in France. But also interested are West Ham and
Champions League runners-up Atletico Madrid. The asking price will be around
£45million. The Hammers — reflecting the ambition of their board as they
prepare for life in their new home at London's Olympic Stadium — have
already had an offer of £42m rejected."

Credibility for the article dropped massively with the suggestion West Ham
had bid £42m and had it rejected. The figure was supposed to have been £31m
but even then Slaven Bilic rubbished the original story saying it was NOT
TRUE at the time.

Lacazette's agent recently made it clear the player has no wish to play for
West Ham or Spurs, however, one report from is camp suggested that only a
move to Arsenal would convince him to move across the Channel this summer.
How convenient that Arsenal suddenly want him and are prepared to pay £45m.
Sorry Mr Stamers, I am not buying it. We give this rumour a low rating.

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Agent has news for West Ham supporters
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Football agent Muzzi Ozcan is up to his old tricks teasing West Ham
supporters he has news but not revealing what it is. The agent and advisor
to the FA was the first to break the news on twitter that Bilic had agreed
terms with West Ham to become their manager in 2015, hours before an
official announcement was made.

Muzzi Ozcan also teased West Ham fans before revealing the Dimitri Payet
signing only to delete the post on twitter later bizzarely claiming his
account had been hacked.

During that episode he posted "I can confirm that Dimitri Payet has signed
for West Ham. Wish both parties a successful era" but quickly deleted the
post and said "My account has been hacked and certain messages were wrote !!
I will update you tomorrow morning !! I do Apologise for this issue !"

Today's tease by Muzzi just after mid-day was "I have news for West Ham
Supporters"

Many have speculated the tweet is related to Gokhan Tore joining West Ham
next week for a reported £10.5m transfer fee.

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Hammers poised to sign Man City striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are poised to sign Manchester City teenager Tyrese Campbell,
sources close to the player have told ESPN.

Campbell is free to find a new club after turning down City's offer of a
scholarship deal at the Etihad with the player fearing there is little
chance for progression at the club. City were reluctant to lose the
teenager, but, after rejecting the club's contract offer, Campbell is free
to speak with other clubs now the first Saturday in June has passed.

Campbell, who is an England under-17 international, is a prolific goalscorer
at youth level and has scored 97 goals in the last two seasons. At the end
of this season Campbell tweeted "Happy to of finished the season unbeaten
with the team & to score 46 goals" Two of these goals were against West Ham
in an eight-nil thumping of the Hammers Academy.

The 16-year-old, son of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, is regarded
as one of the most exciting prospects in England after catching the for club
and country and as such he is being monitored by top Premier League sides.

West Ham are rivalling Arsenal for his signature, to follow in the footsteps
of Martin Samuelson who also joined from City's youth setup.

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