Hammers learn Europa League opponents
WHUFC.com
Following this afternoon's draw for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying
round, West Ham United are pleased to update supporters on the historic
first fixture at London Stadium.
In order to give Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP as much time as possible to
prepare the arena for its first taste of European football, the Club have
today made official representation to request that the fixture be reversed.
If successful, Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia will
visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the return leg on Thursday 4 August.
Owing to the date of the Europa League fixture, the Club has had to agree to
work to a capacity of 54,000 for the Hammers' first two fixtures at London
Stadium. And, given the proximity of the Anniversary Games to those opening
two West Ham games, Stadium owners E20 Stadium PLP are doing their utmost to
prepare the venue fully into football mode accordingly.
On behalf of its supporters, the Club went to great lengths in contractual
negotiations with E20 Stadium LLP to ensure that the Stadium would be fully
ready for the first two fixtures, in order to accommodate as many supporters
as possible and offer the best matchday experience.
This is a necessary step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening in full
football mode at its full 60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening
Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
Crucially, capacity for both the Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
will be sufficient to accommodate all requests from Season Ticket Holders.
Further details for the Europa League clash will be communicated on
whufc.com ahead of tickets going on sale on Tuesday 19 July.
The visit of AFC Bournemouth will also see the innovative, retractable
seating solution in its entirety for the first time, with bold West Ham
branding, showing off the Hammers' famous Claret and Blue, set for
installation in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We're delighted to be welcoming our
supporters to the opening of our magnificent new home against Italian
champions Juventus.
"It's fantastic to be kicking off this exciting new era for the Club with
European football, in preparation for the all-important first Premier League
fixture against Bournemouth."
Third qualifying first leg ties will be played in week commencing Monday 25
July, with second leg matches being played in week commencing Monday 1
August. Tie dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course.
The Hammers will be competing in Europe for the eighth time in their
history, having previously won the European Cup Winners' Cup at the first
attempt in 1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976.
West Ham have won 24 of their 48 ties across the UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup
Winners' Cup and Intertoto Cup, scoring 79 goals and conceding 57.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Shakhtyor Soligorsk were formed in 1961 and are managed by the club's former
striker Syarhey Nikifarenka.
The 2005 Belarussian champions are based at 4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium
and finished third in the Premier League last season.
A successful side in recent years, Soligorsk have finished in the top three
in each of the last five seasons and won the Belarussian Cup in 2014. They
have qualified for Europe in each of the last six seasons. Defeated NSI
Runavik of the Faroe Islands 7-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round.
NK Domžale
NK Domžale were formed in 1921 and are based in town of Domzale in the
foothills of the Kamnik Alps in central Slovenia.
The club finished third in the Slovenian PrvaLiga last season, having won
the title in 2007 and 2008, and are based at the 2,813-capacity Sports Park.
Domžale, who possess a cosmopolitan squad including players from Slovenia,
Spain, Bosnia, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Serbia, France, Macedonia, Croatia and
Argentina, defeated West Ham's 2015 opponents Lusitanos of Andorra 5-2 on
aggregate in the first qualifying round.
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FT- Chelmsford City 2-0 Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
That's it, the referee brings the proceedings to an end, the hosts secure a
2-0 victory, nevertheless a valuable experience for the youngsters out there
tonight. Reaction to follow.
88: Goal for Chelmsford and this wraps up the victory, and what a strike it
was. Max Cornhill with a sweet strike, edge of the box, top corner. 0-2.
86: Encouraged by the let-off, Hector-Ingram goes tearing after a seemingly
lost cause and nearly makes something or nothing as he wins back posession,
but the chance eventually dies away.
85: Penalty to Chelmsford...Jack Powell lines it up, he tries an audacious
dink which goes wide! A real let off.
83: Hugo Skepelhorn almost gets goalside but a combination of Longelo and
Akinola clears the danger.
80: Former Academy graduate Jack Powell line up a free-kick 30-yards out,
it's good but Trott is comfortable enough to let it fall wide.
78: Another chance for the hosts, this time a whipped cross which somehow
evades everyone, all it needed was a touch in the six-yard box. Seconds
later Tunji Akinola does superbly to make a last-ditch tackle.
74: Best move of the second half from a Hammers' perspective. Sylvestre
bursts down the right-flank, fizzes in a great cross which Gordon swings a
foot at and forces a smart save from Colan Balkwell.
72: Jaanai Gordon, once on loan at Chelmsford, looks to make something
happen, he's eventually crowded out. Chelmsford respond with a spell of
pressure of their own, they win a series of corners which Hector-Ingram does
well to clear.
70: Goal for Chelmsford as Jake Reid does well to get goalside and slot home
past Trott. 0-1.
68: As you might expect against much senior opposition, the Hammers are
finding it hard to create too many openings, they're enjoying plenty of
possession in theiir own half but little joy going forward.
64: A flurry of subs for the hosts as they make 11 changes, Chelmsford now
look like...
Chelmsford: Balkwell, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lee, Powell, Bailey-Dennis, Marvin
Ekpiteta, Daley, Cornhill, Reid, Moore, Skepelhorn
63: First effort of the half for the Hammers as Jahmal Hector-Ingram
squeezes a shot goalbound, Welch smoothers it.
60: The Clarets have it in the net but it's chalked off for offside,
goalscorer Billy Bricknell disagrees with the decision but his protests
count for nothing.
58: Good chance for the hosts as Willmott wins back possession, drives
forward but drags his shot wide of the far post.
55: Corner to the Hammers which Joe Powell swings in, his delievery is good
and Akinola, the second half captain rises well, however he nods it just
wide.
52: Hector-Ingram gets to the byline and cuts a good ball back however
Chelmsford clear. At the other end Robbie Willmott tests Trott's reflexes,
who gets down well.
50: Just as the first half, the hosts have started the second half the
stronger. Incidentally, we have three more debutants tonight now - Longelo,
Henry and Wells.
46: So, here are the changes... the Hammers make ten changes in total -
everyone apart from 'keeper Trott.
This is how the Hammers line up: Trott, Sylvestre, Longelo, Henry, Akinola,
Wells, Kemp, Powell, Hector-Ingram, Scully
45: Once again, Josh Pask climbs highest to head away another looped
throw-in. Soon after referee Ron Whitton blows for half-time.
42: Chance for Chelmsford through Bagasan Graham as header isn't far off.
West Ham respond through Antonio who gets to the byline but his cross his
wayward. Moments later he sprints the length of the pitch, beating four men
in the process, goalkeeper Welch collects at Ford's feet.
40: Not long to go until the break, where we're anticipating plenty of
substitutions. Westley will be content with what he's seen.
36: Fletcher beats his man for pace, lays it off to Diangana who gets to the
byline but puts just too much on the cross with Ford waiting. Plenty of
half-chances but no real openings yet.
33: Another chance for Fletcher, Pike feeds the striker on the edge of the
box, however his strike is narrowly over.
30: Inches away from a debut goal for Fletcher. He spins, 25-yards out,
shoots well however goalkeeper Joe Welch gets a finger to it. Close!
28: Lovely intricate move, starting with Westley, before Cullen, Ford and
Fletcher get involved, they so nearly work it out to Antonio to shoot but
Walsh nips in at the last second.
26: Diangana juggles expertly and invites a foul, the defender obliges, but
nothing doing for the winger.
22: Michail Antonio winds up a long-throw, Iceland-style yet Anthony Church
does well to head clear the danger.
17: Alex Pike bursts forward and beats his man, his effort's are rewarded
with a corner which the Clarets' clear.
14: Another debutant Ashley Fletcher is fishing around for openings, he
looks eager to impress. First chance for the hosts falls to Shamir Mullings,
he wins back possession on halfway and trie his luck from 40 yards, Trott is
off his line but his effort goes narrowly wide.
10: Debutant Mason Barrett has also shown some intelligent touches. The
youngster looks composed and dealing with opponents much older then him.
7: Grady Diangana has shown some nice touches in the early exchanges, he's
looking to burst forward and create openings. His hard work almost pays off
as he feeds Sam Ford, whose shot is blocked.
4: Bright start for the hosts as they look to assert to physical presence,
their pressure results in a corner which Josh Pask clears with a towering
header.
0: Right, here we go! The Hammers are in their new white and light blue away
kit, the Clarets, as you can well imagine, are in all claret.
7.40pm: Five minutes to go. A lot to learn here tonight, and a great
opportunity for several youngsters to show what they can do.
7.30pm: Following tonight's game, the Dev Squad are back in action on
Tuesday evening away at Peterborough United. Kick off at London Road is
7.30pm.
7.15pm: Tonight sees a return to the fold for Sam Westley, Jaanai Gordon and
Josh Cullen, all of whom ended last season out on loan gaining valuable
first team experience. Former Development Squad coach Nick Haycock faces his
old side tonight, the experienced coach is the Clarets' assistant manager.
7pm: Looking at the Hammers' line up, there's certainly a real mixture of
youth and experience in the Starting XI.
Ashley Fletcher makes his West Ham debut tonight having recently signed and
Michail Antonio gets a run out. Meanwhile the Hammers' give Dev Squad debuts
to Mason Barrett and Nathan Trott.
6.45pm: Hello and welcome to tonight's coverage of the Development Squad's
opening pre-season friendly with Chelmsford City.
Tonight is the first of several fixtures to get Terry Westley's men ready
for the upcoming competitive season.
Chelmsford City: Welch, Miller, Blanchett, Church, Bush, Trialist, Willmott,
Merrifield, Mullings, Bricknell, Graham
Subs: Balkwell, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lee, Powell, Bailey-Dennis, Marvin
Ekpiteta, Daley, Cornhill, Reid, Moore, Skepelhorn
West Ham United: Trott, Pike, Barrett, Pask, Westley, Coventry, Cullen ©,
Antonio, Diangana, Ford, Fletcher
Subs: Sylvestre, Akinola, Wells, Longelo, Henry, Powell, Kemp, Scully,
Gordon, Hector-Ingram
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
The excitement is now building from the board and the fans after the draw
was made for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. We will be
facing Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia and we are
now getting ever closer to our first ever game at the new Stadium. We have a
Club now that can win things and the Europa League is a competition that we
can do very well in. We have won the right to dream now.
You want to avoid the bigger teams in the early stages and this is a great
opportunity if we want to give our talented group of youngsters the
experience of playing on the European stage. We have learned from the
experiences of last year and all the players are better off twelve months
on. We have a number of talented youngsters like Reece Oxford, Reece Burke,
Martin Samuelsen, Josh Cullen, Sam Byram, Toni Martinez who are knocking on
the first-team door. I have no doubts that these youngsters could be playing
in the first-team this year.
I was at the new Stadium this week to have a tour around our magnificent new
home and I know our fans will be very pleased when they come to the first
game. This is the culmination of a six-year project. The magnificent new
roof will create a fantastic atmosphere inside the Stadium and there is
claret and blue throughout the stands and concourses which makes it feel
like home. We went for a coffee inside our state-of-the art Club Store and I
bumped into our new signing Ashley Fletcher who was also at the new Stadium.
We had a good discussion and even though you see him as a young man, he is
strong and athletic and is a very intelligent individual. I will be very
surprised if he doesn't make an impact at West Ham United.
I genuinely don't think we have ever had a crop of young players in my time
here who are knocking on the door like the ones we have now. These are
serious young talented players. I can assure all our supporters that we are
still working hard behind the scenes to bring new players into the squad and
have many irons in the fire. There is still a long way to go before the
transfer window closes. David Sullivan is working relentlessly to push these
players over the line and nobody is better than him at getting the best
possible deals.
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Europa League ticket information
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to confirm ticketing details for the Hammers'
historic first fixture at London Stadium.
Subject to the fixture's formal ratification by UEFA, Slaven Bilic's men are
set to host Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domzale of Slovenia on
Thursday 4 August in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second
leg.
In line with the Club's longstanding commitment to affordable family
football, Adult prices start at just £10 for Bands 4 and 5, with all U16
tickets in Bands 1-5 just £5 for this prestigious fixture.
Full Ticket Prices
Band Adult U21s/O65s U16s
1966 £25.00 £25.00 £25.00
Band 1 £20.00 £20.00 £5.00
Band 2 £15.00 £15.00 £5.00
Band 3 £15.00 £15.00 £5.00
Band 4 £10.00 £10.00 £5.00
Band 5 £10.00 £10.00 £5.00
Owing to the date of the Europa League fixture, there will be 54,000 tickets
available for the game, so it is possible that some Season Ticket Holders
will not have access to their Season Ticket seat. The newly-configured East
Stand will already be in its final, football-ready state, meaning Season
Ticket Holders in the East Stand will be unaffected and able to sit in their
seasonal seats. In other areas of the Stadium where this is not the case,
the Club will do everything possible to find supporters the best alternative
seats. Subject to formal ratification of the fixture from UEFA, tickets will
go on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Tuesday 19 July, with a
priority window open until Sunday 24 July. For those who do not have to
access to their regular seats for this fixture, there is also the option of
an additional 48-hour window, when all previously unsold Season Ticket seats
will become available. This will begin at 9am on Monday 25 July and finish
on Tuesday 26.
Remaining tickets will be made available to Claret Members from 9am
Wednesday 27 July to Thursday 28 July. In the unlikely events that any
tickets are still available, General Sale will begin at 9am Friday 29 July.
Additionally, for both the UEFA Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
against Juventus, supporters will be issued with paper tickets.
As well as being advantageous operationally, the Club hope supporters will
appreciate having a physical memento of these landmark fixtures in West Ham
history.
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Hammers to offer half-price train travel
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Abellio Greater Anglia to offer fans up to 50 per cent
off matchday train tickets
Hammers have teamed up with train operating company to help supporters
attend home games
Season and Flexi Tickets available for fans attending matches at the London
Stadium in 2016/17
West Ham United are delighted to announce that supporters can get up to 50
per cent off train travel to home matchdays at London Stadium, having teamed
up with Abellio Greater Anglia. Ahead of what promises to be a uniquely
special season in Hammers' history, the Club have been working hard in
conjunction with the train operator to bring supporters the best offer
possible. As a result, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and
Hertfordshire-based supporters will be able to make great savings when
travelling to and from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from the company's 170
stations.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, welcomed the initiative, saying: "Throughout
this process, we have gone to great lengths to secure the very best deals
for our supporters and we are delighted to be in a position to share this
fantastic deal with our loyal fans. "Rest assured, we will continue to work
closely with stakeholders across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as part of a
vastly improved matchday experience across the board at our magnificent new
home."
The West Ham United Matchday Rail Ticket includes two different offers, the
Season Ticket and Flexi Ticket packages.
Season Ticket
This special train travel Season Ticket is available for travel from all
Abellio Greater Anglia stations to Stratford on 2016/17 first-team home
match dates and will save you up to 50% on the cost of 19 Cheap Day Return
tickets.
Season Tickets also allows FREE travel for all home Football League Cup, FA
Cup and Friendly matches during the 2016/2017 season.
Flexi Ticket – Ten Tickets
The Flexi Ticket gives you the freedom to travel to ten home games of your
choice throughout the season. Purchase ten tickets and save up to 50% on the
cost of the Super Off Peak Day Return tickets.
Child fares are available at 50% of the Adult ticket price.
Available from Monday 1 August, all supporters are urged to act quickly as
tickets must be purchased before Wednesday 31 August.
How to book
For more information, and a full breakdown of prices, please visit the
Abellio Greater Anglia website by clicking here.
Please check for changes to Train Service Alterations and planned
engineering work.
Terms and Conditions
Match day train Season Ticket is valid for first-team home matches only
Ticket must be purchased before 31 August 2016
Travel only permitted on Abellio Greater Anglia Services
Please note that if there are no train services on match day, the ticket
will therefore not be valid for travel on that date
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
Reports in the media continue to link the Hammers with a move for AC Milan
striker Carlos Bacca. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has made it clear that a
top striker still remains a top priority and there have been a number of
major targets linked with the east London Club. Most of the stories this
week have surrounded the future of Bacca who looks set to leave the San Siro
and move abroad. Some reports have suggested that the a decision could be
finalised by the end of the week. But my sources have confirmed to me that
there is no deal with anybody just yet and negotiations will continue with
our top targets. I have been told that the Hammers have agreed a deal with
two clubs, but it is proving harder than first thought to persuade the
calibre of players who want Champions League football to join them. The Club
are continuing to get the best possible deals ahead of the new season and
are happy with the transfer business they have already conducted this
summer. Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore and Ashley Fletcher
have already been added to to the squad and the Club remain confident that
more new signings will follow in the coming weeks.
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15/07/16 (EARLY) LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 15 JULY 2016 AT 10:33AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Payet to stay!
West Ham hero Dimitri Payet has told The Sun that he is "100% staying at
West Ham" and he also said "I love the club". I, for one, was always
confident Dimi would be staying with us, as he seems to appreciate what he
means to the fans, and what the club and Bilic has done for him.
Arsenal to hijack Bacca?
According to The Express, Arsene Wenger is getting ready to hijack West Ham
target Carlos Bacca. The Colombian forward is a goal machine, who scored 20
goals at AC Milan last season, and has expressed his wish to play Champions
League football, something the Hammers can't offer. Wenger has been looking
for a star striker for years, and Bacca looks at though he could fit the
bill.
Bacca to Babacar
Italian publication Tuttosport are reporting that West Ham might look to
Fiorentina striker Babacar, if they miss out on main target Carlos Bacca.
Babacar scored 20 goals is 41 games last seasons, whilst out on loan to
Italian side Modena. Is this the striker we are so desperately looking for?
Sevilla to battle West Ham for promising strikers signature:
According to Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, West Ham are close to
signing Calleri on a loan deal. Calleri is very talented, and has been
considered one of South America's most promising young forwards for a few
years now. However, various reports in Argentina and Spain are suggesting
that Europa League champions Sevilla are ready to fight for the young
forwards signature. On paper, Sevilla will be able to offer Calleri much
more game time…Could this be a deciding factor?
Tune in for the Europa League qualifying draw at 12 on the Europa League
Twitter page, which will be followed by my Afternoon Round-Up a few hours
later! Follow The West Ham Way for all the latest news and opinions.
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15/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 15 JULY 2016 AT 3:56PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Europa League draw:
West Ham will face either Slovenian side Domzale, or Belarus side Shaktyor
Soligorsk in our opening fixture of the Europa League qualifying campaign.
Please not that the club have appealed for the fixtures to swapped, meaning
our home tie could fall on the 4th of August. We will keep you posted.
Bacca deal on hold…
Sky are reporting that Napoli, Sevilla and Arsenal have all joined the race
for Hammers number 1 target Carlos Bacca. With Bacca expressing his desire
to play in the Champions League, it is reported (and believable) that Bacca
has stalled talks with West Ham, in order to open up a move to another
side.
Mandzukic interest…
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, West Ham are now interested in Croatian
forward Mario Mandzukic, who has been told he can leave Juventus. The 30
year old may be knocking on a bit, but he is still a top striker, and he
knows Bilic well. Personally I think there could be some substance to this
story, but only time will tell for sure.
There seems to be plenty of negative news today, however, don't believe
everything you read. And, even if there is truth to the Bacca updates, I
have complete faith in our board to deliver to us the best possible striker
they can get their hands on for this coming season.
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Payet story fabricated, says agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
A story that appeared in a tabloid newspaper this morning relating to
Dimitri Payet has been dismissed as false by the player's agent. Journalist
Justin Allen, writing in The Sun, claimed that he had spoken with Payet on
his return to England from France following the Euro 16 final. However
Jacques Olivier Auguste, a representative of Payet's has told Daily Mercuto
this afternoon that he believes the story is fabricated. "I am surprised by
this information because Dimitri has not done an interview with any media
outlet," said Auguste. "The only thing that is certain is that he is
enjoying his holidays that he deserves and he is licking the wounds caused
by the EURO 2016 final defeat. So he is only thinking about recharging at
the moment. "These declarations are pure inventions in the imagination of a
journalist. This deserved a response."
Sun journalist Allen claimed that Payet had told him he was "110 per cent
staying at West Ham" this summer. The tabloid also come under attack by
Hammers fans earlier in the year for a front page story headlined "Carnage",
in which it was falsely claimed that West Ham fans had wrecked a Manchester
United team bus.
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Payet is a happy Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet has reiterated his desire to remain at West Ham United,
according to a tabloid newspaper. According to journalist Justin Allen, the
French star indicated his wish to remain in London with the Hammers on a
flight back to England following the Euro 16 Final, which the hosts lost
1-0. "I've heard about all the interest and I'm flattered," Payet, who
barely speaks English is reported to have said. "But I love West Ham. We
had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. I'm
100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. You can tell the Hammers
fans that."
Earlier this week both of the club's co-owners declared that they would do
everything within their power to ensure Payet remains at the club. "We
wouldn't even listen to any offer under £50million and we don't welcome any
offers for Dimitri.," said David Gold. "He is instrumental, he's important
to us and the team is built around him. I would say to you he's not for
sale." And fellow chairman David Sullivan added: "He's under contract. I you
believe what he says, he wants to stay - but if someone wants to break the
world record, we might consider it."
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Brady confirms Europa League switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
The second leg of West Ham's Europa League tie against either Shakhtyor
Soligorsk or NK Domzale will now take place at the Olympic Stadium, it has
been confirmed. West Ham had applied to UEFA for the ties to be switched in
the event that West Ham were drawn away from home, due to the difficulties
involved in converting the OS from athletics to football mode in time for
the first leg, scheduled for Thursday 28 July.
And vice chairman Karren Brady confirmed this lunchtime that UEFA had agreed
to the switch - meaning that the home leg will now be played on Thursday 7
August, reversing the original draw. "Both teams agreed to switch so the
first game at the OS is on 4 August," wrote Brady via her Twitter timeline.
"UEFA approval was required, this is standard."
West Ham's opponents for the third qualifying round will be decided next
Thursday when Soligorsk and Domzale meet to decide their second qualifying
tie, the first leg of which ended 1-1 at the Stroitel Stadium.
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Dimitri Payet 14/1 to be PFA Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United'c commercial partner Betway have made Dimitri Payet a 14/1
shot to become the 2016/17 PFA Player of the Year after the Frenchman
confirmed he was '100 per cent staying' at West Ham. Payet had been linked
with a mega-money move to Real Madrid following an impressive first season
in the Premier League and an excellent Euro 2016 campaign with runners-up
France. However, the former Marseille man insists he is going nowhere and
the leading online bookmaker have also priced Payet up as an 11/4 chance to
become the club's top Premier League scorer. The 29-year-old Reunion-born
midfielder, who scored nine goals last campaign, is available at 66/1 to be
the Premier League's top scorer in his second season in England. Betway's
Alan Alger, said: "Dimitri Payet was superb in the Premier League last
season and everybody linked with the club will be over the moon that he is
staying. "He was a shining light last season and it would be no surprise to
see him excel once again with odds of 14/1 that he will become the PFA
Player of the Year. "Payet scored some stunning goals last season. He will
have no trouble getting fans on their feet at the Olympic Stadium and we're
11/4 for him to be the Hammers' Premier League top goalscorer."
Dimitri Payet Specials
Top Goalscorer Premier League 2016-17: 66/1
West Ham Top Goalscorer Premier League 2016-17: 11/4
PFA Player of the Year: 14/1
Under 10.5 Total Goals Premier League 2016-17: 5/6
Over 10.5 Total Goals Premier League 2016-17: 5/6
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West Ham to face Shakhtyor Soligorsk or Domzale in Europa League
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/07/16 12:36pm
SSN
West Ham will face either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or Slovenian side
Domzale in the third round of Europa League qualifying. The first leg is set
to take place at the Olympic Stadium on July 28, with the second leg
following a week later on August 4. However, the Hammers may now be forced
to appeal to UEFA over switching the home and away legs around as the
Olympic Stadium will be used for the London Anniversary Games on the weekend
of July 22. It usually takes seven days to convert the stadium from
athletics mode to football mode and this therefore causes an issue for West
Ham. Slaven Bilic's side were knocked out at the same stage last season,
losing 4-3 on aggregate to Astra Giurgiu of Romania. Meanwhile, Aberdeen
will face Maribor (Slovenia) or Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) if they overcome FK
Ventspils in the second qualifying round. The Dons claimed a 3-0 victory
over their Latvian opponents at Pittodrie on Thursday evening and will be
heavy favourites to go through next week. Hibernian have been drawn against
Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, but must first overturn a 1-0 first leg
deficit against Brondby. The 2016 Scottish Cup winners were defeated at home
to the Swedish outfit, with Kamil Wilczek's first minute strike enough to
secure victory. Hearts will play either Krasnodar (Russia) or Ventspils
(Latvia) if they can overcome Birkirkara at Tynecastle on Thursday. The
Jambos were held to a goalless draw out in Malta, but will be confident of
securing their passage through to the next round.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet committed to West Ham and excited to play at Olympic Stadium
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 15/07/16 6:19am
SSN
Dimitri Payet is flattered by transfer interest in him but says he has no
intention of leaving West Ham this summer. Payet was one of the stars of
Euro 2016, performing with great credit for losing finalists France and
securing a place in UEFA's team of the tournament after scoring three goals
in seven games. His performances led to various links with top clubs across
Europe, with the club's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan rating him
in the £50m-£100m bracket earlier in the week. But the 29-year-old has given
boss Slaven Bilic a huge boost by saying he is happy to be at the Premier
League club and is not even thinking about a move away. "I've heard about
all the interest and I'm flattered," Payet told The Sun. "But I love West
Ham. We had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic
Stadium. "I'm 100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell
the Hammers fans that."
Payet joined West Ham last summer from Marseille and scored nine goals in
his 30 Premier League appearances, quickly establishing himself as a fan
favourite in the final season at Upton Park. His comments echo those of
Sullivan earlier this week - he said: "He's under contract. There might be
six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he
says, he wants to stay. "We've given him a new contract. If he's still doing
what he's doing now at Christmas or the end of the season we might give him
another new contract."
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West Ham to face Shakhtyor Soligorsk or NK Domzale in Europa League: All you
need to know
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 15/07/16 2:25pm
SSN
West Ham will face either Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk or Slovenian
outfit NK Domzale in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The
Hammers are looking to join Manchester United and Southampton in the group
stages of the competition having finished seventh in the Premier League last
season. Slave Bilic's side will also have to navigate the play-off stage,
but what should they expect from their third qualifying round opponents?
Here's the lowdown…
When will the games be played?
The first leg is due to take place on July 28 at the Olympic Stadium, with
the return game scheduled for the following week on August 4. For West Ham,
however, the dates present a complication, as the Olympic Stadium is due to
host the London Anniversary Games on the weekend of July 22. It typically
takes seven days to convert the stadium from athletics mode to football
mode, so the Hammers have appealed to UEFA over switching the home and away
legs around. A final decision is expected to be ratified by UEFA in due
course, but initial talks have been successful.
Who are Shakhtyor Soligorsk?
Soligorsk qualified for the Europa League's first qualifying round by
finishing third in the 14-team Belarusian Premier League in 2015, behind
champions BATE Borisov and runners-up Dinamo Minsk. They currently sit
second at the midway point of the 2016 campaign, and they beat Faroe
Islanders NSI Runavik 7-0 on aggregate to set up their Europa League second
qualifying round clash with Domzale. The club were founded in 1961 and play
their home games at the 4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium. They have never
reached the group stages of a European competition, but they won the
Belarusian title in 2005 and the Belarusian Cup in 2014. Their squad is
primarily made up of Belarusian players, including 31-year-old striker
Mikalay Yanush, who was the top scorer in the Belarusian Premier League last
season with 15 goals.
And what about NK Domzale?
Domzale qualified for the Europa League's first qualifying round with a
third-placed finish in the Slovenia league last season, and they beat
Andorran side Lusitanos 5-2 on aggregate to reach the second qualifying
round. They are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs having been founded in 1921.
They won back-to-back Slovenian titles between 2006 and 2008, but they have
not claimed any silverware since a domestic cup triumph in 2011. Their
stadium holds just over 3,000 fans. Like Shakhtyor, their impact in European
competition has been minimal, although they did reach the first round of the
UEFA Cup in 2005/06, where they were defeated 2-1 on aggregate by Stuttgart.
Their cosmopolitan squad includes a Spaniard, a Brazilian and an Argentine,
and they are managed by their record appearance holder Luka Elsner.
Which one will it be?
The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of their second qualifying round
clash at Shakhtyor Soligorsk's Stroitel Stadium on Thursday, with the return
game to be played in Slovenia on Sunday. Domzale will fancy their chances of
advancing having come from behind to draw in Belarus, but the tie is still
wide open.
How far will the Hammers have to travel?
The Hammers will be eager to avoid a trip to the Minsk region of Belarus,
with the town of Soligorsk sitting some 1164 miles away from their east
London home. Slovenia would be another long-haul trip, but Domzale is
situated 760 miles away, making it a far more preferable journey than
Belarus
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West Ham request Europe League change after home fixture clashes with London
Anniversary Games
West Ham fear playing their first-leg against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of
Belarus or Slovenian side Domzale will not give them enough time to convert
the Olympic Stadium
Andy Sims
The Independent
West Ham have made a request to Uefa asking to play the second leg of their
Europa League qualifier at home - to ensure the Olympic Stadium is ready.
The Hammers' first fixture at their new Stratford home will be a third
qualifying round clash against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or
Slovenian side Domzale. They were pulled out of the hat first at the draw in
Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday afternoon, and would ordinarily play the home
leg first on July 28. However, with the Anniversary Games being held at the
Olympic Stadium the previous weekend, the club fear they would not have time
to switch it back to 'football mode'. In a statement on the club website,
the Hammers said both Shakhtyor and Domzale had agreed to the switch to
August 4 in principle, and a final decision should be ratified by Uefa in
due course. The teams are currently tied at 1-1 after the first leg, with
the second leg to be played in Slovenia next week. West Ham were forced into
playing a qualifier after being pipped for sixth place in the Premier League
by Southampton on the final day of last season. Slaven Bilic's side are
taking on Italian champions Juventus in a friendly which was supposed to
mark the opening of the stadium on Sunday, August 7, but are now set to host
less glamorous opposition three days earlier. The capacity for the qualifier
and the Juve game will be 54,000, but the stadium will be at its full 60,000
capacity for the first Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday,
August 21. Vice-chairman Karren Brady told the club website: "We're
delighted to be welcoming our supporters to the opening of our magnificent
new home against Italian champions Juventus. "It's fantastic to be kicking
off this exciting new era for the club with European football, in
preparation for the all-important first Premier League fixture against
Bournemouth."
Meanwhile, Hibernian will take on German side Hertha Berlin if the Edinburgh
outfit can overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Danish outfit Brondby.
They will be without manager Neil Lennon on the touchline for the second leg
after he was sent to the stands during the first match. Hibs' city rivals
Hearts, whose first leg in Malta ended 0-0 against Birkirkara, will be
aiming to set up a tie against Russian side Krasnodar. Aberdeen, who are 3-0
up against Latvian side Ventspils, will face Maribor of Slovenia or
Bulgarian side Levski Sofia, providing the Dons avoid trouble in their
second leg.
Northern Irish side Cliftonville will take on Spartak Moscow if they can
come back from a 3-2 first-leg defeat against Cypriots AEK Larnaca. Cork,
who are tied at 1-1 with Swedish side Hacken, have been drawn against either
Belgium's Genk or Podgorica of Montenegro. If Welsh minnows Connah's Quay
come from 1-0 down against Serbian side Vojvodina they could face Ireland's
St Patrick's Athletic, who drew 1-1 with Dinamo Minsk of Belarus in their
first leg.
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West Ham to make Olympic Stadium debut in Europa League qualifying tie
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, July 15, 2016
West Ham's first match at the Olympic Stadium will be against either
Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or Slovenian side Domzale. The Hammers have
taken up residence in the revamped London 2012 venue after leaving Upton
Park, their home for over 100 years, at the end of last season. Slaven
Bilic's side are taking on Italian giants Juventus in a glamour friendly to
mark the opening of their new 60,000-seater ground in Stratford on Sunday,
August 7. But they will actually take to the field for the first time in
their new ground before that, with West Ham's first fixture to come against
the winner of the second-round qualifier, which is currently poised at 1-1
between the Belarusian and Slovenian sides.
The third qualifying round ties will be played on Thursday July 28 and
Thursday August 4. West Ham were forced into playing a qualifier after being
pipped for sixth place in the Premier League by Southampton on the final day
of last season. They featured in the qualifying stages last season by virtue
of the Fair Play League, but Bilic fielded youngsters and fringe players as
they bowed out to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the third round. Bilic has
vowed to take this season's competition more seriously, however, and has
already bolstered his squad with Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan
Tore and Ashley Fletcher.
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IS WISSAM BEN YEDDER THE SIMPLE SOLUTION TO OUR ONGOING PROBLEM?
By Benjamin Cronin 15 Jul 2016 at 11:00
WTID
Last season hadn't even finished before we saw David Sullivan waltzing
around the Upton Park pitch and sitting in the stands, chatting to Sky
Sport's Jim White about the club's summer transfer plans. The co-chairman
was upfront and perhaps a bit too honest about what kind of player the club
would be pursuing and even went as far as saying how much we would be
willing to spend on them. From that very moment, talk of a 'marquee signing'
has dominated our summer. We've already had six players come in (seven if we
include the permanent deal for Lanzini) but it still feels like everyone is
waiting for that big money arrival.
The list of potential striker options was initially longer than the Bayeux
Tapestry back in May but one by one, the likes of; Lacazette, Batshuayi,
Walcott, Benteke and Bony have all been dismissed. It now appears that AC
Milan forward, Carlos Bacca is the man the club want. It is expected that
there is a few more days of negotiations with both AC Milan and Bacca's
representatives but at a rumoured £26m fee and £70,000+ per week wages, the
deal definitely isn't going to be a cheap one. With apparent interest from
Atletico Madrid, the transfer is by no means a forgone conclusion but if it
does happen, it will be interesting see how the Columbian deals with the
Premier League and indeed, the expectation that would be placed upon his
shoulders.
Bacca has a solid one in two goal scoring ratio in the past 5 years having
played in Belgium, Spain and Italy. There may well be doubts about his age
but as Dimitri Payet has already proved, as long as you can do the job, age
is but a number. He might not score the spectacular but Bacca certainly
knows where the goals are. He's clever in the movements he makes and
clinical when in front of goal. I'll be honest, on the long list of targets
we drew up, he wasn't at the top of mine. I don't doubt his ability and
would expect a minimum of 15 league goals from the Columbian if he became a
West Ham player but part of me thinks that it just doesn't feel right.
Fortunately, it isn't actually my job to identify and recruit players and
those that are tasked with such a role have a decent track record of doing
so and I'm confident that they will do what is right for the club.
My problem with the possible transfer of Bacca isn't with the player
himself, it is the way the deal has been drawn out. As a fan, you want
players that are desperate to wear the shirt, not ones that have to be
persuaded to put in a performance every week. The fact that Bacca appears to
have stalled so long on a deal is a major concern. We've apparently offered
him more money than he is already on, so is he being greedy and just after
more? I wouldn't begrudge him wanting to play in the Champions League as he
reaches the latter stages of his career but if that was really his motive
for being so indecisive, he would have done what Alexandre Lacazette did and
ruled out a move early on. As I said, he's a good player who can score goals
so I wouldn't turn my nose up at his arrival, but it got me thinking about
other options we should be considering.
Both chairmen have previously spoken about 'finding the next Dimitri Payet'.
Many of us on here have commented that spending as much as £25m+ is too much
of a gamble and we could find a lot better value for money. After some
in-depth research, I believe Wissam Ben Yedder is the player we should
really be after. The 25-year-old Toulouse forward is now in the last year of
his contract and a bid of around £10m would most likely be enough to open
contract negotiations with the Frenchman who is nicknamed 'Benyebut'
(meaning 'goal') A move away is almost a certainty after he announced to
fans he would be leaving at the end of the season and whilst Sevilla were
previously poised to get his signature, the fact that their coach, Unai
Emery, left for PSG means the door is now wide open to make a move.
I could write about Ben Yedder's skill, his pace, his eye for a killer pass
and ability to finish but I feel some cold hard facts are the best way to
showcase what a player he could be. The following figures certainly make for
interesting reading:
2010-16: FC Toulouse (Apps (+sub)/ Goals (incl. penalties) / Assists /
Yellows / Reds / Hat-tricks)
2010/11: 01 (plus 04 sub); 00G (0p); 0A; 0Y; OR; 0H.
2011/12: 00 (plus 11 sub); 01G (0p); 0A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2012/13: 29 (plus 08 sub); 15G (0p); 6A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2013/14: 36 (plus 06 sub); 17G (2p); 5A; 3Y; OR; 2H.
2014/15: 35 (plus 03 sub); 15G (3p); 5A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2015/16: 39 (plus 02 sub); 23G (2p); 5A; 2Y; OR; 1H.*
Total: 140 (plus 34 sub); 71G (7p); 21A; 8Y; 0R; 3H
*Extended Analysis of Season 2015/16:
First 12 matches: 11 (plus 01 sub); 03G; 2A; 1Y; 0R; 0H.
Final 29 matches: 28 (plus 01 sub); 20G; 3A; 1Y; 0R; 1H.
His performances and goals in the second half of the 15/16 season were
crucial to Toulouse avoiding relegation and although it shows Ben Yedder can
step up to the plate when it matters most, it also highlights what great
value for money he could be when you compare it to the likes of Lacazette
and Batshuayi:
Lacazette (from 27 Nov 2015)
Final 24 League matches: 22 (plus 02 inj); 16G; 3A; 4Y; 0R; 1H.
Batshuayi (from 29 Nov 2015)
Final 24 League matches: 19 (plus 03 sub; 1 susp; 1 inj); 08G; 5A; 6Y; 0R;
0H.
Aside from his goals, Ben Yedder has rarely missed a game through injury so
could well be that consistent option we have so desperately craved in recent
years. One other interesting fact is that he has only received eight yellow
cards in his entire career, three of which have come directly after scoring
a goal. Obviously discipline isn't an issue, but controlling his passion
might well be. Not exactly a bad thing in my books anyway.
As I previously mentioned, it isn't my job to scout players or negotiate
deals for them. I'm sure Ben Yedder has already been mentioned as a
potential target, he's probably already been scouted by the club and looked
at by the board. I just find it strange that a player with such impressive
credentials and potential hasn't been given as much attention as players
that would cost almost three times as much.
COYI!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal set to hijack West Ham's £26m deal for international striker
ARSENAL are reportedly ready to hijack West Ham's £26million move for AC
Milan's Carlos Bacca.
By UCHE AMAKO
PUBLISHED: 09:00, Fri, Jul 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:12, Fri, Jul 15, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have been pushing to make a marquee signing ahead of their first
season at the Olympic Stadium. And manager Slaven Bilic has identified the
Colombia international as his primary target and lodged a club-record fee.
Last season, the 29-year-old scored 18 goals in 38 leagues as Milan slumped
to a disappointing seventh place finish. Bacca has made clear his desire to
play in the Champions League telling Spanish newspaper AS: "It's my dream to
play in Champions League and work toward winning it. "Unfortunately, the
failure for Milan to reach the tournament is one of the themes of our
discussions with the club." And Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport say
Arsenal, who can offer Champions League football, have emerged as a possible
destination for Bacca. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is searching for a striker
to add to his squad having been snubbed by Leicester hitman Jamie Vardy. The
Frenchman is facing a striker crisis with Danny Welbeck out until February
with injury and Olivier Giroud is not due to return till August after his
participation with France at Euro 2016. Alexis Sanchez is also a fitness
worry having injured his ankle at the Copa America with Chile.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will be glad they missed out on new Tottenham signing if they land
Colombian
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United will be happy they missed out on new Tottenham Hotspur
signing Vincent Janssen if they can land a top Colombian target. The Hammers
have been linked with a host of top strikers this summer but have already
missed out on Dutch star Vincent Janssen after he opted to join Spurs
instead of Slaven Bilic's side. That came off the back of the club's failure
to sign Alexandre Lacazette despite having a record £31 million bid
accepted. Since then Bilic is believed to have turned his attentions back to
AC Milan's Colombian star striker Carlos Bacca. With the big move to the
60,000 seater Olympic Stadium on the horizon in the coming month speculation
has been rife about new additions to Slaven Bilic's squad. The East
Londoners missed out on Marseille's Michy Batshuayi after he secured a move
to London rivals Chelsea while there were also rumours about interest in
Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, Juventus and Italy forward Simone Zaza and
Liverpool's Christian Benteke to name but a few. Many Hammers fans are
starting to worry about the striker situation having been promised a marquee
signing by co-owner David Sullivan and David Gold. To make matters worse it
seems Spurs have got one over their rivals with the capture of 22-year-old
Janssen who has an impressive goal record better than one every two games
with 59 strikes in 108 senior matches so far in his career. But should they
land former Sevilla striker Bacca, they will arguably be getting not only a
better, bigger name player but also one who is proven at the highest level.
Bacca may be older at 29 but he has a goal record of exactly one every two
games (180 goals in 360 games) in his career and has played at the top level
for Sevilla, AC Milan and with Colombia. Negotiations are ongoing with the
player after the Hammers had a bid accepted by the Italian giants, as
reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet insists he is "100% staying" at West Ham despite Real Madrid
interest
07:54, 15 JUL 2016 UPDATED 07:54, 15 JUL 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has pledged his future to West Ham. The Frenchman enjoyed an
excellent first season in the Premier League and took his club form into
Euro 2016. Real Madrid have been tipped to make a move with Hammers co-owner
David Gold admitting they would only consider bids in excess of £50m. But
Payet has confirmed he will be playing his football at the Olympic Stadium
next term. "I've heard about all the interest and I'm flattered," he said.
"But I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in
the Olympic Stadium. "I'm 100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club.
I can tell the Hammers fans that." His comments come after Gold vowed to try
everything to keep Payet in east London. Gold said: "We'll fight tooth and
nail to make sure Dimitri pulls on a claret and blue shirt next season. "We
want to improve our squad and Dimitri is an integral part of what we're
trying to do. But we also must be realistic. "If Barcelona or Real Madrid
made a bid and he wanted to move there, it would be difficult to keep him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet: I love West Ham and I'm 100 per cent staying
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Dimitri Payet has moved to end speculation over his future lying away from
West Ham, saying he is "100 per cent staying" at the club. Payet has
attracted interest from Real Madrid and Inter Milan after a debut Premier
League season that saw him earn consideration for individual awards. The
29-year-old followed that with a string of displays at Euro 2016 that saw
him ranked the tournament's star man by Uefa statistics. Co-owner David Gold
has warned interested parties that West Ham will "not even listen to any
offer under £50million" for their star player, and Payet has signalled he
will not look to force his way out of the club. "I've heard about all the
interest and I'm flattered," he told the Sun. "But I love West Ham. We had
a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. "I'm 100
per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell the Hammers fans
that." Despite his exceptional form Payet will have to wait for improved
terms at the Olympic Stadium, with David Sullivan warning that "a few games
for France" will not guarantee him a new deal. Payet signed a
five-and-a-half year deal in February, just seven months after arriving from
Marseille in a £10.7m deal.
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West Ham move for Barcelona flop would make a mockery of progress
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United risk making a mockery of their recent progress with a
rumoured move for Barcelona flop and former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen.
The Hammers enjoyed their best ever Premier League points return last season
and the impending move to the 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium has seen the
club linked with a host of star names. Slaven Bilic is reshaping his squad
after selling James Tomkins to Crystal Palace and releasing Alex Song,
Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses. The surprise sale of homegrown Hammer
Tomkins has led to speculation the club will sign a defensive replacement.
And the latest to be linked with a move to East London is Barcelona flop and
former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, as reported by the likes of The
Sun. According to reports, the Hammers will have to cough up as much as £10m
for the 30-year-old. If the speculation is true it threatens to make a
mockery of West Ham's recent progress as a club. West Ham would be a
fantastic move for the Vermaelen. The injury-prone star played just 110
games in five years at Arsenal, that's just 22 games a season. And Arsenal's
seasons usually comprise of around 55 matches all told. His record is even
worse at Barca where he managed just 11 appearances in the last two seasons.
Yes the Belgian can be a class act when fully fit, but unfortunately that is
all too rare an occurrence. If the Hammers do take a gamble on Vermaelen,
they would be abandoning the transfer policy which has served them so well
in recent years, a transfer policy which was very deliberately and radically
changed towards the end of Sam Allardyce's tenure. Co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold brought in talent spotter Tony Henry two years ago and the
club's transfer business ever since has been some of the best in its
history. Dimitri Payet arrived for just £10 million, Manuel Lanzini for even
less, Cheikhou Kouyate cost just £7m, Aaron Cresswell just £3m and now
Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli on free transfers. They have also
snared prodigious young talents like Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United,
Domingos Quina from under Chelsea's noses, Martin Samuelsen from Manchester
City and Tony Martinez from Valencia with a view to the future. Add to that
the fact West Ham have cleared a first team path for their hugely promising
defenders Reece Burke and Reece Oxford by selling Tomkins and the move makes
even less sense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet says he is '100 per cent staying' at West Ham as winger shrugs
off transfer speculation
West Ham's Dimitri Payet was in fine form at Euro 2016, scoring three goals
Frenchman helped his country to reach tournament's final against Portugal
Speculation has been mounting recently over Payet's club future
Payet said in interview that he was committed to Irons '100 per cent'
By ROHAN BANERJEE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:26, 15 July 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 15 July 2016
Dimitri Payet has handed West Ham a welcome boost and pledged his future to
the club, putting an abrupt stop to any talk of a transfer. The 29-year-old
was in fine form for France at Euro 2016, scoring three goals en route to
their appearance in the final against Portugal, and some fans had feared
that an offer from a big club might tempt Payet away from east London.
Payet, however, has insisted that he is happy where he is and told The Sun:
'I'm 100 per cent staying.' While the former Lille and Marseille star did
admit reports linking him with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea in
recent weeks were flattering, Payet revealed that his affection for the
Irons is too strong to throw away. He added: 'I've heard about all the
interest and I'm flattered. But I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season
and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. West Ham enjoyed a
successful Premier League campaign last season, eventually finishing seventh
in the table, just three places and four points adrift of Manchester City in
the final Champions League qualifying berth. Payet, who signed for the
Hammers from Marseille last summer in a £10.7million deal, was the club's
Player of the Year.
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