Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2016

Antonio – We're concentrating on starting well
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio says the hard work the Hammers are putting in will pay off
when their season kicks-off with a UEFA Europa League third qualifying round
tie next Thursday. Antonio and his teammates faced a second game in as many
days when they took on Rubin Kazan on Wednesday, added to five training
sessions since their arrival in Austria on Sunday. The result may have gone
Rubin Kazan's way – the Russian side ran out 3-0 victors – but Antonio knows
the pieces are coming together and that Slaven Bilic's men will get better
with each passing day in pre-season. "This camp is what you need at this
time of year," he said. "All you've got to do is concentrate on getting
ready for the season and making sure we start well. "Right now we're out
here getting ready and getting fit to push on and ensure we start the season
raring to go. "We've had a couple of players come back this week – me, Tore,
Cheikhou who have met back up with the boys and started to play games
together. "We've come out here with a couple of young kids as well and it's
good to give them experience travelling with the first team. "We're all
gelling and just have to keep pushing on and making things better for
ourselves and hopefully we can get a win [on Saturday]."

The Hammers play the third and final match of their tour to Austria on
Saturday when they take on one of Bilic's former clubs Karlsruher SC and
Antonio is already itching to get back out onto the pitch. He added: "We've
got another game on Saturday and we're looking forward to it. We'll go back,
we'll train again tomorrow and Friday before going again for the game.
There's no rest for the wicked and we'll just keep pushing on. "This week is
all about preparing for the Europa League game next week. That's what we're
doing, we want to go as far as we can in it."

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Oxford's Young Lions defeated in Germany
WHUFC.com

Reece Oxford was in action for England U19s against Italy on Thursday as
they were eliminated from the European U19 Championships in Germany. The
Young Lions were beaten 2-1 by their Italian counterparts in the last four
of the competition having topped their group with three wins from three.
Empoli left-back Federico Dimarco was on the scoresheet twice in Mannheim
for The Azzurri before an own goal from Italian midfielder Aberto Picchi
gave Aidy Boothroyd's side hope. Italy held on for the victory, however, and
will now face either France or Portugal in the tournament's final in
Sinsheim. Hammers teenager Oxford played 90 minutes in three of the side's
fixtures, starting both at centre-back and in midfield, while West Ham
teammate Sam Howes was the squad's backup goalkeeper during the tournament.
England had previously eased to the knockout rounds following consecutive
2-1 victories over France, the Netherlands and Croatia. Howes was part of
the England team which won the U17 European Championship two years ago, but
the side, which contained a number of the same faces, could not replicate
the feat this summer.

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Neufville signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com

Promising Academy full-back Vashon Neufville has signed his first
professional contract with West Ham United. The 17-year-old, who joined the
Hammers from Chelsea as an U11, has been an integral member of the Club's
U18 squad over the last two seasons, and also made eight appearances for the
Development Squad last campaign as a 16-year-old. Playing a part as Terry
Westley's men lifted the U21 Premier League Cup, Neufville impressed and is
keen to make even more of an impact this season. He said: "I'm so glad to
sign the contract and I can't wait to carry on [next season]. Last season
was good because I was pushing myself. "The season before that and this year
I was playing U18s football so it was good to get a feel of a new challenge
playing U21 football. "It was a great achievement for the team last season
[to reach the U21 Cup final] and it was a fantastic experience for all of
us."
Neufville – a left-back who likes to attack – also has international
experience, having represented England at U16 and U17 levels. He sees the
coming season, as West Ham United move into their stunning new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a campaign in which he can push on to make
his mark. "Next season, I want to stay consistently with the U21 squad," he
continued. "It would also be great to get a couple of appearances or be on
the bench for the first team. "Other players who have done that are great
inspirations to me, because it just shows that all of us will get a chance
if we're working as hard as we can. "There seems to be a real pathway to the
first team for younger players, and that's why I'm glad to sign my first pro
contract here."

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Noble - We're building well
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble says the hard work is paying off for the West Ham United squad as
the start of their UEFA Europa League qualification campaign draws closer.
The Hammers are currently on an intensive training camp in Austria, where
they have played games against FC Slovacko of the Czech Republic and Russian
side Rubin Kazan. A third friendly follows on Saturday against Karlsruher
SC, and added to a programme of daily double training sessions, the West Ham
skipper is feeling stronger with each day. New signings Havard Nordtveit,
Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore are all bedding in with the squad, while
the Club's contingent of international players are all making their way back
too. Noble feels Slaven Bilic's men are in good shape to push on and are
ready to show it in that European tie against either Domzale or Shakhtyor
Soligorsk. He said: "It's been a really good camp. The training has been
great in perfect weather, and we've had a couple of tough games too. The
lads are getting their fitness back after a good holiday and a tough last
season, and it's going well.
"The games we've played against Slovacko and Rubin Kazan have been great for
us because we've got as many minutes as possible under our belts. Obviously
the results haven't gone for us but we don't worry about that at this stage.
We worry about players coming off the pitch fit, healthy and ready to train
for the next few days. "This is what pre-season's all about, the Gaffer
trying new things, new players coming in and trying to blend as a squad
together. It's been great. We trained on Thursday morning and then had an
afternoon off, which was nice, then we go back at it with two sessions
tomorrow. "It's the grind of pre-season that builds team spirit. It's out on
the training pitch that you really put in the hard work and you drag each
other through. You try and enjoy the hard sessions and we've got another
game Saturday now before the Europa League game and we need to get into top
form for that."

Noble is excited for the season ahead, with his teammates ready to build on
a momentous 2015/16 campaign with many exciting challenges ahead. He
continued: "We're slowly getting our players back. We'll have Ginge and
Angelo coming back soon, then Dimi who lasted a bit longer than the others!
"We've got a good squad, a really exciting squad and hopefully another
couple of players coming in. We'll go from there and we're really looking
forward to the Europa League. "We've made three really good new signings in
Havard, Gokhan and Sofiane to bolster the squad and with cup games, European
games it's going to be tough this year [so you need a bigger squad].
"There's the new Stadium and teams coming to enjoy the occasion, who will
get that little bit more up for it and we need to be able to cope with
that."

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The Insider
WHUFC.com

The search for a new striker has dominated the headlines throughout the
summer and it is my understanding that there could finally be some movement
in the near future. All the reports this week have once again surrounded a
big money move for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. My sources have confirmed
to me that Bacca has arrived back from South America in Milan on Thursday
and negotiations are continuing to convince him to become a West Ham United
player. As reported by the Insider last week, the Hammers have agreed a deal
with Milan but the hard part is convincing Bacca to put pen to paper. I have
been told that the Colombia international wants to play Champions League
football but the Club's hierarchy are doing everything they can to persuade
him to sign for West Ham United. It is my understanding that representatives
from the Hammers spent a further hour with Bacca on Thursday, but he is yet
to make a decision. There is however, good news surrounding the signing of
another top class forward.
My sources have told me that a deal has been agreed to sign Argentine
striker Jonathan Calleri from Sao Paolo. Calleri is rated one of the best
young talents in South America and has attracted interest from a number of
top clubs across Europe. But I have been told that West Ham have won the
race to clinch his signature, subject to a work permit application which is
due to be heard next week. There have been a number of reports stating a
host of lower league clubs are interested in making a loan move for Reece
Burke who earned rave reviews at Bradford last season. It is my
understanding that six Championship sides want to sign him on loan.
However, I have been told Slaven Bilic is keen to keep his top young players
while the Club are taking part in the Europa League so it seems unlikely
there will be any movement at this point.

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Bolt relishing London Stadium return
WHUFC.com

Usain Bolt to race at West Ham United's new home on Friday evening
Jamaican sprint legend won triple Gold at London 2012 Olympic Games
Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill will also compete at Muller Anniversary
Games
The world's fastest man Usain Bolt will be racing at West Ham United's new
home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Friday.

The football-mad Jamaican sprinter, who holds the 100m and 200m world
records and won Olympic Gold in London in 2012, will race in the 200m in
Stratford.

The self-confessed Manchester United fan returns from a hamstring strain to
complete his preparations for the Rio Olympics in the Muller Anniversary
Games at the London Stadium – a venue where he has never lost and plans to
retire after the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

While West Ham will be seeking three points when they kick-off their Premier
League campaign with 90 minutes of action against AFC Bournemouth in E20 on
21 August, Bolt is seeking to complete his evening's work well within 20
seconds!

"I'm here to win!" Bolt told a packed press conference on Thursday. "I'm
good, I'm feeling good and training good and I'm happy with where I am. I'm
here to win, as always, so that's my focus.

"Hopefully everything goes as smoothly as I want it to on Friday – I'm
looking forward to it.

"It always gets my juices flowing to race in London. It's going to be pretty
much in front of a Jamaican contingent, so I'm excited because it's going to
be loud and energetic and a lot of fun!"

While Bolt is more famous for his ability to run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds,
but he will run the 200 in the Diamond League meeting in London, where he
will be joined by Team GB London 2012 heroes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah
and dozens of other world-class track and field stars.

"It's definitely special to compete in London and I always enjoy it because
the crowd is always magnificent and energetic," he confirmed. "I love the
energy of the crowd and it's something I love competing in front of and I
look forward to it every time."

Inevitably, Bolt was asked about the England football team and their failure
at UEFA Euro 2016. As a proud Jamaican, the 29-year-old has little empathy
for the Three Lions.

"I've got nothing for the England team!" he laughed. "Personally, I'm
disappointed in England because you guys have the biggest league in the
world and the best footballers but no titles – it's really sad!"

He had more to say about Jose Mourinho, who has been appointed as manager of
his beloved Manchester United – a club he spent time training with and who
will visit the London Stadium for the first time in the Premier League on
Monday 2 January 2017.

"I haven't had the call yet, but I know it's coming, I think he's waiting
until after the Olympics!" he smiled. "I'm happy, because I think we made
the right choice because Mourinho is a winner and he works hard to win
titles, which is what Manchester United need right now.

"He's building the squad and I'm looking forward to seeing more big players
coming, so I'm excited about that."

*To accomodate the huge number of fans anticipated on Friday 22 July, the
Stadium Store's opening hours have been extended until 7pm. Additionally,
the Store will also be open on Saturday 23 July between 9am-5pm.

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Hammers head for Slovenia
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will face Slovenian side NK Domzale in the UEFA Europa
League third qualifying round.

Slaven Bilic's squad will travel to Slovenia for the first leg on Thursday
28 July at 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST), with the tie being switched to the
modern 16,155-capacity Stozice Stadium in the capital city of Ljubljana –
ten miles south west of the town Domzale.

The return leg on Thursday 4 August at 7.45pm BST will be the first match at
the Hammers' new London Stadium home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Click
here for second leg ticket details.

NK Domzale are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs, having been formed as long
ago in 1921, when students formed a club called SK Disk, which was expanded
and renamed SK Disk Domzale a decade later.

The club moved to its current home at Domzale Sports Park in 1948 and
competed with varying success in local Ljubljana and national Yugoslavian
competitions.

Slovenia gained independence in 1991 and Domzale was placed in the First
League. Initially, the club struggled and was relegated, but regained their
top-flight position in 1998. Another relegation followed, with the Second
League title secured in 2003.

Since then, the Yellows have enjoyed regular triumphs, winning back-to-back
Slovenian titles in 2007 and 2008, the Slovenian Cup in 2011 and Supercup on
two occasions.

Domzale finished third in the PrvaLiga League last season and reached the
Slovenian Cup semi-finals. They opened the new PrvaLiga season with a 2-0
home win over Radomlje last weekend.

Regular participants in European competition in the last decade, Luka
Elsner's side defeated Andorran side Lusitanos – who West Ham overcame a
year ago – with relative ease in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying
round before edging out Shakhtyor Soligorsk.

West Ham are embarking on their eighth European campaign and second in
succession. The Hammers won the now-defunct European Cup Winners' Cup in
1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976.

Bilic's men played in the Europa League qualifying rounds last season,
beating Lusitanos of Andorra and Birkirkara of Malta before losing 4-3 on
aggregate to Astra Giurgiu of Romania in the third qualifying round.

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EXCLUSIVE: Q AND A WITH JACK SULLIVAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

For those of you that missed yesterday's question and answer session on our
forum, here is a quick round-up of all Jack Sullivan's responses to your
questions.

We are hoping to have more of these successful Q&A sessions very soon, so
make sure you have signed up to the forum
(http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/forum/) to ensure you are ready to join in
the action.

Q – (From westhamdan16) Hey Jack, do you think we will sign a striker
before the season starts? Also is there any interest in Ben Yedder?

A – Of course we will, who that will be remains to be seen. However, we
have lots of leads on top players.

Q – (From SteveWalford) Will the club bring in another left back this window
and what do the club think about Rico Henry and Charlie Taylor who have been
linked in the press?

A – We will bring in left back cover by the end of the window!! I will
leave the scouting to DS, Tony Henry and Bilic.

Q – (From West Ham Daily) Do you give your dad suggestions about who to buy
or is it all his and Slav's opinion?

A – I do, I also give my opinion as well on players! However, it is mostly
down to Bilic as it is his team!

Q – (From dixiedean) How many new faces do you think we will bring in?

A – At least three.

Q – (From Daledwhu) How many forwards in an ideal world are the club looking
to bring in, loans or permanent?

A – I think we will bring in at least two forwards.

Q – (From Cole) Would You like Sam Allardyce as the new England Manager?

A – Personally I would be disappointed if Sam got the England job. However,
who else is there really to give it to, if you want a manager from England!?

Q – (From Iron Reader) Are we close to any signings?

A – We are close(ish) to signing two players, with a least one being done in
the next week or so I reckon! The other is touch and go, however we are
hopeful.

Q – (From Tavender) Ex has stated in the past that you have told him the
mysterious player we may or may not be signing. Any details on who this
could be? I.e position.

A – It is in their radio show tonight!!

Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a Carlos Bacca update or just
general striker update?

A – I will give an update tonight on my Twitter!!

Q – (From Ben Cooper) Hi Jack, who from our academy excites you the most?

A – Both Reece's and they may now get a chance with Tomkins leaving. I very
much like Cullen as well, along with all the younger players we have bought
in this summer. I forgot Martin as well, I think he could be great also.
Exciting time for our academy.

Q – (From alex.standish) Are we after a certain Real Madrid midfielder who
goes by the name of James Rodriguez? Winking face

A – No.

Q – (From Matthew Edwards) Is Mario Gomez a target?

A – Only time will tell, what I would like to say is we want different
players in our squad. Therefore, we do not want two target men when we have
Andy already.

Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a hint on the extremely ambitious
signing Ex has been mentioning?

A – Sorry no, I can't! I try not to give too much away on any transfers.
I'm sorry, but I hope you understand it could affect the deal.

Well I'm all done lads and ladies. Hope you enjoyed that.

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21/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 11:20AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Sorry about there being no updates yesterday, but I was very short on time!

Bacca to join?

Last night Jack Sullivan tweeted that Bacca would give us his final word
within the next 48 hours. Many reports in Italy are saying this morning that
Bacca has accepted our offer. They are also saying that we have thrown in a
couple of extra thousand a week wages to force the deal through immediately.
Only time will tell whether these rumours are true or not.

Hammers bid for Ginter:

According to SportBid, West Ham have made an ambitious offer for Dortmund
player Matthias Ginter. The young German is very,very highly rated, and can
play CB, RB and CDM. With Antonio still showing a few cracks at RB in
pre-season, is Bilic having a change of mind about who should be playing RB,
and could Ginter be the man?

Calleri set to join…

Last night Jack Sullivan also tweeted that Calleri has agreed to join West
Ham on loan, subject to a work permit. Calleri is a very exciting prospect,
who has an incredible goal scoring record.

Not much news this morning, but most of it is, more importantly, positive.
Even if Bacca calls the deal off, at least we know where we stand now, and
we can just move on. Personally, I think Bacca will join us, as it seems no
Champions League club is interested in him any more. Fingers crossed.

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WEST HAM LADIES APPOINT NEW MANAGER…
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 6:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Following the depature of Marc Nurse, West Ham Ladies have appointed former
Brighton Ladies manager James Marrs. Marrs left Brighton Ladies in April
2016, after winning the FA Women's Premier League South Division.

With his recent Division win, this appointment looks as though it could be a
huge coup for the Ladies, who are, according to many, on the up themselves.
With the experience of a Division winning manager, perhaps this coming
season will be a successful one, and hopefully, the Ladies will bring the
club back some silverware.

On behalf of everyone here at The West Ham Way, I would like to wish James
Marrs, and the rest of his team, the best of luck.

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Disappointment for Doneil
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Doneil Henry has been ruled out of action for up to two months after
suffering a knee injury during the recent friendly against Carolina
Railhawks. The Canadian reserve centre half discovered after the game -
which ended 2-2 - that he had suffered ligament damage, an injury that is
likely to keep him out of action until the beginning of September. "We had a
successful Tour to the United States, where we had the use of great
facilities which enabled us to train and recover very hard," wrote club
medic Stijn Vandenbroucke. "Unfortunately we picked up a serious injury to
Doneil Henry. He will be out for six to eight weeks with a ligament injury
suffered in the pre-season match at Carolina Railhawks."
Vandenbroucke also revealed that a number of first team squad members were
carrying niggly injuries - although nothing major. "Some players picked up
small fatigue-related injuries which are not really a problem but should not
be underestimated," he added. "Other players have issues that need ongoing
management. This means that, while everybody has been training in Austria,
not all of them featured in the back-to-back games against Slovacko and
Rubin Kazan."
And in terms of West Ham's Euro 16 stars, Vandenbroucke confirmed that DImi
Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins are also expected to join the rest
of the squad imminently.

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Hammers have their say on Allardyce appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham players past and present have been giving their verdicts on the
news that former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is set to become the new England
manager.

Following yesterday's revelation that Allardyce is set to be appointed as
the successor to Roy Hodgson, several former players and colleagues have
offered their views.

Rob Green, who played under Allardyce at West Ham for just one season is one
of many who believe he will prove a success. "He's always said 'I will
manage England and I will adapt to that'" said Green. "But if you believe
him, as I do, I think he can do that.

"He can manage flair players and get the best out of them. As a character
one of his main strengths in to protect the players and I think that's key
to this young England team."


Trevor Brooking, the current Director fo Football Development at the FA who
was instrumental in Hodgson's appointment four years ago agreed with Green.
"That's the thing about Sam," he said. "He's always made the best use of the
players available."

Meanwhile, Neil McDonald, Big Sam's number two whilst at West Ham also
backed his former partner to bring a level of success to the England team.
"There are a lot of young players in that squad and Sam would bring some fun
back," he said. "He'll lighten the mood and motivate players."

However it's not just Big Sam's former players and staff who are wishing him
all the best. Jose Mourinho, who once accused Allardyce of playing "19th
century football" said he felt Allardyce was "the right person for the job".

"I think he is a good choice but I think he needs support," he continued. "I
think you can do better in respect of that because my experience in your
country shows that me you, [the] football world, could do a bit better."


Finally, Father Joe Young, the former Chairman of Limerick FC - Allardyce's
first club in management - offered his own personal blessings.

"He believed in what we were trying to do in Limerick and help young people
come through the welfare system," said Father Young. "He believed in it, and
I believe in Sam. God bless him, because he is wonderful."

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West Ham Utd 0-3 Rubin Kazan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's woeful pre-season continued in Austria this afternoon as they
slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan.
Just 24 hours after they'd let slip a two goal advantage against Czech
outfit FC Slovacko, Slaven Bilic's side fell to defeat against a Kazan side
who are slightly ahead in their preparation for the season ahead (which
begins ten days from now). It took just 23 minutes for the Russians to take
the lead, a goal from Devic who darted in to score from close range - and
expose Michail Antonio's inexperience at full back. And they were to double
their advantage seconds ahead of the half time break as Declan Rice's
underhit backpass was punished by Lestienne, who coolly finished past West
Ham's first choice goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard was to play the whole 90
minutes - perhaps as the result of Raphael Spiegel's poor performance
against Slovacko yesterday - and was forced to pick the ball out of his net
for a third time with 23 minutes remaining. Kazan substitute Karadeniz - who
had been on the pitch for only 13 minutes - finished from close range to
seal the win for his team, just moments after a team mate had struck the
post. Although recent results should be taken with a pinch of salt given
their friendly status there will be a number of concerns for Bilic and his
team to consider in the coming days. Chiefly, the lack of a competent
goalscorer, with Enner Valencia looking powder-puff and not prepared to put
his foot in lest it cost him the chance of a lucrative summer move, just two
years after he arrived at the Boleyn Ground.

Andy Carroll meanwhile continues to train to a specialised programme which
hasn't included involvement in either of the Austrian matches, whilst Diafra
Sakho is unlikely to ever kick a ball for the club again following a
much-publicised fallout which (partly) led to his omission from the
travelling party. Rumours tonight suggest that at least one of those issues
is set to be answered - good news perhaps, given that the Premier League
campaign begins little more than a fortnight from now.

West Ham Utd: Adrian, Antonio (Cullen 64), Nordtveit, Burke (Rice 33),
Cresswell (Page 74), Kouyate (Browne 74), Feghouli (Samuelsen 80), Quina
(Obiang 46), Noble, Tore (Fletcher 74), Valencia (Martinez 80).
Subs not used: Randolph, Spiegel, Makasi.

Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov, Nabiullin, Devic (Karadeniz 54), Lestienne (Tkachuk
62), Caktas, Sanchez, Ozdoev, Burlak, Garcia, Ustinov, Akhmetov.
Subs: Bergstrom, Kverkvelina, Portnyagin, Mironov, Zhemaletdinov, Bauer,
Nesterenko, Zambrano, Dzhallov, Kuznetcov, Filtsov, Kamenshikov, Kambolov,
Akmurzin
Goals: Devic (23), Lestienne (45), Karadeniz (67).

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West Ham make £27m transfer move for Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic plots club
record striker signing
13:40, 21 JUL 2016 UPDATED 13:40, 21 JUL 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers have increased their offer to AC Milan to £27m and offered the
Colombian striker a deal worth around £70,000-a-week
The Mirror

West Ham have made a fresh club-record move to try and make Carlos Bacca
their marquee summer signing. The Hammers have increased their offer to AC
Milan to £27m and offered the Colombian striker a deal worth around
£70,000-a-week. West Ham's bid tops the £15m previous highest fee they paid
for Andy Carroll in 2013. The personal terms offer to Bacca would see the 29
year-old land a pay rise, and become the Hammers' third highest earner
behind Dimitri Payet and Carroll. And though Bacca wants Champions League
football the Hammers, who are in the Europa League , hope their offer will
be enough to persuade him. Speaking to the club's official website recently
, co-owner David Sullivan said: "Our search for a new forward has been well
documented and we have been working hard to negotiate moves for some big
name strikers. "Ideally we would have had someone in place by now but sadly
that has not proved to be the case and the forwards we have targeted want to
play Champions League football. "We have still got some fantastic strikers
at the club and we were the fourth highest scorers in the Premier League
last season. "In a perfect world I would like to think we will bring in a
top class striker before the transfer window closes at the end of August,
but if that doesn't happen I have every confidence in our current strikers
to continue doing the business."

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West Ham United transfer news: Bacca, Calleri deals close; Ginter bid made;
interest in Burke
HITC
Aiden Cusick

A selection of the latest stories involving West Ham United...

West Ham United's striker search could be about to reach a satisfying
conclusion - and a doubly satisfying one at that. According to Jack
Sullivan, son of Hammers co-chairman David, deals for two new strikers are
on the cards. The youngster claims a fee has been agreed with AC Milan for
the transfer of Carlos Bacca, whose decision will be made in the next 48
hours (it's actually about 24 now), adding that only a work permit hearing,
due to be held next week, is preventing Deportivo Maldonado's Jonathan
Calleri becoming an Irons player. And Bacca does appear to be on the move
(somewhere), as the Colombian's latest Instagram post shows. The caption
(loosely) reads: "Leaving. New goals, new dreams, new hopes, new season."

At the other end, a £10 million bid has been made for versatile Borussia
Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter, Bild reports. The 22-year-old can play at
both right- or centre-back - positions vacated by Joey O'Brien and James
Tomkins this summer - as well as in central midfield. According to South
London Today, Charlton Athletic want to sign young West Ham defender Reece
Burke on loan. The centre-back impressed during a spell at Bradford City
last season and is said to have attracted interest from Newcastle United. A
move to The Valley seems unlikely for Burke, who'll only be allowed to the
Championship or higher, Slaven Bilic says.

Meanwhile, the London Evening Standard claims West Ham are among the many
Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Spurs-bound winger
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The Irons, along with Liverpool and Manchester
United, are said to have watched the Marseille man last season. And
finally, ex-Upton Park loanee Alex Song has found a new club it seems. ESPN
reports the Cameroonian will move to Russian side Rubin Kazan on a free
transfer from Barcelona, potentially freeing up Yann M'Vila to sign
permanently with Sunderland.

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HATS OFF TO THE WEST HAM ACCESSIBILITY TEAM
By Blind Hammer 21 Jul 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer gives some credit where credit is due.

It was with some dread that I approached the purchase of tickets for the
first game at the OS, the second leg of the Europa cup game today.

This apprehension was fuelled by the experience, earlier this year, of the
complicated registration online process for Season Tickets. This may have
been straightforward for non-disabled supporters but was anything but for
disabled supporters. It was particularly difficult for those who also had a
linked Carer's Ticket. I had tried to get my normally helpful West Ham
Disabled Supporters Line to help at that time. Unfortunately they told me
that they did not have anything to do with Olympic Stadium tickets and all
they could do was give me another booking number, which predictably was
never answered. I represented these and other problems by email to the
Accessibility Team at West Ham.

This morning I was steeling myself for a difficult online process, wondering
how to link my Carer's ticket again, but thought maybe I should just try the
number I used last year for the West Ham Disabled Supporters Line, more in
forlorn hope than anything else.

To my surprise the phone starting ringing and I was told I was in a queue as
normal. There was still part of me braced for disappointment, expecting that
I would get through to somebody only to be told I had to book online or that
I had to use another booking number.

Instead to my relief I was answered by a familiar staff member who smoothly
and efficiently took my details and arranged for my ticket, as well as my
carer's ticket without any issues.

Now this may seem a small thing but the fact that West Ham is retaining
their Disabled Supporter's Helpline has made my day. You should also not
underestimate the work behind the scenes needed to make this happen. It
would have been far easier for West Ham to have devolved all the
responsibility for this to the new Ticket Agency. They could have told their
disabled supporters to sort out any problems with that agency direct.
Instead, they have obviously, at a time when they are frantically preparing
for a new season in a new stadium, decided to give themselves extra work and
do things not the easy way, but the right way. Anybody who manages a
pressured service will know that accepting extra work is not easy unless
your staffs are committed.

The fact is that my Club has obviously reflected on the feedback that I and
other disabled supporters gave them earlier in the year. They have responded
by re-instating their own support services. This makes me proud.

We all moan from time to time but today let's just say Hats Off to West Ham
and the Accessibility Team.

David Griffith

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com