Preview - Rubin Kazan
WHUFC.com
Hammers face second match in consecutive days and take on Rubin Kazan
Slaven Bilic's men looking for first win on Austria tour
Havard Nordtveit and Aaron Cresswell set for run-outs
When and where?
West Ham United v Rubin Kazan (RUS)
Pre-season match
Wednesday 20 July 2016, 6pm CEST (5pm BST)
Arena Krottendorf, Energiestraße 1, 8160 Preding
What's the story?
It's a quick return to action for the Hammers when they follow Tuesday's 2-2 draw with FC Slovacko by taking on Russian side Rubin Kazan on Wednesday evening. West Ham looked well on course for a first victory of pre-season on Tuesday, leading the Czech outfit 2-0 thanks to goals from Mark Noble and Ashley Fletcher, only to be denied by a late double from Eldar Civic.
Now they are set to face a Rubin Kazan side whose Russian Premier League season gets underway on 1 August. After playing their first top flight season in 2003, Rubin Kazan soon found success, winning the Russian championship in 2008 and 2009. They also won the 2011/12 Russian Cup and have been a regular in European competition in recent seasons, although 2015/16 saw them finish 10th in their domestic league. Warming up for this season by defeating Sparta Prague 2-0, but suffering defeat to Vitesse Arnhem and Rapid Vienna, they follow their game with the Hammers by taking on Norwich City on Saturday.
For West Ham, they will be looking to build on a positive performance against Slovacko in Rohrbach.
Team news
The Hammers are set to mix and match their team again on Wednesday after giving a group of players 45 minutes, some 65 to 70 and Sam Byram and Reece Burke both 90 on Tuesday.
Havard Nortveit and Aaron Cresswell are both set to feature after sitting out the Slovacko tie, while Adrian could return between the posts after Darren Randolph played his first game of pre-season against Slovacko. After combining for the Hammers' second goal, young duo Domingos Quina and Ashley Fletcher will again be keen to make their mark.
Any links between the two?
New Hammers signing Gokhan Tore is a former Rubin Kazan player, having featured in five Russian Premier League games for the club after moving to the Kazan Arena from Hamburg in 2012. He spent the second season of his spell with Rubin out on loan with Besiktas before moving to the Istanbul side permanently. The most recognisable names in the current Kazan squad to English fans will be former Sunderland loanee Yann M'Vila and ex-Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
How do I get to the match?
Click here for a map showing the Arena Krottendorf's location.
How can I watch the match?
The game is being broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports, which is available on the Sky, Virgin and TalkTalk platforms. Click here for more info.
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Fletcher hungry for more
WHUFC.com
New signing Ashley Fletcher delighted to get off the mark against FC Slovacko
Former Manchester United striker doubled the lead with an excellent header
The England under-20 international is looking forward to fighting for a spot in Slaven Bilic's Europa League XI Summer signing Ashley Fletcher was delighted to open his West Ham United account during the 2-2 draw with FC Slovacko on Tuesday. Two new-boys linked up as the towering Yorkshireman converted a pinpoint cross from 16-year-old Domingos Quina to put the Irons 2-0 up just after half-time. Despite the Czech side's late salvo securing a draw for the opponents, Fletcher remained upbeat about his first 45 minutes in a Hammers senior side. "It's nice to get off the mark," he told whufc.com. "Ultimately we are a bit disappointed not to get the win tonight, but it's pre-season and we go again tomorrow.
"It was a great ball from Dom. I've always been told to go and attack the ball and luckily I got my head on the ball and put it in the goal."
The 20-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Barnsley, met the bulk of his new teammates for the first time on Sunday morning when the Hammers departed Heathrow for their second overseas training camp of the summer. And with four training sessions under his belt in Austria, Fletcher says he has been made to feel at home since his switch from Manchester United was completed a week ago. I've loved every minute," he beamed. "Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and I am delighted to be at West Ham. "The senior players have helped me to settle in. We have a great group here and hopefully we'll kick on. "My aim has to be to break into the team. It's a very talented team and one that is going to be competing at the top of the Premier League, so for me it will be vital to keep showing myself I can do it."
And with two more games in quick succession before the Hammers travel to either Shakhtyor Soligorsk or NK Domzale in the Europa League, Fletcher has every opportunity to add to his goal tally. "I am looking forward to the games now, they're coming thick and fast. It's good that we're getting a run of games and getting the fitness as well. "It's a target for me to try and break into that [Europa League] squad. Like I say, it's a very talented squad, and all I can do is keep trying to impress the manager and the coaching staff, and keep trying to score goals."
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2016/17 Match Ticket prices announced
WHUFC.com
Match Ticket prices for 2016/17 Premier League season confirmed
West Ham United starting life at new home at London Stadium in Stratford
Demand for Match Tickets expected to be huge
West Ham United are pleased to confirm Match Ticket prices for the 2016/17 Premier League season, the Hammers' historic first campaign at London Stadium. With 52,000-plus Season Ticket Holders and an allocation set aside for the visiting club, individual Match Tickets will be in huge demand, with all seats regularly expected to sell out to Claret Members during a priority period. To become a Claret Member now, click here.
It has long since been the Club's policy to reward the extraordinary loyalty of its Season Ticket Holders and so a Season Ticket will always be the most cost-effective way of watching West Ham United. At just £289, the Hammers boast the cheapest Premier League Season Ticket in the land, while U16 Season Tickets for the historic 2016/17 were just £99 across the board.
As a result of this policy, the Club is exceptionally proud to have what is thought to be the highest number of Under-16 Season Tickets in London, meaning that 10,000 Junior Season Ticket Holders will have access to the Hammers' Category A fixtures, for the equivalent of £5.21 per game.
As for the Premier League, Category C starts at as little as £25 for Adults, with a Band 5 concession price of £12.50.
Elsewhere, Category A, Band 1 Adult tickets will drop by 17.6% from £85 at the Boleyn Ground to £70, while Band 2 and 3 prices are each reduced by £10 per seat.
The savings continue in Category B, where Band 1 Adult Tickets will be 23% cheaper than last season – £50 rather than £65.
Category B, Band 2 Adult seats will be priced at £45 – a full £15 saving on the equivalent seat in 2015/16 – while Band 3 and 4 seats will also be significantly cheaper.
Meanwhile, Band 5 tickets will offer Adult supporters the chance to attend Category B fixtures for just £30.
Click here for full 2016/17 Premier League Match Ticket prices.
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Manning – We've set the standard
WHUFC.com
Speaking after a youthful Development Squad's 2-1 victory away at League One Peterborough United, Academy coach Liam Manning highlighted multiple factors that went into the impressive performance. The Hammers got off to a terrific start as Jaanai Gordon opened the scoring after just two minutes with a well taken strike on the edge of the box. The hosts got themselves back in it immediately after half-time as striker Shaquile Coulthirst dusted himself down before equalising calmly. Just as it looked as though a draw was the more likely result, Dan Kemp was fouled after dancing his way into the box. Upstepped right-back Alex Pike in the 90th minute and confidently despatched his spot-kick into the bottom right corner. Reflecting on the hard-fought win, Manning said: "We were just speaking to the boys in the dressing room, they've set the standard tonight and that's what we want to see in every game, starting with Southend this weekend. Tonight we showed a lot of good traits, maximum competitiveness, maximum effort and commitment mixed with quality.
"We're in a good position but there's always more work to do. You can't get carried away in pre-season. It's a long season, we know that, so we'll keep plugging away but tonight was obviously a great experience to play against a good club like Peterborough. It was a great test of our fitness and I thought we looked sharp to be fair."
Just like the team that started against Chelmsford City last Friday, Terry Westley elected to field a relatively young starting XI, in particular the defence consisted of youngsters Mason Barrett, Tunji Akinola and captain Josh Pask, all of whom stood up to the difficult test. Manning continued: "We always knew we were going to be quite young with the number of players out with the first team in Austria. That's great for the lads and great for the Academy. We did a bit of work with the players yesterday and that went well. "We knew how we wanted to set up and thankfully we put that into practise. We knew Peterborough would be a little bit older and more experienced than us. "We knew we had to stay compact and we played with a lot of discipline, we probably sat back a little bit more than we would have liked usually, but overall we were very effective."
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Pask proud to captain Posh win
WHUFC.com
Josh Pask led a youthful Dev Squad to a 2-1 win away at Peterborough United
The 18-year-old captained the Dev Squad for the first time
The central-defender is targeting a break-through season
Having captained a youthful Development Squad to a 2-1 win over League One Peterborough United, Josh Pask was delighted to emerge from the challenge with flying colours. The 18-year-old central-defender put in a commanding performance at the back, while bursting forward on several occasions when in possession. Speaking at full-time, Pask said: "I thought I played well out there. It's nice to play on a great pitch, a good atmosphere and in front of a decent size crowd, I enjoyed it and I thought I did well. "It felt good to be captain, I found out in the warm up when Liam came up to me. I was happy to do it and I really enjoyed it. "I've captained a couple of U18 games before but this was obviously a step up, so I'm pleased."
Despite facing a more experienced side, a task made harder by the searing heat, Pask continued to describe just how hard his side had to work. He said: "It was very difficult, particularly in the first half, it was very hot. Thankfully there was a bit of shade in the second half but even still, it was very, very hot. It was a great test for us, physically and mentally and I'm glad we came through it. "Obviously it's only our second game of pre-season, a lot of boys got a lot of minutes which was good, and I almost got a full 90, so fitness wise I feel good."
Pask has now started and impressed in both of the Dev Squad's pre-season friendlies, and is likely to feature in the young Hammers next match away at Southend United on Saturday 23 July. In what he hopes will be a breakthrough season, Pask finished by stating his ambitions for the season: "Hopefully I'll push on and become more involved in the first team, or maybe look to get a loan at League One level with a club like Peterborough, that would be great, one of those two options."
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Five Talking Points
WHUFC.com
The hot topics for discussion as West Ham United continue their pre-season Tour of Austria, Ashley Fletcher gets off the mark and the Development Squad score a fine victory...
Nordtveit and Cresswell to return
Havard Nordtveit and Aaron Cresswell will return to action in Wednesday's pre-season match with Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan. The pair missed the draw with Czech outfit 1.FC Slovacko on Tuesday as, after suffering fatigue-related minor injuries during the Club's US Tour, their workload is being managed by the medical team. Defensive midfielder Nordtveit and left-back Cresswell are both expected to be important figures for the Hammers when the season proper begins, so such an approach to both players' fitness is surely sensible.
Carroll and Reid take a short break
Andy Carroll and Winston Reid have both had the misfortune to suffer injuries during their otherwise successful careers. Carroll returned from leg muscle problems to goalscoring form and fitness in the latter half of last season, while Reid was ruled out for a period after Christmas with a hamstring strain. As with Nordtveit and Cresswell above, the duo – who both scored in last week's draw at Carolina RailHawks – will be managed carefully through pre-season with a view to them being 100 per cent for the big Premier League kick-off in August. Expect the pair to train with the squad but miss both midweek friendly matches in Austria ahead of a return to the pitch to face German side Karlsruher SC on Sunday.
Europa League opponents TBC
Last Friday's draw in Geneva saw West Ham United drawn to face exotic sounding FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domzale of Slovenia in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round – the first fixture at the Club's new London Stadium home. The pair drew 1-1 in front of 2,100 fans at Shakhtyor's Stadyen Budaunik in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie last week, with the return game set for Domzale's Sportni Park this Thursday evening. Whoever wins is guaranteed two money-spinning ties against Slaven Bilic's Hammers, with both potential opponents already confirming that they will switch their home leg to bigger, more-modern stadia – Shakhtyor to the 13,200-capacity Borisov Arena and Domzale to the 16,000-capacity Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana. The Belarussians have an away-goal to defend, but Domzale will be confident after opening their domestic season with a 2-0 home victory over Radomlje on Sunday. While the identity of West Ham's opponents remains a mystery, one thing is for sure – Hammers fans will be looking out for Thursday's second-leg result with huge interest!
Did Ashley Fletcher's header remind you of anyone?
AF or AC?
Tuesday's draw with Slovacko saw Ashley Fletcher bag his first goal in Claret and Blue just four minutes into his first-team debut. The former Manchester United frontman showed bravery and skill to nod in a teasing cross from the penalty spot, shrugging off the presence of two FC Slovacko defenders. It is early days, but did the powerful 20-year-old's dominant aerial finish remind you of a certain long-haired centre forward?
Developing Squad
While the first team have yet to register a win in pre-season, the Development Squad bounced back from defeat at Chelmsford City to score an impressive 2-1 victory at Peterborough United on Tuesday. Jaanai Gordon bagged a fine finish against his former club, while Alex Pike showed admirable composure to slot home a last-gasp penalty to secure the success.
Terry Westley's youngsters travel down the A13 to face Southend United in Great Wakering on Saturday before jetting off to the Netherlands for two pre-season games next week.
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The inspirational and gradual rise of West Ham United and Southampton f
Dissecting Southampton's and West Ham's ambitious efforts that have raised the bar for midtable sides
by Hari Narayanan KN @MUFan23 Opinion20 Jul 2016, 16:18 ISTUpdated : 20 Jul 2016, 18:07 IST
The marvel of Leicester City winning the Premier League is arguably the best sporting story ever to have unfolded in recent years, an ambitious side with average players making the money-pumping super big clubs look like bullies who had lost their way. A story that urged us to dream and hope.Reminiscent of the efforts of the Foxes, West Ham and Southampton are prime examples of how teams are often held back by the expectations put in place.West Ham United's rapid riseMay 24, 2015: West Ham United announced what most of the football people saw coming, the club would be parting ways with Sam Allardyce after four years that lighted the Hammers' upturn from the Championship to a midtable finish in the Premier League.
They had finished a place higher than they did a year before, nothing noteworthy but a statistical improvement nonetheless. Pundits and bookmakers alike had stamped and agreed upon the imaginary line that the East Londoners wouldn't even think of crossing, not in the impending seasons.Also Read: 10 best midfielders in Europe this seasonLines would be crossed and barriers broken, the hierarchy with a golden man in David Gold, who couldn't tell Pedro Obiang from Angelo Ogbonna, decided it was time the club laid its intentions out in the open, plans changed and objectives set, perspectives differing and risks taken.One of West Ham's own, savage for his age, a man who could look you in the eye and visit the inner darkness that you never knew existed – hopes and expectations were shouldered on Slaven Bilic. Ferocious in attire, demanding in essence, the Croatian was part of the club's rearguard setup in 1996 when they finished 14th under Harry "I-give-interviews-from-my-car" Redknapp.Boleyn Ground stood there glaring in the sun awaiting the vigorously animated figure walking out of the tunnel revamping what he thought needed and making the perfect start to the Premier League.
And boy didn't he start well. Emerging from the Emirates with all three in the bag and a smile on their faces was a pivotal point that turned West Ham's consistent mediocrity into a team that ripped apart other clubs away from home, going into games with plans of immaculate detail and executing it with ample precision.Touchlines were lit up by madness and intimidation which was Bilic's way of inspiring the men out on the pitch, reminding them of what they were playing for. The progression was evident from the performances and further substantiated by the team's impressive run of results, with their manager moulding them into an inspired bunch brimming with motivation and hungry for results.Around all the talk of the manager managing to seal his authority on the side, bringing them to a higher level of newfound quality, there was one man who arrived from Marseille and splashed down with a thud so loud that the rival defenses started to fall apart.Dimitri Payet glided past tackles, drifting sideways and inside using textbook faints and trickery, sailing through the opposition like a man on a mission, soon becoming the go-to-man and often delivering when they needed him to.Fans were witnessing a footballer of monumental abilities nurturing his intrinsic talent and pushing them to untrodden heights.West Ham emanated as contenders for the final Champions League qualifying spot, and at times, coming close to toppling Manchester United from fifth but failed to propel themselves to the finish line as they expected. They finished seventh behind Southampton, racking up a club record 62 points, 4 short of fourth-placed Manchester City, surpassing assumptions and silencing critics.The decision to let Big Sam walk away had brought upon the club a new dawn of diverse opportunities, a statement of eye-opening nature that in the changing world of money-spitting, monopolistic, sponsor-driven world of football, the paths that lead upward bow before you, if there's that ambitious spark inside waiting to be made into a glowing inferno.Southampton – Gradual progression
A period of dullness, distractions and desperation, Southampton's 2008-09 season tested the team's very endurance capability, languishing as time progressed, inhabiting the relegation zone for the majority of the season and giving their supporters little to look forward to and nothing to be excited about.As the clock ticked on in Hampshire, distant clamours arose, faint signals got clearer and a year of agony finally reached its horrid peak, brushing off scenarios and the prospect of a miraculous escape that even the most faithful found hard to believe. Southampton were condemned to relegation to the third tier of English football.Fast forward seven years and that's a story right there that would make Hollywood. The Saints have blossomed into a different giant, exemplifying how a football club is supposed to be run, giving the master brains behind the mammoth clubs something to think about before reaping profits and dumping the whole load on a world-beater in the hope that trophies and more trophies would follow.They have become a beacon of hope in a world where the prominent question is who makes more from shirt sales and sorting out issues in a bumper contract for a world record move.
An academy of the highest quality, the antipode of talent scarcity, which has quite a remarkable list of names to its credit, including Gareth Bale (that CV ought to impress), has been the core of their splendid transformation from a crumbling set of players to a model institution set around devised plans and long-term vision implemented to excellence.By doing so, they have mirrored the definition of 'gradual progression', refining where necessary and improving their league finish season after season, from 14th to 6th in four years, which is nothing short of emphatic.Also Read: 5 Southampton players who could follow Ronald Koeman to EvertonBut the departure of Ronald Koeman might have set a different set of gears in motion, looking to pick up the pace and bridging the gap that most managers leave behind. It is even more unsettling to swallow the new man in town, Claude Puel.He has the task of engineering his side to cope without the agile Sadio Mane who had a hobby of taking down defenses with his exhilarating pace and Graziano Pelle who joined Shandong Luneng becoming the latest to make a move to China involving lots of money. Lots.
Even then, it's just another gas station for the club. A momentary pause which would resume as soon as the tyres started to roll, fuelled by another one of those spectacular goals scored in front of the St. Mary's faithful by one of their academy products.The club's transfer structure, making profits out of players they bought for pennies, scouting potential and shedding light on unearthed talent, stabilising the team and looking for balance is another take on their already distinguished objectives.Unlike West Ham's slingshot from midtable to European places, Southampton have walked knowing and believing in what they have to do and making sure they did. These teams have epitomised the substance ambitions are to be built on, firmly reaching the aspired levels of calibre and consistency, letting it known that ambitions take you places, places less travelled by.
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Ashley Fletcher scores on West Ham debut after Manchester United exit
Fletcher scores against Austrian side FC Slovacko on first appearance since leaving Old Trafford.
Nick Howson By Nick Howson
July 20, 2016 12:55 BST
IB Times
Ashley Fletcher has wasted little time reigniting his career following his departure from Manchester United, marking his West Ham United debut with a goal in a friendly draw with FC Slovacko. The Hammers are already deep into their pre-season schedule, with a two-legged Europa League qualifier coming up next week, but are yet to win since reassembling ahead of the new campaign.
After failing to prevail in either of their matches in the US against Seattle Sounders and Carolina Railhawks, Slaven Bilic's team surrendered a two-goal lead in the first of the three matches in Austria before they return to English shores. Mark Noble gave the Premier League side the advantage, before Fletcher met Domingos Quina's cross to double the lead with a neat header. But two goals from Eldar Civic allowed the Czech side to claim a memorable draw, as West Ham's winless summer continues just a week out from their first competitive game of the campaign. Among the positives for the club, though, was the goal for new signing Fletcher, who after being left out in the cold by United continued where he left off last season, netting a goal on his first appearance. "It's nice to get off the mark," he told the club's official website. "Ultimately we are a bit disappointed not to get the win tonight, but it's pre-season and we go again tomorrow. It was a great ball from Dom. I've always been told to go and attack the ball and luckily I got my head on the ball and put it in the goal. "I've loved every minute. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and I am delighted to be at West Ham. The senior players have helped me to settle in. We have a great group here and hopefully we'll kick on. My aim has to be to break into the team. It's a very talented team and one that is going to be competing at the top of the Premier League, so for me it will be vital to keep showing myself I can do it."
Misfortune denied Fletcher an opportunity to break into the United team last term. Sent on a six-month loan to Barnsley in the January transfer window, the 18-year-old was busy inspiring the Tykes to promotion and the Football League Trophy while Louis van Gaal was blooding youngsters from the club's academy. Among the 14 players given an opportunities by the Dutchman was Marcus Rashford, who made his debut in the Europa League tie with FC Midtjylland as a late replacement for the injured Anthony Martial. The academy graduate went on to score eight goals in all competitions and force his way into the England squad for the European Championships. Bilic is hopeful Fletcher can replicate Rashford's success in his maiden top-flight campaign. Though Fletcher was learning his trade in League One, he would have undoubtedly have been called on during United's attacking injury crisis had he been available to Van Gaal – such was his form for the club's Under-21 side. He had previously netted against Manchester City's second string.
Fletcher rejected a new contract at United to move to the Olympic Stadium, and could become the latest player to leave Old Trafford for nothing and go on to to enjoy a stellar career. The Daily Mail understands United are a step closer to parting with £100m in order to bring Paul Pogba back to the club – four years after allowing him to move to Juventus for a nominal fee having failed to agree a fresh deal with demanding agent Mino Raiola.
Amid the speculation over the France international, Fletcher's instant success with West Ham again draws into sharp focus United's transfer business. And with the Glazer family about to finance a world-record transfer, the ownership will be keen that Jose Mourinho bucks the trend of allowing talented academy stars to flourish away from the Theatre of Dreams.
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ARE CARLOS BACCA'S TRANSFER OPTIONS DIMINISHING?
By S J Chandos 20 Jul 2016 at 08:00
WTID
The potential signing of Carlos Bacca from AC Milan has certainly turned in to something of a long running saga. The fee has been agreed with AC Milan, but the personal terms package offered to the player by the Hammers allegedly remains on the table. It is clear that Bacca and his advisers have been stalling in responding to West Ham's offer, in the hope that a Champions League qualified club will make a 11th hour counter bid/offer. This was amply demonstrated by Bacca's comments that his 'dream' was to play in the Champions League competition. That statement represented a very clear 'come and get me' declaration to alternative suitors.
If that was the plan then the latest indicators are that it has not worked. The president of Atletico Madrid has publicly stated that the club are not interested in signing Bacca; while the anticipated bid from Arsenal does not (to date) appear to have materialised. At the same time AC Milan are apparently pressurising Bacca to move to East London, as they are dependent upon the fee to finance their own summer transfer dealings, which are currently on hold. So, that appears to leave Bacca with a sole option, West Ham and the Olympic Stadium! This is reflected in yesterday's report in Italian publication, Gazzetta dello Sport, that Bacca has 'timidly reopened negotiations with West Ham about a potential move.'
It may be that the Hammers end up signing Bacca almost by default. The question is whether it is a good thing to sign a player for £26m in those circumstances? The worst case scenario is that the player is reluctant to be at the club and this is reflected in his attitude and performances next season. The alternative view is that Bacca is a professional and once he joins that club he will give 100% to the cause and do everything that he can to make the move a success. Certainly, on signing, Bacca's personal success and that of the club become indivisible, so hopefully the latter, positive scenario will prevail. There is also the possibility that like many new players before him (most recently Payet) Bacca will quickly learn what the club is all about and become enamoured with our project. And his distinct part in that project will be to supply the c.20 goals to help fire the club in to a top four PL finish in 2016/17 and qualification for the 2017/18 CL competition. Thus, realising his declared 'dream' at the OS, the season after next.
There have been other reports that West Ham are interested in Toulouse striker Wissam Ben-Yedder. This may be true, but it could be that this is viewed as lining up an alternative if the Bacca deal cannot be completed. The same may also be true with regard to the club's reported inquiry about the availability of Deportivo La Coruna striker, Lucas Perez. This speculation, and the links to numerous targets, is likely a consequence of the club putting out multiple feelers or, as David Gold put it, having 'many irons in the fire.' Only time will tell whether these proposed deals have substance? Although I have to say that Ben-Yedder does look a very good option and is well worth a punt. He is 25 years of age, entering the final year of his current contract with Toulouse (so the fee will be reasonable) and last season he scored 17 league goals in a struggling team. That poses the tantalising question: what could he achieve in a better quality side?
One deal that does now appear to be moving to completion is an agreement to take Jonathan Calleri on a season long loan, presumably with a view to a permanent deal next summer. The good news is that Calleri has just been granted his Italian passport, which eliminates the need for a visa application. It was delays in granting this passport that scuppered previous overtures by Inter Milan to sign the striker. This is potentially a very good deal and one that could really work out well for the club. Although, if it happens, we have to hope that both he and Lanzini come through unscathed from their impending involvement in the Argentine Olympic football squad!
Social media is getting very excitable about alleged interest in Reece Oxford from the two Manchester club and (don't laugh!) Tottenham Hotspurs. There may be an element of threat from Manchester, although Oxford would be very ill-advised to gamble on a move to City (which has been a grave yard for young English talent) or a United managed by Jose Mourinho (a manager who arguably does not have a track record of promoting youth). As for Spurs, they rejected Oxford as a school boy and coming from the other side of north London he reportedly has little affection for the Spuds. I know money often talks, but I think we can safely dismiss their chances! No, the Hammers must respond by getting in to serious negotiations to sign Oxford on a new long-term deal. He is far better off negotiating a new contract to stay at the club and continue his development here. At 17 years of age, time is firmly on his side and there is no footballing imperative to seek a hasty transfers at this early stage of his career. At the same time, there must be a recognition by the club's management that Oxford needs more first team game time this coming season and that should be a priority.
Indeed, the club's involvement in the Europa League competition is a golden opportunity for the club's youth players. There will obviously be a number of cross-overs, especially if we reach the latter stages of cup competitions, but the club need to almost operate two sub-squads in which one core set of players pre-dominate in the PL campaign and another in the Europa League and domestic cups. Certainly, Slaven Bilic will need to skilfully manage the rotation and deployment of his squad next season and that will mean increasingly utilising the club's young players. That is a certainty and those youngsters (if they are not loaned out) must be ready to step up to the plate and take their first team chances when they come. That in turn, is the route to forcing their way in to the core PL sub-squad and giving Bilic some very nice future selection headaches!
Finally, if the club are successful in recruiting replacement strikers, then it looks as if Sakho and Valencia will exit the club this summer. Both are being kept until the said deals are completed. I particularly regret losing Sakho, as he is a centre-forward that I rate highly. I always liked the way he led the line, linked up play and did the hard work, in running the channels, as well as converting his share of chances. Indeed, If pushed, I must admit that I probably preferred him leading the line, but things move on and if a parting of the ways is necessary, it is necessary. As long as 'continuous improvement' results in us securing better quality replacements. That is the ultimate 'bottom line' as far as I am concerned.
However, in the case of these two specific players it might be tempting to try to prioritise outgoing transfer deals with overseas clubs, to guarantee that they do not come back to haunt us next season! Lazio want Valencia and Sevilla and Hamburg are allegedly interested in Sakho, so (as long as the fees are acceptable and, obviously, the players agree) that might be the way to go. After all, why strengthen rival PL sides, if it can be avoided?
SJ. Chandos.
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New West Ham signing Ashley Fletcher targets Premier League first team spot after debut goal
TOM DUTTON Wednesday 20 July 2016 09:55 BST0 comments
Evening Standard
New signing Ashley Fletcher hopes to break into the West Ham first team this season after scoring on his debut against FC Slovacko on Tuesday. The 20-year-old rose to meet Domingos Quina's cross as the Hammers forged a two-goal lead in Austria before surrendering the advantage late in the second period. Fletcher arrived from Manchester United on a free transfer earlier this month to become Slaven Bilic's fourth signing of the current transfer window. "It's nice to get off the mark," he told West Ham's official website. "Ultimately we are a bit disappointed not to get the win tonight, but it's pre-season and we go again tomorrow. "It was a great ball from Dom. I've always been told to go and attack the ball and luckily I got my head on the ball and put it in the goal."
And the striker is targeting a spot in Bilic's first team next term as the Hammers prepare to move into the Olympic Stadium. He added: "The senior players have helped me to settle in. We have a great group here and hopefully we'll kick on. My aim has to be to break into the team. It's a very talented team and one that is going to be competing at the top of the Premier League, so for me it will be vital to keep showing myself I can do it."
Fletcher's first chance to feature for Bilic's side in their new home will come against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk or NK Domzale in the Europa League third qualifying round on August 4. And the England Under-20 international hopes to make an impression on West Ham boss Bilic during the remaineder of West Ham's tour of Austria as he spies a spot in the Croatian's European squad. "I am looking forward to the games now, they're coming thick and fast. It's good that we're getting a run of games and getting the fitness as well," Fletcher said. "It's a target for me to try and break into that [Europa League] squad. Like I say, it's a very talented squad, and all I can do is keep trying to impress the manager and the coaching staff, and keep trying to score goals."
West Ham face Rubin Kazan on Tuesday before concluding their time in Austria on Saturday against Karlsruher SC
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West Ham vs Rubin Kazan preview: Prediction, live, TV schedule, team news and betting odds
SAM LONG Wednesday 20 July 2016 06:29 BST0 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham are still winless in pre-season after throwing away a two-goal advantage against Czech Republic outfit FC Slovacko on Tuesday evening. But Slave Bilic's side will have an immediate chance to get that disappointment out of their system when they face Rubin Kazan on Wednesday. The Croatian manager will undoubtedly have been impressed with a couple of his new signings so far this summer, but the Hammers still need to tighten up at the back. With plenty of football to play between now and West Ham's opening Europa League fixture, fringe players and youngsters alike have ample time to stake their respective claims for game time in what will be a landmark season in the east London club's history.
Date, time and venue:
West Ham face Rubin Kazan on July 20 in Krottendorf. Kick off is at 5pm.
Where & when to watch:
The game be broadcast live on Premier Sports. Alternatively, you can follow the game on Standard Sport's blog.
Team news and probable line ups:
New signing Ashley Fletcher impressed off of the bench against FC Slovacko and will be pushing for a start this evening. The youngster could be preferred to Enner Valencia up top but Andy Carroll is also in need of minutes. Sofiane Feghouli, like Fletcher, also made a bright start to his career on Tuesday and seems to be an exciting prospect. He is expected to start on the right flank once again. Michail Antonio could be given a run out at right back ahead of Sam Byram but do not read too much into Bilic's team selection with the games coming thick and fast for the Hammers.
What they're saying:
David Sullivan: "Slaven and the players are currently working hard in Austria as they continue their pre-season preparations and the new signings we have made are getting to know each other in the build-up to the first Premier League game. "The hard work continues behind the scenes as we look to bring more new players into the squad. "Our search for a new forward has been well documented and we have been working hard to negotiate moves for some big name strikers."
Prediction:
Betting odds (via 888Sport):
West Ham 4/5
Rubin Kazan 27/10
Draw 5/2
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West Ham must put a stop to tiresome and damaging Reece Oxford sideshow
HITC
Damien Lucas
A bid from Manchester City has reignited the Reece Oxford sideshow at West Ham United and it is threatening to dampen spirits ahead of the new season. The Hammers recorded their best ever Premier League points total last season and a first positive goal difference since 1986 as they finished seventh, just outside the Champions League places. The signs look good for the future too with the campaign also notable for the emergence of the club's youngest ever player Reece Oxford. The supremely talented teenager made his debut with a midfield masterclass in a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the opening game of the season aged just 16.
Bilic was keen to protect his young charge
But after that he was used sparingly by manager Slaven Bilic who was keen to protect his young charge. Speculation has been rife over the 6ft 5 teenager's future for the last few months with reports in the likes of the Mirror that Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was keen on securing his signature. Talk then turned to a potential loan move to relegated Newcastle United in the Championship before claims Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig wanted to make him their marquee signing after their promotion to the German top flight, as reported by Sky Sports.
Oxford contract refusal leaves Hammers in predicament
Now mega rich Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, have reportedly bid £15 million for the young Hammer, as reported by Sky Sports. The speculation has been allowed to continue because of Oxford's refusal to sign a new long-term deal at the club. That leaves Slaven Bilic in a predicament as the club could lose him for next to nothing. The Hammers appear to be doing everything in the power to convince Oxford he has a clear path to the first team this season, even selling popular homegrown Hammer James Tomkins to Crystal Palace for £10m. And City know exactly what they would be getting too make no mistake about that. Oxford is a future England star and captain in waiting and is the brightest prospect of another good crop of youngsters from the West Ham Academy's production line. He would be an absolute steal at £15m and should West Ham lose him it would be a bitter blow. But what is his motivation? If it is first team football then surely he will be less likely to achieve that at the Etihad even if there is the temptation of working with Guardiola. It is already dampening the excitement of the club's big move to the 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium this summer and losing two homegrown stars in such an important summer would send out the wrong message. Whether the Hammers need to offer Oxford the kind of contract and assurances he demands or take the money, the circus needs to stop.
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