Small margins cost Hammers in Trophy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were beaten in their first Checkatrade Trophy tie at
Coventry City
The hosts triumphed 4-2 at the Ricoh Arena against Terry Westley's young
side
The boss said there were certainly positives to take from the match
Terry Westley admitted his side did not quite pass the test in their first
Checkatrade Trophy tie against Coventry City on Tuesday night. The Hammers
were beaten 4-2 by the west Midlands side at the Ricoh Arena in the
newly-formatted competition, but there was another double for Spanish
striker Toni Martinez. And Westley explained there were other positives to
take from the clash, though many things can also be learned from the
experience. "The players are disappointed and rightly so, because at this
level it's about winning as much as anything else. Tonight we didn't quite
pass the test. There were some good bits, but certainly not enough. "Overall
though, we're pleased. To think that was a nearly full-strength Coventry
team and for us to go in level at half time, there are a lot of positives to
take out of it. If you defend naively though, as we did in the end, you
can't win a match. "We need to grow up properly as a team, and you do that
over time. We stretched them though, and it was certainly a game."
It was many of the players' first experience against a senior first team and
Coventry's side was packed full of experienced Football League talent.
Marvin Sordell, formerly of Watford and Bolton Wanderers, led the line, and
there were also places for Chris McCann and Gael Bigirimana. "They had an
experienced side and we lost the game through small margins," Westley
continued. "It's not big things. They scored three goals from set-pieces.
There's a danger they can score from those and the higher you go, the more
quality deliveries have. "You'll get punished. We have eight out on loan and
then this group is the level underneath and we have some real fine players.
Declan Rice is ready for this level anytime he wants. Alex Pike did well
moving late on to centre-back and there were another two goals for Toni
Martinez, which is what he is. "We want our players to be playing even
higher so these small details matter even more."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two-goal Toni vows to keep working hard
WHUFC.com
Toni Martinez scored twice in West Ham United's 4-2 defeat at Coventry City
in the Checkatrade Trophy
In the new EFL Trophy format, a young Hammers side came up against an
experienced Coventry outfit and performed well
Martinez believes results will come in the competition if the side continue
to work hard on the training ground
Toni Martinez believes he and his teammates will see better results in their
upcoming fixtures if they continue to work hard on the training ground. The
young Spaniard was on the scoresheet twice in West Ham United's 4-2 defeat
to an almost full-strength Coventry side in the Checkatrade Trophy; his
fourth and fifth goals of an already impressive first campaign at the Club.
Martinez opened the scoring on half an hour, poking home after good
persistence inside the penalty, but the Hammers were pegged back just three
minutes later by Jordan Turnbull. Coventry went on to make the score 4-1
after goals from Ruben Lameiras, Jordan Willis and Turnbull again before
Martinez netted a late consolation with a superb volley.
He said: "It was an important game for us, to play against good opposition,
to show what we've got and use it as part of our development. "Hopefully
we've shown some of what we can do but obviously we know there are a few
things we can do better. "If we keep working the way we are the results will
come, for sure."
Martinez's second goal was the pick of the bunch – a dipping right-footed
volley which left Coventry keeper Lee Burge stranded. Since joining the
Hammers in the summer from Valencia, Martinez has bagged five goals in just
four competitive matches and hopes his good form catches the eye of the
first team coaches. "Confidence is really important for scoring goals but
it's also important to have an objective in your mind," the 19-year-old
continued. "I set myself objectives in pre-season and I have that in my mind
every time I head out onto the pitch.
"For forwards, the goals are really important but they only come because of
the hard work everyone else is doing in the team. "It wasn't my intention to
lift the ball over the keeper but it's one of those goals which you'll take!
They all count and it's a good feeling to score no matter how you do. I'm
very happy. "I want to keep trying to score goals so I can catch the eye of
the first team."
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Valencia joins Toffees on loan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Enner Valencia has joined Everton on a season-long
loan with a view to buy in summer 2017. The Ecuador international will link
up with the Toffees for the 2016/17 campaign on his return from
international duty in South America. Valencia has appeared 67 times for West
Ham since joining from Mexican club Pachuca in summer 2014, scoring ten
goals. Under Premier League rules, the 26-year-old will not be able to play
against the Hammers this season.
West Ham United would like to wish Enner the best in his loan spell with the
Toffees.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Belic moves to Motherwell
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Luka Belic has joined Scottish Premiership club
Motherwell on loan until January 2017. Capped by his native Serbia
throughout the age groups, Belic became the youngest player to feature in
Serbia's top division when he turned out for OFK Beograd as a 16-year-old in
April 2012. Now 20, Pancevo-born Belic appeared six times for West Ham's
Development Squad last season, scoring at Derby County in February. West Ham
United would like to wish Luka the best in his loan spell in Scotland.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diego departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Diego Poyet have agreed to terminate the midfielder's
contract by mutual consent. The 21-year-old departs the Hammers having made
ten appearances in all competitions in his two years in east London. Poyet,
who was signed from Charlton Athletic, is now free to join another club
outside the transfer window. "I have enjoyed my two seasons with West Ham
and would like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to fulfil a
dream of playing in the Premier League," he said. "However, following
discussions, it was agreed that we would mutually terminate my contract to
enable me to continue my development elsewhere."
Everyone at the Club would like to thank Diego for his hard work and
commitment and wish him every success in the future.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph kicks-off international break with win
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph and Martin Samuelsen were both in action for their national
sides on Wednesday
The stopper's Republic of Ireland were 4-0 winners over Oman
Samuelsen was a second half substitute for Norway in their 1-0 defeat at
home to Belarus
West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland kicked-off
the international break with a convincing 4-0 victory over Oman at the Aviva
Stadium.
The stopper, who impressed in the nation's UEFA Euro 2016 campaign this
summer, came on as a second half substitute, replacing Keiren Westwood at
the break in skipper Robbie Keane's final game for the Boys in Green.
And the former Hammer got on the scoresheet in his swansong, bagging the
hosts' second after half an hour following Robbie Brady's opener.
Stoke City's Jonathan Walters then notched either side of the break to put
the clash beyond Ireland's Arabian opponents.
Martin O'Neill's outfit next take on Serbia away from home in their first
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.
Also in action was exciting Norwegian winger Martin Samuelsen, who is
currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers.
The 19-year-old, who is yet to make an appearance for the Lancashire outfit,
played just under half an hour against Belarus in Oslo in the international
friendly.
It was his second senior appearance for his country, having made his debut
in a 3-2 win over Iceland back in June.
Samuelsen recently signed a new four-year deal with the the Hammers before
joining Owen Coyle's Blackburn alongside Stephen Hendrie who is also on loan
at Ewood Park.
The Scandinavians take on Germany in their first qualifier for the World Cup
on Sunday evening.
Havard Nordtveit did not feature in the same fixture, while Gokhan Tore was
an unused substitute for Turkey in their home friendly against Russia.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign World Cup winner
WHUFC.com
Alvaro Arbeloa joins West Ham United on a one-year contract and will wear
the No5 shirt
Full-back won FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championship titles with
Spain
Versatile defender reached three UEFA Champions League final, winning the
trophy in 2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of FIFA World Cup and
two-time UEFA European Championship winner Alvaro Arbeloa.
The highly-decorated Spanish full-back, who has also won the UEFA Champions
League, joins the Hammers on a one-year contract and will add huge
experience and ability to Slaven Bilic's squad.
The former Liverpool defender, who underwent a medical at Spire Roding
Hospital on Wednesday, told West Ham TV he is looking forward to returning
to the Premier League and pulling on the Claret and Blue shirt for the first
time.
"I am really happy to be here in a great Club in a great league," Arbeloa
told West Ham TV. "I'm really happy to be back in England and, for me, it's
a great chance and I'm looking forward to playing with this side.
"The Stadium is amazing. It's really nice and looks fantastic. Hopefully I'm
going to see the Stadium full with all our fans and I'm really happy to be
here.
"For me, this is a great chance to be back in England and in the Premier
League, which is a fantastic league and I want to put myself here again.
This is a big Club and a great Club with fantastic players and a great
coach.
"Slaven wants to see me training as soon as possible. I was talking with
[Croatia internationals] Luka Modric and Matteo Kovacic and they told me
good things about the coach, so I want to work with him and hopefully I can
learn a lot of things."
Born in Salamanca in January 1983, Arbeloa came through the youth ranks at
Real Zaragoza before joining Real Madrid at the age of 18. There, he
excelled for the club's C and B teams before being handed a first-team debut
against Real Betis in October 2004.
With massive competition for places at the Estadio Santiagio Bernabeu, where
Spain international Michel Salgado and Brazil great Roberto Carlos filled
the full-back positions, Arbeloa opted to continue his career with Deportivo
La Coruna in summer 2006.
After six months in Galicia, the defender was signed by compatriot Rafael
Benitez, who was in the midst of his successful reign as Liverpool manager.
Arbeloa appeared 98 times over two-and-a-half seasons with the Anfield club,
including the 2007 UEFA Champions League final defeat by AC Milan.
July 2009 saw the versatile player heading back to former club Real Madrid,
where he spent the next six seasons as a regular member of the starting XI,
initially at left-back and latterly at right-back.
A maiden La Liga title arrived in 2012, sandwiched by Spanish Cup successes
in 2011 and 2014 – the same year in which he also won the UEFA Champions
League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Capped 56 times by Spain, Arbeloa was a member of the best squad in the
country's history. His finest moment in a red shirt came in 2012, when he
started all six games at right-back as Spain defended the European
Championship title, conceding just one goal in six matches.
Arbeloa also featured once at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup finals
respectively as La Roja carried all before them to win both titles.
The 33-year-old becomes the 12th signing of the summer, following Ghana
captain Andre Ayew Algeria winger Sofiane Feghouli, Norway midfielder Havard
Nordtveit, Italy striker Simone Zaza, French left-back Arthur Masuaku, Swiss
midfielder Edmilison Fernandes, Turkey winger Gokhan Tore, Argentine striker
Jonathan Calleri, promising centre forward Ashley Fletcher and youngsters
Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez.
Arbeloa will link up with fellow countrymen Adrian, Pedro Obiang and
Martinez at London Stadium and will become the seventh Spaniard to play for
the Club, following Kepa Blanco, Diego Tristan and Manuel Almunia.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henry loaned to AC Horsens
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Doneil Henry has joined Danish Superliga club AC
Horsens on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old centre-half will link up with the Jutland-based club when he
returns from international duty with Canada.
Henry will gain more valuable first-team experience with The Yellow Danger,
having previously made 93 appearances for MLS club Toronto FC and spent two
spells on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers. His West Ham debut
came in a UEFA Europa League tie with Astra Giurgiu in August 2015.
The Brampton-born player suffered a leg injury during West Ham's US Tour in
July but has returned to fitness in time for two vital 2018 FIFA World Cup
qualifiers away to Honduras and home to El Salvador.
Horsens were promoted from the First Division last season and have made a
decent start to life in the top flight under the management of former
Bristol Rovers striker Bo Henriksen, sitting sixth after seven matches.
West Ham United would like to wish Doneil the best in his loan spell in
Denmark.
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Randolph - Ireland still on a high
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland kick-off 2018 World Cup qualifying
campaign
Boys in Green face Serbia in Belgrade in Group D opener on Monday 5
September
Ireland reached Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016 earlier this summer
Darren Randolph is aiming to help the Republic of Ireland kick-off their
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a win in Serbia on Monday.
The West Ham United goalkeeper has been central figure during a fantastic
year for the Boys in Green, helping Ireland to qualify for and then reach
the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016.
Ireland will give their retiring all-time record goalscorer Robbie Keane – a
former Hammers loanee himself – a send-off when Oman visit Dublin on
Wednesday evening, before jetting out to Belgrade for a difficult-looking
Group D qualifier.
The group also contains James Collins' Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales and
Austria, who finished bottom of Group F in France, as well as potential
banana skins in Georgia and Moldova. Only the group winners qualify
automatically for Russia 2018, with the runners-up going into a two-legged
play-off.
While the odds may not be in Ireland's favour, Randolph says the men from
the Emerald Isle can upset them again by reaching their first World Cup
finals since 2002.
"You could look at it that in the way that we will be getting one of the
tougher games in the group out of the way first," said Randolph of the
opening group fixture. "It's a tough group and Serbia is a tough place to
go, anyway.
"After how well we performed at Euro 2016, we're obviously going to still be
on a high. We had a very young team, so the experience should stand everyone
in good stead and there were a lot of positives to take. Aside from the
Belgium game, we played well against good sides with top world-class
players.
"The coaching staff told us to look back and be proud of what we achieved.
Nobody expected us to get a point or to get out of the group, which we did.
We've got a lot of younger players who were playing in their first
tournament, so it will stand us in good stead."
While Ireland are feeling confident ahead of their opening qualifier, Wales
too will go into the campaign in positive mood following their own
outstanding Euro 2016 showing.
The Dragons beat Slovakia, Russia, Northern Ireland and Belgium to advance
to the last four, where they were beaten by Portugal, and Randolph believes
Chris Coleman's men will be their biggest rivals for top spot.
"Wales are going to go into the group on a high after reaching the
semi-finals of Euro 2016, Austria will probably feel they have something to
prove and Serbia are always tough to play against, then it's never easy
against teams like Moldova and Georgia."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet contract cancelled 'by mutual consent'
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Young midfielder Diego Poyet has been allowed to leave West Ham on a free
transfer. The combative midfielder briefly featured for the first team
during last season's Europa League qualifying rounds but failed to make an
impact. Subsequently Poyet spent most of the season on loan at MK Dons and
former club Charlton Athletic, from whom he joined the Hammers in 2014. His
four-year contract has been cancelled by mutual agreement.
In other deadline day transfer news, Doneil Henry has joined Danish
Superliga outfit AC Horsens on a season-long loan. The Canadian centre half,
23, was brough into the club by Sam Allardyce on the recommendation of
former Blackburn player Ryan Nelsen during the January 2015 transfer window
bu tsimilarly failed to make an impact.
Finally, young forward Luca Belic has joined Scottish Premiership side
Motherwell on loan until the beginning of January. The 20-year-old barely
featured for the Development Squad last season and will be hoping to
resurrect his career north of the border.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia completes Everton switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Hammers striker Enner Valencia has completed a move to Everton. The Ecuador
international has joined the Toffees on a season-long loan, with view to a
permanent transfer for a fee in the region of £14million. Swansea had been
favourites to sign the 26-year-old, who arrived at the Boleyn Ground in 2014
but managed to score just five goals last season. However Everton, who were
desperate to sign new attacking options gazumped the Welsh club just a
matter of hours ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arbeloa signs one-year contract
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have completed the capture of Alvaro Arbeloa on a free
transfer. The former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Deportivo star, who was part
of Spain's World Cup-winning team six years ago has signed a one-year
contract with the Hammers. I am really happy to be here," 33-year-old
Arbeloa told West Ham's website, "I'm really happy to be back in England.
It's a great chance for me and I'm looking forward to playing with this
side. This is a great chance to be back in England and in the Premier
League, which is a fantastic league. I want to play here again. This is a
big club and a great club with fantastic players and a great coach. Slaven
wants to see me train as soon as possible. I was talking with Luka Modric
and Matteo Kovacic and they told me good things about the coach, so I want
to work with him. Hopefully I can learn a lot of things."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moncur on the move - again
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer George Moncur has made his second move already this summer.
The young midfielder, who left West Ham in order to join Colchester United
two years ago moved from the North Essex club to Barnsley in June for a fee
reported to be worth around £500,000. However after making just tw first
team appearances for the Tykes in the Championship, Moncur - now 23 - has
completed a return to League One by joining Peterborough on loan until
January. "It has been a mad day or so, but I am delighted to be here,"
Moncur told the Peterborough's website, theposh.com. "I can't wait to get
started and put on the blue shirt. I am here to create goals, run at people
and hopefully score goals and the aim is to try and break into the team
straight away. Meanwhile manager Grant McCann, another former player who
began his career at West Ham admiytted that he was delighted to secure
Moncur's signature. "I am really pleased," he said. "We tried to get him in
the summer but the boy wanted to test himself in the Championship, which is
fair enough. We are delighted to have him on board. "He scored 15 goals in a
side that was relegated last season and that speaks volumes for him. He is
only going to add to our attacking threat."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LACTICS LOAN IRONS' PRODIGY BURKE
BY JOE DORAN ON 30 AUGUST 2016 AT 11:05PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
It has been officially confirmed today that West Ham starlet Reece Burke has
joined Championship side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. The
19-year old, who starred for Bradford on loan last season, joins Wigan in
search of first team football to prepare him for a run at the Hammers' first
team, as was first reported by TheWestHamWay.co.uk on Saturday.
Burke, who turns 20 in September, is widely regarded within the club as the
most promising player to emerge from the Academy of Football in a decade,
and as the obvious successor to James Collins in the heart of the West Ham
defence. So strong is the club's faith in this young man, that it has been
suggested that the decision to move on fan's favourite James Tomkins was
taken in order to provide space for Burke and fellow academy graduate Reece
Oxford to progress. It had been hoped, according to ExWhuEmployee, that
Burke would remain at the club for the season in order to play a key role in
the Europa League campaign. However, with West Ham's embarrassing European
exit last Thursday, it has been decided that it is best that the Englishman
go and prove himself at Championship level instead, having excelled himself
in League One last year.
Burke, a lifelong West Ham fan, seems keen to head out on loan to get game
time, and took to twitter to thank the club for "allowing" him to continue
his development. Seeing this level of commitment, maturity and
professionalism in such a young player, whom you can be sure harboured
ambitions of playing as many games as possible in the new London Stadium
this season, can only be perceived positively by the Irons' faithful, who
will be deeply heartened to see one of their own continuing his rise.
The West Ham Way was the first to break this story, as it featured in
ExWhuEmployee's weekend transfer round up. So, with deadline day looming
large and incomings on the horizon, we will be on hand to provide you with
the latest goings-on as they happen.
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One of three for right back slot?
KUMB,com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are weighing up moves for at least three full backs as the transfer
deadline approaches. Aston Villa's Micah Richards, Arsenal's Matthieu
Debuchy and Wolves' Southend-born youngster Dominic Iorfa have all been
strongly linked with a last-minute move to the Olympic Stadium ahead of this
evening's 11pm deadline.
Elsewhere Enner Valencia continues to be linked with a move to Swansea, with
a number of news sources now suggesting the Ecuador international could be
on his way to South Wales.
One player not coming to West Ham however is Manchester City striker
Wilfried Bony, who is currently undergoing a medical at Stoke City despite
having expressed a preference to join the Hammers (Star). The 27-year-old is
set to join The Potters on a season-long loan.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers go Spanish in defender hunt
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are hoping to land former Spanish international Alvaro Arbeloa on a
free transfer. The 33-year-old full back is the surprise name to emerge on
transfer deadline day and is set to hold talks with the club later this
afternoon, after flying into the UK. Arbeloa, who made 56 appearances for
Spain between 2008 and 2013 has spent most of his career at Real Madrid but
also enjoyed spells with Deportivo and Liverpool. He was released by the
Spanish giants at the end of last season.
In other transfer news, West Ham are still keeping tabs on Aston Villa
defender Micah Richards as a back-up for Arbeloa should that particular deal
fall through. Meanwhile there have been no developments in Enner Valencia's
proposed move to Swansea nor the situation regarding Pedro Obiang's
potential switch to Fiorentina.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham looking to sign free agent Alvaro Arbeloa on one-year deal - Sky
sources
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 31/08/16 4:05pm
SSN
West Ham are giving a medical to free agent Alvaro Arbeloa with the view to
signing him on a one-year deal, according to Sky sources. The 33-year-old
left-back left Real Madrid at the end of his contract in June. It is
understood the Hammers see the former Liverpool player as a mentor rather
than replacement for right-back Sam Byram. And they are hoping his addition
will also liberate Michail Antonio to play further forward from the start of
games. Arbeloa is a veteran of European football with 53 caps for Spain
between 2008 and 2013, and over 50 appearances in the Champions League. He
began his career in the Real Madrid academy but made the grade at Liverpool
after a successful season at Deportivo La Coruna. He signed for Liverpool
for £2.6m in 2007 and made 95 appearances for the Reds before a £3.5m move
to Real in 2009.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea in talks with West Ham over potential loan deal for striker Enner
Valencia
15:00, 31 AUG 2016 UPDATED 15:01, 31 AUG 2016
BY PHIL BLANCHE
The 26-year-old has slipped down the Hammers' pecking order following the
summer arrivals of Simone Zaza, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri
The Mirror
Swansea are in talks with Enner Valencia over a loan deal for the West Ham
forward. The Ecuador striker joined from Mexican club Pachuca for £12million
in 2014 and has made nearly 70 appearances for the London club. But the
26-year-old has slipped down the Hammers' pecking order following the summer
arrivals of Simone Zaza, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri.
Ahead of centre-back Alfie Mawson's move from Barnsley on Tuesday, Swans
boss Francesco Guidolin had declared his squad would be complete following
the addition of a central defender.
But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins raised the prospect of "one or two loans"
on Tuesday night, and Press Association Sport understands Valencia has
headed to south Wales for talks.
"It's not always great to get things done last minute, but we'll see what
comes," Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport after Swansea's 3-0 Checkatrade Trophy
defeat at AFC Wimbledon. "We've done quite a lot of our business and if one
or two things come our way - one or two loans to add - we would look at
that."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner Valencia set for Swansea move after falling out of favour at West Ham
West Ham forward Enner Valencia, 26, is set for a late move to Swansea
Francesco Guidolin has been on the trail of Valencia all summer
Ecuadorian Valencia has faded badly in east London after a bright start
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:10, 31 August 2016 | UPDATED: 11:30, 31 August 2016
Out-of-favour West Ham United forward Enner Valencia is set for a move to
Swansea City. The Welsh club have been on the trail of the Ecuadorian all
summer and will look to do a deal before the transfer deadline. Valencia,
who faded badly in east London after a bright start, is set to move to the
Liberty Stadium on loan with a view to a permanent deal. Francesco
Guidolin's men will also look to offload the likes of Franck Tabanou and
Marvin Emnes before the window shuts. Swansea signed defender Alfie Mawson
from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday. The 22-year-old has signed
a four-year deal after making a speedy rise up the footballing pyramid.
While at Brentford, where he started his career, he had loan spells with
Maidenhead United, Luton Town, Welling United and Wycombe Wanderers, who he
helped reach the League Two play-off final.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea transfer news: West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna on Antonio Conte's deadline
day wishlist
Deadline day live: All the transfer news and gossip as Chelsea chase late
deals
SIMON JOHNSON
Evening Standard
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has added West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna to his
wish-list. Ogbonna played under the 46-year-old at Juventus and Italy and
earlier this month admitted how much he loved learning from the Blues boss.
The Italy international said: "He improved me – and every player – in terms
of character. When I heard that he had the chance to come [to England], I
thought it was good for him and good for the league." West Ham will be
reluctant to sell the 28-year-old, especially as they have already allowed
James Tomkins to join Crystal Palace this summer. Conte wants to increase
his options at the back, especially as Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav
Ivanovic are all over 30, while Kurt Zouma has yet to return from a knee
injury. Other back-up targets have been considered including Stefan de Vrij,
Victor Lindelof and Zenit St Petersburg defender Ezequiel Garay.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England new boy Michail Antonio puts West Ham breakthrough down to Dimitri
Payet and Victor Moses injuries
Michail Antonio is the only new player in Sam Allardyce's first squad
The 26-year-old struggled to break into West Ham's first-team plans
However injuries to key personnel saw him given chance to impress
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 30 August 2016 | UPDATED: 22:34, 30 August 2016
If it wasn't for a West Ham injury crisis, Michail Antonio admits he would
never have earned his surprise England call-up. The 26-year-old was the only
new face in Sam Allardyce's first squad, capping a whirlwind 12 months since
his move from Nottingham Forest. Antonio initially failed to make an impact
on West Ham manager Slaven Bilic — he was so anonymous that co-chairman
David Gold was tricked into retweeting a photo of a 'missing' West Ham fan
who was in fact the winger. But as a result of injuries to the likes of
Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses, Antonio was handed a chance by Bilic, making
his first start for the club in December. He has not looked back since,
nailing down his place in the West Ham side and breaking into the England
set-up. Reflecting on the moment he heard he was in the England squad,
Antonio said: 'The first time I cried was when I had my baby boy (Michail
Jr). 'This second time I welled up and thought I was going to cry. 'I had to
take a moment to control myself. At West Ham it was just those players who
were ahead of me and it took six players to get injured to get my
opportunity. 'He (Bilic) would say, "It's not your ability, it's just these
players are ahead of you". 'He always spoke to me and kept my faith up.
'When I first spoke to Allardyce I said I was very grateful for the
opportunity. He said, "There's no need to be grateful, if you look at your
stats and what you have done, you deserve to be here".'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st August 2016
Masuaku – The intensity of games is incredible
WHUFC.com
Left-back is enjoying his first few games as a West Ham United player
Masuaku set up Michail Antonio's goal in Sunday's Premier League game at Manchester City
Defender believes returnees will boost the squad after the international break
Arthur Masuaku is enjoying the intensity and competitiveness of England's top flight. The French defender has impressed on his opening three West Ham United appearances at Chelsea and Manchester City and at home to AFC Bournemouth, showing commitment, athleticism and registering his maiden assist at the Etihad Stadium. After winning his maiden home game and twice tasting defeat on the road, the summer signing from Olympiacos expects Slaven Bilic's to return to winning ways against Watford when a number of regulars return from injury after the international break. "It hasn't been an easy start to the season going to Chelsea and Manchester City and we are disappointed not to have qualified for the next round of the Europa League too," said the No26. "We will now focus all of our concentration on the league and the cup and hope to do well in these. "We have quite a few players out injured at the moment, but I think we still need to be able to perform without them. It is always going to be more difficult without them though. "Our objectives remain the same, we go out in every game to win. We will recover during the international break and we will do our best to win our next match."
The former Valenciennes player won back-to-back Greek Super League titles in his two seasons with Olympiacos, where he lost just five league matches in two seasons, and was delighted when West Ham moved to bring him to east London. Having lost out to two of the Premier League's title favourites in his first three appearances, Masuaku could be forgiven for questioning his decision, but instead he is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the best. "I feel great to be playing in the Premier League and to have started well. It has always been one of my goals in football to play in this league. Now I am here, I am working hard and giving my all so that I can play in as many games as possible. "The intensity of games is different in the Premier League. The intensity of games is incredible, we got back to 2-1 against City and I thought we could have got the equaliser. Unfortunately, we lost 3-1 after a late goal. "It is this type of football that I like and it is a pleasure for me to be playing each weekend in games like this."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
With just over 24 hours to go until the transfer window closes for another summer, excitement is growing among football fans up and down the country. West Ham United fans have certainly enjoyed a busy summer of transfer activity with 11 new arrivals including the major capture of Simone Zaza from Juventus over the weekend. I have been told the Italy international is relishing the chance to meet up with his new team-mates this week and will be working hard at the Club's training ground over the international break to get himself fully ready for the next Premier League game against Watford on 10 September. Reports in the media continue to speculate there could be even more incomings at the Hammers before the window closes. My sources have confirmed to me that the Club are still working on trying to sign another right back on loan with an option to buy. It is my understanding that the business for the summer should stop after that, BUT I have been told never say never and the Club will always be open to an exciting late offer. With regards players leaving, it has been made clear to me that that the Club will never talk about individuals. But they are considering letting a fringe attacking player go as they are well stocked in that area with the imminent return of Dimitri Payet and new signing Sofiane Feghouli after the break.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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We All Follow The West Ham!
WHUFC.com
True Blood actor Stephen Moyer is an avid West Ham United fan, despite now being based five-and-a-half thousand miles from east London in Los Angeles. He is currently back in London filming for a new ITV series and cannot wait to see his beloved Hammers in action at London Stadium…
I was born in Brentwood, but my great-grandmother was born on Green Street, so it's been five generations of Hammers in my family. My granddad on the other side was just round the corner too, so it's both sides of the family my whole life. I started going to Upton Park with my old man when I was six, and I'm a Season Ticket Holder for when I'm in England. My son Billy goes with mates when I'm not around in Los Angeles, but I'm very excited because I'm coming over to do a job for ITV for two months from August, so I'll be at the new Stadium for the first two months of games, which is just awesome. I can't wait for it. I'm based in the States, so I was so excited to be able to come down to Cary in North Carolina to watch the team train when they were over on their summer tour. I was filming in Charlotte the night we played Carolina RailHawks, which was two-and-a-half hours away, so I couldn't make it to the match, but I got in contact with Mark Noble and asked him if I could come and watch some training. It was arranged and the chance to be there was amazing for me. It's absolutely ridiculous to think I was at the training session by personal invitation from the skipper Mark Noble! He started following me on Twitter about a year ago. I was already following him, so we direct messaged each other and there I was. I mention West Ham over here whenever I'm asked about them, and I go crazy about it. I find it very difficult to say the word 'soccer' so you spent most of the interviews explaining why it's called football, and why theirs is called football wrongly. I call theirs throwball just to upset them, but I do get some mention in. My character in True Blood was from the 1870s, so he wouldn't have been talking about West Ham – he'd have been a clairvoyant if he had been! But I do aim to get it in there when I can. The coverage here is absolutely fantastic now, because NBC bought the rights to the Premier League. It works out better for people in LA with the time difference, because it's 7am for the 3pm kick-offs and I've got kids, so I'm up with them. The big screen has West Ham playing, and then the computer through NBC Sports has one of the other teams playing and my iPad has another game on. NBC have changed the game over here, and it's getting bigger and bigger in America. In terms of the other well-known fans the Club has out here, I know Russell Brand a little bit, so I've spoken to him in LA and seen some games with him. I think the first West Ham game I went to was in 1976, when we played Aston Villa. If I remember rightly, we lost 4-1. Then, then my son Billy was about six or seven when I took him for the first time in 2008. It was a 3-1 loss against Bolton, so that obviously boded well because both of us saw defeats in our first games! Big Sam always seemed to beat us when he was at Bolton so he obviously knew something. We had such a good season last year to sign off at Upton Park and I'm so excited for where the Club is going. I'm so excited for the Stadium, Super Slav has just galvanised us and made us believe too. More than anything he has made us believe that we can do it, and Mark Noble is such a talisman, such a shaman in the middle there running ten miles per game. His fitness level is just bananas. I think me and a lot of other people felt he should have been in the England midfield this summer. I felt Michail Antonio should have had a go, and Aaron Cresswell should have had a go too. We were quite spoilt up front, but I really felt Antonio flying down that wing would have been a really good addition. The future at West Ham is incredibly exciting and I'm really looking forward to my first games at our new home.
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FT - Coventry City 4-2 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
FT: Coventry City 4-2 West Ham United
FT: And that's it at the Ricoh Arena. The Hammers did themselves proud and fought until the bitter end. Another double for Toni Martinez is a huge positive for Terry Westley's men. It was always going to a tough way to open your Checkatrade Trophy campaign, here at League One side Coventry, but they'll be better for the experience. Onto the next one. Over and out from the west Midlands.
90+1: GOAL! Toni Martinez is on the scoresheet again, volleying home a marvellous volley from the edge of the box! What an effort by the Spaniard!
90: The fourth official indicates there will be four minutes of additional time to be played.
88: Sending off for Coventry! Kelly-Evans is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence after a foul on Marcus Browne.
88: Wycombe Wanderers lead Northampton Town 2-0 away from home in the other Southern Area Group D fixture.
84: Chance for sub Jaanai Gordon! The striker is released by Browne and, being charged down by the keeper, gets a shot away. Burge in goal is on hand to make the stop though, and it remains 4-1.
81: Into the last ten minutes in Coventry, and Spiegel is on hand to deny the hosts again. Jodi Jones takes down a long ball beautifully, but the keeper denies him from close range.
78: Grady Diangana has put in a shift tonight as usual. Off he comes and Jaanai Gordon comes on.
75: And there's a fourth for the hosts. Turnbull gets his second, beating Spiegel to a free-kick and heading home. That looks like it could be game, set and match at the Ricoh Arena.
73: Goal for Coventry. Jordan Willis smashes into an empty net after Spiegel's save falls straight to him inside the six yard box. It was Tudgay's header which forced the initial save.
72: Marcus Tudgay's been around in the Football League - he replaces Lameiras.
70: But the Hammers are doing their best to threaten the hosts, and a terrific Eggleton delivery gives them a chance from a corner. Grady Diangana swins it in and Rice wins the first header, but Martinez can't steer anything towards goal. A chance for West Ham!
69: From an almost identical position to his shot minutes ago, Lameiras lets fly again and Spiegel is again behind it. Coventry are on the front foot here.
65: Alfie Lewis is the next to be replaced as Jake Eggleton comes on at right-back with Noha Sylvestre moving into midfield. Coventry's Marvin Sordell, who has been lively, comes off and Jodi Jones takes to the field.
62: And the Hammers make their first change, with Domingos Quina making way for Joe Powell.
61: Sub for Coventry, as Chris McCann is replaced by Ben Stevenson.
59: Spiegel is again down smartly to deny City, as this time goalscorer Lameiras shoots from outside the edge of the D. Decent save from the Swiss stopper.
57: The attacks have died down somewhat since Coventry took the lead. Tony Mowbray's men look as if they are happy to keep the ball and let West Ham press them at the back. It's going to take a big effort from Terry Westley's men to get back in this. They've got it in them though, that's for sure!
54: Marcus Browne charges down the left-hand-side and dashes into the box, falling after perhaps losing his balance. That's what it looked like from the press box anyway, but referee Keith Strouds decides otherwise and books the forward for simulation.
51: An extremely late challenge from Dion Kelly-Evans on Vash Neufville causes a heated confrontation. The referee puts Kelly-Evans into the book, but Vash receives the same treatment. Harsh on the left-back after a nasty tackle.
48: Goal for Coventry. The ball is worked out to the left hand side of the box and Ruben Lameiras steers home cleverly with the instep of his left foot. The League One side lead.
47: Superb work by Rapha Spiegel! Racing off his line, the keeper dives bravely at the feet of Dan Agyei and pushes the ball to safety.
46: Keith Stroud gets us back underway and the Hammers win an early free-kick. It's taken quickly and the visitors work an opening down the right. It's quickly shut-out and the move restarts from the back.
HT: The two minutes of injury time are played out and it's level at the break. The Hammers took the lead after just over half an hour and will have been disappointed to concede just minutes later, but it's been a solid, impressive performance nonetheless against the League One outfit. Can the youngsters find a way back in front in the second period?
45: McCann hits another long-ranger, and it's well blocked. Corner for City, which Martinez smashes up field for Quina to chase. Half time is approaching.
41: Defended well by West Ham and Spiegel can clear. Both sides would take going into the break level now, I'd imagine.
40: McCann strikes from 20 yards but Spiegel is equal to his effort, tipping it round his post. Corner kick...
38: A frustrating lapse of concentration at the back for the Hammers means it's all square. Martinez worked so hard for that opener, so they'll be keen to make amends and regain the lead.
35: Goal for City. Jordan Turnbull finds some space from a Coventry corner and fires into the top corner, leaving Spiegel with no chance. We're all level at the Ricoh with all to play for.
31: GOALLLL! Get in there! Toni Martinez pokes past the keeper at the second time of asking - he never gave up on that one! A group of loyal Hammers away to our right celebrate with the players and the visitors have the lead!
30: Browne continues to cause Coventry problems and Chris McCann is booked for tugging back the forward's shirt. Great stuff by Browne who recently made his first team debut!
28: Moses Makasi gets a last-ditch toe to the ball to almost poke Martinez in on goal, but City defender Turnbull comes across to make the challenge. The attack looked promising for Terry Westley's men.
24: Coventry might be sitting 22nd currently in League One, but experienced boss Tony Mowbray has a well-drilled side full of EFL know-how. The Hammers are more than just holding their own here, which is impressive.
23: Free-kick for West Ham which Marcus Browne stands over, but his right-footed attempt canons off the wall and is cleared. The Hammers continue to hold their own and look dangerous here at the Ricoh!
21: Decent chance for Toni Martinez, who beats the offside trap to get in behind the City defence, but the hosts scramble back to take the sting out his attempt.
19: Superb block from Vashon Neufville who gets on the line to deny Lameiras with Raphael Spiegel beaten. Excellent work from the returning left-back!
17: A Coventry free-kick on the right is taken by Ryan Haynes, and his square pass finds Marvin Sordell. The former Bolton man can't direct his effort goalwards however, and the Hammers clear the danger.
16: It's goalless here at the Ricoh after a quarter of an hour, and such is the case at Sixfields where Northampton entertain Wycombe Wanderers in the other Southern Group D match in the Checkatrade Trophy.
12: Little threat going forward for either side so far, but the Hammers look determined to keep playing their football against an EFL side.
9: Dan Agyei breaks for City but skipper Declan Rice comes across to make a fantastic interception. Reliable as usual from the 17-year-old!
7: Good early stuff from the Hammers who have so far looked sharper and faster than their League One opponents. Marcus Browne, who has been superb for the PL2 squad this season, is again looking to get on the ball early.
4: Early save from Raphael Spiegel, who dives superbly to his right to deny Coventry's Gael Bigirimana. The midfielder actually faced this Hammers side last week as part of Newcastle United's side!
3: With Tunji Akinola picking up that knock during the warm-up, the Hammers are forced into a slight re-shuffle. Alfie Lewis slots in alongisde Moses Makasi in CM and Noha Sylvestre has gone in to play RB with Alex Pike next to Declan Rice in the centre of defence.
1: We're underway at the Ricoh Arena! The Hammers are wearing their normal Claret and Blue with the hosts in Sky Blue and White this evening. Lewis Page, on loan at City from West Ham, is unable to take part tonight.
7:45pm: The lads are in the tunnel here at the Ricoh ready for kick-off. There has been a late change to the West Ham starting XI, with Alfie Lewis coming in to replace Tunji Akinola. Come on your Irons!
7pm: So, time to have a quick check of this competition's new rules. All Premier League sides entered into this competition must field a total of at least six U21 players in their starting line up (West Ham have ten, while Raphael Spiegel is 23), while Football League teams must include five 'first team' players. Tonight is the first group stage matchday, and points are allocated as league points would be. However, should tonight's match finish as a draw, a penalty shootuout will take place, with the winning side being awarded an extra point. Bring it on!
Coventry City: Burge, Willis, Harries, Turnbull, Kelly-Evans, Haynes, McCann (Stevenson 61), Bigirimana, Lameiras (Tudgay 72), Sordell (Jones 65), Agyei.
Subs not used: Charles-Cook, Finch, Ricketts, Thomas.
Goals: Turnbull 35, Lameiras 48
Bookings: McCann 30, Kelly-Evans 51, 88
Red cards: Kelly-Evans 88
West Ham United: Spiegel, Pike, Lewis (Eggleton 65), Rice, Neufville, Makasi, Sylvestre, Diangana (Gordon 78), Browne, Quina (Powell 62), Martinez.
Subs not used: Hector-Ingram, Trott, Kemp, Akinola.
Goals: Martinez 32, 90+1
Bookings: Lewis 43, Neufville 51, Browne 54
Attendance: 2,091 (98 away)
6:45pm: Good evening! We're at the Ricoh Arena tonight for the Hammers' first ever Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Coventry City. The newly-formatted competition has seen the east Londoners drawn in a group with Northampton and Wycombe Wanderers as well as the Sky Blues, and the midlands is the first destination this evening. Soon, we'll have for you team news, as well as a run-down of this year's rules...
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Accrington tickets start at just £10
WHUFC.com
Tickets are now on sale for West Ham United's first domestic cup tie under the lights at London Stadium.
The Hammers will take on Accrington Stanley of Sky Bet League Two in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday 21 September and you can be there to cheer us on!
Tickets start at just £10 adults and £5 under-16s - again underlining the Club's commitment to affordable family football.
Secure your seat now as the Hammers look to kick off a cup run at their new home.
Purchase your tickets online here, over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* or in person from the Stadium Ticket Office.
Full pricing and sale information is as follows:
1966 seating: £25 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £25 under-16s
Band one: £20 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band two: £20 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band three: £15 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band four: £15 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band five: £10 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Sale dates:
Season Ticket Holders/Bond Holders: On sale now
Claret Members: Tuesday 6 September
General Sale: Thursday 8 September
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The Big Interview - Michail Antonio
WHUFC.com
It has been a memorable 48 hours for Michail Antonio after he received his first call-up to the England squad for the European Championship Qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.
Antonio has been one of the star performers for West Ham United in the opening part of the season and has already scored two goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has been rewarded with a place in Sam Allardyce's first England squad and he is now keen to showcase his talents on the international stage....
How much have you enjoyed linking up with the England squad following your first call-up into the senior squad?
MA: "I've settled in quite well and the boys have taken to me really well. It is just nerve-wracking a little bit because I didn't expect this so early in my Premier League career.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it. It has been very emotional, especially when I found out.
"It has always been a boyhood dream for me to play for England and the opportunity to be called up is breathtaking."
We have seen stories that you thought the England call-up was a wind-up when you first heard the news. How long did it take before you came to terms with the first call-up?
MA: "I did an interview at the end of the game and I came in and the physio went over to me and said 'you've been called up.'
"I said 'Ha, funny'. He said 'No, seriously.' I said 'good banter' but I looked at him for a good 30 seconds and he looked at me.
"I wasn't sure I could take him seriously but he showed me a piece of paper (confirming the call-up) and after that I started welling up inside. All I wanted to do was call my missus. Obviously she didn't pick up!"
Have you had a chance to talk with the new England manager Sam Allardyce about your call-up and what do you hope to achieve this week?
MA: "When I first came and spoke to the gaffer I said I was very grateful for the opportunity, he said 'there is no need to be grateful and that if you look at your stats and what you have done, you deserve to be here'.
"But obviously I'm very grateful and I just believe that I need to make him proud and show everyone out there that I have got the ability and I can do it."
What were those early days like playing non-league football and being a lifeguard at the same time?
MA: "When I was playing non-league I also had to work because you don't earn the same wages that you do playing in the Premier League.
"I was also a lifeguard and had to do an hour a night my community college. It was probably one of the most boring jobs I have ever done in my life and it was so hot!
"I have got 26 nieces and nephews and it is good to show them you can always do anything if you put your mind to it."
Sam Allardyce has already said that he has been very impressed with your background and the fact you have come from non-league and have done well in all the leagues you have played in. How much pride do you take in the football journey you have made?
MA: "To pick someone like me from my background, it is a risk but the gaffer has shown his belief in me and now I have got to show it to the world. One thing I have always believed in is to never give up.
"Always have belief in yourself that you can achieve things. Anything is possible in life. Once I reach one target, I always search for another and I went from non-league to Reading. I kept going out on loan because I wasn't getting much time at Reading.
"Then I went to Sheffield Wednesday and then Nottingham Forest and I managed to get to West Ham, where I always wanted to be - the Premier League. Then I said to myself 'become an international'. Now I've done that, I've got to set myself a new target now.|
What does it feel like to be part of something new under a new England manager?
MA: "It feels great to be in the first squad. I just want to get my head down and hopefully I can get my opportunity on Sunday and show everyone out there what I can do."
Did you watch the European Championship Finals during the summer and what did you make of the tournament?
MA: "I watched the Euros and have always watched England growing up.
"It was very disappointing but we have to focus on the future under a new England manager and picking people on merit. Hopefully we can do well on Sunday."
Can you sense that the players who were involved in the tournament are keen to make up for the disappointment they encountered during the summer?
MA: "It is a fresh start for everyone. It doesn't matter what you have done in the past and the players will go out and work hard.
"The players will want to work their way into the starting line-up."
What do you make so far of Sam Allardyce and what attributes can you bring to the England team?
MA: "I have never played under him but people I have spoken to have said he is very relaxed and hopefully I will get to know him more over the coming years.
"I hope I can keep doing what I have done in the Premier League and take it onto the international level."
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Hammers team up with Thomas Cook Sport
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that sports travel and accommodation specialists Thomas Cook Sport are to become an Official Match Breaks Supplier of the Club.
As part of the agreement Thomas Cook Sport will be offering Match Break packages to the Hammers' truly global fan base, including tickets to matches at the Club's fantastic new home, accommodation and match day programmes.
West Ham United's Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said, "We are delighted to be teaming up with Thomas Cook Sport as we enter such an exciting era for the Club.
"It's fantastic that our fans from all over world will have the opportunity to experience Match Breaks expertly organised by Thomas Cook Sport sampling the famous West Ham United atmosphere in our iconic new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
Rob Slawson, Head of Thomas Cook Sport said: "We're delighted to be working closely with West Ham United on an amazing Match Breaks product. West Ham United are a truly global club and we look forward to creating and offering a special Match Breaks experience for the club's fan base."
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Burke joins Wigan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Reece Burke has joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
Burke only signed a new four-year contract with the Hammers last week, but he was keen to get more first-team football under his belt and is relishing the chance to test himself in the Championship.
The 19-year-old has played a major role in the Hammers pre-season campaign and produced an impressive display when he started the first leg of the Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu in Romania.
But with a number of senior players including Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna battling for a place at the heart of the West Ham defence, Burke wanted the chance to play regular first-team football this season.
The talented central-defender enjoyed a successful loan spell with League One side Bradford City last season and became a fans favourite after winning seven trophies at the end of season awards, which included the Player of the Year.
Burke travelled up to the north west Club this week and looks set to make his debut for Gary Caldwell's side when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on 10 September.
Everyone at the Club wishes Reece the best of luck at Wigan this season.
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MAIL'S RICHARDS RUMOURS RUBBISHED
BY JOE DORAN ON 30 AUGUST 2016 AT 10:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
With 'deadline day' now approaching, the media merry-go-round is starting to gain pace, and with West Ham well known for their last-day activity, yet more links are starting to be drawn between the Irons and 'potential targets'. Today, this manifested itself in a claim by Dominic King of MailSport that West Ham were interested in Championship new-boys Aston Villa's Micah Richards. This link would seem plausible, as West Ham are in dire need of reinforcements at right back, and the former England international would be available at a cut-price. It also seems to fit in with the "Boleyn Insider's" intonation that we will be seeing a new right-sided defender arrive.
However, these rumours have now been categorically quashed by Jack Sullivan, son of owner, David. Though West Ham continue to search for a Right Back, it seems that Richards, who was sub-par by all accounts last season, is not seen as a viable solution.
However, a story that does seem to have legs is one linking the much-maligned Enner Valencia with Swansea. TheWestHamWay.co.uk's own source, ExWhuEmployee, has confirmed for us that Swansea have shown an interest in the Ecuadorian before and that his name featured during negotiations for the transfer of Andre Ayew. It remains to be seen whether a concrete bid will materialise, but it is becoming ever-clearer that the majority of West Ham fans feel that it would be in the best interests of all parties if a deal were to be struck with the South Wales club.
Swansea know they will have to work quickly if they are to secure Valencia, as they reportedly face competition from fellow Premier League outfits in Stoke and West Bromwich Albion, though interest from the aforementioned Aston Villa seems to have ceased in the wake of their fifteen-million-pound deal for Bristol City striker Jonathan Kodjia being confirmed.
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Antonio: just a matter of time
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The chairman of Michail Antonio's former club Tooting and Mitcham United say that it was only "a matter of time" before he made the big time.
The 25-year-old received a call-up to Sam Allardyce's first England squad on Sunday to the delight (and perhaps a little surprise) of everyone involved with West Ham.
And Steve Adkins, chairman of Antonio's former non-league club - for whom he featured between 2003 and 2009 - was delighted to read about the West Ham winger's shock nod.
"It was really clear that he was special when he was a teenager here," Adkins told nonleaguedaily.com. "There were scouts from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal looking at him and we all knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would make it into the professional game.
"There was no ego, he is down-to-earth and even after he went through the professional steps he would come down to the club to do some personal training between seasons. When he helps the kids down here even now he is a natural.
"He is the guy next door and being a professional, with all that he has achieved, he has never changed."
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FA charge for Aguero
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero has been charged with violent conduct by the FA after he elbowed Winston Reid in the neck during last weekend's Premier League clash at The Etihad.
Central defender Reid was forced to retire after receiving the blow, which occurred with City 2-0 ahead. Pep Guardiola's side went on to win the game 3-1.
"Sergio Aguero has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video," read an FA statement.
"The Manchester City forward was involved in an incident with West Ham United's Winston Reid in the 76th minute of the game on Sunday. He has until 6pm on Wednesday 31 August to reply."
Referee Andre Marriner somehow failed to witness the foul despite standing no more than a few feet from where the incident took place.
The referee's failure to dismiss Ageuro was the second time already this season West Ham have had good reason to feel hard done by.
Chelsea's Diego Costa was similarly lucky to remain on the field despite deliberately raking Adrian's shin during the opening game of the season - an offence also withnessed by referee Anthony Taylor, but deemed to be within the scope of the laws of the game.
The FA confirmed that a review of the Aguero and Reid incident will be studied by a panel of "three former elite match officials".
"Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence," added the statement. "For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the
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Reece Burke's on fire, your strikers are terrified
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Central defender Reece Burke has completed a move to Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old defender, who has featured for Slaven Bilic's first team at both centre half and left back already this season cited Athletic manager Gary Caldwell as the main reason for his decision to opt for a move to the DW Stadium.
"There were a few Championship clubs interested in me but I wanted to move here because I believe it is the next step for me in my career," Burke told wiganlatics.co.uk.
"I've met Gary before and he's a great guy, so I am looking forward to getting started.I really liked what he said about the club and his vision for the team.
"I expect the Championship to be faster, quicker and stronger; it'll be another step on from League One, but what I did last year I hope to repeat here."
Burke, who proved to be a huge success whilst on loan at Bradford City last season maintained however that his long-term future remains at the Olympic Stadium with West Ham.
"West Ham want to keep me long-term just in case I do push on now and do well here," he added. "I'm a Wigan player now and I am glad that's sorted for this season.
Burke will team up alongside fellow West Ham Academy star (and friend) Kyle Knoyle and former Irons goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen - plus the now-infamous Wigan striker Will Grieg, who became globally famous during Euro 16 because of this...
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West Ham failed in £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette this summer, insists Lyon chief
Alexandre Lacazette has also been heavily linked with Arsenal this summer
Arsenal had a bid for the France international rejected in July
The 25-year-old striker has earned 10 caps for France during his career
West Ham brought in Simone Zaza on season-long loan from Juventus
Transfer news: All the latest ahead of transfer deadline day
By PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 13:05, 30 August 2016 | UPDATED: 13:45, 30 August 2016
West Ham failed with a bid of over £40m for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer, the French club's president has said. A bid of €50m (£42.7m) was tabled by the Hammers, according to Jean-Michel Aulas. However Lyon refused the offer, Aulas told French broadcaster SFR Sport, just as he announced in July that Arsenal had seen a bid for the France international rejected. Lyon rejected a £42.7m bid made by West Ham for French striker Alexandre Lacazette Aulas said: 'We've refused an offer of €50million from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette. We've even turned down more for him.' Lacazette, 25, has been a consistently productive goalscorer in France's Ligue 1 for the past three years, earning 10 caps for Les Bleus in that time. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic lost Andy Carroll to injury early this season and new signing Andre Ayew joined him on the sidelines after suffering a thigh blow. The club that moved into the London Stadium for the new campaign brought in another forward on Sunday when confirming the arrival of Italy international Simone Zaza on a season-long loan from Juventus.
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West Ham transfer news: Hammers still want Wilfried Bony with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to make way for Manchester City striker
Slaven Bilic eyes another striker after completing Simone Zaza signing at the weekend
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia could still be on their way out of West Ham as the club look to bring in Wilfried Bony on loan from Manchester City. Senegalese international Sakho looked to be going to West Brom in a £16million deal earlier in the summer but failed a medical. West Brom remain desperate to improve their squad, however, and could come back with a cut-price offer before the transfer window closes tomorrow night. Sakho, who put in a transfer request earlier in the close season, is recovering from injury and has yet to figure in any of West Ham's matches although manager Slaven Bilic said: "He is our player and when he is ready, he will be playing for us." West Ham are also willing to listen to offers for Valencia but only if they seal a deal to sign Bony on loan, with Championship clubs Aston Villa and Norwich poised to make late bids for the Ecuadorian international.
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TIME FOR SLAV TO HIT THE BEACH
By Blind Hammer 30 Aug 2016 at 08:00
WTID
After the Man City defeat Blind Hammer thinks Bilic needs a rest.
A feature of West ham's early season form is how tired and unfit the squad looks. This tiredness has extended not only to the players but has also included several recent reports that Slaven Bilic himself has looked exhausted.
I am not surprised. Last season he had to invest an enormous amount of effort into an emotionally demanding last season at Upton Park with all the drama for that this entailed. No sooner had the season finished he was instantly involved in early transfer negotiations for Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli. This started a summer transfer window which has been unusually unsettling with various targets relentlessly coming in and out of the West Ham talent radar.
Just when he could settle down for a relaxing couple of weeks Bilic was called in to provide expert punditry for ITV on the Euros in France. Whilst it might not seem like work sitting in a studio reflecting on football matches, You have to be mentally at the top of your game , aware that every utterance is heard judged and reflected upon by millions of football supporters. I imagine that during these Euro punditry cameos there was just as much adrenaline coursing around his system as there ever was during his playing days.
The Euros were not even finished before Bilic was off leading West Ham into a USA training camp and pre-season friendlies. From the USA he, and the squad, flew straight into another camp in Austria, travelled by a long coach journey to our first competitive Europa game in Croatia, before at last managing to fly back to the UK to prepare for a first match in the completely unfamiliar surroundings of the Olympic Stadium on August 4th.
Those of you who have started a job in a new office probably remember how tiring unfamiliarity can be until an environment becomes normal and predictable. Bilic had a double whammy to cope with though. Not only did he have to adjust to a new stadium but to a completely new Training Complex at Rush Green. It is impossible for outsiders to know conclusively, but annoying teething problems normally arise when any new facility is developed. I think it would be a miracle if using new facilities at the Stadium and the Training Ground did not hit any problems for Bilic and the team. We only have to reflect on the various teething problems we have experienced ourselves as supporters. The Stadium and new Training Ground will definitely help in the long term but Bilic and the team will have to inevitably adjust and settle down.
After the Europa tie at the London Stadium , Bilic had Barely time to draw breath before needing to organise for the Juventus game only three days later. 3 days after that he flew out to Rumania and manage during the Ostrra away Europa tie.
During all these games Bilic was assailed by injuries to key members of his squad, first Lanzini, then Cresswell, then Carroll all bit the dust. It was hardly surprising that both he and the team were already looking jaded by the Premiership opener against Chelsea. Ayew's injury instantly ranked up the pressure on Bilic before Payet also received an immediate injury. Sacko piled the pressure on Bilic with his sulks and lack of commitment to training as this meant that we had no experienced premiership quality strikers at the club.
Now the rigours of a Premiership season allied to cup competition can be countered for players by squad rotation. Some players, Carroll comes to mind, just have bodies which give out under the strain and a rest is compulsorily instated.
For Bilic though the pressure is mental rather than physical and it is the Manager's role, above all which cannot be rotated. This contains real risks for our season as the Manager's wellbeing and confidence is critical to the wellbeing and confidence of his squad. A jaded Manager will in all likelihood produce a jaded squad.
Bilic's skill, management and passion for West Ham are essential in determining how we will do this season. We need a man who is inspirational and at the top of his game. A man exhausted and strained will not be able to energise his team.
If I was in either Gold or Sullivan's shoes I would be ordering Bilic to a Croatian beach during this International Break. He should be ordered to only turn his hone on Wednesday to OK any last minute transfer deals.
Give the bloke a rest and we should reap the rewards in weeks to come.
We need to look after Bilic, not drive him into the ground.
COYI
David Griffith.
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West Ham's Portuguese forward Domingos Quina is a potential England star
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
29 AUGUST 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United's Europa League campaign this season ended in embarrassing disappointment but there may have been a very significant appearance in the first match the Premier League club played, away to the Slovenians of NK Domzale, at the beginning of August. Domingos Quina. Remember the name. West Ham lost the first leg – but won the tie before ignominiously going out last week to Astra Giurgiu – with Quina making his debut as an 80th-minute substitute. Quina replaced Michail Antonio and, like the versatile winger, who has just been called up into Sam Allardyce's squad, is already on England's radar as a player who could eventually be selected by them. Allardyce and the Football Association are strongly interested in exploring the eligibility of players who could qualify for England through residency and so on. Quina is an exceptional talent, a forward who can play as a No?10, and the former Benfica schoolboy has already represented Portugal at under-17 level, winning the recent European Championship in Azerbaijan with the country where he currently has citizenship having moved there from Guinea Bissau, on the west African coast, where he was born. But it is understood that playing for England may appeal to Quina – and the FA is aware of this – who arrived at West Ham during the summer, agreeing an initial two-year scholarship ahead of signing a professional contract when he turns 17 in November. No fee – and no agent's fee – was paid for Quina with his move a significant coup for West Ham for a highly-promising player who was previously training with Chelsea although he was not registered with their academy. Quina was also wanted by Arsenal and other leading European clubs but chose West Ham over more lucrative offers.
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West Ham captain Mark Noble is unfazed by slow start: There's no need to panic
MARK NOBLE is refusing to press the panic button following West Ham's unimpressive start to the season.
By RICHARD TANNER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Mon, Aug 29, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have lost two of their first three Premier League games and crashed out of the Europa League. But Noble is confident that once their crippling injury list clears up and new loan striker Simona Zaza settles in - normal service will be resumed for Slaven Bilic's side. He said: "We had the same points tally [after three games] last season. We beat Arsenal away and then lost to Bournemouth and Leicester at home. We know we're a good team. "We've played Chelsea away and Manchester City away and won our home game. Are we expected to go to Chelsea and City and win without our best players? I'm not sure. "It's too early to judge us. We'll have a lot of our players back for our next game after the international break against Watford Dimi [Payet] will be able to play. We will look a lot stronger then. "There's no point dwelling on losing to Manchester City away. A lot of teams will go to the Etihad and get beat. When we saw the first three fixtures, we wanted three, maybe four points. We've got three and now we go into our next game at home."
Noble welcomed the arrival of Zaza on loan for the season from Juventus. "Zaza is good business for us," he added. "We signed Andre Ayew, and in the first 20 minutes of the first game he's out for three months. You lose Cresswell in the last game of pre-season, Andy Carroll, Manu away with Argentina, Dimi had a slight thigh problem. So you start off with an uphill struggle, especially when your first game is away to Chelsea who have a new manager, new players. "Also not many teams are going to come to the Etihad and get anything, especially with the way City play. But we won our home game and that's what we need to do. We've got three points on the board which is what we had this time last year." Hammers, who won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last season, looked as if they would suffer a heavily defeat this time when they were 2-0 down after being outplayed by City in the first half. But Noble was encouraged by their battling performance after the break when new England recruit Mikhail Antonio put them back in the game. "We put a fight," said Noble. "We managed to give them a game. After the first 20 minutes, it looked like they were going to walk all over us. That wasn't the case. We had a go in the second half but they were a better team than us on the day. "You've got to be brave and have a go. We did that in the second half and managed to get a goal and had a couple of corners and chances. But in the end the pressure told on us and they got their third goal. "It was a totally different vibe from last year¹s game at the Etihad. I wouldn't say City didn't work hard in last season¹s game of course they did but they've got that extra incentive now and are running around a bit more and looked a lot better team for that."
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Michail Antonio's England call just reward for his hard work - says the man who paid £10,000 to turn him pro
22:30, 29 AUG 2016 UPDATED 23:04, 29 AUG 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The winger has worked his way from Tooting & Mitcham to the cusp of an England debut after being named in Sam Allardyce's first Three Lions' squad
The Mirror
The rise and rise of Michail Antonio: From Tooting to West Ham - Now England
Michail Antonio's England call-up is his reward for years of hard work according to one of the men who helped him on his way to the top - former Three Lions winger Steve Coppell. West Ham wideman Antonio, 26, was the surprise name in new Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce's first England squad. And his journey to the top is another Jamie Vardy-style fairytale from non-league football to international recognition. Antonio started out at Tooting & Mitcham before the manager of the South London side Billy Smith recommended him to his good friend and then Reading boss Steve Coppell. Smith, a renowned manager and talent spotter in the area, had previously alerted Coppell to the likes of non-league gems Ian Wright and Alan Pardew when he was in charge of Crystal Palace. After a successful Tooting & Mitcham trial, a teenage Antonio scored a hat-trick on his first-team debut and never looked back. Just four more first-team appearances later, Reading snapped him up for £10,000. Coppell, now head coach at Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, said: "I went to watch him play probably a couple of times and he did have something different and it was always the difference that appealed to me with non-league players. "It would maybe sound wrong to say it now but there was something refreshingly naïve about him in terms of his attitude, his manner, his ability. "He had good ability, he was obviously very raw at that stage and we just decided to give him an opportunity and see what he could do with it. "He had pace, the ability to beat people and a determination which is still apparent now. "When the ball comes into the box he wants to get on the end of it and he has got an eye for goal. "I could tell he had something that would make him be better, that would progress him but I didn't know how far it would take him. "He had a willingness to learn from day one. He was a very quiet boy in those days. You didn't even know he was in the room but you got the impression that he was watching and learning all the time and since then he has just progressed and progressed. "It has not been an overnight success. He has had to work for everything he has achieved and this is another part of his process. "It wasn't as obvious (he could get to England level) perhaps as it was with Ian Wright. "When we eventually signed Ian Wright I did say to (Palace chairman) Ron Noades 'I know this sounds stupid but he has the ability to play for England.' "It wasn't so obvious with Michail but he had something which set him apart from other players at that level. "I saw it with Stan Collymore as well. Just a spark of originality, something that isn't the norm." Antonio had five different loan spells while at Reading and then made permanent moves to Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest before joining West Ham for £7million last summer. Coppell said: "He has taken a fairly circuitous route (to the top). He has kept knocking away and working at his trade. "That is always good to see. If something is dumped in somebodies lap and they haven't worked for it they don't appreciate it as much as the years work he has put in to get where he is. "And he has worked for it. We perhaps opened the door for him (at Reading) but he has come charging through with all his might and congratulations to him.
"I am delighted with how he has progressed over the years and very pleased that the raw talent we saw in those early years has been transferred into a potential England player. "He is not too conservative in the things he does, he still makes mistakes but again the thing that I have enjoyed seeing is his elevation. "He has got better with the elevation to West Ham and now with the elevation to England it is whether he can raise his game again and go on again because I'm sure he doesn't want to be a one call-up wonder. He will want to make sure he cements himself into the England setup."
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West Ham made £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette, claims Lyon president
WEST HAM lodged a £43m offer for Alexandre Lacazette, according to Lyon's president Michel Aulas.
By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 00:38, Tue, Aug 30, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:50, Tue, Aug 30, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham reportedly made a £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette. The Hammers along with Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for the striker this summer. Lyon have repeatedly insisted the 25-year-old is not for sale. West Ham were thought to have made three bids, the last of which totalled £40m. Arsenal had been tracking his progress too, with Arsene Wenger desperate to plug his forward woes. But according to Lyon president Michel Aulas, West Ham made another bid for Lacazette. He told French broadcaster SFR Sport: "We rejected a bid from West Ham for £43m for Lacazette." Arsenal had been tracking his progress too, with Arsene Wenger at the time desperate to plug his forward woes. The Gunners are set to announce a deal for Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez.
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Ayew to pay Ghana Stars airfare
by Gary Al-Smith 30 August 2016, 05:59
http://www.supersport.com/
The friction between Ghana's sports ministry and Football Association has hit new heights with senior players now having to pay for their own air fares. Ahead of Ghana's last Afcon qualifier on Saturday, Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has told the FA that there will be no money for the team should foreign-based players be invited. He argues that because the team has already booked a place at Gabon 2017, spending so much on flying players from Europe and elsewhere will simply be a huge waste of tax dollars. It is in this light that the team's deputy skipper, Andre "Dede" Ayew, has offered to purchase flight tickets for some of the 21 foreign-based members of Avram Grant's 23-man squad for the home game against Rwanda on September 3.
Sources tell supersport.com that skipper Asamoah Gyan will also cater for some of the players. According to the FA's Deputy General Secretary, Ibrahim Saanie Daara, most of the players are ready to purchase their own tickets but the injured West Ham star has decided to fund the cost for players who are unable to do so. "The truth is that the players themselves in a massive show of patriotism have decided that they want to pay for their own tickets to come for the match," Daara said on Monday. "However, there are some players in the squad who are unable to afford the tickets and for that Andre Ayew has decided that he will pay for them to turn up for the game. "In this very last minute, it is impossible and if we don't honour the match Caf will ban us from the African Cup of Nations and we will be banned from the subsequent Cup of Nations in 2019."
On the minister's part, his stance is clear. "We have not officially communicated anything of the sort to the Ghana Football Association. By telephone communication I have told the Management Committee Chairman who is the vice president of the FA," Vanderpuye told Happy FM in Accra. "Yes, we don't have the money to finance this particular match but we will use the money to cater for the [national female under 17 team] Black Maidens and the national Paralympic team in Brazil."
Ghana's maidens, who are usually under-resourced, are getting ready for the Under 17 Women's World Cup in Jordan. The minister has argued that Grant should field a locally-based team against Rwanda for the chance to give the other national teams the best preparation as well. Vanderpuije also urged the GFA to pay for the tickets of the foreign-based players, although an official of the football governing body told Joy FM that this would not be possible. "The same ministry has borrowed so much money from us to pre-finance previous games and qualifiers," said Winfred Osei Kwaku, Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee. "And because of that we have not been paid, so at the moment we are not in a financial position to do as the minister suggests."
The ongoing friction between the two powerful bodies continues to bring tension into football administration at all levels in Ghana, and influential figures have been calling for a truce.
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West Ham favourites to sign Jack Wilshere, followed by Crystal Palace
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham linked with swoop for Arsenal star. Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is free to leave the club on a loan deal, report SkySports. The Gunners are content to allow the England midfielder to leave the club on a season long loan, after missing nearly the entire 2015/16 campaign with injury. SkyBet have released early odds on where Wilshere will land up, and West Ham are priced as favourites. Wilshere is listed at 4/1 to join the Hammers, with Crystal Palace following at 6/1. Swansea City and Watford are at 8/1, with Southampton at 10/1, and Bournemouth and Everton 12/1. Fortunately for Wilshere, no odds are being offered on the impossible prospect of joining Arsenal's bitter rivals Tottenham. Wilshere, 24, has had a disrupted start to the season after getting injured in pre-season, and was not included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad. The midfielder will be keen to join a club playing at a high level, but one where he can earn an England recall by playing regularly. After their exit last week, West Ham are unable to offer Wilshere Europa League football, but the chance to stay in London could be appealing to the Gunners star, and follow Carl Jenkinson's path - who spent two previous seasons on loan with the Hammers.
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Michail Antonio is exceptional in the air and has a prodigious leap... the Secret Scout looks at new England star
I first watched Michail Antonio when he was at Sheffield Wednesday
Back then he lacked intelligence, and didn't always see the bigger picture
He has progressed quickly since, and has hit the ground running this year
His usefulness is in attacking areas rather than as a wing back
By THE SECRET SCOUT FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 29 August 2016 | UPDATED: 23:48, 29 August 2016
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. Here's his view on England's new call-up. I first saw him at Sheffield Wednesday at a time when other clubs felt he was expendable. Then at Nottingham Forest he was the one player in a poor side who could convert the ball from front to back with speed and change the face of a game. I wasn't sure he had the necessary football 'intelligence' but his power caught the eye. The way he could brush past people was impressive but he didn't always see the bigger picture and his combination play could be lacking. Since then he has progressed quickly. Powerfully built, he is exceptional in the air and has a prodigious leap. Early on at West Ham, people at the club were not sure what they had signed but since being given the chance last season he has hit the ground running. His usefulness is in attacking areas rather than as a wing back or full back as he is not always aware enough of what is happening when possession is lost. England managers often select a 'new' player early on and I think it's wise that Sam Allardyce has chosen training sessions over a friendly this week. It means he can look at Antonio up close and decide if he fits, away from the public and media gaze. There are other players in the squad who have come through the leagues such as Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli so Antonio need not be overawed. Sam will no doubt be attracted to the damage this player's long throw can cause. He has always been good at playing the percentages and this is another example of an experienced manager knowing his mind.
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Michail Antonio has gone from Tooting star to shooting star as he made the journey from non-League to England international
At 14, Michail Antonio could have signed for Tottenham but his mum, Cislyn, told him to focus on school
Spotted by a scout while having a kickabout, Antonio joined Tooting & Mitcham in 2002 as a youth player
Tooting sold him to Reading in 2008 for £25,000 and a 20 per cent sell-on fee
After being told he was moving to the Championship, Antonio bought boxes of chocolates for his coaches
Antonio still returns to Tooting to work with the youth players between seasons
By KIERAN GILL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 29 August 2016 | UPDATED: 02:15, 30 August 2016
Wandsworth in south west London was a playground for Michail Antonio when he was growing up and the local park owner would chase him to get off his grass. For the record, Antonio was never caught. He has not stopped running since — his pace helping him to explode into the England squad. His selection by Sam Allardyce on Sunday came out of the blue and there is no clause in Antonio's contract to say he can expect an international bonus for the call-up — because nobody thought to ask for it. Just like Jamie Vardy, Antonio's story takes him from non-League to big league. And now the versatile defender/midfielder/forward will be rubbing shoulders with Vardy, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and England's other stars. Spotted by a scout while having a kickabout with friends, Antonio joined Tooting & Mitcham in 2002 as a youth player. On Monday his former club faced leaders Corinthian-Casuals away in the Ryman league South (they drew 3-3 in front of a crowd of 212 to consolidate 10th position) while Antonio turned up for the England camp. Currently, their most famous former players are Alex Stepney and Dario Gradi. Take a tour around Tooting's KNK Stadium and there is no sign that the semi-professional side gave Antonio his breakthrough. There are no photographs on the walls of the player who already this season has scored headed goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City, no signed shirts, no caps (yet). Tooting sold him to Reading in 2008 for £25,000 and a 20 per cent sell-on fee — a deal that came about on the basis of a friendship between Alan Pardew and then-Tooting boss Billy Smith. Smith, now 73 and still known as Sir Billy by Tooting staff, phoned Pardew to tell him about Antonio after Arsenal and Chelsea sent scouts to watch the winger. On Pardew's recommendation to his former club, Reading beat them to the transfer and after being told he was to be sold to a Championship club, Antonio celebrated by buying two boxes of chocolates. 'I told Alan about him and that's why they took him there,' Smith told Sportsmail on Monday. 'Alan played for me at Corinthian-Casuals. Michail bought me and my assistant George Wakeling a box of chocolates each because we sold him on. 'That was worth something special. He was not a lot different to what he is now. He was a powerful boy, very quick, and certainly good in the air.' By Antonio's own admission Ian Wright is his idol and the England international with 33 caps was another starlet found by Smith in 1985 after being spotted playing park football. 'Ian Wright was a Jack the Lad and Michail is a gentleman. Put it that way,' said Smith. 'I find Antonio a very quiet lad. I was telling people nearly a year ago that he will play for England. I wish I had put a bet on.' At the age of 14, Antonio could have signed for Tottenham but his mum, Cislyn, told him to concentrate on school. Instead, he stayed at Tooting and went on to score four goals in five appearances while also working as a lifeguard. He later joined them on loan again from Reading and scored six in seven. His love of football stood out at Earlsfield Primary School, where his former headteacher, Steve Trow, said Antonio always had to be the first one out of class and the last one in. 'As a student he really wasn't interested in a lot to be honest,' said Trow. 'It was football, football, football.' To this day, Antonio still calls his former head 'Mr Trow' because 'Steve' doesn't feel right, and respect is something that has stayed with him from non-League to Premier League. 'He still comes down to the club,' Steve Adkins, the owner of Tooting told Sportsmail. 'He comes between seasons to train with a personal trainer. 'We've got a few of his nephews and Michail has always got time to come down and mentor the kids. He respects his roots. 'It isn't just a 15-20 minute job. He stays for hours and makes sure every single group of kids gets some training with him. Then he teaches them his celebrations.' For those he is infamous, from tributes to The Simpsons to the American sitcom The Fresh Prince Air of Bel Air. Now he will be hoping he gets the chance to show them off on the international stage. Vardy became a non-League sensation and is to have a stand named after him by his first side, Stockbridge Park Steels. The same goes for N'Golo Kante at Boulogne. Time will tell if Antonio can get his name up at Tooting.
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Michail Antonio admits he thought it was a joke when he was told about England call-up... before welling up when he realised it was true
Michail Antonio was included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad
Antonio was told the news by the West Ham physio
Winger at first refused to believe the news, thought it was 'good banter'
But after he realised it was true, he admits he 'started welling up'
By JONNY SINGER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:49, 30 August 2016 | UPDATED: 00:50, 30 August 2016
When Michail Antonio was named in Sam Allardyce's first England squad, not everyone could quite believe it - including the player himself. Antonio, whose rise from non-League only saw him play in the top flight for the first time last season, was given the news by a West Ham physio after their defeat by Manchester City, in which he scored. But the winger at first refused to believe the news, assuming that he was the butt of a joke. 'I've done an interview at the end of the game, then I've come in and the physio's come over to me and gone "you've been called up"', Antonio told England's Instagram account. 'I was like: "Haha, funny". He said: 'No, seriously" and I was like "Good banter! Haha!" 'And he's like: "No, no, seriously". So I've looked at him for about 30 seconds, he's looked at me, and I was like "I don't know if I can take you seriously". Once the news had sunk in, however, Antonio became emotional, immediately attempting to call partner to tell her the good news. 'He showed me the piece of paper,' Antonio continued, 'and after that, as soon as I found out that it was serious, then I started welling up, and all I wanted to do was call my missus. 'So I gave my missus a call, obviously she doesn't pick up. And then I just got myself mentally ready and waited for it to come out.' Antonio is now training with England ahead of a possible debut in the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Left-back is enjoying his first few games as a West Ham United player
Masuaku set up Michail Antonio's goal in Sunday's Premier League game at Manchester City
Defender believes returnees will boost the squad after the international break
Arthur Masuaku is enjoying the intensity and competitiveness of England's top flight. The French defender has impressed on his opening three West Ham United appearances at Chelsea and Manchester City and at home to AFC Bournemouth, showing commitment, athleticism and registering his maiden assist at the Etihad Stadium. After winning his maiden home game and twice tasting defeat on the road, the summer signing from Olympiacos expects Slaven Bilic's to return to winning ways against Watford when a number of regulars return from injury after the international break. "It hasn't been an easy start to the season going to Chelsea and Manchester City and we are disappointed not to have qualified for the next round of the Europa League too," said the No26. "We will now focus all of our concentration on the league and the cup and hope to do well in these. "We have quite a few players out injured at the moment, but I think we still need to be able to perform without them. It is always going to be more difficult without them though. "Our objectives remain the same, we go out in every game to win. We will recover during the international break and we will do our best to win our next match."
The former Valenciennes player won back-to-back Greek Super League titles in his two seasons with Olympiacos, where he lost just five league matches in two seasons, and was delighted when West Ham moved to bring him to east London. Having lost out to two of the Premier League's title favourites in his first three appearances, Masuaku could be forgiven for questioning his decision, but instead he is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the best. "I feel great to be playing in the Premier League and to have started well. It has always been one of my goals in football to play in this league. Now I am here, I am working hard and giving my all so that I can play in as many games as possible. "The intensity of games is different in the Premier League. The intensity of games is incredible, we got back to 2-1 against City and I thought we could have got the equaliser. Unfortunately, we lost 3-1 after a late goal. "It is this type of football that I like and it is a pleasure for me to be playing each weekend in games like this."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
With just over 24 hours to go until the transfer window closes for another summer, excitement is growing among football fans up and down the country. West Ham United fans have certainly enjoyed a busy summer of transfer activity with 11 new arrivals including the major capture of Simone Zaza from Juventus over the weekend. I have been told the Italy international is relishing the chance to meet up with his new team-mates this week and will be working hard at the Club's training ground over the international break to get himself fully ready for the next Premier League game against Watford on 10 September. Reports in the media continue to speculate there could be even more incomings at the Hammers before the window closes. My sources have confirmed to me that the Club are still working on trying to sign another right back on loan with an option to buy. It is my understanding that the business for the summer should stop after that, BUT I have been told never say never and the Club will always be open to an exciting late offer. With regards players leaving, it has been made clear to me that that the Club will never talk about individuals. But they are considering letting a fringe attacking player go as they are well stocked in that area with the imminent return of Dimitri Payet and new signing Sofiane Feghouli after the break.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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We All Follow The West Ham!
WHUFC.com
True Blood actor Stephen Moyer is an avid West Ham United fan, despite now being based five-and-a-half thousand miles from east London in Los Angeles. He is currently back in London filming for a new ITV series and cannot wait to see his beloved Hammers in action at London Stadium…
I was born in Brentwood, but my great-grandmother was born on Green Street, so it's been five generations of Hammers in my family. My granddad on the other side was just round the corner too, so it's both sides of the family my whole life. I started going to Upton Park with my old man when I was six, and I'm a Season Ticket Holder for when I'm in England. My son Billy goes with mates when I'm not around in Los Angeles, but I'm very excited because I'm coming over to do a job for ITV for two months from August, so I'll be at the new Stadium for the first two months of games, which is just awesome. I can't wait for it. I'm based in the States, so I was so excited to be able to come down to Cary in North Carolina to watch the team train when they were over on their summer tour. I was filming in Charlotte the night we played Carolina RailHawks, which was two-and-a-half hours away, so I couldn't make it to the match, but I got in contact with Mark Noble and asked him if I could come and watch some training. It was arranged and the chance to be there was amazing for me. It's absolutely ridiculous to think I was at the training session by personal invitation from the skipper Mark Noble! He started following me on Twitter about a year ago. I was already following him, so we direct messaged each other and there I was. I mention West Ham over here whenever I'm asked about them, and I go crazy about it. I find it very difficult to say the word 'soccer' so you spent most of the interviews explaining why it's called football, and why theirs is called football wrongly. I call theirs throwball just to upset them, but I do get some mention in. My character in True Blood was from the 1870s, so he wouldn't have been talking about West Ham – he'd have been a clairvoyant if he had been! But I do aim to get it in there when I can. The coverage here is absolutely fantastic now, because NBC bought the rights to the Premier League. It works out better for people in LA with the time difference, because it's 7am for the 3pm kick-offs and I've got kids, so I'm up with them. The big screen has West Ham playing, and then the computer through NBC Sports has one of the other teams playing and my iPad has another game on. NBC have changed the game over here, and it's getting bigger and bigger in America. In terms of the other well-known fans the Club has out here, I know Russell Brand a little bit, so I've spoken to him in LA and seen some games with him. I think the first West Ham game I went to was in 1976, when we played Aston Villa. If I remember rightly, we lost 4-1. Then, then my son Billy was about six or seven when I took him for the first time in 2008. It was a 3-1 loss against Bolton, so that obviously boded well because both of us saw defeats in our first games! Big Sam always seemed to beat us when he was at Bolton so he obviously knew something. We had such a good season last year to sign off at Upton Park and I'm so excited for where the Club is going. I'm so excited for the Stadium, Super Slav has just galvanised us and made us believe too. More than anything he has made us believe that we can do it, and Mark Noble is such a talisman, such a shaman in the middle there running ten miles per game. His fitness level is just bananas. I think me and a lot of other people felt he should have been in the England midfield this summer. I felt Michail Antonio should have had a go, and Aaron Cresswell should have had a go too. We were quite spoilt up front, but I really felt Antonio flying down that wing would have been a really good addition. The future at West Ham is incredibly exciting and I'm really looking forward to my first games at our new home.
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FT - Coventry City 4-2 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
FT: Coventry City 4-2 West Ham United
FT: And that's it at the Ricoh Arena. The Hammers did themselves proud and fought until the bitter end. Another double for Toni Martinez is a huge positive for Terry Westley's men. It was always going to a tough way to open your Checkatrade Trophy campaign, here at League One side Coventry, but they'll be better for the experience. Onto the next one. Over and out from the west Midlands.
90+1: GOAL! Toni Martinez is on the scoresheet again, volleying home a marvellous volley from the edge of the box! What an effort by the Spaniard!
90: The fourth official indicates there will be four minutes of additional time to be played.
88: Sending off for Coventry! Kelly-Evans is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence after a foul on Marcus Browne.
88: Wycombe Wanderers lead Northampton Town 2-0 away from home in the other Southern Area Group D fixture.
84: Chance for sub Jaanai Gordon! The striker is released by Browne and, being charged down by the keeper, gets a shot away. Burge in goal is on hand to make the stop though, and it remains 4-1.
81: Into the last ten minutes in Coventry, and Spiegel is on hand to deny the hosts again. Jodi Jones takes down a long ball beautifully, but the keeper denies him from close range.
78: Grady Diangana has put in a shift tonight as usual. Off he comes and Jaanai Gordon comes on.
75: And there's a fourth for the hosts. Turnbull gets his second, beating Spiegel to a free-kick and heading home. That looks like it could be game, set and match at the Ricoh Arena.
73: Goal for Coventry. Jordan Willis smashes into an empty net after Spiegel's save falls straight to him inside the six yard box. It was Tudgay's header which forced the initial save.
72: Marcus Tudgay's been around in the Football League - he replaces Lameiras.
70: But the Hammers are doing their best to threaten the hosts, and a terrific Eggleton delivery gives them a chance from a corner. Grady Diangana swins it in and Rice wins the first header, but Martinez can't steer anything towards goal. A chance for West Ham!
69: From an almost identical position to his shot minutes ago, Lameiras lets fly again and Spiegel is again behind it. Coventry are on the front foot here.
65: Alfie Lewis is the next to be replaced as Jake Eggleton comes on at right-back with Noha Sylvestre moving into midfield. Coventry's Marvin Sordell, who has been lively, comes off and Jodi Jones takes to the field.
62: And the Hammers make their first change, with Domingos Quina making way for Joe Powell.
61: Sub for Coventry, as Chris McCann is replaced by Ben Stevenson.
59: Spiegel is again down smartly to deny City, as this time goalscorer Lameiras shoots from outside the edge of the D. Decent save from the Swiss stopper.
57: The attacks have died down somewhat since Coventry took the lead. Tony Mowbray's men look as if they are happy to keep the ball and let West Ham press them at the back. It's going to take a big effort from Terry Westley's men to get back in this. They've got it in them though, that's for sure!
54: Marcus Browne charges down the left-hand-side and dashes into the box, falling after perhaps losing his balance. That's what it looked like from the press box anyway, but referee Keith Strouds decides otherwise and books the forward for simulation.
51: An extremely late challenge from Dion Kelly-Evans on Vash Neufville causes a heated confrontation. The referee puts Kelly-Evans into the book, but Vash receives the same treatment. Harsh on the left-back after a nasty tackle.
48: Goal for Coventry. The ball is worked out to the left hand side of the box and Ruben Lameiras steers home cleverly with the instep of his left foot. The League One side lead.
47: Superb work by Rapha Spiegel! Racing off his line, the keeper dives bravely at the feet of Dan Agyei and pushes the ball to safety.
46: Keith Stroud gets us back underway and the Hammers win an early free-kick. It's taken quickly and the visitors work an opening down the right. It's quickly shut-out and the move restarts from the back.
HT: The two minutes of injury time are played out and it's level at the break. The Hammers took the lead after just over half an hour and will have been disappointed to concede just minutes later, but it's been a solid, impressive performance nonetheless against the League One outfit. Can the youngsters find a way back in front in the second period?
45: McCann hits another long-ranger, and it's well blocked. Corner for City, which Martinez smashes up field for Quina to chase. Half time is approaching.
41: Defended well by West Ham and Spiegel can clear. Both sides would take going into the break level now, I'd imagine.
40: McCann strikes from 20 yards but Spiegel is equal to his effort, tipping it round his post. Corner kick...
38: A frustrating lapse of concentration at the back for the Hammers means it's all square. Martinez worked so hard for that opener, so they'll be keen to make amends and regain the lead.
35: Goal for City. Jordan Turnbull finds some space from a Coventry corner and fires into the top corner, leaving Spiegel with no chance. We're all level at the Ricoh with all to play for.
31: GOALLLL! Get in there! Toni Martinez pokes past the keeper at the second time of asking - he never gave up on that one! A group of loyal Hammers away to our right celebrate with the players and the visitors have the lead!
30: Browne continues to cause Coventry problems and Chris McCann is booked for tugging back the forward's shirt. Great stuff by Browne who recently made his first team debut!
28: Moses Makasi gets a last-ditch toe to the ball to almost poke Martinez in on goal, but City defender Turnbull comes across to make the challenge. The attack looked promising for Terry Westley's men.
24: Coventry might be sitting 22nd currently in League One, but experienced boss Tony Mowbray has a well-drilled side full of EFL know-how. The Hammers are more than just holding their own here, which is impressive.
23: Free-kick for West Ham which Marcus Browne stands over, but his right-footed attempt canons off the wall and is cleared. The Hammers continue to hold their own and look dangerous here at the Ricoh!
21: Decent chance for Toni Martinez, who beats the offside trap to get in behind the City defence, but the hosts scramble back to take the sting out his attempt.
19: Superb block from Vashon Neufville who gets on the line to deny Lameiras with Raphael Spiegel beaten. Excellent work from the returning left-back!
17: A Coventry free-kick on the right is taken by Ryan Haynes, and his square pass finds Marvin Sordell. The former Bolton man can't direct his effort goalwards however, and the Hammers clear the danger.
16: It's goalless here at the Ricoh after a quarter of an hour, and such is the case at Sixfields where Northampton entertain Wycombe Wanderers in the other Southern Group D match in the Checkatrade Trophy.
12: Little threat going forward for either side so far, but the Hammers look determined to keep playing their football against an EFL side.
9: Dan Agyei breaks for City but skipper Declan Rice comes across to make a fantastic interception. Reliable as usual from the 17-year-old!
7: Good early stuff from the Hammers who have so far looked sharper and faster than their League One opponents. Marcus Browne, who has been superb for the PL2 squad this season, is again looking to get on the ball early.
4: Early save from Raphael Spiegel, who dives superbly to his right to deny Coventry's Gael Bigirimana. The midfielder actually faced this Hammers side last week as part of Newcastle United's side!
3: With Tunji Akinola picking up that knock during the warm-up, the Hammers are forced into a slight re-shuffle. Alfie Lewis slots in alongisde Moses Makasi in CM and Noha Sylvestre has gone in to play RB with Alex Pike next to Declan Rice in the centre of defence.
1: We're underway at the Ricoh Arena! The Hammers are wearing their normal Claret and Blue with the hosts in Sky Blue and White this evening. Lewis Page, on loan at City from West Ham, is unable to take part tonight.
7:45pm: The lads are in the tunnel here at the Ricoh ready for kick-off. There has been a late change to the West Ham starting XI, with Alfie Lewis coming in to replace Tunji Akinola. Come on your Irons!
7pm: So, time to have a quick check of this competition's new rules. All Premier League sides entered into this competition must field a total of at least six U21 players in their starting line up (West Ham have ten, while Raphael Spiegel is 23), while Football League teams must include five 'first team' players. Tonight is the first group stage matchday, and points are allocated as league points would be. However, should tonight's match finish as a draw, a penalty shootuout will take place, with the winning side being awarded an extra point. Bring it on!
Coventry City: Burge, Willis, Harries, Turnbull, Kelly-Evans, Haynes, McCann (Stevenson 61), Bigirimana, Lameiras (Tudgay 72), Sordell (Jones 65), Agyei.
Subs not used: Charles-Cook, Finch, Ricketts, Thomas.
Goals: Turnbull 35, Lameiras 48
Bookings: McCann 30, Kelly-Evans 51, 88
Red cards: Kelly-Evans 88
West Ham United: Spiegel, Pike, Lewis (Eggleton 65), Rice, Neufville, Makasi, Sylvestre, Diangana (Gordon 78), Browne, Quina (Powell 62), Martinez.
Subs not used: Hector-Ingram, Trott, Kemp, Akinola.
Goals: Martinez 32, 90+1
Bookings: Lewis 43, Neufville 51, Browne 54
Attendance: 2,091 (98 away)
6:45pm: Good evening! We're at the Ricoh Arena tonight for the Hammers' first ever Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Coventry City. The newly-formatted competition has seen the east Londoners drawn in a group with Northampton and Wycombe Wanderers as well as the Sky Blues, and the midlands is the first destination this evening. Soon, we'll have for you team news, as well as a run-down of this year's rules...
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Accrington tickets start at just £10
WHUFC.com
Tickets are now on sale for West Ham United's first domestic cup tie under the lights at London Stadium.
The Hammers will take on Accrington Stanley of Sky Bet League Two in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday 21 September and you can be there to cheer us on!
Tickets start at just £10 adults and £5 under-16s - again underlining the Club's commitment to affordable family football.
Secure your seat now as the Hammers look to kick off a cup run at their new home.
Purchase your tickets online here, over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* or in person from the Stadium Ticket Office.
Full pricing and sale information is as follows:
1966 seating: £25 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £25 under-16s
Band one: £20 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band two: £20 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band three: £15 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band four: £15 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Band five: £10 adults/under-21s/over-65s, £5 under-16s
Sale dates:
Season Ticket Holders/Bond Holders: On sale now
Claret Members: Tuesday 6 September
General Sale: Thursday 8 September
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The Big Interview - Michail Antonio
WHUFC.com
It has been a memorable 48 hours for Michail Antonio after he received his first call-up to the England squad for the European Championship Qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.
Antonio has been one of the star performers for West Ham United in the opening part of the season and has already scored two goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has been rewarded with a place in Sam Allardyce's first England squad and he is now keen to showcase his talents on the international stage....
How much have you enjoyed linking up with the England squad following your first call-up into the senior squad?
MA: "I've settled in quite well and the boys have taken to me really well. It is just nerve-wracking a little bit because I didn't expect this so early in my Premier League career.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it. It has been very emotional, especially when I found out.
"It has always been a boyhood dream for me to play for England and the opportunity to be called up is breathtaking."
We have seen stories that you thought the England call-up was a wind-up when you first heard the news. How long did it take before you came to terms with the first call-up?
MA: "I did an interview at the end of the game and I came in and the physio went over to me and said 'you've been called up.'
"I said 'Ha, funny'. He said 'No, seriously.' I said 'good banter' but I looked at him for a good 30 seconds and he looked at me.
"I wasn't sure I could take him seriously but he showed me a piece of paper (confirming the call-up) and after that I started welling up inside. All I wanted to do was call my missus. Obviously she didn't pick up!"
Have you had a chance to talk with the new England manager Sam Allardyce about your call-up and what do you hope to achieve this week?
MA: "When I first came and spoke to the gaffer I said I was very grateful for the opportunity, he said 'there is no need to be grateful and that if you look at your stats and what you have done, you deserve to be here'.
"But obviously I'm very grateful and I just believe that I need to make him proud and show everyone out there that I have got the ability and I can do it."
What were those early days like playing non-league football and being a lifeguard at the same time?
MA: "When I was playing non-league I also had to work because you don't earn the same wages that you do playing in the Premier League.
"I was also a lifeguard and had to do an hour a night my community college. It was probably one of the most boring jobs I have ever done in my life and it was so hot!
"I have got 26 nieces and nephews and it is good to show them you can always do anything if you put your mind to it."
Sam Allardyce has already said that he has been very impressed with your background and the fact you have come from non-league and have done well in all the leagues you have played in. How much pride do you take in the football journey you have made?
MA: "To pick someone like me from my background, it is a risk but the gaffer has shown his belief in me and now I have got to show it to the world. One thing I have always believed in is to never give up.
"Always have belief in yourself that you can achieve things. Anything is possible in life. Once I reach one target, I always search for another and I went from non-league to Reading. I kept going out on loan because I wasn't getting much time at Reading.
"Then I went to Sheffield Wednesday and then Nottingham Forest and I managed to get to West Ham, where I always wanted to be - the Premier League. Then I said to myself 'become an international'. Now I've done that, I've got to set myself a new target now.|
What does it feel like to be part of something new under a new England manager?
MA: "It feels great to be in the first squad. I just want to get my head down and hopefully I can get my opportunity on Sunday and show everyone out there what I can do."
Did you watch the European Championship Finals during the summer and what did you make of the tournament?
MA: "I watched the Euros and have always watched England growing up.
"It was very disappointing but we have to focus on the future under a new England manager and picking people on merit. Hopefully we can do well on Sunday."
Can you sense that the players who were involved in the tournament are keen to make up for the disappointment they encountered during the summer?
MA: "It is a fresh start for everyone. It doesn't matter what you have done in the past and the players will go out and work hard.
"The players will want to work their way into the starting line-up."
What do you make so far of Sam Allardyce and what attributes can you bring to the England team?
MA: "I have never played under him but people I have spoken to have said he is very relaxed and hopefully I will get to know him more over the coming years.
"I hope I can keep doing what I have done in the Premier League and take it onto the international level."
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Hammers team up with Thomas Cook Sport
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that sports travel and accommodation specialists Thomas Cook Sport are to become an Official Match Breaks Supplier of the Club.
As part of the agreement Thomas Cook Sport will be offering Match Break packages to the Hammers' truly global fan base, including tickets to matches at the Club's fantastic new home, accommodation and match day programmes.
West Ham United's Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said, "We are delighted to be teaming up with Thomas Cook Sport as we enter such an exciting era for the Club.
"It's fantastic that our fans from all over world will have the opportunity to experience Match Breaks expertly organised by Thomas Cook Sport sampling the famous West Ham United atmosphere in our iconic new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
Rob Slawson, Head of Thomas Cook Sport said: "We're delighted to be working closely with West Ham United on an amazing Match Breaks product. West Ham United are a truly global club and we look forward to creating and offering a special Match Breaks experience for the club's fan base."
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Burke joins Wigan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Reece Burke has joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
Burke only signed a new four-year contract with the Hammers last week, but he was keen to get more first-team football under his belt and is relishing the chance to test himself in the Championship.
The 19-year-old has played a major role in the Hammers pre-season campaign and produced an impressive display when he started the first leg of the Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu in Romania.
But with a number of senior players including Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna battling for a place at the heart of the West Ham defence, Burke wanted the chance to play regular first-team football this season.
The talented central-defender enjoyed a successful loan spell with League One side Bradford City last season and became a fans favourite after winning seven trophies at the end of season awards, which included the Player of the Year.
Burke travelled up to the north west Club this week and looks set to make his debut for Gary Caldwell's side when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on 10 September.
Everyone at the Club wishes Reece the best of luck at Wigan this season.
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MAIL'S RICHARDS RUMOURS RUBBISHED
BY JOE DORAN ON 30 AUGUST 2016 AT 10:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
With 'deadline day' now approaching, the media merry-go-round is starting to gain pace, and with West Ham well known for their last-day activity, yet more links are starting to be drawn between the Irons and 'potential targets'. Today, this manifested itself in a claim by Dominic King of MailSport that West Ham were interested in Championship new-boys Aston Villa's Micah Richards. This link would seem plausible, as West Ham are in dire need of reinforcements at right back, and the former England international would be available at a cut-price. It also seems to fit in with the "Boleyn Insider's" intonation that we will be seeing a new right-sided defender arrive.
However, these rumours have now been categorically quashed by Jack Sullivan, son of owner, David. Though West Ham continue to search for a Right Back, it seems that Richards, who was sub-par by all accounts last season, is not seen as a viable solution.
However, a story that does seem to have legs is one linking the much-maligned Enner Valencia with Swansea. TheWestHamWay.co.uk's own source, ExWhuEmployee, has confirmed for us that Swansea have shown an interest in the Ecuadorian before and that his name featured during negotiations for the transfer of Andre Ayew. It remains to be seen whether a concrete bid will materialise, but it is becoming ever-clearer that the majority of West Ham fans feel that it would be in the best interests of all parties if a deal were to be struck with the South Wales club.
Swansea know they will have to work quickly if they are to secure Valencia, as they reportedly face competition from fellow Premier League outfits in Stoke and West Bromwich Albion, though interest from the aforementioned Aston Villa seems to have ceased in the wake of their fifteen-million-pound deal for Bristol City striker Jonathan Kodjia being confirmed.
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Antonio: just a matter of time
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The chairman of Michail Antonio's former club Tooting and Mitcham United say that it was only "a matter of time" before he made the big time.
The 25-year-old received a call-up to Sam Allardyce's first England squad on Sunday to the delight (and perhaps a little surprise) of everyone involved with West Ham.
And Steve Adkins, chairman of Antonio's former non-league club - for whom he featured between 2003 and 2009 - was delighted to read about the West Ham winger's shock nod.
"It was really clear that he was special when he was a teenager here," Adkins told nonleaguedaily.com. "There were scouts from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal looking at him and we all knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would make it into the professional game.
"There was no ego, he is down-to-earth and even after he went through the professional steps he would come down to the club to do some personal training between seasons. When he helps the kids down here even now he is a natural.
"He is the guy next door and being a professional, with all that he has achieved, he has never changed."
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FA charge for Aguero
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero has been charged with violent conduct by the FA after he elbowed Winston Reid in the neck during last weekend's Premier League clash at The Etihad.
Central defender Reid was forced to retire after receiving the blow, which occurred with City 2-0 ahead. Pep Guardiola's side went on to win the game 3-1.
"Sergio Aguero has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video," read an FA statement.
"The Manchester City forward was involved in an incident with West Ham United's Winston Reid in the 76th minute of the game on Sunday. He has until 6pm on Wednesday 31 August to reply."
Referee Andre Marriner somehow failed to witness the foul despite standing no more than a few feet from where the incident took place.
The referee's failure to dismiss Ageuro was the second time already this season West Ham have had good reason to feel hard done by.
Chelsea's Diego Costa was similarly lucky to remain on the field despite deliberately raking Adrian's shin during the opening game of the season - an offence also withnessed by referee Anthony Taylor, but deemed to be within the scope of the laws of the game.
The FA confirmed that a review of the Aguero and Reid incident will be studied by a panel of "three former elite match officials".
"Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence," added the statement. "For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the
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Reece Burke's on fire, your strikers are terrified
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Central defender Reece Burke has completed a move to Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old defender, who has featured for Slaven Bilic's first team at both centre half and left back already this season cited Athletic manager Gary Caldwell as the main reason for his decision to opt for a move to the DW Stadium.
"There were a few Championship clubs interested in me but I wanted to move here because I believe it is the next step for me in my career," Burke told wiganlatics.co.uk.
"I've met Gary before and he's a great guy, so I am looking forward to getting started.I really liked what he said about the club and his vision for the team.
"I expect the Championship to be faster, quicker and stronger; it'll be another step on from League One, but what I did last year I hope to repeat here."
Burke, who proved to be a huge success whilst on loan at Bradford City last season maintained however that his long-term future remains at the Olympic Stadium with West Ham.
"West Ham want to keep me long-term just in case I do push on now and do well here," he added. "I'm a Wigan player now and I am glad that's sorted for this season.
Burke will team up alongside fellow West Ham Academy star (and friend) Kyle Knoyle and former Irons goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen - plus the now-infamous Wigan striker Will Grieg, who became globally famous during Euro 16 because of this...
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West Ham failed in £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette this summer, insists Lyon chief
Alexandre Lacazette has also been heavily linked with Arsenal this summer
Arsenal had a bid for the France international rejected in July
The 25-year-old striker has earned 10 caps for France during his career
West Ham brought in Simone Zaza on season-long loan from Juventus
Transfer news: All the latest ahead of transfer deadline day
By PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 13:05, 30 August 2016 | UPDATED: 13:45, 30 August 2016
West Ham failed with a bid of over £40m for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer, the French club's president has said. A bid of €50m (£42.7m) was tabled by the Hammers, according to Jean-Michel Aulas. However Lyon refused the offer, Aulas told French broadcaster SFR Sport, just as he announced in July that Arsenal had seen a bid for the France international rejected. Lyon rejected a £42.7m bid made by West Ham for French striker Alexandre Lacazette Aulas said: 'We've refused an offer of €50million from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette. We've even turned down more for him.' Lacazette, 25, has been a consistently productive goalscorer in France's Ligue 1 for the past three years, earning 10 caps for Les Bleus in that time. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic lost Andy Carroll to injury early this season and new signing Andre Ayew joined him on the sidelines after suffering a thigh blow. The club that moved into the London Stadium for the new campaign brought in another forward on Sunday when confirming the arrival of Italy international Simone Zaza on a season-long loan from Juventus.
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West Ham transfer news: Hammers still want Wilfried Bony with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to make way for Manchester City striker
Slaven Bilic eyes another striker after completing Simone Zaza signing at the weekend
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia could still be on their way out of West Ham as the club look to bring in Wilfried Bony on loan from Manchester City. Senegalese international Sakho looked to be going to West Brom in a £16million deal earlier in the summer but failed a medical. West Brom remain desperate to improve their squad, however, and could come back with a cut-price offer before the transfer window closes tomorrow night. Sakho, who put in a transfer request earlier in the close season, is recovering from injury and has yet to figure in any of West Ham's matches although manager Slaven Bilic said: "He is our player and when he is ready, he will be playing for us." West Ham are also willing to listen to offers for Valencia but only if they seal a deal to sign Bony on loan, with Championship clubs Aston Villa and Norwich poised to make late bids for the Ecuadorian international.
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TIME FOR SLAV TO HIT THE BEACH
By Blind Hammer 30 Aug 2016 at 08:00
WTID
After the Man City defeat Blind Hammer thinks Bilic needs a rest.
A feature of West ham's early season form is how tired and unfit the squad looks. This tiredness has extended not only to the players but has also included several recent reports that Slaven Bilic himself has looked exhausted.
I am not surprised. Last season he had to invest an enormous amount of effort into an emotionally demanding last season at Upton Park with all the drama for that this entailed. No sooner had the season finished he was instantly involved in early transfer negotiations for Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli. This started a summer transfer window which has been unusually unsettling with various targets relentlessly coming in and out of the West Ham talent radar.
Just when he could settle down for a relaxing couple of weeks Bilic was called in to provide expert punditry for ITV on the Euros in France. Whilst it might not seem like work sitting in a studio reflecting on football matches, You have to be mentally at the top of your game , aware that every utterance is heard judged and reflected upon by millions of football supporters. I imagine that during these Euro punditry cameos there was just as much adrenaline coursing around his system as there ever was during his playing days.
The Euros were not even finished before Bilic was off leading West Ham into a USA training camp and pre-season friendlies. From the USA he, and the squad, flew straight into another camp in Austria, travelled by a long coach journey to our first competitive Europa game in Croatia, before at last managing to fly back to the UK to prepare for a first match in the completely unfamiliar surroundings of the Olympic Stadium on August 4th.
Those of you who have started a job in a new office probably remember how tiring unfamiliarity can be until an environment becomes normal and predictable. Bilic had a double whammy to cope with though. Not only did he have to adjust to a new stadium but to a completely new Training Complex at Rush Green. It is impossible for outsiders to know conclusively, but annoying teething problems normally arise when any new facility is developed. I think it would be a miracle if using new facilities at the Stadium and the Training Ground did not hit any problems for Bilic and the team. We only have to reflect on the various teething problems we have experienced ourselves as supporters. The Stadium and new Training Ground will definitely help in the long term but Bilic and the team will have to inevitably adjust and settle down.
After the Europa tie at the London Stadium , Bilic had Barely time to draw breath before needing to organise for the Juventus game only three days later. 3 days after that he flew out to Rumania and manage during the Ostrra away Europa tie.
During all these games Bilic was assailed by injuries to key members of his squad, first Lanzini, then Cresswell, then Carroll all bit the dust. It was hardly surprising that both he and the team were already looking jaded by the Premiership opener against Chelsea. Ayew's injury instantly ranked up the pressure on Bilic before Payet also received an immediate injury. Sacko piled the pressure on Bilic with his sulks and lack of commitment to training as this meant that we had no experienced premiership quality strikers at the club.
Now the rigours of a Premiership season allied to cup competition can be countered for players by squad rotation. Some players, Carroll comes to mind, just have bodies which give out under the strain and a rest is compulsorily instated.
For Bilic though the pressure is mental rather than physical and it is the Manager's role, above all which cannot be rotated. This contains real risks for our season as the Manager's wellbeing and confidence is critical to the wellbeing and confidence of his squad. A jaded Manager will in all likelihood produce a jaded squad.
Bilic's skill, management and passion for West Ham are essential in determining how we will do this season. We need a man who is inspirational and at the top of his game. A man exhausted and strained will not be able to energise his team.
If I was in either Gold or Sullivan's shoes I would be ordering Bilic to a Croatian beach during this International Break. He should be ordered to only turn his hone on Wednesday to OK any last minute transfer deals.
Give the bloke a rest and we should reap the rewards in weeks to come.
We need to look after Bilic, not drive him into the ground.
COYI
David Griffith.
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West Ham's Portuguese forward Domingos Quina is a potential England star
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
29 AUGUST 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United's Europa League campaign this season ended in embarrassing disappointment but there may have been a very significant appearance in the first match the Premier League club played, away to the Slovenians of NK Domzale, at the beginning of August. Domingos Quina. Remember the name. West Ham lost the first leg – but won the tie before ignominiously going out last week to Astra Giurgiu – with Quina making his debut as an 80th-minute substitute. Quina replaced Michail Antonio and, like the versatile winger, who has just been called up into Sam Allardyce's squad, is already on England's radar as a player who could eventually be selected by them. Allardyce and the Football Association are strongly interested in exploring the eligibility of players who could qualify for England through residency and so on. Quina is an exceptional talent, a forward who can play as a No?10, and the former Benfica schoolboy has already represented Portugal at under-17 level, winning the recent European Championship in Azerbaijan with the country where he currently has citizenship having moved there from Guinea Bissau, on the west African coast, where he was born. But it is understood that playing for England may appeal to Quina – and the FA is aware of this – who arrived at West Ham during the summer, agreeing an initial two-year scholarship ahead of signing a professional contract when he turns 17 in November. No fee – and no agent's fee – was paid for Quina with his move a significant coup for West Ham for a highly-promising player who was previously training with Chelsea although he was not registered with their academy. Quina was also wanted by Arsenal and other leading European clubs but chose West Ham over more lucrative offers.
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West Ham captain Mark Noble is unfazed by slow start: There's no need to panic
MARK NOBLE is refusing to press the panic button following West Ham's unimpressive start to the season.
By RICHARD TANNER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Mon, Aug 29, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have lost two of their first three Premier League games and crashed out of the Europa League. But Noble is confident that once their crippling injury list clears up and new loan striker Simona Zaza settles in - normal service will be resumed for Slaven Bilic's side. He said: "We had the same points tally [after three games] last season. We beat Arsenal away and then lost to Bournemouth and Leicester at home. We know we're a good team. "We've played Chelsea away and Manchester City away and won our home game. Are we expected to go to Chelsea and City and win without our best players? I'm not sure. "It's too early to judge us. We'll have a lot of our players back for our next game after the international break against Watford Dimi [Payet] will be able to play. We will look a lot stronger then. "There's no point dwelling on losing to Manchester City away. A lot of teams will go to the Etihad and get beat. When we saw the first three fixtures, we wanted three, maybe four points. We've got three and now we go into our next game at home."
Noble welcomed the arrival of Zaza on loan for the season from Juventus. "Zaza is good business for us," he added. "We signed Andre Ayew, and in the first 20 minutes of the first game he's out for three months. You lose Cresswell in the last game of pre-season, Andy Carroll, Manu away with Argentina, Dimi had a slight thigh problem. So you start off with an uphill struggle, especially when your first game is away to Chelsea who have a new manager, new players. "Also not many teams are going to come to the Etihad and get anything, especially with the way City play. But we won our home game and that's what we need to do. We've got three points on the board which is what we had this time last year." Hammers, who won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last season, looked as if they would suffer a heavily defeat this time when they were 2-0 down after being outplayed by City in the first half. But Noble was encouraged by their battling performance after the break when new England recruit Mikhail Antonio put them back in the game. "We put a fight," said Noble. "We managed to give them a game. After the first 20 minutes, it looked like they were going to walk all over us. That wasn't the case. We had a go in the second half but they were a better team than us on the day. "You've got to be brave and have a go. We did that in the second half and managed to get a goal and had a couple of corners and chances. But in the end the pressure told on us and they got their third goal. "It was a totally different vibe from last year¹s game at the Etihad. I wouldn't say City didn't work hard in last season¹s game of course they did but they've got that extra incentive now and are running around a bit more and looked a lot better team for that."
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Michail Antonio's England call just reward for his hard work - says the man who paid £10,000 to turn him pro
22:30, 29 AUG 2016 UPDATED 23:04, 29 AUG 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The winger has worked his way from Tooting & Mitcham to the cusp of an England debut after being named in Sam Allardyce's first Three Lions' squad
The Mirror
The rise and rise of Michail Antonio: From Tooting to West Ham - Now England
Michail Antonio's England call-up is his reward for years of hard work according to one of the men who helped him on his way to the top - former Three Lions winger Steve Coppell. West Ham wideman Antonio, 26, was the surprise name in new Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce's first England squad. And his journey to the top is another Jamie Vardy-style fairytale from non-league football to international recognition. Antonio started out at Tooting & Mitcham before the manager of the South London side Billy Smith recommended him to his good friend and then Reading boss Steve Coppell. Smith, a renowned manager and talent spotter in the area, had previously alerted Coppell to the likes of non-league gems Ian Wright and Alan Pardew when he was in charge of Crystal Palace. After a successful Tooting & Mitcham trial, a teenage Antonio scored a hat-trick on his first-team debut and never looked back. Just four more first-team appearances later, Reading snapped him up for £10,000. Coppell, now head coach at Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, said: "I went to watch him play probably a couple of times and he did have something different and it was always the difference that appealed to me with non-league players. "It would maybe sound wrong to say it now but there was something refreshingly naïve about him in terms of his attitude, his manner, his ability. "He had good ability, he was obviously very raw at that stage and we just decided to give him an opportunity and see what he could do with it. "He had pace, the ability to beat people and a determination which is still apparent now. "When the ball comes into the box he wants to get on the end of it and he has got an eye for goal. "I could tell he had something that would make him be better, that would progress him but I didn't know how far it would take him. "He had a willingness to learn from day one. He was a very quiet boy in those days. You didn't even know he was in the room but you got the impression that he was watching and learning all the time and since then he has just progressed and progressed. "It has not been an overnight success. He has had to work for everything he has achieved and this is another part of his process. "It wasn't as obvious (he could get to England level) perhaps as it was with Ian Wright. "When we eventually signed Ian Wright I did say to (Palace chairman) Ron Noades 'I know this sounds stupid but he has the ability to play for England.' "It wasn't so obvious with Michail but he had something which set him apart from other players at that level. "I saw it with Stan Collymore as well. Just a spark of originality, something that isn't the norm." Antonio had five different loan spells while at Reading and then made permanent moves to Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest before joining West Ham for £7million last summer. Coppell said: "He has taken a fairly circuitous route (to the top). He has kept knocking away and working at his trade. "That is always good to see. If something is dumped in somebodies lap and they haven't worked for it they don't appreciate it as much as the years work he has put in to get where he is. "And he has worked for it. We perhaps opened the door for him (at Reading) but he has come charging through with all his might and congratulations to him.
"I am delighted with how he has progressed over the years and very pleased that the raw talent we saw in those early years has been transferred into a potential England player. "He is not too conservative in the things he does, he still makes mistakes but again the thing that I have enjoyed seeing is his elevation. "He has got better with the elevation to West Ham and now with the elevation to England it is whether he can raise his game again and go on again because I'm sure he doesn't want to be a one call-up wonder. He will want to make sure he cements himself into the England setup."
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West Ham made £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette, claims Lyon president
WEST HAM lodged a £43m offer for Alexandre Lacazette, according to Lyon's president Michel Aulas.
By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 00:38, Tue, Aug 30, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:50, Tue, Aug 30, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham reportedly made a £43m bid for Alexandre Lacazette. The Hammers along with Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for the striker this summer. Lyon have repeatedly insisted the 25-year-old is not for sale. West Ham were thought to have made three bids, the last of which totalled £40m. Arsenal had been tracking his progress too, with Arsene Wenger desperate to plug his forward woes. But according to Lyon president Michel Aulas, West Ham made another bid for Lacazette. He told French broadcaster SFR Sport: "We rejected a bid from West Ham for £43m for Lacazette." Arsenal had been tracking his progress too, with Arsene Wenger at the time desperate to plug his forward woes. The Gunners are set to announce a deal for Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez.
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Ayew to pay Ghana Stars airfare
by Gary Al-Smith 30 August 2016, 05:59
http://www.supersport.com/
The friction between Ghana's sports ministry and Football Association has hit new heights with senior players now having to pay for their own air fares. Ahead of Ghana's last Afcon qualifier on Saturday, Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has told the FA that there will be no money for the team should foreign-based players be invited. He argues that because the team has already booked a place at Gabon 2017, spending so much on flying players from Europe and elsewhere will simply be a huge waste of tax dollars. It is in this light that the team's deputy skipper, Andre "Dede" Ayew, has offered to purchase flight tickets for some of the 21 foreign-based members of Avram Grant's 23-man squad for the home game against Rwanda on September 3.
Sources tell supersport.com that skipper Asamoah Gyan will also cater for some of the players. According to the FA's Deputy General Secretary, Ibrahim Saanie Daara, most of the players are ready to purchase their own tickets but the injured West Ham star has decided to fund the cost for players who are unable to do so. "The truth is that the players themselves in a massive show of patriotism have decided that they want to pay for their own tickets to come for the match," Daara said on Monday. "However, there are some players in the squad who are unable to afford the tickets and for that Andre Ayew has decided that he will pay for them to turn up for the game. "In this very last minute, it is impossible and if we don't honour the match Caf will ban us from the African Cup of Nations and we will be banned from the subsequent Cup of Nations in 2019."
On the minister's part, his stance is clear. "We have not officially communicated anything of the sort to the Ghana Football Association. By telephone communication I have told the Management Committee Chairman who is the vice president of the FA," Vanderpuye told Happy FM in Accra. "Yes, we don't have the money to finance this particular match but we will use the money to cater for the [national female under 17 team] Black Maidens and the national Paralympic team in Brazil."
Ghana's maidens, who are usually under-resourced, are getting ready for the Under 17 Women's World Cup in Jordan. The minister has argued that Grant should field a locally-based team against Rwanda for the chance to give the other national teams the best preparation as well. Vanderpuije also urged the GFA to pay for the tickets of the foreign-based players, although an official of the football governing body told Joy FM that this would not be possible. "The same ministry has borrowed so much money from us to pre-finance previous games and qualifiers," said Winfred Osei Kwaku, Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee. "And because of that we have not been paid, so at the moment we are not in a financial position to do as the minister suggests."
The ongoing friction between the two powerful bodies continues to bring tension into football administration at all levels in Ghana, and influential figures have been calling for a truce.
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West Ham favourites to sign Jack Wilshere, followed by Crystal Palace
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham linked with swoop for Arsenal star. Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is free to leave the club on a loan deal, report SkySports. The Gunners are content to allow the England midfielder to leave the club on a season long loan, after missing nearly the entire 2015/16 campaign with injury. SkyBet have released early odds on where Wilshere will land up, and West Ham are priced as favourites. Wilshere is listed at 4/1 to join the Hammers, with Crystal Palace following at 6/1. Swansea City and Watford are at 8/1, with Southampton at 10/1, and Bournemouth and Everton 12/1. Fortunately for Wilshere, no odds are being offered on the impossible prospect of joining Arsenal's bitter rivals Tottenham. Wilshere, 24, has had a disrupted start to the season after getting injured in pre-season, and was not included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad. The midfielder will be keen to join a club playing at a high level, but one where he can earn an England recall by playing regularly. After their exit last week, West Ham are unable to offer Wilshere Europa League football, but the chance to stay in London could be appealing to the Gunners star, and follow Carl Jenkinson's path - who spent two previous seasons on loan with the Hammers.
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Michail Antonio is exceptional in the air and has a prodigious leap... the Secret Scout looks at new England star
I first watched Michail Antonio when he was at Sheffield Wednesday
Back then he lacked intelligence, and didn't always see the bigger picture
He has progressed quickly since, and has hit the ground running this year
His usefulness is in attacking areas rather than as a wing back
By THE SECRET SCOUT FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 29 August 2016 | UPDATED: 23:48, 29 August 2016
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. Here's his view on England's new call-up. I first saw him at Sheffield Wednesday at a time when other clubs felt he was expendable. Then at Nottingham Forest he was the one player in a poor side who could convert the ball from front to back with speed and change the face of a game. I wasn't sure he had the necessary football 'intelligence' but his power caught the eye. The way he could brush past people was impressive but he didn't always see the bigger picture and his combination play could be lacking. Since then he has progressed quickly. Powerfully built, he is exceptional in the air and has a prodigious leap. Early on at West Ham, people at the club were not sure what they had signed but since being given the chance last season he has hit the ground running. His usefulness is in attacking areas rather than as a wing back or full back as he is not always aware enough of what is happening when possession is lost. England managers often select a 'new' player early on and I think it's wise that Sam Allardyce has chosen training sessions over a friendly this week. It means he can look at Antonio up close and decide if he fits, away from the public and media gaze. There are other players in the squad who have come through the leagues such as Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli so Antonio need not be overawed. Sam will no doubt be attracted to the damage this player's long throw can cause. He has always been good at playing the percentages and this is another example of an experienced manager knowing his mind.
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Michail Antonio has gone from Tooting star to shooting star as he made the journey from non-League to England international
At 14, Michail Antonio could have signed for Tottenham but his mum, Cislyn, told him to focus on school
Spotted by a scout while having a kickabout, Antonio joined Tooting & Mitcham in 2002 as a youth player
Tooting sold him to Reading in 2008 for £25,000 and a 20 per cent sell-on fee
After being told he was moving to the Championship, Antonio bought boxes of chocolates for his coaches
Antonio still returns to Tooting to work with the youth players between seasons
By KIERAN GILL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 29 August 2016 | UPDATED: 02:15, 30 August 2016
Wandsworth in south west London was a playground for Michail Antonio when he was growing up and the local park owner would chase him to get off his grass. For the record, Antonio was never caught. He has not stopped running since — his pace helping him to explode into the England squad. His selection by Sam Allardyce on Sunday came out of the blue and there is no clause in Antonio's contract to say he can expect an international bonus for the call-up — because nobody thought to ask for it. Just like Jamie Vardy, Antonio's story takes him from non-League to big league. And now the versatile defender/midfielder/forward will be rubbing shoulders with Vardy, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and England's other stars. Spotted by a scout while having a kickabout with friends, Antonio joined Tooting & Mitcham in 2002 as a youth player. On Monday his former club faced leaders Corinthian-Casuals away in the Ryman league South (they drew 3-3 in front of a crowd of 212 to consolidate 10th position) while Antonio turned up for the England camp. Currently, their most famous former players are Alex Stepney and Dario Gradi. Take a tour around Tooting's KNK Stadium and there is no sign that the semi-professional side gave Antonio his breakthrough. There are no photographs on the walls of the player who already this season has scored headed goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City, no signed shirts, no caps (yet). Tooting sold him to Reading in 2008 for £25,000 and a 20 per cent sell-on fee — a deal that came about on the basis of a friendship between Alan Pardew and then-Tooting boss Billy Smith. Smith, now 73 and still known as Sir Billy by Tooting staff, phoned Pardew to tell him about Antonio after Arsenal and Chelsea sent scouts to watch the winger. On Pardew's recommendation to his former club, Reading beat them to the transfer and after being told he was to be sold to a Championship club, Antonio celebrated by buying two boxes of chocolates. 'I told Alan about him and that's why they took him there,' Smith told Sportsmail on Monday. 'Alan played for me at Corinthian-Casuals. Michail bought me and my assistant George Wakeling a box of chocolates each because we sold him on. 'That was worth something special. He was not a lot different to what he is now. He was a powerful boy, very quick, and certainly good in the air.' By Antonio's own admission Ian Wright is his idol and the England international with 33 caps was another starlet found by Smith in 1985 after being spotted playing park football. 'Ian Wright was a Jack the Lad and Michail is a gentleman. Put it that way,' said Smith. 'I find Antonio a very quiet lad. I was telling people nearly a year ago that he will play for England. I wish I had put a bet on.' At the age of 14, Antonio could have signed for Tottenham but his mum, Cislyn, told him to concentrate on school. Instead, he stayed at Tooting and went on to score four goals in five appearances while also working as a lifeguard. He later joined them on loan again from Reading and scored six in seven. His love of football stood out at Earlsfield Primary School, where his former headteacher, Steve Trow, said Antonio always had to be the first one out of class and the last one in. 'As a student he really wasn't interested in a lot to be honest,' said Trow. 'It was football, football, football.' To this day, Antonio still calls his former head 'Mr Trow' because 'Steve' doesn't feel right, and respect is something that has stayed with him from non-League to Premier League. 'He still comes down to the club,' Steve Adkins, the owner of Tooting told Sportsmail. 'He comes between seasons to train with a personal trainer. 'We've got a few of his nephews and Michail has always got time to come down and mentor the kids. He respects his roots. 'It isn't just a 15-20 minute job. He stays for hours and makes sure every single group of kids gets some training with him. Then he teaches them his celebrations.' For those he is infamous, from tributes to The Simpsons to the American sitcom The Fresh Prince Air of Bel Air. Now he will be hoping he gets the chance to show them off on the international stage. Vardy became a non-League sensation and is to have a stand named after him by his first side, Stockbridge Park Steels. The same goes for N'Golo Kante at Boulogne. Time will tell if Antonio can get his name up at Tooting.
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Michail Antonio admits he thought it was a joke when he was told about England call-up... before welling up when he realised it was true
Michail Antonio was included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad
Antonio was told the news by the West Ham physio
Winger at first refused to believe the news, thought it was 'good banter'
But after he realised it was true, he admits he 'started welling up'
By JONNY SINGER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:49, 30 August 2016 | UPDATED: 00:50, 30 August 2016
When Michail Antonio was named in Sam Allardyce's first England squad, not everyone could quite believe it - including the player himself. Antonio, whose rise from non-League only saw him play in the top flight for the first time last season, was given the news by a West Ham physio after their defeat by Manchester City, in which he scored. But the winger at first refused to believe the news, assuming that he was the butt of a joke. 'I've done an interview at the end of the game, then I've come in and the physio's come over to me and gone "you've been called up"', Antonio told England's Instagram account. 'I was like: "Haha, funny". He said: 'No, seriously" and I was like "Good banter! Haha!" 'And he's like: "No, no, seriously". So I've looked at him for about 30 seconds, he's looked at me, and I was like "I don't know if I can take you seriously". Once the news had sunk in, however, Antonio became emotional, immediately attempting to call partner to tell her the good news. 'He showed me the piece of paper,' Antonio continued, 'and after that, as soon as I found out that it was serious, then I started welling up, and all I wanted to do was call my missus. 'So I gave my missus a call, obviously she doesn't pick up. And then I just got myself mentally ready and waited for it to come out.' Antonio is now training with England ahead of a possible debut in the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.
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