The Big Interview - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli suffered a frustrating start to his career at West Ham United after he picked up a hamstring injury during the Betway Cup against Juventus. But the Algeria international has now made a full recovery and is ready to kickstart his career in east London and help the Hammers move away from the bottom three....
Sofiane, how disappointed you were with the result against Southampton on Sunday and how confident are you that the Club can turn things around?
SF: "We are discussing the reasons for our start to the season in the dressing room. We have suffered due to a series of injuries to some key players. That alone has caused us some issues at the start of the season. "We also had quite a few games in a short period due to the Europa League and so physically we struggled a bit. Slowly but surely, physically we are getting back to fitness. I know personally that I need time on the pitch to improve my own match fitness and to get back my rhythm. "I am sure that in the coming weeks as we get some of our players back to fitness, we will start to perform better as a team."
How important is this next period of games for the Club starting with the Middlesbrough game on Sunday?
SF: "Our objective is to win every match and by doing so, we can start to improve our league position. "We have quality in this squad, but it is down to us to improve and to take the responsibility on our shoulders. "We need to focus on the games one by one and that begins in our match against Middlesbrough. After that, we can start to look at the next game."
You will be coming up some familiar faces on Saturday having played with Alvaro Negredo and Antonio Barragan during your time in Valencia. How would you describe them as players?
SF: "Alvaro is a true striker. He has a cool head in front of goal and can cause teams real problems. "Antonio is a defender who loves to get forward and he is very effective on the wing creating danger each and every time he pushes on. "Both Alvaro and Antonio are great guys with brilliant characters and are an asset in the dressing room because they both create a positive atmosphere."
You have now played in front of the West Ham fans in the Premier League. How would you describe the atmosphere at London Stadium?
SF: "It is really exciting for us to play in front of so many fans at home. We hope that they can continue to support us and push us on throughout the ninety minutes so that we can start winning games at home. "We will be doing everything we can to make them happy and we need to get a win to improve the confidence of the squad and to help us to start climbing the table."
It's been a couple of months since you joined the Club, how are you settling into life here in the Premier League?
SF: "I am really happy to be in England and playing for West Ham. Playing in a new league, in a new country and with a new way of life is an incredibly rewarding experience and one that I am enjoying. "After six years in Spain with Valencia, I am pleased with how things are going at the Club. "It was obviously annoying to have picked up an injury so early on in my career with West Ham, preventing me from starting the season as I would have liked to. "I am getting back my form and hopefully, in the next couple of weeks and with some game time, I can get back to feeling 100 per cent."
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YouTuber to millions
WHUFC.com
YouTube personality and gamer Behzinga is a huge West Ham fan who features the club regularly in his online videos...
For a guy who has more than two million YouTube subscribers, you wouldn't think gaining one extra Twitter follower would be a big deal. That wasn't the case for 21-year-old YouTuber Behzinga, however, when he was followed by West Ham United's official account. "When they followed me on Twitter, I was absolutely buzzing for a few weeks!" claimed the Hammers supporter, who himself is followed by fans online from all over the world. "I was showing everyone, going around saying 'West Ham have followed me!' It's the stuff of dreams, your team following you and being able to ask you to get involved with their work in some way, the team you've grown up following."
Sidemen
Behzinga – or Ethan Payne to his family – has been YouTubing for just over four years, and is a member of the popular group on the video platform, Sidemen. He often produces videos from his time watching the Hammers and many of his fans online are also of Claret and Blue persuasion. But despite being one of the biggest YouTube names, Behzinga doesn't feel the heat or pressure of his two million subscribers. "Of course I'm stunned with how quickly things have happened for me, but I simply just share my experiences for other people to enjoy and experience with me. For perhaps that older generation not familiar with YouTube, that's simply what we do. "It's been about three years since I've properly been regularly producing videos and you go to events now with thousands of people there coming to see you and sure, you do have to pinch yourself every now and again. "But like a lot of YouTubers, I've come down a route and things have just snowballed since. In my final few years at school, I started up and kept it a secret at first, otherwise you got rinsed for it! "There were a few other people in school in the year below who got rinsed, so I kept things quiet, watched a lot of other guys on there and things just grew and grew. I started with gaming and things like Call of Duty and FIFA and now I'm here!"
Skills
Although Behzinga is extremely humble about his route into YouTubing and the skills required, he explained certain things are necessary to succeed online. He said: "You need creativity. That's a massive thing for sure, being able to think of different ideas and put your own twist on things. It's not about who does things first on YouTube, but who executes it right.
"It's about taking ideas, playing with them and making them yours and doing your own thing. You need motivation in general, too. I'm driven by success so ultimately, if I do something online that is really successful, I want to do it again. "You should never try to do things that you don't like just to jump on a trend. Jumping on trends is good, but do it in your own way and don't force anything."
While Behzinga's own channel has over 2,000,000 subscribers, his group Sidemen has just over half of the 21-year-old's personal total. Despite their popularity, the Bethnal Green-born YouTuber explained how simple the formation of the group was. "It is literally a group of mates that play games – that's what we are. There were four or five of us that all knew each other from school and watching each other's stuff and we thought 'Why not make a group out of this?' "It's just great fun and good to watch. We've picked up a few on the way and it just is a group of mates playing some games and having a laugh. "We've got different types of humour and different personalities in the group and I think that's why it works so well. We can all take a joke. You should never take yourself too seriously, and we certainly don't!"
Committed Hammer
Something Behzinga is serious about, committed to, however, is watching West Ham United. The online star has been a Hammers supporter since he was young and recalled some of his very best memories following the Irons. "I've literally known nothing else than to be a West Ham fan," he continued. "My Dad used to work in London and his manager knew Bobby Zamora who used to get us loads of tickets for the youth club. I used to go down with all the boys and was lucky enough to get to quite a few games. "I used to sit in the Bobby Moore Lower next to all the away fans and when I was younger, I would get tickets whenever I could at the Boleyn Ground. "There have been some ups and downs supporting the Club. My favourite memory – which people might slam me for! – is going to the FA Cup final against Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium. "It was such a phenomenal game which was ultimately heartbreaking when you think back on it, but seeing us in an FA Cup final and almost winning was incredible. It was such a great day and if it wasn't for Steven Gerrard, we would have won."
Like many Hammers who experienced the incredible last season at the Club's old Boleyn Ground, Behzinga also looks back on the first campaign under current manager Slaven Bilic with fondness. "The Liverpool replay in the cup last season was amazing – I remember running up and down my aisle going mad. I was also there for the last game at the Boleyn Ground. I cried like a baby! "I've never been to a game and just sat and soaked up the atmosphere. I don't think I'll ever experience an atmosphere like that again. You really felt it. It gave me goosebumps. It was all over you. To beat United 3-2 to complete it – it was crazy. That tops all the memories I think. The memory of the atmosphere makes me tingle now, still."
FIFA Gamer
As a keen FIFA player online and in his videos, Behzinga got the opportunity to give the new EA Sports game a test drive recently ahead of its official release, and he revealed playing with the Hammers in the game is incredible. "Michail Antonio is an absolute beast on the new FIFA 17. He's a baller! His overall rating of 76 does not reflect his quality. He's better than that! "Michail is incredible and one of my favourite players to play with on the new game, and Dimitri Payet, predictably, is a different beast. I love to play with the whole West Ham team, to be honest. "Also, the Stadium looks incredible in the game. It's great to play there on it. I love doing gaming videos because everyone's intrigued to see what other people are getting up to on the games. I'll make sure West Ham are involved regularly!"
To check out Behzinga's latest videos online, head to his YouTube channel.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell is in training with the Under-23 squad
Arthur Masuaku to undergo surgery to repair fracture in his hand
Andre Ayew ready for the next stage in his rehab for thigh injury
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody.
We have positive news of Aaron Cresswell, Andre Ayew, Diafra Sakho and an update on Arthur Masuaku in this week's From the Treatment Room.
First, Aaron trained very well with the Under-23s on Wednesday. The Academy kindly put on a very hard session, which Aaron took part in under the supervision of Eamon Swift, our rehab-fitness coach. He will take part in another training session with the Under-23s on Friday and join the first team next week.
Arthur unfortunately was injured in the EFL Cup tie with Accrington Stanley, suffering a medial ligament injury in his left knee. He is now wearing a brace, which he will be in for the next two weeks before being reassessed and taking the next stage in his rehab. We started exercises with him at Rush Green on Wednesday.
Arthur also suffered a small fracture in his hand, which occurred in the West Bromwich Albion match. He played through the injury in that game, and the EFL Cup tie, but we will now undergo a small fixation operation on Thursday.
Andre returned to France as planned to continue his rehab. He will return to Rush Green at the weekend. He has been working very hard on the pitch and is ready for the next stage in the rehab, introducing the ball, passing, kicking and faster running. Andre will continue working on improving his fitness levels for the next few weeks before he will join controlled introduction sessions with the Under-23s.
Diafra is progressing well after a week on the training pitch running and working with the ball. He has to build up a lot of fitness after three months out, but the encouraging thing is that he has had no adverse reaction in his back to the hard work he has been putting in. Diafra is working very hard and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Havard Nordtveit had a small medical procedure at Spire Roding Hospital on Wednesday and will be unavailable for one week. He will return to training in the middle of next week.
Finally, Andy Carroll is continuing his rehab.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Simply Slaven
WHUFC.com
These have been testing times for Slaven Bilic and his players in recent weeks, but in an exclusive interview the West Ham manager insists they are doing everything to put things right and are remaining positive as they look to turn the season around.
With five defeats from the opening six Premier League games, the Hammers manager knows the importance of getting back on the winning trail when they face Middlesbrough at London Stadium on Saturday.
Bilic and his players have been working even harder on the training pitch to address the situation and the players have spent more time together as they look to re-produce the form which saw them enjoy a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers boss has no doubts there is enough quality in the team to move away from the bottom three and hopes to see a big improvement on Saturday.
Bilic said: "The start was not the one we were expecting considering the great season we had last year and the move into the new Stadium.
"Things are not going well for us on the pitch, but we are positive and are working hard in training to put things right.
"We have had four defeats which we are not used to, but we have done lots of analysing, hard training, hard work and the atmosphere is good.
"It is not flat and we are very positive in the training sessions but we have to produce that during games and start winning games and that will bring the situation back to what it was last season.
"No-body can change it apart from us, starting with me. I am the manager and it is my team. It is the team that made us all proud last season. We have to change the situation.
"We cannot wait for it to change and have to act. We need to dig in harder and believe in ourselves."
Bilic has nothing but praise for the support that West Ham fans show towards the team and has called for them more than ever to get behind the side.
Bilic added: "This is the moment when we need them. We feel the fans support and all that I ask from them is that they stay behind us.
"It is a big part for us to feel good at home. We want the fans to see their team winning and go home happy. It is the same with the players.
"This is a new ground and different to the one we played in but we have to make it our home."
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Nolan - It's time to stand up and be counted
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan made 157 appearances for the Club, scoring 31 goals, between 2011 and 2015...
Looking from the outside, it has been a difficult start to the season for the Hammers. The injuries have not helped and I have sympathy with Slaven and the lads in that regard, but it is now up to the players on the pitch to stand up and be counted.
It is very early in the season and that's a positive, but it's got to change sooner rather than later because if you don't get points on the board early, then you start to fall behind.
Even if you are only three points behind later in the season, say, you are thinking that one win gets you back level, but then you lose and they win and all of a sudden the gap is six points and a lot harder to close.
After the season the lads had last year, it was always going to be more difficult this year, for a few reasons.
First, they have left the Boleyn Ground for London Stadium, and it always takes time to adjust. I was at the new ground recently working with Football Focus and it is fantastic for the players – all the facilities are brand new and they don't want for anything, but it still takes time to get used to and get comfortable in your new surroundings.
For the players, they have got to forget about everything going on around them and just concentrate on what is happening on that bit of green grass they play on every week, because that variable doesn't change, and nobody else can effect what happens there.
In the dressing room, too, the players have got to take responsibility. This is a time when the big characters need to stand up and inspire themselves and their teammates. We have got plenty of big characters at the Club like Nobes, Ginge, Andy, Cheikhou and Adrian, from those I played with, and they need to let the whole squad know that the players are the only ones who can get themselves out of the current situation.
While that is the case, the atmosphere can really help. I know from my four years at the Club what a powerful force the fans can be and, at times like these, you really need everyone behind you, giving you confidence and belief in what you are doing.
I am fully expecting West Ham to turn things around by the end of the season, but for that to happen, the players cannot be allowed to go and sit in corners and feel sorry for themselves.
As a captain, when performances are not great, people look to you from inside and outside the dressing room for confidence and belief. I know Nobes and he has the drive and the ability to lead the team out of this.
He is a fan, as well as the captain, and he will be hurting as much as anyone, as he said in his interview after the Southampton game.
He now has to focus on how he led the team through their difficult period before Christmas last season, when the squad was without a lot of injured players, but managed to come through that period unbeaten. Nobes has got big and broad enough shoulders and he will lead by example.
The Middlesbrough game this weekend has a certain type of pressure attached to it.
At the start of the season, it would have been one that West Ham would have targeted three points from, and that is still the case, but they will come to London believing they can turn us over.
They've got some good players, like Stewie Downing who we all know well from his time here, and it will be a tough game, as they all are in the Premier League.
The London Stadium is inspiring visiting clubs, whose players will remember it from the London 2012 Olympic Games, but West Ham need to see this game as an opportunity to win and kick-start their season. I certainly hope the lads can do just that.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United.
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Ballot open for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ballot for our Premier League home game against Sunderland on Saturday 22 October is now open.
With all tickets for the opening games against Bournemouth, Watford, Southampton and Middlesbrough having been allocated in the Members' ballot, signing up gives you the best chance to watch the Hammers in action at London Stadium this season
Become a Claret Member here
To enter the ballot for Sunderland, simply head to eticketing.co.uk/whufc, log in to your Ticketmaster account, select the fixture and add to basket.
The ballot is open now and will close on Sunday 9 October. Successful applicants will be notified by email by Monday 10 October
The Club is keen to ensure that Claret Members can sit alongside friends and family for this unmissable fixture, and so fans wishing to apply with other members should include all client reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated together.
By becoming a Member today, supporters not only ensure access to the ballot, but will be guaranteed exclusive ticket priority for every Premier League home game during the first season in our stunning new Stadium.
With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on the waiting list and tens of thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5 discount.
Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting List for the reduced price of just £5.
Supporters entering the ballot have the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave the second option blank.
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Chelsea on sale to Season Ticket Holders
WHUFC.com
West Ham United host Chelsea in EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday 26 October at 7.45pm
Season Ticket Holder priority period open now until 5pm on Monday 3 October
Tie will be first London derby at Hammers' new home
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that the London derby against Chelsea in the EFL Cup fourth round will take place on Wednesday 26 October with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Buy your Chelsea tickets now!
The reward for beating Accrington Stanley in the last round of the EFL Cup is a mouthwatering home game against the former Premier League champions and there looks set to be another capacity crowd at London Stadium.
As part of the Board's commitment to affordable football, ticket prices start from just £15 for Adults and £10 for Kids.
Tickets are available to Season Ticket Holders now, with the exclusive priority window ending at 5pm on Monday 3 October.
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Live reporting
By Matthew Henry and Michael Emons
Facebook: BBC Sport
Posted at 14:04
Earlier, we told you how West Ham are set to investigate Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph over claims they were drunk in London on Tuesday afternoon (see 11:10 BST). But BBC Sport have spoken to the West Ham fan who started the Twitter rumours, and it's fair to say he's feeling a little sheepish that what started as a "joke" could have landed the players in hot water.
"There were photos circulating on Twitter earlier on Tuesday, so I got it and put it up as a joke and what started as an innocent joke has just turned into them being party animals," said Aran Nicol. "I didn't expect this at all, it was a joke." The wonders of social media...
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West Ham to investigate Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph over drunk claims
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will investigate claims that Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph were drunk on Tuesday afternoon.
England striker Carroll, 27, and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Randolph, 29, had been on a club-sanctioned night out on Monday.
Pictures surfaced on social media on Tuesday of the pair, with users suggesting they appeared drunk.
A West Ham spokesman said: "The club is looking into these allegations and will deal with the players as we see fit."
Carroll interacted with fans throughout the day, at one point seeming to suggest that he and Randolph were out for coffee, and not drinking.
He tweeted: "I seriously need to sort my parties out!! Sorry lads.
"Back in the day my parties had the wish I was there effect!"
He also retweeted one fan who suggested that people were gullible to believe they were drinking alcohol.
The club have lost five of their six Premier League games this season.
They next face Middlesbrough at their new London Stadium on Saturday at 15:00 BST.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE'S COLUMN: PLAYERS STILL BACK BILIC AFTER MEETING
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 27 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 10:41PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
It has been a while since I wrote one of these but I hope to continue to write more regularly from now onwards. As always I am still looking for writers who can commit to actually writing something 😉 and preferably during the day too, so if that is you please get in contact.
So today Big Sam has mutually resigned from his position at England and there are obvious questions around any misdemeanours which may have happened during his time with us. There was always a lot of talk especially from Ravel Morrison's camp around Sam putting pressure on players to switch agents to Mark Curtis. It was Ravel's refusal to do so that spelt the end of his career at West Ham apparently and just before he left Allardyce managed to persuade Reece Burke to join Mark Curtis as well.
There was always question marks around Sam's agent dealings, however I have been told by people in the club today (and by respected media figures) that the club should have nothing to worry about. Talk of the club suffering a 12 points deduction are not correct, and represent nothing more than sensationalism to sell papers. There was also a suggestion that as Enner Valencia was being third party-owned at one point, this could come back to haunt us now this story has broken. Fortunately, this is not true and the third party agreement ended before we signed him, therefore there is nothing in there that represents a legal issue. Nonetheless, the club are braced for a number of stories to break from other agents and outlets telling of stories of Sam's dealings, so it looks like West Ham's new head of Media relations, Max Fitzgerald, has his hands full in his new role.
Our current manager took the players out for a meal yesterday where all cards were put on the table. It is said that the players still stand by Bilic and that he hasn't lost the dressing room. Talk through certain media outlets has been that Bilic is too soft and allows pets and children into the training ground seems wide of the mark, as I have heard the opposite. There were concerns around the tough nature of Bilic's training at the start of the season and fears that it could have contributed to a lot of muscle injuries during his tenure, which the chairmen and manager are said to have discussed, and changed them as a result.
Interestingly, during this meeting, Bilic apparently informed the squad that nobody will be picked on reputation from this point onwards, and that those who are not performing will be immediately dropped in favour of squad players with a point to prove.
There is strong talk though that the manager will be given three more games , with the club fully expecting that he will have turned it around by then. In the unexpected event that it comes to Bilic departing, I have heard of some of the names being lined up and there is a real range of experience and managers with potential. I think we should all get behind Bilic and do what we can to try to turn it around for him. Running polls on whether Bilic should be dismissed seems premature and unhelpful to the current situation.
Bilic will have a game or so after the international break to prove himself. This is because the club see that when Sakho and Carroll return to the side, and Cresswell not that far off, Bilic will finally get a full complement of players, if not, very close to full. It is also thought that Bilic is prepared to give Sakho a second/third chance now to prove himself at the club. Having originally said he had no future at the club, this comes as something of a U-turn, but I think the current striker situation has made him act.
Reports have surfaced tonight of Randolph and Carroll being out on some all-night bender with Randolph said to be abusing people who were on their way to work. Again, this isn't really the press that the club needs and I do question why some people who support the club want to do their to draw attention to a story like this. Andy Carroll is said to be disappointed by the reaction and believes that they have not done anything wrong. I am sure the club will look into it, which will probably end with the conclusion that there isn't a problem.
We're all wondering the same thing at this point: What exactly has gone wrong this season? This will be discussed in detail on our radio show tomorrow. This is live on Phoenix FM at 7pm and available to download on iTunes after the show. In a nutshell though, I believe the exit from the Europa League created a negative feel before the Premier League had started, something which the squad found hard to shift. A lot of players had been bought/not sent out on loan in preparation in for a long European campaign which never materialised. Once we exited, Reece Burke promptly left on loan and it meant the likes of Randolph, Obiang, Tore and Calleri realising they would be getting a lot less games and probably feeling resentful.
The move to the stadium has not helped. Had it ran smoothly and there was a positive feeling among the fans then this would be reflected on the pitch but the anger around sitting and standing and inadequate stewarding meant that rather than supporting the team there was a lot of negativity.
I also question our use of the transfer market. I would say we have opted to sign quantity over quality this year. We have spent a lot of money on a lot of players when perhaps we would have been better to buy three £20m players that improved our first team rather than just our squad.
Injuries have really not helped the situation, but strangely, despite the fact that we have managed to play our best players in Payet, Lanzini and Antonio, we have failed to reach any sort of consistency. Despite this, we are still missing players like Cresswell, Ayew and Carroll, who will surely make a difference upon their return. One area where the crisis has hit us particularly badly, is the defence. The constant changing of players, I think, has meant that a solid understanding has not been able to form yet. Similarly, we have faced problems in our forward line. With Andy Carroll out injured all of our preseason planning and preparation went out of the window and we had to change system very quickly. All of this is worrying, but innately fixable.
Let us not forget, that all of these absences have also meant we are playing to play too many players out of position. Antonio at right back was a prime example of this. His 'adventure' in the position caused a problem which affected the team in more ways than one. It was clear he wasn't a right back and that he was at fault for early goals conceded. David Sullivan was then said to have spoken with Bilic had said he didn't think it a good idea playing him there which Slaven promptly listened to. This was good to show that Bilic can change his mind but some of the players obviously felt some concern at this tactical decision.
There is a need, in my view, for us to play only one of Noble or Kouyate now, so that we can bring in Obiang to protect the back four. I believe he is one of the most unlucky players to have played for us, as his talent is there for all to see. I would play Reece Oxford at centre back as the others are all out of form, this would make particular sense as Oxford seems to be getting frustrated as he hasn't played as much as he was hoping. Obviously, this is of concern to the club, as they want him to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
In more positive news, we raised £1017 for Jonjo Heurmann's charity event, which gives us massive pleasure to donate to the causes of such a heroic young man. A big shout out is in order to to all of those helped, contributed and donated. I have put a tweet out asking for the winners of the prizes to get in touch so please, if you entered, do check my account.
Tomorrow marks the end of a place that held so many beautiful memories for all of us. The place I am referring to, as you know, is The Boleyn Ground as tomorrow marks the beginning of deconstruction work to the beautiful old lady down, something I am not sure I can stomach to see.
Finally, If you are interested in writing for The West Ham way, please get in touch with the site or me via my twitter account
COYI
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West Ham fan admits fabricating Twitter rumour about Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph
15:18, 28 SEP 2016 UPDATED 16:19, 28 SEP 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers confirmed on Wednesday that they were investigating claims that Carroll and Randolph were drunk on Tuesday morning
The Mirror
A fan of West Ham has admitted to an "innocent joke" about Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph which could have landed the pair in hot water. West Ham confirmed that they were investigating claims that Carroll and Randolph were drunk on Tuesday afternoon following a club sanctioned night out on Monday.
Pictures of striker Carroll - currently out injured - and keeper Randolph circulated on social media amid claims that they had visited two venues on Tuesday morning. But the Twitter user who initially claimed that they were drinking has retracted his comments after realising that the players could get in trouble.
Follow
Aran @AranNicolWHUFC
I've got you into this lads, I'm gonna get you out of it. Love you @AndyTCarroll @RandzOfficial
12:32 PM - 28 Sep 2016
1 1 Retweet 4 4 likes
"There were photos circulating on Twitter earlier on Tuesday, so I got it and put it up as a joke and what started as an innocent joke has just turned into them being party animals," Aran Nichol told BBC Sport. "I didn't expect this at all, it was a joke."
Follow
Tristan Carnegie @TristanCarnegie
Andy Carroll and Randolph smashed at midday shouting at birds in Shoreditch has made my Tuesday. 😂😂
2:37 PM - 27 Sep 2016
11 11 Retweets 19 19 likes
Both players vehemently denied either drinking or being drunk. But the Hammers confirmed they would be looking into reports to the contrary. As fans commented on the situation, Carroll retweeted one message which said: "Brilliant that so many fell for this about u and [Randolph] drinking." But the club are understood to be unamused. A Hammers spokesman said: "The club will be looking into these allegations and we will deal with the players as we see fit."
West Ham currently sit in the Premier League's bottom three after a run of four successive defeats, the latest a 3-0 home thumping at home to Southampton.
Bilic's position is not under threat but club chiefs were forced to reassure fans on Monday that the club are working hard to stop the slump.
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Former England boss Sam Allardyce deal for client John Carew made me "very uncomfortable" claims striker's agent
20:41, 27 SEP 2016 UPDATED 20:46, 27 SEP 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
Per Flod reveals his unease at what went on when the Norwegian international joined Big Sam's West Ham as a free agent five years ago
The Mirror
The agent of a player Sam Allardyce once signed claims he is "not terribly surprised" to see the England boss has landed himself in trouble over transfers. Big Sam paid the price for revelations he tried to use his role to negotiate a £400,000 deal and also offered businessmen advice on how to get around FA rules on third-party ownership. The allegations reminded former agent Per Flod of how "uncomfortable" he felt dealing with boss Allardyce over his client, John Carew. Norwegian striker Carew joined Allardyce's West Ham on a free transfer in 2011. Flod told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: "It was obvious money was going to someone who should not have received any. "I came across people in the transfer that I had no control of. It was one of the hardest transfers I ever had. "It was not the way I wanted it to be. And it was obvious that the set of people outside the system had influence on the transfer and that money went in different ways than it should have. "There was contact to me from a person, which I do not want to say the name of, who was acting very differently. And my fee, which was agreed, was suddenly cut in half because there were others who were having money."
Flod claimed the deal was only done because he eventually agreed to halve his fee and added: "I will not argue that Allardyce even got money here. But it was a transfer with items that I was very uncomfortable (with)." Flod is no longer an agent, but insists he would have been finished at the time if he spoke up then.
He said: "It's like that in this business that when acting as an agent, and you want to continue to work in a market, the moment you go out and notify someone, you're done. So it was not a topic for me."
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West Ham and Rooney get Hammered
on Monday, 26 September 2016. Posted in Richard Keys Blog
http://www.richardajkeys.com/index.php/blog/item/west-ham-and-rooney-get-hammered#comments
After six games last season West Ham were in the top 3 - and my suggestion that their fans 'should be careful what they wish for' wasn't looking too accurate. Many a Hammer would regularly, and quite rightly, point out how well Slaven Bilic had taken to life as a coach in the P Lge and that my fears weere considerably wide of the mark.
After six games this season West Ham are in the bottom three and my warnings don't look quite so daft do they?
Look, I have no desire to open up old wounds with West Ham fans and I genuinely don't like to see the club struggle - it's a fine club that's contributed hugely to the English game down the years, especially for those of us of a certain vintage - Moore, Peters and Hurst were all heroes of mine.
What always disappointed me about the modern West Ham fan was how ungrateful he/she was to Big Sam. Hands up - Sam is a mate so of course I'll defend him wherever and whenever I feel I have to. I first got close to him back in 2008 when I worked in Qatar for the first time and he was hugely supportive of me and Andy when we were tucked up by Sky. Aren't you supposed to be loyal to good friends? I thought that was unwritten law in the East End - perhaps more so than anywhere else in London?
Sam didn't just save West Ham at the most needy point in their history, he first settled and then built the club back into a P Lge outfit. Bilic has never been shy of making that point. Sam made last season possible.
In warning that Hammers fans 'should be careful what they wish for' I was making the point that the old fashioned belief that their team should always play the 'West Ham' way was outdated and dangerous. You simply can't play 'nice' football in our league anymore.
Bilic, who I like enormously - he's a real football man, both knew last season and knows now that there is no such thing as the 'West Ham way' anymore. I pointed out last season, that before Christmas, the percentage of long balls West Ham played was up from 18% to 23%. Not my stats - Opta's.
In the last minute on Sunday I saw Antonio chucking a long throw into the box. Most Hammers fans would've missed this because they'd already left the stadium, but is they 'West Ham way'? The throw very nearly did its job though.
Last season the Hammers were brilliant and I said so on many occasions. Payet was sublime. Any football fan must've enjoyed his contribution to their season.
This time around they're a shadow of themselves. So is Payet. Perhaps he's struggling at the moment after all the excesses of the past 12 months, but right now he looks like a player that wants to be elsewhere. West Ham need him again - and fast.
I don't believe the Hammers will struggle all season. They're not as bad as their results have been so far but nor were they as good as results were last season. The truth is that they're somewhere in between - about where Sam left them.
The crisis at Old Trafford appears to be over! I said last week that I didn't believe Mourinho wouldn't sort things out. He hasn't yet, but Saturday was obviously much better. Or was it?
I thought they looked nervous for 20 mins. Goals change games and their opener did just that. Mata was terrific and helped put the game to bed before half time. A good job too, because Leicester had the better of the second half.
Were United better without Rooney? No. I'm not having that. I think they were miles better without Fellaini, something which seems to have gone totally un-noticed after all the nonsense surrounding Rooney.
I asked before - what is it with the Rooney-bashers? Why? Why are they so keen to run him out of both Old Trafford and England? I've never understood it. I repeat - the fella is a phenomenon. He's been awesome for club and country. His record speaks for itself. When has he ever complained about a job he's been asked to do for either?
Yes - he's out of sorts just now, but he'll be back. And when he is let's hope he's given just ONE job to do on the pitch. I can tell you, without fear of contradiction, that in the games he's played for United this season his manager has had him perform in a combined 12 different positions - shifting him forwards, back and sideways. Twelve! Rooney has adapted without complaint done what he's been asked, all for the good of the team. Back off him and enjoy him while we still can. We won't see his like again.
I thought it was interesting how Antonio Conte reacted to Chelsea's dismal performance at Arsenal. A warning Antonio - that dressing room won't react positively to criticism. It never has. Ask Villas Boas, Scolari and more recently Mourinho, to name just a few. You can go all the way back to Ranieri. Dennis Wise was in our BeIN Sports studios this weekend. When I made that point he reacted with a wry smile! I said in the summer, if those big ego's at The Bridge thought they were in for an easier time once they'd outed Mourinho then they should think again. Conte is more pedantic, tougher, demanding and he'll upset them. What happens next is going to be very interesting.
Oh. In amongst all the hysteria surrounding Rooney I saw this headline - 'Son proves Spurs don't need Kane'. Really? What a daft statement. They were good at the weekend - but is anyone seriously thinking they won't miss Kane? Believe me, they look able at the minute - but they'll miss Kane all right.
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West Ham to investigate behaviour of Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph after claims pair were drunk
Slaven Bilic ordered his West Ham players to enjoy a team bonding night
Hammers are currently languishing in 18th position in the Premier League
Andy Carroll joined group in attending an Italian restaurant in London
West Ham now investigating claims the striker and goalkeeper Darren Randolph were drunk on Tuesday afternoon
The Hammers face Middlesbrough at the London Stadium on Saturday
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 10:17, 28 September 2016 | UPDATED: 10:22, 28 September 2016
West Ham are investigating claims striker Andy Carroll and goalkeeper Darren Randolph were drunk on Tuesday afternoon following a club sanctioned night out on Monday. Carroll and Randolph led the group to an Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge. The pair, along with injured left back Aaron Cresswell, were then spotted in Mcdonald's at 7am. There were conflicting reports on social media the following day and manager Slaven Bilic will likely have questions for the pair. The Hammers have lost five of their six Premier League games this season, including four in a row, and play Middlesbrough on Saturday in their new London Stadium home. A West Ham United spokesman said: 'The club will be looking into these allegations and will deal with the players as we see fit.'
Carroll, who is currently out with a knee injury, posted a series of posts on Twitter, with fans replying asking if he was drunk. When it was suggested he was, in fact, in a coffee shop, Carroll replied: 'I seriously need to sort my parties out!! Sorry lads.' He added: 'Back in the day my parties had the wish I was there effect!' He then posted an image of his cracked phone screen and re-tweeted a post by a West Ham fan, who had the handle @Monkeyboy-WHU. '@AndyTCarroll brilliant that so many fall for this s**** about u & @RandzOfficial!'
One Twitter user and West Ham fan, with the handle @AranNicolWHUFC, had posted a photo of the pair. He wrote: '@AndyTCarroll and @RandzOfficial appear to be enjoying themselves... P***** out of their nut. Nice one lads. £WHUFC'
But in subsequent replies to other fans @AranNicolWHUFC admitted he had not taken the photo. 'They're at a pub and making a scene of themselves apparently,' he wrote. 'I never witnessed it, probably isn't even true, could be out having a coffee or all we know.' This is what I'm dealing with I can't afford a new one!! #NewContract pic.twitter.com/u0s8GDSUva
— Andy Carroll (@AndyTCarroll) September 27, 2016
With their season already under scrutiny, West Ham boss Bilic decided to try to release the pressure by giving his squad clearance to go out together on Monday evening.
Bilic's men have lost five of their opening six league matches this season but some of his players really seized the opportunity to let their hair down as they visited the fast food joint and enjoyed a team bonding night out after yet another shambolic performance and result. The Hammers were soundly beaten 3-0 by Southampton at home last weekend and are in dire need of making their new London Stadium a fortress - starting with the visit of Middlesbrough this Saturday. But before turning their attentions to that important game against Aitor Karanka's men, Bilic showed his man-management skills by allowing his first team squad to let their hair down at a plush restaurant in west London. Many of those who have let him and the supporters down this season were pictured sheepishly leaving the glitzy Signor Sassi restaurant, just over 24 hours after the heavy defeat to the Saints. Defender James Collins - who lost his place in the side after the return of New Zealand international Winston Reid - was among those keen to keep a low profile on the outing.
New recruits Simone Zaza, Alvaro Arbeloa and Jonathan Calleri were present for the meal, and Bilic will hope all three start to integrate themselves at the club after an inauspicious start. West Ham currently lie 18th in the Premier League with just three points from one victory in six games. The side look a different team to last season, when they pushed hard to finish in the top four, and there are fears the atmosphere at their Rush Green complex has become too complacent and relaxed. Bilic said: 'I said at the beginning of the season, when we moved into our newly refurbished training ground, that I wanted to create an environment where players felt comfortable spending time there before and after training, and would be happy to bring their kids sometimes. 'I am completely content with the balance of hard work and the welcoming environment of Rush Green Training Ground.'
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