Daily WHUFC News - 20th December 2016

Manager on Monday
WHUFc.com

Slaven Bilic said a change in plan was the key behind Saturday's 1-0 victory
over Hull City. The boss saw the visitors hit West Ham woodwork on three
occasions as he team rode their luck en route to the three points, but was
happy with how the players responded to his half-time words. Skipper Mark
Noble scored the only goal of the game from the spot with 14 minutes left to
play and Bilic was thrilled to take the points tally for the week to seven.
That lifted the Hammers up to 13th in the Premier League table ahead of the
festive fixtures, meaning the manager will be able to enjoy his Christmas
after a tough period. He explained: "The first half on Saturday wasn't good
and I told the players at half time that we have three good things – first,
the result; second, it can't be much worse than this; and third, they think
they're going to win it and we knew we had a great space to change those
three things. "We changed the system, changed a couple of players, and we
showed a better composure, better everything. After ten minutes we started
to play the way I like – we were pressing up and from the quantity of
attacks the goal happened. "After the goal we were never really under big
pressure from them, and on the contrary we had a couple of opportunities to
score a second one. "We won the game because we showed a good reaction to
the first half [performance]."
One of those half-time changes was to push Michail Antonio up front
alongside Andy Carroll, and with the No30 winning the decisive penalty the
manager paid tribute to his versatility. He added: "When it's not going well
you are trying to find something and you see Andy Carroll is doing
everything. He is winning the balls and all that, but he looks isolated and
you think we will be much better if we can get someone who has good runs
around him. "That's Michail Antonio, of course. You miss him a bit on the
sides, because he can also make a cross, but we opted to have that type of
combination to work them. "Basically, you could see after ten minutes of the
second half when Antonio had a couple of sprints, that it lifted everybody
up. The crowd was up and we started to play much better."

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Antonio - Our luck has turned
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio shows his versatility again in victory over Hull - playing
both on the right and up-front
No30 fouled by Tom Huddlestone for Mark Noble's winning penalty
Hammers top-scorer certain his team can build on seven-point week

Michail Antonio was delighted to play his part in Saturday's 1-0 victory
over Hull City – with his role as provider coming to the fore on an
afternoon when his team rode their luck. Antonio was pushed up top alongside
Andy Carroll at half-time, and it was from that more advanced position that
he was able to influence the Hammers' three-point haul, their second in
succession. First, he led the charge as the hosts broke from a Hull corner
as the game headed into its final 15 minutes, having his 60-yard run halted
illegally by Michael Dawson. Then, from the second phase of Dimitri Payet's
free-kick, Tom Huddlestone fouled the No30 in the box and Mark Noble did the
rest from the spot. He said: "At half time the manager told me to go out
there, drive at them and use my pace. He put me up there in a two up-front
and he asked me to cause some damage. That's what I did in the second half.
"For the penalty the ball was in the air, I out-strengthed Huddlestone. I
took a touch to swing and hit but he's held my leg. Some people will say
it's light, but I believe it was a penalty. The manager asked me to go out
there and do some damage in the second half. That's what I did
"The points on the table is what lifts the pressure. We've got seven from
our last three games and that's got us up to 13th in the table, and if you
keep getting points then there won't be any pressure."

Following a draw at Liverpool and a midweek win against Burnley, Antonio
believe Saturday's outcome was evidence that his team's luck has changed. He
added: "They hit the woodwork three times. It didn't go in and that's the
kind of luck we haven't been having this season. "At the beginning of the
season, whenever someone attacked we got punished, but on Saturday things
went our way. Hopefully we won't need luck in the future and we can win
comfortably."

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West Ham PL2 aim for winning end to 2016
WHUFC.com

West Ham United PL2 travel to AFC Telford United this evening to face
Wolverhampton Wanderers (7pm)
The Hammers are aiming to end their calendar year with a victory
Assistant manager Liam Manning has confidence in his players to deliver

West Ham United PL2 will aim to finish their calendar year on a high this
evening with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers (7pm). The match at the home
of AFC Telford United is the Hammers' last of the year and they will hope to
end their run of five games without a victory in all competitions. "It's
important to end the year on a high and have our Christmas break to recover
and rest and go into the New Year knowing you've done well," said defender
Tunji Akinola. Terry Westley's side have been struggling in the way of
results recently, with their last result being a 3-2 defeat at home to
Swansea City last Monday. The Hammers were 3-0 down with five minutes to
play but rallied brilliantly and could have snatched an unlikely point after
goals from Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina put them just a goal behind. It
was too little too late though but assistant manager Liam Manning was
pleased with the response his players showed. "They're a top group. The boys
are quite young but in terms of their attitude and application on a daily
basis is spot on," he said. "It's a credit to them to keep going at 3-0 down
with ten minutes to dig in and not give up so it's a credit to them."

The Hammers opponents this evening will provide a stern test, as they are
currently third in Premier League 2 Division 2. Wolves have won four of
their last five matches and scored a late equaliser the last time the two
sides met in a 2-2 draw at the Chigwell Construction Stadium back in
September.

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Only one West Ham United player on loan was in action over the weekend
Josh Cullen played for Bradford City in their 1-1 draw with Walsall
Enner Valencia looks set to play a part in tonight's Merseyside derby

Two clubs of Hammers on loan in League One went head to head on Saturday as
George Dobson's Walsall hosted Josh Cullen's Bradford City.
Though the former was left on the bench during the 1-1 draw, Cullen
completed the full 90 minutes for the Bantams who remain in the play-offs in
the third tier. Isaiah Osborne gave the Saddlers the lead just four minutes
into the second period, finding the bottom corner from just inside the
penalty area at the Bescot Stadium. But the visiting fans were not made to
wait long for some festive cheer as Jordy Hiwula tucked the ball past Neil
Etheridge in goal after the keeper had denied him previously. Though no
other Hammers on loan were in action over the weekend, one looks set to play
on Monday evening. Enner Valencia, who started in Everton's 2-1 win against
Arsenal last week, could play a part in the Merseyside derby as Liverpool
cross Stanley Park to play at Goodison. The Ecuador international will be
hoping to help improve the Blues' derby record, as they currently have just
two wins from the last 22 meetings with their fierce rivals.

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Man Utd tickets available on Ticket Exchange
WHUFC.com

The Ticket Exchange for the unmissable visit of Manchester United on
Saturday 2 January is now open - with Claret Members having exclusive
priority to purchase until Friday.

The Red Devils visit London Stadium for West Ham's first game of 2017, with
Slaven Bilic's men looking to make it a hat-trick of home wins following
last week's successes against Burnley and Hull City.

With the match having sold out to the Claret Members' ballot, successful
applicants will hear by email. Claret Members will also be able to check if
they have been successful if they log in to their eticketing.co.uk/whufc
account.

Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend can relist their seats
online, giving other West Ham fans the opportunity to purchase their seat
for the fixture. Season Ticket Holders will not only give another supporter
the chance to be at the game, but they will also earn money back to redeem
against your Season Ticket renewal.

CLARET MEMBERS - BUY TICKETS ON THE TICKET EXCHANGE HERE

Tickets start at £51, and are available exclusively to Claret Members from
now until 5pm on Friday 23 December.

The Ticket Exchange will then open to all supporters - and this is a game
you will not want to miss.

Manchester United's last visit to east London was a spectacular one, as
Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid all found the net to give the
Hammers an unforgettable 3-2 victory in the final game at the Boleyn Ground.

Make sure you are there to see if we can get 2017 off to an equally
thrilling start against Jose Mourinho's side.

On the Ticket Exchange, once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been
exchanged, his or her Season Card will be disabled for the game, while the
buyer's Claret Membership Card will be activated. If you are not a Claret
Member, you will be able to print your ticket at home.

The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.

For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for
terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.

Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to purchase online here.

If you are a Season Ticket Holder unable to attend this game, please relist
your ticket to allow another fan to experience the Hammers at London Stadium
and you will benefit with ticket credit in your account which you can use
towards a future game.

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Randolph - We will take even more confidence
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph believes the West Ham players can start looking towards the
top half of the table and hopes they can extend their good run of form over
the busy Christmas period. Randolph played his part in helping the Hammers
secure a draw against Liverpool and then crucial back-to-back victories over
Burnley and Hull.
The Hammers keeper had to be at his best once again to keep the Hull
forwards at bay and knows his team can perform to a much higher level. But
Randolph still feels his team-mates showed the character needed to clinch
all three points and hopes it will give them the perfect confidence boost as
they prepare for tough away games against Swansea and Leicester, before
returning to face Manchester United at London Stadium over the busy festive
period Randolph said: "I think quite a bit of pressure has been taken off
us. We had a tough run of games in December but now we are looking at the
games going forward. "We will take even more confidence from the seven
points we have picked up. "We are very happy with how the week has gone
getting a point at Anfield and then two home wins.
"We have moved up the table quite a few place and everyone seems a lot
happier than they were seven days ago. "Hull hit the post three times and I
made a couple of saves. We rode our luck but I get paid to make those saves
and I am happy to do my bit for the team."

Randolph is thrilled to be back in the starting line-up and says he will
continue to work hard in training and show why is good enough to compete in
the Premier League on a regular basis. Randolph added: "I will continue to
take it one game at a time and if I am picked to play I will do my best for
the team. "I don't know about proving myself. I just want to play well every
time I go out there. If I am busy I suppose it looks better on me and gives
me the chance to showcase what I can do."

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FT - Wolves 0-4 West Ham United PL2
WHUFC.com

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-4 West Ham United

FT: And that's it! A superb last win of 2016 for the Hammers who were
absolutely superb tonight, particularly in the first half. Martinez will be
delighted to have scored his first West Ham hat-trick and some of the
strikes tonight were brilliant. Dan Kemp's goal was a wonderful team effort,
and it's a thoroughly deserved three points.

90: Final sub for West Ham. Toni Martinez gets his round of applause as he
is replaced by Jahmal Hector-Ingram.

86: Wonderful save by Nathan Trott! It's the first time he's been properly
tested. Armstrong cut in from the right and struck one in anger, and Trott
brilliantly and acrobatically tips it over.

83: Kyle Knoyle charges down the left, nutmegs a defender and then wins a
free-kick. That sums up his evening - he's been superb.

81: A couple of subs here. Dan Kemp, who has been superb, is replaced by Joe
Powell, while Anthony Bresnan comes on for Wolves' Cameron
Borthwick-Jackson.

77: GOALLLLLLLLLL and there's a hat-trick for Toni Martinez! Dan Kemp cuts
in on his stronger left foot, curls one into the box and Martinez takes it
down on his chest before smashing it home. Wonderful all-round performance
tonight from the Spaniard!

74: Another penalty shout for West Ham! Again it's Browne causing all the
problems, and he gets into the box on the left hand side and goes shoulder
to shoulder with a defender, hitting the deck. Could have gone either way
that, but the referee waves away any protests.

70: It's been a slightly more gritty performance so far in this second half
from West Ham as they look to protect their clean sheet. 20 minutes remain
in the final PL2 fixture of 2016.

68: Small stoppage in play as a Wolves player receives some treatment. As
the game gets going again, the hosts create an opening for right-back
Simpson, but he slices the attempt and gets it all wrong.

62: There was nearly a fourth for the Hammers! Marcus Browne receives a pass
down the right and bursts into the box, forcing the keeper Flatt into a
strong stop.

60: That one's cleared too, and Wolves break. Armstrong connects with a
cross from six yards out but fires it well over. Great chance for the hosts
to pull one back.

59: He shoots, and it takes a deflection - corner!

58: Another foul by the hosts and another chance for Browne to swing one in
or perhaps even shoot. At an angle, 25 yards from goal...

55: First booking of the night goes to Connor Johnson, and West Ham will
feel like that easily could have been a red for the Wolves defender. With
Browne charging at him, the defender cynically tripped him and breaks up the
attack.

51: Wolves have a spell of possession in and around the West Ham box, and
despite Samuelson's initial scuffed clearance, the visitors get the ball
away pretty comfortably in the end.

48: Slight re-shuffle for the Hammers in the second half, as Vashon
Neufville comes off with a knock. Tunji Akinola is his replacement and he
slots in alongside Declan Rice in the centre of defence, with Pike moving to
the right and Knoyle switching to the left.

46: We're back underway at Telford.

HT: Well, that was outstanding! The Hammers have just been class all over
the pitch, with Wolves second to everything. The second goal was beautiful,
too. Looking forward to another half of this! 3-0 we lead at the break.

44: Samuelsen gets down the left once again and delivers, but it's over
everyone's heads. He's been brilliant out here this evening, the young
Norwegian international.

38: GOALLLLLLLLLLLL and it's a third for the Hammers and a second for
Martinez! Samuelsen robs a Wolves defender in a dangerous area, breaks
forward and gets into the box before teeing up Martinez to curl home
beautifully. Superb team performance so far and it's 3-0!

37: Wolves are trying to get themselves more of a foothold in this first
half but unsuccessfully, so far. West Ham are defending well when they need
to and looking to counter attack quickly.

32: Browne almost makes it three - turning and smashing one from 20 yards,
his effort whistles inches wide of the top corner. What a brilliant first
half this has been so far for West Ham United.

30: GOALLLLLLLLL! A second for the Hammers and what a goal it is! Dan Kemp
plays a one two first with Samuelsen before a second with Martinez, and
stays composed after racing clear to slide it past the keeper. Superb from
Westley's men!

30: Christian Herc lines one up from 30 yards for Wolves but it's extremely
tame and again, it's easy for Trott. 15 left to play in this first half and
the Hammers are well in control.

27: Browne whips in a free-kick from the right and it flashes straight
across the face of goal without a touch. However, the linesman's flag goes
up for offside.

23: Great run by Browne down the left, and he delivers a great low cross,
but nobody attacks it from the Hammers and Wolves can clear.

21: Best chance for the hosts, as Nicu Carnat comes in from the right and
hits one at goal from 18 yards. It's blocked and goes out for a corner,
which comes to nothing.

17: GOALLLLLLLLL! Never in doubt. Martinez slides it to the keeper's right
to give the visitors the lead - a deserved lead.

16: Penalty for the Hammers! Kyle Knoyle sprays a lovely pass down the line
and Browne out-paces his man and is tripped. Martinez from the spot...

12: Wolves look to break and it looks as if Mason is through, but Dec Rice
makes a brilliant last-ditch challenge.

11: Another chance! Martinez gets the ball inside the box and hits one on
his left side from eight yards, but it's well blocked and goes just over.
The resulting corner is cleared. Good start by Terry Westley's team.

9: Chance for the visitors! Martin Samuelsen tries to get away from a couple
of challenges but when he is tackled, it falls to Marcus Browne who forces
the keeper Flatt into a great save down to his right.

7: Aggressive start from the Hammers. They're pressing high, crossing early
and getting really stuck it. All at the same time as trying to play their
football.

4: Strange early decision by referee Samuel Allison. Marcus Browne gets the
better side of a defender who clearly trips the forward just outside the
box. Somehow the official decides Browne is the offender and the hosts get
the decision.

3: Wolves have an early attempt from former Cardiff forward Joe Mason saved
by Nathan Trott. It was straight at the keeper who dealt with it easily.

1: We're underway here at AFC Telford United!

6:55pm: Quite a few fans have now filtered into the ground, supporters of
both sides, including the Telford Irons who will be voicing their support
throughout the evening!

6:45pm: After a disappointing run of form, the Hammers will be keen to get
back on winning ways tonight before the Christmas break. Wolves are third in
Premier League 2 currently, while the Hammers are down fifth. Wolves have
won four of their last five league games too, so this will be tough. Kick
off to come in 15!

6:30pm: AFC Telford United's New Bucks Head is a really tidy little ground.
For a non-league club, they've got a great setup here. The surface looks
great for a December fixture too, so here's to a good game of football this
evening.

6:15pm: It was a frustrating evening for the Hammers back in September -
Wolves scored two crackers but their second was a last minute equaliser. You
can watch those highlights while you wait for kick-off right here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Flatt, Simpson, Borthwick-Jackson (Bresnan 81),
Oniangue, Williamson (Deslandes 46), Johnson, Carnat, Gibbs-White, Mason
(Armstrong 46), Herc, Randall.

Subs not used: Finnie, Delacoe.

Bookings: Johnson 55

PL2: Trott, Knoyle, Pike, Rice, Neufville (Akinola 46), Lewis, Quina, Kemp
(Powell 81), Browne, Samuelsen, Martinez (Hector-Ingram 90).

Subs not used: Matrevics.

Goals: Martinez (pen) 17, 38, 77, Kemp 30

6pm: Good evening! We're at AFC Telford United this evening for the Hammers'
final Premier League 2 game of the year. They take on Wolves tonight, the
side they drew with 2-2 earlier this season. Team news to follow shortly.

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Payet non-committal on West Ham future
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet has refused to rule out a January
return to France. Speaking in an interview with Christophe Dugarry for
French website SFR Sport, the Euro 16 star confessed that he would be
interested in a potential return to Marseille - the club with whom he spent
two years before moving to West Ham. When asked by Dugarry whether he would
ever play in France again, a smiling Payet replied: "I have said I would not
close the door to anything. "Marseille has a new project that seems
interesting, although obviously we are waiting to hear from the new owners.
But everyone knows my attachment to this club."
Payet, who joined West Ham in the summer of 2015 for just £10.75million is
contracted to West Ham until 2021, having signed a new five-year contract in
February.

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West Ham's Dimitri Payet says playing for Arsenal could 'only be fun'
By James Dale
Last Updated: 19/12/16 9:29pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet insists he has had no contact with Arsene Wenger about a move
to Arsenal. The West Ham playmaker has been touted with a possible move to
the Gunners, despite Wenger revealing earlier this year he had previously
passed up on the opportunity to sign the France international. Payet says
he is focused on steering West Ham away from relegation trouble but admits
it "could be fun" to play in Wenger's team. "I read that Wenger considers
me the missing piece of the Arsenal's game, but he's never told me that!"
Payet told RMC. "We conceded five or six at home against them. When you see
them playing, as a technical player, you could only have fun in that team.
They're candidates for the title every year."

West Ham are currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table and
sit just five points clear of the relegation zone despite beating Hull 1-0
on Saturday.
"The situation at the club affects me, but I'm an ambitious person," Payet
said. "I'm in a fight with my club and I'm giving everything for them, to
get out of this difficult situation, but I'm not closing the door to
anything. "I miss the Champions League... I've got some great years ahead
of me and I want to enjoy them by playing in important competitions."

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic had said he expects Payet to stay with the club
and that he could not see a possible swap deal with Manchester United's
Anthony Martial happening. Payet added: "If I'm forced to leave West Ham, it
will be done according to the rules - the club will have its share of the
cake. "My coach understands that today's situation does not suit me. I will
ask the questions at the right time."

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West Ham transfer news: Dimitri Payet open to Marseille reunion as he
refuses to 'close the door' on speculation
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Dimitri Payet has again said he would consider a move away from West Ham,
this time hinting he could be open to returning to former club Marseille.
The Hammers spent £11million to bring Payet from the Stade Velodrome in the
summer of 2015 though they didn't regret a penny of it as the 29-year-old
scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists for his new side. Payet has failed
to consistently reach the peaks he hit last season in an indifferent
campaign for West Ham, leading to speculation that he would be bound for the
London Stadium exit door as early as January. Having admitted last month
that a mid-season exit was a possibility Payet did nothing to distance
himself from rumours when speaking to SFR Sport on Sunday, saying: "I am not
closing the door to anything."
West Ham have previously warned they would demand a sizeable fee for a
player who turns 30 in little over three months – the club quoted a £100m
fee to one suitor in the summer. Even now Payet's fee would likely be beyond
Ligue 1 giants Marseille, who were taken over American billionaire Frank
McCourt in August. However he admitted that he was intrigued by the changes
going on at his former club, to which he maintains a great "attachment".
"Marseille have a new project which seems interesting," he added. "Aside
from that, we are obviously waiting to see the first few things that the new
owners do, but Marseille knows how attached I am to the club.
"When I talk about it, I say the best possible things, because that is what
I think, so why not."

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West Ham legend Carlos Tevez close to becoming highest-paid player in the
world
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: December 19, 2016
By Tommy Wathen

West Ham legend Carlos Tevez is set to become the highest paid player in the
world after agreeing to join Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua. The
Argentinian's time in Europe came to an end last summer when Italian
champions Juventus sold the 32 year-old to his boyhood club Boca Juniors,
with this move believed to be Tevez's last and planned place to retire in
the near future. With West Ham struggling for attacking options in the past
18 months, Tevez has been a name touted as a short-term option for Slaven
Bilic's team – where he started his European journey back in August 2006 in
a joint-deal with midfielder-turned-defender Javier Mascherano.
Now, Tevez has decided that he wants one last move before he considers his
retirement, with Shanghai Shenhua offering over £610,000 PER WEEK for the
striker. That figure means that he will surpass the likes of international
teammate Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and become the
highest paid footballer in the world. Tevez played his final game for Boca
Juniors in the 4-1 Primera Division victory over Colon, with one fan even
invading the pitch to kneel down at his hero's feet to show appreciation to
the Boca legend.

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Dimitri Payet open to Marseille return as speculation over West Ham exit
continues
Manchester United and Real Madrid have been mooted as possible destinations
but the man himself has hinted he could instead choose to return to France
BYBEN BURROWS
11:49, 19 DEC 2016UPDATED11:49, 19 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Dimitri Payet has hinted he could return to Marseille as speculation over
his West Ham future continues to rumble on. The Frenchman starred for the
Hammers last term with 12 goals in a stunning debut season in English
football. But with talk of a move away refusing to go away his form has
tailed off somewhat this term. Manchester United and Real Madrid have been
mooted as possible destinations but the man himself has hinted he could
instead choose to return to France if he does indeed look to leave the
London Stadium. "I am not closing the door to anything. Marseille have a
new project which seems interesting," he told SFR Sport. "Aside from that,
we are obviously waiting to see the first few things that the new owners do,
but Marseille knows how attached I am to the club. "When I talk about it, I
say the best possible things, because that is what I think, so why not."

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Andy Carroll singled out for praise by Slaven Bilic after West Ham pick up
two wins on the bounce
KEN DYER
Evening STanard

Slaven Bilic has singled out Andy Carroll for praise, following successive
victories that have eased the pressure on West Ham. Carroll's return from a
knee injury has coincided with an upturn of fortune for West Ham, who have
moved up to 13th in the Premier League following their 1-0 win over Hull on
Saturday. Manager Bilic is impressed with the professionalism the striker
has shown and said: "Andy is everything opposite to what I heard before I
came. Whenever he needs something he asks politely. On Friday night he asked
if he could go home because his kids were there and he would like to put
them to bed and then come back to the hotel. He could have sneaked out —
it's only half an hour. "On the pitch he gives you everything. I trust him.
I only don't trust him when he says I'm okay, I'm fit but then again that is
his positivity. I trust him on the pitch, though."
Bilic confirmed that Carroll and goalkeeper Darren Randolph will not be
punished after they were spotted at a London pub the morning after a team
night out in September. Both players denied being drunk and Bilic said: "It
is sorted. They weren't disciplined."

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Karren Brady takes dig at Tottenham Hotspur during BBC Apprentice final
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham vice-chairman could not resist a dig at Tottenham. Karren Brady
risked incurring the wrath of TV boss Lord Sugar during the BBC Apprentice
Final when she stuck it to his club, Tottenham Hotspur. The West Ham United
vice-chairman could not resist the chance to have a dig at Spurs during the
final last night, broadcast on BBC1 at 9.05pm. It came in the boardroom
during a discussion about potentially selling a product in a West Ham United
club shop, requiring a licensing fee. Brady advised: "You get some cheap
clubs like Spurs, and you get some more expensive clubs like West Ham and
Manchester United. Your £250,000 wouldn't go very far."
Lord Sugar, former Tottenham chairman, did not ruin his big night by getting
drawn into a war of words, simply deciding to smile and move on. Brady's
West Ham boss David Gold did have a warm message for Lord Sugar,
congratulating him on his choice of candidates after the show finishes. The
two east London clubs are fierce rivals, with Tottenham winning a dramatic
clash between the two teams 4-3 earlier this season. Currently Spurs are in
fifth place in the Premier League table, while West Ham are down in 13th
position.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic warns his stars to avoid festive booze cruise
West Ham edged past Hull to pull themselves way from the relegation zone
Mark Noble's penalty sent the Hammers 13th in the Premier League
Slaven Bilic has told his players that they can have a beer or two for
Christmas
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 23:30, 18 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:33, 18 December 2016

Slaven Bilic has told his players that they can have a beer or two for
Christmas – but warned them not to cause controversy with any boozy antics.
It comes after Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph were accused of getting
drunk during a team bonding night out, prompting West Ham to open an
investigation into the pair in September. The Hammers won for the second
successive time on Saturday to pull themselves away from the Premier League
relegation zone. Though it was far from champagne football – a Mark Noble
spot-kick was all that separated the sides – Bilic spoke afterwards about
whether his stars are allowed alcohol over Christmas. 'There is something
between a couple of beers and getting smashed for three nights in a row,'
Bilic said. 'You don't need a Christmas party to have a beer. There is
nothing wrong with having a couple of beers at the right time, after the
game, especially if it's nine days until the next game. 'I want them to be
mentally free and enjoy their life. I want them to enjoy we have six points
from these two games (against Hull and Burnley). They have to relax. If that
requires a beer, OK.'
Carroll and Randolph escaped punishment from West Ham after the club
investigated claims that the pair were drunk and in McDonald's at 7am after
an all-nighter. Asked about them, Bilic smiled and said: 'They can have a
couple of cans each but not alcoholic ones.'
Bilic has also told his staff that there will be no Christmas party because
the 48-year-old does not want to celebrate until he feels the job is done.
He added that it could be held in February. West Ham's players are scheduled
to train on Christmas Day then travel to Swansea to stay in a hotel ahead of
their Boxing Day game. West Ham rode their luck against Hull, who hit the
woodwork three times and had a header cleared off the line. It saw 'the
post' win the man of the match award, as voted for by West Ham fans. Carroll
played 90 minutes against Hull and Bilic spoke about his trust for him
afterwards. On Friday night, the striker asked if he could leave their team
hotel to visit his kids at home. 'He could have sneaked out as it is only 30
minutes,' Bilic said. 'On and off the pitch he gives you everything. That's
why I like him so much.' It was Michail Antonio who won the penalty against
Hull. The visitors felt it was soft but Hull's Andrew Robertson admitted
they were in no position to complain after Robert Snodgrass' dive for a
penalty against Crystal Palace last week. 'Antonio has flung himself to the
ground like people do these days,' Robertson said. 'The referee has
hesitated with it but with West Ham being at home, he's put the whistle to
his mouth. 'Personally I think it's soft but we've had soft penalties so
it's hard to argue.'

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Slaven Bilic cancels Christmas for West Ham until they 'do the business'
Sam Dean, at london stadium
18 DECEMBER 2016 • 10:31PM
The Telegraph

Seven points in a week and back-to-back victories might seem worthy of a
little festive celebration, but West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic will
not be found getting into the Christmas spirit this year. His side's 1-0 win
over Hull City on Saturday has pushed them five points clear of the
relegation zone, yet many of the problems that have pockmarked their
campaign were in evidence again as they stuttered their way through a game
that they could easily have lost by half-time. So, despite the upturn in
results, Christmas is cancelled, or at least postponed. "I told my staff no
Christmas party," Bilic said. "We have a Christmas party in January or
February. Let's do the business, because I want to enjoy that night out. Now
we can enjoy it more than a week ago, but I would like to properly enjoy it
this year and I can't."
He added that he did not know what the players' plans were for the party
season, but the message could not have been clearer: things are improving at
the London Stadium, but there remains a long way to go. That much was
evident from his side's showing for the first hour against Hull, who created
and squandered enough chances to have won this game five times over. Mike
Phelan's side struck the post three times and had an effort cleared off the
line before Mark Noble's late penalty secured three of the most undeserved
points West Ham will earn this season. "The first half was not good," said
Bilic. "I said to the players at half-time, 'We have three good things.
First, the result. Second, we can't be much worse than this and third I
think we are going to win it because there is space for us to change it.' "
With their next match – a trip to struggling Swansea City – not until Boxing
Day, there is time for a few days off and a "couple of beers" for the
players. "You don't need a Christmas party to have a beer," Bilic said. "I
want them to enjoy that we had six points from these two demanding games.
They have to relax. If that requires a beer, OK, but there is something
between a couple of beers and getting smashed for three nights in a row."
There is unlikely to be much relaxation for Hull, who will spend Christmas
at the bottom of the league table. "We have to rally," said Phelan. "We have
to make sure that these players realise the small margins that it takes to
win a football match. I can only compliment them, pat them on the back and
say we go again."

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Slaven Bilic cancels his West Ham Christmas party - but will allow players a
drink after back-to-back wins
Saturday's win over Hull was West Ham's second in a week to boost their
survival chances but Bilic admits he won't be able to enjoy a night out just
yet
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
22:30, 18 DEC 2016UPDATED18:26, 18 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has cancelled his own Christmas party with West Ham still in
relegation danger – but told his players to enjoy a beer.
Seven points in three games have lifted spirits and the Hammers five points
clear of the drop zone. But the Croat coach said: "I told my staff we're
going to have a Christmas party in January or February. Because I want to
enjoy that night out and I can't. Okay I can enjoy it more than I could have
a week ago but I can't enjoy it. "It was a very demanding couple of weeks
for us after Liverpool, a very demanding couple of games for us mentally and
physically and we won them. "So they are going to have a couple of days off
now and then we are back in business, back in training." "You don't need a
Christmas party to have a beer," he said. "There is nothing wrong with
having a couple of beers at the right time, after the game, especially if
it's nine days until the next game. "I want them to be mentally free and
enjoy their life. I want them to enjoy we have six points from these two
games. They have to relax. There's something between a couple of beers and
getting smashed for three nights in a row."
Carroll and Darren Randolph were investigated in September after claims the
pair were still taking refreshments the day after a club-sanctioned night
out. "It's sorted and they weren't disciplined," Bilic said before joking:
"They can have a couple of cans each, but not alcoholic ones! "He (Carroll)
asked me last night if he can go home as his kids are home. He then came
straight back to the hotel. He could have sneaked out as it's only 30
minutes. On and off the pitch he gives you everything. "That's why I like
him so much. Do I trust him? Yeah, that's a good word. But I only still
don't trust him when he says he is okay and fit and play. But that's because
he always wants to play."

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