Daily WHUFC News - 9th December 2016

Hammers coaches endorse Trott deal
WHUFC.com

First team keeper coach Chris Woods was delighted after youngster Nathan
Trott signed a new three and a half year deal
The England U19 player is highly rated around the Club's Academy and has
trained with the first team a number of times
Academy manager Terry Westley also praised the teenager and said it was a
great deal for the Club

Hammers first team goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and academy manager Terry
Westley both expressed their delight after young stopper Nathan Trott signed
his first professional contract at the Club. The Bermudan-born 18-year-old,
who recently received his first England U19 call-up, is extremely highly
regarded around the Club and put pen to paper on a new three and a half year
deal this week.
Woods, who has worked with Trott on a number of occasions this season while
the talented teenager trains with the first team, believes the keeper can
become a top player at West Ham United in the future. He said: "The lad's
got great potential and it's so difficult to find good, young goalkeepers.
Nathan ticks all the boxes so we're very pleased [he's signed his deal]. "He
has to keep learning, working hard and progressing, but he's the type of lad
who wants to listen and wants to do well and he's a joy to work with.
"For my aims and for Nathan's this season, he needs to continue to play in
the U23s. He's been called up to the England squad so to play for them on a
regular basis would make a really good season for him."

Trott has appeared a combined nine times for both the Premier League 2 squad
and U18s side this season despite suffering an injury that kept him during
October and the majority of November. Westley, who heads up the Academy of
Football, explained why tying the youngster down to a long term deal was so
important for the Hammers. "Along with Domingos Quina [who signed recently],
it's again a great signing for the Club, it's great progress for the
Academy," Westley said. "He's a young boy with a lot more to come. He now
has got to try and make his way in the professional game. "But I'm delighted
to have got his signature, delighted that it's long term and I look forward
to working with him, Chris, JJ [Jerome John] and Billy [Lepine, Academy
goalkeeper coaches] to try and make him improve and make his way in the
professional ranks. "Now his decision making in the pro game will be the
defining factor as to whether he can really kick on and become a top
goalkeeper at this football Club. But he certainly has the ingredients."

One particular attribute of Trott's stands out on the field of play, and the
coaching pair both moved to highlight this talent after he signed the deal.
Woods said: "The way that goalkeeping has moved on over the years; he's got
great feet, he's got the ability to see the pass, to control the ball, his
agility is second to none and like I say, he's got all those things going
for him."

Meanwhile, Westley continued: "His feet, and being able to set the play up
and start you off, are magnificent. They're that good.
"Now he has got to go from this junior goalkeeper into men's football. But
his attributes are great; in being able to set up attacks, his agility, the
speed he covers the ground and makes good stops. "But does he have a wow
factor? He can make passes as good as outfield players."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Extra Hull tickets available
WHUFC.com

Additional tickets have become available for the Premier League visit of
Hull City on Saturday 17 December. With Hull returning tickets from their
allocation, the Club have been able to open up extra tickets in home areas
and are delighted to be able to make them available to supporters. Claret
Members, including those who missed out on tickets through the ballot, now
have priority to purchase these additional tickets, along with Season Ticket
Holders and Waiting List Members. The visit of the Tigers is the final home
match of an historic year for the Club, so don't miss out as we aim to
finish 2016 with a flourish. The Hammers have won their last six home
meetings with Hull, so have a fine record to defend against Mike Phelan's
men, who won promotion back to the top flight last term. The tickets will be
sold on a first come, first served basis and are set to sell quickly so
hurry to avoid disappointment.

Ticket prices start from £12.50 for Kids and from £25 for Adults. You can
book these tickets online, by clicking here, or by telephone on 0333 030
1966,

Accessibility tickets are available in all areas for this fixture. Disabled
supporters can purchase tickets by calling our Accessibility line on 0333
030 0174, visiting the Ticket Office at the London Stadium which is open
9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays or by emailing
accessiblity@westhamunited.co.uk

Hospitality packages for this fixture are available to buy now. For further
information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or
call 0871 091 1811*.

*Calls cost 13p/min plus your networks access charge.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stimac supports old pal Slaven
WHUFC.com

Igor Stimac says old friend and teammate Slaven Bilic will get West Ham
United winning again
Former Hammers and Croatia defender was a long-time defensive partner of the
manager
Stimac made 52 appearances for the Club between 1999 and 2001

Igor Stimac has backed old friend, compatriot and fellow former Hammers
defender Slaven Bilic to lead the Club out of its current predicament.

The 49-year-old was part of the same star-studded Croatia side as Bilic
which so impressed at EURO 96 and the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998,
earning 53 caps between 1990 and 2002.

A versatile centre-half like the current West Ham United manager, Stimac
emulated his fellow countryman by moving to east London in 1999, appearing
52 times over two seasons, before following Bilic into the Croatian
national-team hot seat in 2012.

Stimac is naturally supportive of his long-time teammate, and has every
confidence that he will set West Ham back on the right track before too
long.

"When Slaven got the job, I said that he will be an instant success at West
Ham United," Stimac told whufc.com. "He knows what this job is about and how
to turn things round.

"One thing I am pretty sure of is that Slaven will not lose his passion,
commitment and confidence.

"The one thing which I am confused about is how some people in England
question his ability after every game, forgetting how great a job he did
last season."

One thing I am pretty sure of is that Slaven will not lose his passion,
commitment and confidence

While respectful of West Ham's ambitions of breaking into the Premier
League's top six on a regular basis following the summer move to London
Stadium, Stimac is experienced enough to know that such progression cannot
happen overnight.

The former centre-half, who scored his solitary goal in Claret and Blue at
Newcastle United in January 2000, called for fans to be patient and give his
old friend an opportunity to work through the issues he is currently dealing
with.

"Our club is still not in the range of Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Man
City and our manager needs more support when things are not going as
expected," Stimac observed.

"We all know that Slaven is the right guy for West Ham and I point my finger
at the players here to wake up and bring back to their game the same passion
they showed last season.

"Not long ago they played with much more intensity, looking after each other
and fighting as a team – defenders need to defend, midfielders to fight and
pass the ball quickly to support the front players and make it easy for the
them.

"They all stood up for Slaven last season, praising his work, and if they
don't want to lose him then I expect team captain Mark Noble to shake up the
dressing room and the team to start producing good football again."

*The opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and not
necessarily those of West Ham United

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley tickets available on the Ticket Exchange
WHUFC.com

You can be there for our sell-out Premier League game against Burnley on
Wednesday as tickets become available on the Ticket Exchange.

With the game now sold out, Season Ticket Holders can relist their seats if
they cannot make it, giving other supporters the chance to watch the Hammers
in action against Burnley.

Click here to purchase your tickets on the Ticket Exchange now

The Hammers will be looking to move up the Premier League table with victory
against Sean Dyche's side, who won promotion back to the top flight last
summer.

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.

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.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kids for a Quid at City cup tie
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that tickets for the Emirates FA
Cup third round tie against Manchester City on Friday 6 January will be
priced at just £1 for Under-16s, and start at just £10 for adult Season
Ticket Holders.

In line with the Club's long-standing commitment to affordable family
football – the ongoing ethos at the heart of our move to London Stadium –
the prestigious fixture against a top Premier League rival gives us another
opportunity to reward our supporters for their loyal and magnificent backing
this season.

The reduced adult rate for Season Ticket Holders includes a £5 discount
against the ticket price, while every one of our young supporters can take
advantage of the fantastic kids for a quid offer.

This means that a family of three Season Ticket Holders - one adult and two
children - can watch the match for a total cost of just £12. For non-Season
Ticket Holders, the equivalent total will be just £17.

At this expensive time of year for families, we are proud to continue to
offer our supporters the opportunity to enjoy affordable football at London
Stadium, for what is sure to be a thrilling encounter in the world's most
famous cup competition.

The 7.55pm kick-off on the first Friday of 2017 will see the Hammers begin
their FA Cup campaign against Pep Guardiola's City, as Slaven Bilic's men
aim for a magical night under the lights at London Stadium.

The Hammers famously saw off Manchester City in the FA Cup during their run
to the final in 2006, when two Dean Ashton goals secured victory in the
quarter-final at Etihad Stadium.

With three FA Cup titles to West Ham's name, and Man City boasting five, the
two have a rich history in world football's oldest knockout competition –
and you can be there to witness more history being written.

Tickets will go on sale to Bondholders at 9am on Friday and Season Ticket
Holders from midday.

Full pricing details are as follows:

Season Ticket Holders

Band Adults/O65s/U21s U16s
1966 £25 £25
One £20 £1
Two £20 £1
Three £15 £1
Four £15 £1
Five £10 £1
General Sale

Band Adults/O65s/U21s U16s
1966 £30 £30
One £25 £1
Two £25 £1
Three £20 £1
Four £20 £1
Five £15 £1
Sales Dates

Bondholders 9am, Friday 9 December
Season Ticket Holders*
(all unsold seats will be released at 9am, 13 December) 12pm, Friday 9
December - online only
10am, Monday 12 December - online, phone, in person
Claret Members 9am, Thursday 15 December
Season Ticket Waiting List 9am, Sunday 18 December
West Ham Supporters with a booking history 9am, Monday 19 December
*Some Season Ticket Holders will be displaced due to the away ticket
allocation. A priority window will run from 9am on Tuesday 13 December to
9am Thursday 15 December for these Season Ticket Holders to select their
seats.

Sales dates and timings are subject to change

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup: BBC to show Manchester City and Tottenham games
BBC.co.uk

The FA Cup third round games between West Ham and Manchester City, and
Tottenham and Aston Villa, will be shown live on BBC One. The Hammers will
host Pep Guardiola's side on Friday, 6 January (19:55 GMT). Spurs,
meanwhile, entertain Championship side Aston Villa two days later, with
kick-off at 16:00.
A Saturday night highlights programme will include Sutton United's game
against AFC Wimbledon and Barrow versus Rochdale. BT Sport will broadcast
Reading's trip to Manchester United and Preston against Arsenal (both
Saturday, 7 January), Liverpool's game against Newport or Plymouth (Sunday,
7 January) and Cambridge United's home tie against Leeds (Monday, 9
January). Football Focus will once again be on the road and there will be
comprehensive coverage of the weekend's action across the BBC Sport website
and on BBC Radio 5 live.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Only one in three to definitely renew
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

A KUMB poll has found that only one in three supporters currently intend to
renew their season tickets at the Olympic Stadium next season.

The poll, conducted during the past few days resulted in just 34 per cent of
fans saying they will definitely renew their season tickets next year as a
result of the numerous issues which which have marred West Ham's move from
Upton Park to Stratford.

And whilst a further 29 per cent of voters claimed they are yet to make up
their minds, the remaining 35 per cent said they will definitely NOT be
returning - one of whom, a season ticket holder for 17 years, explains why
here.

* A total of 542 KUMB members have voted in our poll - the results of which
you may see here - thus far. Entry was available to registered members of
KUMB.com only. You may read the views of those who voted in the poll here.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Myopic Merson in hot water over Payet comments
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

The French press have leapt to the defence of West Ham United's Dimitri
Payer after Sky pundit Paul Merson accused the midfielder of performing
poorly.

Speaking last week, the former Arsenal star claimed that Payet has displayed
a poor attitude in recent fixtures whilst suggesting he had one eye on a
January move.

"Dimitri Payet doesn't look interested - at all," spewed Merson following
West Ham's recent 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. "I would advise him to
knuckle down and help get West Ham out of this relegation battle.

"He looks like someone that wants to be moving on his way. If it wasn't for
West Ham nobody would have ever heard of Payet - he wouldn't even be playing
for France."

Naturally Merson's comments caused a degree of consternation amongst our
friends across the channel, where French football website GFFN subsequently
accused Merson of short-sightedness in an 800-word defence of the Euro 16
star.


"Payet has not been the shining light he was last season in a West Ham side
struggling dramatically in the Premier League," wrote GFFN.

"It is right to call an important player out for not doing more to pull his
side away from danger. However, those are not the quotes that we take issue
with today.

"It's not right to call out Merson for not watching French football, he has
a job that involves watching the Premier League on a regular basis and
that's where he will be pulling most of his knowledge from.

"However, in this modern age, many would have known about Payet before he
joined West Ham. Had it not been for an exceptional season from Alexandre
Lacazette he would have been Ligue 1's Player of the Year.

"With recognisable names brought from FIFA, Football Manager, to the
popularity of the European Football Show on BT Sport Merson's view is
clearly old-fashioned and narrow sighted.

Luckily, it's something that a slowly growing, more knowledgeable audience
would not have agreed with. The days of a player needing to prove himself on
a cold December night in Stoke are over.

"Then again, why we listen to the opinion of a person who can't even be
bothered to learn how to pronounce player's names, I will never know..."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's London Stadium relocation and stats analysed
By Adam Smith
Last Updated: 08/12/16 7:01am
SSN

What's wrong with West Ham? How are a team that finished seventh in the
league last season now one point above the relegation zone?
Slaven Bilic's men have made a miserable start to life in their new London
Stadium home after 112 years at Upton Park. Is the relocation behind West
Ham's troubles? What are the Hammers doing differently this season? We take
a look at the stats…

ATTACKING DEFICIENCY

West Ham have only scored 15 league goals this season while they have
conceded 29. Andy Carroll has missed much of the season after being injured
during a Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu on August 18. He returned
as a sub against Arsenal on Saturday and scored within 10 minutes. Carroll
and Dimitri Payet were West Ham's top scorers last term with nine each, but
the latter has also appeared largely absent this term - and not through
injury. Despite a spectacular solo goal against Middlesbrough in October,
talisman Payet has struggled to find last season's form - taking nearly half
as many shots on target per game on average.

Dimitri Payet stats per 90 mins

Goals Shots on target
2015/16 0.32 0.98
2016/17 0.09 0.54

In addition, Mark Noble has also created fewer chances, taken fewer shots
and has not scored or assisted one goal this season.

Mark Noble stats per 90 mins

Chances created Assists Goals Shot on target
2015/16 1.4 0.11 0.32 0.34
2016/17 0.85 0 0 0.08

Striker Diafra Sakho has also missed the majority of this season with back
and hamstring injuries, while Simone Zaza has failed to fire since his
arrival on loan from Juventus. However, Michail Antonio has bucked the
team's under-performing trend and netted six goals, all headers, and earned
an England call-up during Sam Allardyce's brief spell at the helm.

DISTRIBUTION & WORK ETHIC

West Ham's approach play and work ethic doesn't appear to have changed
drastically since their move to the London Stadium. Across the pitch, their
number of tackles, duels won, aerials won, passes, crosses, dribbles,
average possession and distance covered are all almost identical to last
season.

DEFENSIVE DEFICIENCY

The Hammers have missed left-back Aaron Cresswell, who has only managed five
league starts this season between knee and groin injuries, and a one-match
suspension. Last season, West Ham conceded 14 goals from errors, surpassed
only by Aston Villa (15). This time round, the London club have also shipped
a league-high six goals from errors, costing them 10 points. Had those
errors not been made, they'd be sixth in the league above Manchester United.

LONDON STADIUM BLUES

Four of West Ham's six errors leading to goals have occurred at the London
Stadium. But despite that, the Hammers have actually picked up more points
at home than away.

West Ham home and away record 2016/17

Points per game Goals scored per game Goals conceded per game
Home 2016/17 1.1 1.0 2.0
Away 2016/17 0.6 1.1 2.1

However, as the chart below shows, their home results are still well off
last season form at Upton Park. So, West Ham need Carroll to stay fit, Payet
to start trying his luck at goal, and address defensive errors if they are
to rekindle the form that saw them narrowly miss out on Champions League
football last season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reportedly set to sign Turkish youngster
By London Football News 08/12/2016

West Ham are reportedly set to sign Turkish midfielder Murat Saglam from
German club Wolfsburg. The Times believe a five-year deal has been agreed
with the 18-year-old, who has not yet made his Wolfsburg debut. Tottenham
have also been linked with the player, prompting The Sun to declare that the
Hammers have beaten Spurs to the signing of Saglam, who can also operate on
the right of midfield or at right-back. He has come to the attention of a
number of European clubs in the last few months, largely because of some
impressive performances for Turkey's Under-19 side. The signing is being
reported as a sign the West Ham hierarchy are backing Slaven Bilic, who was
apparently keen for the deal to be done. There has been speculation about
Bilic's future as manager, particularly since last weekend's 5-1 defeat at
home to Arsenal. Co-owner David Sullivan indicated earlier this week that
Bilic still had the full support of the board, while many Irons fans have
backed the Croatian. Meanwhile, young Hammers goalkeeper Nathan Trott has
signed his first professional contract at the London Stadium. The
Bermuda-born teenager has impressed since being signed last year and has
been given a deal until 2020 after recently turning 17.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Cheikhou Kouyate hand West Ham boost
ahead of Liverpool trip
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham, who had nine senior players out through injury last weekend, are
hoping to have at least three back for selection when they go to Liverpool
on Sunday. Manager Slaven Bilic, who is under increasing pressure after his
struggling side conceded nine goals in their last two matches, against
Manchester United and Arsenal, is optimistic that the club's injury crisis
is easing slightly.

Wing-backs Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio missed the 5-1 home defeat by
Arsenal but could both be back for the Anfield trip. Cheikhou Kouyate also
sat out the Arsenal match with a slight hamstring strain but reports from
the club's training ground indicate that the defender has responded well to
treatment and also has a chance of being fit.

Full-back Sam Byram, who suffered a hamstring tear at the beginning of
October, is also back in training and should be ready to return to action in
time for the Christmas schedule. Spanish club Valencia, meanwhile, are
poised to offer striker Simone Zaza a lifeline deal in January. The Italian
has yet to score in nine Premier League appearances since signing on loan
from Juventus, but is rated highly by Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham winger looks set to leave the club, already looking at houses in
new destination
By Sport Witness - 7th December 2016

After being eliminated dramatically in the Champions League, the Besiktas
board are hoping to bring in players that'll help the club in the Europa
League. West Ham winger Gokhan Tore is one of the players the Turkish side
are looking at according to Fanatik.

Besiktas president Fikret Orman and some of the Besiktas scouts have
interest in Ligue 1 attackers Paul George Ntep and Benjamin Moukandjo, but
it's been claimed their No.1 target is Tore after the Turkish winger made a
disastrous start to his Premier League career.

Former Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic is the reason the Hammers signed Tore,
but the 24 year old hasn't made the impact that the Premier League side were
hoping for.

Under Bilic, Tore made remarkable progress at Besiktas and became one of the
key figures with the Turkish giants. However, since signing in the summer
for West Ham he's struggled, providing 1 assist in 8 games.

Tore is believed to be looking at house in Turkey already after the West Ham
board told Besiktas they are prepared to let him return to his former club
in January. The winger is said to be very happy about the possibility of
returning to Besiktas following his experience in England.

Currently on loan at West Ham for the season, the Premier League club have
an option to make the move permanent.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United agree deal for Murat Saglam, on whom Tottenham Hotspur were
very keen
HITC
Aiden Cusick

West Ham United look to have beaten rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the
teenager's signing. West Ham United have agreed a deal to sign Wolfsburg's
Murat Saglam from next summer, the Times reports. The Turkish midfielder is
out of contract at the end of this season, and is also said to have
interested Tottenham Hotspur. However, West Ham have reportedly moved quick
to secure the services of Saglam, in what is seen as a show of support from
the Hammers' board to under-fire manager Slaven Bilic. It is claimed the
Croatian urged his employers to sign the 18-year-old after hearing of
Tottenham's interest. "Murat is quite a talented player, a modern offensive
midfielder," Saglam's agent told Aksam last week, as reported by HITC Sport
at the time. "Tottenham especially are showing very keen interest."
Saglam is yet to feature for Wolfsburg's first team, but is said to have
impressed scouts with his performances for Turkey's under-19s.
West Ham reportedly held talks with Bilic at the start of the week, after
Saturday's 5-1 defeat to Arsenal left them a point and a place outside of
the Premier League's bottom three. Though his position is not thought to be
in any immediate danger, the failure to take advantage of favourable
fixtures against Burnley, Hull and Swansea this month, could seal the former
Hammers defender's fate.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham may renew interest in Carlos Bacca in January despite summer snub
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United are reportedly still monitoring AC Milan striker Carlos
Bacca. According to the Daily Star, West Ham United could renew their
interest in AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca during the January transfer
window. The Hammers spent most of the summer searching for a top striker to
lead their attack at the London Stadium, but failed to land a number of top
targets – and their eventual signings have struggled. Jonathan Calleri and
Simone Zaza arrived on loan from Deportivo Maldonado and Juventus
respectively with hopes of spearheading the West Ham attack, but neither of
them have scored in any competition so far this season.

With West Ham struggling for goals, the club's summer transfer business has
been heavily criticised – and it seems that the Hammers could end up
targeting a player who snubbed them over the summer. The Daily Star report
that, as West Ham search for a striker, they could make another move to sign
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, which may cause Hammers fans to roll their
eyes after such a protracted transfer saga over the summer.

As reported by the Daily Mail, West Ham made two attempts to land Bacca over
the summer, but he opted to snub a move to England, instead choosing to stay
in Italy with AC Milan. Now, with suggestions that Milan may look to cash in
on the 30-year-old striker during the January transfer window (Calcio
Mercato), it's claimed that West Ham could make another move to land Bacca
in January.
The Colombian international – who has scored 13 goals in 38 games for his
country – has been one of Europe's top goalscorers in recent years, as he's
totalled 26 goals in 56 games for Milan, having joined the club in the
summer of 2015 off the back of 49 goals in 108 appearances for Sevilla.

Bacca is certainly the proven goalscorer that West Ham have been hoping to
land since the end of last season, but they may in fact be in a worse
position to sign him than they were over the summer. At the time West Ham
tried to sign Bacca, they had finished seventh in the Premier League and had
a real buzz about them having moved into the London Stadium. Now, they lie
just one point off the relegation zone and the stadium move is becoming a
nightmare after just two league wins at their new home. If Bacca wasn't
willing to make the move to East London when West Ham were on a high over
the summer, it would be a major surprise to see him sign for the club when
they're hovering above the relegation zone.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp: Slaven Bilic needs Mark Noble to sort things out in West
Ham's dressing room
HARRY REDKNAPP
Evening Standard

Slaven Bilic requires the services of his captain now more than ever. West
Ham are in a right mess and the input of Mark Noble over the next few weeks
will be as important as anything that comes from Slaven. That's because it's
what's going on in the dressing room that will decide the team's fate.
You're not in there as a manager, because you get changed in a separate room
to the players every day. Of course you hear things and can read body
language, but players always talk most honestly among themselves. Most of
the new signings aren't getting into the team, so they will all have the
hump. They'll sit around wondering what they're doing there. If you have a
load of negative people moaning about the club and the manager, then West
Ham are doomed. That's where Noble has got to get even closer to Slaven. If
there are things like that happening, then he needs to inform his manager.
He's not being a snitch – he's got to tell Slaven because he needs to rely
on his senior players.

James Collins is another one who can help the manager – he's a good lad and
you know what you're getting with him. Collins and Noble have to sort out
any changing room problems themselves and if they can't do that, then they
have to go to Slaven and say "Listen, you've got one or two in there who
aren't with us. They aren't pulling in the same direction as we are." And
they mustn't be afraid to name them. Slaven needs to know who isn't really
with him and you'd think that because Noble wants to win so much for West
Ham – it's the club he lives and breathes – he could help get anyone out of
the club who isn't fighting for their lives alongside him.

As a manager the hardest thing in the world is to hide the pressure you're
under from the players. You only had to look at Slaven on the touchline in
the final few minutes against Arsenal last weekend – that wasn't the same
boy we saw last year. He's got to lift himself because otherwise he won't
lift the players. Slaven is a good man but he has to find a way of changing
the mood around the club and he just can't do it alone. You don't want
negative people. Even the dinner lady, the stewards – you can't have them
walking around with long faces as it only then spreads further negativity.

There's been talk of a fitness coach coming in to shake things up, but I
don't see how that would change much. West Ham have picked up a lot of
injuries in games and that's got nothing to do with the way they train. They
didn't get this level of injuries last season with the same staff. They
trained with the right intensity then, so that isn't the problem. It's
difficult, too, because if you bring somebody in to work with Slaven and
results pick up, then that guy will get the credit. And if it all goes
wrong, then it doesn't help Slaven anyway.

Recruitment has been a major problem. West Ham were in a position where if
they'd found a little bit of quality to bring into the club, they could have
kicked on and would have been strong contenders for a top six place. Alvaro
Arbeloa looks as if he's had his day. Havard Nordtveit wasn't up to it at
Arsenal and gave away a penalty to cost West Ham a draw at Tottenham last
month. Many of the players who've come in are not able to reach the same
level as those who are missing. Andre Ayew was expensive at £20.5million and
he's been injured. The jury is still out on whether he's worth anything like
that kind of money. I'd prefer to get Andy Carroll back in the team to find
an effective way of playing. The only way – and it's usually effective with
Carroll – is to get balls into the box and have others feed off him. With
Carroll you can't play clever football, threading passes between the lines,
because that isn't what he does.

Full-backs and wingers have to hit the diagonal high ball to the far post
every time they get the opportunity so he can win it to give Dimitri Payet,
Manuel Lanzini and their other skilful players a shooting chance in and
around the box. It isn't rocket science: I did exactly the same thing with
Peter Crouch feeding Rafael van der Vaart at Tottenham. Carroll can batter a
Liverpool defence that conceded four at Bournemouth and a goalkeeper, Loris
Karius, who is bound to be nervous. Games against Burnley, Hull and Swansea
are massive after that. West Ham have to come together as a team right now.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham beat Spurs to sign Murat Saglam [Times]
101greatgoals.com
By Ben Green
Thursday, December 8th, 2016 09:30

After West Ham's horrible start to the Premier League season and their exit
from Europe, rumours have been swirling about the future of manager Slaven
Bilic. On Thursday, The Times report that the West Ham board are backing
Bilic with a signing for next summer: Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Murat
Saglam. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has not played for the
Wolfsburg first team yet and is now unlikely to after agreeing a deal with
West Ham. Bilic, who previously managed in Turkey, was keen to bring in
Saglam. Saglam joins on a five-year deal and has signed for free. West Ham
fans will be pleased to note in The Times, that the Hammers have beaten
their London rivals Tottenham to the signing of Murat Saglam. Video footage
of Murat Saglam is below. West Ham's next game is at Liverpool on Sunday,
with the Hammers just one point off the drop zone from the Premier League.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE TURNING POINT
By Tony Hanna 8 Dec 2016 at 08:00
WTID

On the 11th November 2013 I published an article on this site titled "Is
relegation looming or are the bookies right?" We were eleven games into the
season and were sitting in 17th spot. The mood on the WHTID site was not
dissimilar to now, regarding our performances on the pitch. Many believed we
were doomed. Except the bookies! As I stated then, we were 6/1 for the drop
and the bookmakers had seven teams at shorter prices than us. I also wrote
that the bookies get things right much more often than they get it wrong.
They have an unbiased view, one that is not swayed by emotion. The fact that
seven teams finished below us that season is testament to their judgement.

So, fast forward three years and one month and we are in that same position
again, 17th, and the bookies have us at 6/1 for the drop! Sound familiar?
That's a big price again for a team in this predicament. They got it right
last time, so will they get it right this time too? Back in 2013 Andy
Carroll was out injured and Sam's plan of Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis
bombing down the wings and pelting in crosses for him was going pear shaped.
However, we had the prodigal talent of Ravel Morrison to fall back on?

This time we have had Andy Carroll out injured again and we have the
superstar Dimitri Payet to haul us out of trouble? I think we need to learn
that we need to stop relying on the fitness of Andy Carroll and any other
one single players brilliance to pull us out of this mess. Back in the
2013/14 season we slid even further down the table in the following two
months after my article and seriously, that could be the case this season
too. In January 2014 I wrote another article about Big Sams "big four".
These were the four fundamental stats that were the catalyst of his game
plan. I won't delve back into the first three but the fourth one sticks out
like a sore thumb.

They also knew that if they outworked their opposition by covering more
distance at speeds above 5.5m/s they would increase their chances of winning
by 80%.

Anyone watching our games at the moment can see that this is one of our
great failings at the moment. The urgency to press, hassle and hound is not
there, well not for ninety minutes anyway. How often have we played well for
one half, only to be diabolical in the other? Fitness, courage, speed and
determination has been lacking and I think Slav has known all along – this
side is resting on its laurels from last season. A look back at the 2011/12
season and Newcastle surprised everyone by finishing 5th in the league
playing some lovely attractive football. Amongst the most common
explanations for the success was the club's courage in giving young, hungry
players the opportunity to play, its ability to find diamonds in the rough
like Cisse, and manager Alan Pardew's attractive style of football. When
Newcastle dropped to 16th the following season the story reversed
completely. Now Newcastle had too many young players, the transfer policy
had failed and the team lacked enough experienced English players who knew
what the league was about. Suddenly the attractive style of play was naive
and lacked defensive awareness. The same characteristics that were
supposedly the reason for their success were now the reason for their
failure.

Leicester are just another example from many, of teams struggling after one
season of unexpected success. However, instead of young, hungry players,
they had older players, often discarded by clubs, with a point to prove.
They had diamonds in the rough such as Jamie Vardy and Mahrez, and instead
of Pardew's attractive football they had Ranieri's disciplined defending and
swift, exciting counter-attacking through an uncomplicated 4-4-2 formation.
Now, like Newcastle back then, Leicester are criticised. Too many older
players who have lost their hunger, a failed transfer policy and a style of
play that is naive. Since last season Leicester have handed out huge pay
increases to hold onto their star players and spent 70m pounds in transfer
fees that so far has produced little. The players can lift when they want to
though – they have won more Champions League games than Premier League games
this season! These two examples merely show that hunger for success is much
more important than increasing a pay packet.

I still think that with a fit Carroll and Sakho this season will, or would
have been so different though. You only have to look at how much better we
were when Sakho played his first hour of football this season against Spurs
a few weeks ago? But, because of their injury records, relying on these two
has become an absolute joke. A joke that management must find a solution to.
Back in that 2013/14 season it was January 29th when we ground out an
amazing 0-0 draw at Chelsea. A match where we were totally outclassed but
guts, determination and a lot of luck got us a point no one expected. We
went on to win the next four games in February that managed to culminate in
a finishing position of 13th that season. Sometimes it is that unexpected
result or a match where the luck, and there is certainly plenty of that in
football, turns decidedly your way and players start to believe again.

I am sure that there will be a turning point in our season. It could well
have been the Spurs game until those last few minutes created the opposite
effect, deflating the players, club and supporters even more. Perhaps it
will be this weekend, at Liverpool, where no one expects us to win, except
Toddy of course? Or will we have to wait until February again, because if
the turnaround doesn't come soon the bookies will be proved wrong for a
change!

Like Newcastle and Leicester, we have become the victims of our own success
from last season. Players playing without the same intensity of last season,
bad luck with injuries and poor transfer dealings have all played a part in
why we are where we are. All these factors combine to provide a team that
eventually loses its confidence and mojo. Whenever we went one down last
season we all felt we could still win, and we often did. The current team
goes one down and we wonder – how many this week? Once that lost confidence
has completely filtrated any sporting team of any code there is no magic
wand to rediscover it. The catalyst that provides the turning point, if
there is to be one, often comes when least expected.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Simone Zaza set to be offered escape from Premier League
nightmare by Valencia
The Italy international has been awful in east London since signing on loan
from Serie A champions Juventus in the summer
BY ED MALYON
22:58, 7 DEC 2016UPDATED22:58, 7 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Simone Zaza is ready to end his West Ham nightmare and sign for Valencia.
The Italy international has been a flop in east London since signing on loan
from Serie A champions Juventus in the summer. Zaza's loan was originally
intended to become a permanent deal with the Hammers but his paltry goal
return and hapless performances have West Ham looking for the emergency
exit. Under-fire Valencia boss Cesare Prandelli has been promised funds to
reinforce the squad after selling Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes to Barcelona
this summer for around £75million. Prandelli, who scouted Zaza during his
time as Italy boss, is keen on reviving the striker's flagging career and
has made contact with the 25-year-old. Zaza's entourage responded with
positive noises and the centre-forward, who is goalless in eleven games this
season, is keen to try his luck in La Liga.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want to sign PSG star Jese in January
HITC
Tom Nightingale

The Hammers are allegedly chasing a loan move for the forward. West Ham
United are looking to bolster their attacking options by bringing in Paris
Saint-Germain star Jese Rodriguez on loan in January, according to the Daily
Star. Jese made a name for himself as one of European football's top young
prospects during his time at Real Madrid, scoring 18 goals in 96 appearances
for the first team of the Spanish giants. Consistently used as a back-up
player for the La Liga side, he left the Bernabeu to sign for PSG back in
August, commanding a fee of over £21 million. However, he has found life in
Paris tough in his first half-season, playing just 13 games and starting
only once since his switch. That has led to reports that he could be
available in the winter market, and the Daily Star reports that West Ham are
keen on bringing him to the London Stadium for the second half of the
season. Goals and creativity have been scarce in East London, particularly
compared to their free-scoring campaign last term. The Hammers have scored
just 15 goals in the Premier League so far - the fifth lowest total in the
league - and their six first-team strikers have netted just three times
between them. Jese can bring goals and assists, and he would add a touch of
class to the frontline whether playing as an out-and-out striker or as a
secondary forward. However, the Star's report claims that AS Roma are also
interested in bringing in the former Spain Under-21 international, and West
Ham's lowly league position could make it difficult to tempt the
23-year-old.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic confident he can turn things around at West Ham after poor
start to life at London Stadium: 'The owners know it's going to take time'
By Ben Nagle for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 23:52, 7 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:52, 7 December 2016

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes he has the backing of the club's
owners after a disastrous start to life at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League without a
win in their last five, but Bilic believes he will be given time after a
tough move away from Upton Park this summer. 'The owners do [understand],'
Bilic told Gary Lineker on The Premier League Show. 'I say what I mean,
there are obstacles. When you go to somewhere new, the owners knew the
possibility that it's going to take time. 'You can't just do it, click it.
You have no choice… if you want to move forward with the club, you have to
do something like this. Our choice, or the owner's choice, was to go
forward. 'It was a brave choice, positive, it was a good choice. You have
to do something like this.'
West Ham have won just three games in the league so far this season, but
with four of their five December games against fellow bottom-half
strugglers, Bilic is confident he can guide his team to a top 10 finish come
May. 'We are now in a position that we are not happy with, of course,' he
continued. 'We are in a position where we have to bite our nails. 'I'm
confident that we're going to be minimum top 10. We are not happy with the
position we are at the moment and we have to change it. That's my
responsibility, and I have to find a way.'

Bilic likened the Hammers' move to the former Olympic Stadium to buying a
new house and it taking time to adjust to the new surroundings. 'You walk
in and a month later you say "it doesn't feel like home", but you love it.
It takes time. So many things are brilliant about it. 'Many clubs have the
same problems when they move grounds. We need wins, we need more sessions,
and then it's going to come. Time, you need time.'

And time is something Bilic is not worried about when it comes to the safety
of his job. Odds have been slashed on the Croatian to be the next man to be
sacked, but he says the thought of becoming unemployed does not keep him up
at night. 'When I think about my job, I don't want to think about the things
that you can't influence,' Bilic said. 'I want to think about my team, I
want to think about my staff, I want to think about opponents. 'I'm not
saying I'm not thinking about it, of course I am, but not in a negative way.
What's going to happen is going to happen. I'm optimistic and I like to be
positive. 'The pressure comes with the territory. I'm the one who's putting
big pressure on me. I like the adrenaline and the pressure, it brings the
best out of you. 'I love it [my job]. It has its ups and downs, but when
you are winning, there's no job like this. I expect [things will improve].'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham pursuit eases in Liverpool star due to this
WEST HAM are reportedly cooling their interest in Liverpool striker Daniel
Sturridge as they fear luring him to east London could prove too tricky.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 04:40, Thu, Dec 8, 2016
Express.co.uk

The Reds hitman has been linked with a move away from Anfield as he's
growing frustrated at a lack of match action. Jurgen Klopp has preferred
Roberto Firmino up front, while fellow forward Divock Origi is not
necessarily below him in the pecking order. A number of Premier League clubs
are interested in landing Sturridge, and Express Sport understands he is
also Crystal Palace's top target. But according to the Daily Star, there is
a realisation growing at West Ham that tempting Daniel Sturridge to join may
be beyond their capabilities. As a result, Slaven Bilic's side are widening
their search for a goalscorer to help recover the Hammers' woeful campaign.
The report adds that Paris Saint-Germain's Jese Rodriguez has been added to
their list of targets, with a loan move being weighed up.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com