Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2016

Preview - Liverpool
WHUFC.com

The background

West Ham United's Emirates FA Cup campaign resumes on Saturday when Slaven
Bilic's men travel to Liverpool for their fourth round tie. The Hammers are
looking to book a place in the competition's last 16 after seeing off
Championship outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round.

Liverpool needed a replay to defeat League Two side Exeter City, but have
already enjoyed plenty of cup success this term, having reached the Capital
One Cup final with a penalty shootout victory against Stoke City this week.

West Ham ended a 52-year wait for victory at Anfield by triumphing 3-0 on
Merseyside earlier this season, and completed a league double earlier this
month thanks to goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll.

The Hammers are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League, a place and
two points above the Reds, who have 34 points from their 23 games to date.
The history

West Ham's wait for success at Anfield was legendary in its length. 52 long
years had passed since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurts secured a 2-1 West Ham
win before Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho repeated the feat –
but by 3-0 this time.

West Ham completed a league double over Liverpool that term, and have
achieved that for the first time since this. Another good omen was that
double success over the Reds coincided with West Ham's first glorious FA Cup
campaign.

This will be the 132nd meeting between the Clubs, with Liverpool having won
70 of them, West Ham 27 and 34 ending in draws.

No Hammer will need reminding of the last FA Cup tie between the two, when
east London hearts were broken by the Reds in the 2006 final.
Match info

Team news

West Ham United

The Hammers welcome James Tomkins back into the fold after he sat out last
weekend's draw with Manchester City due to a minor injury.

However, right backs Carl Jenkinson and Sam Byram both sit out, the former
with a knee injury and the latter as he played in the FA Cup for Leeds
United this term prior to his transfer to the Hammers.

Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini remain sidelined by various
injuries, although the trio are all close to a return.
Liverpool

For Liverpool, Jon Flanagan made his first start in 20 months in the midweek
Capital One Cup victory against Stoke, but Nathaniel Clyne is in line to
return to the starting XI on Saturday following a minor problem.

This FA Cup tie will come too soon for Philippe Coutinho and Daniel
Sturridge, although the attacking duo are both thought to be close to a
return.
Match details

Saturday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. The Yorkshire official has
dished out 108 yellow cards but no reds in 30 appointments this term. His
last West Ham game was the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth earlier this month –
one of three Hammers matches in 2015/16. The assistant referees will be
Stuart Burt and Edward Smart. The fourth official is Geoff Eltringham.
West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info

Tickets for West Ham supporters for this match have SOLD OUT.
Click here for latest travel news by train, and here for news on the roads.
Please note that the final train back from Liverpool to London leaves at
1948 on Saturday.
A dry but cloudy day is expected on Merseyside, with temperature at kick-off
of 5C (41F).
If you are not heading to the game remember you can stay in touch with
proceedings on our digital channels. The whufc.com live match centre will
carry live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and
more. You can also get involved in the conversation on social using #LIVWHU

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Joint-Chairman - How I won the Cup
WHUFc.com

Joint-Chairman David Gold is literally an FA Cup winner – at auction. Mr
Gold is the proud owner of the oldest surviving trophy presented to the
winners. "The Little Idol" was what the teams played for from 1872 until
1910 when it was replaced by the silverware we know and love today.
The actual original was stolen from a shoe shop window in Birmingham while
Aston Villa were holders - and never seen again. Mr Gold said: "For me, this
is a far classier trophy. They used to make them a lot better in the
Victorian times. "I bought the trophy at an auction at Christie's ten years
ago. It was purely to stop it going into foreign ownership. "It spends most
of its time at the Football Museum in Manchester but I do sometimes have the
trophy at home. It is a nice thing to have at the dinner table instead of a
vase of flowers! "But, seriously, I was surprised that the FA - and PFA -
did not step in to make sure that this fine piece of silverware stayed in
the country. "So I had to step in at the last minute because it was apparent
that it was heading to Germany. "At one stage, there was a mystery phone
bidder and we thought it might be Roman Abramovich - and, with him, at least
we knew the trophy would be staying in England. "But that bidder went by the
wayside - and I came in. "The guy doing the bidding for me at the auction
shouted to me on the phone, "We've won"! We were so happy - we'd just won
the FA Cup!"

Villa won the "Little Idol" four times and were actually fined £25 to pay
for the replacement trophy that Mr Gold owns today. The trophy was retired
in 1919 and presented to FA president Lord Kinnaird as a retirement gift. Mr
Gold said: "It was kept in the family's vault for nearly 100 years before
the family decided to sell it. "When you are holding this trophy, you can
feel the history … the first 39 winners are all listed on there."

The Wanderers - a team that comprised mostly of former leading public school
pupils - won the very first final in 1872 by beating Royal Engineers 1-0 at
Kennington Oval in front of 2,000 fans. Royal Engineers were pioneers of the
passing game. They encouraged team-mates to pass the ball to each other,
rather than just kick the ball forward and chase it. That certainly sounds
very much like the sort of game that is encouraged at our Academy of
Football

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Moses set for emotional return
WHUFC.com

Victor Moses is preparing for an emotional return to Anfield, but says he
will put all his friendships to one side as he hopes to help steer the
Hammers into the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round. Moses enjoyed a season-long
loan with Liverpool back in 2013/14 and having missed the trip to Merseyside
earlier in the season, the Nigerian international is now hoping to put one
over his former team-mates. The 25-year-old forged close relationships with
several of the first-team squad at Anfield and relished the chance to play
in front of the Kop every week. But he is now determined to help the Hammers
have a lengthy run in the competition and will be doing everything he can to
help them come away with a victory.
Moses said: "It will be nice for me to go back to Liverpool and it will be
my first time back at Anfield since my loan spell there. "When we played up
there earlier in the season, it was just before I signed for the club but it
was a great victory for the Club. "I have still got a lot of good friends up
there like Coutinho, Sakho, Sturridge but I will have to put that friendship
to one side when we face them. "After the game we can shake hands, but the
football comes first and we will be looking to reach the next round. "It is
not out of the question that we could win the FA Cup and finish in the top
four this season."

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FA Chief pleased with Hammers approach
WHUFC.com

FA Chief Executive Officer Martin Glenn is thrilled to see Slaven Bilic
taking the FA Cup seriously and hopes the competition will provide even more
excitement this season. Bilic would love the chance to steer the Hammers to
their first FA Cup Final since 2006 and knows it would be a fitting way for
the Club to finish the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground if they could
win the tournament. The West Ham manager recently stated how much it would
mean to him if he could see his players lift the prestigious trophy and will
be doing everything he can to help his side achieve that goal. Glenn said:
"I saw Slaven's piece and I thought it was great. The FA Cup is such a huge
international property and we sell the rights all across the world. People
want to see it and Slaven gets that intrinsically. "It is a day out at
Wembley and it is a real inspiration. It is the big match pressure which you
test young players in and develops real fan excitement. "Nothing quite
captures it. The intensity of the FA Cup is not matched anywhere else in
Europe."

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SAT, 30 JAN 2016FA CUP - FOURTH ROUND
17:30
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool v West Ham United
BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will not feature in the FA Cup fourth
round match against West Ham. Dejan Lovren could return to the Liverpool
line-up for the first time in six matches following a hamstring injury.

West Ham will be without three strikers, with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and
Manuel Lanzini all injured Slaven Bilic is hopeful that Mark Noble will be
fit despite missing training on Thursday with flu.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): "I don't want a replay - I would like to win
without a second game. Yes. It will be a different team, for sure. We have
to make a few changes. We will make them, but only because we want to win
the game."

Slaven Bilic (West Ham): "It is one of the most difficult games we could
have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the recent
memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a chance
of beating them again."

MATCH FACTS

Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.
However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (W2 D4 L4).
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, after going seven in a row without a goal prior to
the run.

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Brentford sign Emmanuel Onariase from West Ham for an undisclosed fee
Last Updated: 29/01/16 11:55pm
SSN

Brentford have announced the signing of young defender Emmanuel Onariase
from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old moves to Griffin Park
on an 18-month development squad contract. Brentford's head of football
operations Robert Rowan told the club's official website: "Emmanuel has been
on our radar since the summer and he recently impressed the development
squad staff during his trial period with the club last week.
"What particularly stood out was his ability and composure on the ball,
leadership skills and his physical condition."

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Slaven Bilic confident of third West Ham victory over Liverpool
By Becky Lancashire
Last Updated: 29/01/16 3:05pm
SSN

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is confident his his side can chalk up a third
victory of the season over Liverpool on Saturday. The Hammers, who travel to
Anfield for the FA Cup fourth round tie, have already completed their first
league double over their rivals since 1964, having scored five goals and
conceded none. Despite the victories, Bilic admits an away trip to Liverpool
was not the draw he was looking for after they booked their place in the hat
with a 1-0 win over Wolves in round three. "I was not happy with the draw,"
he said. "We were on the coach to Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't
think 'yes, we've beaten them twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one
of the most difficult games we could have got. But we are confident, we beat
them twice and have the recent memory of beating them, and we know what to
do in the game to have a chance of beating them again. "We are very
ambitious for the FA Cup and we are looking forward to the game." Liverpool
fielded a team of youngsters as they scraped through their third-round tie
against League Two Exeter after a replay. And Jurgen Klopp's side also had a
gruelling 120-minute battle with Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on
penalties to reach the Capital One Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the
Reds' midweek exertions will hand his side an advantage. "We will put a
very, very strong team out but we will make some changes. Some of the guys
who played in the last cup game against Wolves will play again," he said.
"We are going to do everything we can to beat them. Losing would be a blow
but it wouldn't be a shock - it is Liverpool at home. So make no mistake, we
are approaching the game full of respect for them. But we are confident and
we are hungry to progress in the FA Cup."

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Jack Sullivan's column: Byram had a great game
January 28, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan

Saturday was a great game, I think Bilic once again delivered some great
tactics and to get 4 points against City in two games is great. There were
some great performances again, with Enner getting two more goals and proving
himself as the number 9. Sam Byram also had a great game after coming on
for Jenko, doing some great passes and showing that we haven't wasted our
money. To come on against Man City and face great attacking players with
such confidence, shows great character. Other players like Song looked back
to their best and I really feel on our day we can beat anyone.

On the other hand, to go ahead twice and let the lead slip isn't great, but
Aguero fit is world class and almost unstoppable! At the same time we could
have won the game, with Payet's great free-kick and Kouyate's header in the
last minute, both are always very strong for us and almost never have a bad
game. Liverpool is a huge game for us as we could beat them twice at
Anfield, after not winning there in 52 years! I'm really looking forward to
it and can see us getting something.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: Liverpool are missing Steven Gerrard's
leadership
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard

I would like to begin with a question. Has any team beaten Liverpool three
times in one season? Maybe it has happened but not too many times, I think.
Yet that is what we will achieve if we manage to defeat them in the FA Cup
tomorrow. We were on the team coach travelling to Bournemouth when I heard
the fourth-round draw and I admit I was not happy because it was one of the
toughest options for us. I know we have beaten them twice already but that
is in the past and this is Liverpool we are talking about — at Anfield! So
it is a tough draw. On the other hand, although we are not big headed, we
are optimistic because we deserved to beat them at Upton Park this month and
also at Anfield early in the season. Of course, they have played many games
recently. Their Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday night went to extra
time and must have taken a lot out of them. Had they lost to Stoke, they
would have been very, very tired and the players would have felt their
knocks a lot more. However, they won so can look forward to Wembley and it
is amazing what something like that does to give you a boost of energy and
optimism. I watched the game on TV. Stoke were better on the night and did a
job on Liverpool, although the goal was offside.

Tomorrow's match has also revived memories of what I am told was a great FA
Cup Final between the teams in 2006. I haven't seen the match but have been
told often enough how marvellous it was — the best final of modern times.
Steven Gerrard broke West Ham fans' hearts that day when he equalised in the
dying seconds of normal time. Steven is almost unique in modern-day football
— a one-club man in this country and an icon for Liverpool — one of the
greatest players to play for that club, perhaps the greatest. These days,
players move clubs all the time, perhaps seeking a new challenge or more
money. He showed great commitment to Liverpool because he could have gone
anywhere in the world. Whether it was right for a parting of the ways last
year I don't know because I am not working there. In the end it was done in
the right way, I think. The manager at that time had different ideas. They
are missing Gerrard's leadership, though. He was Mr Liverpool, as John Terry
is Mr Chelsea or Mark Noble is Mr West Ham.

It is impossible to find a new Steven Gerrard. You can find a new player of
great quality but that will not make him a new Gerrard. It is most important
to have someone like him, Terry or Mark. A player such as this is the
manager's right-hand man on the pitch. When everything is going well you
don't need him so much but there are parts in every game where you need one
of your players to lead, to not think about his own game so much as helping
the team. The best sides have several of those players, those who the others
look to when things are not going smoothly. Jurgen Klopp is finding out very
quickly, as I have done, about life in English football. As for many things
in life, you can prepare meticulously in theory but until it happens, you
don't really know. He will have been prepared for the intensity of the
Premier League and the heavy Christmas programme and thought, "I can cope
with this, it is similar to the Bundesliga". But there are many things which
can take you by surprise. Of course, he will adjust, he is an experienced
coach who is used to the top level with Borussia Dortmund. He will find a
way but I am sure some things have surprised him, particularly the different
training and difficult schedule. We go into this game with plenty of
confidence after our performance against Manchester City. To be disappointed
not to have beaten the team who, on paper, are definitely the best in
England is good. It tells you that your standards are high. We were a bit
disappointed but we were also proud of our performance. Had it not been for
Sergio Aguero, surely one of the top five strikers in the world, we would
have won.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says no money will tempt them to sell Dimitri
Payet
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 28/01/16 11:32pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic claims there is "no money in the world" that
would force the club to sell Dimitri Payet. French playmaker Payet has
impressed since joining the Hammers from Marseille in the summer for £10m.
That has led to speculation the 28-year-old, back in action after injury,
could leave Upton Park during the current transfer window but Bilic is
determined to hold onto such a prize asset. "From my point of view there is
no money in the world that we would let him go for," Bilic said ahead of
their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Liverpool on Sunday. "The things he
does on the pitch, he also does in training. He is great to have in the
squad and at the club. "In previous seasons we were like a selling club, but
we are moving stadium, we are talking and acting like we want to go up as a
club, and for me the most important thing regarding that is not to sell your
best players. "Dimitri Payet, for me, no way. He is our player and he is
staying. "At this club there have been big players, but I think the last
player who made such a big impact, in basically no time, is Paolo Di Canio."
Payet has scored six goals in 19 appearances since joining West Ham.

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Liverpool v West Ham United preview: Hammers striker Andy Carroll to miss
Anfield return
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 29/01/16 10:50am
SSN

Liverpool entertain West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday having
already tasted cup success this week. The Reds won a dramatic penalty
shoot-out against Stoke City that carried them through to a League Cup final
meeting with Manchester City next month. Although Liverpool's inconsistency
has seen them fall behind in the chase for a top-four Premier League finish,
and a place in the Champions League, their cup form suggests Jurgen Klopp
could make an immediate trophy-winning start to his career as the Merseyside
club's manager. Liverpool are still hampered by a long injury list although
Dejan Lovren could return to the heart of the defence in place of Kolo
Toure, while Nathaniel Clyne is expected to step in at right-back for Jon
Flanagan, who made his first start in 20 months against Stoke.
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will shuffle his pack, but promised
he would still field a strong side at Anfield. Former Liverpool forward Andy
Carroll will not feature, however, as he is not yet fully fit and new
signing Sam Byram is cup-tied. The Hammers have already beaten Liverpool
home and away in the league this season, with their Anfield success their
first victory there since 1963. But Bilic revealed he had been disappointed
to have been sent there again. "I was not happy with the draw because it was
one of the most difficult we could get," he said. "We have beaten them twice
but it's still Liverpool away. When I heard the draw I didn't think: 'We
beat them twice, come on!' I was like: 'Why Liverpool?' But we are confident
and we know what we have to do to have a chance to beat them again."

Paul Merson's prediction
I just can't see Liverpool winning this game. West Ham have done the double
over them and Liverpool have just played 120 mins plus penalties. I know
they won and that puts more air into your lungs, but West Ham are a very
good team. We saw that on Saturday Night Football against Manchester City.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)

Opta stats

Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.

However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.

The Reds' last seven all-Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline (W4 L3).

The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).

In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (D4 L4).

Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.

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Slaven Bilic wary of Liverpool backlash after guiding West Ham to league
double already this season
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers head back to Anfield on Saturday having already won 3-0 there
this season but Bilic is taking nothing for granted
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic admits he fears a Liverpool backlash - but is sending a side to
Anfield good enough to cope with it. The West Ham boss has already guided
his men to their first league double over Liverpool since 1964, scoring five
goals and conceding none. But he admitted to not being pleased when he heard
the draw had sent the Hammers back to Anfield for their fourth-round tie. "I
was not happy with the draw," said Bilic. "We were on the coach to
Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't think 'yes, we've beaten them
twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one of the most difficult games
we could have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the
recent memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a
chance of beating them again. "We are very ambitious for the FA Cup and we
are looking forward to the game."

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side suffered a gruelling two-hour battle with
Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on penalties to reach the Capital One
Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the exertions will hand his side an
advantage. "They didn't feel that tiredness although they played 120 minutes
- the whole place will be buzzing." he said.

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Jurgen Klopp to turn to Liverpool youngsters again as exhausted Reds'
recover from Stoke exertions
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Liverpool's stars ran 156km in the midweek clash with Stoke and Klopp
explained he will have to give some of them a rest against West Ham
The Mirror

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will refuse to run his players into the
ground...because they're doing that themselves. The German coach revealed he
will pick a "young team" in the FA Cup against West Ham this evening,
because his exhausted players posted record numbers for distance covered in
an epic, intense cup semi this week. Klopp explained that in all his years
as manager, he's rarely come across any team running as far as the 156km the
Reds covered in the Capital One tie with Stoke, and because of that, he
insisted, he won't bury them. "I can't ignore the other games, I can't say
try it again. If they are injured we cannot use them and if we know about
the intensity of the last game and the short break to the next one I can't
say go again until you lay on the ground," he explained. "It will be a
different team, for sure, to the last game. We have no other choice. We ran
156 kilometres against Stoke and a few players that ran 17 kilometres in
this game, the highest speed ever and breaking all records for distance
covered. "Nobody forced them before the game – 'Please try to break all
records!' Stoke did only 3km less so it was intense, very intense. We have
no chance. "We wanted to go to the final and we had to fight for it. But now
we cannot say, 'Come on, it's West Ham, it's the FA Cup, it's the world
championship or whatever. And then again against Leicester and again against
the rest.' It doesn't work like this, so we have to make a changes."

Klopp does have senior players like Dejan Lovren, Joe Allen, Nathaniel Clyne
and Steven Caulker to call on, and he will use Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith who
have extensive first team experience. But he will also select youngsters
like Sheyi Ojo, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira, and he
insisted it won't be too much of a gamble pitching them in against the
physically testing West Ham. "We will play them but only because we want to
win the game – that's the only reason. They really try to win each game," he
added. "Maybe you cannot see it all the time, but inside they are always big
fighters and I love this attitude. "It was easy to be brave against Exeter
but sometimes you have to be brave in a moment when you really need it and
that's what we're doing now. I don't feel that I'm being too brave because I
trust these players. "If we could win the Capital One Cup it would be a cup
for the whole squad because we played different teams, against Bournemouth
it was a very young team, and if we go through in the FA Cup it will be the
same."

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QPR desperate to offload Rob Green with Crystal Palace and West Ham
enquiring as Sandro nears exit
17:16, 29 JAN 2016 UPDATED 17:23, 29 JAN 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Green will be handed an automatic 12-month contract extension if he plays
any more games for the Rs meaning bosses as keen to offload
The Mirror

QPR are desperately trying to offload former England keeper Rob Green before
Monday's deadline. They have agreed a deal with West Brom for Brazilian
midfielder Sandro who will move to the Hawthorns to get him off the books.
West Brom hope to have the deal completed after Sandro underwent a medical
on Friday and has agreed personal terms. Green, 36, could also go because he
is out of contract this summer and a new 12 month extension will kick in if
he plays more games. That is something QPR - anxious to cut costs - are
trying to avoid and they are hoping to strike a deal with several clubs
keen. Crystal Palace and West Ham have enquired for the keeper who has been
left out recently to stop the deal kicking in.

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How Slav embraces the spirit of our founder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
Scott A
C and H

Top ClaretandHugh blogger Scott Alsweiller is back with a piece to stir the
emotions of all Hammers. He casts his eye back to 1896 and the words of our
founder Arnold Hills before making it clear how the boys of 2016 have
resurrected the spirit of the man to whom we owe it all.

"…keep on the ball, play an unselfish game, pay heed to your captain, and
whatever the fortunes of the first half of the game, never despair of
winning, and never give up doing your very best to the last minute of the
match. That is the way to play football, and better still, that is the way
to make yourselves men."

–Arnold Hills, in a letter to his Thames Ironworks F.C. players, 1896.

There's a philosophy that stands as true today as it did when our founder
said it 120 years ago. It's also a philosophy that is obviously very dear
to the heart of one Slaven Bilic, and the hearts of Hammers around the
world. Are you looking for the West Ham Way? There it is at conception.

It's also a philosophy our current squad appear to have taken as their own.
Nobody will deny that we looked truly abysmal for the first half of the
Bournemouth game, only to come back energised and sharp as knives for the
second half. Never despair of winning, indeed. We looked unlucky not to have
completed the double over Manchester City last weekend. And now we get to
face Liverpool in the F.A. Cup.

We've already beaten them, soundly, twice this season. There is no reason to
think that we can't carry on that form and earn our spot in the next round.
Klopp looks to be bringing in a younger side, but make no mistake, those
'kids' can prove utterly deadly if we underestimate them.

Having said that, we should win this one. With Byram Cup-tied, and Jenkinson
injured (and the less said about his season the better at this point), we'll
see the return of Tomkins (who joined the Academy at age 7 and remains with
us to this day) to the fullback role he has worked very hard at this season.
Valencia is now oozing confidence and capability. We may not even have seen
him at his best yet – I suspect there is more to come as he continues to
grow in assurance. While we don't have our 'Jewel' back with us yet, we do
have his deadly midfield partner back at full strength – and of course, for
most of us, he's a man for whom there aren't superlatives enough.

Could we blow it? Of course we could. We've proven that already this season.
Some will say that's part of the West Ham Way. Traditionally, that's
correct. But let's change it up this time around. Let's make it a triple
defeat and really rub it in. Get out there – and Come on you Irons!

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Who is Jose Riga?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
RigaUntil yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga.

Yesterday, it was reported that Reece Oxford's loan to Charlton has been
cancelled by the Addicks' boss as the Belgian coach has no idea who the
young defender come midfielder is.
Has Mr Riga been living under a rock or something for the last few years?
Reece Oxford produced one of the most impressive debuts in Premier League
history earlier this season, starring in the West Ham midfield as the
Hammers won 2-0 at Arsenal on the opening day of the season. The youngster –
then 16 – was hailed for his maturity and composure in owning Mesut Ozil in
his pocket for most of the match. Oxford has made just 3 Premier League
appearances since that incredible debut, as Slaven Bilic opts for experience
over the raw talent of Oxford. In recent weeks he has been linked with
interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all of which
know exactly who he is and what he can do. In search of increased game time,
he was expected to complete a loan move to the Championship side but it
appears the manager threw his toys out his pram. Riga allegedly vetoed the
move after the deal in the 11th hour because the deal was agreed without his
consent. Talks are now under way to see if the loan deal can been salvaged
with Riga watching youtube clips of Oxford.

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Jelavic edges closer to Chinese exit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Nikica Jelavic appears to be be moving closer to a West Ham exit with
rumours he has agreed personal terms with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande
the front runner to sign him. Another rumour suggests another as yet
un-named chinese club has asked about his availability too. Yesterday, West
Ham manager Slaven Bilic confirmed Jelavic could be Chian bound saying "We
have Jelavic who might go to China, but they are in pre-season at the
moment, so he is staying with us until he might sort the deal out."
West Ham completed the transfer of Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic from Hull
City on a two-year contract, with the option of a further two, for a
transfer fee believed to be £2.5m plus add ons worth another £300,000 back
in the Summer. The 30-year-old striker is thought to earn £55,000 per week
in a lucrative contract. Jelavic's goal scoring record shows him as having
netted 30 from 45 appearances at Rangers, 16 from 59 at Everton and 13 from
46 at Hull. Jelavic has scored three goals and made two assists for West Ham
from 13 appearances despite being in the starting line up just twice.

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memnike hints deal is done
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Emmanuel Emenike has hinted he is about to become a West Ham player. Posting
on his personal Instagram account from Westfield Shopping Centre in
Stratford yesterday he said "I'm happy West Ham London" the message was
accompanied with a photo of the West Ham Crest.
No problems have been reported with his medical and West Ham are understood
to be agreeing the finer details of the loan deal with Fenerbahce to bring
the 28 year old to West Ham for the remainder of the season with an option
to buy. The final obstacle is a work permit application but it is hoped this
is a just a formality. Emenike has spent this season on loan at Abu Dhabi
side Al Ain and has scored seven times in 11 games in the UAE but it emerged
they no longer have him registered as one of their three foreign players.
Emenike was the Golden Boot winner at the 2013 African Cup of nations.

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Irons battle to overcome Emenike issues
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Emmanuelle Emenike is currently going through the second part of his West
Ham medical but there are still problems in completing the deal. The striker
passed through Phase One of his medical successfully yesterday and no
problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the
deal are apparently still not resolved. They centre on his relationship with
his current loan club Al Ain and parent club Fenerbache although negotiators
are working hard to iron them out. And ClaretandHugh has been told that
should he make to move to the Boleyn by Deadline Day it will involve a loan
fee of less than £1 million. We were told by a well placed source: "It
remains quite complicated. The player wants to sign and his agents too of
course but the two club syndrome is proving tricky. "We are working hard and
hopefully will get it done by deadline day but yes it's fair to say there
are a few issues to overcome."

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Irons confirm Black Cat Fletcher's a target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham have confirmed that they are holding a back-up interest in
Sunderland striker Steve Fletcher should it prove impossible to complete a
deal for Emmanuele Emenike. The Hammers are hoping they will complete the
negotiations for the Nigerian front man but have made it clear that
Fletcher is a possible late target should that deal fall through.
ClaretandHugh revealed this morning that although the Fenerbache striker was
taking the second part of his medical today, there was still no firm deal in
place. And the story published on line by the Mirror's Darren Lewis that
Fletcher is a target if the deal breaks down has been confirmed by our top
source at West Ham who said: "We have inquired about Steven and hold an
interest in him.
"He is a possible back-up target if we can't sort out a deal for Emenike."
However as the Mirror reports manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that the
London club are hopeful of sealing the deal – despite complications because
of Emenike's current loan spell at Al Ain in Abu Dhabi – this weekend.

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Julian Dicks's emphatic response when asked whether Payet is better than Di
Canio
HITC
Tim Poole

The West Ham coach has waxed lyrical about the Frenchman. West Ham United
coach Julian Dicks says Dimitri Payet is 'one hundred per cent' a better
player than Paolo Di Canio was, according to the Daily Star. Indeed, Dicks
is delighted with the 28-year-old's 'fantastic' work rate and is impressed
with his willingness to run back and defend even during the 90th minute. Di
Canio is a West Ham legend but, with time, there's no reason Payet won't
reach that status among fans at Upton Park. And Dicks is quoted as saying by
the Star: "Payet. One hundred per cent.
"There are similarities. But with Dimitri, he has all the ability in the
world but his work rate is fantastic. You have fantastic players and you let
them get on with it. "But he's running back to defend in the 90th minute. It
rubs off. You take your team-mates with you. He's very calm on the ball.
Many people can see a pass but very few can execute it."
Payet's return from injury recently came against Liverpool, when he was
brought on as a second-half substitute. West Ham won that game and now have
the chance to win three out of three against the Reds this season. The
Frenchman will likely play an important part if the Hammers are to achieve
the feat, as they travel to Anfield during Saturday's late kick-off in the
FA Cup.

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West Ham bound striker's ability questioned by former Nigeria international
Posted by Eren Sarigul January 29, 2016
turkish-football.com

The West Ham bound striker Emmanuel Emenike's ability has been questioned by
the former Nigeria international Jonathan Akpoborie. Akpoborie – who also
played for VFL Wolfsburg – has stated that Emenike's performances have been
below par in recent performances. "Over the last two or three years he
hasn't been in good form for his club and country", Akpoborie was quoted as
saying by the BBC. "To be a striker in the top flight in England you need to
have a good first touch and that has always been his problem. "His ability
is in question." Emenike is set to undergo his West Ham medical according to
Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David Sullivan. The Nigerian
international is currently in talks with West Ham but the Hammers will have
to reach a deal with both Fenerbahce and his loan club Al Ain according to
West Ham head coach Slaven Bilic. The Hammers head coach expects a decision
to be made by Fenerbahce and Al Ain over Emenike by today. "Now we are
waiting to see if it is going to be today, tomorrow or not," Bilic was
quoted as saying by the Daily Star yesterday. The 28-year-old scored seven
times in 11 appearances for Al Ain and Bilic is familiar with Bilic from his
time coaching Istanbul rivals Besiktas.

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David James reveals his fear for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp takes this risk
FORMER England keeper David James fears for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp picks
another youthful team for their fourth-round FA Cup tie with West Ham
tomorrow.
By JOSEPH PEARSON
PUBLISHED: 09:12, Fri, Jan 29, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:29, Fri, Jan 29, 2016
Express.co.uk

James played 277 games for Liverpool between 1992 and 1999 and made a
further 102 appearances for the Hammers between 2001 and 2004 during his 18
years playing in the Premier League. Klopp made 11 changes in the last round
at Exeter and the Reds required a replay to see off their League Two
opponents. West Ham sit once place above Liverpool in sixth in the Premier
League table and James, who's been impressed with the Hammers under Slaven
Bilic this season, believes that Klopp cannot afford to take a similar risk
against Premier League opponents. "I've been very impressed by them [West
Ham] this season," James wrote in the Liverpool Echo. "I think Slaven Bilic
has done a marvellous job. "They're sitting just outside the European places
– above Liverpool – and they'll be looking at their fixtures to come and
thinking 'why can't we put ourselves in the mix for the top four?' "What
Jurgen did at Exeter in the last round was select a team that, barring a
couple of exceptions, pretty much knew each other and had played together,
albeit at youth level. He repeated that at Anfield, and I think you saw that
the understanding and confidence had grown. "I'm not sure if he will go
quite so young in his selection against West Ham, because this is a Premier
League opponent that can easily put an inexperienced team out of the
competition. It would be a big risk, in a competition you certainly have a
chance of winning. "But a few of those young players did themselves no harm
in the two games against Exeter, let me tell you."

James won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and he was a runner-up with
Liverpool in 1996, when the Reds lost to Manchester United at Wembley.

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Karren Brady warns Brexit would be bad for British clubs
• 'Two-thirds of European stars in England would not meet visa criteria'
• 'Cutting ourselves off would have devastating consequences'
The Guardian
Friday 29 January 2016 09.19 GMT Last modified on Friday 29 January 2016
09.21 GMT

British teams could find it harder to sign top European players if the UK
votes to sever ties with Brussels, Karren Brady has warned club chairmen.
The Tory peer, vice-chairman of West Ham United, has written to professional
teams to warn that "cutting ourselves off from Europe would have devastating
consequences" for both the economy and the competitiveness of British
football. Baroness Brady, who is on the board of the main campaign to keep
the UK in the European Union, said free movement rules made it easier to
attract talent from the other 27 member states. She claimed that two-thirds
of players from EU nations playing in England might not meet the visa
criteria applying to non-EU countries and could therefore be forced to
leave.
In a letter to the chairmen of all professional sides in England, Scotland
and Wales, she said: "For clubs, free movement plays a big role in transfers
and players' contracts. "Players from the EU can sign for UK clubs without
needing a visa or special work permit, making it quicker and easier to
secure top talent from across Europe to come and play in our leagues.
"Indeed, there are nearly 200 Premier League footballers alone who have
benefited from this arrangement. Leaving the EU could have a big impact on
foreign players, as independent analysis has shown that two-thirds of
European stars in England would not meet automatic non-EU visa criteria and
therefore might be forced to leave. "Losing this unhindered access to
European talent would put British clubs at a disadvantage compared to
continental sides."
Her letter also suggests fans travelling to away games in Europe benefit
from cheaper flights and not having to pay visas. Baroness Brady is on the
board of Britain Stronger In Europe, which is campaigning for a vote to
remain in the EU in the referendum promised by David Cameron. "English,
Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish football gains so much from being in
Europe," she said. "Clubs and fans all benefit from European action, laws
and funding. Leaving the EU would hurt our leagues, create uncertainty for
European transfers, and be a step back for the next generation of
footballers."
Although EU free movement rules can help British teams sign foreign stars,
they also apply the other way – smoothing the path for British players such
as Gareth Bale, who left Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Real Madrid. Players'
ability to switch sides has also been boosted by the Bosman ruling, a
European Court of Justice decision which allowed a player to leave a club on
a free transfer as soon as his contract expired, giving them extra leverage
to demand huge signing-on payments and salaries from their new teams.

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