Liverpool 0 West Ham United 0
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph was the West Ham United hero to help the Hammers earn an Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay after a 0-0 draw at Liverpool.
With Adrian returning to Seville as he awaits the birth of his first baby, Randolph once again showed why he is rated so highly at the Boleyn Ground with a superb display to keep his sixth clean sheet in eight Claret and Blue appearances. The Republic of Ireland international certainly enjoys playing at Anfield after he played his part in helping the Hammers come away with an emphatic 3-0 win in the league back in August.
And he was unbeatable once again as he made a number of impressive saves including a late triple stop from Christian Benteke and Joe Allen to ensure the Hammers will be in the hat for the fifth round draw on Sunday evening. West Ham also had their chances to win the tie and came the closest when Pedro Obiang fired a volley inches past the post early in the second period. The Hammers got off to a bright start and could have opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Dimitri Payet tried an audacious free-kick from outside the box which almost caught out Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.
The away side came even closer on 16 minutes following a great move which saw Aaron Cresswell break clear down the left-hand side. The Hammers full-back crossed the ball in for Enner Valencia who was unmarked inside the box but the presence of Steven Caulker meant the No11 took his eye off the ball and headed well off-target.
Liverpool also had chances to break the deadlock and came close on 22 minutes. A corner was curled in by impressive young midfielder Cameron Brannagan and a flicked header from Benteke was cleared off the line by Cresswell on the post.
James Tomkins was forced to leave the action after 34 minutes after he clashed heads with Joe Allen in an aerial challenge. Tomkins was replaced by Joey O'Brien who was making his first appearance since 30 July 2015, when the Hammers drew 2-2 with Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa League.
The Hammers suffered another injury blow on 37 minutes when Cheikhou Kouyate picked up a knock and was replaced by Nikica Jelavic. Bilic was forced to change the shape of the team with Payet switching flanks with Moses and Valencia playing up front with Jelavic in a 4-4-2 formation.
The changes did not affect West Ham initially and they created their best opening on the stroke of half-time when the ball fell to Obiang on the edge of the box and he fired a volley just past the post.
West Ham came close again on 50 minutes when Winston Reid flicked Payet's free-kick goalwards, but Jelavic just failed to slide the ball past Mignolet.
Replays showed that Steven Caulker may have handled the ball twice in the melee, but there was no action taken against the Liverpool defender.
The home side also had their chances and Allen had a good chance on the hour mark when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box but he fired a cross from Clyne high into the Kop.
Randolph then came to the Hammers rescue on 63 minutes when he made a fine save to parry Teixeira's half-volley around the right-hand post.
The keeper was at his best once again when he made a triple save to keep the Liverpool players at bay. Randolph first saved from Benteke, then kept out a shot from Allen and once again kept out a follow-up from Benteke as the Hammers held out.
There was late drama when Michail Antonio saw his header strike the post, but the referee blew his whistle for a push inside the box by the substitute on Jose Enrique.
Both teams had to settle for a replay which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February, unless the tie is selected for TV coverage the following night.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Caulker, Lovren, Smith, Stewart, Allen ©, Brannagan (Sinclair 86), Ibe (Ojo 79), Teixeira (Enrique 89), Benteke
Subs not used: Ward (GK), Ilori, Randall, Chirivella
Booking: Lovren
West Ham United: Randolph, Tomkins (O'Brien 34), Reid ©, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate (Jelavic 37), Moses (Antonio 69), Payet, Valencia
Subs not used: Howes (GK), Collins, Oxford, Cullen
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Bradford)
Attendance: 44,007
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Liverpool replay ticket details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that ticket prices have been reduced for the Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool.
The Hammers are set to host the Reds on Tuesday 9 February at 7.45pm for the right to progress to the last 16. Adult ticket prices for this mouth-watering FA Cup tie have been reduced to £20 for Season Ticket Holders and £25 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Over-65s and Under-21s ticket prices have been set at £10 for Season Ticket Holders and £15 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Under-16 Season Ticket Holders can secure a seat for just £5, while Under-16 non-Season Ticket Holder seats are priced at £10 each.
Tickets are on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 8pm on Saturday 30 January, with a priority window being open until 9am on Wednesday 3 February. Tickets will be on sale to Academy Members from 9am on Wednesday 3 February, with a General Sale starting from 9am on Thursday 4 February. The Hammers' Barclays Premier League trip to Southampton will now take place at St Mary's on Saturday 6 February at 5.30pm, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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Randolph - I enjoy playing at Anfield
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph has joked that he would love to play at Anfield every week after he produced another superb display to help the Hammers come away with a 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. The Republic of Ireland international produced a man of the match display as he made a number of fine saves including a superb triple save in the second half to stop Christian Benteke and Joe Allen getting on the scoresheet. Randolph certainly enjoys playing on Merseyside after he also played a crucial role in helping West Ham record an emphatic 3-0 over Liverpool back in August. The Hammers keeper showed his quality once again on Saturday and is confident the club can now secure a victory in the replay and have a good run in the competition this season. Randolph said: "We have had two decent results this season at Anfield. We have had two good performances from the team and I like coming here! "I am happy to play whenever I can. The manager told me at the start of the week that I was going to start as it was the FA Cup. I am just happy to play. "Every game is an opportunity for me. When I get the chance I need to show the manager what I can do. It would be nice to have a good cup run. "We are full of confidence going into the replay. We are in good form and want to keep winning. It builds confidence. We have already had two victories against Liverpool this season and we came here thinking we could get a result. "It is never easy playing at Anfield and they have a good squad. It was always going to be tough regardless of who was playing and they have a point to prove if they are not getting much game time."
Randolph says he will be keeping in close contact with fellow keeper Adrian over the weekend after the Spanish keeper flew back to Seville to be with his family ahead of the birth of their first baby. He added: "Adrian still travelled up with us but he had to leave first thing on Saturday. I told him to text me when something happens. "The first I knew about him leaving was at 5am in the morning when he sent me a text message saying he was on his way to the airport. "I told him to let me know if there are developments. I will keep in touch with him to see how he is going."
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Bilic - We deserved the replay
WHUFC.com
Speaking after the 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool away at Anfield, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said his side's defensive efforts had earned the FA Cup fourth round replay. The draw means both sides will do battle again under the lights at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February. Reflecting on the hard-fought result, Bilic said: "Overall, I am happy with the result and I congratulate my guys. Drawing at Anfield is tough; it is also tough to keep a clean sheet an Anfield. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. From my point of view there were a few moments when we were missed the final ball to put us in a great position."
Standout players for the Hammers included goalkeeper Darren Randolph who made a string of fine saves, including a fantastic triple save to keep his side in the tie. Winston Reid, captain in Mark Noble's absence, put in a typically dominant and courageous performance at the heart of the defence. Bilic continued: "Second half, yes they were better. They could run more; they were better on second balls and were starting to be a bit tired. "Nobody wants to play a replay because of the schedule, but we can live with that. It's much worse for them. We didn't deserve more than a replay tonight, but we also deserved it because we defended really well. We were dangerous at times but I would like us to be more dangerous more of the time."
As a result of the replay, the Hammers trip to the St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton has been brought forward to Saturday 6 February, kick off is 5.30pm.
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Young Hammers sink Swans
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Dan Kemp netted his third goal in as many games as the West Ham United U18's secured a 2-1 win over Swansea City at Little Heath.
The visitors went ahead early in the first half through Brandon Griffiths, before Kemp found the back of the net for the third game in a row to level the scores. Then, for the second week running, it was England U17 international Jahmal Hector-Ingram who fired the hosts to victory.
In this, their penultimate game of the regular season, Grady Diangana started his first Academy game for a month, while Swiss midfielder Noha Sylvestre was named on the bench after recovering from injury. In the opening ten minutes, chances were limited at both ends, although when they did come, both sides could've broke the deadlock. First, Swans star Matthew Blake was denied by the upright, before Hammers' centre-half Declan Rice headed narrowly over the bar from Kemp's corner.
The opening goal of the game came on 14 minutes when Griffiths latched onto a long ball allowing him to race through on goal, only for Rice to catch up and make a last ditch tackle that unfortunately put the ball past Rihards Matrevics, giving the visiting forward the opportunity to roll the ball into an empty net.
However, it only took just over ten minutes for the hosts to level. After a spell of possession where the Academy were pushing for the equaliser, the ball finally found Idris Kanu on the left hand side of the penalty area where he was tripped, allowing Kemp to step up and bury into the corner past Swans keeper Lewis Thomas.
After the break, West Ham appeared to be much the dominant side as they looked to come from behind for the second week in a row, with Hector-Ingram spurning several opportunities to score.
The hosts continued to push, but the young Hammers seemed to struggle to find the final pass.
That was until the 70th minute when Idris Kanu beat the offside trap, rounded Thomas and fired a low shot across the face of the goal which was finished off by Hector-Ingram at the back post.
Straight after that, West Ham went forward to attack the Swansea defence yet again, but Diangana, Hector-Ingram and Borg could not get enough on the ball to find the back of the net.
With just one minute left, Diangana had a golden opportunity to seal the points when he smashed a low shot off the base of the post from 12 yards, yet it did not matter too much as the hosts held on to win the match 2-1.
The win takes West Ham to fourth place in the Barclays U18 Premier League South with just one game left of the regular season, which is a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 6 February.
After all teams have played their 22 Southern fixtures, the North and South leagues will split into three four-team groups based on league position where Northern and Southern teams will compete against each other for their final 2015/16 league position.
U18: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Borg, Carter (c), Lewis (Sylvestre), Kanu, Diangana, Kemp, Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Coventry, Leonard, Henry, Hammam.
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
An inexperienced Liverpool side were frustrated by West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph as their FA Cup fourth-round tie ended in a goalless draw.
The Hammers had early chances but an unmarked Enner Valencia misjudged a header and Pedro Obiang volleyed wide. Randolph twice blocked powerful Joao Teixeira efforts and also saved shots from Cameron Brannagan, Joe Allen and Christian Benteke. But neither side could score and they will meet again in a replay in London.
The worst possible result for Liverpool?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp played a youthful side in the third-round match and subsequent replay against Exeter, but included a mixture of first-team players and youngsters for the visit of the Hammers. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, 27, was the oldest player in the Reds' starting line-up, which also included four players - Brad Smith, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira - who had never started a Premier League match. This was the ninth game that Liverpool had played in January, and they desperately did not want another match, but that is exactly what they got. It means their schedule in February will now include at least seven matches, including the League Cup final, two Europa League matches, three Premier League games and one, maybe two, FA Cup ties. Nevertheless, Klopp will feel his side should have won. A poor touch when only six yards out to waste a chance summed up another ineffective performance from an out-of-form Christian Benteke. Liverpool were the better team in the second half and created numerous chances, but stand-in captain Allen shot harmlessly over, and Brannagan, Teixeira and Benteke had shots saved by Randolph.
How did Liverpool's youngsters do?
Generally, they were very impressive. Brannagan, 19, who consistently impressed with his set-piece delivery, nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot from 20 yards out, but goalkeeper Randolph did well to push the ball around the post. Brad Smith, 21, produced an energetic performance at left-back, often getting forward to help his side's attacks, while handling the threat from the quick Victor Moses with maturity.
Kevin Stewart, 22, a tough-tackling central midfielder, worked hard, making six tackles and two interceptions, and 23-year-old Joao Teixeira, playing on the left side of Liverpool's front three, was twice denied by a diving Randolph.
A wasted opportunity for West Ham?
Three-time winners West Ham were aiming to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in the last eight seasons - and will have been buoyed when they saw the Liverpool line-up. They themselves made five changes, although fielded a team rich in Premier League experience apart from Randolph, who played because regular goalkeeper Adrian was back in his native Spain for family reasons. Yet the Hammers could not take full advantage. They kept trying to utilise Victor Moses' pace against Brad Smith down the right wing, but the defender often came out on top before Moses was withdrawn midway through the second half. Slaven Bilic will argue that West Ham should have had a penalty, when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the penalty area, but the Hammers took 50 minutes to have their solitary shot on target.
Man of the Match - Darren Randolph (West Ham)
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph made six saves to deny Liverpool
What the managers said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We had the bigger chances, but now we have to play again. West Ham have good quality in their team and play well in the league. We tried everything - you need a bit of luck. "I was pleased with the whole team. Steven Caulker played for the first time in his position in defence and did well, but I cannot fault anyone, they tried and gave all. We played much better than we did at West Ham [in the league], but we didn't score so it is not over. "The players we changed had the day off today so hopefully nothing happened to them."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said: "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. They were better in the second half - they could run more and were better at winning the second balls so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. Kouyate should be OK for Tuesday hopefully." Asked if they should have had a penalty for a Steven Caulker handball, Bilic said: "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment. I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
The stats you need to know
Liverpool have now not lost in their last seven FA Cup meetings with the Hammers (won four, drew three).
The Hammers have won just one of their last nine FA Cup games away from home (drew two, lost six).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 11 away matches (won two, drew five, lost four).
What next?
Both teams are next in Premier League action on Tuesday. Liverpool travel to Premier League leaders Leicester City, while West Ham welcome the division's bottom team Aston Villa to Upton Park.
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I didn't see hand ball incident, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic says that he "didn't see" the double hand ball by Liverpool's Steven Caulker that should have resulted in a penalty to West Ham during this evening goalless draw at Anfield. Bilic, whose team have now kept three clean sheets against Liverpool this season watched his under-strength side eke out a fourth round replay, despite failing to live up to recent performances. Yet many Hammers fans are convinced that West Ham should already be in the next round, believing that referee Martin Atkinson should have awarded Bilic's side a second half penalty when a Dimitri Payet free kick was handled by Caulker - twice - on the edge of the six-yard box. Bilic himself was rather more diplomatic when pressed about the decision during his post-match press conference, stating that he failed to see the incident. "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment," he said. "I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
Overall the Hammers boss felt his side deserved a second bite of the cherry - even if they were often second best against an equally-depleted Liverpool team. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments," he surmised. "They were better in the second half - they ran more and were better at winning the second balls, so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. But Kouyate should be ok for Tuesday hopefully."
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are in the hat for tomorrow afternoon's FA Cup fifth round draw after earning a goalless draw at Anfield this evening. The Boleyn Ground will see at least one more FA Cup tie after tonight's highly-anticipated clash ended 0-0, after both teams effectively cancelled each other out in a drab affair on Merseyside. However West Ham - minus the likes of goalkeeper Adrian, Mark Noble and new signing Sam Byram - could have been celebrating successive wins at Anfield had erroneous official Martin Atkinson spotted a blatant hand ball midway through the second half.
A tedious opening 45 minutes resulted in neither team creating more than the odd half chance, although Darren Randolph, deputising for regular number one Adrian - who is in Spain with his heavily pregnant wife - was forced to tip away a Brannagan effort ten minutes ahead of the interval.
Meanwhile the nearest West Ham came to scoring in the first half came from a Pedro Obiang effort, which missed its intended target by a matter of inches in the closing seconds of the half. In their defence, Slaven Bilic's side had already been (further) weakened by the enforced removal of James Tomkins (head wound) and Cheik Kouyate.
However the game's main talking point occurred just four minutes after the restart when a Dimitri Payet free kick was arrowed into the penalty box where it clearly struck the arm of defender Caulker's arm - not once, but twice. West Ham's players may not have appealed en masse, but quite how the errant Atkinson managed to miss it will be much debated tonight.
Overall Atkinson experienced an error-strewn evening, making a string of bad calls - including a blatant back pass by Smith to Mignolet that should have resulted in an indirect free kick to West Ham on the edge of the box and a shirt tug by Winston Reid that, had it been spotted, would have resulted in a penalty to the hosts.
Yet the referee's shortcomings aside, both teams struggled to make an impact in the final third although Liverpool did at least hit the target on six occasions, to West Ham's miserly single effort on target (from a total of seven efforts).
And the Hammers had Man of the Match Randolph to thank for ensuring Liverpool failed to breach United's defence on the rare occasion they fashioned a worthy effort on goal; the Irish international made two great blocks within 60 seconds in the final quarter-of-an-hour and also denied Teixeira from the game's best move on the hour mark.
The replay is scheduled for Tuesday, 9th February - tickets are already on sale to season ticket holders (priced £20 for adults and £10 for juniors).
West Ham Utd: Randolph, Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate, Moses, Payet, Valencia.
Subs: Howes, O'Brien, Collins, Oxford, Cullen, Antonio, Jelavic.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Caulker, Smith, Allen, Brannagan, Stewart, Ibe, Teixeira, Benteke.
Subs: Ward, Enrique, Ilori, Chrivella, Ojo, Sinclair, Randall.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).
Attendance: 44,057
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham: Hammers earn FA Cup replay
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 31/01/16 7:25am
SSN
A blunt Liverpool attack failed to break down West Ham in a goalless FA Cup fourth-round match at Anfield on Saturday evening. Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph denied Christian Benteke twice and Joe Allen once as the Reds pushed for a winner late on, but a much-changed Liverpool line-up lacked a cutting edge. Enner Valencia wasted West Ham's best opportunity after 16 minutes, the forward miscued his header when left unmarked in the Reds box. The away side were forced into two first-half changes as Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins were both forced off, and West Ham had a penalty appeal turned down when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the box midway through the second half. After hitting five past Norwich at Carrow Road, the Reds have now been held scoreless in back-to-back games while their struggles at Anfield continue. Klopp's side have managed 75 shots on goal in their last four home matches, but have scored just three times, all against League Two Exeter in their third-round replay.
Having played eight games in 2016 already, Klopp made 10 changes from the shoot-out victory over Stoke as only Simon Mignolet kept his place, and the Reds looked disjointed in a sluggish first half. Slaven Bilic made five changes himself, and his side started the brighter, carving out the first opportunity for Valencia. The West Ham striker found himself free seven yards out after Dejan Lovren was caught underneath the flight of Aaron Creswell's cross, but Valencia mistimed his jump. Liverpool were made to wait until the 21st minute for their first meaningful attempt on goal, as Christian Benteke's near-post flick was cleared off the line, although it looked to be drifting just wide. The Hammers had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down by referee Martin Atkinson midway through the half as Kouyate's header struck Brad Smith on the arm, before West Ham were hit by a double injury blow. Tomkins clashed heads with Joe Allen that required 12 stitches with ten minutes to play, before Kouyate limped off just three minutes later.
In between the two substitutions, Cameron Brannagan tested Randolph with a stinging shot from 25 yards that the goalkeeper, standing in for Adrian who returned to Spain to attend the birth of his first child, tipped around the post. Brannagan hit the wall with a free-kick on the edge of the Hammers box shortly after, but the visitors ended the half on top as Pedro Obiang guided a volley narrowly wide. And they had a stronger case for a penalty five minutes into the second half as Jelavic's header appeared to strike Caulker on the arm, but Liverpool survived to hack clear. Klopp's side improved as Allen and Benteke both squandered presentable opportunities, while Joao Teixeira kept Randolph involved, drawing a stop with a firm strike from just inside the box having been teed up by Jordon Ibe. The West Ham 'keeper then produced three smart saves in quick succession, first denying Benteke after the Liverpool striker was set through before reacting quickly to keep out Benteke again and Allen on the follow-up.
The Hammers responded to Liverpool's flurry and closed the game out on top as substitute Michail Antonio caused problems on the break. His long throw was poorly punched by Mignolet, but Valencia went down too easily under pressure from Brannagan. Antonio struck the post in stoppage time with a header, but referee Atkinson had already whistled for a push on Jose Enrique as both sides settled for the draw in the final stages, and the opportunity to do it all again at Upton Park. The replay, Liverpool's second in as many rounds, adds another game to an already crowded fixture list for both sides, with the Reds also set to contend with Europa League action and the Capital One Cup final next month.
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Slaven Bilic praises West Ham's No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph after draw at Liverpool
By Press Association
Last Updated: 30/01/16 9:12pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph for earning his side a replay after the goalless FA Cup fourth round draw at Liverpool. Liverpool dominated the game after West Ham lost James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate to injury in the first half and the visitors were indebted to back-up goalkeeper Randolph for a string of saves, who came in for No 1 Adrian with the Spaniard awaiting the birth of his child. Now Liverpool must travel to Upton Park for the replay, just as they did in the previous round against Exeter. "Adrian flew this morning to Seville. His wife's baby delivery is due tomorrow and we wish him luck and for that to go smooth but Randy would have been in goal anyway," said Bilic. "He was in goal against Wolves in the cup and we decided he would play against Liverpool and in the replay. "Randy is great and deserved to be in goal and proved again he deserves it. He is the Republic of Ireland No 1 and because of him Ireland are in the European Championships so we have a great goalkeeper."
With more injuries added to his list - Tomkins had 13 stitches in a head wound and Kouyate was taken off as a precaution because of a groin problem - Bilic was also not that enamoured with an extra game. "Nobody is crazy about the replays but we can live with that," he said. "We have injuries but make no mistake, we would have liked to be without the replay. "We got the clean sheet and deserve the replay and now it will be one of those historic FA Cup nights at Upton Park. "The first half it was a very even game, both clubs had some moments up front but not clear-cut chances, and in the second half until the last 10 minutes they were better than us. "Maybe some people did not expect this Liverpool team to be so good but it was not a surprise to me."
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TRANSFER NEW ROUND UP FINAL WEEK
By Sean Whetstone 30 Jan 2016 at 23:20
WTID
So this is my final weekly round-up before transfer deadline day on Monday which I am sure will be a quiet one for West Ham.
Galatasaray general secretary Fatih Ibecer has broken silence on Burak Yilmaz confirming that West Ham made a loan bid for him. "We were made a loan bid from West Ham but we are after a permanent transfer deal so the deal fell through,"Ibecer told reporters. The latest statement conflicts with Galatasaray's president Dursun Özbek claiming he knew nothing about West Ham interest and that no offer had been made. "I have received no offers Burak is our player and it really annoys me that these speculations have been made," Özbek told reporters in Istanbul.
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. A top source told us "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."
At the time of writing Emmanuelle Emenike was 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 Thursday and no problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the deal are apparently still not resolved.We have 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."
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. Slaven Bilic confirmed last Thursday that Jelavic could be China 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."
On Thursday 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. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga either.
Sligo Rovers have signed Jaanai Gordon on loan from West Ham ahead of the start of the 2016 SSE Airtricity League season. The 20-year-old striker has signed a short-term loan at the Showgrounds, which will see his initial period at the Bit O'Red last until August this year.
"I need to go and play games," Joey O'Brien told London24 Sport. "The Euros are in the summer. I need to be playing games to try and get into the next squad for the friendlies. Then we can see what happens from there but I need to be playing.Ireland hasn't been to many major championships, so this is a big deal. I will have to see what the manager thinks. If he sits me down and says he wants me to go out on loan then I will look at that. It is down to the manager, if he wants me to hang around here then that's what I will do. But if he wants me to go out on loan, then I will look at that."
West Ham admitted for the first time that Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi is their No 1 summer target. A top Irons source told us: "Yes, he's the one we want but we have not -as has been suggested – signed any pre contract arrangements. The truth is that half of Europe are after him. Obviously, the Payet factor could help – we hope so."
Alex Song will need to maintain the level of performance he displayed in his man of the match display against Manchester City on Saturday evening if he is to cash in with a permanent deal at the end of the season. One insider told us "One swallow doesn't make a summer does it? It's obvious the club would love to get him on a permanent deal if he can keep things going – he likes us. We like him. We have no reason to make a decision at this stage – we will watch him, assess him and make our decision in the summer."
And now for something completely different. A light hearted look at The Brentwood Gazette humourous headline section of the week.
West Ham and Spurs have moved into the lead to land West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino after reports the club are willing to listen to offers in the region of £20 million.
West Ham have entered the race for Southampton forward Sadio Mane and are confident of beating Manchester United to his signature.
West Ham could be set to make a £25 million summer move for Watford striker Odion Ighalo
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an approach for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
West Ham United's French star Dimitri Payet is being lined up Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise swoop
West Ham are in the race to sign Senegal striker Baye Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv.The 25-year-old could cost as much as £15 million
West Ham United have been joined by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race to sign Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder.
Keep taking those tablets Brentwood Gazette, the end of the transfer window is in sight we will miss your funny headlines.
As David Gold would say "Don't go to bed!"
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West Ham close on striker Emmanuel Emenike after Fenerbahce chairman reveals loan fee has been agreed
19:48, 30 JAN 2016 UPDATED 19:49, 30 JAN 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Hammers will pay £750,000 for the forward's services, with the option to buy him permanently for £8.5m, according to Aziz Yildirim
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike. The Turkish giants' chairman Aziz Yildirim revealed a loan fee of €1million has been agreed between the two clubs, and that the Hammers will have the option of buying the player for €11million [£8.5m] in the summer. Irons boss Slaven Bilic admitted talks were underway, but said they had reached a 'complicated situation'. Emenike is currently on loan at Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain from the 19-time champions of Turkey. "We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said. "They will give €1million to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for €11m. But the deal hasn't been completed yet." Injuries to Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll has left West Ham short of numbers up front.
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Hammers on Jelavic 'exit' and loan options
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nikica Jelavic's move to China remains "very much on" but may not happen until the end of February with the window remaining open until then in the country.
We were told this morning that there is no urgency over the player's departure from Upton Park for that reason although the club is still continuing to try finding a replacement before the Premier League's slams shut.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "There is still no conclusion to the Emanuelle Emenike situation other than thathe has come through his medical and unlike many loanees is 100 per cent fit and ready to start should it be completed.
"That may not happen until the very end of deadline day or it may not happen at all. The Steve Fletcher option is indeed correct and there are others we have looked at ."
However, despite the regular updates on the Emenike situation, the club remains entirely relaxed about the situation over maybe being unable to get a fourth striker.
Our source admitted: "We are not desperate for somebody to lift us from relegation trouble are we? It would be great to have a fourth striker to cover emergencies but we have Enner Valencia fit and both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho on the way back within two weeks.
"The Emenike deal is still dependent on arranging things with Fenerbache and if we get him in that's great as it will give us a real chance to have a good look at him.
"We are not in a desperate position and we are very relaxed about things however it pans out."
He added however, that Jelavic would "99 per cent certain be gone" adding: "It hasn't really worked out and it would be good to look at options."
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Nigerian 'Hazard' invited to West Ham for trials
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are clalimed to have invited 19 year old Nigerian forward Ezekiel Bassey for trials."Bassey has been invited for trials by West Ham," a report claims on the Africa Football website. Last year, Nigeria defender Azubuike Egwuekwe also trialed with 'The Hammers' but his club Warri Wolves later turned down a £1m bid for Egwuekwe. "We rejected a bid from West Ham because we had disagreement with the agent handling the issue," his club spokesman told the press. Bassey has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, when he made his debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in October in Port Harcourt. The left-sided player is claimed to have 'dazzling footwork and dribbling' which earned the nickname 'Hazard' after his first season at Nigerian champions Enyimba. But it is left to be seen if he could be granted a work permit should he impress trying out with the Hammers.
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Still in the hat but it was all a bit too friendly!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
First things first…if anyone had told me I'd have been unhappy coming away from Anfield with a draw before this season started I'd have laughed 'em out of the place. Having said that, but for a series of Darren Randolph saves we wouldn't have done – the bloke was superb – our clear man of the match who kept us in the FA Cup. Personally, I'd give him the replay on the 9th or 10th of February because but for him there wouldn't be one taking place at the Boleyn.
The other West Ham turned up at Anfield today. There was little attacking impetus in a match which at times felt far too friendly with both sides seemingly intent on giving each as much space as they needed to have a go. Yet we were never able to find that killer ball or penetrating ball and watched Liverpool pounce on most second balls. Thank God they were incredibly wasteful and Randolph was so impressive. Even the two managers were engaging in conversation which saw them erupting in laugher. Nothing wrong with that I guess but you began to wonder whether we might have been better off in the old Liverpool Empire theatre. It really was that kind of game.
Liverpool had the lion's share of it but saw the majority of their shots fly wide or well over the top despite testing Randolph into a triple save at one point from Benteke and Allen. And the No 2 – only playing because Adrian was allowed the weekend off to welcome his new baby – pulled off another couple from Teixeira. With Payet having rare off day and Valencia misfiring up front we rarely looked likely to get a win but as the old saying goes: If you can play badly and not get beat you ain't a bad team. Special words for Winston Reid and Michail Antonio who came on as a late sub and made things happen but this was another day Alex Song and Victor Moses will want to forget. The replay is actually set for February 9 unless it becomes a TV match in which case it will be played on Wednesday the 10th
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Slav happy to take them back to our place
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic congratulated his squad on a clean sheet and claimed they deserved the replay against Liverpool on the basis of their defensive display but was disappointed we lacked that killer edge in the final third.
The manager told BT Sport immediately after the game: "I have to be happy with a replay and I have congratulated the players. It's always tough to keep a clean sheet but we just needed a more penetrating ball at the other end."
He revealed that James Tomkins had had 13 stitches inserted into a head would after a collision with Joe Allen and admitted that the quick injuries to him and Cheik Kouyate had maybe disrupted the Irons .
He said: "Kouyate felt something and it got a little worse so we took him off as a precaution and believe he'll be ready for Tuesday night (Aston Villa)."
He added: "Nobody wanted a replay but we'll take it and get them back to Upton Park."
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Fenerbahce chairman reveals Emenike finances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim has explained how much the 28-year-old could cost West Ham if he joins."We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said."They will give £760,000 (€1million) to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for £8.3m (€11m)." "But the deal hasn't been completed yet." he added Emenike's current contract, officially confirmed by Fenerbahce shows he earns €2.5 million Euros per year in Turkey as well as a €12,500 per-match appearance bonus. West Ham would probably pick up 100% of his wages while on loan meaning around a bill of around £36,000 per week as well as a £9,500 per match appearance bonus. At a combined £45,000 per game, he would still be cheaper than the current contract enjoyed by Jelavic thought to add up to £55,000 per week.
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Exclusive: Bilic shortlisted for the Manager of the Month Award
January 27, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
We are delighted to announce that Slaven Bilic has been shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Month award for January. Slaven masterminded wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth, drew with Manchester City and lost to Newcastle during this month. The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.
Here are the nominees for the Manager of the Month Award:
Ronald Koeman-Southampton
Slaven Bilic-West Ham
Manuel Pellegrini-Manchester City
Mauricio Pochettino-Spurs
Here are the nominees for the Player of the Month Award:
Sergio Aguero-Manchester City
Roberto Firmino-Liverpool
Jermain Defoe-Sunderland
Dele Alli-Spurs
Kasper Schmeichel- Leicester City
Virgil Van Dijk-Southampton
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Sunday, January 31
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