Daily WHUFC News - 12th February 2016

Westley upbeat despite defeat
WHUFC.com

Reflecting on the Development Squad's first defeat in four months, Terry
Westley said his youthful side would learn valuable lessons from the defeat
to Swansea City. The Hammers started the game brightly and their superiority
was rewarded when Grady Diangana netted his first goal at U21 level with a
clinical finish at the near post. However the visiting Swans refused to be
cowed, and their persistence was rewarded with two fine long range strikes
from Adam King and Tom Sheehan. Speaking at full time, Academy director
Westley said: "On balance, you have to say they deserved it based on their
second half performance. "We really should have capitalised on our early
chances, and had we done that it might have been a different story. That is
one of several lessons we'll take from tonight."
With a number of regular Dev Squad starters out on loan gaining valuable
first team experience elsewhere, Westley named a youthful line-up that
included seven players who still qualify for the U18 side, with a further
three coming on from the bench. This ploy of promoting players above their
age groups has been a feature of Westley's tenure at the club and the
rewards are evident. He continued: "All teams lose at one point or another,
there's no shame in our performance or result tonight, we just weren't at
the level we have been over the last few weeks and months. "We need to keep
our focus and concentration, yes we're playing young players but we can't
use that as an excuse, this is a great opportunity for all our players to
stand up and say 'Yes, I'm ready for this level. "This result should also be
taken in context. It's our first in 12 games, and we've got a semi-final to
look forward to. All the while, we have a number of players out on loan
beginning to make a name for themselves and will hopefully one day come back
and make an impact for our first team."

The Development Squad next play on Monday 22 February away at Wolverhampton
Wanderers.

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Slaven Speaks - Norwich City
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Hammers' trip to Carrow Road on Saturday, Slaven Bilic held his
pre-match press conference. During the briefing, the manager fielded a range
of questions from team news, facing the Canaries and feeding of Tuesday
night's victory...

Good morning, is there a feel good factor after Tuesday's result or do you
have to guard against fatigue?

SB: "Well, we have a few knocks and injuries but overall it's a good
feeling. Even those guys with a knock, they feel good. When you win you
don't feel the fatigue as much. 120 minutes is of course a lot to play, but
we are all looking forward to the Norwich game on Saturday."

Of those injuries, what can you tell us about them? How will that effect
your plans for Saturday?

SB: "We have a situation with Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid, they both
injured hamstrings, they are having a scan today and then we will know. "We
have also James Tomkins who is out for five weeks, they are three big
defenders for us, it's not a great situation. "I think the knocks are going
to be OK for Saturday. Cheikhou Kouyate is OK, he is doing well, but because
of the rules he can't play because he was unconscious. It's a big blow for
us of course, but we will put a strong team out. Alex Song is back, we have
enough to put a very strong team out.
"On Sunday, Manuel Lanzini will train with the team which is obviously a big
boost for us. If everything goes well, he could feature against Blackburn
Rovers next Sunday."

Is Norwich the kind of game you have to win in order to stay in the Top Six?

"Well, we go to Norwich knowing that we lost our last league game away at
Southampton. It is a good game to bounce back; we absolutely need to get
something from the game. It'll be a hard game because they have lost five
games in a row but before that they were in a very comfortable position. In
the transfer window they did really good, they spent money and got good
players. They need a result like crazy so we are expecting a very tough
game."

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Retro Hammer: Thomas Hitzlsperger- Where is he now?
February 10, 2016
thewesthamway.co.uk
Joe Difford

Just 23 minutes into his West Ham debut against Burnley, Thomas Hitzlsperger
scored an unbelievable goal from outside the area with his deadly left foot,
but what has the German been up to since leaving the Boleyn Ground in 2011?

Hitzlsperger managed just 13 appearances in claret and blue due to an injury
that kept him out of action until February. He scored three goals, but
somehow still managed to win over the Hammers fans, despite his short spell
at the club.

After seeing his side drop down to the Championship and having his contract
terminated, the midfielder was fined £750 and given six points for speeding,
going a whopping 107mph on the A14 in Suffolk. Luckily for him, he wasn't
handed a ban, using the excuse that he had no club and needed his Range
Rover to drive round the country and find a new job; love the creativity!

He joined Wolfsburg later that summer, but only made six appearances, before
seeing his contract terminated yet again and joining Everton, where he
played in nine games before, you guessed it, being released.

It hasn't been a straightforward life after football for the German
international, who retired in 2013, despite having offers from a number of
clubs. He cited the strain of transfers and injuries for his early hanging
up of his boots, stating that, "I've noticed: I need something else."

Off the pitch, Hitzlsperger has worked as a blogger for a German anti-racism
website called Störungsmelder, and became the first 'high-profile'
footballer to openly reveal his homosexuality, which he said was only
realised later in life, after an eight-year relationship with his
girlfriend, Inga.

Footballers are cursed with a rather negative stereotype, with many
believing them to be less intelligent or politically, economically or
culturally aware due to their lack of further education, but Thomas studied
investment strategies whilst in England. Not only that, but he regularly
visited the Bank of England during his time at Aston Villa and West Ham, in
order to discuss finance with the bank's governor, who is conveniently a
Villa fan.

He may not have had a very active footballing career after his time at Upton
Park, but Thomas Hitzlsperger is a great example of how a footballer can use
his status to bring awareness to issues surrounding sexuality, racism and
economics; and he had one hell of a left foot.

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Farewell Boleyn
February 11, 2016
thewesthamway.co.uk
Dave Walker (S*x, Drugs & Carlton Cole)

Putting pen to paper about the Boleyn Ground feels more like a eulogy than
an article. This is because I know these words are in tribute to something
that has not only been a massive part of my life for nearly thirty years but
something that I know will be destroyed and converted into something that
has no emotional value to me and that is a heart wrenching realization.

My first home game was on a cold Tuesday night against Plymouth Argyle in
1991 and I remember it so well. My Dad had spent the previous week trying to
convince my Mum to let him take me on a school night, "I`ve got to take him
to a game under the lights, he`ll love it" he said. On the day of the game,
a couple of hours before kick-off we did what we have done ever since and
joined the lengthy queue for Nathans on the Barking Road. Whilst my Dad was
effortlessly demolishing his double pie and mash, he started to tell me what
West Ham meant to him and why. Not just the football club but everything
that goes with it, everything it represents.

After we had eaten, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by the buzz
around Barking Road and Green Street. The big crowds, the smell of the
burger vans, the clouds of cigarette smoke, the chants from the different
fanzine sellers on each corner, the rowdy, intimidating atmosphere oozing
from the Boleyn pub and of course the random war cry of "Irons" to remind
the away fans of exactly where they were. For me, this experience was just
beautiful. I felt such a strong sense of belonging and Dad`s words in
Nathans suddenly started to resonate with me. I understood it because I felt
it, I knew I was part of something special and Upton Park was a home from
home. I had never felt anything like it.

When it was time to go to our seats (which were situated in the upper West
Stand) finding the words to describe the feeling of climbing that final step
and seeing the Stadium in all of it`s glory for the first time is pretty
much impossible. It was a feeling I will never forget.

As the players emerged from the tunnel, the Bubbles anthem engulfed the
Boleyn Ground and to this day, the hairs stand up on the back of my neck
every time the music stops and the song continues in acapella from the words
"Fortunes always hiding". To hear over 30,000 home fans come together and
sing that song in unison is spectacular. I think a lot of it is to do with
the fact that the song itself is literally a perfect fit for West Ham and
perfectly describes the emotional roller coaster of supporting this club we
call our own. It was Alvin Martin who said the following during an interview
with SD&CC last year "You don`t become a West Ham fan because of the glory,
you become a West Ham fan because you are born into it and whilst it`s
painful at times that`s what makes us so strong, really strong".

My Dad was certainly born into it having grown up in New City Road. Money
was tight for his parents at the time but he was desperate to go and watch
West Ham. He said that when he was a kid, not only was there a lot of
traffic around the Boleyn Ground on a match day but there were a lot scally
wags letting tyres down on parked cars so him and his mates used to approach
the drivers in advance and offer to keep their cars safe during the game in
return for a small amount of money. As soon as they had enough money between
them for a ticket and a program, they would abandon the cars that they were
supposed to be protecting and go and see the game!

He had the pleasure of seeing some fantastic players over the years and
talks in detail about the time Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters
returned to West Ham after their contribution to our nation's greatest ever
triumph. He said that it was euphoric enough to know that our Country had
just won the biggest tournament on the planet but to know that we had won it
with West Ham players being the dominant force in that side was something
else. They were treated like heroes at the Boleyn, rightfully so.
Prior to the World Cup win, somewhere between the late 50s/early 60s,
gambling within the squad was at its peak. Some liked a punt more than
others and on a weekly basis bookmakers could be seen in the car park
outside the main entrance of the Boleyn waiting to collect money owed to
them by the players, however the lads would always be tipped off about the
bookmakers arrival and the groundsman would sneak them through the rear exit
of the chicken run!

The Chicken run. The famous Chicken run. The only stand in football to have
forced their players to stuff cotton wool in their ears because of the
amount of stick they used to receive for not giving 100%! This was true with
the players in the 50s and 60s. The fans were also probably close enough to
pull the cotton wool out of their ears too!

My Brother is older than me and was lucky enough to have been a regular over
West Ham during the eighties and has some special memories of his own.

He said that his most favourite game was a 2-1 win against Ipswich, this was
the final home game of the famous 86 season. The atmosphere was electric and
Ipswich needed the win as much as we did because they were facing relegation
at the time. We actually went 1-0 down but the sheer intensity of the crowd
urged our players on to win that game which we eventually did after goals
from Alan Dickens and Ray Stewart respectively. He said that it was
pandemonium in the ground at full time and the result also kept our dream
alive of winning the title. A pitch invasion took place and everyone was
singing "We`re gonna win the league". My brother dug up some turf from the
Boleyn that night and buried it in our Mum and Dads back garden! It was a
very special time to be a West Ham fan.

He also fondly reflects on watching the Monkey nut seller walking around the
Boleyn. It didn`t matter how far back you were in the stand, if you wanted a
packet of nuts you would just catch the eye of the Monkey nut seller and
pass your money down to the person in front of you, who would pass it down
to the person in front of them and so on all the way to the bottom until it
reached him. The monkey nut seller would then repeat the process with the
nuts all the way back up until the packet was in your hand! Can you imagine
that happening today?

During a memorable 4-1 win against Liverpool in what turned out to be a
pretty forgettable season in 1989, he was in the North bank when he suddenly
felt his leg becoming very warm on what was a cold evening. When he bent
down to feel his calf it was soaking wet! Confused, he turned around to see
that the geezer behind him had rolled up his program, stuck his d%ck through
it and p%ssed all over him! I don't think he was aiming for my brother's leg
but that wasn't much of a consolation to him as he had to spend the rest of
the second half with a soggy trouser leg! The stands were just so packed in
them days, it was obviously the easiest option for the fella at the time!

One of his most poignant memories was Trevor Brookings last ever game for
West Ham, a 1-0 defeat to Everton in 1984. He said that at the end of the
game there wasn`t a single fan leaving the stadium. Brooking, who had
assumed that the Boleyn was emptying after the final whistle was back in the
dressing room about to get changed when a club official told him that the
fans were still in the ground and they wasn`t leaving until he came back
out! The reception he received was deafening when he emerged from the tunnel
and as he proceeded to walk a lap of honour, hundreds and hundreds of fans
were throwing scarves at him and Sir Trevor didn`t leave a single scarf
behind, even if he dropped any, he came back and got them. Remember how
Brooking used to glide across those mud invested pitches at the Boleyn
before picking out the perfect pass? What a player. Imagine what he would`ve
done on the type of pitches our groundsman produce today? I think the same
could be said for Alan Devonshire, another class act.

In the mid-90s I became a season ticket holder in the Bobby Moore lower.
This was a special part of the stadium for me because in them days there
seemed to be two unwritten rules, 1. You don`t sit down and 2. You don`t
stop singing! For me, the mid to late 90s was the best era (in my lifetime
anyway). Who can forget witnessing the Academy of football at its peak with
the emergence of Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard?
Lest we forget the double signing of Hartson and Kitson, Dicksy Smashing
penalties (and wingers), the Ian Wright and Neil Ruddock celebration,
falling in love with Trevor Sinclair, Berkovic running riot, booking
ourselves a European tour, Samassi Abou against Barnsley, the signing of
Paolo Di Canio, Moncur being here, there and everywhere, Shaka becoming
world class, Redknapp being liked and Stuart Pearce playing with a broken
leg. I could go on and on, they were great days.

I am often asked for my most favourite game and although there are some
obvious answers in terms of importance, my choice is purely based on
entertainment and that would have to be the 5-4 win over Bradford City on
Saturday 12th February 2000. For me that game had absolutely everything and
belonged to Paolo Di Canio. I was privileged to watch Paolo play for West
Ham at the Boleyn. That man was poetry in motion and he adored the fans as
much as we adored him. He was my hero.

The Boleyn Ground also hosted the testimonial of another one of my hero's,
Julian Dicks. I`m not ashamed to admit it, when he walked onto that pitch
and through the guard of honour in front of a standing ovation I had tears
rolling down my face. That man was the closest thing I had experienced to
Billy Bonds in terms of a player giving you his heart and dominating the
field with his presence in the process. When we interviewed him in 2014 he
said "Putting that shirt on and playing at Upton Park was a fantastic
experience. When you are playing for West Ham it is the best ground in the
world, especially if the fans like you".

This season, I took my eldest daughter to her first ever game and as we
walked up the steps to take our seats I watched her face when she saw the
Boleyn for the first time and it was like history repeating itself. I saw
the same level of excitement that My Dad would`ve seen in me as an 8 year
old boy that Tuesday night against Plymouth. I knew exactly how she felt as
she squeezed my hand and smiled. That moment meant the world to me.
Hopefully, one day I will see the same expression on my grandchildren's face
when I walk them to their seats in the Olympic stadium for the first time.

Everyone who supports West Ham United has their own special memories about
the club but one thing I think we all have in common is that the place where
the majority of those special memories have been captured is the Boleyn
Ground. Whether it's inside the Stadium or the area that surrounds it,
collectively it will always have a special place in my heart and I am
eternally grateful for the times that it has given me and my family over the
years. This Stadium has seen it all. The good times, the bad times, the
laughs, the tears, the great players, the not so great players! And now,
this year it will see the end of the road as the club moves on to what we
all hope will be the start of a new and exciting chapter, the start of
something special. God bless the Boleyn Ground and the historical platform
that it has provided our treasured football club for well over a century.

Forever loved, never forgotten.

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Is Payet the signing of the decade?
February 10, 2016
TheWestHamWay
Guest Writer

West Ham United Vs Manchester City
by (CC by 2.0)
by joshjdss

Dimitri Payet has been a key player in West Ham's success so far this season
and could go down as one of the best signings of any Premier League club in
last summer's transfer window.
There is not much doubt that the PFA player of the year award is set to go
to one of Jamie Vardy, Mesut Ozil, or Riyad Mahrez, but the closest Premier
League newcomer in contention is Payet. At 33/1 with bookmakers, there is
not much chance that he will lift the award, but the way he has vastly
improved the team this season can't go unrecognised. Could Payet be the West
Ham signing of the decade?

History

We have a history of making dubious signings, some who have been a complete
waste of money and others who have not done much at the club only to go on
to great things elsewhere. Many may not remember that West Ham signed Javier
Mascherano back in 2006, for example. He only made five appearances for the
club before becoming a Liverpool and Barcelona legend. In that same year the
Hammers signed Carlos Tevez. He only scored seven goals for West Ham in his
26 appearances. At the peak of his career he put away 58 goals for
Manchester City. There was a bit of red tape about our signings of that
Argentinian pair but we could have done with keeping hold of them for
longer.

Dimitri Payet

We have had an exceptional season so far and a lot of that success has come
down to the outstanding performances of Payet, who has proved to be an
incisive acquisition. He has made a major difference while in the team,
allowing for some serious creativity in attack. When he was out of the side
for a few weeks through injury he was sorely missed, and we lacked the
threat that they had before. At the time of writing he has six goals and
four assists in the league. At a fee of what was believed to be around
£12million, he has proved to be a bargain. At 4/1 in the football betting, a
top-6 finish is a real possibility and Payet will be pivotal in ensuring we
meet that target.

Although Payet enjoyed a successful spell in France, scoring plenty of goals
at all the clubs he has played for, his stats in England suggest that this
could be where he reaches his peak.

Other contenders

Although possibly not in the same league as Payet, Michail Antonio looks to
be a rather shrewd acquisition. At the time of writing, he has three goals
and five assists in the league after only 12 appearances. This attacking
mind-set fits in well with Slaven Bilic's attacking model and he could be a
key player over the years to come. Sam Byram also looks like he has a
bright career ahead of him and Bilic was wise to snap up the youngster from
Leeds United before any of West Ham's rivals got to him first.

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West Ham United Pay League
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 11, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H

West Ham's wage bill has created a lot of discussion over recent months with
claims of FFP and all the rest of it. So ClaretandHugh has taken a look at
what we believe to be the situation at the club and has based our Pay League
table on information we have received recently and in the past.
We don't claim this table is guaranteed 100 per cent correct but believe it
is very close to presenting the real figure on wage costs.

West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - FA Cup Third Round

1. Andy Carroll £85,000 per week £4.42m per year 2. Alex Song £70,000 per
week £3.64m per year 3. Victor Moses £70,000 per week £3.64m per year 4.
Dimtri Payet £68,000 per week £3.53m per year 5. Winston Reid £55,000 per
week £2.86m per year 6. Nikica Jelavic £55,000 per week £2.86m per year 7.
Mark Noble £50,000 per week £2.6m per year 8. James Tomkins £45,000 per
week £2.34m per year 9. Adrian £42,000 per week £2.2m per year 10. Pedro
Obiang £40,000 per week £2.08m per year 11.Enner Valencia £38,000 per week
£1.98m per year 12. Emmanuel Emenike £38,000 per week £1.98m per year 13.
Cheik Kouyate £38,000 per week £1.98m per year 14. Diafra Sakho £33,000 per
week £1.76m per year
15. Sam Byram £30,000 per week £1.56m per year
16. Manuel Lanzini £29,000 per week £1.5m per year 17. James Collins £29,000
per week £1.5m per year 18. Angelo Ogbonna £28,000 per week £1.46m per year
19. Michail Antonio £25,000 per week £1.3m per year 20. Aaron Cresswell
£24,000 per week £1.23m per year 21. Joey O'Brien £20,000 per week £1.04m
per year 22. Darren Randolph £20,000 per week £1.04m per year 23. Doneil
Henry £15,000 per week £780,000 per year 24. Ralph Spiegel £15,000 per week
£780,000 per year 25. Reece Oxford £10,000 per week £520,000 per year

The sharp-eyed among you will notice the total annual wage bill listed above
is just around £48m per year while the FFP limit is £60m for West Ham this
season. The Premier league rules say all clubs need to declare the total
cost of players wages including any bonuses, image rights, additional
payments, employer national insurance contributions and any pension
payments. Employers National Insurance Contributions add another 13.8% to
the basic wages the players receive so around £6.9m on the figures above.
Bonuses and image rights account for the rest with a small remainder for
players such as Josh Cullen, Martin Samuleson and Reece Burke together with
non-first team players wages in the Academy.

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Samuelsen heartbreak but Irons contract ahead Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on
February 11, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H

Young Hammer Martin Samuelsen suffered the ultimate heartbreak last night as
he missed a spot kick in the penalty shoot-out which saw Peterborough slip
out of the FA Cup to West Brom.
However, he might have got away with it when vastly experienced Albion star
Darren Fletcher dribbled an awful shot wide immediately afterwards in the
fourth round replay. But in the end the Baggies went through as The Posh's
final penalty taker hit an awful effort straight at keeper Ben Foster.
However, Samuelsen had shown millions of TV viewers during 120 minutes just
what a fabulous prospect he is with some brilliant solo stuff. And he might
have won it for the League One side in extra time from open play when taking
on three Albion defenders and firing an effort narrowly over the top. With
the likes of Payet, Lanzini and the young Norwegian on our books the Irons
look set to excite for a long time to come and the club confirmed again this
morning that they will be negotiating a new deal with the teenager this
summer. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively: "Martin's a wonderful prospect
as many saw last night - it was a fabulous performance by him and his loan
team. "We have an option to extend and will offer him a longer contract in
the summer. We are thrilled with the progress he is making and intent to
keep him happy."

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Fry talks to DS about Samuelsen
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 11, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
Exclusive

Peterborough's director of football Barry Fry told ClaretandHugh this
morning that Martin Samuelsen's appearance in the FA Cup Final fourth round
replay against West Brom last night was his first full match since joining
Peterborough United on loan from the Hammers last year. Samuelsen was in
fabulous form but Fry said: "He's always come on as a sub as he's still a
bit weak for regular 90 minutes but last night will have done him the world
of good. He's been playing kids football but he's really growing into the
mens' game. "We were thrilled that he was still going at the end of two
hours - it was a great step in his development and will have done him the
world of good." Fry insists the young Norwegian needs to stay at London Road
for another season and declared: "If he stays with us particularly should we
be a Championship club he will go back to West Ham as a tough and mature
player. He added: "I have talked to David Sullivan about the possibility.
It's obviously my hope we can make it happen but he is without doubt a
fabulous prospect." Posh are currently sitting in eighth place three points
off the play-off places.

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Slaven Bilic gives update on Payet contract talks amid Arsenal and Chelsea
speculation SLAVEN BILIC has confirmed Dimitri Payet is close to signing a
new deal at West Ham.
By UCHE AMAKO
PUBLISHED: 10:24, Thu, Feb 11, 2016 | UPDATED: 10:52, Thu, Feb 11, 2016
Express.co.uk

Reports earlier this week suggested the French attacker was demanding a new
£125,000-a-week deal and that Arsenal and Chelsea were monitoring the
situation. The Hammers quickly denied any dispute and said "amicable and
productive talks" were underway. While Payet made clear his intention to
stay at West Ham saying: "My future is here and I hope for many years." And
ahead of their clash with Norwich on Saturday, Bilic provided positive news
on Payet's contract. He said: "I think we are very close to Dimitri signing
a new contract. "Both parties have the same intention and that is to stay
at West Ham."

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FROM DREAM TO NIGHTMARE - HOW THE AWAY DAY MORONS RUINED IT FOR MY 13 YEAR
OLD SON
By Iain Dale 11 Feb 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by Andrew Newman

I am proud to say I have supported West Ham all my life. Since I moved down
to Dorset From London 13 years ago I fell in love & happily married my wife
and proudly took on her son on who I am now honoured to call my stepson. He
was at the time 9 yrs old and sadly supported Chelsea unto the age of 11.
But I managed to convince him to support West Ham. He instantly fell in love
with our history, mainly Bobby Moore and our famous 'bubbles' song. And
iconic players from the past like Di Canio, Dicks, Bonds, etc.

He now loves to sing the Payet song in his room and 'bubbles' whenever
possible all the time. His bedroom is now claret & blue from top to bottom
and gone is the Chelsea theme I reluctantly decorated for him. I have taken
him to home friendlies before, as sadly I cant get a season ticket. But
luckily due to my business relationship with a supplier who has 2 season
tickets for Southampton I have been able to take him to the West Ham away
matches at St Mary's for the last two years.

But can you imagine having to sit in the Saints end listening to the
conversations running the Hammers down and how great the Saints are? It is
torture for me!

But I love him so I can just about tolerate it. But at least it's always a
safe environment. He now has grown into a lovely respectful thirteen year
old son.

However, he always wishes he could be in the away end so he can sing
'bubbles' the Payet song when we go to Southampton. I always tell him what a
great experience away days are and promised him one day we will go to a away
day match and sing our hearts out together, win, lose or draw. Nothing would
make me prouder seeing him so happy.

At Saturday night's match against Southampton we were, as usual, sitting in
the home end. And as usual we was having to listen to the usual dribble from
Saints fans until half time. But then I could see down by the touchline a
head steward I know from work.

I grabbed my son's hand and we went down there and I asked the steward if
there was any chance he could get us in the away end with our fellow West
Ham fans. He said 'Sure, come with me'. At this point my son's eyes lit up
and he was so excited. We were kindly shown in to the West Ham end. I have
never seen him so happy. Another steward told us there were plenty of seats
available near the segregation seats and to choose which ones we would like.
As I excitedly thanked him my son and I moved into position.

The mood was defiantly different from the one in the Southampton end we were
in. But he was still so happy and couldn't wait to hear the rendition of
'bubbles' start. The second half kicked off and so did 'bubbles'. He looked
at me and I winked at him, and he sang his heart out. I was so happy I had
made his dream come true.

Sadly the mood changed again after the sending off and a few morons from
West Ham kept charging past us towards the Southampton supporters, clearly
not interested in the match, swearing and being abusive in front of my son
pushing him out of way so they could scream at the Southampton fans, goading
them for a fight.

As I looked at my son's face it turned in a instant from one of happiness to
one full of fear. He was so scared the tears soon followed.This kept on and
on. My heart broke i held him close and could feel his body shaking with
fear - his dream having turned into a nightmare. As I looked around also a
young girl of maybe eight or nine was also sobbing, hugging her Dad close. I
then left with my son before the match finished for his safety.

What possesses idiots to behave in front of children like this?! I can never
again say to my stepson that West Ham is a family club. And I think
emotionally he is scared to want to go to another West Ham match, home or
away. The morons who only wanted to go for a fight have ruined his love for
our great club.

I'm a very sad Hammer.

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


http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 11th February 2016

From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke with his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...

Hello everyone,

We had a memorable victory over Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup on Tuesday
night and it was a win which will be long remembered under the lights at the
Boleyn Ground. We could see what it meant to the management, players, board,
supporters and everyone connected with the football club.

Unfortunately the victory came at a price as several of the players suffered
injuries during the 2-1 victory. Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien both picked
up injuries to their left hamstring and will have a scan on Thursday.

Cheikhou Kouyate lost consciousness during a challenge with Liverpool
defender Jon Flanagan. He came off the pitch with mild concussion and was
taken to hospital to clear any further problems. He was cleared by a
specialist and is fine now. The rules stipulate that when a player is
concussed, they cannot have significant physical activity for the next six
days so he will miss the weekend game against Norwich. Hopefully if
everything is okay we can get him fit for the FA Cup Fifth round tie against
Blackburn.

With the game going into extra-time and the players being asked to play 120
minutes, there were a few other knocks and bruises but we hope to recover
them in time for the trip to Norwich at the weekend. James Tomkins injured
his left calf during the game against Southampton last Saturday and will be
out of action for the next six weeks. Alex Song also picked up a minor knock
against Southampton but we are positive he will be fit for the Norwich game.
We have more positive news with the return of Manuel Lanzini and Diafra
Sakho from long-term injuries. Lanzini is only a few days away before
re-joining the team. Sakho is not far behind him but he needs more work
because he has been out for around ten weeks so he will have a period of
extra fitness work under his belt. We hope to see him back in action by the
end of the month.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Blog - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com

Former Hammers skipper and current Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan
speaks to whufc.com after watching his old teammates defeat Liverpool on
Tuesday…

It was great to be back on Tuesday night and I couldn't have picked a more
dramatic game to come back for. I really enjoyed the night – it was the
first time I'd been back and I must admit it was a bit emotional. I have to
thank the fans because they gave me an absolutely fantastic reception. When
you're knocking teams like Liverpool out, you have to hope you can go
further in the competition. It was a great result at Anfield, bringing them
back here and getting the result in the end. That's the nice thing, that
they've managed to do that. Now they're going to go to Blackburn as firm
favourites and have to make sure they get through because you never know.
There's a few all-Premier League ties and I'll be rooting for the boys.
They've shown me some great support since I've moved over the road to the
Orient. A few of them came to the game against Newport the other week and I
wanted to show them the support on Tuesday so I'm delighted for them all.

They boys here have great camaraderie and can dig when they need to. I don't
think the performance was as high as it has been on Tuesday, but it just
shows when they're not at the top of their game they can still play well as
a team and in the end the quality of Payet's cross and Angelo's header [has
won it].

For me personally, it has been nice to start as a manager with three wins
out of four. I can tell you it's not easy – a lot of work has gone into it,
but I'm really enjoying it. I'm just going to keep on giving it my all and
hopefully the wins will keep on coming.

Kev

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph – there's no better way to win
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph insists victory doesn't come any sweeter, after Tuesday's
dramatic fourth-round replay success over Liverpool fired West Ham United
into the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

While matchwinner Angelo Ogbonna inevitably grabbed the headlines for his
stunning 121st-minute winner, stopper Randolph more than played his part in
an enthralling cup tie under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.

The 28-year-old repeatedly foiled the Reds on the night, most notably when
Christian Benteke bore down on goal in the first half of extra time. As the
clock ticked down, Randolph was naturally beginning to contemplate
penalties, until Ogbonna settled it in emphatic fashion.

"There's no better way to win a football match," he told West Ham TV.

"I honestly did [think we were going to win], especially the way we started
the game. I always knew we'd get chances, it just depended on if we could
take them.

"I had a little bit of hope coming towards the end of the game, and when we
got the free-kick out wide and I thought, well, this is the last chance.
Obviously we need to score, otherwise it's penalties.

"I was looking at the clock and it was 14 minutes or so, and I was looking
over at the bench, trying to get Woods' attention to try and get the
penalties ready, just in case. Thankfully, they weren't needed.

"It was a proper cup tie, end to end, loads of chances, and both 'keepers
were pretty busy. I'm just happy to be through, get the win and look forward
to the next game."

Randolph heaped praise on the Hammers' two goalscorers, both of whom took
their goals with aplomb. Though Michail Antonio was keen to play down the
difficulty of his fine volley, West Ham's No1 was having none of it.

Randolph continued: "He [Antonio] made it look easy, but technically trying
to keep a ball like that down and actually get it back across the goal into
the corner, as he did, was brilliant."

And the Republic of Ireland international was pleased as punch to see the
hardworking Ogbonna net his first goal for the Club.

"There's no better time for him to get a goal, he was brilliant all night.
Everybody was, everyone needed to put in a shift, we knew it was going to be
a tough night.

"It was obviously a stronger Liverpool team than in the first game and then
you look at who they were bringing off the bench as well. I'm pleased for
Angelo, he definitely deserves it."

Having played every minute thus far, and only conceded the once, Randolph is
thoroughly enjoying the Hammers' cup adventure and hopes his side can extend
their involvement long beyond their trip to Ewood Park on Sunday 21
February.

"The cup run's been good so far. Hopefully we can keep going and make it a
memorable cup run.

"We'll fancy ourselves in that game, again take big support up there,
hopefully get through that game and then it would be nice to get a home cup
tie and that would get us into the semis to go to Wembley!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - One of the biggest nights at the Club
WHUFc.com

Slaven Bilic believes Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino could not have
scripted the Hammers famous win over Liverpool any better after seeing
Angelo Ogbonna score a dramatic late winner.
The West Ham manager was full of emotions after seeing Ogbonna direct a
close-range header into the corner of the net in the final few seconds of
extra-time to help set up a Fifth Round tie away at Blackburn. The goal
sparked wild celebrations around the Boleyn Ground and Bilic was left to
celebrate one of his finest moments since he joined the Club. Bilic said:
"It was a brilliant game and I was really proud of the boys and everyone who
is connected with the Club. "I think it was a game that will go in the
history as one of the biggest nights of the Club because it is the FA Cup,
it is the last season at the stadium, it is Liverpool and a late night
kick-off. "The match went into extra-time and we have a last minute winner.
All the scenarios were from a good movie director – Tarantino. "I am proud
of the boys and they left their hearts on the pitch. They did everything, we
had injuries and had players who were not playing in their positions like
Antonio but they still did a brilliant job. "They were fighting and playing
football. We were defending, attacking and as a manager that is all you can
ask from your players. "Every point is important in the Premier League and
there are no games that are more important than the other games but this was
a special one. To beat Liverpool like that who came with a strong side.
"They had more than enough quality in their side and some fresh legs because
they didn't play at the weekend so it was a good combination for them. To
cope with them over 120 minutes was brilliant. "We had a great goal to put
us 1-0 in front and I felt we deserved to lead at half-time. We hit the post
twice and I think we deserved. "It was an unlucky goal to concede but to
come back after that and press them, defend and attack as a unit, I can talk
for hours about this game! We deserved it and I am very proud of the
players."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet: West Ham open contract talks with midfielder
BBc.co.uk

Dimitri Payet is in contract talks with West Ham, despite signing a
five-year deal with the Hammers in the summer. The club have denied media
reports the French 28-year-old midfielder has made demands over a new
contract. A statement said productive talks about a contract improvement and
extension have started because of his "outstanding impact". "He's happy here
and very soon we will sort out his situation," said manager Slaven Bilic.
Speaking after West Ham's 2-1 extra-time FA Cup win over Liverpool, the
Croat added: "We are a club moving forward and the most important moves are
on the pitch. We must do everything we can to keep our best players, and he
is our best player." Payet has scored six goals in 22 appearances this
season. He joined from French side Marseille in a deal worth more than £10m
and has helped the Hammers to sixth in the Premier League. He tweeted: "I
say and I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of West Ham. My future is here
and I hope for many years."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ref's Analysis: Roger East v Liverpool
February 10, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell

It was great to see the response that I got from my first article for The
West Ham Way from West Ham fans. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and
everybody perceives the situation slightly differently, so whether you
agreed or disagreed, it was great to see so many people join the
conversation. I would like to reiterate that although I am a qualified
referee, I am not even close to the standards of the professional referees
that officiate in the Premier League or Internationally. However, within my
analysis I will give you an insight into why the decisions were made from a
referees prespective and explain certain situations within the Laws of the
Game.

The referee officiating this FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool at
The Boleyn is Roger East. East is a particularly new referee to the Premier
League, he joined the Elite Referees in 2013. There wasn't much for East to
do in the first half. There were a few things that were missed by East but
more so by the assistants. The two standout talking points of the first half
were the handball appeal against Joey O'brien and the caution showed to
Kevin Stewart. Firstly, looking at the appeals for handball against O'Brien,
the corner came in from Liverpool and the ball ricochet off Christian
Benteke and struck O'Brien's arm which was by his side. This was no way a
handball as the West Ham defender had his hands by his side in a natural
position and it was a ball-to-hand situation. The next incident was the
caution to Liverpool's Kevin Stewart. Having lost the ball just outside the
West Ham 18 yard box, it was a 50/50 ball being challenged by Cheikhou
Kouyaté, but the Liverpool man missed the ball and caught the West Ham
powerhouse midfielder midway up the shin. I agree with this decision as it
was a dangerous height, nothing more than bad timing from the Liverpool man
but still warranted a caution.

However, the second half was a different story for Roger East and his
Assistants. East missed an obvious handball against Christian Benteke which
nearly led to, at the time of the game, an equaliser. You can clearly see
that the ball initially came off his leg, and Benteke moved his arm towards
the ball. East needed to ensure he was taking up the correct position to be
able to make that decision. The biggest and the most frustrating incident of
the game was the obvious penalty on Enner Valencia. You can clearly see in
real time, even before the replays, that Valencia had his right arm pulled
back by Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori inside the 6 yard area, which
prevented the West Ham striker to latch onto a inch perfect cross by Michail
Antonio. I cannot understand how this incident was missed. The assistant
referee was in line with the last defender which in fact was Ilori and
failed to see the contact on Valencia. As a referee, you should 1) be in a
position to see that, typically, the referee should be on the edge of the
box and 2) to trust that your assistant referee to be brave and make a
decision if you failed to see it the incident. The correct decision should
have been a penalty to West Ham and as a result, Tiago Ilori would have been
sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Since that missed
decision, East missed a few others in the second half including a challenge
by Pedro Obiang that should have been given as a foul just outside West
Ham's 18 yards box. The caution for Michail Antonio was for a combination of
persistent infringement of the laws and the position Origi would have taken
up after he span Antonio on the half way line.

Overall, I was disappointed with East's performance throughout. He had a
good first half and he kept up with the game well. There were a few
decisions missed for both teams but that was down to the incorrect
decisioning of his assistants. The second half, East looked completed out of
his depth, the game was quick and you have to be able to keep up with the
game but also make the correct decisions. The missed penalty decision will
get the headlines and it was not a difficult decision for either East or his
Assistant on that side to make. If East gave the penalty, Liverpool would
have been down to 10 men and West Ham would have had an opportunity to take
the lead in the match. There has been a lot of talk over the past months
about technology to assist referees during the game and in incidences like
that, it would have definitely been beneficial.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic left counting cost of FA Cup replay win
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 10/02/16 1:58pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic could be left counting the cost of their
dramatic FA Cup replay win over Liverpool after a number of players picked
up injuries. Angelo Ogbonna's header in the last minute of extra-time
secured victory for the Hammers as they defeated Jurgen Klopp's side 2-1 on
Tuesday night to set up a fifth-round trip to Blackburn. But three players
were injured and at least three more were struggling at the end of the
gruelling tie at Upton Park. Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien pulled up
injured, Cheikhou Kouyate suffered a blow to the head, while Enner Valencia
may have joined them on the sidelines had Bilic not already made all three
substitutions. Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll also appeared to pick up
knocks and with James Tomkins, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho already out,
Bilic could be thin on numbers for Saturday's Premier League trip to
Norwich. "Unfortunately we had to pay the price with a few of them and we
can only hope they won't be out for long," said Bilic. "Cheikhou felt a
little uncoordinated but hopefully he will be okay. Enner looks like a
bruise. "Joey hadn't played for long time so we hope it's just tightness,
but with Reid it doesn't look good to me."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The opposition view: Liverpool
KUMB.com,
Filed: Wednesday, 10th February 2016
By: Staff Writer

We've a bumper OV for you this week as Liverpool fans react to their FA Cup
exit at the hands of West Ham.

Liverpool's team of 'kids' - including £9milion 'keeper Simon Mignolet,
£15million Daniel Sturridge, £8.5million Philippe Coutinho, £32million
Christian Benteke, established England international James Milner and
£10million signing Divock Origi - were sent crashing out of the competition
by West Ham's 'strongest team' (minus number one goalkeeper Adrian, main
striker Diafra Sakho, creative force Manuel Lanzini, midfield general Alex
Song but including third-choice right back Joey O'Brien) thanks to Angelo
Ogbonna's last-gasp winner.

And it's fair to say that Liverpool fans weren't particularly happy at
failing to beat Slaven Bilic's side - for the fourth time this season...


"That West Ham side... I'm still working out how it keeps beating us as
technically it's so average, I think if our side was 3-4 inches taller then
they don't score half the goals they have against us, literally all crosses.
They basically have five versions of the exact same player... Big, muscly,
fast bulldozing black dudes with mediocre to okayish ability on the ball,
very blunt but can be so damn effective."
- Bunter

"After a cooling down period from the rage at the weakest ref in England,
the so-called working-class WHU supporters with their shit songs and worse
attitudes, who tried (and often succeeded) to get every call in their
favour, the lumpen anti-football of their mob... I realised something. I
actually enjoyed that game. I like the way we played, our style, the
confidence and touches of our young players. The class of Coutinho and
Sturridge. The effort of Benteke. His willingness to fail. He didn't go into
hiding as many (paging Mario) might. His lack of confidence in front of goal
is all to see, even Michael Owen could tell that his movement is not the
best, but say what you like about the fella, he didn't give up. Most of all
I was glad we are not one of those sort of teams who have to resort to that
style. Good luck to them, but it will only take them so far as there is
always someone better at it."
- KillieRed

"This is how low we've sunk, four matches in a season against West Ham, we
manage one goal, concede seven and come away with nothing. Watershed moment.
West Fucking Ham."
- gregorio

"Despite the gut-wrenching result, I really enjoyed this match. Two sides
going at it with positive football, and I was especially proud of the young
lads who acquitted themselves so well against top-half Prem opposition.
Illori, Chivirella and Stewart did not look at all out of place against a
big, physical side. I loved the extra snidey element to our game. We have
been far too nice for ages now, and it did us no good in previous matches
against WHU this season, especially at their place. It's cynical, but that
extra bit of needle, the sly shirt-tugs and arm-pulls, I liked it. You don't
get any prizes for being a pleasant bunch of lads. We've needed more of that
for ages. However, our problems still exist in both boxes. Defensively,
Mignolet gives everyone kittens whenever a cross is dashed in, and his
distribution seemed very poor again. There is no way we can go into next
season with this guy in goal, surely?! At the other end, Benteke was
presented with a ton of chances, many of them really excellent chances too,
but he can't buy a goal at the minute. There are times when we lose but I am
strangely upbeat afterwards...I guess it's because I'm happy with the team
if they acquit themselves properly and play well but just get beat on the
day. This is one of those times. Rather than when they just look not arsed,
such as last time we played down there. BTW that was a soft as shite foul
for their winner, Valencia is a good forward but throws himself around as
much as Hazard."
- Joga

"Terrible, terrible refereeing performance. Bought all of their play-acting
bullshit and awarded the most ridiculous fouls. Sick of referees fucking us
over. That was never a penalty in a million years. If it was, Football
should no longer be a 'contact' sport."
- 21stCenturySchizoidMan

"Well that was just daylight - or if you like, floodlight - robbery. We
didn't deserve to go out that like, it was cruel, unfair, unlucky and also
entirely self-inflicted. We keep finding ways to shoot ourselves in the foot
and undo a lot of the good things that are happening, and it's absolutely
killing us. Over the two games we were by the better side against West Ham
even though Klopp made all kinds of changes and on paper we looked
significantly inferior to West Ham's first choice eleven. Unfortunately the
two biggest weaknesses we've had all season yet again floored us. What was
more predictable; the host of missed chances (especially from Benteke) or
conceding from a last minute set-piece? Usually I get angry, this time I'm
just gutted. Not just gutted because we're out of the cup, but gutted for
the players (particularly the younger ones) who played so well and deserved
so much more."
- tlw Admin

"The lads did well. Horrible to be done by that diving shitbag Valencia.
Pity it's not in the rules for Lucas to stick the nut on him on the way off.
People say 'Cheats don't prosper' - absolute bollocks. Diving shithouse.
West Ham were a disgrace from the first minute. But proud of the lads - the
team did really well. Some great talent coming through there."
- Koala @ Allerton

"Now that a bit of the dust has settled, I can honestly say we didnt deserve
to lose that last night. I admit to being a touch sceptical when I saw our
team sheet, but every player to a man gave their best. Yeah its easy to
point a finger of blame at Roger East and say he had a shit match, but we
shouldn't be hiding behind the ref's performance, we had numerous chances to
put them to bed throughout the 90 mins and extra time, it just didnt happen.
Good luck to West Ham in the FA Cup, hope they have a decent run, but they
might want to check out Slaven Billic - he looked like he'd been dug up last
night!"
- AlphaDelta

"Just got home. Absolutely deflated. Not there... again... with their
bell-end fans. That was their cup final, hope they get fucked right out of
the cup as soon as humanly possible."
- Hij

"Shocking performance from the ref. Very weak. The foul given by him for the
climb ON Origi sums up his bewildering performance. Was it just me, or did
anyone else think that a West Ham player stopped the ball going out BEFORE
it crossed the touchline for the throw that led to the 'foul' for the goal?
No time added on either for allowing Payet to clean the muck off his boots
etc ( he took ages!) and the following goal celebration? Feel really hard
done by tonight. It's really hard when West Ham's main tactic was to go down
easily in order to buy a free kick to get the ball into the box....... You
have to take your chances though. Particularly the one on ones."
- MH41

"Profligacy is costing us badly. As is poor defending at set pieces. West
Ham have beaten a team of kids. Was probably going to happen. Thought we did
alright, but we are lacking some cold , hard steel. Big fcuking balls we
need. And we haven't got them unfortunately. I think they can consider
themselves very, very fortunate."
- Where'sHeggem?

"We've scored once against West Ham in 390 minutes of football this season.
We're not cursed, we're just not very good."
- TheShanklyGates

*Comments originally posted at redandwhitekop.com, lfconline.com,
liverpoolway.co.uk and Twitter.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet ponders range of contract packages
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimitri Payet has been offered a wide range of improved pay deals and is
now facing 'make your mind up time.' After the club had revealed in an
official website statement yesterday that talks had been initiated with the
playmaker's agents, ClaretandHugh has discovered that he is being 'spoiled'
for choice But one thing is certain: none of the deals on offer approach
anywhere near the £125k a week which has been reported, nor has anything
like that figure been demanded or even requested by his agents. We were
told that the deals range from straightforward 'rise' proposals to
performance related packages whilst others may offer signing on fees rather
than an increase on basic pay. The club know nothing of any interest from
China -as reported on Sky – and we were assured that "whoever were to come
in would be knocked straight back – he's simply not leaving, nor does he
want to." We were told by a high level source yesterday that the club would
conclude the new deal along with those for Manu Lanzini and Cheik Kouyate
over the next month. And this morning he added: "That will all be done and
as far as Dimi in particular is concerned, he is on a five year deal and
will not be leaving. He has a range of offers and the choice is his."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Massive thanks – especially to this man!!!!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

As a fair minded group of people I think it only right and proper that we
give the correct amount of credit to the people who made last night's
magnificent FA Cup Third round replay victory over Liverpool possible.

To the people responsible who put this wonderful squad together – Thank you

To the manager for everything he has made us into – Thank You

To the players for their incredible never-say-die spirit – Thank You

To the fans who kept their amazing support going to the very end – Thank You

To Darren Randolph for some amazing saves – Thank You

To Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna for two amazing goals – Thank You

And last but not least – Thank you Chrsttian Benteke ….one of our own!!!!!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan's emotional Boleyn Ground return
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former skipper Kevin Nolan admits he was a bit emotional returning to the
Boleyn Ground last night. "Coming back today is a bit emotional, it was a
huge decision to leave but it was the right one. I am delighted to see them
doing so well." Nolan told BT sports cameras. Nolan who was a BT Sport
pundit last night also spoke about his admiration for West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic "He had a t-shirt on, very casual and relaxed and that is the
way he was. He doesn't leave any stone unturned, and that is part of the
reason they have done so well." Kevin Nolan's honeymoon as Leyton Orient
boss came to an end at the weekend after a 3-1 home defeat to Cambridge on
Saturday. Nolan has earned a third win out of four under their new
player-manager at Portsmouth the weekend before.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold gripped by Boleyn's "perfect storm"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has dubbed this amazing last season at the Boleyn as perhaps
being in the grip of "a perfect storm." He said: "The win last night in the
final seconds and everything else that has happened so far seems to be fate
– it's as though everything in the footballing stars is falling together to
make this season perhaps one the most incredible in our history – a perfect
storm." And speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he added: "Last night's
astonishing game of football came on the tenth anniversary of legendary boss
Ron Greenwood's passing whilst this campaign coincides with the 50th
anniversary of England and West Ham's amazing World Cup triumph. "Everybody
at the cub is embracing what is happening because these are very special
games and can lead to an amazing seasonal climax. It seems as though we are
heading to a remarkable destiny "Angelo Ogbonna's incredible last gasp goal
is the sort of thing you read about in football fiction and Michail's strike
reminded me of a day years ago when I attempted something similar in a
competitive game and made a total hash of it. "That was a very special goal.
It showed amazing technique – two totally different goals but both quite
magnificent. It was a night that will live forever in the memory of
everybody who saw the game – it was totally astonishing. "Now we head for a
match which looks very winnable. We would have to be disappointed if we cant
reach the quarter finals against Blackburn given the squad we have here."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham injury news: Cheikhou Kouyate to be assessed after night in
hospital, Winston Reid could miss a month
KEN DYER 3 hours ago0 comments
Evening STandard

West Ham are counting the cost of their dramatic FA Cup victory over
Liverpool. Angelo Ogbonna's stoppage time goal in the final moments of extra
time sent the Hammers through to the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they
face an away trip to Blackburn Rovers. But the victory came a price. Three
players were injured in the fourth-round replay at Upton Park, which was
settled by an Angelo Ogbonna header at the end of extra-time. Cheikhou
Kouyate caused real concern for his team-mates when he was knocked out
following a clash of heads in the second half. The midfielder was able to
walk off after treatment but spent the night in hospital and will now be
monitored for six days, after which he will be assessed. Winston Reid could
be out for a month after damaging a hamstring and fellow defender Joey
O'Brien, who made his first start of the season, came off injured after 82
minutes.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's FA Cup thriller helped by sensible prices as they head for
Olympic Stadium on the right foot
PATRICK BARCLAY 2 hours ago0 comments
Evening Standard

If fans feel they are being fairly treated, they are happy to dig deep into
their pockets. That's why there was hardly a spare seat in the
35,000-capacity Boleyn Ground last night. And I doubt if even the Liverpool
contingent, defeated though their team had been in the final seconds of
extra time, felt short-changed. That was partly because the admission price
of £25 had been reduced to £20 by their club's subsidy, and partly because
they had seen a proper FA Cup tie. The only regret was that Upton Park must
close its doors. There can be only two more cup ties on the ground — if
Slaven Bilic's men win a replay with Blackburn and are then drawn at home in
the quarter-finals — before the move to the Olympic Stadium. But the new
place will form its own tradition and West Ham have started on the right
foot with sensible prices including a family-of-four season ticket for £800.
There is much woolly thinking about prices and while, as a long-time admirer
of Jamie Carragher the player, pundit and person, I don't doubt for a minute
his sincerity in joining the Anfield walkout over £77 tickets, the question
is not quite as rhetorical as he suggests. "Why can't normal working people
have the chance to sit in that part of the stadium?" he asks. "It isn't
fair." Why can't people afford £77? Because since the days when Carragher
became a Premier League regular, players' wages have risen several times
more steeply than those of normal working people. When players' wages are
pegged, ticket prices can fall and Carragher is fortunate that, if it ever
happens, he'll be long retired.

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West Ham striker: I turned down a big-money offer from China
EMMANUEL EMENIKE has revealed he turned down a bumper offer from China
before moving to West Ham.
Daily Star
By James Walters / Published 10th February 2016

Emenike completed his switch to the Hammers last month from Turkish side
Fenerbahce. However, the 28-year-old could have ended up in China instead,
according to AfricanFootball.com.
The contract in the Chinese Super League would have made the striker the
highest paid African player in the world, earning around £5.5m a year. "He
could still move to China in the summer. It all depends on how things go in
England" A source close to the player said: "The deal in China would have
fetched him up to $8m a year, all tax-free. "But he preferred to move on
loan to the Premier League instead." However, another source revealed
Emenike could still head to China depending on how well he gets on in
London. "He could still move to China in the summer. It all depends on how
things go in England," said the source.

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West Ham's current injury issues could pave the way for this Hammers prodigy
Date: 10th February 2016 at 2:09 pm
Written by: Matt Bourne | Comments (0)
ForeeverWestHam

West Ham's fantastic last-gasp victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup last
night was another memorable FA Cup tie under the lights at the Boleyn
Ground. Although the win was vital, it did come at a price. Slaven Bilic was
forced into a number of substitutions after the likes of Winston Reid, Joey
O'Brien and Cheikou Kouyate had to leave the field of play due to injuries.
Kouyate went up for a 50-50 duel before being knocked out, causing a brief
moment of panic amongst the West Ham players. Thankfully the Senegalese
midfielder regained consciousness but he had to spend the night in hospital.
He will now be assessed for six days before he can return to first team
action. The defensive crisis for West Ham continues as Winston Reid picked
up a hamstring injury that could keep him on the sidelines for a month. Joey
O'Brien was also forced off in the 82nd minute, leaving the Hammers with
only one recognised right-back in the squad in Sam Byram. What will worry
Bilic is that Byram is only one booking away from suspension having racked
up nine yellow cards already this season. With a growing injury list at the
back for the Hammers, it could see Reece Oxford return to the side. The
17-year-old was linked with a loan move to Charlton in the January transfer
window but it now looks as if his presence in the senior squad is an
important one as James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna are the only fit senior
centre-backs in the side. Oxford was hugely impressive in a midfield role
against Arsenal on the opening day of this season but it looks likely that
he may appear for the Hammers in the back four if the defence keep picking
up injuries. Thankfully, there is some positive news for the Irons on the
injury front as Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini returned to full training
this week. They are currently both rated as 'maybes' for the trip to Norwich
but will almost certainly be in line to feature against Blackburn in the
fifth round of the FA Cup on 21st February.

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Dimitri Payet is already a West Ham superstar but faces Euro 2016 heartache
with France boss Didier Deschamps wary of 'proud' and 'arrogant' playmaker
Fans are calling for Dimitri Payet to be included in the France squad
But boss Didier Deschamps is suspicious of the West Ham midfielder
There is the feeling that Payet could cause trouble in the dressing-room
Payet has spoken of his confusion at Deschamps' stance
By LAURE JAMES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:15, 10 February 2016 | UPDATED: 11:22, 10 February 2016

Dimitri Payet has been a revelation for West Ham, not least demonstrated in
their rush to negotiate a new £125,000-a-week deal to stop him quitting for
the cash-flushed Chinese Super League, in a move worth £40million. The
playmaker again proved his worth to the east London club by setting up the
winning goal for Angelo Ogbonna in the FA Cup fourth-round replay against
Liverpool. The big defender leaped to head home a cross from one of Payet's
trademark, curling, whipped free-kicks. Yet while he's attracting massive
offers in the Far East and closer to home, Payet may miss out on the
ultimate coup across the Channel this summer.
France boss Didier Deschamps is yet to give any clues he could stand a
chance of being in the final squad of 23 for Euro 2016. Fears are that if he
is called up for their two friendlies against Holland and Russia in March it
may be too late to convince the stoic Deschamps. West Ham chiefs may have
insisted he has been perfectly amicable in talks, but in the French coach's
eyes he has a bit of an attitude. He has frozen out Payet since he moved to
Upton Park, prompting the attacking midfielder to vent. In September, having
not received a call-up for the tail-end of the Euro 2016 qualifying
campaign, Payet told television reporters: 'I cannot understand what
Deschamps expects of me, and what I have to do to earn a call.' Those
France fans following his sensational season to date with the Hammers
sympathise. Dozens of polls and discussion forums have encouraged Deschamps
to give him a chance and, against the backdrop of the blackmail sex-tape
scandal surrounding Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, fans hardly think he
could present problems of the same scale. And he probably wouldn't. It's all
about whether Deschamps needs him.

PAYET: SIGNING OF THE SEASON?
Joined: June 2015, from Marseille
Fee: £10.7million
Position: Central midfield
Appearances: 23
Goals: Six
Assists: Five

Crucially, the judge in charge of Benzema's case has suggested he's in a
position to arrange for a quick hearing and therefore outcome. Thus in
theory making it possible for the Real Madrid striker to turn out for
France. The decision, however, will be in March at the very earliest, and
may be too late for the friendly games' squad announcement. Then, of course,
there are the goal-threats Deschamps already has at his disposal. Antoine
Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac will undoubtedly be ahead
of Payet in Deschamps' hierarchy. Lyon's Clement Grenier, a solid No
10-style player, is out with long-term injury and Payet would be a plausible
replacement. With this hope in mind, and in contrast to his comments five
months ago, he told Telefoot he would 'gratefully welcome' a call-up.
Equally doe-eyed over the prospect of Deschamps noticing him, defender
Aymeric Laporte joined Payet, telling the popular French magazine show: 'I
only think about Les Bleus.' But as with his supporters' enthusiasm, it's
likely Payet's gracious come-and-get-me will fall on deaf ears. Telefoot
journalist Fabrice David said he would be surprised to see Deschamps cave to
any pressure, and France fans will only see Payet included if the manager is
low on alternatives. 'I think he's done everything he can not to have to
call up Payet,' David said. 'That's because he's just not the type of player
Deschamps likes. In his view, Payet's a bit too proud, a little too
arrogant.'

WHO IS KEEPING DIMITRI PAYET OUT OF THE FRANCE TEAM?
France boast an embarrassment of riches in their attacking midfield and
forward positions.
The following players have all been ahead of Dimitri Payet in the pecking
order:
Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Andre-Pierre Gignac (UANL Tigres)
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Clement Grenier (Lyon)
Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Paul Pobga (Juventus)
Mathieu Valbuena (Lyon)
The view in France is that, while he's an exceedingly talented player, Payet
is also capable of causing rifts in the dressing room and the kind of
problematic atmospheres the French are all too familiar with. Strikes,
bust-ups and resignations left Raymond Domenech too desperate to restore any
semblance of stability after his 2010 World Cup squad boycotted training in
protest at the French Football Federation's decision to ship Nicolas Anelka
home. During Euro 2012, Laurent Blanc was forced to hold emergency meetings
to clear the air, admitting things turned fiery in the dressing room after
their 2-0 loss to Sweden. Any risk of things unravelling while home to
Europe's biggest football stage will not please the FFF. Moreover, it simply
would not happen on Deschamps' watch. It's not to say he won't feature; if
Deschamps does summon him, it will be with his head rather than his heart.

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Manchester City transfer report: Pep Guardiola wants West Ham star to be
first signing
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Manchester City are reportedly planning a big-money move for West Ham star
Dimitri Payet. City have announced that Pep Guardiola will replace Manuel
Pellegrini as manager in the summer and the Spaniard is already plotting a
major squad overhaul. According to reports, Payet is one of Guardiola's top
transfer targets. The Frenchman has been a sensation in the Premier League
since joining West Ham from Marseille last summer. The Hammers are desperate
to keep hold of the 28-year-old playmaker and have offered him a new and
improved contract. Payet has also publicly insisted he is happy to remain at
Upton Park long-term. But City have money to burn and The Sun claims that
they have put aside up to £30m to try and tempt the playmaker to the Etihad
Stadium.

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A VICTORY IN REDRESS FOR 2006 AND DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF 'THE PROFESSOR'
By S J Chandos 10 Feb 2016 at 08:00
WTID

This really is turning in to a 'red letter' season, most certainly in
respect of our outstanding results against Liverpool FC. Three excellent
victories, two in the league where we out-classed them 0-3 and 2-0 and
yesterday evening's, last minute, extra time victory. It was a sweet and
richly deserved result and as Ogbonna's winner hit the back of the net I
found my mind turning back to that heart breaking FA Cup Final defeat of
2006. It was certainly a classic Final, but there was a real enduring sense
of injustice at the outcome. West Ham were the better team that day and
Liverpool were always chasing the game, even after Gerrard's wonder strike,
we were bitterly unlucky not snatch the winner in extra time. Then followed
the heart break of losing in the penalty shoot-out..

Well, last night West Ham United took revenge and as the saying goes, it is
most definitely a dish best eaten cold! We beat them in the very best way
possible. Now we can finally consider the score settled! The side started
sluggishly yet again, but this time they were not punished (as they were
against Southampton). On the contrary, we went ahead with a technically
brilliant strike by Antonio. I cannot overstate how impressed I am at the
way in which Antonio has grasped his first team opportunity. He has a great
attitude and is powerful, skilful and always puts in the hard graft for the
team. And the bonus is that Antonio is a genuine goal scoring winger, who is
demonstrating that he can convert as efficiently in the PL as he did in the
Championship. In short, Antonio is emerging as a very valuable player and
that is a real bonus. Well done to the club for scouting Antonio and
committing the £7m to sign him last summer. It should be an instructive
lesson for all those that prematurely wrote him off at the start of the
season.

Liverpool equalized and the match developed in to a fascinating end-to-end
contest. Until the dramatic Payet-Ogbonna, match winning, 'end game.' I was
unable to attend the match, but watched it on BT Sports 2. What an
experience that was, the pitch side commentary by Nolan, Wright and James
was fairly ok, but Micheal Owen was unbelievable. It was the most biased,
pro-Liverpool, match commentary that I think I have ever endured. For one
terrible moment I thought I had tuned in to a Liverpool TV broadcast of the
game by mistake! Anyway, Owen must be suitably gutted, so enough said about
that. However, before moving on, a brief word on the performance of the
officials. It was never a free kick for the equalizer and how did the
officials contrive to miss that 'stone wall' penalty for the foul on
Valencia? It beggars belief, it really does. It could have cost us the tie.
However, on this occasion all truly was 'well that ended well.' This cup-tie
ended perfectly for the Hammers, as Ogbonna's powerful header broke
Liverpudillian hearts.

If the result laid to rest memories of an undeserved defeat, it also
reminded me of a earlier cup victory over the same opponents, far further
back in the mists of time. It was in the early rounds of the epic 1971-72
League Cup run, 27 October 1971 to be exact (I still have the match
Programme), and was one of those famous mid-week games under the lights, in
front of the packed terraces of Upton Park. And in those days 'packed' was
most definitely an very apt word to describe the Boleyn terrace experience.
We won with superb goals from two our of greatest ever strikers, Geoff Hurst
and Bryan 'Pop' Robson. And it set us on course to comprehensively defeat
Sheffield Utd (5-0) on the way to that famous semi-final show down with
Stoke City. But that is an entirely different story!

I guess my mind wandered back to that match, and the early 1970s, due to the
anniversary of the 10th anniversary of Ron Greenwood's death on match day.
As we all know, the journey under Ron Greenwood reached the dazzling high of
the 1965 ECWC victory and the later lows of annual relegation struggles. But
there was certainly a romanticism and celebrated style of play associated
with the club, even in the darkest of days. Greenwood was nicknamed 'The
Professor' because of his deep understanding of the game. I have always
thought that Greenwood was probably the most innovative and brilliant coach
the English game has ever produced. However, he lacked something in terms of
the 'bread and butter' aspects of club management (i.e. man management, team
motivation and doing what is necessary to grind out victory). Busby was a
great club manager, Shankley was a great club manager, but neither were in
Greenwood's class as a coach and football innovator/intellectual. I think it
was Bobby Moore who once wrote that Ron Greenwood had such sophisticated
knowledge of the game that he was unaware that he often talked over the
heads of the average club player. Moore asserted that he was meant to work
with international players of the highest quality and, although Greenwood
secured the position late in his career, he proved this assessment spot-on
when he was appointed to the England post. Not only did England play
attractive and exciting football during his tenure, but he ended up with one
of the best win ratios of any of our national manager.

Regardless, as all these memories came flooding back to me last night, it
occurred to me that this victory should perhaps be dedicated to both that
very good 2006 team, so cruelly defeated in that classic FA Cup Final, and
the memory of 'The Professor' – the man who masterminded what remains our
club's finest achievement.

Next week I want to discuss ambition, targets and what it will take to
achieve sustained future success at West Ham Utd FC. But that can wait,
today it is appropriate that we just savour a great cup victory and look
forward (optimistically) to taking 3 points at Norwich City at the weekend.
COYI !

SJ. Chandos.

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Tottenham and West Ham eye cut-price swoop for Barcelona ace
TOTTENHAM and West Ham are both reportedly keeping tabs on defender Marc
Bartra, who could leave Barcelona this summer.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 07:57, Wed, Feb 10, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:13, Wed, Feb 10, 2016
Express.co.uk

Martra, 25, has made 18 appearances for Barca this season. However, just
eight of those have been starts - his last one coming in a Champions League
dead rubber at Bayer Leverkusen in December. And Spanish newspaper Mundo
Deportivo claim the Spain centre-back is considering his options after
failing to nail down a regular place in the Barca backline. Website London
24 claim that Spurs are keen to sign Bartra - although they face competition
from West Ham over a summer move. It is added that the London duo have both
considered moves in the past and that they could well go in again for the
defender at the end of the season. And Barca are said to be willing to
accept significantly lower than his £19.5million valuation as they seek
alternative defenders themselves. Bartra has played twice for Spain this
term and is in line to make the national squad for Euro 2016. An offer is
therefore unlikely to come until after the tournament in France.

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