Daily WHUFC News - 13th March 2016

Preview - Man Utd
WHUFC.com

The background

A place at Wembley is up for grabs on Sunday when West Ham United travel to
Manchester United for their Emirates FA Cup quarter-final tie.

The Hammers will be looking to book a first trip to the national stadium
since their 2012 Championship Play-Off final success, and move a step closer
to their first FA Cup final since 2006 in the process.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers have all fallen
victim to the Hammers in this season's FA Cup so far, while Manchester
United have battled past Football League trio Sheffield United, Derby County
and Shrewsbury Town.

The tie brings together the teams fifth and sixth in the Barclays Premier
League, with Louis van Gaal's team currently two points behind the Hammers.

The Red Devils have lost their last two games, coming up short against both
West Bromwich Albion in the league and Liverpool in the Europa League over
the last week.
The history

Manchester United have won eleven FA Cups to the Hammers' three, with their
last success coming back in 2004.

West Ham and the Red Devils have met in eight previous FA Cup ties, with
both teams winning four each. The last meeting came in 2012/13 when a 2-2
Boleyn Ground draw was followed by a 1-0 replay win for the north west club.

Earlier this season the teams played out a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, when
both Winston Reid and Mauro Zarate struck the woodwork for the visitors.
The match

Team news

West Ham United

Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien are available for the Hammers
again after shaking off their respective injuries.

Winston Reid returned to training this week, but James Tomkins and James
Collins are injured, while Sam Byram is cup tied.
Manchester United

Juan Mata is banned after being sent off in Manchester United's defeat to
West Brom. However, Jesse Lingard is available after serving a European ban.

Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are the Red Devils' long-term
absentees.
Match info

- Sunday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. He has refereed 37 games
this term, dishing out 132 yellow and just one red card.
- West Ham's last two cup triumphs over United were at Old Trafford, the
most recent being by 1-0 in 2001.
- United have conceded only once in their three previous FA Cup games
this campaign.
- They have scored 12 goals in their last four games at Old Trafford in
all competitions, as many as they had managed in their previous 13 home
matches.
- West Ham have won 10 of their last 15 games in all competitions (D3,
L2).
- The Hammers have scored seven goals in their last two FA Cup ties.
- They last reached the sixth round in 2010-11 season, where they were
eliminated 2-1 at Stoke.
- Michail Antonio has scored in his last three appearances in all
competitions.
Coverage, ticketing, travel and other info

- All 9,000 tickets for Hammers fans have sold out for this fixture.
- Click here for the latest news on the roads and here for the trains.
- The sun is expected to be shining at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon,
with temperatures reaching 12C (54F) by mid-afternoon.
- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay abreast of all
the action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have
live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and more. You
can get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #MNUWHU

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Antonio - Old Trafford was a turning point for me
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio has fond memories of playing at Old Trafford and hopes to be
celebrating another famous victory so he can show off his new goalscoring
celebrations against Manchester United. Antonio has been a revelation for
the Hammers in the last three months and has played a major role in helping
the Club move back into the top five in the Premier League and reaching the
last eight of the FA Cup. The 25-year-old has scored three goals in his last
three games which has taken his tally to 11 goals this season and played his
part in a memorable comeback over Everton last weekend. Antonio has also
caught the imagination of the West Ham fans with his goalscoring
celebrations and few could forget his Simpsons breakdance when he scored the
winning goal against Sunderland. The talented winger then followed that up
with his match-winner against Tottenham when he did the Carlton Dance and he
is now preparing another special celebration if he gets among the goals
against United. Antonio has no doubts that the turning point in his West Ham
career came at Old Trafford when he appeared as an early substitute for
Victor Moses and has never looked back since that moment. Antonio said:
"It's always been one of my boyhood dreams to play at Old Trafford and I
managed to get on during that game and before that I wasn't really playing.
It is crazy how Victor got injured during the first half and I managed to
get my longest spell in that game at Old Trafford. "It was definitely a
turning point for me and that was the game that got me into the team and
earned me a couple of starts. "From there, I haven't looked back and now
I've got seven goals this season (for West Ham) so far and I hope I can keep
adding to it."

The 9000 West Ham fans who are heading to Old Trafford would love to see
Antonio stay among the goals on Sunday and they could be in for an extra
surprise if he gets on the scoresheet. Antonio added: "I have already
started to think of new celebrations, so hopefully I will be able to use
them. I believe in it and I can see my goal and see the celebration that
goes with it. All I need now is to happen now. "I watched an episode of the
Simpsons the night before the game and I was in the shower in the hotel room
and I thought to myself, I might start doing some crazy celebrations and to
try to interact with the fans more. "At the end of the season, we can get
the fans to vote for the best celebration of the season. "I am a massive
Simpsons fan. I am probably most like Bart, I am a bit mischievous. "Growing
up, I didn't celebrate much. At Southampton, I used to do the 'Bogul' and
the fans used to do it back to me."

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Carrick expecting tough encounter
WHUFC.com

Former West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick is relishing the chance to
come up against his old side at Old Trafford in the Emirates FA Cup
quarter-final and feels Dimitri Payet has been one of the signings of the
season.

Payet, who recently won the Premier League Player of the Year at the London
Football Awards has wasted no time becoming a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground
and Carrick knows that his Manchester United side will need to stop the
French star if they are to take progress to the next round.

Carrick enjoyed a memorable four-year spell with the Hammers where he made
159 appearances and scored six goals.

The England midfielder knows it will be a special atmosphere inside Old
Trafford on Sunday and feels his side will have to be at their very best if
they are to come away with a victory as West Ham are enjoying a memorable
season under Slaven Bilic.

Carrick said: "They've impressed me an awful lot this season, they started
off well with a couple of big results against Arsenal and Manchester City
and they have carried that on.

"They've got a good mix and Payet has had a fantastic season and now he is
back from injury, he's flying again.

"They may not have expected to be where they are now, but as a squad they
look strong and they've got good quality in depth and full credit to them.

"Payet has been their main man this season, I hadn't seen much of him before
coming to West Ham, but he has been a huge hit in the Premier League, with
his performances, goals, assists and everything else that he brings to their
side. He has almost been the catalyst for their season.

"We know this is a big week for us and this is the time of the season when
things are won or lost. We want to stay in the competitions right until the
very end."

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill is a big fan of the Hammers this
season and relishes the chance to interview Slaven Bilic at the pre-match
press conference. He has no doubts that Dimiti Payet has been one of the
signings of the season and expects West Ham to get a positive result against
Manchester United on Sunday.


I think West Ham will win on Sunday. United are playing like a team where
they know that changes are going to be made during the summer.

It does a lot of damage to your morale when you are beaten by your biggest
rival following their defeat against Liverpool in the Europa League on
Thursday night and playing so badly.

I suppose there is an argument that they will be licking their wounds and
will want some revenge, but you have got to be good enough to get that
revenge and West Ham's away form has been impressive.

They have already been to Old Trafford this season and done a good job
before and I am sure West Ham fans would settle for another 0-0 draw and
bring them back to the Boleyn Ground.

I am big fan of Slaven Bilic. He is just a nice man and he impresses me
every time I come to interview him.

You get a straight answer to any type of question and when you get someone
like him who is honest, it is very refreshing.

Even away from the press conferences you can see that he is down to earth
and is very passionate about what he does.

All the headlines have been about Dimitri Payet this season and rightly so
as he has been magnificent.

When West Ham first went for him a lot of people didn't know too much about
him. But I can remember seeing him during the pre-season and I was doing
some updates from the game and I looked at my cameraman and thought wow he
is a player.

From what I was told no-one else really went for him and West Ham pulled out
all the stops to get him and they are now getting their just rewards.

I think he should be the Player of the Year because of what he cost, how
well he has done and the way he wasted no time settling into the Premier
League.

If the Club do get into the Champions League which I think they will, a
large part of that will be down to him.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United

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Westley - We were good
WHUFC.com

Academy director Terry Westley spoke of his pride at the impressive
performance his young Hammers put in away at St James' Park. Captained by
Marcus Browne, Westley's charges started with six players who are still
eligible for the U18s, and a further two came on off the bench to record an
emphatic 4-1 win. The Hammers got off to a terrific start as Browne opened
the scoring after just eight minutes volleying Stephen Hendrie's searching
cross in off the post. Speaking at full-time Westley said: "We had a lot of
youngsters out there tonight, and it could have gone one of two ways.
Thankfully we've come through it, and we've also played well. In parts some
of the best football we've played. "Players like Noha and Matty Carter will
learn a lot from tonight, so there are a lot of positives for us to take
away."

Things got even better as Moses Makasi, ever-present at the heart of
midfield doubled the lead, slotting home coolly after an intricate one-touch
move involving Tunji Akinola and Sam Ford. An excellent first half was
rounded off when Dan Kemp scored on his first start for the U21s, converting
Stephen Hendrie's pinpoint cross from close range. Into the second period
and the Hammers were just as clinical. Youngster Matt Carter got in on the
goalscoring act as he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Pearson from distance.
The midfielder was rightly delighted. Westley continued: "I thought Marcus
Browne in particular was fantastic, he really took the captaincy on well and
really led from the first minute onwards. "He's done ever so well recently
in among the first team and he's enjoying his football. When he's on this
type of form he's a joy to watch and it'll be interesting to see how far he
goes."

Following tonight's convincing win, attentions will quickly turn to
Wednesday's mouth-watering semi-final with Liverpool on Wednesday 16 March.
Westley finished by saying: "In terms of preparation, tonight was about as
perfect as it could have been. We wanted to win tonight, and thankfully we
did, but we had half an eye on Wednesday. "A lot of people have put
themselves in contention for a start, and that's exactly the situation we
wanted to be in. "It's a headache, but a good one, we are in a good position
and very much looking forward to the tie."

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Kemp delighted with first Dev Squad goal
WHUFC.com

On an outstanding night for the Development Squad up in Newcastle which saw
the young Hammers despatch their counterparts 4-1, youngster Dan Kemp's
performance was one of the highlights.

The winger has been in scintillating form recently for the U18s, scoring
four goals, and more than took his opportunity during his first start for
the U21s by scoring.

The former Chelsea player ran on to Stephen Hendrie's pinpoint cross and
finished with the cool calm collectiveness of a seasoned professional.

Reflecting on an impressive showing, Kemp said: "I'm delighted to have
scored on my first start for the U21s but it was a great performance and a
great result more importantly. We played really well as a team and it was
great to get on the scoresheet.

"We had a game plan to get into their faces and get to the ball, try to win
it back early and then exploit the space and I think we did that well. My
won it back high up the field and scored some great goals on the counter.

"We broke on the counter with pace, Stephen ran down the left and put in a
great cross and I thought I finished it quite well at the backpost.

"That was the third goal it kind of killed the game off, even though it was
still pretty early on. We were a bit disappointed to let them back in just
before half-time. After the fourth goal went in it was game over really."

With a number regular U21 players rested, some due to their involvement with
the first team, Westley named a young side which captained by Marcus Browne,
had six U18s with a further two coming off the bench.

It was Browne who opened the scoring early on, before Moses Makasi, Kemp and
Matt Carter all got on the scoresheet.

Kemp continued to describe how crucial getting the early goal was: "The
early goal was very important, it set the tone for the game and in general I
think we dominated really. Terry said in the dressing room afterwards that
that was one of our best performances of the season, so we're all pleased.

"It would be brilliant if we could make it into the play offs and get
promoted, we just need to keep going now."

Now, Kemp and his teammates will have to refocus quickly as they host
Liverpool in the semi-final of the U21 Premier League Cup at Rush Green on
Wednesday 16 March.

In what is no doubt the biggest game of the season, Kemp will be hoping his
sparkling performance may be enough to see him continue in the side.

He continued: "Wednesday is a massive game, I'd love to involved, I think
everyone would. It's a cup semi-final, at home, so a massive game and one we
really want to win.

"I've played against Liverpool at U16 level, they're always a good side at
every level so it'll be tough but we've got a lot of quality and know, on
our day, that we can beat anyone."

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Manuel Lanzini: 'I feel at home at West Ham, so why would I leave?'
Exclusive: The Hammers loan is keen to a complete a £7.4m permanent deal
KEN DYER Friday 11 March 20160 comments
Evening Standard

Manuel Lanzini felt moved to issue an apology this week. He had impishly
posted a video on his Instagram account of a few moments of a training
session this week at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground. In the video
(below), Lanzini slides the ball through the legs of bemused club-mate Alex
Song and then does something similar to Angelo Ogbonna, who then playfully
wrestles him on the ground. "Perdon [excuse me]," posts Lanzini. "Sorry for
this, hahahaha." The on-loan 23-year-old is unlikely to attempt anything
quite as audacious in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United but
it remains a light-hearted example of the ability possessed by the man they
call 'La Joya' — The Jewel — back in Argentina.
Slaven Bilic tried to sign Lanzini when he was coach of Turkish club
Besiktas. The Argentine, who begun his career at River Plate and then moved
on loan to Fluminense, was in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira. Bilic
was unsuccessful but when he arrived at West Ham last summer, the top two
players on his wish list were Dimitri Payet — and Lanzini. Lanzini's role
model is compatriot Pablo Aimar but Bilic believes his midfielder's style is
more reminiscent of Real Madrid and former Tottenham star Luka Modric. "He
is everything as a player," says Bilic, who coached Modric with Croatia. "He
reminds me of Modric the way he plays. He is always around the ball, he's
always an option for other players, he comes out of difficult situations, he
can help bring the team 30 yards up the pitch and he is very good in
defence. He's still very young but if he carries on improving, he can be a
great player."

Lanzini appreciates his manager's kind words. "Modric is a fantastic player
and I am proud to be compared to a player as talented as him," says the 5ft
6in playmaker. At first sight, you would think, Lanzini might struggle in
the muscular environs of the Premier League. In fact, there is more fat on a
chip. So how has he coped?

"I knew it was going to be difficult to adapt to the English game but I was
confident in my body and ability," he says. "I know at times I need to adapt
my game and that sometimes I need to battle and fight more than I am used to
but I feel that I am pretty smart like that."

Given his performances, it is not surprising that West Ham are keen to make
Lanzini's season's loan permanent. Al Jazira are prepared to let him go for
£7.4 million and Bilic expects the deal to be sealed in the near future. A
thigh injury had delayed the issue but Lanzini returned to action at the end
of last month and says: "I would obviously like to reach an agreement to be
able to stay here. "I feel at home here, London is one of the great cities
of the world. At West Ham the coaching team, the players and the fans treat
me really well. When you feel at home, why would you want to leave?"

England is the latest stop on a rather unsual footballing journey with
Lanzini cutting his teeth in Argentina and Brazil before taking the rare
step for a young emerging player of a switch to the UAE Gulf League. "It
isn't the most typical of career paths for a young player I know but every
decision that I made was focused on my future and allowed me to improve as a
player," says Lanzini, who had a season in the Middle East. "At each club, I
tried to learn as much as I could from the more experienced players."

Lanzini knows he has some way to go before emulating another West Ham
favourite and fellow Argentine, Carlos Tevez. He says: "Although River Plate
are great rivals with Tevez's club, Boca Juniors, I have to say he is a
fantastic player. He is a real champion."

It is Lanzini's partnership with Payet, though, which has really thrilled
the West Ham fans, 9,000 of whom will be at Old Trafford. "He is capable of
changing a game on his own," he says. "We all put our confidence in him and
given the way we both play, I always look to link up with Dimitri. Together,
we try to drive the team forward."

They will look to do that on Sunday when victory will take West Ham to
Wembley. "It will be a great match," he says. "We know if we stick to the
plan and play well, then we can win this game. We want to excite the fans
with an entertaining performance."

There is little doubt about Lanzini's own entertainment value — just ask
Song or Ogbonna.

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Man Utd v West Ham preview: Juan Mata suspended for hosts
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 12/03/16 3:55pm
SSN

Manchester United will be looking to make it five home wins in a row when
they welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford for Sunday's FA Cup
quarter-final. Although their form has been strong at home, Louis van Gaal's
men go into this clash on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the
Europa League - a game in which they had just one shot on target. West Ham,
who last won the FA Cup in 1980, are enjoying a fine spell of form under
Slaven Bilic, winning their last four games in all competitions.

Juan Mata will miss the game with through suspension. Jesse Lingard returns
to the United squad having served a ban in the Europa League clash with
Liverpool, while Adnan Januzaj and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are available having
been ineligible for Thursday's match. Wayne Rooney (knee), Luke Shaw (leg),
Ashley Young (groin/pelvis) and Will Keane (groin) remain absent, but
Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are nearing
returns.

West Ham can welcome back Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien.
Valencia has recovered from a sprained ankle, Moses is fit after a quad
injury and O'Brien has shaken off hamstring trouble. Winston Reid is close
to returning after a hamstring problem but the Old Trafford clash is likely
to come too soon, while fellow defenders James Tomkins (calf) and James
Collins (hamstring) are still injured and Sam Byram is cup-tied.

Opta stats

This is the ninth time these sides have been drawn in the FA Cup - the
previous eight have alternated between West Ham progressing twice and United
progressing twice.

The Red Devils have progressed the last two times they've faced West Ham in
the FA Cup, meaning West Ham would go through if the sequence was to
continue.

The Hammers are winless in their last nine trips to Old Trafford in all
competitions (D1 L8), since Carlos Tevez's strike kept them in the Premier
League on the final day of the 2006/07 season.

Manchester United have lost their last two FA Cup home games against fellow
Premier League sides, both by a 2-1 scoreline (Swansea in 2014 and Arsenal
in 2015).

West Ham scored as many goals in their last FA Cup away game as they had in
their previous 11 in the competition (5).

Louis van Gaal's side were eliminated at this stage last season, to eventual
winners Arsenal.

West Ham have reached the quarter-final stage for the first time since 2011,
when they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Stoke.

Michail Antonio has scored in his last three appearances for West Ham in all
competitions.

Merson's prediction

Oh my God. I have never seen anything like that Man Utd performance against
Liverpool on Thursday night. I know it wasn't great at the start of the
season but this was different.

Did anybody tell the players it was Liverpool against Man Utd? It is
supposed to be the ultimate game in English football, but if you looked at
the Man Utd players, you can't tell me they saw it like that.

You felt for their supporters because they know what that match means.
Everybody had a bad game but you have to show desire.

After that display, I'd be shocked if United beat West Ham and I'm going for
a draw, setting up the last FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground. You couldn't
handpick a better game with the winner playing at Wembley, and it's all set
up for West Ham.

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

Betting

United are 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to reach the last four while West
Ham can be backed at 3/1 to record another victory on the road. Dimitri
Payet has been amongst goals lately for the Hammers and for him to score and
West Ham to win in 90 Mins Sky Bet have boosted his price from 7/1 to 9/1.

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ROB GREEN HAD WEST HAM MEDICAL
By Iain Dale 12 Mar 2016 at 12:10
WTID

In the last transfer window there was a bit of chatter that West Ham would
re-sign Rob Green from QPR. I didn't think much of it at the time but Green
has confirmed it all in an interview with the Daily Mail

Perhaps the main source of frustration is how close he came to leaving last
summer and in January. Some have suggested moves to West Ham and Crystal
Palace fell through because of his wage demands. Green insists that was not
the case, having agreed terms with both clubs and even passing a medical at
Upton Park.

The truth is QPR's owners had an issue with selling to West Ham, while
things did not quite fall into place in terms of squad numbers at Palace.
'The newspaper reports weren't far off the mark,' he says. 'I was pretty
close to leaving.'

It's difficult to understand why we would have wanted him when we are
blessed with two excellent goalkeepers in Adrian and Darren Randolph, along
with Raphael Spiegel and Sam Howes.

It's also difficult to understand why Tony Fernandes would have a problem
selling to West Ham, a club he supports and wanted to own. Or maybe he has
had a big falling out with David Gold and David Sullivan.

All in all, rather odd.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rules out shock summer move for ZLATAN
IBRAHIMOVIC
22:30, 11 MAR 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Swedish superstar is out of contract at PSG in the summer and has hinted at
a move to England but Hammers manager accepts he's "out of our league"
The Mirror

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has admitted Zlatan Ibrahimovic is "out of our
league". The Swedish superstar is out of contract at PSG this summer and has
hinted he could come to the Premier League. But the Irons boss said: "We are
moving to a new stadium. We are doing well but Ibra is out of our league,
­unfortunately. "If he leaves Paris, I don't know where he is going to go,
but I can't see him coming to West Ham." The former Croatia coach insisted
Ibrahimovic will be a great free signing for someone. "He's 34 only on
paper," he said. "He's still the leading scorer in France, so he's very
consistent. "I was at the game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, and he was
playing like he was 21. Thirty-four is only on paper."

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Manchester United STILL not over Alex Ferguson's exit according to FA Cup
foe West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
22:30, 11 MAR 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Hammers manager is eager to exploit hosts' woes — though he also warns they
will be like "wounded lions" after the midweek Europa League loss to
Liverpool
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has claimed Manchester United no longer have the stars to scare
other sides – and are still ­suffering a hangover from the departure of Sir
Alex Ferguson three years ago. Although West Ham boss Bilic also warned
Louis Van Gaal's side will be like "wounded lions" in Sunday's FA Cup
quarter-final against his Hammers after their Europa League ­defeat by
arch-rivals Liverpool on Thursday, he insisted the Londoners will travel to
Old ­Trafford without fear. "With Ferguson, if you see the names that played
up front for them, they were either at a better age or were ­bigger names or
better goal-scorers," said Bilic. "Now he has some really young, talented
players who are ­definitely going to be that but simply they are not that
consistent because of their age and because the situation – it is very hard
to be confident if you are a Manchester United player. "But to be fair, they
don't have Aguero or Van Nistelrooy or Ronaldo and Rooney is injured."

Midfielder Dimitri Payet, with 10 goals, will be the biggest star on the Old
Trafford pitch on Sunday afternoon. And although Bilic predicted "a better
Manchester United" than were fortunate to escape Anfield only 2-0 down on
aggregate, he confessed his surprise at the Dutchman's continued struggles
in his second season. "Everywhere he has been he has done a tremendous job
and he has left his legacy at every club – not just one season then leave
the club ruined," he said. "He did great with Ajax, he did great with
Barcelona, he did great with Bayern Munich. "It is his second season, so it
is strange they are so inconsisent. But [it was the] same with David Moyes
so it might not be the manager's fault. It might be something deeper. It
might be Ferguson. "Sir Alex is impossible to replace." Bilic added: "I
remember also United had difficult games even when Ferguson was there. Now,
because he has become such a legend, you don't remember those things. I
remember games like that. "Okay, you can say they were playing with more
energy, most of the games were played in front of your box if you were the
opponent and now they don't have it since he's gone. "I don't think it's one
problem. If there was one problem they would have solved it. It's a little
bit more than that. But their problem is not my problem. we will try to use
the situation."

The Hammers travel to the north-west for the seventh time this season and
are still unbeaten in the region, including a ­Premier League draw at Old
Trafford in December. Bilic's side are on a four-match winning streak,
including last weekend's thrilling 3-2 victory at Everton after falling 2-0
behind. It is all in contrast with the current mood at Old Trafford. "They
are like a wounded lion, they have a massive game against us," said Bilic.
"It would be dangerous — suicidal — if we approach the game like, 'Yeah,
they are playing badly, we are playing well. We are going to cruise it.' No
way we will do that. "But if you are asking me if we are confident, we are
confident because we are playing good, we are training good. We are buzzing,
we are training hard. "That is the biggest secret. We have good players who
are hungry, who are motivated."

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Fan coalition calls for LLDC to "respect decision"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

OSA previously adjourned hearing concerning the appeal by the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) against the Information Commissioner's (ICO)
order to publish the full financial terms of the deal between itself and
West Ham United FC will reconvene on Thursday March 17th at 10am at Court 4,
15 Bream's Buildings, London, EC4A 1DZ.
A football fans coalition spokesman said:

"We have already demonstrated to the tribunal that it is impossible for
another football club to share the stadium, despite the LLDC's insistence,
and the fact that West Ham United were perfectly happy to contradict the
LLDC view only serves to underscore the strength of our case."

"We hope, given this, and the weight of other evidence presented to support
our case, that the LLDC and anyone else with influence over them, respects
the decision of the tribunal and doesn't seek a further appeal. During a
time when the LLDC itself is struggling to make a commercial success of the
Olympic legacy, racking up thousands more on top of the £21,000 of
taxpayers' money already spent on this appeal alone does seem to be
frivolous."

The coalition led by the Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust (CAST) and
Leyton Orient Fans' Trust demand to know:

How much the stadium costs West Ham to hire
How much the stadium maintenance will cost, and who will pay for it
How much each party will earn from stadium naming rights
What happens to the stadium in the event of financial difficulties at
stadium company E20
What happens if West Ham United is sold by its current owners
How much West Ham United earns from matchday catering
How many jobs are being 'created'
How much office space is being provided to West Ham United and on what terms

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Devonshire on Payet and the Man Utd clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
CandH Exclusive

The word legend is thrown around far too loosely but today a true Hammers
hero more worthy of the title than most – the one and only Alan Devonshire –
has chosen to speak exclusively with ClaretandHugh as we continue our guild
up to Old Trafford tomorrow.

He also gives his opinion on the amazing Dimi Payet and the comparisons
drawn between the French international and himself.

It's another top exclusive from your favourite Hammers website.

By Alan Devonshire

These are very exciting times at West Ham and I really do fancy us to beat
Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow and go back to Wembley for the
semi final.

And so long as I can get a ticket I'll be there because this Hammers team
seriously excites me. I believe this is a really good time to be playing
Manchester United. I watched them against Liverpool the other night and they
really don't look a good team.

I really don't see us coming away from OT with nothing and genuinely believe
with the team we have the win is very much on.

In Dimi Payet we have a player who is capable of most anything. He has great
ability, balance, creativity and his set pieces are brilliant.

It's important to have someone in the team that the players trust completely
and Dimi is that man. The players know that if they give him the ball in a
tight situation he will sort things out. I like to think I was the same so I
understand the comparisons between him and me.

He's 28 now of course and in his prime. Hopefully we are going to get four
or five good seasons from him and he's what I understand a West Ham player
to be.

I also love Cheik Kouyate who s a really great tackler, gets around the
pitch and is a terrific high energy player. I love him in midfield and
that's where he needs to be as a priority but he will also do a fantastic
job at the bck in an emergency.

Sakho is key to the system and to have come where we have without him shows
the type of squad we have and I'm also a fan of Enner Valencia who has great
skill. Give him an injury free run and you will see a great player.

Everywhere you look in this team there is creativity, energy and a wonderful
spirit and that's a tribute to Slaven who has done a remarkable job in his
first season.

He deserves Wembley and I believe there's every chance we will make it into
the Final after seeing off United tomorrow

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Bilic kills off superstar signing speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic has finally killed off suggestions that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will
be joining the Irons this summer declaring: "He is out of our league". It
is now well known, the 34 year old is out of contract at Paris St Germain in
June and has dropped some pretty heavy hints that he may like to make a move
to the Premier League. And it had been widely reported that the Irons had
discussed the player as they do many others. Indeed it would have been a
surprise if they hadn't. But the Irons boss has made it clear the striker
will not be joining the club saying: "We are moving to a new stadium. We are
doing well but Ibra is out of our league, ­unfortunately. "If he leaves
Paris, I don't know where he is going to go, but I can't see him coming to
West Ham."

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DG's 'perfect storm' becoming Hammers hurricane
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has regularly been referring to the final Boleyn season as "a
perfect storm."

Tomorrow it can become an unstoppable Hammers hurricane.

The incredible league form, the FA Cup run, the form of our new signings,
Dimi Payt's magic and fifth place are all making it possible that this – our
final season at the dear old lady – could be our finest.

From the moment Slaven was appointed as boss there was a change in the air
and Gold says: "He has been the reason for everything that's happened. It's
been an incredible season.

"And to beat United tomorrow and find ourselves back at Wembley would be
utterly extraordinary in such a season. I've said for weeks but this really
is becoming a Hammers hurricane!

"We would have loved a home draw but with such a string of results behind us
we can go anywhere with great confidence. It's an amazing season and as I do
every week I go to Old Trafford this week fully believing we will come back
with something."

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