Daily WHUFC News - 28th March 2016

Tonks' delight for 'top man' Mark
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins followed Mark Noble through the Academy of Football and has played first-team football with his friend for the past eight years…

It is brilliant for Mark to get the recognition he deserves for his time playing for the Club. The years he's been at the Club and the commitment he's shown, with the number of games that he's played, are there for everyone to see so he's done very well for himself. He's been through ups and downs with the team but this season he's progressed even further. I know he looks old, but he is still actually quite young, so he's getting better as he's getting older! I remember as a kid playing in the FA Youth Cup scoring an own goal at Gillingham, putting it right in the top corner of my own net. But Mark bailed me out from nowhere, as we were going to lose that game until he scored a screamer from about 25 yards. It went to extra-time and he scored again I think, so he bailed me out big time. I've bailed him out ever since! He helped me grow up when I first came into the team and he was a big reason why I settled there.
Nobes loves a joke around the place – that's him all over – and he's not happy unless he's bantering someone. He's good like that and he's excellent with the youngsters coming through. Everyone looks up to him as they have all seen him do it before. Not only all that, but he's a superb footballer. He's knocking on that England door at the moment and, like I said, he might look about 45 but he is still young! He's got years of learning left in him. Mark's a proud Dad and he's always been very mature in that way, too.

The ground is sold out and that shows that he's held in high esteem by everyone involved with West Ham. His Testimonial couldn't have worked out in a better way for him I don't think, so he'll love that he's saying farewell to the Boleyn with today's game too. We've had our highlights, and us arguing on the pitch at Everton was one of those for me! Also the Play-Off final was brilliant, and the next day I went on his stag-do, which was a great time for us. Mark – you're a top man and you fully deserve this.

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Big Sam hails 'outstanding' Noble
WHUFC.com

Sam Allardyce managed West Ham United for four seasons between 2011 and 2015, guiding the Hammers back to the Barclays Premier League in 2012. During his tenure, he picked Mark Noble 150 times…

The big thing for me when I arrived in 2011 was to keep the big players at the Club after they got relegated. I don't know whether Mark ever wanted to leave or not, but he probably thought about it and the good thing was that he didn't!

Mark is one of a dying breed today in that he's spent the whole of his career, from a boy to a man and a great footballer, at West Ham and obviously his commitment to the Club is outstanding for me.

I've always had a huge amount of respect for him in that he gives everything that he's got, he's a great professional and he's a very, very good player and probably the only thing missing now is an international cap, which is a great shame.

But he can't have done anything more, certainly in the last three years, to earn that cap.

Mark's Testimonial will be a great day for him and the fans have obviously sold the ground out for him as he's one of their own.

Like I said, he's not just a really good footballer but a great man as well. I had a great four years with him. He taught me how to speak the Cockney language, which was pretty funny, trying to get to grips with it! But he gave me some good lessons so I could converse with him very well in the end.

Mark would have been captain if Kevin Nolan hadn't come to the Club. I could see a lot captaincy material in Nobes, and he picked up more of that from Kevin during the four years they played together.

He's not frightened about saying what he thinks and that's one of the problems in this modern age; Players don't verbally express themselves enough but Mark has an opinion and his opinion is valid. That's what makes him a good captain too.

He's knowledgeable about the game and he's got a lot of experience. He made his debut at a very young age and he's managed to sustain his playing days and he's one of the longest-serving players West Ham are ever going to have I think by the time he's finished and I think that all those qualities are things that he'll need to carry on going into the new stadium.

There's a next level coming now and that's going to demand a lot more from everyone at the Club, but Mark has the capability and the desire to rise to whatever level is expect of him.

I would like to wish Mark, his family and the fans a very successful Testimonial match.

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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com


Maltese Hammers member Naomi Galea pays tribute to Monday's Testimonial recipient and West Ham United hero Mark Noble…

It seems like nowadays a lot of fans, pundits, former players and neutrals are seeing the hard work and effort Mark Noble puts in. He is getting recognised by everyone and so he should be.

A lot ask the question why he hasn't yet been chosen to play for the England side and it baffles me why Roy Hodgson hasn't given him a chance yet.

Firstly, his recent performances and statistics all show that he is probably one of the best, if not the best English player in his position. Secondly, I still remember very clearly when he captained the England Under-21 team to the European Championship final. His performance that day was outstanding and at a young age already showed signs of what a good captain he can be!

Although England lost on penalties they gave Germany a very tough job. From that German team, nine players now play for the senior squad regularly and all went to win the World Cup. Just James Milner gets picked from that English team which just shows where England, in my opinion, get it wrong! If Noble gets picked it's not by luck but by hard work and consistency in his performances for the Hammers!

I started following Mark right from when Alan Pardew gave him his debut. For some reason something told me he is going to do big things for us and I'm getting proven right!

My first memory of Nobes is at the Play-Off final against Preston in 2005. When Bobby Zamora scored he was warming up by the touchline and he was the first one to go celebrate by jumping on the back of Bobby, there and then he became my favourite player and nothing has changed ever since!

When first meeting him in 2008, I then knew what a nice guy he really is and you could see clearly the love he has for West Ham! That clearly came out in the Great Escape season! The passion he showed was incredible and I think there is nothing wrong when he cried against Tottenham when we lost 3-4.

I think that when your team is going through a tough time everyone can get a bit emotional and that day the West Ham fan in Mark Noble came out and in the last game of the season too when I saw him celebrate and cry at the end I couldn't help but get emotional myself!

As far as goals go, I can't pick a favourite because I like them all but if I had to choose three I would go for his first wonder goal versus Spurs, the one against Wolves and the stunning strike this year versus Norwich.

There is no need for me to tell you how good he is at taking penalties. He just steps up and does the job calmly and confidently. My favourite has to be the one against Liverpool at home in the dying minutes where we went on to win 1-0!

These last eleven years I always gave my Hammer of the Year vote to him not only because he's my favourite but purely because I think he deserves it! Now we are seeing the greatness of Mark!

He masters the dirty work, clears his lines and what can I say about the Mark and Dimi partnership? I just love it!

But it's not just that he's giving. He's doing his job in being a true leader and a good captain. He teaches the kids, makes new players settle in very quickly and keeps the team united and in my opinion a lot of the success we are having this season is partly because of the work Mark puts in on and off the pitch!

Meeting him back in Malta, my country, last year was just the cherry on the cake and just proved again what a great man he is!

So I think it's only deserving for him to have this Testimonial, as today not a lot of players reach such an important milestone, for the Club he plays and loves so much! I'm so pleased and happy that my favourite player is going to be the last ever captain to walk out a team at the Boleyn and the first one and the new Stadium!

Pride, passion, hard-working, consistency, loyalty and legend are all the words that spring to mind when I think of Mark Noble and West Ham are lucky to have found a player like him who plays for the badge and gives his all for the Club he loves!

Let's hope there are many more years of Mark in the famous Claret and Blue!

Come On You Irons! ⚒

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Slav rates this striker so shouldn't that be enough?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Have to admit it came as something of a shock to me when discovering that less than one per cent of the 1700 plus who voted in a recent ClaretandHugh poll wanted Christian Benteke as the club's summer signing. Ok, he hasn't shown himself to be he striker he was at Villa a couple of seasons ago when grabbing 25 goals or indeed when he managed 11 from 28 in 2013-14. The following year it was up to 16 from 38 whilst under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – which by the striker's own admission has been a 'mare – he's managed just eight from 36. There's reasons for that which he mentioned himself recently: "When your coach says he wanted to take you to Dortmund and a little later you sit at the same club and he ignores you it is hard to understand."
Benteke's apparent unsuitability for Klopp's intensive, high-pressing tactics has been debated for some time but the player rejects accusations he cannot fit in. "I find it bizarre, I do not understand why people say that," he added. "I can play pressing and moving a lot. It is not that we play in the Barcelona style. "In January I didn't want to leave and it's still my desire to do well here. We'll see at the end of the season."

Personally, I don't believe players at his age – 25 -with a track record of scoring plenty of goals – suddenly go bad. Life ain't like that.
There may be better options around but I don't know enough about the alternatives being mentioned to make a genuinely valuable judgement. What I do know is that Benteke has scored a lot of Premier League goals and that Slaven Bilic is an admirer as are several others in the West Ham hierachy. And that – given Slav's first season record with this club – really should be enough to convince us shouldn't it?

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Gold joins Mooro campaign
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has thrown his weight behind moves to make Bobby Moore' Sir Bobby Moore.' With MPs from across all parties trying to make it happen on the 50th anniversary of England's wonderful World Cup victory, the co chairman has denied that this should be an impossibility. Currently the law doesn't allow posthumous awards but MPs are planning moves aimed at making it happen to honour the nation's greatest captain in a year when the achievement will be immortalised in a new film. A twitter follower, questioning the situation said in a tweet to Gold: "Massive fan of Bobby and he deserves every accolade, but as knighthood is just for life not sure if they could do this."

However, Gold, surely echoed the view of many when making it clear that there should defintely be a way of changing things. He said: "There are many deceased people that on reflection deserved a Knighthood its not beyond us to find a way. Dg

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Chief Scout showdown: Henry v Glover
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 27, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Head of West Ham recruitment, Martyn Glover appears to be going head to head with the new head of West Ham recruitment Tony Henry over their mutual interest in a Toulouse player. Glover left the Hammers to join Leeds in a similar role last summer following Allardyce's departure but he was quickly reunited with Big Sam earlier this year when he was appointed Head of recruitment at Sunderland with his old buddy. A story in the Daily Mail this morning suggests both West Ham and Sunderland are among a number of clubs showing interest in Toulouse forward Martin Braithwaite. The Premier League sides will be represented by scouts in the stands at Hampden Park on Tuesday when Braithwaite is expected to line up for Denmark against Scotland. The 24-year-old has been playing on the wing for Toulouse this season and has scored ten goals but his preferred position is as a central striker. Braithwaithe has one year left on his contract and wants the chance to play in the Premier League. It is said that Toulouse will listen to offers of around £4million.

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One to watch - Ousmane Dembele
March 27, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
RJTHEGAME

OUSMANE DEMBELE
Age: 18 years
Nationality: French
Current Team: Rennes

This week we have one of the most exciting prospects in Europe right now.

At the young age of just 18 years old.... Ousmane Dembele has taken Ligue 1 by storm....putting in some exceptional performances against top clubs. He is a left winger who is always exploiting the spaces and running with the ball at speed. Most recently this was evident against Marseille away where Rennes won 5-2.
Ousmane looks to have it all so far! He has incredible pace and ball control. His ability to jink past players like they are not there and his composure in front of goal is what makes him such a major threat to any team. He seems to be adept at using either foot, is clever and knows how to hurt the opposition.

If he's this good now you have to think he is going to go from strength to strength and I'd be very surprised if a club doesn't move for him this summer. He is similar to Cristano Ronaldo, as in he is extremely direct and confident and his attributes give him that major edge when he gets on the ball. He makes really good decisions for a player for his age. Plays the game like a veteran already. Technically he looks very good, scoring some great goals, loves a shot and shouldn't be discouraged not too with his ability. He is one of the hottest prospects in the world right now and it would be a major coup for any club who signs Ousmane Dembele in the future! Personally of course hope he signs for West Ham but the competition would be huge, Bayern Munich and Barcelona seem to be leading the way for his signature at present.

STRENGTHS Acceleration - Pace - Dribbling - Composure - Agility - Technique

WEAKNESSES : Aerial duels

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Sheringham - Bilic has Hammers playing with a swagger
March 27, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Former West Ham United striker Teddy Sheringham has told The Mirror that he loves what he's seen from the Hammers this season. Sheringham, now 47, recently lost his job as manager of League Two strugglers Stevenage, and has looked back at his former club West Ham. The former England international striker hit 30 goals in 87 games during his time at Upton Park, and established himself as a fan favourite even after two spells with rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Now, Sheringham has spoken to The Mirror about West Ham's current state, given that they are enjoying one of their finest Premier League seasons to date. Led by former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic, West Ham are currently up in fifth place in the Premier League table, and sit just one point adrift of the top four, with Champions League qualification a very real prospect under Bilic. Playmaker Dimitri Payet has taken most of the plaudits, but the truth is that many West Ham players are impressing right now, with Aaron Cresswell, Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini all deservedly earning praise.

Now, Sheringham has admitted that he 'loves' what he's seen from West Ham's performances this season, and highlighted the influence of Croatian manager Bilic, who has got the Hammers 'playing with a swagger' according to the former striker. "I love what they are doing and the way they are playing," said Sheringham. "Slaven Bilic has them playing with a swagger. They have done so well," he added.

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Bilic wants Gokhan Tore at West Ham?
March 27, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed that he wants to sign Besiktas star Gokhan Tore. Speaking to Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik in a recent interview Bilic said: "Everyone knows how much I like Tore he is an excellent player and I want him at West Ham." Bilic also stated that the Hammers are not currently in talks with Besiktas over the transfer of Tore. The former Besiktas manager did however, say that West Ham are not in direct talks which raises the question of whether negotiations are being being carried out through intermediaries. We are not in direct talks with Tore," he added. Tore is currently in Germany recovering from injury and is expected to return after the international break. The former Chelsea youngster excelled under the stewardship of Bilic who coached Besiktas for the past two seasons establishing himself as one of the most highly sought after players in the league. West Ham were linked with Tore over the summer but talks stalled after Besiktas ruled out selling the Turkish international winger. Tore still has another three years remanning on his contract but Besiktas president Fikret Orman has confirmed that the club will listen to offers at the end of the season.

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France coach Didier Deschamps offers West Ham star Dimitri Payet further hope of Euro 2016 call-up
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

France coach Didier Deschamps has suggested Dimitri Payet will go to Euro 2016 if he continues his current run of form. The West Ham playmaker has enjoyed a remarkable debut season in the Premier League, contributing eight goals and as many assists as Slaven Bilic's side battle with the Manchester giants to claim a spot in the Champions League. Having been out of France contention since June 2015 Deschamps rewarded Payet's form with a callup and starting role in his side's 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Payet impressed from the off, hitting the post on the hour mark and offering enough to convince his international manager that he is worthy of consideration.
Payet will return from France duty 'a little taller', says Bilic. "If I take Payet, it is because I am sure he can bring something," Deschamps told Telefoot. "He has a unique ability and knows how to bring others into the game. "If he maintains the level he showed, the question of whether or not we take him to the Euros will no longer be asked."

A win away to Holland only served to enhance France's belief ahead of the European Championships, which they will host this summer. Along with Spain and Germany France are the favourites for the tournament but Deschamps warned both his team and his country not to get carried away with pre-tournament expectation. "I know the quality of each of the players and, when I have to make choices in this context, it is important that players have more playing time. "For Euro 2016, we must remain humble, but we have the ambition to go as far as possible. "I believe we have a competitive team. With the support of all our fans, we have to be stronger than our opponents."

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Mark Noble: West Ham was like a circus before David Gold and David Sullivan bought the club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Mark Noble has praised the influence of West Ham co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan in turning the club into a stable organisation. When the former Birmingham City owners acquired their stake in West Ham in January 2010 the club was in crisis on and off the field, with a Icelandic consortium having struggled to offer any investment in the club as their country was caught in the midst of a financial crisis. West Ham were to be relegated the following season, finishing bottom of the 2010/11 Premier League, but bounced back immediately and established themselves as a top flight force under Sam Allardyce.
In his first season at the club Slaven Bilic has taken the Hammers to even greater heights; they are now competing for Champions League football and seem well-placed for their move to the Olympic Stadium next summer Noble believes that the recent success at the club is largely down to its current owners and hailed the influence they and vice-chairman Karren Brady have had at Upton Park. "The key word is stability," said the club captain. "In a way, the club was run like a circus in some stages over the last 10 or 20 years. "They have brought in good players and put in money and that was what was needed. That is why the club is moving the way it is. "We have had a tough ten years. We had the different people in charge, five or six different managers. Now it seems like the chairman and Karren Brady have done a great job of settling the club down – running it properly and that gives you a platform from which to move on, to progress. "They have brought in a great manager and, together, they have brought in great players. That is the way it should be done."

The 29-year-old Noble will celebrate his 10 years in the West Ham first-team with a testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground on Monday, where club legends including Paolo di Canio, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick are set to appear.

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