Daily WHUFC News - 8th April 2016

Slaven Speaks - Arsenal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic spoke to the press ahead of his side's home clash against Arsenal at the weekend. The gaffer looked back to the Hammers' victory over the Gunners earlier this season and evaluated his team's confidence going into the game…..

Your opening fixture this season was a win against Arsenal – does that add to confidence going into this match?

It's about our form and position in the table that makes us quite confident. That game was ages ago, but it's nice to know at the back of your head that we played and beat them earlier this season. It has not a lot to do with this game, however. Arsenal have great pace and skill and are very lethal especially in the beginning of games.

Both you and Arsenal want to finish in the top four and with that in mind, what sort of game are you anticipating?

First of all, it is a London derby and a big game. The season is approaching its end and it is very important for them and for us. We are both fighting for a place in Europe and from their point of view, they're trying to be champions. They admitted that they must win all their remaining games, so it's a big game with a lot at stake. They have said they need the three points and so do we to stay in the race, so it should be a really good game of football.

You've got two big games in the space of five days – do you think both are vital?

We play Arsenal, then have a cup replay against Manchester United, then go to Leicester. But we are approaching the Arsenal game and then we have three days to recover and think about Manchester United. We are going to put the best team out that we can on Saturday.

Do you have any injury updates?

We are good in that department at the moment. There is only James Collins and Sam Byram who haven't trained with us for a few weeks now. Both are going to train with us tomorrow, but of course it is too early for them to be in the squad on Saturday, but they are coming back before the end of the season.

You're unbeaten in 13 games at home, so are other teams seeing it as a fortress?

It's nice to be unbeaten. I knew that we were, but not for 13 games. That shows that we are not counting things, and approaching every game as it comes. We know that we have a good record and that's the reason we are high in the league.

It's a strange quirk that Cheikhou Kouyate opened the scoring against Arsenal, and now after getting his red card rescinded, he's available to play them again, isn't it?

He's a great player and he scored the first goal of the season for us and we're delighted to have him back but, as I've said, he should never have got sent off in the first place. The good and proper decision has been made to overrule his red card.

Does not holding onto the lead against Crystal Palace hurt the confidence a little heading into this match?

We are still happy with where we are, but we want to grab every situation that is in front of us. We are not thinking about the end of the season, but only the game against Arsenal. We are playing at home, and make no mistake, we are going to do everything to win the game and stay in the race.

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Byram - I'm feeling positive
WHUFC.com

Sam Byram is looking forward to his return to the West Ham United squad after a lay-off through injury. It's been a frustrating period for the full-back, who last played in late February in the 1-0 home win over Sunderland. But Slaven Bilic's January signing, now on the road to recovery, feels ready to soon play a part in what he hopes will be a strong conclusion to the season for the Hammers. Speaking after his recent Lakeside Official Club Store signing, Byram said: "It's been a frustrating time. With the suspension and being cup-tied and having this injury which has dragged out longer than I'd have liked, it has been a long and annoying time. "I think I'm at the end of the recovery now so hopefully I'll be back joining in training soon and will get back to doing what I enjoy. "I'm feeling positive [ahead of the final run-in]. I think we've done well in the run up of games, and we've been unlucky with some results but the performances have been up there. "We haven't got an easy run so it will be tough but the lads are in a good place and I think we're going to have a good end to the season."

And Byram, who has experienced the Boleyn Ground's atmosphere from the stands in recent weeks, revealed his excitement ahead of the move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park next season. "It more nerve-wracking watching that it is playing," he continued. "It's good to be at the stadium supporting the lads, though, and to be able to be part of the atmosphere is good. "If you see the atmosphere at the current stadium, the thought of double the fans in the new stadium shows what a big time it is for the Club. I for one am definitely looking forward to playing there."

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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com

Club London, West Ham United's stunning new VIP areas of the former Olympic Stadium, is beginning to look the part as its state-of-the-art fit-out continues.

Located in the West Stand of the newly-reconfigured Stadium, each of Club London's restaurants, lounges and bars is complete with bespoke interiors inspired by West Ham's rich heritage.

Seasonal Club London packages sold out many months ago and now, little more than four months ahead of the new 2016/17 campaign, supporters can see how the Hammers' spectacular hospitality offering is taking shape.

Pictured below is the Club London atrium, followed by the very latest images of the Great Briton, showcasing Olympic medals and football accolades, and The Forge, 1895, which reached capacity in December 2015.

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First and Last
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've asked the players for some memorable firsts and lasts from their careers and lives. Today, Enner Valencia goes under the spotlight…

FIRSTS

What was the first car you owned?
The first car that I bought was a Hyundai. I think it was called a Tucson IX or something like that.

What was the first album that you purchased?
I can't remember the exact album, but it would have been a group that played salsa style music. It was probably one by the Colombian salsa group, Grupo Niche. That is the type of music I listened to when I was younger.

Which of your teammates would come first in a style competition?
It would have to be Alex Song, he is always well dressed. He has some brilliant outfit choices that he likes to pull out the wardrobe.

What is the first rule that you would change in football?
It's a tough question! I think it would probably be the number of substitutes you can make during a game. Being able to make an extra change would help keep the team and players fresh to ensure you can stay at 100% for the 90 minutes.

What was your first position when you first started playing football?
When I first started out, I was usually playing out on the wing. Normally down the right to try to use my pace to take players on.

LASTS

Could you describe the last goal that you scored?
The last goal that I scored was the one I got for Ecuador against Paraguay in the recent international break. It was a very quick move and my teammate shot from outside the area and hit the post. The ball bounced back to me and I took it down on my chest, and despite a last-ditch tackle from their defender, I managed to get my shot off with my left foot. Luckily for us, the ball went in.

What is the last film you saw at the cinema?
I can't remember what the film would have been. My wife and I don't go to the cinema very often here – maybe I should take her there more! We used to go more regularly, so it would have been at a cinema in Mexico, but I can't remember the name of the film.

What is the last thing that you cooked?
I like cooking, in fact earlier this week, I cooked a Latin American dish called seco de pollo. It's like a chicken stew with lots of vegetables that we often eaten with the whole family.

Which of your teammates would come last in a fashion contest?
It's tricky. It would probably have to be Victor Moses. He wears some questionable clothes.

Who would be the last player you would want to get stuck in a lift with?
I reckon that would be Mark Noble. Being stuck in a lift with him would be a nightmare, because he often has some terrible wind.

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Former Player Blog - Phil Parkes
WHUFC.com

FA Cup-winning ex-Hammers stopper Phil Parkes will be one of the Club's guests at the 1970s-themed visit of Arsenal this weekend. The former Hammer of the Year explains how vital the side's upcoming matches are…

I think the next few big games will define West Ham's season. You can have a really good season but it can go downhill at the end with a few bad results, and I think the Arsenal game this weekend will be important. They have got weaknesses as we've seen from a few of their games away from home.

If you said at the start of the season to any West Ham fans do you want to finish fifth or sixth or win the FA Cup, everyone would have taken the Cup every time, so the Manchester United one is huge. We were robbed at Old Trafford and if you look at our run in 1980, there are a lot of similarities. It's possibly the biggest game of the season, that FA Cup tie.

It's going to be a very special game against Arsenal – the last one against them at the Boleyn Ground. There are a lot of the ex-players coming to the match from the '70s and early '80s era, so it will be a very special occasion.

This West Ham side is getting better, and they're getting more used to what the results on the pitch mean to the fans as well. At first, when they come from all over the world, they don't always know the history. But they're suddenly realising if the fans are up for it, so should they be.

We're breaking all sorts of records this season too, doing the doubles over so many teams. When was the last time we did the double over Liverpool, Manchester City?! It's amazing.

If Mark Noble walked up those stairs and lifted the FA Cup this season, it would be immense and a very, very fitting end to this season at the Boleyn, sending the old girl off in real style.

As an ex-goalkeeper, I keep an eye on the keepers and Adrian has been a special signing for the Club. He's very young in terms of his career and he's played 100 games by the time he's 29 – I'd played that when I was 19! He's got a lot of catching up to do, and that's what I like about him. He's still got years of getting better.

Also on Darren Randolph, he's another really great goalkeeper and there's great competition between the two of them.

I'm looking forward to the next few games very much. There are times when you can be in this position with six games to go and with nothing to play for, so it's great to be where we are now.

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Skippers relishing Legends clash!
WHUFC.com

Two Premier League all-time greats cannot wait to captain their countries again when England and Germany Legends clash at the Boleyn Ground on Monday 2 May.

Former West Ham United and England centre-half Rio Ferdinand will lead a star-studded Three Lions selection, while ex-Chelsea and Die Mannschaft skipper Michael Ballack will pull on the armband again for the Germans.

The two heroes - and BT Sport colleagues - will lead strong sides on what promises to be a memorable afternoon of football at the historic home of the Hammers. Tickets for the 4pm kick-off are selling fast and are on General Sale here now!

Joining Rio in the famous red shirts will be England Legends boasting hundreds of caps between them, including Paul Scholes, five-time major tournament finalist Sol Campbell, and his fellow Euro 96 semi-finalists Steve McManaman, Darren Anderton, Robbie Fowler, Graeme Le Saux, Kevin Phillips, Matt Le Tissier and Danny Mills.

Ferdinand, who appeared more than 150 times in a West Ham shirt, said: "I'm really looking forward to wearing the captain's armband for this England comeback. It's always an honour to put on the England shirt and even more so as this is my and the rest of the lads' last chance to kick a ball at the Boleyn."

Ballack, meanwhile, will be able to call upon the services of 1990 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus and a fearsome line up including Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96 winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and 2002 World Cup centre-half Jens Nowotny.

The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder is also excited about turning out in a Germany shirt one more time in such illustrious surroundings – and insists the visitors will be looking to get one over their traditional rivals, 50 years after being denied FIFA World Cup glory at nearby Wembley Stadium.

"I'm working closely with the team to make sure we have the best possible line-up," said Ballack, who is still a regular feature on British TV as a respected pundit. "Whilst this is a great occasion and an honour for us to be a part of the farewell to the Boleyn – we are coming there to win. There is no such thing as friendly when Germany play England."

West Ham Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s.

Non-Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £25 for Adults, £15 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £10 for Under-16s.

Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style, with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).

*West Ham fans should also keep a close eye on the Club's website, emails and social media channels for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live out their ultimate football fantasy – the chance to Play For England with the Legends in front of a live international TV audience of more than 350 million. More details will follow this weekend.

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Chadwell Chatter - Adrian
WHUFC.com

Hola!

It was a special moment for me to celebrate 100 games for West Ham last weekend and it was a great feeling.

I feel so proud to have reach that number and I always try to show my character and performances on the pitch and it is great to have the support of everyone at the Club.

I can still think back to my first game when I played against Manchester United and made my first save to deny Tom Cleverley in the opening two minutes.

From the first game I have tried to help my team-mates in every game that we play and to give my best for the Club.

I never imagined when I first signed that I would have such a strong connection with the fans.

I arrived from Spain but I feel very proud of this relationship and I know the supporters like a player who has a big character and gives everything on the pitch. I try to show this in every game.

When I look back at my games I have a lot of good memories but the ones that stand out are the draw we had against Chelsea when I made 39 saves to stop them scoring and we were in a bad situation at that moment.

But we managed to come away with a crucial point and that was one of my best games for West Ham. I remember many games but this was one of the biggest at Stamford Bridge.

It was a nice moment for me to hand a shirt to our oldest support Mabel who is 100 before the Crystal Palace game last Saturday.

She is a proper West Ham fan. She is so lucky to be alive for 100 years and still enjoys coming to the games.

I hope to get to a similar age and still love the game like she does! It was a great moment to meet her.

We are now preparing for another big game against Arsenal on Saturday and the situation is in our hands as we look to qualify for a European place next season.

We are still showing the same performances that we showed at the start of the season and we have a great chance.

We have seven games to go and the FA Cup as well and we need to give 150 per cent in every game to finish well.

We believe we can win all the games and will continue to fight until the end. We deserved more points in the last game against Palace and I feel we have a great chance to get a victory against Arsenal on Saturday.

We are playing at home and want to stay in the top five in the table. We remember the first game because we played so well, kept a clean sheet and got the three points at Emirates Stadium.

They will hopefully come to the Boleyn Ground a little bit afraid because we are playing so well and our position in the table.

Enjoy the game on Saturday.

Adrian

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Tore? We'll take €30m, says Besiktas chief
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Besiktas vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi says his club would be willing to allow Gokhan Tore to join West Ham - for €30million.

West Ham have been linked with the German-born Turkish international since before Bilic, a huge admirer, arrived at the Boleyn Ground last summer - since when he had expressed his admiration for the 24-year-old winger on several occasions.

But the Turkish club's VP attempted to pour cold water on the link by placing an exceptionally high price tag on Tore, who has made more than 25 appearances for his country.

"We do not intend to sell anyone at the moment," said Cebi, when asked about the possibility of losing Tore this summer. "But if they offer €30million (circa £24million) for a player we paid €5million for, we would have to think about it.

"We have to think about the business as well."

Speaking about the possibility of signing Tore last October, Bilic said: "Gokhan is a legend; he is a top guy and a great player. Of course I would love to have him in the team [at West Ham]. "I tried to sign him at the start of the season, but it was not the right time."

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West Ham hard done by, says Poll
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Former Premiership referee Graham Poll believes that West Ham have been let down by poor referees in recent weeks.

The 52-year-old former official told the Mail Online that Mark Clattenburg may not have been wrong to dismiss Cheikou Kouyate against Crystal Palace last weekend - but insisted that too many substandard referees are charged with officiating Premier League matches.

"Something here is clearly wrong but there is no indication that anything will be done to change the situation, let alone improve it to a level of acceptability," said Poll.

"There have been just 49 red cards in the Premier League this season compared to 59 at this stage last season and yet seven have now been overturned — a damning statistic.

"Initially the review panel of former referees was set up to overturn only those red cards which were clearly wrong but now it seems they are going further, perhaps in response to the poor standard of officiating."


And on the Clattenburg and Kouyate incident, he added: "The decision to dismiss Kouyate for a high but not excessive tackle on Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle was harsh at worst and not a clear error.

"The referee at Upton Park was the usually excellent Mark Clattenburg, who appeared rushed and flustered on Saturday, perhaps revealing the state of confidence of one of the best we have.

"West Ham would be well placed to claim a Champions League place had decisions not gone against them regularly in recent games.

"We demand the best from our players and club managers, and it is time to do ask same from our officials and their managers, who hide away behind statistics rather than lead from the front."

West Ham have been issued no less than nine red cards this season, including three in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Five of those have been in the Premier League - two of which have been rescinded. A third red card - also issued to Kouyate, in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Blackburn - was also overturned upon appeal.

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Bilic prepared for "huge week" ahead
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic says he will be fielding a full-strength team against Arsenal this weekend - despite it being staged just 72 hours before the FA Cup quarter final replay.

Bilic, addressing the media this morning ahead of Saturday's big London derby insisted that this weekend's clash would be considered as important as that forthcoming tie against Manchester United.

"it is a derby and a big game," said Bilic. "The season is approaching its end and it is very important for them and for us.

"We are both fighting for a place in Europe. From their point of view, they're still fighting to be champions - and they still have a chance, on paper. They admitted that they must win all their remaining games, so it's a big game with a lot at stake.

"They want three points because they said they had to win all of their remaining games. We also need three points if we want to stay in the race for the top four, five or six. We're playing at home, we are both confident and so it should be a really good game of football."

Looking ahead to what promises to be one of the toughest weeks of the season so far - with matches against Manchester United and Leicester to follow Saturday's all-London affair - Bilic insisted that his team will be fighting hard on both fronts.

"We play Arsenal, then have a cup replay against Manchester United, then go to Leicester," he confirmed. "But we are only concentrating on the Arsenal game, then we have three days to recover and think about Manchester United.

"We are not putting the League or Cup in front of the other competition, we are in a race in both competitions. We're going to put out the best team that we can on Saturday.

"We are not thinking about the end of the season, we are only thinking about the game against Arsenal. It's a big game, we're playing at home and make no mistake, we're going to do everything to win the game and to stay as high as we can in the table."

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Clean bill of health for first team squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke says West Ham have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Thankfully no fresh injuries were sustained during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and with Sam Byram and James Collins close to a return, Vandenbroucke confirmed that the squad is close to being almost entirely injury-free.

"We didn't pick up any new injuries against Crystal Palace and we are happy that the red card shown to Cheikhou Kouyate has been rescinded," he told whufc.com. "We have Sam Byram and James Collin returning from injuries and both of them will return to training today or tomorrow.

"At this time of the season, with six vital weeks and so many important games coming up in the league and FA Cup, the medical department are working hard to ensure as many players are available to the manager as possible.

"We have a potential five games in 15 days, should we progress to the FA Cup semi-finals. We will need everybody over the next few weeks during what is going to be a busy period. Our responsibility is to keep the players as fresh as possible by recovering them between fixtures."

Manager Slaven Bilic, speaking to the media this morning added: "We are good in that department at the moment.

"James Collins and Sam Byram, who haven't trained with us for a few weeks are going to train with us tomorrow. It is too early for them to be in the squad on Saturday, but they are coming back before the end of the season."

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I rejected Payet too, says Wenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger today became the latest manager to boast how he rejected the opportunity to sign Dimitri Payet.

Wenger, who brings his team to the Boleyn Ground this weekend for one of the most keenly-anticipated London derbies for some considerable time claimed he watched Payet many times before West Ham United signed the mercurial midfielder.

"He was a top talent, always, but had periods of being up and down," he told the media this morning. I've looked at him many times. I've known him for a long time. He played at Saint-Etienne and we watched him many times.

"I think he has all the attributes to be a top player, which he is, but he's 29 years old already. He's matured a lot and come back into the national team, which shows he was more consistent.

"[I didn't try to sign him as] we had this kind of player and we had no need. Historically we always had a great number of creative players; we had Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey.

"They are all offensive players and I've certainly forgotten a few, so we had the numbers."

With regards to the threat West Ham will face this weekend, Wenger believes that United's strong defence has been pivotal during the current season. "They have had a very good campaign," he said.

"If you look at their players they have a good midfield and strikers and are solid at the back. The emergence of Payet has given them a lot. They have 50 points and that is not a coincidence."

Third-place Arsenal go into this weekend's clash seven points clear of West Ham, currently sixth, with both teams having played 31 matches.

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Slaven Bilic insists West Ham can finish in the top four
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 07/04/16 1:09pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is confident his side can finish in a Champions League qualifying position this season. The Hammers occupy sixth position in the Premier League, just three points behind Manchester City in fourth. West Ham host Arsenal on Saturday at Upton Park with their opponents still in the hunt for the title and while Bilic expects the Gunners to provide a stern test, he believes the emphasis is on West Ham to attack. We are playing at home and make no mistake, we are going to do everything to win the game and stay in the race," Bilic said. "And to stay high in the table, that's our aim. We know it's going to be hard, of course it's going to be hard, it is Arsenal."But we have almost a full squad back, they are fresh, we are looking good, and as I said we are full of respect for the Gunners. They deserve it, they are Arsenal and at the end of the day they are above us in the table. "But again, we play at home and we are confident "

West Ham won 2-0 in the corresponding fixture against their London rivals in August with goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate. And while Bilic is upbeat on West Ham's chances of securing another win over Arsenal, he is adamant his side will have to work hard to get anything from the match as their opponents have beaten Everton 2-0 and Watford 4-0 in their last two games. Bilic added: "It's about our form and our position in the table that makes us confident. That game was ages ago. But it's nice to know, in the back of your mind, that we played them and beat them 2-0. But it doesn't have much to do with this game. "The last few games they played with pace and skill and they are very lethal, especially in the last two games against Everton and Watford. They're in good form. "It is a London derby. It's a big game. The season is approaching the end and it's very important for them and for us. We are both fighting for a place in Europe, or from their point of view to be champions. They have a chance on paper but they have to win all their remaining games. It's a big game. We need three points too if we want to stay in the race for top-four or five. It should be a great game of football. "The games are vital. We have a great but tough week against Arsenal and then a replay against Manchester United, then Leicester on Sunday. We are only thinking about Arsenal now, then we have three days to recover for Manchester United. We are not putting the league or cup in-front of the other. We are going to put out the best team we can."

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits relief after Cheikhou Kouyate red card is rescinded
11:19, 7 APR 2016 UPDATED 11:19, 7 APR 2016
BY DARREN WITCOOP
It follows on from Senegalese star seeing the disciplinary committee performing a similar U-turn back in February
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic is relieved the FA's disciplinary chiefs have once again overturned Cheikhou Kouyate 's red card. The West Ham midfielder is available to face Arsenal on Saturday after his sending off in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend was overturned. Kouyate was shown a straight red card by referee Mark Clattenburg for a second-half challenge on Dwight Gayle. West Ham were angered by the decision and their appeal was successful. It follows on from Senegalese star seeing the disciplinary committee performing a similar U-turn back in February. The FA have now rescinded seven of the 49 red cards shown in the top-flight this season. Hammers boss Bilic said: "It is a boost, he is a great player. He shouldn't be sent off in the first place. "The FA committee has done a good and proper decision to overrule his red card. "I wasn't worried but there was a possibility he would miss three games. That would have been major blow for us. "I said that straight after the game against Palace it was quite obvious it wasn't a red card."
West Ham kicked- off their season by earning a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the corresponding fixture. The London derby triumph was seen as a shock at the time but West Ham's impressive season suggests that was no one-off. Sixth placed West Ham, still harbour Champions League aspirations with them just there points behind Manchester City in fourth spot. Bilic added: "We are not thinking about the end of the season, only the game against Arsenal. "It is a big game, we are playing at home and make no mistake, we will do everything to win the game and stay in the race. "It will be hard, of course it is Arsenal, and we have almost a full squad. "We are full of respect for the Gunners, they are above us at the end of the day. We play at home and we are confident."

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James Tomkins reveals insight to life under Slaven Bilic and West Ham's dream season so far
19:58, 7 APR 2016
BY MATT LAWLESS
Tomkins, speaking exclusively to MirrorFootball, is pushing for a first-team return to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday
The Mirror

When it comes to management, James Tomkins admits his style is completely different to Slaven Bilic's. And that's a good thing, he insists. Especially if a new video of him and team-mates Mark Noble and Darren Randolph is anything to go by. Tomkins stars in a new project with West Ham's principle sponsors Betway in which he, goalkeeper Randolph and captain Noble surprise a team of amateurs by turning up to watch them play.
The footage - seen here at MirrorFootball - is pretty funny… unless you happen to be the "useless" right-back who Tomkins and Co playfully hammer."It was probably a bit harsh but all in good spirits," laughs Tomkins, who made sure, along with Noble and Randolph, that their target was all smiles in the dressing room after the game.
Indeed, the feel good factor extends to West Ham's own dressing room this season in what is promising to be their best ever. Sixth in the league and still in the hunt for a top-four finish, the Hammers are flying high under Bilic. And Tomkins revealed he is loving life playing under the Croatian boss. "Slaven is a really good with man-management," said Tomkins. "He's somebody who you can always go to if you feel like you need to talk to him about anything be it about things on are off the field. He's very approachable. "To be honest, you want to work for him and you want to do the best for him. "You want to do everything the best you can anyway, but having a manager like that gives you an extra incentive to try a little bit harder. "Don't get me wrong he can get angry at half-time if you don't put in a shift. But that's what you want. You want someone to go, 'hold on a minute, we need to liven up here'. "He picks and chooses the right times to put his arm round you or not. So, for me he's done really really well.
"Tomkins is fit again after a calf problem and is expected to start at right-back when West Ham host London rivals Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime.
"I had a few knocks to the head this season but they haven't really stopped me playing," said Tomkins, who sports a scar across his right eye from the blow he suffered against Liverpool earlier this year. "I've got a couple of scars on my head now. I've got another one under my eye but it's not noticeable. "I was playing right-back as well and you'd think you get that type of injury at centre-half. It's funny how it works out in a way but they never stopped me from playing. "Obviously it swelled up but as a defender you expect to get those injuries sometimes. Both times they were quite big cuts. Hopefully it will stop now! "The calf injury was the only one that did stop me. Obviously, that was frustrating for me.
"But I'm feeling good again. It was great to get a good two weeks of training under my belt and Nobes' [Mark Noble] testimonial came at a good time for me because I was able to get some minutes there. "Hopefully I'll be back involved this Saturday. But the team is doing well. "We haven't lost a game in god knows how long, so either way we'll have a strong team out against Arsenal."

The FA Cup dream remains alive too for West Ham with next Wednesday's quarter-final replay against Manchester United. Unbeaten in their last nine games, Tomkins insists they must remain focused and not look too far ahead, however. "To say, we're going to win the cup just yet is premature," said the 27-year-old. "We want to get to Wembley first. And if we do, we know that Everton we be a very tough tie. "But we're not looking that far at all yet because we know that Man United are going to be tough. "It will be the last ever FA Cup tie under the lights at Upton Park and so, we want to end that game with a big win. "For the lads who have come through the ranks, and know that feel for what it means to play at the Boleyn Ground, it means everything. But for all the team, we all understand the emotions. It has been an emotional year for the club. "So, we really do need to go out on a high and why not turn over Man Utd in the cup? If we can do that and the last home game of the season in May against them too, then it will be a very good end for everyone. "Firstly, we're looking forward to playing Arsenal and hopefully beat them. "If we do that it will put us in a confident mode ahead of the FA Cup game next Wednesday."

James Tomkins was speaking on behalf of West Ham's principle sponsor Betway's Academy of Football project. Follow the series at blog.betway.com

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Fry/Sullivan talks on Samuelsen
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry will have his first round of talks on Martin Samuelsen's future next Wednesday night.

Fry is keen to take the Norwegian teenager to London Road for next season's campaign and told ClaretandHugh exclusively that he will open talks with David Sullivan.

Fry – the David's manager before they sacked him at Birmingham – has remained big friends with the pair and has been invited as their guest at the FA Cup replay against Manchester United.

He told us: "It's well known that we'd love to keep Martin and this will be an opportunity to hold some preliminary talks on it.

"We haven't seen much of the lad recently because he came back to Upton Park for important under 21 games and the went off on international duty.

"But we love the lad and it would be great if we could keep him and put him through some hurly burly football and help him to mature. We'll talk and see where it goes."

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'Arry passes judgement on Slav
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has received a "serious well done mate" from the man who brought him to West Ham – Harry Redknapp.

The former Hammers boss – now assisting Darren Wassall in the Derby County promotion push – spoke exclusively to ClaretandHugh declaring: "Slaven has done a fabulous job. He's a good lad.

"I think the Hammers will definitely make the top six and a European campaign but whatever happens now it's been a fantastic first season for him and the team."

Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he added: "He recruited really well in the summer and has a great squad of players with Payet obviously a stand-out.

"I'm delighted for him because not only has the team got the results, they have got them playing in a way every West Ham fan loves. I'm pleased for everyone at the club.

"Slav deserves a serious well done. And it's brilliant that it's happened in the final season at the Boleyn. It will have been memorable for everyone concerned."

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Bonzo's shirt adorns Olympic Stadium
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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The prototype of a Claret and Blue shirt with Billy Bonds name on it is now proudly hanging in the Olympic Stadium. A number of these shirts will hung around the former Olympic Stadium as part of the continuing WestHamifcation of the stadium ahead of the Hammers move in August.

Meanwhile the club has posted photos showing the progress of the new corporate area at the stadium they call Club London. Pictured below is the Club London atrium, followed by the very latest images of the Great Briton lounge, showcasing Olympic medals and football accolades, and The Forge, 1895 lounge.

Punters at the Forge have committed to forking out £11,268 over the first three seasons while corporate members of the Great Briton will spend £10,404 over three years which is £198.68 and £182.53 per game respectively. The 3,600 sell out VIP area is scheduled to raise around £11.9m per season for the Hammers.

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Besiktas Tore price leaves Irons cold
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebiare today is reported as saying he wants €30 million for star midfielder Gokhan Tore according to club vice-.

Asked about possible West Ham interest he said: "If they give €30 million we would have to think about it, we have to think about business as well."

However, with the Irons ready to spend £25 million for a striker it sounds very much as though Mr Nur Cebi is whistling in the wind.

Indeed the club have confirmed to us that Tore remains very much a secondary issue as the club continue to whittle down their striker options.

We were told a few minutes ago "Ever since our manager spoke of his admiration of the player, the speculation has gone on and on. However, the priority – as stated many times – is a striker.

"Were we to land one of our targets and there were some cash available we may show an interest but it would most certainly not be at £30 million or anything near that."

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Bookies stretch Irons odds
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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The nation's bookies have stretched the Irons odds of reaching teh Champions League to around a massive 14/1 ahead of the Arsenal game.

Late equalisers in the 2-2 with Chelsea and then Crystal Palace last weekend to leave them three points adrift of Manchester City in fourth.

And that has left the bookies unimpressed with Manchester United sitting two points above the boys. Tottenham are 1/50 with bet365 to make a return to Europe's premier competition with Arsenal 1/40.

Manchester City are much shorter at 1/2 with rivals United currently 6/4. West Ham are six points ahead of Liverpool having played a game more the Reds, currently 25/1 to pull off an impressive climb into the top four.

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Irons study tour options
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham have told ClaretandHugh that a pre-season tour of the United States is a real possibility but that they are also exploring other options.

Reports arose yesterday with our pals at kumb.com that the club has provisionally booked friendlies against Houston Dynamo and Seattle Sounders, both of whom feature in the MLS (Major League Soccer).

And last night a senior club source revealed that the American situation was being explored "along with other possibilities."

We were told: " We have to go somewhere on tour. That's important. America is an option along with South Africa and the Asian/Pacific region.

"We are very much a club on the move and need to act as the big clubs do. We are looking at various possibilities and nothing has been ruled out or in at this stage."

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