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Development Squad pre-season confirmed
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm the Development Squad's 2016/17 pre-season schedule. The Hammers' young professionals have six matches penned-in as they prepare for the new campaign.
All six will be played away from home, with the pre-season starting with a trip to National League South club Chelmsford City at Melbourne Stadium on the evening of Friday 15 July.
Four days later, Academy Manager and Head of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley will take a side to London Road to face Peterborough United on Tuesday 19 July at 7.30pm. Saturday 23 July will see the reigning U21 Premier League Cup holders make the short trip to the seaside to tackle Southend United at Roots Hall in a 3pm kick-off. The Development Squad will then travel to the Netherlands for a week-long training camp hosted by partner club VVV-Venlo, which will also feature two pre-season fixtures. First up is a clash with Jong PSV on Wednesday 27 July at 7pm, before the young Hammers take on their hosts in the Herman Teeuwen Memorial Cup on Saturday 30 July at 3pm. Both Dutch fixtures will be held at Venlo Seacon Stadion – De Koel. Westley and his players will then return to England to complete their preparations with a trip to Cobham to take on Chelsea on Friday 5 August at 1pm. Ticket details for these fixtures will be published on whufc.com and across our social media channels as and when they are confirmed.

Development Squad – 2016/17 Pre-season Fixtures

v Chelmsford City, Melbourne Stadium, Friday 15 July, 7.45pm
v Peterborough United, London Road, Tuesday 19 July, 7.30pm
v Southend United, Roots Hall, Saturday 23 July, 3pm
v Jong PSV, Venlo Seacon Stadion – De Koel, Wednesday 27 July, 7pm CEST
v VVV-Venlo, Venlo Seacon Stadion – De Koel, Saturday 30 July, 3pm CEST
v Chelsea, Cobham training ground, Friday 5 August, 1pm

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Antonio - I want to be even stronger next season
WHUFC.com

It has been an unforgettable season for Michail Antonio who made a dream move into the Premier League last summer and has turned out to be one of the star performers for West Ham United.
Antonio was forced to be patient for his chance in the first-team following his switch from Nottingham Forest but he never looked back following his breakthrough into the team against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in December. The 26-year-old went on to score nine goals and produced some memorable celebrations along the way as he played his part in helping the Hammers secure their highest ever points tally in the Premier League. Antonio was rewarded for his impressive displays when he picked up the Best Individual Performance against Tottenham when he capped a fine display with the winning goal. The talented winger says it has been a memorable campaign and hopes he will grow even stronger when the Club prepare to play at the new Stadium next season. Antonio said: "I was really honoured to pick up that award, especially as it was my first year in the Premier League. "If I am honest I was not expecting it as I thought Dimitri would have picked up this award. "But I am over the moon to have won it and hopefully I can keep moving on."

The victory over Tottenham back in March turned out to be of one of the best games at the Boleyn Ground last season and Antonio says he can still recall the instructions from first-team coach Edin Terzic that helped him score the crucial match winner. "I remember the game very well and Edin coming to me at the start of the game and telling me to make a run to the front post. "I remember pushing Chadli off me and spinning and then heading the ball into the back of the net. "I think the fans enjoyed the celebrations after the goal. The atmosphere was amazing that night and the fans kept pushing us. We managed to get the early goal and maintain it against a strong Tottenham team."

Antonio is now hoping to make an even bigger impact next season and hopes the Club can maintain their impressive form and challenge once again in the top half of the table. "There have been so many emotions for me since I joined the Club. At the start of the season I had to settle for a place on the bench, but once I got in I managed to stay in the team and have played every game. "I just want to keep my head down now and keep going for next season."

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Stadium wrap gets the green light!
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to reveal that planning permission has been granted for a spectacular wrap solution for the Club's new Stadium.

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) Planning Decisions Committee met on Tuesday evening to rubber stamp the proposal to install the largest digital screen in Europe at the Hammers' new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The high-definition (HD) screen, which will measure 83m wide by 12m high, will be flanked by 68 12m high fabric panels similar to those used at Wembley Stadium, the Emirates Stadium and Celtic Park.

Following a lengthy and intricate process involving leading digital experts, the approved designs will set a new benchmark in world stadia, adding another marquee feature to an already iconic venue.

For West Ham matches, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. So expect goals from Dimitri Payet or classic clips from Bobby Moore's heyday to enthral the Claret and Blue Army on their way in to the Stadium.

The panels will contain five West Ham United crests measuring 6.8m high and 7.5m wide, as well as other signage and branding for West Ham and the Stadium Sponsor, and will be uplit during specified hours of darkness.

To complete a stunning design that will revolutionise the exterior of the Stadium, two internally illuminated marquee signs spelling out the words 'West Ham United' in Claret and Blue will also be installed. These too will be illuminated during specified hours of darkness.

This is key to the Club's absolute commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham United.

Like the fabric panels, this screen will be similar in brightness and size to those currently in use at Wembley Stadium. And crucial to that end, the screens will be designed to respond to different brightness settings, meaning definition remains at an optimum level for day or night games in any weather condition.

The exciting new plans – which replace the previously submitted application – also include prominent, Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours.

The new installation will provide immense benefit to all partners of the Stadium, enabling events throughout the year to have a highly-visible, cutting edge digital platform for content, information and promotional material, all in glorious HD.

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The Big Interview - Phil Jupitus
WHUFC.com

Television star Phill Jupitus has seen a number of magical moments at the Boleyn Ground standing on the famous North Bank and will never forget a special moment with his daughter that involved Carlos Tevez.

As the Club prepare for a historic move to the new Stadium during the summer, Jupitus looks back at his time attending the Boleyn Ground and describes what makes it one of the most unique stadiums in Europe....

Phill, this has been an emotional time for everyone connected with the Club. What are your feelings on the big move away from the Boleyn Ground?

PJ: "It is strange because you think about the size of the place and the physical closeness to games.

"Obviously the sport has changed immeasurably over the last 20 years and it is certainly the passing of an era. The move had to happen."

What are your standout memories from attending the Boleyn Ground?

PJ: "I used to work for a fanzine called 'Fortunes Always Hiding' and my nickname with the lads was part-time Porky as I used to wake up on a Saturday morning and decide if I want to go to the game and that is an age that has passed. "I lived in Bow and used to wake up on a Saturday and think do I want to go to the Pictures or go to the football. You could just turn up a the footie with a fiver and get in! "I miss that and standing on the old shelf on the left hand side of the North Bank. I used to stand up there by the Tea Bar and it was a great view of the goal.
"I know the away fans have been situated there so I hope they enjoy it as well! I used to really enjoy the North Bank and miss that a lot."

You have seen a number of entertaining players over the years. If you had to pick out one favourite who would it be and why?

PJ: "There was a time when I brought my daughter and Carlos Tevez was playing. I remember turning to her and saying this man is going to score a goal now! What he will do is kick the ball and it will curve in the air and into the corner of the net. "He scored the goal and she looked at me like I was a wizard! It was a one-off but the way we took to Tevez and he took to us said a lot about the Club.

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West Ham's £85million windfall
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United earned in excess of £85million from prize money payments during the 2015/16 season. West Ham's income of £85.765,168 was the eighth-highest figure amongst Premier League clubs. Although the Hammers received less than both Liverpool and Chelsea, despite finishing above both in the table, they earned around £1million more than sixth-placed Southampton.

West Ham's windfall consisted of £17.4million from merit money (the reward for finishing seventh in the table), £12.5million from facility fees (dependant on the number of live matches broadcast), £22million from domestic TV deals, £29.5million from overseas TV deals and finally, £4.5million from a pooled central commercial (ie sponsor) fund.

The highest earners were Arsenal, who earned £101million - that's £4million more than Manchester City (£97million) and Manchester United and £8million more than Premier League champions Leicester City, who earned the fifth-highest revenue.

In stark contrast, Aston Villa - who finished bottom of the league and were relegated to the Championship - received just shy of £67million, which Norwich (£67million) and Bournemouth (£71million) made up the bottom three.

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Hammers go Posh this summer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Details of a second pre-season friendly have been announced for this July. A West Ham XI will travel to the ABAX stadium on Tuesday, 19 July to face League One outfit Peterborough United for the second successive year. The Posh are currently manager by former Hammer Grant McCann, who was named as the permanent successor to Graham Westley earlier this month. Slaven Bilic's current squad will be hoping to better last July's result when the two sides drew 3-3, with West Ham's goals coming from Mark Noble, Diafra Sakho and Martin Samuelsen. The match was also notable for a standing ovation given to former Hammer Jack Collison as he warmed up on the sidelines for Peterborough. Collison has since retired from the game due to his injuries. Earlier today it was confirmed that West Ham would also be visiting fellow League One side Southend United this July. The current confirmed pre-season schedule is as follows.

2016/17 pre-season, so far

5 July: Seattle Sounders (a)
12 July: Carlonia RailHawks (a)
19 July: Peterborough Utd (a)
23 July: Southend Utd (a)

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New pre-season fixture confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

A West Ham United XI will face Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday, 23 July. The Hammers will make the almost annual trip down the A13 to face the Shrimpers in a pre-season friendly this summer, according to the League One club. Last season DImitri Payet made his West Ham debut against the Shrimpers, netting twice and providing an assist as the Hammers ran out 3-2 winners.

2016/17 pre-season, so far

5 July: Seattle Sounders (a)
12 July: Carlonia RailHawks (a)
23 July: Southend Utd (a)

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Reports: West Ham launch fresh Tore bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are reported to have made a fresh offer for Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore. A number of sources are this morning running with news of talks between the two parties to determine a fee for the 24-year-old, who Hammers boss Slaven Bilic rates highly from his time in Turkey. West Ham were reported to have had a €10million offer for Tore rejected last January. And just last month, Besiktas vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi admitted that his club would be prepared to allow the German-born forward to leave the club - but not for less than €30million. "We do not intend to sell anyone at the moment," said Cebi, speaking at the time. "But if they offer €30million (circa £24million) for a player we paid €5million for, we would have to think about it."
Bilic has previously gone on record with his admiration for Tore's talent. Speaking to Socrates magazine last October, he revaled that he had tried to make the player one of his first captures when arriving at the Boleyn Ground. "Gokhan is a legend," said Bilic. "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 in talks to sign Gokhan Tore, according to Sky sources
By Ben Reynolds
Last Updated: 24/05/16 12:00pm
SSN

West Ham are in advanced talks to sign winger Gokhan Tore from Besiktas, according to Sky sources. Negotiations are ongoing for the 24-year-old, with the Turkish club believed to value their player at £12m. The Hammers are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and a Europa League campaign and have already agreed a deal to bring Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit to the club when the transfer window opens. But manager Slaven Bilic wants further reinforcements to build on his promising first season at the club, although a £31m bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and a £25m bid for Bournemouth pair Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie have failed in recent weeks. Tore, who spent two years at Chelsea as a youth player after being found by Frank Arnesen while playing for Bayer Leverkusen, signed a five-year deal at Besiktas in 2014 after a £3m move from Rubin Kazan. He has won 26 caps for Turkey and has been named in the 31-man provisional squad for Euro 2016.

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Hammers target hopes look dead in water
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Regular speculation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a West Ham target looks dead in the water this morning with Jose Mourinho reportedly ready to take over the reins at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Paris St-Germain and United are set to hand him a one-year, £250,000-a-week contract. The Swedish superstar was seen as an ideal candidate to join the Olympic Stadium-bound Hammers but the free signing now looks a strong favourite to join the Mourinho OT regime. The pair know each other well and sources strongly tip a year's contract for the 34 year old under his former boss who also has to look at the situation involving Reece Oxford. It has been strongly reported that United were plotting a £10 million move under sacked Louis van Gaal although Hammers insiders claim he is going nowhere. However Mourinho will be looking at any proposed business on the United agenda and take a view so nothing can be ruled out at this stage.

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French striker targets valued at €90m
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Lyon president has told French newspaper Le Progres that ideally they want to keep hold of Alexandre-Lacazette but he has not categorically ruled out a sale of the 24 year old this summer. It has now been claimed that the Ligue 1 outfit have slapped on an asking price of 50million euros [£38.7m] and are not prepared to lower their valuation.

It remains to be seen if the Hammers would ever match Lyon's demands but they may have to move quickly as a number of clubs have been linked with Lacazette in recent weeks, including PSG, Spurs and Atletico Madrid.

LacazMeanwhile, Olympique de Marseille is said to value their prized striker, Michy Batshuayi at €40million (£31m) mostly due to a sell-on clause in his contract.

According to Mercato 365, Spurs sent scouts were in attendance at the Stade de France on Saturday evening as Marseille lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final. The 22-year-old has scored 24 goals and supplied 10 assists in 51 matches in all competitions this season, including 17 goals and nine assists from 36 Ligue 1 encounters.

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Vardy release bait clause
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Jamie Vardy is available to Champions League clubs although his personal demands are likely to remain out of West Ham's reach. The 29 year old is understood to have a £25 million release trigger in his contract and the Irons are ready to pay the fee. Any talking cannot take place until after the transfer window opens but it is well known that the club has had him on the radar but with one more bumper deal in prospect the Hammers are set to be priced out of that market. We understand that a minimum £100k a week plus first team appearance bonuses would be involved and that could rise to as high as £125k plus. Vardy has regularly pledged loyalty to the Foxes but the fact he can be prised away for a cut price fee will alert Premier League rivals. Vardy's release clause is reported as having been inserted into the contract he signed in February, and was also apparently extensively scouted by Manchester City during his 24-goal Premier League campaign.

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Boleyn Pub SOS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The famous Boleyn pub, on the corner of Green Street and Barking Road is preparing for life after after the Boleyn Ground is demolished by offering a membership scheme for West Ham supporters. They are asking their football regulars to pay £120 annual membership to stop the place being closed down. The membership fee will fund private coaches to the former Olympic stadium on home match days but members will also receive a discount at the bar. The posters in the windows read like an SOS saying : "As you all know West Ham United are moving to the Olympic Stadium, Stratford for the 2016/2017 season. We want to keep the spirit of the The Boleyn Pub going, so we are offering an annual membership that will provide transport from the Boleyn to Stratford for every home game. You will also receive bar discounts on every home and away games. To find out more or to sign up for your membership call us or speak to one of our bar staff. Call us on 0208472 2182?

The Black Lion in Plaistow, another West Ham pub, is also looking at transporting fans to Stratford.

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Michail Antonio is not for Sale
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

We know the silly season is now in full swing with the ludicrous suggestion linking Michail Antonio with newly promoted Middlesbrough today. The transfer gossip section of the London evening standard writes: "Even newly promoted teams will have a significant amount of bargaining power and Middlesbrough, who are set to compete in the top tier next term, have reportedly identified West Ham's Michail Antonio as a key target. The versatile midfielder, who can also play at right-back, proved to be a slow burner for Slaven Bilic's side but enjoyed a stellar second half of the season.The Hammers are not thought to be keen to sell while Boro are willing to offer up to £8 million for the 26-year-old." The suggestion that West Ham would entertain bids for Antonio is just plain daft in the first place, never mind the cheap £8m price tag and why Michail would consider leaving West Ham to join Middlesbrough. They really haven't thought this one through very well. I think we can safety put this one to bed and not worry about it too much.

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Hammers play cards close to chest on winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham were this morning reported to be in advanced talks with Beiktas flying winger Gokhan Tore. But although they have admitted to us in the past he is a potential target the club were refusing to put anything on the record when ClaretandHugh contacted them a few minutes ago That, however, is sometimes the best indicator that a deal may indeed be on the cards. Slaven Bilic has called for a clampdown on transfer leaks within the club but both the morning newspapers and Sky are claiming the deal is close. Our senior source said simply: "No comment – we are running with for 25 players." The player however is a huge Bilic favourite and the manager wanted to sign him at the stat of his Hammers reign last summer. We were indeed told a couple of weeks ago that Tore was a target alhough a striker wasthe bigger priority and that the club would only move in on the Turk sooner if they failed with bids in that area.

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Juventus match restricted to 54,000
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Demand for Juventus friendly match on Sunday 7th August continues to grow with the club are confident that they will sell out all 54,000 tickets by the end of this week. A source close to the ticket office told Claret and Hugh at lunch time "We expect a sell out most likely by the end of the week. It has been incredible sales figures" The pre season friendly against Werder Bremen on 2nd August last year managed just 9,919 supporters despite being the final season at the Boleyn Ground. When Claret and Hugh checked the ticket premium rate hotline at 12 noon there were 11 people in the queue with an average wait time of 24 minutes. The Juventus sell out will limited to 54,000 seats rather than the increased 60,000 capacity of the converted stadium. Our source told us "At present the stadium is part of the initial test stage which is set to 54,000 for safety certificate reasons, therefore it allows a preview in advance of the first 60,000 game a week later "

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Hammers linked with French left back
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reports in the Daily Mail suggest West Ham have made enquiries for Lille left back Djibril Sidibe. Watford, Arsenal , Everton and Lyon are also reported to have made enquiries for the 23-year-old, who can also play as a right back. Sidibe is valued at 15 million euros (£11.5m) by his club, who finished the 2015-16 season in fifth place in Ligue 1. Everton reportedly had a £10million bid for Lille left-back rejected this week while Lyon and Watford have both scouted the defender. Arsenal are said to be willing to make a move if the out-of-favour Kieran Gibbs leaves the club. Sidibé can play as a full back on the right or left, but can also be utilized in the midfield in a defensive position. He began his career at his hometown club Troyes in 2000 at the age of eight. Sidibé made his professional debut on 17 September 2010 in a French league match against Grenoble. After helping earn Troyes promotion to Ligue 1, the then 19-year-old signed for Lille in July 2012, as cover for Mathieu Debuchy. Sidibé made his debut for Lille on 25 August 2012 against Nice.

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