Daily WHUFC News - 10th June 2016

Happy anniversary boss!
WHUFC.com

The 9 June 2015 will always be a special day for Slaven Bilic as he made an emotional return to West Ham United to become the 15th full-time manager in the Club's 120-year history.
After becoming a fans' favourite during his short stay as a player when he arrived in England back in 1996, the Croatian coach has now become an even bigger cult hero with the Hammers supporters following a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. Bilic has steered West Ham into the Europa League for the second consecutive season and has brought a style of football and passion to the job that has been embraced by everyone at the Club. Twelve months on from his appointment and the boss is now celebrating his first anniversary in charge of the Hammers and it has been some year to remember. Bilic said: "I have loved this season. We expected it to be good. We knew we had potential. I spoke to my staff and with a bit of luck we knew we had a chance. Sam (Allardyce) left me a good team and well organised squad. "Beating Spurs at home was special. It is about the journey we have had. At the start we signed Dimitri Payet and other good players. When you ask me the highlights there are so many. We beat some big teams at the start. "The best moment for me was being so strong and solid. We didn't look like we would get beat."

From the day Bilic arrived he promised to achieve great things with the fans and he has not let anybody down. He got to work straight away and with the help of David Sullivan and the Club's Board, they brought in 12 new players to rejuvenate the squad. In particular the summer arrivals of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini were a clear indication of the entertaining football that Bilic wanted to employ and it was evident from the very first game that exciting times were ahead for the east London Club. Few could forget the big three away wins at the start of the season that Bilic orchestrated. Victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City showed the Hammers could be a match for any team on their day and it was the manner of the victories that gave everyone optimism that the team could challenge at the top of the table.
Bilic made it clear that Payet was his number one transfer target and the French star quickly became a hero at the Boleyn Ground with his impressive displays and unforgettable free-kicks which saw him become one of the best set-piece takers in the world. Add to that the flair and creativity of Lanzini and the Hammers had two of the best attacking talents in the top flight.
Bilic was also instrumental in helping to get the best out of Mark Noble after handing him the captain's armband at the start of the season. Noble produced the best form of his career and was desperately unlucky to miss out on a place in the England squad for the Euro Finals this summer. It was always going to be an emotional final season at the Boleyn Ground, but Bilic created a team spirit that saw the players give everything for each other as they made Upton Park a fortress and helped produce some of the best performances of the season. Home wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and the dramatic final minute win over Liverpool in the FA Cup will live long in the memory. But no-one will ever forget the final home game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United when Winston Reid scored a late winner to leave Bilic in tears at the final whistle. That typified the emotion and passion that the Hammers manager has for the Club and he will be hoping for another magical adventure when the Club prepare to make a historic move into the new Stadium in the next few weeks.

Happy Anniversary Boss.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia scores in Copa America draw
WHUFC.com

Ecuador went 2-0 down against Peru in Arizona
Fightback began when Hammers forward Valencia halved the deficit
Eventually claimed a 2-2 draw, leaving them third in Copa America Group B

West Ham striker Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet in the Copa America on Thursday morning as his Ecuador side fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Peru. The Yellows gave themselves a mountain to climb after their Group B opponents took the lead after five minutes through Christian Cueva before doubling the advantage eight minutes later with an Edison Flores strike. But, six minutes before the break, Valencia, earning his 26th Ecuador cap, latched onto a through ball from Manchester United namesake Antonio, before slotting past the keeper to half the deficit. And just three minutes after the restart, Ecuador were level in Glendale, Arizona, as Miler Balonos tapped home from close range to make it 2-2. Neither side could grab a decisive winner, and the result leaves Ecuador third in Group B, just outside the automatic spots for qualification to the knockout stages. With Brazil beating Haiti 7-1 in the other Group fixture, Ecuador will be hopeful they can record a victory over the minnows in the final fixture to qualify while Brazil will be expected to beat Peru. 26-year-old Valencia has now found the net 15 times for his country in 26 games and will hope to add to that figure in the Haiti match at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Raphael Raymond is one of the most respected journalists in France and has been following the progress of Dimitri Payet throughout the season.
Raymond works for French newspaper L'Equipe and will be covering Payet and France during the Euro Finals. After scoring an impressive free-kick for France against Cameroon last week, Raymond is expecting Payet to continue his best form when the host nation get the tournament underway in the opening game against Romania on Friday night....

It has been a great first season for Dimitri in the Premier League. In France everyone thought it would be very hard for him in his first year.
But I have known Slaven Bilic since Euro 2008 and he is a great coach. He loves his players and Dimitri is a player who needs to be loved and to play his best football. I came over to England earlier in the season and went down to the West Ham training ground to see Slaven and Dimitri. I can see it is a family club and it is a very good club for Dimitri. I understand now why he has enjoyed such a good season because he is happy there. It has nothing to do with his ability because he is one of the best players in France. He deserves to be in the France squad for the Euro Finals. Didier Deschamps called him up for the Russia game back in March and he scored a great free-kick.

When Deschamps takes a place three months before a big competition gets underway, he is not doing it to be nice. He was planning to have him for the tournament this summer. I first saw Dimitri play for Nantes when he was a youngster and saw his first professional goal against Metz back in 2005. Ten years later has matured into a great player and has so much ability. We know he is a great player and it was not good for the fans that he left the French League. But everybody in France is happy for Dimitri that he is now doing so well. I expect France to do very well in the tournament.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dot Dexter - 1923-2016
WHUFC.com

Dot Dexter was a lifelong fan and Season Ticket Holder who has passed away, aged 93
Was landlady to young players including Clyde Best, Alan Taylor and Alvin Martin
As a Supporters' Club committee member, she counted Hammer of the Year votes

West Ham United would like to pay tribute to Dot Dexter, who has passed away at the age of 93. A lifelong fan and long-time Season Ticket Holder right up until the Farewell Boleyn season, Dot played an influential role in Hammers history, taking in promising young players as lodgers at their east London home. Together with her husband, Dot helped mould some of the most important players to have pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt over the last 50 years.

Son Phil said West Ham played an integral part in his mother's life, as she also sold pools coupons at the Boleyn Ground and helped to organise the annual Hammer of the Year vote at the Supporters' Club. "West Ham was a big part of her life, not just as a supporter for 60-plus years," said Phil. "During her time she was a West Ham Pools Agent, and my father was a steward at the Boleyn Ground. "Then, in 1968/69, she and my father helped the Club by taking in players as lodgers, in particular youngsters coming on trial or joining as youth players. The first player they took in was Clyde Best from Bermuda, while other lodgers included Alvin Martin and Alan Taylor. "One young lodger, Malcolm Hill, kept in regular touch with Mum, sending her birthday and Christmas cards every year and also postcards from wherever he and his family were on holiday. "Both Mum and Dad were members of the Supporters' Club in Castle Street and became committee members, Mum in particular helping to organise the Hammer of the Year voting, counting and presentation nights for several years."

Dot also took time out from here role as a landlady and committee member to travel over land and sea to follow her beloved Hammers. She remained a committed fan into her 80s, attending games regularly, latterly using taxis organised by Club staff to ferry her to and from her home. "Mum followed West Ham all over Europe, including games in Germany, Spain, Holland and even Russia," Phil continued. "Prior to her 86th birthday I had contacted the club requesting a half-time birthday announcement in the programme for the home match against Chelsea. However, the Club very generously and kindly offered Mum (and myself) the opportunity to watch the match in one of the executive boxes, sent someone from the media department to interview her in the Supporters' Club before the match and also interviewed her on the pitch at half-time. "I know she felt very special at being treated so superbly well and even more so when she saw the programme for the next home match against Liverpool, which contained a double-page spread of her story."

Even in her final days, West Ham was never far from Dot's heart – or ears! "Mum had been a Season Ticket Holder for many years, including this last season, during which she attained the age of 93," her son explained. "Sadly she was unable to attend the last home match at Upton Park as she was in Newham General Hospital but I'm sure she could hear the roars of the crowd and the wonderful atmosphere that was created throughout the match from her hospital bed!"

Dot Dexter passed away on 22 May 2016, aged 93.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances
WHUFC.com

West Ham supporter Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances at this summer's UEFA Euro 2016, however he believes Roy Hodgson's side would be better off with Hammers skipper Mark Noble in the squad. Though the Three Lions have not included any of Slaven Bilic's team in their 23-man squad, four West Ham players will be going to the tournament with other nations. Dimitri Payet, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph have been included in the France, Wales, Italy and Republic of Ireland squads respectively, and Winstone thinks the Club's skipper should have joined them in France. He said: "For me, I'm a bit gutted Marky Noble never went. I think he's had a wonderful season in midfield. Yeah, I'd take [Jack] Wilshere as he's one of our better midfielders, but there are other people who haven't had a full season and I think Marky Noble would do a better job. "His passing is immaculate, he runs about and I think he learned from Scott Parker about the work-rate he puts in. I've seen Mark's work-rate has gone up and he gives 120 per cent every game."

Despite England manager Roy Hodgson deciding on other midfield options for his squad, 59-year-old Winstone fancies the Three Lions' chances in France this summer. "I think you've always got a chance and I'm always an optimist with England anyway," the actor continued. "We've come very close in the past and I don't think we've got the credit for that. "You know, the semi-finals and quarter-finals when it could have gone either way, against the Germans with Lineker and Gascoigne, the hand of God; they just had a little fat geezer in an Argentinian shirt! "I do worry about our defence, though. But maybe that will come. Sometimes in tournaments, people gel, and if you're lucky enough to get through those first three games, things can happen. "Are we as good as some of the other teams? We're not, yet. But what we have got, who I like up front, and I would definitely play them together, is Vardy and Kane. And I'd put Rooney in behind them."

Another Hammer Winstone believes deserved to be in with a shout was Andy Carroll, who has not played in an England shirt since 2012. "I think Carroll would bring something. Rather than take Sturridge who is injured and is hit and miss, I would put Andy Carroll there to bring on.
"I don't know a defence in Europe who would be able to deal with Andy Carroll smashing you about. It's just another option if you need it when you're 1-0 down. I'd have loved to see him going, from a personal point of view."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairman - Bilic has done a very good job
WHUFC.com

Sullivan could not have asked anymore from Bilic
Bilic helps the new players settle in quickly
Sullivan respects the honesty that Bilic shows after a game

​West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has nothing but praise for the job Slaven Bilic has done over the last year and says he could not have done anymore as he celebrates his first year in charge. Bilic helped to secure European football for the second consecutive season and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers supporters with his passion on the touchline and entertaining style of play. Mr Sullivan played a key role in helping to bring the Croatian manager back to the east London Club last summer and hopes he can grow even stronger as the Club prepare to make the big move into the new Stadium. Mr Sullivan said: "I think overall he has done a very good job and we could not have asked for anymore from the manager. "He believes in the Club and the project and with a bit of good luck we could have been in the Champions League. "I think you want to see someone with the passion he shows and when we lose we want to see the manager feeling how we feel. "The best thing about Slaven is that when he makes a comment after the game you would virtually agree every time with what he says. He is honest, smart and has a very fair judgement. We hope next year we can do even better. "We value his opinion on all signings. He is very good with new players and helps them along. Other than a Leicester miracle we could not have asked for a better season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet prepped for Euro 2016 opener
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is hoping to be part of a feared France attack when Les Bleus kick-off UEFA Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday. The French begin their home tournament as 3/1 favourites and Payet is expected to be an important figure for Didier Deschamps' star-studded side. Payet has carried his scintillating form for West Ham United into a France shirt in the run-up to Euro 2016, scoring sensational free-kicks in victories over Russia and Cameroon. The Hammer of the Year is expected to start in Friday's tournament opener at the Stade de France in a six-pronged attack alongside Juventus powerhouse Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, outstanding Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial and Arsenal centre forward Olivier Giroud. However, the 29-year-old is taking nothing for granted.

"If you look at the forward line, everyone was efficient in our win over Scotland on Saturday, so it will be the coach to choose his team [to face Romania]," Payet began. "It is better to have these choices than to have no options." Payet continued his outstanding pre-Euro 2016 form by setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over the Scots in Metz last weekend. When asked about his own form leading up to the finals, the Hammers star is enjoying playing alongside energetic central midfielders Pogba and Matuidi and being given the opportunity to dictate the play himself from a central trequartista position. "I was involved in the play a lot against Scotland, and that allows me to be at the beginning of the attacks," he continued. "I can link-up with midfielders Paul and Blaise in particular, and we made ​​good combinations."

While his ability to pick holes in defences from open play will pose a threat to any defence, it is Payet's skill from set plays that will have fans on the edge of their seats throughout Euro 2016. The Reunion-born maestro scored SIX direct free-kicks for Club and country in 2015/16, including a wonderful last-minute effort to defeat Cameroon on 31 May. "This is an important weapon, as there will be close games and set pieces can unlock situations," the West Ham favourite confirmed. Payet is rated as a 25/1 shot to be named Player of the Tournament, behind only teammates Pogba and Griezmann, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, Germany's Thomas Muller, Belgium pair Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and England's Harry Kane. He is also a 50/1 chance to finish the competition as top scorer.

France face Romania in their Group A opener in Paris at 8pm BST tonight, live on ITV, before tackling Albania in Marseille on Thursday 15 June (ITV) and Switzerland in Lille on Monday 19 June (BBC 1), with both matches also kicking-off at 8pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium seeding starts
WHUFC.com

West Ham United moved another exciting step closer to moving to their new London Stadium home the first seeds were sown on the pitch. The work will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning and the process took around four hours to complete. The first sprouts of grass are hoped to be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut just two to five days later. Head Groundsman at the London Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way. He said: "It certainly is a big moment [in the development of the Stadium]. It's very important that this is taken with great care. I think the idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right. "The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country, and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."

The Stadium hosted its first gig on Saturday night, with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert. Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring, which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf. "It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface. "It's exactly the same as the Club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."

Athletics events will be held at the London Stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign – which will kick-off with a UEFA Europa League third-qualifying round tie and the Betway Cup clash with Juventus on Sunday 7 August. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home. "We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [after the athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.

"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sowing the seeds of love
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United took another step closer to moving to their new stadium as the first seeds were sown on the pitch.

The work, which will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning with the process taking around four hours to complete.

The first sprouts of grass should be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut between two to five days later.

Head Groundsman at the Olympic Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham United's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way.

"It certainly is a big moment," he said. "It's very important that this is taken with great care. The idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right.

"The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."

The Stadium hosted its first gig last weekend with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert.

Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf.

"It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface.

"It's exactly the same as the club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."

Athletics events will be held at the stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home.

"We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [post-athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.

"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roma eye Ogbonna move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's Italian international Angelo Ogbbonna is being linked with a string of clubs - both at home and abroad. The 28-year-old centre half enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Winston Reid at the heart of United's defence last season following his £8million arrival from Juventus. And that consistent good form appears to have piqued the interest or several clubs, with Serie A side Roma plus both Manchester clubs said to be examining the possibility of making a move for the defender, who is part of Italy's Euro 16 squad. Italian outlet Tuttosport have carried the Roma link, who they claim are also keeping tabs on Inter's Brazilian defender Juan Jesus. Despite the links, Ogbonna recently stated that he was content with life in east London. "I'm really happy with my first season in England," he tsaid, speaking last month. "I'm really happy because I scored against Liverpool [in the FA Cup replay] and that was an amazing moment for us. We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic brings back the West Ham way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Ben Green

Following the departure of Sam Allardyce, a plethora of names were being touted for the vacant West Ham manager's position.

Klopp and Ancelotti were whispered in hush melodies around the Boleyn Ground and audacious swoops for Rafa Benitez and Unai Emery proved futile. This of course left the door open for former Hammer Slaven Bilic to step in.

The arrival of Bilic was met with a certain anticipation and an air of uncertainty, given his lack of managerial experience in the Premier League. There was no doubt though about the grandeur of the Croat, he came to the Boleyn Ground with an impeccable swagger and a refreshing likability. A tactically astute manager with a reputation of affection for the beautiful game, Bilic posed an appropriate figure to conclude West Ham's tenure at the Boleyn Ground.

Having eliminated the relatively unknown Lusitanos and Birkirkara, the prospect of a European journey was an invigorating one. A reminiscence of Fulham's Europa league fairytale in 2010 made that prospect all the more appetising.

Unfortunately the journey came to an abrupt end against Astra Giurgiu, but despite our short stint in European football, I wasn't too worried, as staying in the Premier League for our first year in the Olympic Stadium was crucial. To be honest, as a University student at Portsmouth, getting knocked out of the Europa League was probably a blessing in disguise, as I wouldn't have to make the strenuous journey up the M25 on a Thursday night.

Pressure is a ubiquitous part of football and the defeat to Astra Giurgiu meant added weight on the shoulders of Slaven Bilic. If there was any sign of pressure towards Bilic however, he instinctively brushed it away with his team selection for the match against Arsenal.

The inclusion of 16-year-old Reece Oxford raised eyebrows and was definitely a courageous decision by the Croat. One of the main talking points surrounding the Boleyn Ground is the supposed 'West Ham way,' and many pundits and fans alike have diminished this ideal. The lines are extremely blurred when talking about it nd there will always be ambiguity surrounding the philosophy, but the Arsenal game pretty much summed up what the 'West Ham way' is to me.

For me, it is not necessarily the style of football we play, but more to do with the way in which we approach games. One fundamental aspect is the consideration of The Academy of Football, giving youth players a chance on the big stage.

Sam Allardyce believed the demand for instant success in football meant neglecting the youth academies, and in some respect I agree with him. The life of a manager in modern football is far too short and there isn't enough time to nurture raw talent in the academies. Why risk playing a youngster when you could be sacked in a couple of weeks for a run of bad results? Bilic took this risk and for me this epitomised what the 'West Ham way' is, it's this idea of trusting the Academy, throwing one of your own into the mix against the big boys.

Notoriously we have always had a talisman that excites the terraces and brings fans off their seats and onto their feet. Over the years players such as Di Canio, Berkovic, Tevez, Brady, McAvennie, Brooking and Hurst have constituted to an elite group of players that produce moments of sheer quality, they have the ability to invigorate the terraces and create a special atmosphere in the Boleyn Ground. The 'West Ham way,' was to always allow these players to express themselves and give them license to showcase their individual brilliance.

Many felt Ravel Morrison had that potential and after his sensational solo goal against Tottenham, I thought he was our next talisman. Perhaps his potential wasn't allowed to flourish because of the rigid philosophy of an Allardyce team, but then again he hasn't exactly pushed on with Lazio in Serie A. This time round however, we have Dimitri Payet, a player you would pay to watch train, in the pouring rain, at Chadwell Heath. Creative freedom is given room to flourish under Bilic, and players such as Payet and Lanzini are given license to roam and produce those moments of excellence.

Although style of play isn't the fundamental basis for the 'West Ham way,' it does appear to be an important aspect for West Ham fans. The football wasn't always the most exciting, but I will always be grateful to Sam Allardyce for what he did for my football club. We were staring down the barrel when Allardyce took charge, and he gave me one of my best ever seasons as a West Ham fan in the Championship. I loved the away trips to Barnsley, Blackpool and Watford to name a few, but more so, I loved the trip to Wembley where Vaz Tê scored a dramatic 87th minute winner to secure our return to top-flight football.

He then went on to stabilise us in the Premier League and he laid down the framework for Bilic to come in and build upon. Cries of 'be careful what you wish for,' were heard ringing around the football community when Allardyce departed. Bilic however, has done a commendable job and he has kept us in the Premier League whilst producing some of our best football. He summed up the style of play perfectly after the Liverpool victory: "We parked the bus but we didn't put the handbrake on. It was simply great defending when we didn't have the ball."

We didn't go to Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City with the thought of just defending; we went with intent and an eye for attacking their back lines. Defend resolutely, but break with venom was the philosophy imposed by Bilic - and it worked to a T.

There isn't a straight definition for the 'West Ham way,' but aspects such as faith in the Academy, going to the big clubs with an intent to attack, allowing players to express their individual quality all contribute to a philosophy that West Ham pride themselves on. We have been a bit of a yo-yo club in recent times, which is why the work of Allardyce will always be appreciated. And I may be deluded for saying this, but I do believe in the 'West Ham way,' and Bilic has reignited that optimism for the philosophy.

The 2015/16 campaign was, without a doubt, my most memorable season as a West Ham fan - and having already bid crazy money for players of such calibre as Alexandre Lacazette, I am buzzing with anticipation for the future of my football club.

Let's not forget a few years ago we had Mido and Benni McCarthy up top. The future does look bright, but this is football and anything can happen at anytime, and as West Ham fans, we should know not to get too carried away when things start looking good. Hopefully this time round is different - and I have complete faith in Bilic and the board to continue the growth of this wonderful football club.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dowie Jnr thanks Uncle Iain
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Iain Dowie's niece Natasha has revealed how her father and uncle's influence helped her become an international footballer. 27-year-old Dowie has represented England on 14 occasions since breaking into the national team back in 2009. And speaking in an interview with FIFA.com, Dowie Jnr explained how her father Bob and uncle Iain - who enjoyed two spells at West Ham in the 1990s - were the driving forces behind here emergence as a top pro. "My father has been my coach since I remember kicking a ball for the first time, and still is today," she said. "No doubt he has been the biggest influence I've had in my football career and I wouldn't be where I am without his help. "My uncle has also been important and has always supported me. Although he's a busy man and couldn't come to see me play as often as my father, we are a very close family. "I know I can always count on their support also - though my uncle says that as I have scored more goals than him I do not need his advice!"

Iain Dowie made 12 appearances for a Second Division West Ham in 1991 following a £480,000 move from Luton Town with his goals helping cement United's return to the top flight. However he was allowed to join Southampton later that year following the return of Trevor Morley from injury, with the Hammers recouping their outlay from the £500,000 fee. Having moved on to Crystal Palace, Dowie returned to West Ham in 1995 where he remained for three years - a spell that will probably be best remembered for his stunning own goal against Stockport in front of the SKy TV cameras. After hanging up his boots, Dowie spent more than a decade in management before moving into TV. Most notably, he was in charge of the Crystal Palace side that beat Alan Pardew's West Ham in the 2003/04 play-off final.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea enter Batshuayi race
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a move for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.

he 22-year-old Belgian international was the subject of a €40million bid from West Ham last month - an offer that was instantly rejected by the financially-stricken Ligue 1 club, who need to sell players this summer in order to balance the books.

And the impasse over Batshuayi's position has alerted the west London club, who are seeking to strengthen across the park this summer following the announcement that Italian national boss Antonio Conte will be taking charge at Stamford Bridge post-Euro 16.

* Another of West Ham's transfer targets, Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. Manager Diego Simeone is said to be a keen admirer of the forward, who, like Batshuayi, was the subject of a rejected bid from West Ham last month.

Atletico join Barcelona on the list of Lacazette's Spanish admirers, whilst the player's current club Lyon have insisted that any deal must be concluded by the end of June in order to give them time to find a replacement.

* In other transfer news, Arsenal forward Theo Walcott insists that he will stay and fight for his place at the Emirates despite being linked with a move away from the north London club.

David Sullivan Jnr claimed last week that the player was not on the club's immediate radar, despite a number of media sources suggesting interest from West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2015/16 in review: October & November
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.

Today we look back at October and November 2015 in the third part of our review...

25 October

The benefits of goal-line technology were clear to see at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday afternooon when Kurt Zouma's effort failed to result in the awarding of a goal - despite at least 95 per cent of the ball having crossed the line.

Let's make no bones about it; prior to its introduction the same scenario would almost certainly have resulted in a goal being awarded to Chelsea, when it was commonplace for the benefit of the doubt to be given to the Premier League's more notable clubs. Not any more, though.

Referee Jonathan Moss had no option but to allow play to continue when his earpiece failed to announce that the entire ball had crossed the line. To his considerable credit, the official got every one of the game's contentious issues right - as West Ham went on to beat neighbours Chelsea 2-1 at the Boleyn.

The visitors, who are rapidly turning into a laughing stock saw Nemanja Matic dismissed in the first half for two bookable offences plus coach Silvino Louro and manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands. Six further yellow cards were issued too, should anyone question whether the reigning league champions were given a fair crack of the whip.

But is it any doubt that Chelsea's players behave so petulantly when their management team display such a lack of professionalism? Mourinho, who raged at Moss during at half time interval thus earning him a second half touchline ban didn't even have the courtesy to fulfil his media requirements post-match, leaving defender Gary Cahill to face the music instead.

On the contrary, Slaven Bilic continues to impress. That he has managed to unite a fractured fanbase little more than three months after succeeding the divisive Sam Allardyce is a feat in itself - and the team's results continue to be outstanding.

Incredibly, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and now Chelsea have been put to the sword inside the opening ten games of the season and the Hammers sit third in the Premier League at time of writing. This weekend it was goals from Mauro Zarate - rejuvenated under the new manager - and Andy Carroll that did for the ten-man Blues.

The real test for West Ham will probably arrive post-Christmas, when fatigue and injuries generally begin to take effect. But when you consider that the likes of Enner Valencia, Alex Song and £7million signing Michail Antonio have barely kicked a ball between them this season it's not hard to see why some Hammers fans believe that this could finally be the season that the much-vaunted 'Boys of '86' are finally usurped.


1 November

West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford.

And it was a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League.

During his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the Hornets.

However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.

That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.

Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard to take all three points.

Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the previously-reliable James Tomkins.

My Thundersley Rovers Under Nines players know better than to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus gifting Watford the opening goal.

And just three minutes after the restart, Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.

Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game.

And their misery was compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on Watford's match winner Ighalo.

It was the fourth successive West Ham match in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this season.

That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table' in 2014/15!


8 November

West Ham's home record against Everton in recent years is little short of appalling, so it was with some trepidation that Irons fans approached Saturday's clash at the Boleyn Ground. The visitors had won on seven of their last ten trips to east London, so to stem the tide with a draw wasn't perhaps the worst result for Slaven Bilic's side.

Manuel Lanzini arrived in London back in July as a virtual unknown on these shores, but it has taken the diminutive 22-year-old no time at all to settle into life in England and the Premier League. His stunning strike opened the scoring at the Boleyn Ground against the Toffees and it was a goal that deserves to be replayed over and over again.

Unfortunately West Ham shot themselves in the foot by conceding possession and allowing the visitors to hit them on the break just a couple of minutes ahead of the interval. The last man you want to see with the ball in such situations is £40million-rated Romelu Lukaku - and the Belgian international rounded goalkeeper Adrian to find the net, thus extending his amazing record of scoring against the Hammers to seven consecutive games.

The inherent ability to self-combust has cost West Ham dearly this season. Although the point took West Ham back above Tottenham into fifth place in the Premier League on Saturday night, it could have been so much better for Bilic's boys.

Against Everton it was Dimitri Payet who gave the ball away to such costly effect, allowing the Blues to counter and score - although the Frenchman can be partly excused as he was still suffering from the effects of a heavy challenge that saw him withdrawn just five minutes into the second half.

Only seven days earlier Andy Carroll and James Tomkins both gaffed to gift Watford a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road - whilst Payet was again guilty of losing possession cheaply at Sunderland last month, leading to Jeremain Lens' excellent goal.

Meanwhile captain Mark Noble was responsible for an almost identical goal conceded against Norwich back in September, whilst Pedro Obiang's fluffed attempt at clearing his lines helped Leicester knock the Hammers out of the Capital One Cup a matter of days prior to that.

And so whilst West Ham are having a good season so far, one can't help but think it could be even better. Eradicate these utterly avoidable mistakes and as unlikely as it may seem, the Hammers could yet challenge for a Champions League or Europa Cup spot come next May.


15 November

The terrorist attacks on Stade de France last Friday night left a handful of football fans dead and many more injured. But for the swift actions of French security forces, those numbers could have reached into the thousands.

Fortunately the sick and misguided individuals who perpetrated this heinous crime - along with the others that briefly paralysed the French capital - failed to breach the outer perimeter of the stadium and departed this mortal coil with the blood of few on their hands, instead of many more.

For many football supporters, this was their worst fears realised. The potential for such an attack has always existed; after all, what better place to ensure maximum carnage than an arena in which thousands upon thousands of people are gathered closely together?

It's a concern that will be felt acutely by West Ham United supporters given the club's impending move to the iconic Olympic Stadium, home of the 2012 summer games. With the exception perhaps of Wembley, no stadium in the capital is as widely recognised across the globe than the 54,000 capacity Stratford-based arena which the Irons will call home from next summer.

If nothing else, Friday's terrible events across the channel are a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant wherever we are - be it on business or pleasure.

* A reckless challenge by Everton's James McCarthy during last weekend's Premier League meeting at the Boleyn Ground means that West Ham will be without their talisman Dimitri Payet until next February, at the earliest.

The attacking midfielder, who moved to east London from Olympique de Marseille for circa £11million during the summer has scored five goals already this season and is regularly cited by pundits as one of the league's most exciting players.

His impending absence represents a huge blow for Slaven Bilic and his squad, for whom the French international has been instrumental thus far this campaign.

Particularly frustrating is that as he was booked by rookie referee Paul Tierney for the challenge, McCarthy will face no further sanction from the Football Association. Yet had he not been cautioned, he would almost certainly be facing sanctions for what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to nullify Payet.

Angry Hammers fans have argued long and hard all week that the governing body's rules should be amended to allow retrospective action in such cases. And given the loss that West Ham have incurred, it's difficult to disagree.

Vive le France.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fan guide to Euro 2016
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Videos, Whispers
C and H

Dimitri Payet has a got a very good chance of starting for France. It is a toss-up between Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet as to who plays on the left wing. If Payet doesn't get the nod to start he very likely to be in the bench as an impact sub. France are in Group A.

Friday 10 June 2016 France v Romania 8pm

Wednesday 15 June 2016 France v Albania 8pm

Sunday 19 June 2016 France v Switzerland 8pm

Darren Randolph is in the Republic of Ireland squad and is likely to be first choice keeper after impressive displays for his country. Ireland are in Group E

Monday 13 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Sweden 5pm

Saturday 18 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Belgium 2pm

Wednesday 22 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Italy 8pm

James Collins will probably have to wait patiently for his chance for Wales on the bench. He had a spat with Coleman in 2013 but the two have since patched up their differences. He came on a 64 minute substitute in the recent 3-0 loss to Sweden. He has a good chance of making the bench. Wales are in group B with England.
Saturday 11 June 2016 Wales v Slovakia 5pm

Thursday 16 June 2016 Wales v England 2pm

Monday 20 June 2016 Wales v Russia 8pm
Angelo Ogbonna is in Italy's 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016 but unlikely to play or make the bench. Italy are also in Group E. A defence containing the Juventus block of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Berzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini means Ogbonna will find it difficult to get game time unless there are injuries.

Monday 13 June 2016 Italy v Belgium 8pm
Friday 17 June 2016 Italy v Sweden 2pm
Wednesday 22 June 2016 Italy v Republic of Ireland 8pm

Oh and in case you are STILL interested these are England's fixtures with NO Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll or Michail Antonio but lots of Spurs players.
Saturday 11 June 2016 England v Russia 8pm
Thursday 16 June 2016 England v Wales 2pm
Monday 20 June 2016 England v Slovakia 8pm

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons fans may face long term OS exit plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hammers Chat, News, Whispers
C and H

Routes out of the Olympic Stadium could be varies – possibly from game to game.

ClaretandHugh have learned this may extend over a lengthy period – not merely the frst four home games – as revealed here by our partners Hammers Chat yesterday.

HC's story explained that their own sources had told them that those first four games would see fans sent home in a different direction than via the Westfield Centre http://www.claretandhugh.info/westfield-no-to-west-ham-fans/

And although there has been no official confirmation it is now as probable as it is possible that fans will face a detours over the course of the season.

ClaretandHugh has learned that routes may well be altered throughout the season depending on the 'level' of the game.

We understand the criteria could rest on the same basis as the way policing levels or what areas are alcohol free or managed according to the visiting team are decided.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers striker hunt goes on despite Calleri
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

News that the Hammers are keen to bring in striker Johnathon Calleri indirectly confirms the Irons are looking for two front men as we suggested a few days here. The 22 year old has already interested Spurs but we had it confrmed this morning the Hammers are now in talks and hopeful of concluding the deal. The Argentinian is with São Paulo FC and at the centre of talks for an Irons move as confrmed by our own sources inside West Ham. He is valued at £7.5 million who can operate on the right wing – not unlike Sakho! Thus, he is NOT the £25 million front man plus being hunted by the club as we look to our first season in the Olympic Stadium. As we reported with offers around from agents for Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia certan to leave if we can the right price the team could have a very different look next season. We are assured that the club are still working on the main striker and that manager Slaven Bilic will be eyeing up targets at the Euros.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Auction raises £300,000 for Academy so far
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The West Ham online auction has raised over £300,000 for the club's Academy so far with over £48,000 going to the auctioneers in fees and nearly £56,000 in VAT to the tax man.

The stadium contents auction – including the signs, seats, gates and other fittings from The Boleyn Ground opened on May 18th and closed yesterday and later today.

The first set of auction lots which closed yesterday is claimed to have raised nearly £204,000 in final bids. Buyers paid auctioneers Hilco Global a 'buyers premium' of 16% setting them back another £32,640 before VAT of 20% was added on to give tax man £47,328. The grand total of takings for day one is estimated to be just under £284,000.

Day two has already passed £100,000 in bids which would see at least £16,000 in auctioneers fees added plus VAT of at least £23,200.

The £304,000 raised so far will go to fund the Academy but whether this is additional funding to the Academy or just replaces existing budget remains unclear.

The Football Memorabilia Online Auction opened on 23rd May 2016 and is set ti close over two days on 13th and 14th June. A live Webcast Auction was be held at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday 4th June.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
VALENCIA SPARKS ECUADOR COMEBACK
By Dan Coker 9 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Congratulations to Enner Valencia, who scored Ecuador's first goal in their 2-2 draw with Peru in the Copa America Centenario last night. Los Amarillos, who had drawn their opening match of the tournament 0-0 with Brazil over the weekend, found themselves 2-0 down after just 13 minutes before Valencia controlled a chipped pass on his chest inside the penalty area and rifled home a volleyed shot in the 39th minute.

Ecuador take on Haiti in their final match in Group B on Sunday – Valencia's side will qualify for the quarter-finals if they win that match and Peru lose to Brazil. The Ecuadorians would be most likely to face Colombia in the last eight. The Hammers forward's strike last night was his 15th international goal in his 26th appearance.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT DOES NEXT SEASON HOLD FOR DIEGO POYET?
By S J Chandos 8 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID

When West Ham signed Diego Poyet on a Bosman deal it was widely lauded as something of a coup. He won Charlton's player of the year award for 2013-14, his debut season, despite only making his first appearance for the Addicks, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, in January 2014 and making a total of 20 league appearances. With his existing Charlton deal expiring on 1 July 2014, he subsequently signed a four year contract with the Hammers on 8 July 2014. Poyet had established a reputation as a top prospect and it was widely anticipated that he would continue his progress with the Hammers and go on to become a first team regular.

Yet, the reality of his time at West Ham has proven somewhat different from that anticipated. He has made a mere three appearances for the club, over two seasons, (one in each of the PL, League Cup and Europa Cup), and has spent the vast majority of his time out on loan. Over that period, he spent time at Huddersfield Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic, making a grand total of 26 appearances for all three clubs. There is nothing unusual in young prospects spending time out on loan, just look at the successful loans enjoyed by Burke, Cullen and Samuelson last season. However, Poyet's loan experience has sharply contrasted with that of the aforementioned youngsters. He made 2 appearances for Huddersfield, had his loan to MK Dons cut short after 18 appearances and made little impact at Charlton, where he appeared only 6 times.

Those statistics are disappointing for such a talented young player. Charlton were relegated from the Championship at the end of the last campaign, and the situation at the club was undoubtedly problematic, but surely Poyet should still have featured more prominently for his former club? When a young player consistently fails to perform whilst out on loan it does inevitably raise alarm bells about their development and ability to succeed in the top tier of English football. Alternatively, perhaps Poyet has been exceptionally unlucky with the clubs that he has joined on loan and this record has given somewhat of a false impression? Is it not premature to write off Poyet's potential just yet, considering that youngsters can develop at different rates and often suffer dips in form as part of the developmental process?

It does pose an interesting question that Slaven Bilic will need to address over the summer. Arguably, there are three options. The club can decide to cut their losses and put Poyet up for sale; they can determine to put him out on loan again, to a decent Championship side, and closely monitor his progress; or (and this is the bravest option) they can retain him in the first team squad next season and utilise him in the demanding PL, domestic cup and Europa League programme that we face. With Alex Song exiting the club, there is probably a need for another out and out defensive midfielder to cover for Nordtvelt and Obiang. But the problem for Poyet is that he has an outstanding prospect like Reece Oxford ahead of him for that role. If it did, indeed, boil down to a straight choice between Oxford or Poyet, which would you choose?

So I guess the key proposition offered for discussion is: which of the three options, outlined above, do you consider most likely with regard to Poyet next season?

SJ. Chandos.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com