EastEnders star will never forget the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
EastEnders star Perry Fenwick will always hold special memories from his time supporting West Ham at the Boleyn Ground, but knows there are even more exciting times ahead when the Club makes a historic move into the new Stadium. Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera has been a fanatic fan since he was first brought over to the east London Club by his father when he was a youngster. Slaven Bilic and his players helped to make it a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground as the team secured European football for the second consecutive season.
Fenwick was unable to attend the final ever home game – but for good reason as he was filming a famous scene in EastEnders saying an emotional goodbye at Peggy Mitchell' s (played by Barbara Windsor) funeral. But the talented actor says he will never forget the highs and lows of his time following the Hammers at the Boleyn and hopes he will experience the same emotions when we prepare for life in our new home. Fenwick said: "My dad first brought me to West Ham in 1969 and we have probably come to a couple of thousand games and it is a weird feeling that we have left the Boleyn. "I have a lot of special memories including Trevor Sinclair's pass to Paolo Di Canio with his memorable volley and there was a milli-second when I looked at my dad and said no! That was an amazing goal. "When I was a kid my dad had a season ticket and I would go whenever he couldn't. I also went to a lot of reserve games and saw players like Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst getting back to full fitness. "It is lovely that the team have enjoyed such a memorable season and I love Slaven Bilic!"
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No1 Payet set for Swiss showdown
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet goes into Sunday's UEFA Euro 2016 Group A finale against Switzerland ranked as the continent's best player. The West Ham United star has dominated the headlines with two goals and two man of the match-winning performances to fire France through to the round of 16 with a game to spare. Those outstanding displays against Romania and Albania have seen the Hammers midfielder rise to the top of UEFA.com's Player Barometer – a position he has held since 10 June!
The Player Barometer uses data considered important for each player specific to their position. For example, successful passes, key passes and crosses are core stats for an attacking midfielder like Payet. The Barometer algorithm uses Payet's stats from all matches, both for West Ham and France, and updates after each match played. During UEFA EURO 2016, the rankings have been updated during every match, with the Hammer leading the way for the past eight days.
An assessment of Payet's form reads: "Payet received his second man of the match award after another inventive display in which he doubled the hosts' lead. "Forty-one of his 54 passes found their target, 22 of them in the final third. The former Marseille playmaker troubled Albania with set pieces and conjured six chances for team-mates in Les Bleus' 2-0 win. Over the 90 minutes at Stade Vélodrome, he supplied an impressive 17 crosses."
It remains to be seen if Payet will start France's final group-stage game against the Swiss in Lyon, with Didier Deschamps' side needing to draw to guarantee a first-place finish and, in theory, an easier round of 16 fixture. The Group A winners will face the third-place finisher in either Group C, D or E – potentially Northern Ireland, Czech Republic or Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland, as things stand.
You can watch France versus Switzerland live on BBC One from 8pm BST.
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How - and why - West Ham must strengthen this summer
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th June 2016
By: Harry Hanlon
I doubt what I'm about to say will be popular amongst my fellow fans, but it should highlight the truth behind last season and how we must strengthen during the transfer window.
With that disclaimer out of the way, I'll just come out with it - we were not as good as you think we were.
Before you close the tab and refuse to visit KUMB.com ever again, please let me explain why. Some of you may be aware of the concept of expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA). (If you aren't, a decent introduction may be found here.) The mapping of chances and their relative potential for goals is not an exact science but may be used as an incredibly interesting tool for predicting long-term trends and recognising short-term anomalies.
Leicester undoubtedly stole the limelight over the past 12 months, and much like the champions, we also experienced an average possession of less than 50%. The exceptional counter-attacking ability demonstrated by both sides won widespread praise and resulted in a plethora of 'giant killings' (I'll let you decide whether Liverpool and Chelsea truly fall into this category).
It seems like common sense to suggest that if the season was played over again we may not be as successful as we ultimately were. Late winners and long shots are emotive, but hardly sustainable. The examination of the expected goal stats can help quantify how fortuitous we were.
Cast your mind back to August and the opening day win at the Emirates. Cheik Kouyate's header was ecstasy-inducing (despite an uncharacteristically 'flappy' Petr Cech), Reece Oxford announced himself on the biggest stage, and Dimitri Payet ruled supreme. However, the nail in Arsenal's coffin was Mauro Zarate's wonderful low strike.
The graph below shows the location of all of Mauro's shots on target throughout his unfortunate half of the season. The gold circles indicate which of these resulted in goals, and the blues in saves. The highlighted shot is the low drive past Cech.
Using @dannypage's xG model we can see that this should only ripple the net 10.6% of the time. Remember Moses' goal against Man City? Should that normally beat a 'keeper of Hart's quality?
It feels sacrilegious to attribute such hard earned victories to chance. It's true that the goals would be unlikely to reoccur time and time again, but we held on and battled hard to see out those fixtures. Many dismiss such analytics as taking the soul from the beautiful game. Yet, it can be vital for clubs in recognising the true value of their stars.
For some reason, as the season entered its final third we decided to start defending like particularly inept schoolboys. Luckily the moment that our defenders decided to collectively give up and declare "meh", Andy Carroll had become bored of being injured and fancied doing some work for his substantial wage. Compare his xG map to that of Zarate.
In many ways the grouping in and around the penalty area shows a return to the style so often associated with Allardyce. Yes, there was more flair and ingenuity in the build up play, but the end result was the same. Pump the ball into big Andy and let him leap. This won us more points than many would care to admit.
Unfortunately this leads to the most controversial question of the article – can we really rely on Payet to keep saving our bacon?
Payet was unbelievably good this season in front of goal and he must surely be rated as the best free kick taker in the world. Yet he was ultimately too good - by which I mean he was too good for his form to continue into the future.
No player in the league bettered his xG conversion rate (you can find a full breakdown here ). If you can't be bothered to follow that link and scroll all the way down to 50th(!) place, his xG efficiency was 1.64, meaning that he scored 1.6 goals for every one that could normally be expected.
On the surface it is easy to use such stats to suggest that he is among the best players in the world, but this figure should be a cause for concern. Payet has never come close to this in his career so far, and even players like Ronaldo and Messi can't compare. I hope more than anything than Dimitri can keep up his incredible form, but Bilic and the board must prepare for the eventuality that he might not.
Whilst Payet may be lucky with his shooting, he is undoubtedly world-class in regards dribbling and assists - as he has continued to show for France at Euro 16. It is this skill that should be utilised by Sullivan, et al.
There has been a lot of talk about Theo Walcott possibly joining West Ham, and this interest has been widely condemned by fans. It's true that in front of goal he'd struggle to finish one of the Rib Man's rolls, but a genuine trait of his game that's often overlooked is his creative ability.
Walcott's partnerships with Olivier Giroud and Robin van Persie had the potential to be truly exceptional. Imagine that productive capacity down the wing coupled with Payet's genius and Lanzini's trickery?
Carroll would be a brilliant addition from the bench, but a disruptive, efficient striker could be lethal in this system. Chicharito for example, a player we were linked with last year, has been utilised to a similar, devastating effect by Leverkusen and Mexico.
Despite my grumblings and vocal concerns I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. The Olympic Stadium and subsequent advantages has the potential to propel us into being a regular top six team. The reputation of the club will grow and European football will attract the players that we may have to depend on…
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.
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League champions to gazump Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C AND H
According to French newspaper L'Equipe Premier league champions, Leicester City are in pole position to beat West Ham to Nice midfielder, Nampalys Mendy.
The French media claim the Hammers submitted a bid of €15m (£11.8m) to sign Nice star Nampalys Mendy but he instead he looks set to join Premier League rivals Leicester City.
The French paper claims that West Ham submitted a £11.8m bid for Mendy this weekend, but the player wants to reunite with his former Monaco boss Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City – and he is expected in England on Monday to finalise his move to the King Power Stadium.
Rumour raterThe Leicester boss had an £8m bid for the holding midfielder rejected last summer — even before swooping on another French club, Caen, for Kante. Mendy has had an impressive season at Nice, helping them to a fourth place finish in Ligue 1 that means they will play Europa League football in the new campaign. The 23-year-old has just one year left on his contract, however, and is interested in a move to the Premier League.
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Take it or leave it demand for Bacca
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
AC Milan are not willing to consider any proposals for West Ham striker target, Carlos Bacca that are below 26 million Euros (£20.5m) reports in Portugal media suggest today. Previous reports suggest West Ham had a £15m bid for the AC Milan striker rejected last month.
Bacca scored 18 league goals in his first season with the Rossoneri after joining in a £21.3m deal from Sevilla last summer.
Bacca has revealed he will hold talks with the club over his future once his commitments to Colombia's Copa America campaign are over with.
Rumour raterSpeaking to Spanish football website Marca when asked if he knew about interest from Atletico Madrid or any other club, he said: "I'm sure you [the journalists] know more than me. My priority is Milan but I know there are offers and interest in me from major clubs in Spain, England, Germany and France. Some clubs have already spoken to my agent, but he hasn't told me anything. He'll tell me everything once I'm finished with the Copa America. For now I have four more years of contract with Milan and I don't know if they're willing to sell me."
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Hammers eye Italian striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have AGAIN been linked with Juventus striker Simone Zaza and apparently Southampton and Everton are also after the striker.
The new report comes from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and with Slaven Bilic getting a close up look at the player as an ITV pundit interest may be real.
Slav is keeping an eye on targets whilst doubling up as a pundit and Zaza has been on the club's radar for several months.
Zaza played a key role in Italy's 1-0 win over Sweden as it was his assist which resulted in the Italian winner three minutes from time.
Following his £13.5m move to Juventus from Sassuolo last summer, Zaza was become the fourth choice striker and is likely to be up for a move.
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Oxford linked with Magpie season loan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Reece Oxford is in line for a season-long loan to Newcastle United in the Championship according to the Sun newspaper. The 17-year-old has been linked with transfers to Manchester United , Manchester City and Arsenal in the past, but is now touted for a move to the relegated Magpies.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez si claimed to want the England Under-19 international to play a key role in their push for promotion next season.
Oxford may find his first-team prospects limited in the first season at the Olympic Stadium next term and this could be just the step up he needs to further his West Ham career. Newcastle reportedly believe he would be a regular starter for them. At the end of May Reece posted "Gutted to not be able to travel with the England squad due to injury but I'll be back fit and ready for the season ahead" The England U18's lost 2-0 to South Korea in Early June. He is currently on holiday in Cyprus before he returns to pre-season training.
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West Ham's presence at Euro 16
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
No West Ham players made it into the England team but that has not stopped West Ham fans going out to France to fly the flag in the Euro 2016 championships.
TV Cameras picked up a West Ham English flag in the Republic Ireland v Sweden match last Monday in which West Ham stopper Darren Randolph featured. The game finished 1-1 with Ireland. Ireland remain second in group E with one point after one game but face Belgium at 2pm with Randy very likely to start between the sticks.
TV cameras picked up the now famous 'Hawaiian Hammers'flag during the Italy match with Sweden. Angelo Ogbonna is included in the Italy squad but has yet to feature in a game.
Lee Tyers from the Hawaiian Hammers is out there and penned the following on Facebook "It will be at the paddy game tomorrow too. Thought we got a great spot today despite turning up at 3!"
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Bilic comdems Euro violence of fellow countrymen
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic has condemned the actions of a minority of his fellow countrymen but warned this is an ongoing problem.
Mark Clattenburg had to stop yesterday's Euro game between Croatia and Czech Republic for six minutes after flares were thrown on the pitch and fighting broke out among Croatian supporters. One flare appeared to explode in a steward's face. Bilic told BBC Sport "It's very sad that now we have to talk about things that have nothing to do with football, in Milan and before it's happened. It started maybe six, seven, eight years ago. There are many fans who are against the FA. Unfortunately they are doing this." 2We are paying fines and playing games behind closed doors. We are probably the biggest Uefa sponsors." "It's unbelievable what those people are doing themselves. There is a riot between themselves. The majority of fans are telling them don't do it but unfortunately some of them are there on a mission. It's probably not the last time they'll do this."
"Croatia very rarely plays in Split, my home town. Some fans think it's all about Zagreb – the majority of players in the youth academy and the youth teams at national level are from Dinamo Zagreb. It's about a divide between the north and the south. Between Zagreb and Split."
Czech Republic v Croatia - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group D - Stade Geoffroy Guichard"The two biggest clubs from the ex-Yugoslavia are Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split and Dinamo is now becoming the biggest club in the Balkan area while Hajduk Split is without any money."
"When there's a big derby between Dinamo and Hajduk people don't take their kids to the game because they know there'll be fighting."
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Carlton Cole released by Celtic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammer Carlton Cole has left Celtic after just eight months with the Scottish champions after Brendan Rogers joined the club. The 32 year old striker moved north last October on a two-year deal following his release from the Boleyn Ground after nine years with West Ham.
Cole, scored just once – against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup – in five matches for the Hoops. In a brief statement on their website, Celtic said; "Celtic Football Club today confirmed that Carlton Cole is leaving the club. Everyone at Celtic would sincerely like to wish Carlton the very best of success for the future."
Carlton Cole was released by West Ham for the second time in two years in May last year. The striker was let go by the Hammers in the summer of 2013 but rejoined the club on a short-term deal five months later before penning an 18-month contract in January 2014. Carlton made 158 League appearances for the Hammers plus a further 99 appearances as a substitute scoring 55 goals in total over his two spells as an Iron.
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Hammers back in but be wary of price tag
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham continue to be linked with a huge number of strikers and Slaven Bilic can't wait to get his chosen front man on board. The biggest rumour of the ast 24 hours – reported here and elsewhere – is that Alexandre Lacazette is at the centre of another Hammers offer. And it was confirmed to us by a top Hammers souce today that we are still chasing the France international currently playing his football at Lyon.
However, a reported figure of £37 million should not be taken overly seriously as David Sullivan is not a man to slap £5million on previous offer – at a stroke. The last offer was £32 million and we understand the negotiations will move forward at around £1 million a time given we are the only club publicly in the frame at the moment. We were told: "David is a man who simply refuses to give up once the bit is between his teeth and we are determined to get the very best we can."
Bilic meanwhile in his Daily Mail column today says: "Finally, hats off to the West Ham board for signing Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia! We are proud and glad that he and Havard Nordtveit, the captain of Borussia Monchengladbach, have signed for us because other big clubs were trying for them. Everyone knows we want a top-class striker. And if we can get a 20-goals-a-season man, there's no reason why we can't improve on last season and challenge the Premier League's top teams."
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