RailHawks, storm frustrate Hammers
WHUFC.com
International Exhibition, Tuesday 12 July 2016, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina, USA
West Ham United were frustrated by the Carolina RailHawks and a mid-match lightning storm as the US Tour ended in a 2-2 draw. Slaven Bilic's side fell behind to an early Winston Reid own-goal, but were ahead by half-time through an opportunist strike from the New Zealand defender and a smart finish from Andy Carroll. Fifteen minutes into the second half, heavy rain signalled the arrival of a thunderstorm that saw lightning flash across the dark North Carolina sky, and referee Christopher Spivey call a temporary halt to proceedings for safety reasons. In hot, humid and initially sunny conditions, Bilic again made wholesale changes to his team as the game wore on in front of a RailHawks record 10,125-strong crowd. The International Exhibition was the first time an English Premier League team had visited an area known as The Triangle – Cary sits between three renowned universities in North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State – and the event was marked with a truly memorable occasion. Thousands of West Ham fans descended on the region, painting the WakeMed Soccer Park Claret and Blue on a fantastic evening of football, fly-pasts, fireworks – and thunder and lightning! Fresh from a 4-1 NASL thumping of Joe Cole's Tampa Bay Rowdies of Saturday evening, the RailHawks started on the front foot and went ahead on 13 minutes. Captain Nasmi Albadawi got to the byline and his cutback was volleyed past Adrian by a stretching Reid. However, the No2 got his side back on level terms eight minutes later when Carroll forced a mistake in the home defence and Reid kept his composure to slot past Akira Fitzgerald. Within 90 seconds, the visitors were in front as new boy Sofiane Feghouli celebrated his maiden start for the Club by racing down the right and crossing low for the England centre-forward to slide home left-footed.
The RailHawks – coached by ex-Southampton and Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke – responded well and striker Brian Shriver hit the woodwork with a delicious curling effort from 20 yards. The second half was largely uneventful until the heavens opened on the hour-mark, with the storm forcing the match to be temporarily suspended and thousands of fans to head for shelter. After a 40-minute break for the weather to clear, the game restarted with no fewer than six new West Ham players on the pitch. However, it was half-time replacement, Lewis Page who unfortunately slipped as he tracked back and handled the ball, enabling Marvin Ceballos to fire high past Raphael Spiegel from the spot. With lightning still flashing in the night sky nearby, both teams created chances in the closing stages, with Marcus Browne forcing a smart save from Sylvestre with ten minutes remaining. The RailHawks then introduced their biggest-ever signing, former Mexico international Omar Bravo, whose arrival had only been confirmed at half-time! West Ham played out the final few minutes with ten men after Doneil Henry was forced off with a leg injury, and the game petered out into a draw.
Carolina RailHawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi © (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble ©, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
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Pair content with Carolina test
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll and Winston Reid were pleased to open their pre-season accounts in the storm-affected 2-2 draw with Carolina RailHawks. In the second of two US Tour fixtures, the experienced pair netted within two first half minutes of one another as West Ham United came from behind to lead at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. However, a dangerous electrical storm halted play for 40 minutes midway through the second half and, when the teams returned, an unfortunate handball by Lewis Page enabled the NASL side to secure a share of the spoils. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, both Carroll and Reid were pleased to have come through a testing physical encounter played in stifling hot and humid conditions. "It's good to hit the back of the net, as it's what my job is," said Carroll, whose first-time finish put West Ham 2-1 ahead after Reid's early own-goal and equaliser. "It's good to go out in pre-season and get a goal and start the season off well. "It was a great cross in from Sofiane and as soon as it went in I knew I had a chance to score. I got a good touch on it and it went in. "It was a good workout, especially with the weather in the first half. I know it changed after half-time, but it was really hot for the lads and we got out of it what we needed. "It's been a good trip. It got the lads back together and the new lads into it and we're getting fitter ahead of the start of the new season, which is what we want and is good."
Reid was happy to hit the target just minutes after putting the ball through his own net to put the RailHawks in front. It was Carroll who provided the assist for the No2, who collected the ball 25 yards out, took a touch and finished confidently to level the score at 1-1. "The ball went up and it dropped, someone put in a tackle and it fell to Andy, who found me and I finished it," Reid confirmed. "The ball got played into the middle and I went with it and it ricocheted to Andy and I was pleased with the way I put it away.
"I've never played in a game which has been stopped for a storm like that. The first half, it was so hot that it was really hard to get your breath. The second half was completely different and the storm which arrived 15 minutes in broke it up and they scored a short time after we came back on. "It was a good workout for us, but unfortunately Doneil Henry got an injury late on which we all hope will be OK. Apart from that, the trip has been really good and we have enjoyed ourselves over here and worked hard. "We're now looking forward to getting home for a few days before we fly out to Austria."
West Ham fly back to England on Wednesday before jetting off for a three-match tour and training camp in Austria at the weekend. After that, the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round kicks-off on 28 July, Juventus visit the London Stadium in the Betway Cup on 7 August and the Premier League season starts six days later.
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Bilic - It was a good test
WHUFC.com
Bilic praised the US tour as a whole, describing it as a "working holiday" Slaven Bilic described the Hammers' second and final US pre-season tour match as a good test as they drew 2-2 with the Carolina RailHawks. After Winston Reid had put the ball into his own net early in the first half, the defender atoned for his earlier error by equalising at the other end before Andy Carroll added a second thanks to Sofiane Feghouli's fantastic cross. But after a 40-minute long delay as the heavens opened at WakeMed Soccer Park, the hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot to draw after Lewis Page was unfortunate to slip and handle the ball inside the box. Despite the result, Bilic reiterated the lesser significance in results during pre-season and noted the positive impact of the RailHawks fixture. He said: "It was a good game – a friendly with a high intensity. It was a good atmosphere and we enjoyed it. It was a good test. "It is still early for us, of course. The legs are heavy for the players. These tests are more individual tests, because the team that played in the first half have hardly played together all at the same time. It was a really good individual test. "I said before that the match against Seattle came way too early after just two or three days training. For this, we were more on a level to play a competitive game. The result is always important, don't get me wrong, but it was not the most important thing today."
Bilic made only three changes at the break, but the weather halted action just 17 minutes into the second period. The boss, who praised West Ham's US tour as a whole, and his players, were keen to not let the conditions ruin their run-out, however. "We didn't want the game to be called off," continued the Croatian. "We got such a warm hospitality from the hosts, so we wanted to wait and finish the game. "The whole tour has been important for us. It has been more like a proper pre-season for me, because we wanted the good facilities to train. We didn't want too much travelling. "When I heard about the possibility to go to the States, it was tempting but on the other hand, we didn't want to travel too much and get tired. But it has been good, especially because of the facilities we've had and the hospitality of the people. "I'd like to thank the people here in Seattle and North Carolina who have made our stay here like a working holiday!"
Following news of the Hammers' new signing Ashley Fletcher, reporters were keen to question Bilic on what the move could mean for the Club's front-line. "Fletcher and [Toni] Martinez are prospects," Bilic said about his young forwards. "Martinez has showed that he definitely has a future with West Ham, but we are competing in the Premier League and they are still too young. "Some of them can do what [Marcus] Rashford did for Man United last season, but to play a full season with them from the start would not be the option we want. They can emerge and surprise and amaze us and the league, like Rashford, but we are still looking to get a striker if we can, but only if he is a better striker than what we have. "We don't only have Carroll. We have [Diafra] Sakho and [Enner] Valencia too. Sakho was injured and that's why he was not here, and Valencia had a longer break because of Copa America."
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Ashley Fletcher - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com
Here's everything you need to know about the Club's new striker Ashley Fletcher…
- Fletcher was born on 2 October 1995 in Keighley, Yorkshire
- When he was nine, Fletcher signed for north west side Bolton Wanderers but four years later joined giants Manchester United at the age of 13
- The youngster excelled as a sportsman and athlete at school in Bolton and obtained 12 GCSEs
- Coming through Manchester United's ranks, Fletcher established a superb partnership with fellow striker James Wilson
- In 2014/15, Fletcher bagged three goals in the Red Devils' final three U21 Premier League matches having broken into the side earlier that term
- The 20-year-old last season spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Barnsley
- He scored nine times in 26 appearances for the Tykes, helping them clinch promotion via the play-offs
- Found the back of the net in both the semi-final second leg against Walsall and final at Wembley against south Londoners Millwall
- The striker has two England U20 caps and two goals, having scored in both his appearances for the young Lions
- Fletcher has joined West Ham United on a four-year deal
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Ollie Knight looks at all the Hammers talking points…
EURO 2016
With Euro 2016 bowing out in dramatic fashion and the upcoming Premier League season just one month away, it has been a busy period for West Ham and a number of their players.
The likes of James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet have all performed superbly for their respective countries; Payet in particular was a shining light in one of the strongest France squads in generations.
Unfortunately for Payet, Les Bleus succumbed to an extra-time winner scored by Portugal's Eder. Dimi was, however, named in the UEFA team of the tournament, earning the accolade following a string of world class displays that saw him notch three goals as well as two assists in seven games.
James Collins was a part of a terrific Wales squad that, against all odds, powered their way through to the semi-finals. Collins played a key role in the semi-final first-half against Portugal, effectively nullifying the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales went in 0-0 at the break. After half-time it was a different story, as Ronaldo inspired a quick-fire double that saw Portugal run out eventual 2-0 winners.
Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph also performed well, guiding both Italy and Ireland to the knockout stages. Despite a wonderful tournament between the sticks for the Republic of Ireland, Darren Randolph couldn't keep out Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann, who effectively knocked Martin O'Neill's side out at the Round of 16 stage with two sublime goals.
Ogbonna on the other hand suffered Euro 2016 heartbreak in the quarter-finals as Italy lost to Germany in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.
PRE SEASON
The US tour didn't begin in the finest fashion for the Hammers, with a 3-0 defeat to MLS outfit Seattle Sounders. However, it's important not to get carried away with such a defeat; we must remember that two years ago West Ham lost both of their pre-season games in New Zealand before going on a terrific run of Premier League form that saw them sitting comfortably in fourth place at Christmas.
Next up on the pre-season calendar for Slaven Bilic's boys was a friendly against North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks, in which Andy Carroll and Winston Reid scored their first goals of the summer in a 2-2 draw.
Following on from the US expedition, the Hammers travel to more familiar grounds in Austria, where they will play three friendlies against FC Slovacko, Champions League regulars Rubin Kazan and finally Bundesliga II outfit Karlsruher SC.
These three games should be the perfect preparation for West Ham's Europa League adventure as well as their highly-anticipated first game at the Olympic Stadium against Juventus on 7 August.
OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON
West Ham will play their first Premier League game of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Historically, Stamford Bridge has been one of the toughest away days of the calendar, but this year it certainly feels different. Last time out Slaven Bilic was left ruing a last minute penalty awarded to Chelsea after an innocuous challenge from Michail Antonio. Cesc Fabregas scored the resulting penalty to conclude the tie at 2-2, but it was a performance that should fill players and supporters with pride, and no doubt motivate them for the opening day of the season.
With the likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Gokhan Tore already joining the Hammers this summer, the opening game against Chelsea is made all the more enticing for the West Ham faithful.
Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will feel the pressure in his first London derby, and with the tie being played under the lights, it's hard to imagine Slaven Bilic not motivating his players to the absolute highest level in order to achieve victory.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Fletcher - I am very excited to be here
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher is rated one of the most promising young forwards in England and is looking forward to producing his best form for West Ham United after he joined the Hammers from Manchester United on a four-year contract. The England U20 striker enjoyed a memorable loan spell at Barnsley last season when he scored in the League One Play-Off Final win over Millwall at Wembley.
Fletcher is excited to be joining the Hammers as they prepare for a historic move into the new Stadium and hopes to play a major role for the first-team next season....
Ashley, welcome to West Ham United. How excited are you by the move and joining the Club at such an exciting time as we prepare for a big move into the new Stadium?
AF: "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham."
A lot of teams showed an interest in wanting to sign you. What was it about West Ham United that made you want to join the Club?
AF: "I think it is a Club with a lot of ambition. They are about to move into the new Stadium and with the position that the Club finished in the league last season, it was an insight into me coming here."
It was a big year for West Ham at the Boleyn Ground last year. Did you keep an eye on the developments and a historic final season for the Club?
AF: "It was hard not to see what was happening at West Ham. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well."
How excited are you to be working under a manager like Slaven Bilic who is renowned for bringing through good young players?
AF: "The players that he brought through like Reece Oxford was a huge bonus and it shows what the Club is about.
"West Ham are a Club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."
What can the West Ham fans expect from Ashley Fletcher?
AF: "I think there are a lot of variations to my game. I am not just a tall striker that holds the ball up.
"I have another side to my game. I can run in behind defenders and I love to score goals so hopefully you will see that."
The Hammers have a number of quality strikers including Andy Carroll. How excited are you to be playing alongside someone who has a wealth of experience at the highest level?
AF: "Andy is an England international so I can only learn from someone like him and take different aspects of his game and add them into my own game."
You saw what Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini did for the Club for the last season. How much are you looking forward to working with them on a daily basis?
AF: "The quality they have is unbelievable and for me to be playing alongside players like that can only improve me and make me better as well."
You have had the experience of being at one of the biggest clubs in England playing for Manchester United. How much has that helped your own development?
AF: "It has been massive for me. Coming from such a big club and all the morals I have learned over the years have helped me develop into the player that I am today.
"I thank them and hopefully I can grow even stronger at West Ham."
You have grown up with Marcus Rashford who has been stealing all the headlines following his call-up into the England squad. You must be hoping to follow in his footsteps and achieve what he has done?
AF: "I hope that will be the case. Marcus has been unbelievable and hopefully I will get my chance as well."
In terms of next season, West Ham are back in the Europa League and for any young player, you must be relishing the chance to showcase your talents on the European stage?
AF: "The chance to play in Europe was 100 per cent in my thinking and I didn't think twice when the new offer came through.
"The chance to play in the new Stadium and the incentive of playing in Europe makes it a massive season."
You are no stranger to playing in a big Stadium. How much will the Club benefit from playing in front of 60,000 fans every week?
AF: "It is only something that the players can thrive off. When you see the stands packed out with fans it will be massive and hopefully we can use that and go on and do really well next season."
You had a successful loan spell with Barnsley. How much has that helped you as a player?
AF: "I learned a lot of things and became more of a man. I added a lot of things into my game that I probably would not have done, if I would have stayed at Manchester United.
"I thank them as well for giving me the opportunity to play games, but now my focus is on West Ham."
Having played for the England Under-20's as well, you must take a lot of encouragement from representing your country?
AF: "Playing with West Ham players such as Reece Burke helped me. He told me about the Club and playing on the international stage is massive and I can only benefit from that."
Did you know much about Reece before you joined up with England?
AF: "I didn't but we became really good friends playing for England and he was on loan at Bradford as well. It will be great to see him when we play at West Ham."
Finally, what are your objectives and goals that you want to achieve at West Ham over the next few years?
AF: "I want to put on the West Ham shirt as many times as possible and play in the Premier League.
"I also want to play in the Europa League as well and help West Ham challenge for a top four finish which has got to be the aim as well."
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Westley - Tour has been great for youngsters
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley hailed the Hammers' US tour as a fantastic experience for the younger players who joined up with Slaven Bilic's first team. The group of youngsters who travelled to first Seattle and then North Carolina included new signings Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina as well the likes of Martin Samuelsen and Reece Burke, who enjoyed successful loan spells last season. And the experience gained over the time spent training with the Club's established stars as well as minutes on the playing field will stand the promising group in good stead, insisted Westley. He said: "It's a great trip and a great experience for the younger players, playing in front of 40,000 the other night. They have all been around the first team and it's a great chance for the coaches to see the boys play. "It's great for our young ones to be around them, to be around Mark Noble, the club captain, and Andy Carroll and the likes. You don't get that in pre-season with your own group. "It's great for Toni Martinez particularly, who is a new player to integrate and see how we do things. Same for Domingos Quina, who has gone straight from being a European U17 winner with Portugal to joining up with our first team players. "Also Declan Rice, who was a late shout after James Tomkins moved on. Rice went in there and by all accounts the boys have conducted themselves very well on and off the pitch, which is pleasing."
While some Development Squad and Academy players will be aiming to impress prior to the Club's Europa League qualifier at the end of July, others are looking to secure loan deals and Westley was keen to highlight their significance. "Loans are essential in the game now," he continued. "We've already done George Dobson to Walsall and Kyle Knoyle to Wigan, and we've had lots of enquiries which shows the standard of player we are starting to produce. "It's a loan before a loan before they play in your first team, some teams will tell you. There are two routes; you can go in the first team if you're really talented and Reece Burke, Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen were around that last year. "Or, if that isn't the case, the likes of Samuelsen who went to Peterborough last season would be a good example [of what might happen]. In the next 14 days, a lot of those questions will be answered."
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E-Sports star Dragonn represents the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's official E-Sports FIFA player Sean 'Dragonn' Allen competed in the first ever E-Sports FIFA match between football clubs as he took on Hashtag United's Harry Hesketh.
After the first leg tie ended level at 3-3, the pair battled for the victory in a second leg match, with both players using West Ham as their chosen team.
With YouTuber Spencer Owen - a West Ham supporter - providing commentary, check out their battle for glory.
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Home and away ticket schemes launch
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched the Home Cup and Away Ticket Schemes for the 2016/17 season, giving supporters the opportunity to secure their place at every away game.
Limited to 500 places, the Away Ticket Scheme debits all members for their tickets automatically and applies to all 19 Premier League away matches, as well as away ties in the FA and League Cups.
Download application forms for both schemes here
To join this scheme, supporters need to be included in the Home Cup Ticket Scheme, which applies to all home FA and League Cup ties, and also allows members to automatically be debited for their home cup tickets.
Renewing members from last season will receive priority for this year's Away Ticket Scheme, and in the event that the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, remaining applications will be processed in order of Priority Points totals.
Any group applications will be processed by the individual with the lowest number of points in the group.
To be seated together, please return your group's application together. Download your form here and return to ticketscheme@westhamunited.co.uk by 5pm Tuesday 19 July and please note all tickets are non-refundable and standard booking fees apply to all tickets.
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MARTIN SAMUELSEN; TO LOAN OR NOT TO LOAN?
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 9:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
To loan or not to loan…That is the question.
Martin Samuelsen is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most exciting young prospects not only in the UK, but in the world. You really won't find many 19-year olds like him. He is skilful, intelligent and confident on the ball. But where does this wonder-kid stand in the first team? Is he ready for the spotlight, or does he need more time?
Samuelsen spent half of last season on loan to League One Peterborough United last season, and to be honest, the loan was not a success. However, you could argue that the management of Samuelsen was fairly poor, with ex Peterborough boss Graham Westley often blaming his flair players for the poor results, rotating Samuelsen (and others) out of the squad on a regular basis.
But Samuelsen's loan spell was not all doom and gloom, he still had his moments of magic. One of the most impressive and promising of these moments was his performance against West Brom in the Capital One Cup. Brom fielded a very strong team, yet still they struggled to control the West Ham man, who tore them apart! His skill and confidence for an 18 year old (at the time), was unbelievable. And, more importantly, he proved he can already do it against Premier League standard opposition. But whether he can do that on a regular basis at this moment in time is yet to be seen.
Samuelsen is, as I have already said, way ahead of his fellow peers. His movement is, in my humble opinion, just as top-class as his dribbling. He actually reminds me of Payet, in terms of positioning. He-nearly-always starts out wide, but loves to drift inside to find those pockets of space. Last pre-season Samuelsen also confirmed that Payet was mentoring him with free-kicks. But I suspect there is more to it than just free-kicks. The way Samuelsen played in both American Tour pre-season games reminded me a lot of Payet, in terms of movement. So, perhaps, there is more than free-kick mentoring going on?
After reading what I've written above, many of you may be screaming at your screens: "JUST PLAY THE LAD!" But is he really ready? I think he could do a job, mainly coming off the bench in the Premier League. However, I think we should loan Samuelsen out, preferably to a Championship team. As talented as he is, we already have Payet, Lanzini, Feghouli, Tore and Antonio ahead of him in the pecking order, and that's not including any new signings which may be coming our way! As incredible as young Samuelsen is, it is just not his time yet. However, I have thought of a compromise…
Is it worth, maybe, just maybe, keeping him in the first team squad until January? With Europa League, Premier League, Capital One Cup and FA Cup coming up, he might prove useful. Chances are that over the next 5 months or so,we will come up against some rather poor and far away teams. Could Samuelsen play a role in beating lower division teams we face in cup's? And maybe in the Europa League too, when we're drawn against some random Ukrainian team, for example. Could we use players like him, who are obviously talented, to give the likes of Lanzini and Tore a rest from what will be a busy schedule?
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13/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 3:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Mina madness?
American media channel ESPN have reported that West Ham, Southampton and Everton are in a race for Ecuadorian CB Arturo Mina. The defender plays for Ecuadorian club IDV, registering 62 appearances for the club.
Hammers in for Lukaku?
Quite the opposite, apparently we are out of the race, according to News Hopper. The Daily Mail have reported that West Ham did make an enquiry for the Everton striker. However, it is reported that we have been put off by his £65 million price tag.
Spurs and West Ham to fight it out for u21 superstar?
InsideFutbol are today reporting that West Ham and their London rivals Spurs will battle it out for proclaimed star of the future Rolando Mandragora, who is currently contracted to Juventus. The 19 year-old really impressed out on loan last season at Italian club Pescara. As I have said many times before, Bilic is obviously keen to build up the most promising development squad he can; so I will be keeping an eye on this story!
Valencia hands in transfer request?
Sky Italia are reporting that Enner Valencia will at some point today meet with the Hammers board to request a transfer from East London. As ExWHUEmployee has confirmed many times, Enner looks likely to leave the club this summer. On top of this, Enner has, dare I say, flopped, and fallen out of favour with many West Ham fans.
That's it for today's news. But-I'm sure-ExWHUEmployee will be releasing his latest column later on tonight, so for the latest inside news please check out his column tonight. You will find it on The West Ham Way website.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 10:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This will be a very brief round up today, so here it goes.
Bacca Deal
I feel like all I have done for the last month is talk about this deal. I first wrote of our interest on May 31st and it seems to have been going on ever since. We first enquired about him before the Copa America and then had to wait a long time after to begin discussions. The transfer is still in the balance. This is not me sitting on the fence. This is the facts. Bacca and our wage demands are not in line yet. People say "Just give him the cash" but it doesn't really work like that. There are wage structures and those factors that have to be considered. I do believe still that the club will reach an agreement eventually at this stage. There are other clubs that are potentially circulating for him including A.Madrid but it seems they have other targets ahead in the pecking order. I do think a little perspective needs to be retained here. We are preparing a deal including agents wages and signing on fees which equate to almost £30m for a 30 year old forward. A few years ago we were signing Mido on a free for £1k a week. It is a big step forward. The deal is pretty much as I left it yesterday not a lot as changed. Talks have happened and they will continue. It is a rather amusing situation that I often get blamed when this happens in transfers. I can assure you as much as I wish I had that power I don't. If a deal changes, this is not my fault it means that one of the parities couldn't meet the others demands and in business this is the norm. At the moment the club still hope that this deal can be concluded this week.
Forward Signings
There are at least eight other offers on the table for other forwards. These forwards are all of a high quality and the Bacca situation helps in some respects because it is taking attention off the other deals. The chairman is ambitious, some of the bids are realistic and have been covered in detail in my daily accounts and others are extremely ambitious.
Unhappy Forwards
Both Sakho and Valencia are said to be unhappy at the club and have made it clear that they both want to leave. The main club in for Sakho appeared to be Sunderland but with Big Sam likely to get the England job their situation has changed. The club hope that WBA will move for Sakho as it appears that it will be difficult for him to remain.
Youngster Excitement
Today Mitch one of our top writers wrote an article on whether he would keep Martin Samuelsen or loan him out. Martin is just one of the many exciting up and coming talents that we have at the club. If you think of the likes of Sam Howes, Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen, Samulesen, Quina, Martinez, Fletcher and many others they are a lot of exciting players for the future.
The owners really are doing all they can within realistic boundaries to land a top forward that we need. Yes it is frustrating to not land the targets but this is what happens. Realistically we are not a champions league club yet, we haven't moved to the OS yet and we are not quite as big yet for the players we are aiming for. They have high ambitions and will do what they can to achieve them. We just have to be patient and trust that they will. This time last year we signed one of the best players in the recent Euro Championships plus many other top players.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham ended their brief tour of the US with an entertaining yet rain-interrupted game against the Railhawks in North Carolina this morning. With promises of live streams disappearing just as quickly as the clear blues skies that had overlooked the stadium earlier in the day, Hammers fans who had stayed up late to watch the team in action were forced into watching wobbly periscope and Facebook feeds. And they were treated to an lively encounter between Slaven Bilic's travelling party and the hosts - until, that is, both teams were forced to withdraw from the field of play just after the hour mark due to a sudden angry storm. By that stage the Hammers had gained a narrow advantage through goals by Winston Reid and Andy Carroll - although the Railhawks had taken a 7th minute lead when the aforementioned Kiwi inadvertently directed an Nazmi Albadawi cross into his own net.
It took United just 11 minutes to restore parity though, through Reid, who calmly converted a precise pass from Carroll to make it 1-1. Three minutes later new signing Sofiane Feghouli was heavily involved, as West Ham's #9 converted a low cross from the Algerian international to send West Ham into the interval with a slender lead. Following the temporary and unscheduled break, a string of changes followed leaving a much weaker West Ham XI to face the final half hour. Unfortunately inexperience told and the hosts grabbed what was probably a deserved equaliser on 68 minutes when Ceballos converted from the penalty spot, after Lewis Page was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball. With both tour dates fulfilled, it's back to Blighty tomorrow for the travelling - and winless - party following their brief sojourn in the States. Although the two results - here against the Railhawks and last week against the Seattle Sounders, some 2,850 miles away - may not have gone particularly positively for Bilic and his (under-strength) squad the trip will still be viewed as a successful one. However the manager will no doubt look forward to bringing his entire first team squad together for the first time upon his return to England, when the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Ashley Fletcher and a certain Dimitri Payet return from their earlier summer engagements.
West Ham Utd starting XI: Adrian, Byram, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Obiang, Noble, Feghouli, Samuelsen, Lanzini, Carroll.
Carolina Railhawks starting XI: Fitzgerald, Marcelin, Mensing, Beckie, Moses, Shipalane, da Luz, Albadawi, Watson, Shriver, Fondy.
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Liverpool's Christian Benteke in transfer U-turn as West Ham and Crystal Palace are scared off by sky-high fee
22:30, 13 JUL 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Reds are adamant they want the £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the striker last summer, so now he is determined to win over boss Jurgen Klopp
The Mirror
Liverpool's hard-ball tactics over Benteke have frightened off West Ham and Palace Christian Benteke is ready to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool . It comes after they effectively priced Belgium international striker Benteke out of a move by demanding a sky-high price for him. The Reds have told suitors West Ham and Crystal Palace they want to recoup the full £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the player last summer. That stance has scared off both clubs, and left Benteke convinced to try to win over manager Jurgen Klopp - who was not in charge when he was signed. Despite limited chances, the 25-year-old has maintained his ratio of a goal every two games in the Premier League for Liverpool and that is a key reason why they want to make all their money back. Benteke still believes he can be a success at Anfield despite the fierce competition for places. He has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool since Klopp took over, having been signed under the regime of predecessor Brendan Rodgers. West Ham have publicly admitted an interest in the player while Palace remain keen, having made strong enquiries. However, that hefty price-tag has put both clubs off as Liverpool play hard-ball
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Thierry Henry unlikely to join West Ham coaching staff after Arsenal departure
KEN DYER
Eveneing Standard
Thierry Henry is unlikely to be joining West Ham's coaching staff following his departure from Arsenal. The record Gunners scorer had been linked with a move across London after he left his part-time post as assistant coach of Arsenal's Under-18 squad. Watford, whose training ground is adjacent to his former club's headquarters at London Colney, had also been suggested as a possible destination but it is understood that he also will not be joining the Hornets. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had given Henry, who is working for his Pro Licence coaching badge, the job but with the proviso that he stepped down from his role as a Sky Sports pundit. The former France striker, who is believed to earn in the region of £4million a year at Sky, would not do so and Wenger was concerned at a potential conflict of interest caused by Henry having to criticise Arsenal players on TV.
Although West Ham have been mentioned as a possible destination for 38-year-old Henry, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and Academy Manager Terry Westley currently have no vacancies on their coaching staff. Arsenal, who are likely to appoint Tony Adams to replace Henry, insist the split was amicable and that the striker will be welcome to attend future sessions. West Ham meanwhile, drew 2-2 with Carolina RailHawks last night in a match held up for 40 minutes by a thunderstorm. Winston Reid and Andy Carroll scored West Ham's goals. The Hammers lost their other game of the tour, against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0.
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Gutted Manchester United and excited West Ham fans react to Ashley Fletcher's transfer
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United have swooped to sign Manchester United's Ashley Fletcher. West Ham United confirmed the signing of striker Ashley Fletcher on Tuesday evening, after his Manchester United contract had expired. Even after landing one young forward this summer in Toni Martinez, the Hammers have moved to land another striker for the future by signing Fletcher to a four-year contract. Fletcher, 20, has been on the books at Old Trafford since joining from Bolton Wanderers back in 2009, but he leaves United without ever having made a first-team appearance for the club. Last season, Fletcher was farmed out on loan to Barnsley, and he hit a total of nine goals in 27 games as the Tykes ended up winning the League One play-off final against Millwall - a game Fletcher scored in at Wembley Stadium.
Fletcher flashed real ability for Barnsley, with defenders struggling to cope with his pace and power - and with his contract at Manchester United expiring this summer, Fletcher has decided to move on rather than sit behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford next season. Instead, Fletcher will be heading to the Olympic Stadium after signing for West Ham, handing Slaven Bilic with a boost in attack and a player to develop over the coming years. Since the deal was confirmed on Tuesday evening, both Manchester United and West Ham United fans have been taking to Twitter to react to the transfer, with very different feelings. United fans appear disappointed that Fletcher has been allowed to leave the club, suggesting that the club could live to regret seeing him depart, just as they did with Paul Pogba. Meanwhile, West Ham fans are excited by Fletcher's arrival, noting that the club are building for the future by landing the striker, with some impressed by his performances for Barnsley...
Mark @McAlister33
Ashley Fletcher gone too 😢 probably the correct decision but West Ham have got a very good youngster #MUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Nael @naelmustafa
Why is a player like ashley fletcher, with promise and potential likened to Rashford, allowed to leave for free? #MUFC
10:21 PM - 12 Jul 2016
REDMartial @SallyTheManc
Just don't get how #MUFC allows players such as Ashley Fletcher leave so cheaply...West Ham won't even consider selling Reece Oxford
10:20 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Fred @FredyTheRed
Good luck to Ashley Fletcher .. #MUFC again, letting their youngsters leave without a buy back clause, we might see another Pogba situation
8:47 PM - 12 Jul 2016
M16MUFC @M16_MUFC
Gutted we Sold Ashley Fletcher look bright last season helping promote Barnsley so much potential West Ham have signed a good player #mufc
8:18 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Angry Bilic @AngryBilic
I can't claim to know a great deal about Fletcher, but bravo to the board and the gaffa for finally looking long-term with transfers #WHUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Darren Smith 14 @darrensmith849
Forget spending fortunes on players #whufc Ashley Fletcher is a huge signing for the next 10 years! Great prospect ⚒ @DaveSulley 👍 to DS&DG
8:11 PM - 12 Jul 2016
RUSTYHAMMER⚒ @DeanoTy
Samuelson, Quina & now fletcher we've robbed the so called elite. ⚒THE FUTURES BRIGHT, THE FUTURES CLARET N BLUE⚒
8:29 PM - 12 Jul 2016 · Luton, England, United Kingdom
WESTHAM1969 @Hammerhead2073
Ashley Fletcher should be a good signing, I remember him in the playoff final for Barnsley had a great game, probably be used in cup matches
9:43 PM - 12 Jul 2016
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Burke, Oxford, Cullen, Browne, Samuelsen, Martinez, Quina, Fletcher all in the academy. The future looks bright 👍🏻
7:32 PM - 12 Jul 2016
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West Ham FC transfer news: Belgian starlet Isaac Mbenza on Premier League club's radar
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
West Ham have enquired over the availability of Belgian prodigy Isaac Mbenza. The Valenciennes winger featured prominently for the Ligue 2 club last season, scoring seven goals and providing a further three assists. His displays caught the eye of scouts from the Premier League and, according to Foot Mercato, West Ham are ready to take a gamble on the 20-year-old. The only factor holding the Hammers back from making a bid is Mbenza's lack of experience in a top-flight league but scouts are seeking to persuade Slaven Bilic to take a risk on the player. A Belgium youth international, Mbenza graduated from Valenciennes' academy last year and was awarded with a three-year professional contract.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham: Winston Reid and Andy Carroll on target as Slaven Bilic's side are held to storm-delayed draw
West Ham were forced off the pitch by a thunderstorm in pre-season game
Winston Reid had already scored at both ends before 40-minute delay
Hammers had fought back from 1-0 down to lead, but were pegged back
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 07:06, 13 July 2016 | UPDATED: 07:11, 13 July 2016
A thunderstorm temporarily halted West Ham's final game of their United States tour as the Hammers drew 2-2 against Carolina Railhawks. The adverse weather conditions forced a 40-minute delay just after the hour mark, at which point the visitors led 2-1. Winston Reid had scored at either end before Andy Carroll gave Slaven Bilic's side the lead for the first time, but Marvin Ceballos' penalty earned the North American Soccer League club a draw.
Carolina Railhawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
The Railhawks took the lead in the 13th minute when Reid diverted a cross past United goalkeeper Adrian but the New Zealand defender atoned five minutes later by slotting home after being teed up by Carroll. Carroll then put West Ham ahead in the 21st minute by turning in summer signing Sofiane Feghouli's cross. It was the perfect way for Feghouli, who arrived from Valencia on a free transfer, was enjoying his first start for his new club, and his clever work down the right created a chance for the former England international to make it 2-1. The hosts hit back five minutes after play restarted following the thunderstorm when Lewis Page's handball allowed Ceballos to send Raphael Spiegel the wrong way from the spot. The Hammers, who lost their other game of the tour against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0, played the last five minutes with 10 men after Doneil Henry went off injured but neither side were able to find a winner.
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Thursday, July 14
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