A message from the Vice-Chairman
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady writes to supporters ahead of a momentous fortnight for West Ham United...
We're almost there. The first game at our magnificent new home is less than a fortnight away. To think how far we've come in six years and how close we are now is astounding.
Together, we have built a magnificent new home. A home that rightly stands alongside the very best in world football and a home that I know you will be every bit as proud of as I am. Be in no doubt, we are part of the most successful stadium migration in history. David Sullivan, David Gold and I have always believed in the West Ham fanbase and our faith was certainly not misplaced. The transition from a capacity of 35,000 to 54,000 was no mean feat, but to then make the leap to 60,000 was remarkable.
As of today, we find ourselves going into our first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with more than 52,000 Season Ticket Holders, a similar number on the Season Ticket Waiting List and our Membership numbers have exploded too. The demand for tickets is simply incredible. Though not without its challenges – nothing ever is – the move has been a complete success on every level.
When you first walk through the London Stadium turnstiles you will be in no doubt whatsoever that you are standing in the home of West Ham United. Our honours adorn the middle tier, the shirts of iconic West Ham players hang on the concourse and, of course, your claret and blue seating, crossed hammers and all, awaits. Right from day one, our home will celebrate our legends. And we will continue do so, as the current crop make their mark on West Ham history. Just as we promised, the West Ham-inspired lounges in Club London are absolutely stunning. We've set a new global benchmark in sports hospitality and, what's more, they're full of poignant West Ham touches, with tributes to players, managers and supporters alike.
Construction projects of this magnitude are notorious for their delays, but we are on schedule, to the very day, to open in full football mode, for the Premier League curtain raiser against Bournemouth. That's of enormous credit to everyone on the construction side, not least with the added complexity of Europa League football. Thanks to the success on the pitch last season, we start our campaign more than a fortnight earlier than we expected. It's a sign of where this Club is headed and we fully expect it to be the first of many memorable European evenings at our new home.
As we explained after the draw on Friday, we'll be operating at a maximum capacity of 54,000 for the Europa League game. This is all part of the ramp up to the Stadium opening at its full 60,000 capacity for the Premier League opener, but I think we all agree an earlier start to the season due to European football is a position we're happy to be in.
Yes, the Stadium has been delivered on time, but there are of course still many elements and finishing touches that are scheduled to be fully in place early in the season. Of course (just like a new house) there will be elements we need to assess and get right once we're in and we'll always be striving to improve and add things, just as you would expect of any world-class venue.
For one thing, once the complete seating solution is in place, work will begin on the bold West Ham branding to sit at the back of the lower tiers. Likewise, the world-class Stadium wrap, boasting Europe's largest digital screen will be fully operational for the Hammers' meeting with Sunderland in October. As you may have seen in my last video update, the Stadium will of course be fully connected in the fullness of time. The WIFI is being installed in stages, over a number of months, and should be finished later this year.
All in all, we're in exceptionally good shape and have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. These are moments that will live long in the memory of the football club and
I cannot wait to share them with you.
Karren Brady
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Farewell to the Reservation Centre
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's dedicated New Stadium Reservation Centre at Westfield Stratford will close its doors on Monday 25 July, having successfully completed the mammoth task of allocating seats to 52,000 Season Ticket Holders in the magnificent London Stadium. The Reservation Centre was launched in September 2014 by West Ham Vice-Chairman, Karren Brady, boasting state-of-the-art Virtual Venue technology, as designed by IO Media, to allow fans to virtually 'sit' in any available seat and pick the one most suitable for them.
The first of its kind in use in the UK, the system enabled fans to navigate the seating bowl of the Stadium to check out the sightlines and surroundings before selecting their seats, with a dedicated Club adviser taking them through the process and answering all their questions.
In its early months, the Reservation Centre focused on allocating seats to fans who had joined Club London, the luxury hospitality lounges and bars in the West Stand of the London Stadium. But from April 2015, the first of tens of thousands of one-to-one appointments was scheduled for Season Ticket Holders wanting to select their seats, and secure their place in history, as Founders of West Ham's new home.
To accommodate the vast numbers of Season Ticket Holders requiring appointments and ensure they could take their time to choose their preferred seat, the Reservation Centre was opened for 11 hours every weekday, 12 hours on Saturdays, and 6 hours on Sundays.
In March 2016, just when it seemed the Reservation Centre's work was done, West Ham obtained agreement to increase the Stadium's capacity to 60,000 for home matches, and made another 6,000 Band 5 Season Tickets available for sale. The last of them was sold in May.
The operation has now moved to the Hammers' state-of-the-art premises on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The Club's brand new Ticket Office boasts a total of 25 ticket windows, 20 of which are stationed at the main Ticket Office, while the remaining five are housed in a secondary Ticket Office at the north of the Stadium.
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Hammers in Austria - Domzale prep continues
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's preparations for Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg in Slovenia continue in Austria. The Hammers are coming towards the end of a ten-day training camp in the central European country with Slaven Bilic's men working hard ahead of the start of their competitive fixtures. Tuesday will see their final training session before heading over the border to Ljubljana for Thursday's game against NK Domzale at Stadion Stozice. Young defender Reece Oxford linked up with the squad after the weekend, fresh from helping England reach the semi-finals of the UEFA U19 Championships, qualifying for next summer's FIFA U20 World Cup in the process. West Ham have been in Austria since 17 July, playing matches against FC Slovacko, Rubin Kazan and Karlsruher SC among a series of intensive training sessions.
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Bilic - We're ready for Thursday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United begin UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday
Hammers warmed up with 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC in Austria on Saturday
Manager Bilic pleased with preparation work over pre-season
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic says his team are right on track with their preparations for Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg in Slovenia.
For the second year in succession, the Hammers will start their season earlier than any of their Premier League rivals due to a participation in European competition. With their first competitive game coming a little over two weeks before the top flight kicks-off, Bilic says the pre-season work has been different to normal. But following Saturday's 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC, in which Andy Carroll and summer signings Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher hit the target, the manager says the Hammers are ready for the challenge laid down by NK Domzale. "We are happy with our preparations," he said, "We have done everything that wanted to do, but still we have to make a balance in our preparations to compromise some things because the competitive games don't start on 15 August, they start on Thursday. "It's not ideal but I'm really pleased with the way we've trained. "We are still expecting a few players to come back, those who have been playing in the European Championships. "If we continue to work hard like this, with dedication and humility, we can expect good things."
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Oxford relishing Europa challenge
WHUFC.com
17-year-old Oxford part of England squad which reached semi-finals of UEFA U19 Championship this month
Defender made his debut in last season's UEFA Europa League campaign
First season with the senior squad saw Oxford make 12 appearances
Reece Oxford wants the use the disappointment of a semi-final exit at this summer's UEFA U19 Championship to drive him on to more success. Oxford and England won all three of their group games in Germany to raise the prospect of a first title at U19 level, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat to Italy at the last four stage. France, who were defeated by England in the group phase, went on to lift the title but Oxford is using the experience as a positive. As he returns to pre-season with West Ham United in Austria, the 17-year-old is keen to build on a breakthrough 2015/16 season which saw him make 12 first team appearances. He said: "The boys tried their best in Germany and we won every group game. We were probably the favourites out there [when it got to the semi-finals], but sometimes the ball just doesn't go in the net for you and the opposition is stronger on the day. "So, hopefully we will bounce back from that and go to the U20s World Cup next year as favourites to win it. "That's a big aim for me now, so hopefully I can get into the squad and push on with them. "It was good experience, playing up a year against players who are the best in their countries. It helps everyone in the team. "I'm happy to be back here for pre-season now. I'm fit, because I've been involved at the U19s Euros, but I just want to push on, hopefully play a couple of Europa League games and push on for the season. "I made my debut in the Europa League last season, then played two or three more and that helped me go on and play the first game in the Premier League. "Hopefully I can do the same this summer. It would be good to be part of the squad to play in the first game at the new Stadium next week too."
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Bobby Moore awarded Blue Plaque
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Bobby Moore honoured with English Heritage Blue Plaque
England's 1966 World Cup-winning captain is first footballer to be awarded the honour
Blue Plaque erected at the great captain's childhood home in Waverley Gardens in Barking
West Ham United and England FIFA World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore OBE has become the first footballer to be honoured with an English Heritage Blue Plaque.
The plaque was unveiled in a ceremony at his childhood home at 43 Waverley Gardens, Barking, where the young Bobby first kicked a football and honed the skills that would make him his country's finest-ever defender.
Capped 108 times by England, being appointed the Three Lions' youngest-ever captain aged just 22 years and 47 days, Bobby went on to make 647 appearances for West Ham between 1958 and 1974, lifting the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in front of the Claret and Blue Army.
Held in the week which marks the 50th anniversary of Bobby lifting the FIFA World Cup for England, the dedication was led by Greg Dyke, a member of the English Heritage Blue Plaques panel and outgoing chairman of The Football Association (FA), in the presence of nearly 100 of Bobby's friends and family, and many of those he played alongside during his illustrious career.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and Bobby's daughter Roberta both spoke in honour of Bobby, as did former West Ham player and manager and his long-time friend Harry Redknapp.
The Vice-Chairman said: "We are absolutely delighted that Bobby is being honoured in this fashion. Not only is he a true sporting icon, but, without question, West Ham's favourite son.
"As custodians of the Club, we have always believed it is our duty and pleasure to honour his memory in every way we can. Carrying on a Boleyn Ground tradition we will soon officially name the new Stadium North Stand in his honour, our Club London hospitality boasts the exquisite BM6 Lounge, a Legends Stone was recently laid in Champions Place commemorating his West Ham and England career and his now retired, No6 shirt hangs proudly above the concourse at our new home and his legacy lives on action too through the fantastic work of the Moore Family Foundation.
"Bobby is the ultimate local boy done good and so it's particularly poignant that English Heritage should celebrate his life and magnificent career just along the road, at his childhood home in Barking, where it all began for a young Bobby."
For Roberta, this permanent tribute to her father's memory is a fitting one.
"I know my father would be truly humbled and deeply touched today," said his only daughter. "This Blue Plaque is a wonderful tribute in recognition of his achievements for our country in this special year and the high esteem in which he is held.
"This is where it all began – kicking a ball out here in the street with his friends before embarking on an incredible journey which as we all know led him up the steps to collect the World Cup from the Queen at Wembley 50 years ago this week. My sincere gratitude and thanks to English Heritage for bestowing this honour upon my father, I couldn't be more proud."
After the unveiling guests were invited by the West Ham United Board to a special reception just a stone's throw away at their new home, the magnificent London Stadium. On Display were Bobby's treasured England caps and his 1966 World Cup Winners medal, items that the Club intend to display for fans on the new Stadium Tour route.
The reception also marked the first public viewing a a three-foot figurative commemorative bronze sculpture of Bobby Moore in action. Roberta Moore commissioned the world renowned British sculptor Georgiana Anstruther to create the sculpture of her father, which will be displayed at Wembley Stadium as part of The FA's 1966 Exhibition. Six copies of the sculpture have been made available for sale, with all profits going to the Moore Family Foundation. You can find further details here.
Launched by West Ham United in association with Roberta and the Moore family in 2014 at Ripple Primary School in Barking, which Bobby himself attended, The Moore Family Foundation is a registered charity providing life-changing opportunities through football.
Bobby's home Borough of Barking and Dagenham is one of a number where Foundation learning mentors are assisting thousands of vulnerable young people with literacy, numeracy and attainment in partnership with targeted primary and secondary schools.
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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com
London Stadium in final stages of transformation into West Ham United's new home
Retractable seating being repositioned in Lower tiers of the North, South and West Stands
Hammers host NK Domzale in UEFA Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday 28 July
Following the conclusion of the Anniversary Games on Saturday, it is now all systems go at London Stadium to ready the arena for West Ham United's historic first fixture.
The Hammers are to play host to Slovenian outfit NK Domzale in the return leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie on Thursday 4 August, before Juventus visit in the Betway Cup three days later.
In readiness for a maiden European fixture at the iconic arena, the repositioning of the retractable seating on three sides of the Stadium began on Sunday.
With the 'Kop'-style East Stand, bearing 'West Ham' and the crossed hammers, already in its final, football-ready mode, the lower tiers of the North, South and West Stands are now to undergo a similar process in the coming days.
Elsewhere, West Ham branding is to go up a notch over the next ten days as well. In addition to the imposing 45-metre wide marquee signage, which arrived on site last Monday, the famous Claret and Blue will become more and more prominent, both inside and out, as the countdown to kick-off continues.
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Potts - We're ready for a tough test
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham defender Steve Potts looks ahead to the Development Squad's next fixture
The young Hammers face Dutch side PEC Zwolle on Wednesday
Potts, an Academy Coach, reckons it will be a tough fixture
Ex-Hammer and Academy Coach Steve Potts says the Development Squad's clash against Dutch side PEC Zwolle on Wednesday will be a big test.
The squad, who are currently on tour in the Netherlands and training at partner club VVV Venlo's ground, face the Dutch Eredivisie side at 3pm UK time in Arnhem.
And former full-back Potts believes the fixture will be the perfect challenge for the young players who have made the trip to Holland.
He said: "It will be a big test against Zwolle. Both our games out here are on astroturf, so we have to change our game accordingly and we want to keep the ball and move the ball on.
"We're playing grown men now and you've got to stand up and be counted. Foreign teams tend to keep the ball really well and we'll see where we are compared to them from that point of view.
"Slaven's first team are forever working the ball well, and that's the sort of quality we're looking for from the young lads [on Wendesday]."
The Development Squad enjoyed fixtures over Chelmsford City, Peterborough United and Southend United back in the UK before they travelled to mainland Europe, where they will eventually face VVV Venlo on Saturday.
Potts continued and explained why trips away together can help the squad develop as both players and as people.
"These trips are good all round," he revealed. "It's good for pre-season training and the boys get away from the environment of home – what is Chadwell Heath at the moment. They do a bit of bonding.
"It's important for team spirit. You only have to look back at the Euros recently to see how important team spirit is. Unless you've got that, it's very difficult as a team. If you get that, you're purely talking football afterwards.
"The trip has been good so far. The players have been working hard with the season only a few weeks away, and they've looked pretty sharp. They'll be two good tests against foreign opposition."
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HAMMERS TO REVISIT ANDRE AYEW DEAL?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 2:10PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Last Summer the Irons were pretty close to landing the Ghanaian international striker when he became a free agent after leaving Marseille but to no avail as he signed a huge deal to join Premiership rivals Swansea City.
Now it has emerged that 12 months later the Hammers are once again interested in the possibility of teaming up Andre with his old Marseille team-mate Dimitri Payet.
The two together along with Gignac gave Marseille one of the most potent strikeforce's in France during the 2014/15 and 2013/14 seasons scoring 68 Ligue One goals between them.
It is widely considered that Guidolin wouldn't want to sell Ayew after already losing Paloschi and Gomis this window but he does have an interest in Ener Valencia and both players seemed to be valued by either club at around the same £12m-£15m price range so there may be a possibility of working out a deal involving both.
Infact it was the latter, Batetimbi Gomis who convinced Ayew to join Swansea in the first place and with his departure already confirmed to Marseille there's a possibility it may sway Andre on any decision to leave the Welsh club this Summer. There's also the additional link with agent Mark McKay who helped with both Ayew and Payet deals last summer and is a preferred agent of the club.
It remains to be seen though how keen West Ham are on a player that is considered more of a wide forward/winger than a central striker but I'm pretty sure the imprint is still there on Slaven Bilic's mind, how Ayew (playing in a central role) destroyed West Ham at Upton Park only just a few months ago as the visitors strolled to a 4-1 win which basically ended any hopes the Hammers had of qualifying for the Champions League.
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England's Bobby Moore awarded blue plaque on Barking home
BBC.co.uk
Bobby Moore, the only England captain to ever win the World Cup, will be honoured with a blue plaque later. The memorial will be placed on his childhood home at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking, east London where he first learned to play football. As well as captaining the team, Moore set up two of Geoff Hurt's goals in the 1966 World Cup final before receiving the Jules Rimet trophy from the Queen. He was described as "one of the greatest" by ex-FA chairman Greg Dyke.
'Tenacity and industry'
Mr Dyke, who is an English Heritage Blue Plaque Panel member, said the plaque "honours... the house and the streets where he grew up and first learned his footballing skills".
Bobby Moore, who was born at Upney Hospital in Barking in 1941, developed his footballing skills while playing with his father and uncle in Greatfields Park, near to 43 Waverley Gardens. He was living in the house when he won his first silverware, the Crisp Shield in the 1950-1 season, and when he joined West Ham United at the age of 16. At the time, a scout for the club said Moore "would not set the world alight" but praised his "tenacity and industry". He was appointed England captain in 1963, a year after being a surprise call-up for the 1962 World Cup. Moore's father, known as "Big Bob", watched the 1966 final on television at 43 Waverley Gardens, although his mother was too nervous so spent the game potting plants in the garden.
Bobby Moore's football facts
Signed for an initial wage of £12 a week when he became a professional for West Ham
Made his West Ham debut on 8 September 1958 and was a regular for the team by 1960, making 647 appearances overall
Captained West Ham to victory in the FA Cup Final in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following year
Led his country in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico where England were eliminated in the quarter-finals by West Germany
Given final England cap in 1973, reaching 108 appearances for his country, the fifth in the all-time list
After retiring, Moore enjoyed a career in the media as lead sports columnist for the Sunday Sport and a football analyst on radio for Capital Gold. He died from cancer on 24 February 1993, aged 51, a week after making his final radio commentary. His daughter Roberta said her father would be "truly humbled and deeply touched" by the blue plaque.
Blue Plaque facts
The scheme began in 1866 after the idea of erecting "memorial tablets" was first proposed by William Ewart MP in the House of Commons in 1863
The first plaque was for the poet Lord Byron, although this was lost when the building it was on was demolished in 1889
More than 900 plaques have been unveiled across London
An official plaque can only be proposed for a person who has been dead for at least 20 years
A plaque put up in Chalk Farm in 1937 to mark Karl Marx's final address had to be taken down because it was repeatedly vandalised
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Ticket chaos as system buckles
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
A number of West Ham supporters have complained to KUMB.com after being forced to wait up to TWO HOURS in order to access the Ticket Office. With many fans attempting to access the ticket line by phone in order to purchase or upgrade tickets for the forthcoming Europa League tie against Domzale and the Juventus friendly, the ticket line has understandably been extremely busy in recent days. However West Ham - who promised ticketing issues would be consigned to the past following the switch to Ticketmaster - came under fire from supporters today, some of whom suggested the new system was even SLOWER than before. Michael Aston - who had been hanging on for exactly one hour, 58 minutes and 30 seconds at time of writing - was the first to write to KUMB earlier in the day. "Don't ever call the ticket office," he said. "It's an absolute disgrace, the new online system is useless."
And fellow season ticket holder Mike Cawston told a similarly grim tale of his experience. "I need to upgrade two of four STs," he said. "Unfortunately this is impossible to do online. "I made four attempts by phone yesterday with each call lasting 30 minutes. Today I went to the Ticket Office in person - only to be told the computer system was down. Later I phoned again and, after waiting for another 45 minutes, I was informed told they couldn't upgrade tickets and I needed to speak to Ticketmaster's Customer Services. "So I phoned them, they said all bookings need to be made through the club's box office - hence I now have to phone again later!"
KUMB's own Rio Barlow was another fan who was left frustrated and out of pocket after hanging on for an unfeasibly-long period of time. "I've been holding for two hours," he said. "Not being told you have to move seats; being charged to do so; confusion amongst staff? It's a complete shambles."
Meanwhile Steve Hackett simply decided not to bother again, having failed to get through to the ticket office at the first attempt. "I've written off money in my ticket trader account now," he told KUMB. "I can't be bothered with another hour-long wait."
And Mark Segal, another long-term season ticket holder was equally unimpressed. "I started trying at 9am this morning," he said. "At 10.20 I was still getting the message that the office was closed and would open at 9am! "I tried again this afternoon and held the line for about 25 minutes before giving up - but I need to ring again as I want to upgrade from a kids to adult ticket."
Further to issues with lengthy delays, season ticket holders have also complained about being charged booking fees. " I was unable to book my season ticket seat as it was unavailable," said Joe Maker. "In the end I got charged a £2 'non member' booking fee per ticket to book alternatives!"
The existence of a booking fee also annoyed Michael Aston. "Online it said no lower tier seats were available, so I chose other seats = only later to buy my mate's seats next to us! I was also charged a £2 booking fee as a non-member online, even though we were all season ticket holders.
"Fortunately I managed to get the seats changed - after a two-hour wait on the phone."
* KUMB reached out to West Ham United FC for a response, but we're yet to receive a reply.
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Hammers seeking Cresswell replacement
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's search for a new full back is set to intensify following the injury to Aaron Cresswell. The left back was ruled out for up to four months yesterday following a horror tackle by Karlsruher midfielder Grischa Promel in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win. And the club have already began the hunt for a replacement, with the likes of Walsall's Rico Henry and Leeds United's highly-rated Charlie Taylor just two players being considered as potential replacements for the injured Cresswell. Also thought to be on the radar are Norwich City's experienced duo Robbie Brady and Martin Olsson, that latter of whom has been linked with a move to West Ham on several occasions previously.
Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old Liverpudlian had missed just one game in two seasons for the Hammers.
* Lyon have rejected a €35million bid from Arsenal for Hammers target Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker looks set to remain at his current club, who responded to news of the Gunners bid by stating: "OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio's squad."
* West Ham continue to be linked with Swansea forward Andre Ayew, who is said to be interesting several Premier League clubs. The 26-year-old is believed to be looking to move on this summer but Swans boss Francesco Guidolin is hoping to persuade the former Marseille man to remain at the club. Andre is a good guy and a good player," he said. "I hope he stays with us, but I don't know."
* Wissam Ben Yedder's future looks no closer to being resolved despite (disputed) rumours that he is set to sign for either Sevilla or Arsenal emerging from Africa overnight (via Canal +'s Ludo Deroin). GFFN insist that Ben Yedder is still being chased by a number of clubs including West Ham and Leicester, who are said to have held brief talks with representatives of the player in recent days.
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Hammers target Swedish full back
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are interested in signing Swedish full back Ludwig Augustinsson as replacement for Aaron Cresswell. The 22-year-old Swedish international is a product of the famous Brommapojkarnacademy (which is comprised of no less than 247 teams) which has produced the likes of Bojan Djordjic and John Guidetti over the years. And according to KUMB sources, West Ham have already discussed terms with the player's current club F.C. Copenhagen regarding a potential transfer. Having began his career with Brommapojkarna, Augustinsson - whose father Hans was also a professional footballer - moved to Gothenburg in 2013 where he was named as the nation's best left back of that season. In Jnaury 2015 he moved to his current club for an estimated €1.4 million and was part of the Copenhagen squad that won the Allsvenskan that season - a feat they repeated in 2015/16. Augustinsson, who had previously represented his country at Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 level made his full international debut against the Ivory Coast in January 2015. He was part of the squad that featured in Euro 16.
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West Ham hamper fraud: Trial rescheduled for October
BBC.co.uk
The trial of a man accused of a Christmas hamper con which saw West Ham players lose thousands of pounds has been abandoned. Stephen Ackerman, 48, of Loughton, Essex, denies 19 fraud charges with the proceeds totalling more than £60,000. Mr Ackerman is accused of selling hampers to players that never arrived under the alias Mark Kingston. The jury has been discharged with a new trial set to start on 24 October at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
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26/07/16 – LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 11:59AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Cresswell injury blow –
The club confirmed yesterday that the horror tackle Aaron suffered at the weekend will cost him and the Hammers his services for 3-4 months depending on whether he requires surgery on the ligament injury. It's a massive blow for the club/player considering Aaron has only missed one game since he signed from Ipswich Town. The club will now have to go into the market for a replacement as young inexperienced Lewis Page remains the only other left-back in the squad at present. The media haven't named any names as of yet but one name to possibly keep an eye on is Inter Milan fullback, Davide Santon who has been linked to the club in previous windows and has the versatility of being able to play both fullback positions. Davide played left back whilst at Newcastle and right back for Inter Milan when he returned there.
Calleri flies in for medical? –
Reports in South America have indicated that Jonathan Calleri has left the Argentina Olympic squad to fly to London to undergo his medical with the club to complete his loan move here. Calleri reportedly received his Italian passport last week and is set to tie up his deal with the club.
Bacca Update –
Napoli seem to have interest but they have been working hard to secure a deal for Icardi from Inter to replace the Juventus bound Gonzalo Higuain. Reports have also emerged from Spain this morning that Barcelona may have interest after losing out on Luciano Vietto who has reportedly agreed to join Sevilla on loan. Just as it happens Sevilla was an option that Bacca was considering. I think most get the picture here, if Bacca ever agrees to join the Hammers it wont be until he's exhausted every option he considers to be a better one first.
Ben Yedder to Arsenal/Sevilla –
Reports have emerged via Canal + that the Toulouse striker will make a decision between Sevilla and Arsenal within the next few hours. This would seem to tie in with the exclusive that our very own ExWHUEmployee brought you in his column last week. The fact that the club were worried about Ben Yedder's physicality in the Premier League may have meant our interest wasn't as strong as in other players we are targeting.
Zaza interest remains –
Various reports in Italy seem convinced we haven't ruled out a move for the Italian international famous for his ridiculous penalty attempt at the recent Euros. He has always maintained that he wants to remain in Serie A and also has a lucrative offer on the table from Wolfsburg but they will not be competing in Europe this season.
Mandukic to join Slav again –
The Daily Mail ran the story yesterday that we are pretty keen on Slav's former protegé and the fact that Mario would be pretty interested in coming here. His wages may well be an issue but if there is definite interest from both parties this could be the best viable option the Hammers have left should the Bacca deal not materialise.
Lanzini flies home –
Manu Lanzini is currently on his way home to be assessed by the West Ham medical team after suffering a knee injury whilst on duty with Argentina's Olympic squad.
Oxford joins up with the squad in Austria –
After his efforts for England U19's at the European Championships, young defender, Reece Oxford has joined up with Slav's squad in Austria to prepare for the club's Europa League tie in Slovenia on Thursday. Reece will be a welcome addition to the squad as Slav is already missing James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna as both are not due to return from their breaks until next week.
Bradford want Cullen back –
Local Bradford news outlet Telegraph and Angus are reporting that the League One club want the young Irish midfielder back on loan next season but West Ham will not agree to the loan yet until they have concluded all of their transfer business in this window and know their squad depth.
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DIEGO POYET'S FUTURE IN THE BALANCE AT WEST HAM?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 9:47PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Allardyce signed Diego Poyet for the Hammers from Charlton Athletic two seasons ago and at the time was seen as a good acquisition for the future. Many at Charlton felt at the time that he left their club too early after an excellent season for the Addicks in 2013/14 and wasn't ready for the step up.
It seems they may have been right. Diego rarely featured under Sam Allardyce and despite a few appearances under Bilic in last season's Europa League, he hasn't played too much football in a claret and blue shirt. Diego was hoping that he would be able to have a fresh start at the club this season after two disastrous loan spells last year and after playing briefly in the United States tour, he was left out of Slaven's Austrian training camp squad and subsequently has now been omitted from the club's Europa League Qualifying round squad.
He currently finds himself behind first team players Noble, Kouyate, Obiang and Nordtveit battling for defensive/central midfield positions and it would seem that even the likes of Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen have overtaken him as options for those roles under Bilic.
Poyet now 21, has two more years to run on his current contract with the club but at this point in time it seems that he may move on permanently this Summer rather than another loan spell to the lower leagues.
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Academy to feature in PL second tier
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Under 23s will play in the second tier of the new Premier League 2, it has been confirmed. It was revealed this afternoon that the young Hammers will feature in the league's second tier next season alongside the likes of Blackburn, Brighton, Fulham and Wolves. The new Premier League 2 is being introduced this season as replacement for the Under 21 Premier League. The new structure also allows up to three players over 23 (including a goalkeeper) to feature in each team selection. The format is similar to the Premier League and Championship whereby the bottom two teams in Division 1 will be replaced at the end of the season by the winners ofDivision 2 plus the winners of a play-off involving the teams placed 2nd to 5th.
Additionally each team must play at least three home games per season in their senior stadium, which could potentially cause a headache for West Ham now they are simply tenants and no longer own their home ground.
THe two divisions will be comprised as follows:
Division 1: Arsenal, Chelsea, Derby County, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Reading, Southampton, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur.
Division 2: Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Swansea City, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Lanzini out of Olympics - confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Argentina have confirmed that Manuel Lanzini will not feature in next month's Olympic Games because of a knee injury.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was set to join up with the rest of the Argentine squad next week but has pulled out of the tournament as a result of the knee injury sustained in a friendly against Colombia last weekend.
"We are in close contact with Manuel and the AFA (Argentine Football Association), who have started a late-release replacement procedure with the IOC (International Olympic Committee)," club doc Stijn Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"Until he has been assessed by the IOC, he cannot be replaced, but after this process has been completed we want him to return to England to be assessed by our own medical staff as soon as possible."
Lanzini, who has been replaced in the Argentine squad by Boca Juniors' highly-rated 20-year-old striker Cristian Pavón will return to London imminently for further treatment.
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West Ham's Manuel Lanzini ruled out of Rio Olympics with injury
By James Dale
Last Updated: 26/07/16 2:20pm
SSN
Manuel Lanzini will fly back to London after Argentina confirmed he will not be fit to take part in the Rio Olympics. The West Ham midfielder has been with the Argentina camp in Miami preparing for the summer tournament after being selected in the final 18-man squad. Lanzini's involvement could have seen him miss the start of the Premier League season with West Ham, however, the Argentine Football Association confirmed a knee injury has ended his hopes of participating at the Games. The 23-year-old could now be available for the opening game of the new campaign against Chelsea on August 15, live on Sky Sports. West Ham have already received an injury blow with defender Aaron Cresswell set to be out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury. West Ham are waiting to hear whether Carlos Bacca will join them after agreeing a fee with AC Milan. Boca Juniors attacker Cristian Pavon will replace Lanzini in the Argentina squad, having been named initially as a reserve. Argentina have already had a number of players ruled out of the tournament either through injury or clubs blocking their players' involvement.
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Andy Carroll takes Havard Nordtveit under his wing with fishing trip on West Ham's pre-season tour
17:48, 26 JUL 2016 UPDATED 17:51, 26 JUL 2016
BY MIRROR SPORT
The Norwegian arrives on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach and is already bonding with the Geordie striker on the Hammers' pre-season tour in Austria
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been enjoying a spot of fishing with new West Ham signing Havard Nordtveit. The Norway international has struck up a bond with the former Newcastle striker while on the pre-season tour in Austria. Carroll proudly displayed two rather large carps on his Instagram page, while Nordtveit - stripped to his pants - waded in to the lake in search of a prized catch. Nordtveit previously played for Arsenal as a youngster and most recently enjoyed a five-year spell with Borussia Mongengladbach . Slaven Bilic picked up the Norway star on a free transfer and will expect Nordtveit to provide competition in both midfield and defence.
Nordtveit joins Gokhan Tore, Sofiane Feghouli, Ashley Fletcher and Toni Martinez through the door at the Olympic Stadium in what promises to be a successful debut season at their new home. West Ham have been busy in pre-season with wins over Seattle Sounders and Karlsruher, draws against Carolina Railhawks and Slovacko and a heavy defeat to Rubin Kazan. The Hammers are next in action on tour this Thursday when they take on Slovenian side Domzale.
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West Ham transfer news: Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady on Hammers radar following Aaron Cresswell injury
KEN DYER
Evcening Standard
West Ham have made signing an experienced left-back a priority following the news that Aaron Cresswell faces up to four months out injured. Cresswell could require knee surgery after he was injured in a tackle during the pre-season friendly against Karlsruher last weekend. The defender was crucial to West Ham finishing seventh last season and boss Slaven Bilic is desperate to sign a quality replacement before the start of the season. However, it is understood Bilic will not recall Stephen Hendrie from a loan spell at Blackburn. The club were looking at youngsters Charlie Taylor, of Leeds, and Walsall's Rico Henry as cover before Creswell's injury but will now go for an established player.
Relegated Norwich could be the focus of their attention with both Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady's futures at Carrow Road uncertain. Sweden international Olsson, 28, is in the final season of his contract and Brady's profile has increased significantly following his winning goal for the Republic of Ireland against Italy at Euro 2016. West Ham are still waiting for Olympic chiefs to release Manuel Lanzini after he damaged his knee against Colombia. The forward cannot be replaced in Argentina's squad for Rio until he has been checked by an IOC medic. Meanwhile, West Ham are poised to confirm the loan signing of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri. The 22-year-old, who established his reputation at Boca Juniors, has been on loan at Brazilian club Sao Paulo.
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Jonathan Calleri to West Ham: Hammers poised to announce loan signing of Argentine striker
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham are poised to confirm the loan signing of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri. The 22-year-old, who established his reputation at Boca Juniors, has been on loan at Brazilian club Sao Paulo. Slaven Bilic has made his forward line a priority as the Hammers prepare for life in the Olympic Stadium. The West Ham boss has seen summer targets Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette slip through his grasp, while the club are still waiting on an answer from Carlos Bacca after striking a £26million deal with AC Milan. The arrival of Calleri will ease the burden on Bilic, but West Ham remain in the market for a world class striker. The club's co-chairman David Sullivan confirmed in May they were willing to part with £30million to secure a 20-goal-a-season forward and, should Bacca decline a move to east London, the search will continue. Meanwhile, West Ham have been forced into the market to secure a replacement for Aaron Cresswell, who has been ruled out for up to four months with knee ligament injury.
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Mark Noble explains how the West Ham squad are building team spirit
HITC
Michael Stevenson
The Hammers captain feels that hard graft on the training pitch is bringing the team together. Mark Noble has spoken of the excellent team spirit being created at West Ham this summer, in an interview with the club's official website. The Hammers have endured a mixed pre-season in terms of results, failing to win in their first four friendlies, but Noble feels the training ground is where the important work takes place. "This is what pre-season's all about, the Gaffer trying new things, new players coming in and trying to blend as a squad together," said the 29-year old. "It's been great. We trained on Thursday morning and then had an afternoon off, which was nice, then we go back at it with two sessions tomorrow. "It's the grind of pre-season that builds team spirit. It's out on the training pitch that you really put in the hard work and you drag each other through," he added.
West Ham's pre-season preparations took a turn for the worse on Saturday however, with Aaron Cresswell damaging his knee ligaments in the victory over Karlsruher leaving him facing around four months on the sidelines. The left-back took to social media to express his disappointment at the turn of the events and Slaven Bilic will have to lift his squad's spirits quickly, with their first competitive game of the season just two days away. Domzale are the opponents, as West Ham travel to Slovenia for their Europa League Third qualifying round clash on Thursday night, and they will need to improve on some disappointing pre-season performances if they are to make it into the group stages. The Hammers failed to get through qualifying last summer and went on to enjoy a successful Premier League campaign, but the spectacle of European nights at the Olympic Stadium should be something the squad is determined to experience
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Wednesday, July 27
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