Nolan - I have every confidence in Slaven
WHUFC.com
Former captain Kevin Nolan made his first appearance to London Stadium last Saturday and despite the home defeat against Watford, he still believes there is enough quality in the squad to challenge for a European place and a major trophy this season. Nolan, who made 157 appearances during his four-year spell, relished the chance to meet up with his former team-mates once again and believes the likes of Andy Carroll and Mark Noble stand a great chance of following Michail Antonio into the England set-up this season....
To be honest I have been blown away by the new Stadium. It is absolutely fantastic. I had the privilege to walk around and it is an amazing venue. Hopefully the team can start putting a good run together and carry on the success they had last season. The boys will definitely enjoy performing on this big stage and show the qualities they have got. I saw all the planning that was taking place and to now see it come to fruition and look the way it is, they have got it spot on. Last year the team fell short at the final hurdle at the end of the season. This year the team needs to be looking at winning a trophy and finishing in the top seven. It will be a lot more difficult this season as Liverpool have recruited well, Manchester United and Chelsea have also signed good players. You have then got the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal so it will be a tough season.
But I have got every confidence in Slaven and the players he has brought into the Club. With the squad they have got, they can still have a great season and compete for a trophy.One of the biggest moves of the summer was keeping Dimitri Payet and he was massive to what they achieved last year. But it was also massive to keep Manuel Lanzini at the Club. Unfortunately we lost Andy Carroll who was flying through pre-season and Aaron Cresswell early on through injury. But these are exciting times and when you see the players we have got, I am really excited to see what they can produce this season. I don't want to say anything bad about the Football Association but we did really well for a number of years with a number of English players and only Scott Parker and Matthew Upson got a call-up to the England squad. A lot more of our English players should have been called up because they performed really well.
We have now got Andy Carroll, Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and obviously Michail Antonio received his first call-up last week. It is exciting times for those boys because if Nobes has another season like the one he produced last year and they will definitely have a chance of also breaking into the set-up under Sam. I am still actively looking to get back on the pitch. I am waiting for a call which will suit what I need. I am keeping myself fit and just need to get the ball back out and shouting at a few people!
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Club to hold meeting on Founders Feedback
WHUFC.com
As many West Ham fans will be aware, we are currently in the process of setting up a new format for our Supporter Advisory Board, as we enter into the next crucial phase of life at London Stadium. The SAB plays a crucial role in the communication between fans and the Club – which is why the Club have reached out to last season's Advisory Board as part of the effort to continue improving the matchday experience at London Stadium. A representative sample of SAB members who have attended home matches this season - along with a sample of fans who have contacted the Club via our dedicated Founders Feedback channel, will attend a supporters' meeting with the Club on Tuesday 20 September, to discuss their view on the matchday experience at London Stadium so far this season. The Club acknowledge the magnitude of the move to our new home and the inevitable settling in process and appreciate the support of loyal Hammers fans for their help and patience in these early stages. Feedback from our supporters is vital in helping us to identify ways in which we can enhance the stadium experience.
If you wish to enter the selection process and apply for a place on the 2016/17 season SAB, you can find out more here.
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Foundation deliver One Goal
WHUFC.com
As the Foundation's hectic summer programmes come to an end, it is time to look back upon the best summer ever, reflecting on those programmes which have run for the second year following successful implementation during 2015. One of those initiatives is One Goal, the country's biggest free holiday programme, delivered by West Ham United Foundation in partnership with L&Q Housing and eight other London clubs to provide sport and creative arts projects for young people across London. One Goal uses sports and creative arts to motivate young people to be physically active, make healthy lifestyle choices and enjoy creative pursuits during the school holidays. Last year, One Goal engaged more than 8,000 young people across London aged 5-21. This year, the programme provided free snacks and drinks to all attendees to help combat holiday hunger and move London towards its aim of becoming a 'Zero Hunger City'. The success of the programme has been celebrated by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (pictured above with Senior Community Officer George Chukwuma and Senior Inclusion Officer Austin Hughes, who said: "London is world-renowned for its sport and culture. "As Mayor I'm committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles, so I am really proud to see this successful partnership between some of the capital's biggest football clubs and a valued housing partner continue for another year. "I'm confident it will inspire even more young Londoners to get active and creative during their summer holidays."
This year, the West Ham United Foundation has delivered multi sports including basketball, table tennis and athletics, provided workshops such as alcohol awareness and given participants the opportunity to get hands-on with a reptile display. Sham Motin, Community Sports Manager at West Ham United Foundation, said: "The One Goal programme is an excellent opportunity to provide young people in our community with free holiday provision. "We are grateful to L&Q for making it possible for over 300 young people to attend the course over the holidays, giving them a chance to be healthier through sport and to attend exciting workshops that they otherwise wouldn't experience." Keep up to date with everything on offer from the West Ham United Foundation here, or follow us on Twitter @WHU_Foundation.
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Adrian - We're confident ahead of West Brom
WHUFC.com
Hammers goalkeeper Adrian insists the side can bounce back from their defeat to Watford to get the three points this weekend at West Brom
The stopper also explained the mix up between himself and James Collins during the game against the Hornets
And after receiving his first international call-up, the 29-year-old described the experience of being part of Spain's squad
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian insists that the Hammers can remain confident ahead of Saturday's clash against West Bromwich Albion despite last weekend's disappointing defeat to Watford.
The Hammers raced into a two-goal lead at London Stadium but their Hertfordshire opponents scored four without reply to travel home with three points in the bag.
And though Adrian said the players were left mightily frustrated with the result, he assured supporters that the side can perform better to win at the Hawthorns.
"I think West Brom away is a tough game for us, but if we look at ourselves and if we give 120 per cent like we did many times last season, we have a great chance to win," the 29-year-old said.
"We have some players back on the team and we are stronger than last season. We have won just one game from four but we have a great squad and we've signed some good players.
"In the last match against Watford, we played much, much better in the first half but in the second half we lost our composure. The Premier League is so difficult. You can lose the game in one second."
After Odion Ighalo got the Hornets back into the game following Michail Antonio's double, Troy Deeney equalised on the stroke of half time following a mix up between Adrian and defender James Collins.
After the incident, the stopper explained exactly what happened in the build up to the leveller.
"Sometimes with the crowd there it's hard to listen to communication between the players but with us, we were talking. James was going to leave the ball but running with Deeney in his back, at the last moment, he touched the ball.
"These things happen in football sometimes and we have to improve, also on my part in terms of communication.
"The manager after the match didn't need to say too much because everyone was already angry and frustrated with the result. We can do much better. We have to improve on the mistakes we made and keep working."
Despite the disappointing defeat, the Spaniard has enjoyed a terrific few weeks personally, receiving his first international call-up for Julen Lopetegui's side.
Though he was an unused substitute in both Spain's 2-0 friendly win over Belgium as well as their 8-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein in FIFA World Cup qualifying, Adrian enjoyed the experience of being part of the squad.
"It was a great moment for me to get called up for the Spanish national team," he continued. "It's my fourth season at West Ham so the team has played well with great performances and with the new Spanish manager they have, he's given me the confidence to be one of the three keepers in the squad.
"I just keep working and want to do my best to get more caps.
"I have worked a lot because when you play most of the games, you get more experience. The Premier League is, for me, the most competitive in the world. If you're a number one for your team you get more experience and grow up with the team."
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Hammers pair Facetime brave Jack
WHUFC.com
West Ham United stars Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram put a welcome smile on the face of courageous young Hammer Jack Howard.
Jack, who is battling kidney cancer for the second time in four years, has been given just weeks to live, but his family are hoping to raise £250,000 in a bid to fly him to the United States for pioneering treatment.
On Sunday, the Club donated £5,000 to help the 12-year-old to get the emergency treatment that could save his life – an amount which Joint-Chairman David Sullivan matched with a personal donation this week.
To help keep the young Season Ticket Holder's spirits up at this challenging time, Payet and Byram gave him a surprise Facetime call on Tuesday afternoon.
The Hammers pair answered questions and wished their young fan all the best, with the Hammer of the Year telling: "We wish you a good recovery and we hope to see you soon in London Stadium."
Jack's father Nick said previously that the NHS had done 'absolutely everything they can for Jack but the cancer is not responding to conventional treatments'.
The family naturally want to explore all options, including pioneering treatment in the United States, but have been advised it could be in the region of £250,000, subject to an initial examination, while a £75,000 deposit is also required.
More than £70,000 has been raised towards the family's target.
Jack's aunt Keely Howard, who set up a crowdfunding page to collate donations from family, friends and others, said, "We want to be ready to go straight away, there is no time to lose, every day, every week counts against us."
To donate to the fund to help Jack, click here. To help raise awareness of the brave young Hammer's cause, please use the hashtag #HelpJack on Twitter.
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PREVIEW: WEST HAM LADIES V C&K BASILDON LADIES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 5:27PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by Alex Shilling
PREVIEW: West Ham Ladies v C&K Basildon Ladies
Ship Lane, Thurrock FC, 14 September 2016, 7.45 kick off.
The Ladies take on Basildon tonight at Thurrock with every chance of getting their first win of the season in their first home WPL game of the campaign.
This local derby will see a couple of familiar faces return to West Ham and it is set to be a closely-fought encounter with both sets of players hungry for the points.
FORM:
The Irons put in a much-improved performance at Coventry on Sunday, losing by the single goal after a humbling by Spurs in the WPL Cup the previous weekend.
James Marrs' youthful side are still getting to grips with the division but put in battling performances at Coventry and Portsmouth and will be desperate to get their first points on the board tonight.
Basildon meanwhile have enjoyed a solid start to the season, easily brushing aside St Nicholas in the cup 10 days ago.
The Blues are sitting third in the WPL, with convincing victories over QPR and Portsmouth sandwiching a 6-0 defeat at a Charlton side many are tipping to win the division this season.
West Ham can move off the foot of the table by avoiding defeat tonight, while their Essex neighbours can go top with the same result if other results go their way.
TEAM NEWS: Former Hammers Stacey Little and Nikita Runnacles are in line for returns to their former club this evening, while Aditi Chauhan could make her first start of the season after sitting out the cup defeat to Spurs.
Defender Katie Bottom could also feature after returning from a two-week coaching course in India.
The Academy graduate will be keen to add to her tally this season, with some at the club suggesting her talents could be better used up front after a goal of the month contender at Lewes on the opening day!
DANGERWOMEN: The Irons will have to keep Sara Sinclair quiet if they are to emerge victorious this evening – the Basildon forward bagged a hat trick in her side's 4-0 win over QPR the other weekend and is always a threat in the final third.
The visitors meanwhile will have to stop Whitney Locke to win the game – powerful, pacy and with an eye for goal, the midfielder has the potential to cause any defence problems.
Tickets for tonight are priced at just £5 for adults and £1 for kids, so forget about the Champions League – get yourself down Ship Lane and come and see some real football!
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Fire Brady? They should give her a statue!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th September 2016
By: Staff Writer
Earlier today KUMB carried a story in which some Hammers fans called for the resignation of vice-chair Karren Brady following the club's move to E20.
And that prompted a number of angry Brady supporters to hit back, with one suggesting that the club should consider erecting a permanent effigy of the Baroness!
"Blaming Lady Brady for any of the current shortfalls in the new stadium is senseless," wrote KUMB member Grandad Hammer. "This is not our stadium, we simply rent it - the responsibility for the teething problems is with the landlord.
"She was an integral part of the team that negotiated the most incredible deal on behalf of the club. Don't believe me? Read what Alan Sugar has to say on the subject. A taxi for Karren? No, a statue would be far more appropriate."
High praise indeed, and words that were echoed by fellow Forum member ToiletDuck. "Brady is an amazing business woman," he said. "She must stay to oversee the change when anything happens to the two Daves.
"Is it her or the London Stadium management company that have arranged stewards, etc? Is it Karren Brady making everyone stand up or forcing people to fight? Not a chance! She knows how to run a club - look at Birmingham before and after her tenure! And look at us before and now."
Reaction to our earlier piece received both positive and negative replies via KUMB's social media channels, some of which you may read below...
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:) @kaz7289
@IaIanmac54 @kumbdotcom She has no say in how the stadium is run but was a massive part in us winning the bid with her connections.
3:50 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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Kezza ⚒ @KerryKezza1966
Just go ⚒ https://twitter.com/kumbdotcom/status/776051198751305728 …
4:48 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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Trevor Dean @Mistermiggs
@kumbdotcom absolutely stupid. She's done more good for club than anybody. People need to drag themselves into 21st century. @karren_brady
3:02 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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STAN WHUFC @davestan64
Just give her a lifetime ban.... https://twitter.com/kumbdotcom/status/776051198751305728 …
3:43 PM - 14 Sep 2016
2 2 Retweets 6 6 likes
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Dilton @diltondiltond1
@JoshuaHearne @kumbdotcom you talking a load of rubbish! When going into a new Stadium there is always gonna be teething problems!
2:41 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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Joshua @JoshuaHearne
@kumbdotcom She won't be but should be sacked.The "World Class" she describes everything is further from that! She has failed the "customer"
2:37 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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stuart barton @stuartabarton
@kumbdotcom I think it's time we all stuck together, Seeing WHU on tv each night for the wrong reasons saddens me, COYI one for all
2:45 PM - 14 Sep 2016
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We are West Ham, we are bigger than this - aren't we?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th September 2016
By: Paul Walker
I'm going to a football match on Saturday, and really, really looking forward to it. It probably won't figure highly on MOTD, but so what, I can't wait.
It's going to be played at one of those stadiums where the pitch is the same shape as the ground. (I know, it won't catch on.) And I'll be able to see the numbers on players' backs and even read their names.
I will stand and sing Bubbles to my heart's content, alongside the finest group of men, women and children you will find supporting any team in the world. Sold out.. 3,000. And there won't be a steward running towards me insisting I sit down.
Those fantastic people are our fans, my travelling companions. And they are probably looking forward to a weekend of football and not aggro in the seats.They might not all have been able to borrow the family brain cell for the afternoon, but it takes all sorts, they are pretty harmless even if they do throw beer about a bit too much (such a waste).
West Brom's away section will be rocking, lets hope that the West Ham we knew and loved last season turn up too!
But there will not be a hefty - very hefty - bloke in a hi-vis jacket wearing an orange baseball cap (you know who you are) throwing his weight about.
And guess what? I will certainly see a few of the local West Midlands plod (fine body of men and women) who will be close at hand, tolerant (well sometimes, this is the WMP, don't forget) and they will at least give a re-assuring feel to the proceedings.
You know, when I go to away grounds there always seems to be a couple of specially trained police walking around the bar downstairs, having a laugh, smiling, joking, chatting. Come on London Stadium CEO Linda Lennon, think about it. Even if they can't talk to each other on their Mickey Mouse phones!
Yes, I can't wait for the away trip to the Hawthorns. Smallish club, similar sort of stadium to the one we have just left, and they would probably consider that they were somewhat similar to us. Mid-table, going nowhere, but just happy to be in the top flight.
So now comes the devil's advocate bit. Take a look around everyone, is this what you want, do you really want to be like this fine upstanding Albion club for ever? Boing, boing, up and down we go!
They will never be a big club, never attract the best players. Never be in the Champions League. But we have been given that chance, I know there are countless problems and some pretty nasty stuff going on--and the stadium is nothing like what we were promised. World class, you must be joking.
But it's the only way we will ever be anything really special in terms of Europe and the outside world. Someone pointed out that Mark Noble has played over 350 games for us, and only about half-a-dozen have been in Europe. Says it all really.
So, through gritted teeth and against all my instincts, we have to show we are better than this, regardless of who thinks they own our club. We may have been "mugged off" as the phrase of the moment goes, but it's done now. There's no going back, let's move on. We are West Ham, aren't we? We should be bigger than all this.
The problem is I sense that so much of the off-field near anarchy at Stratford these days comes from a suffocating sense of resentment. That we have been dragged somewhere, kicking and screaming, that we don't want to be and who don't want us there.
We listened to all the PR from our owners, the hype and the, frankly, manipulation of almost everything. And we gave up, we knew it was not a fight we could win and we have gone with the flow to Stratford.
But the locals are not amused, are they. Stickers in pub window saying 'no football shirts' are not going to give an impression of an open-arm welcome, are they?
I found that out the first home league game when I asked a nice lady copper where the nearest toilet was as we forced our way out of Stratford station. She helpfully pointed one out just inside the Westfield entrance. Three large blokes all in black didn't think so, chased me into said loo and all but threw me out. Welcome to E20.
But I don't go to football to go shopping, I get enough of that at other times. If Westfield don't want us on the premises, so what. But it will be interesting the day that 3,000 Manchester United fans come sightseeing there. Can't wait for that one.
I go to football to support the club I have loved for close on 60 years, to be with mates, to have a wine or three. And a whine, yes, I can see that coming.
There has been such a nasty atmosphere at the London Stadium, you sense the one-cell brigade is bigger than I thought. Fighting each other. Are you sure? Frightening children? Spitting at women?
Take a look at yourselves people, just see what this looks like to the outside world.
Yes, there is plenty wrong with our new home. Let's face it, the view is crap, we are miles further from the pitch than I expected, but thankfully I am not in the posh, expensive seats on half-way where Slav has to run 30 yards to get to the touchline.
One of my good friends wrote something on the KUMB Forum this week saying the away end is in the wrong place because it encourages all away fans through Stratford station, and he is right. With a non-existent police presence and paper-weight, disinterested, rude, badly-trained stewards, I fear for the problems that will occur on the wide open spaces on the concourses inside and outside the stadium.
The security issues have been flagged up by countless fans from the very start, as a nightmare waiting to happen. But we are dealing with the local council, government quangos, and people who know nothing about football security at this level but still think they know best.
I wouldn't want to be dealing with councils and bureaucrats, I don't envy Karren Brady her job. The things you hear make you blink in disbelief. Like sending experienced former Boleyn stewards, probably all West Ham fans, to man car parks and lifts because if they were allowed inside the stadium they would watch the match. You mean like they did at the peaceful, well-run BML at the Boleyn? Sometimes you cannot make it up.
They say it's all about 'standing' fans. But it seems there were only seven complaints from 57,000 fans last weekend. There are far, far more pressing issues than that.
I have to say here, I have never encouraged or condoned standing. But it happens, and by thousands every weekend all over the country, and they are not treated like our fans are being. But that goes both ways, if someone behind you wants you to sit down, then just do it, for heaven's sake.
While we are on 'standing', I refuse to accept that it is right for a local authority to bully their tenants. Yes, I mean you Newham Council. There is no connection between 3,000 more seats being allocated and the grossly over-played so called dangers to safety from 'standing' fans.
We all now know it is not the law, but a civil matter. And that the regulation is a Premier League/Football League one. But that rule is surely unworkable, not fit for purpose because it is handled differently by virtually every licensing authority in the land.
Take a quick look around at TV. Arsenal fans all standing behind the goal at the Southampton match. Chelsea do the same next to the away section. Every set of away fans anywhere in the top two divisions are allowed to stand.
But our council are now flexing their muscles. They are in charge now, after 20 years of West Ham turning a blind eye. We have enforcement officers on the case, one Sheila Roberts (and please no grubby remarks about chains, handcuffs and basements please lads). She is also chair, I believe, of the London Stadium Safety Advisory Board, who hand out the safety certificates.
I suggest Newham take a look at how Manchester City Council handle this sort of thing. Manchester City have spent £60m extending the Etihad recently, and want to spent a similar amount at the other end of the stadium next summer to bring their attendance up to 61,000.
But City have standing, and have had for all the time since they moved from Maine Road. Our fans will have noticed when we were there last month that all the lower tier next to the away fans stand all the time.
Manchester Council would not even think of withholding a safety certificate because a few thousand stand each week. City bring millions into the local economy and their owners have regenerated rundown east Manchester for them.
At this point I must apologise to a few KUMB contributors, when I insisted recently that City own their ground now. They tried to buy it, but that's still pending. More investigation says they still pay a small rent with all the money going to sports facilities in the city. And Manchester City get a free hand to do what they like with the Etihad.
As I said, if the regulation cannot be enforced the same at every ground--home and away fans equally--then it should be scrapped. Unenforceable regulations and laws are worthless. But Newham seem to want to make a big statement here that you are not seeing anywhere else.
They should be hammering the owners for the poor stewarding, dreadful segregation, potentially dangerous concourses where fans can run from one section to the other. And those owners? Oh, yes, I forgot, they are Newham Council and the London Legacy Development Corp (LLDC). Silly me.
My advice is to give our owners their 3,000 extra seats (the other 6,000 are some way off even DG says) and work together making the stadium safer, to make it work, and to make people feel welcome.
I expect to be made welcome in the Black Country on Saturday; I did work there once, and understand the language. And I will find that excellent, massive pub that does curry for all with both sets of fans sitting together. I can't wait.
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Fans call for Brady's resignation over OS 'fiasco'
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th September 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham supporters have called upon vice chairman Karren Brady to resign in the wake of numerous problems that have marred the club's move from Upton Park to Stratford. Brady, who received a £1million bonus for winning the Olympic Stadium contract is being held responsible by supporters for the numerous issues that have blighted the club's opening games at the stadium. And now some have called for Brady - whose image was booed by fans last weekend when shown on the giant TV screens at the Olympic Stadium - to take responsibility for the problems by tendering her resignation. "Whoever outsourced contracts on things as important as health and safety and being in charge of the seating arrangements, and provided a migration policy that's caused fights, led to arrests and bans and has left kids crying and feeling scared, should bite the bullet and get the sack," wrote KUMB member Colours Don't Run.
"If Mannygate led to one of our staff being let go for what was a minor administrative error by comparison, I think this whole fiasco is also a sackable offence. I'm led to believe it's Lady Brady and if so, she should go."
Those thoughts were echoed by fellow KUMB member Wembley1966, who also believes Brady should fall on her sword. "She hasn't delivered the stadium in the manner that would have been expected and definitely not in the manner of the 'greatest stadium migration, ever!' he added. "Every day we are headlines in the papers, TV, radio and web for the things that she was tasked to deliver and hasn't. There's no contrition from her at all - just threats to ban anyone who causes problems that should never had the opportunity to arise in the first place."
However StaffordIron believes that firing Brady would be a step too far - although he maintained that at the very least, either she or the club should apologise to supporters for the manner in which the club's migration has been handled. "What I'd personally respect more than anything is for her and the club to come out and say 'actually we haven't handled this perfectly, there are some serious issues both safety-wise and logistically that we urgently need to fix'," he said.
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet defends rabona against Watford
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 14/09/16 12:40pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet has defended his audacious rabona assist against Watford. The French midfielder expertly set Michail Antonio up with the trick to hand West Ham a two-goal lead at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. The Hornets, however, produced a remarkable comeback to win the match 4-2 and Watford captain Troy Deeney claimed his side were spurred on the belief that West Ham were trying to "mug" the visitors off. Payet has defended his decision to use rabona, claiming it was "instinctive" rather than an attempt to undermine Watford. "It was something that came instinctively to me at that time in the game," Payet told West Ham's website. "I thought that it was the best thing to do at that moment and I did it and it worked. When it works, the skill becomes even more impressive. "If it worked every time, then of course [I would use it]. Unfortunately, it is not a piece of skill that you can use every time, so we will have to see."
West Ham were soundly beaten by Walter Mazzarri's side at the weekend, thanks to goals from Deeney, Odion Ighalo, Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas. Slaven Bilic's side had looked to be on course for a comfortable win when Antonio had scored twice early on, and Payet was willing to admit that the Hammers' second half performance was unacceptable. "Against Watford, you have to say that we had two very different halves. The first, apart from the last five minutes, we were playing well and scored two times," he said. "Unfortunately, we let them get back into the game and then in the second half, they managed to get another. "We lost this game and I think we didn't quite do enough to see the game through and to win it."
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West Ham star Dimitri Payet hits back at Troy Deeney after Watford skipper's 'rabona' showboating claim
16:44, 14 SEP 2016 UPDATED 16:45, 14 SEP 2016
BY MIKE WALTERS
The Hammers midfielder has no regrets about his sensational cross which teed up their second goal but also fired up the Hornets
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has hit back at Watford skipper Troy Deeney over his 'rabona' party piece and insisted: "I would do it again." Deeney claimed West Ham 's showboating fired up the Hornets and inspired their comeback from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at the London Stadium, saying: "They were trying to mug us off."
But Hammers playmaker Payet has no regrets about his sensational cross – football's equivalent of a snooker trick shot - which teed up Michail Antonio's second goal. The Frenchman said: "It was something that came instinctively to me at that time in the game. "I thought it was the best thing to do at that moment and it worked. And when it works, the skill becomes even more impressive. "If it worked every time, then of course I would do it again – but unfortunately, it is not a piece of skill you can use every time." Earlier, West Ham striker Manuel Lanzini had been less successful with a goal attempt from a rabona – and Payet accepts the Hammers need to focus on the basics in Saturday's trip to fellow strugglers West Brom. He admitted: "We need points, so we need to get our heads down and work hard. We will go there with the right attitude."
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West Ham target Carlos Bacca reveals why he rejected "very good" Hammers offer to remain at AC Milan
16:01, 14 SEP 2016 UPDATED 16:01, 14 SEP 2016
BY JACK RATHBORN
The Hammers reportedly agreed a £25million fee for the Colombian but Bacca opted to remain in Milan due to family reasons
The Mirror
West Ham heavily pursued Carlos Bacca but the AC Milan striker has revealed why he snubbed the Hammers and eventually ended up remaining with the Rossoneri.
The Colombian went cold on a move to the London Stadium, despite admitting West Ham's offer was "very good."
But the 30-year-old claims he rebuffed the offer due to concerns about problems his family may encounter in England without an EU passport.
"The offer of West Ham was very good I thought," Bacca told Spanish outlet Cadena Ser.
"I thought about my family, about how we would fit and problems that a South American soccer player can have in terms of the non-EU passport."
West Ham eventually shifted targets to Juventus' hit man Simone Zaza, who initially joined on loan with clauses that lend to the Azzurri international likely joining permanently next summer.
Meanwhile, Bacca has continued his success in Serie A with a hat-trick on the opening day of the season against Torino.
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Paolo Di Canio suspended after displaying 'dux' tattoo by Sky Italia
BBC.co.uk
Paolo di Canio has been suspended from his role as a Sky Italia pundit after showing on air a tattoo referring to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.
The ex-West Ham striker revealed his tattoo of the word "dux" during their Premier League coverage on Sunday, prompting a protest on social media.
The Latin word is the origin of the Italian "duce" meaning leader - Il Duce was the title adopted by Mussolini.
"We made a mistake, we are sorry to all who were hurt," said a Sky executive.
Jacques Raynaud, Sky Sports executive vice-president, continued: "After speaking at length to Di Canio, and despite his professionalism and his expertise regarding football, we have decided together to suspend the partnership."
Former West Ham striker Di Canio has previously been criticised for his political views and refused to address his reported beliefs when he was appointed Sunderland manager in 2013.
He was fined by Italian club Lazio for making the fascist salute for the third time in a year during the 2005 derby with AS Roma.
Mussolini was the fascist dictator of Italy for 20 years until 1943, and was summarily executed in 1945 when he was captured by Italian communists while attempting to flee the country.
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The curious case of Winston Reid: what has gone wrong with West Ham's star defender?
HITC
Damien Lucas
Amongst all the in-fighting and finger pointing at West Ham United after a terrible start to the season Winston Reid has escaped attention. When Slaven Bilic took over from Sam Allardyce the majority of West Ham fans felt their star defender Reid should replace the departing Kevin Nolan as the club's captain. At the time it was argued Reid was the only player in the Hammers side guaranteed to start every week. Instead that honour went to died-in-the-wool West Ham fan and midfielder Mark Noble and few can argue he hasn't done a good job after leading his side to their best ever Premier League points total in their emotional last season at Upton Park. But the East Londoners have got off to a terrible start this season.
Bilic's side have lost three of their opening four Premier League matches and scraped past Bournemouth in their solitary victory while also being embarrassingly dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu for the second season running. Fans at at each other's throats over standing at their new 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium home while Karren Brady - who spearheaded the club's move to Stratford - was allegedly spat at by her own supporters as things turned sour in a 4-2 home defeat to Watford last time out.
A toxic atmosphere is starting to fester at West Ham and fans are beginning to question some of Bilic's team selections and tactics. The likes of Sam Byram, James Collins, Manuel Lanzini and Adrian were criticised by supporters after the Watford debacle. And Bilic's continued use of Michail Antonio at right back is fast becoming his Achilles heel as a manager.
One player who has seemingly escaped any blame, though, is Reid - the man linked with some of Europe's top clubs before a long standing contract tussle ended in him signing a new six-year deal last year. If truth be told, Reid's form dipped last season and he has been a shadow of the player who formed the bedrock of West Ham's resurgence in recent years. Errors last season and rash tackles proved particularly costly - Chelsea and Manchester United away last season in the Premier League and FA Cup respectively. They were just two in a long line of examples, though, as the injury-prone New Zealander was in and out of the side for spells. Statistically Collins actually forged a much better centre back partnership with Italy international Angelo Ogbonna last season conceding a quarter of the goals the Hammers leaked with Reid in the side. It was glossed over by West Ham's superb season and the odd steady performance like including scoring the last ever goal at the Boleyn Ground in that thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United. This season Reid has continued to look out of sorts and is like a jittery bag of nerves every time he takes to the field. His awkward displays have been rubbing off on his teammates and he has shown no command of the back four. Consistently caught out of position for second balls the curious case of Reid is puzzling. Playing through injury? A change of tactics by Bilic? Or just a loss of form? Many supporters cannot understand why Ogbonna has been dropped but if recent performances are anything to go by it won't be long until he takes Reid's place in the starting line-up, even if it means Bilic tinkering with his defence yet again.
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet speaks out on future ambitions
DIMITRI PAYET is desperate to inspire West Ham like he did last season.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:20, Wed, Sep 14, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:11, Wed, Sep 14, 2016
Express.co.uk
The playmaker returned to the Hammers' starting line-up for the first time this season on Saturday. And, despite Payet's providing two assists, West Ham suffered on the whole in a shock 4-2 defeat to Watford. Fighting in the stands at the London Stadium added to the on-field problems too. However, talisman Payet is determined to help put points on the board for West Ham, who sit 17th after four games, and he is aiming to replicate last season's form. "Of course, I have come back with the same ambitions that I had last season," Payet said. "I want to do the best I can on the pitch and to perform as I know I can both with my club and the national side. "The World Cup is still two years away so there is a lot of time and football to be played, however, I know that it is going to come around very quickly." The 29-year-old's desire to stay in France's plans going forward is a strong motivation to continue starring at West Ham. Payet shone at Euro 2016 after a successful first season in east London, and a stunning Rabona to set up Michail Antonio at the weekend again highlighted his talent.
On the skill, he added: "It was something that came instinctively to me at that time in the game. "I thought that it was the best thing to do at that moment and I did it and it worked. When it works, the skill becomes even more impressive. "If it worked every time, then of course (I would do it again). Unfortunately, it is not a piece of skill that you can use every time, so we will have to see."
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DIMITRI PAYET RESPONDS TO TROY DEENEY COMMENTS ABOUT WEST HAM ARROGANCE
14th September, 2016, 1:37 PM
By Dominic Toner
Dimitri Payet has defended his use of the rabona assist in West Ham's 4-2 defeat to Watford last weekend. Hornets captain Troy Deeney made comments on Payet's eyecatching cross for the second Hammers goal after the match and said that West Ham's arrogance allowed them back into the game. Denney revealed that he appreciates the skill shown by Payet but thought it was wrong to be doing it with the game still in the balance. The Hammers had taken a two-goal lead thanks to a double from Michail Antonio which included a header from Payet's rabona cross, but Watford completed a remarkable turnaround to take the three points. Payet, 29, has said that the cross was an instinctive decision and defended the use of the rabona, which is when a player kicks the ball by wrapping one leg around their standing leg. It was something that came instinctively to me at that time in the game," he told West Ham's website. "I thought that it was the best thing to do at that moment and I did it and it worked. When it works, the skill becomes even more impressive."
Payet's undoubted talent saw him named as a PFA Player of the Year nominee last season and much of his game centres around his skill. The Frenchman has now returned to full fitness after recovering from his exploits with the hosts at Euro 2016. West Ham supporters have high expectations for the new season, with the move to the London Stadium completed, and are keen to follow up their seventh-placed finish lsat season. Slaven Bilic has been dealt with several injury blows at the start of the campaign and his side have already lost three games in their opening four Premier League matches. The return of Payet and Manuel Lanzini should provide an extra spark in the West Ham midfield and the pair will be focused on the next league match against West Brom. In other West Ham news, David Gold gave his verdict on Twitter to the club's defeat against Watford.
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Agent explains how West Ham missed out on top striker target in the summer
CARLOS BACCA's agent has opened up on West Ham's failed attempt to sign the AC Milan striker in the summer.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 13:25, Wed, Sep 14, 2016 | UPDATED: 13:42, Wed, Sep 14, 2016
Express.co.uk
West Ham made no secret of their desire to land a new striker, with Milan's Bacca high up on their wish list. The Hammers reportedly made a £25.7million offer but failed in their bid to bring the Colombia international to the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic instead brought in Andre Ayew in a club-record £20m deal from Swansea, along with Simone Zaza from Juventus and Deportivo Maldonado's Jonathan Calleri on loan. And Bacca's agent Sergio Barila claims there were a number of offers on the table in the closing stages of the transfer window, but Milan turned them all down. He told he told calciomercato.it: "West Ham? In the last week of the market, many offers arrived, and not only West Ham ones. At the end Milan said no."
Barila also claims that Bacca wanted to remain at Milan and is open to signing a new contract at the Serie A club The representative added: "Many requests arrived but Bacca's will has been always clear for me. He wanted to stay at Milan. His family is happy in Milan and this is an important thing. "Our will is to win with Milan in the coming years so we are open to a renewal, but we will talk about it later. Now our minds and concentration are only to the pitch."
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Sergio Agüero foul on Winston Reid 'brutal', rules independent commission
• Panel say Manchester City player endangered safety of West Ham opponent
• Striker remains banned for next two Premier League matches over incident
Guardian sport
Wednesday 14 September 2016 13.50 BST Last modified on Wednesday 14 September 2016 13.51 BST
An independent commission has ruled that the controverisal elbowing by Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero of West Ham's Winston Reid in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium last month was a "brutal" incident that "clearly endangered the safety" of the Hammers player. Aguero earned a three-game ban for the action, which happened in the August 28 meeting between the two clubs. He missed last weekend's Manchester derby and will also not be available for this month's domestic games against Bournemouth and Swansea. The incident was not seen at the time of the incident by referee Andre Marriner, or other match officials, but caught on video.
In written reasons published by the Football Association on Wednesday, the three-man commission, chaired by Stuart Ripley, agreed that Aguero had "thrown out his left arm in an aggressive manner that was excessive in force and brutal, which clearly endangered the safety of Mr Reid." The commission also noted "the clenched fist of Mr Aguero as he threw his left elbow towards Mr Reid, the upward angle of the movement and the force of the movement." In an email to the commission, referee Marriner stated he " … did not see the full extent of the incident and in particular where Sergio Aguero's hand had finished up in the challenge, which clearly catches Winston Reid in the throat region." Manchester City appealed against the ban but the commission were unanimous in their decision that the video evidence was conclusive. "The commission could not see anything 'truly exceptional' about the incident." said Mr Ripley. "The incident was simply a 'one v one' tussle for the ball, such that is seen many times during any football match, whereby one of the players had used excessive force and brutality against the other."
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