Daily WHUFC News - 5th October 2015

Adrian - It was like one of Messi's goals
WHUFC.com

Adrian is used to facing the brilliance of Lionel Messi from trying to keep the Barcelona forward at bay when facing him for Real Betis. So he was glad to be able to watch from the opposite end of the pitch when Dimitri Payet when on a mazy run of his own to notch the Hammers' equaliser against Middlesbrough on Saturday. The West Ham United goalkeeper was full of praise for Payet's impact as yet again he lit up the Hammers stage with a piece of exquisite skill. "We've known Dimi for a long time and he trains like he plays," the No13 said. "He's a magnificent player and it was a like a Leo Messi goal for Barcelona, dribbling past everybody and making a fantastic finish. "It's a massive goal for us to get a good point, but we have to keep fighting now. "It was a game we could have won and could have lost. They got one goal, we had a great chance in the first half and didn't score. "In the second half Dimi scored a magnificent goal for us, but I think we showed character on the pitch. We needed to show that and give our best on the pitch – this is the way to win more points." "We wanted to win the three points on Saturday, but the most important thing is that we showed a different character. "We helped each other along the 90 minutes. At the end of the day it's a draw and one more point, but we have to [continue to] change in this way."

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Scudamore - West Ham always deliver
WHUFC.com

Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore has hailed the legacy provided by London Stadium and West Ham United Foundation at the launch of the Premier League/BT Disability Programme. West Ham United's new home played host to the launch of the new three-year programme that aims to create opportunities and inspire disabled people through sport.
The initiative will utilise the profile and expertise of the Premier League, BT Group, professional football clubs and BT Sport to inspire disabled people to become more active as well as develop new skills and confidence. West Ham were one of ten clubs who put on activities at London Stadium, including Visual Impairment, Down's Syndrome and Power Chair football, giving an insight into the valuable work already being carried out by clubs in their communities. "What we have here is a showcase of what is going on at our clubs around the country in terms of disability sport and encouraging people to get involved in all sorts of different sports, not just football," Scudamore explained. "We are here launching the new joint venture between the Premier League and BT Group, where each Premier League club will up its resources and activities in this area to expand these programmes that have been going on for a long time into much wider areas."

The Executive Chairman praised West Ham's award-winning Foundation, which is engaging tens of thousands of people across east London and Essex with its wide variety of schemes, programmes, educational courses and initiatives. "I've met West Ham before and I always say that West Ham are at the leading edge of this space and always come up and deliver," he enthused. "Joe Lyons, who runs the Community side, and the whole Club always embrace what is going on. "The partner here is BT and their studios are only a stone's throw from London Stadium, so we were over there before coming over to this fantastic facility. "You can see how exciting it is for people from the other clubs' community and disability arms to come down and be part of this at this Stadium."

In closing, Scudamore paid tribute to the hundreds of youngsters who took part in the launch events at London Stadium, saying those with disabilities set an example with their positive outlook. "The thing that always strikes you the most is the smiles, the positivity and the energy" he observed. "People may have things that make their lives a little more challenging than the rest of us, but they bring this tremendous energy and enthusiasm to it."

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Pearce – Antonio can become an England star
WHUFC.com

Stuart Pearce has backed Michail Antonio to emulate his own amazing career progression from non-league to the senior England side. The 2001 Hammer of the Year began his career at Wealdstone before embarking on a journey that took him through Nottingham Forest to the national team, where he earned 78 caps and starred at two major tournaments, Italia '90 and Euro '96. Twenty years on and Antonio – who Pearce coached during his time in charge at Forest – is following in his former manager's footsteps. "Antonio is someone I know well and he's a great player," the former West Ham United left-back enthused. "I was really pleased when he got the call-up for England! "He works really hard at his profession and recently it's really paid-off. At first it took him a while to break into the West Ham team and he's been asked to play in different positions, for example right-back, but he always gives everything and that's fantastic "There's a lot said about footballers losing their roots, but he's got a great journey from non-league and its lovely to see he has not lost his roots and he is still grounded. He has worked hard to get to where he is today and it's important he keeps the same mentality."
Pearce also believes his old club can rival the biggest in English football following their summer move to London Stadium. The England legend made his first visit to Stratford on Saturday, when he was part of the talkSPORT commentary team for the 1-1 Premier League draw with Middlesbrough. The 54-year-old, who earned 78 England caps and won the 2001 Hammer of the Year, hailed the Club's smart new home and backed them to make it their own in seasons to come. "The Stadium is very impressive," he told West Ham TV. "The Club will put their own hallmark on the Stadium now, and it's home for West Ham. "I think West Ham can go on to the next level and the move was essential for the Club. Upton Park was a great place to play your football, but the Club need to evolve. "When you look at the bigger picture, the last few games have just been a small moment of the Club's history, as they hope to be here for the next 100 years at least and that's what is important; the bigger picture. "This will become a fantastic home for West Ham, they will have some great occasions here. This is just this settling-in period."
A popular figure wherever he played, Pearce's all-action performances helped to generate great atmospheres at stadia across the country. As somebody who knows what it is like to play in front of a raucous crowd, the two-time League Cup winner and 1991 FA Cup finalist believes London Stadium will ultimately inspire West Ham on to great things. "There will be no better atmosphere with 60-odd thousand fans here," he continued. "There are some big old clubs in London, and now West Ham have a Stadium to rival them. The training ground has also improved, so the Club has a lot going for it at the moment. "There's no reason why the Club can't achieve great things in the next few years. The manager Slaven Bilic knows the football club and has an affection for the football club as well. There's a great squad here and some real talent."

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The Big Interview - Pedro Obiang
WHUFC.com

Pedro Obiang has been waiting patiently for his chance to get back into the starting eleven but he showed his quality once again when he impressed during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend.

Obiang started his first Premier League game of the season and reminded Slaven Bilic of his ability with another solid display in the West Ham midfield.

The Spanish midfielder is now hoping he has done enough to keep his place in the team for the London derby against Crystal Palace on 15 October and reveals the hard work he has been putting in behind the scenes to win back his place in the side.....


It has been a frustrating start to the campaign, but how pleased were you to be back in the starting line-up and play your part in helping the team secure a point against Middlesbrough last weekend?

PO: "I am very happy to be back in the team and when you are playing well and you can help your team it is good for everyone.

"We have lost many games before the Middlesbrough game and it has been difficult for me but I am happy to be back and to help the team get a draw."


Dimitri Payet showed his quality once again when he scored a wonder goal to help the team get back into the game. Is there disappointment that you couldn't find the crucial second goal to come away with all three points?

PO: "We created many chances during the first half and showed the same kind of spirit that saw us have such a successful season last year.

"I think back to the game against Liverpool when all the team came together and we are starting to get back to that kind of performance."


What did you make of the goal from Dimitri Payet and the amazing quality he has showed once again for the Hammers?

PO: "I have said many times before that Dimi always delivers when you need him and he knows he is one of the best players in this team.

"He scores amazing free-kicks and amazing goals and I think that was one of his best goals for the club.

"I thought it was impossible for him to score but he kept going and kept going and scored a great goal. He is a top player.

"When you have a player of that quality in the team you have a great chance."


You have obviously worked hard to get back into the team and have continued to give 100 per cent in training every day. Do you feel it is your persistence which has seen you get back into the starting line-up?

PO: "This is the spirit of the West Ham players. We all need to work hard. I have been patient and waiting for my chance to come back.

"This is my job. I knew when I signed for the Club that it would be a battle to get into the team and I spoke with the coaches who have told me to keep working

After such an impressive performance, do you wish that you could play again this weekend?

PO: "Maybe the international break has come at a bad time for me!

"But I will keep working hard and then we will see what happens."


What are your thoughts on the next Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park?

PO: "We will take it step-by-step. We have taken one point against Middlesbrough and maybe the next game we can come away with a victory."


When you look at the quality of players who are in the squad, how confident are you that the Club can move away from the bottom three?

PO: "We have many quality players. In the last ten-years this is one of the best squads that West Ham have ever had.

"We need to find that spirit which saw the team have such a success season last year and all the players come together like we did against Middlesbrough.

"I am sure the goals will come after that."


You have become good friends with Simone Zaza following his arrival from Juventus during the summer. How much would you like to see him get off the mark and show his best form for the Club?

PO: "We just need one goal from Simone and I am sure that everything will change."

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FT - Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United PL2
WHUFC.com

FT: Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United

FT: And that's it. West Ham go down 3-0 in the Checkatrade Trophy, but in truth, the scoreline flattered the hosts. The Hammers were the better half in the second half, but couldn't take a number of great chances. The visitors applaud the great away support, and the youngsters will go again in their next fixture - a Premier League 2 fixture against Aston Villa on 17 October. Over and out from Adams Park.

90: Three minutes of added time here at Adams Park. As the board goes up, Marcus Browne slides an effort an inch or two wide of the post from a tight angle. As usual, he's been superb tonight.

88: Tonight's attendance is 1,060, with 160 of those coming from east London. Great support as usual for the Hammers.

86: They really have more than held their own tonight, the Hammers. They've created more than their hosts in the second period, but it has just been a case of not taking their chances, unfortunately, as well as that final delivery.

84: Parfitt-Williams takes, but fires straight into the wall. Disappointing effort after Browne's hard work.

82: Wonderful run by Marcus Browne who starts in his own half, races past two or three men and wins a free-kick right on the edge of the area. It's going to be another booking for Wycombe, bu the referee can't decide who...Jombati is shown the card - we thought he'd already been booked! There's been too many to keep track!

78: Fifth booking of the night for Wycombe as De Hallivard is penalised. Browne's cross is headed goalwards by Tunji Akinola but it's an easy claim for Blackman.

75: Jake Eggleton replaces Noha Sylvestre. Watch our latest #WHUAREYA feature with the right-back here!

72: Chance for Parfitt-Williams, but he can only curl over Blackman's bar. A loud rendition of Bubbles rings around Adams Park. Great support from this evening's visitors!

68: Third goal of the evening for Wycombe. Nick Freeman, dropping his shoulder approaching the edge of the box, takes aim and fires past Sam Howes who stood no chance. Great strike, but the goal comes against the run of play, so it's frustrating for the Hammers.

66: JHI has been a real handful since his introduction. He draws a foul on the left and Marcus Browne is behind the dead ball. His centre is well claimed by Blackman, however.

64: A chance to catch our breathe after a couple of minutes of end-to-end action. This has been a really entertaining cup tie!

62: Meanwhile, Dan Kemp is replaced by Djair Parfitt-Williams.

62: Two great chances for West Ham! First, Marcus Browne breaks into the box from the right but is denied well by Blackman. Then, as the visitors take the corner quickly, Hector-Ingram goes close at the back post from the resulting cross, but Blackman again springs away to his right to claw it away! The Hammers are really starting to create some great openings!

57: What a chance! Hector-Ingram gets on the end of a cross at the back post and with his first touch, heads the ball back across goal when it was simpler to score. Honourable mention to Grady Diangana, whose cross was pinpoint!

56: Sub for West Ham. Jaanai Gordon, who had a good first half, is replaced by the in-form Jahmal Hector-Ingram who has been scoring goals for fun in the U18s.

53: Another chance for the hosts as a long throw falls at the back stick to Nick Freeman. The first attempt is blocked but at the second time of asking, he fires just over and wide.

50: In an almost identical break, Wycombe's Kashket goes through again but this time Howes comes out to smother his effort.

48: Goal for Wycombe. As was the case in the first half, the Hammers start slowly and Scott Kashket is allowed to run beyond the defence and slot calmly past Sam Howes. 2-0.

46: Sub for Wycombe as we get underway, Anthony Stewart coming on for the booked Aaron Pierre.

HT: That's it for the first half. There were a few opportunities for the Hammers as the half went on, and they'll be pleased with the way they grew into the match. It's been an entertaining tie, so let's hope for more goals in the second half - hopefully from the visitors!

45: Close! Grady Diangana turns the full-back inside out, cutting in from the right and curling one inches wide of the far post. Best attempt from West Ham yet!

44: De Hallivand launches a ball high into the sky and the box, and Sam Howes comes to punch but gets nothing on it. Woods heads the loose ball wide. Seconds later, the stopper redeems himself with a fantastic stop with his legs, denying Scott Kashket from three yards out. Great save!

43: We haven't mentioned them much, but Alfie Lewis has had a great game in midfield as has Tunji Akinola at the back. Two youngsters dealing with the threat of senior players well while staying composed on the ball.

41: Superb delivery from Marcus Browne who whips it with pace across the box but nobody gets on the end of it. Disappointing, because it really was a terrific cross. Good chance for Westley's lads.

40: Browne fouled again on the right hand side. There's a second booking for Wycombe. Nick Freeman gets the yellow and it's a free kick for West Ham.

39: Home keeper Blackman lets a stray pass run out for a goal kick. The stopper is in an interesting strip tonight - lime green with pink faded into the top half of his shirt. Not sure about that one...

35: What you have to admire about the Hammers is that they never stray from their footballing philosophy. They continue to boss possession and move the ball well. Many of Wycombe's openings are coming via the long ball.

31: Wycombe go close against as Woods' shot is blocked away for a corner. From the winger's delivery, De Havilland rises high but heads well over. Still 1-0.

29: Penalty appeal for the Hammers! An Alfie Lewis free-kick is swung into the box and Grady Diangana goes to ground under a challenge. It was hard to see from here but the referee gives the defending side the benefit of doubt.

27: There's one for the Hammers faithful to enjoy! With Sam Howes in possession and two home players charging at him, the keeper coolly dummies to his left and dribbles it round them to keep possession. Great stuff!

26: The Irons win a corner from which Wycombe break, but Sylvestre - at right-back today - defends superbly.

23: Marcus Browne bursts forward at pace, and hits one from 25 yards but he doesn't connect cleanly and it's a simple save for Blackman. The Hammers are making the Wanderers stopper work tonight, though.

20: In the thick of the action still, Gordon goes into the referee's book after a late challenge of Stephen McGinn.

19: Good stuff from the Hammers who win their first corner. Noha Sylvestre intercepts well and feeds Jaanai Gordon, whose cross is turned behind. The forward wins the header from Marcus Browne's corner, but it's straight at the keeper.

15: Coventry City are currently 2-1 up at home to Northampton Town in the group's other fixture. All three goals were scored in the game's opening eight minutes.

13: Wycombe break and Sido Jombati has an effort blocked in the area. Corner for the hosts, but it evades everyone in the box and West Ham have a throw in.

12: Chance for the Hammers! Jaanai Gordon finds some space and smashes at goal from 20 yards. It skims just wide of Jamal Blackman's post.

9: The larger than life striker certainly has 'Beast Mode' turned on tonight - he's causing West Ham some problems at the back.

7: Goal for Wycombe. A disappointing way to concede from the Hammers' point of view - a free-kick from the right is swung in and met by the head of Ade Akinfenwa, and Sam Howes who came to claim it, is beaten. That's exactly what the forward is known for and he does it well.

5: Excellent football from the Hammers early on here after some Wycombe pressure. They keep the ball for a good 15 or 20 passes and create an opening for Moses Makasi to shoot, but his attempt is blocked.

3: Howes is busy early on here. He easily gets behind a long range strike from Wycombe's Will De Havilland this time.

1: And the hosts hit the post! The game's first play sees the Chairboys whip in a good free kick and a combination of Sam Howes in goal and his right hand post keeps Scott Kashket at bay.

1: And we're off! The Hammers are wearing their change strip tonight and have conceded an early free-kick to be taken from the right hand side.

7:40pm: We're almost ready to get going here at the home of Wycombe Wanderers in West Ham's second Checkatrade Trophy tie. They were beaten 4-2 by Coventry City in their opening group D match, and Northampton await the Hammers in their final group stage match in November. Let's hope Terry Westley's youngsters can put a point, two or three on the board tonight. Two, yes - should tonight's match finish level, a penalty shootout will be contested with the winners receiving a bonus point!

7:20pm: So, as expected, it's a young side the Hammers field tonight at Adams Park, but they'll be hungry to prove themselves against a League Two side, that's for sure.

Wycombe Wanderers: Blackman, Jombati, McGinn, Pierre (Stewart 46), Wood, Hardman, Rowe (Bean 59), Akinfenwa (Hayes 68), Freeman, De Havilland, Kashket.

Subs not used: Richardson, Cowan-Hall, Ainsworth.

Goals: Akinfenwa 7, Kashket 48, Freeman 68

Bookings: Pierre 28, Freeman 41, Stewart 51, De Hallivard 78, Jombati 84

PL2: Howes, Sylvestre (Eggleton 75), Pike, Akinola, Neufville, Makasi, Lewis, Kemp (Parfitt-Williams 62), Browne, Diangana, Gordon (Hector-Ingram 56).

Subs not used: Forde, Coventry, Johnson, Ford.

Bookings: Gordon 20

6:45pm: Good evening from Adams Park for our Checkatrade Trophy tie against Wycombe Wanderers! As they did against Coventry City in the competition's opening matchday, the Hammers will name a young side tonight as they look to get their first point on the board in southern group D. The Chairboys, who must name six first team players in their starting XI, have won their last three home matches, so it will be a tough test for Terry Westley's men tonight. Team news to follow shortly!

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Song stable, says Doc
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 4th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

Ex-Hammer Rigobert Song has regained consciousness after spending two days in a coma. The 40-year-old former Cameroon international was rushed into hospital at the weekend after falling unconscious. It was later determined that he has suffered a brain aneurysm. However his doctor - Louis Joss Bitang A Mafok, a director at Cameroon's Yaounde Central Hospital - revealed this morning that Song's condition was now under control. "He has come out of his coma and the oxygen has been disconnected," said Mafok. "His high blood pressure has returned to normal and the cerebral haemorrhage has been controlled." Song, who featured for West Ham between 2000 and 2002 will fly to France later today in order to continue his treatment. "A medical aircraft will be in Cameroon in the morning," added Mafok. "We will have a working session with the French team and then he will be flown to France."

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AN INTERVIEW WITH ADRIAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 4 OCTOBER 2016 AT 9:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Interview with West Ham Goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel courtesy of @whufcbulletin

We spoke to West Ham United goalkeeper Adrián last year and we asked him some questions.

Q: What are the differences between training under Bilic, and training under Allardyce?

Adrián: "They are different people and different types of manager, with different views of football. Allardyce is a traditional English manager with a lot of experience in the Premier League and he worked every day to make us strong and compact in defence and play direct and quick in attack, he was the person that gave me the opportunity to play here so I always will be grateful to him. On the other hand Bilic, our new manager, who always encourages us to keep the ball, and start playing from the back with possession and attack with a combination of quick passes, but of course we still need to be together and organised in defence."

Q: How did you make it to where you are in the football world?

Adrián: "The football world is really difficult [to get into]. You have to work very hard every day and fight for your dreams. Sometimes you may have difficult moments which you must overcome. However there are also good times to enjoy too. But in my opinion the most important thing [to make it in the football world] is to be determined and never give up."



Q: Which Premier League player have you known the longest?

Adrián: "I have some very good friends thanks to playing football. At West Ham I have a great relationships with the Latin players such as Enner, Mauro, Manu [Lanzini], and Pedro. But I also have a good friend playing for Arsenal, Joel Campbell, who used to play with me at Real Betis a few years ago."
Q: What is it like living in London after living in Spain your whole life?

Adrián: "Living in London is really different. Firstly you realise that the weather is very cold in comparison to Seville, my home city. However London is a great city to enjoy and you find a lot of things to do in your free time."

Q: How quickly did you settle in in London when you first arrived?

Adrián: "In the beginning it was hard because the language and the new way of living. But my team mates helped me a lot to adapt quickly to the team. Three seasons later I can say that I am enjoying the experience and I feel really well settled."

Q: Growing up who was your boyhood hero?

Adrián: "I never had just one hero. When I was a child I always looked up to the best keepers at that time, such as Oliver Khan, Peter Schmeichel, and Buffon – I have always tried to learn from the best."

Q: What interests do you have outside of football and how do you spend your free time?

Adrián: "While I was living in Seville I spent my time studying to be a Physical Trainer at University. But now when I have a day off I like to spend it with my friends and my family, but also like to play on my Playstation."

Q: And Finally, What do you see yourself doing after your playing career?

Adrián: "I love football and for that reason I would like to become a goalkeeper coach or physical trainer after I retire."

~
Many thanks to Adrián from those at WHUFC Bulletin for taking part in this interview.

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Reece Oxford interview: West Ham's bright young thing opens up about life in the Premier League
From football's culture of criticism to his future career, the defender spoke exclusively to The Independent about life as a young footballer - and the expectation that comes with it
Samuel Lovett
The Independent

When Reece Oxford was released by Tottenham's academy system five years ago, the very first thing he did was return to his local Sunday league. As a young 12-year-old, the set-back would have been devastating but, as Oxford recounts, all he was focused on was 'bouncing back'. His determination paid off - much quicker than expected - and three days after joining up with his old teammates, Oxford was on the phone to West Ham. Five years later, and with numerous first-team appearances to his name, the youngster hasn't looked back since. Speaking to the 17-year-old, it became apparent that this focused determination and resilience has helped instill him with a striking level of maturity absent from players nearly twice his age.

It was his candid remarks about the 'unfair' criticism that managers currently face, however, that really belied his youth. At a time when managers have been scrutinised, ridiculed and dissected by the media, Oxford stressed that it was the players themselves who should be bearing the brunt of such criticism. "Everyone focuses in football now on the managers a bit more than the players. I think that's a bad thing," he said. "Before games you used to just focus on the players and the players you play, and their job. But now everyone is just focusing on the managers."

Jose Mourinho certainly springs to mind. As Manchester United have struggled to find their true form in recent weeks, the 53-year-old has been thrust into the limelight. In trademark Mourinho fashion, the Portuguese hit back at his critics, attacking the "football Einsteins" who have attempted to "delete" the last 16 years of his career. It will always go back down to the manager," Oxford reiterates. "Like us, right now, everyone's asking the manager [what's going wrong] but sometimes it's not the manager, it's us as a team. "We need to walk harder in the games, and need to play as a team. Everyone just needs to be together. That's what you need. You don't just need a manager but a team that is together."

Either way, there's no hiding that West Ham have endured a torrid start to the season. Slaven Bilic's side are currently languishing in the relegation zone, having won just one game from their opening seven league matches. After the embarrassment of a 3-0 loss to Southampton two weekends ago, Mark Noble openly criticised the side's performance as 'laughable'.
"Eleven goals [conceded] in three games is laughable and it's not good enough," he told Sky Sports. But while Noble conceded that the move to the London Stadium may have affected the recent dip in form, Oxford refused to accept that as an excuse. "I think you can't really blame the stadium for our losses but you could say maybe we're not used to this environment, new players coming in, and just not used to being in such a good stadium as this," he added. "But once we get a win we'll push on. As soon as we get three points I think our confidence will go up and then we'll be back to normal. And hopefully I can be a part of that."

Oxford appeared similarly relaxed about the expectation that now hangs over his own head. Dismissing his label as 'a future England great', the player insisted that he will be taking one step at a time as he attempts to establish a name for himself. For now, that means proving his worth to West Ham and helping his side return to winning ways. While the lure of fame and fortunate may spur him down another route in the years to come, for now, at least, Oxford continues to remain refreshingly grounded at a time when football has become saturated with money-driven egos. "I don't really take it in. If someone says to me 'you're going to be this, you're going to be that', I will say I haven't really done anything," he said, speaking at the launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 17. "I don't know about what I'm going to be. I hope I'm going to be a good player, but you never know, hopefully I can just get game time and play, and prove to everyone. "I won't say this or that, I don't know yet how good I am." And despite spending a considerable amount of last season on the bench - the youngster made a total of nine appearances under Bilic last year - the 17-year-old says that's he just happy to be a part of the club. "I was just happy to be in and around the team, being in the 16, being in and around a Premier League team. I got nine games, I came on a couple of times in the Prem, a couple of times in the cup games. What else can you wish for?"

But despite his best efforts to play down his growing reputation, the youngster has already caught the eyes of the Premier League's heavyweights with Manchester United, among others, believed to be monitoring the defender's situation at West Ham. As for his international career, the 17-year-old has risen through the ranks in the England set-up, playing for all age groups right up to the U20s. Oxford even captained his country at the 2015 UEFA European U17 Championship, leading his side to the quarter-finals. He confesses that, like any teenager on the brink of footballing fame, he holds high aspirations for the future. "Hopefully in five years' time I'll just be playing football, and captaining my club and my country. Or being in and around my country."
In the meantime, however, he's quite content in making a name for himself among the West Ham faithful. He admitted that he one day hopes to be revered by the club's fans in the same way Dimitri Payet is. "Just watching him, and seeing how people are, how all the fans love him, I aspire to be that [where] the fans love me, and be like a hero to them." While the comparisons between Dimitri Payet and Reece Oxford won't be drawn any time soon, the 17-year-old has already been tipped to follow in the footsteps of former West Ham academy graduate Rio Ferdinand. Physically imposing like Ferdinard, Oxford also started his career as a striker. The defender admitted that the comparisons were flattering: "Yeah, he's done exactly the same as me so that's why a lot of people compare me to him. "He came into west ham as a striker and then he got moved to centre-back. I think the West Ham fans, and everyone, just wants me to have a good career as he did. So hopefully I can do that or maybe even better."

Although the young Englishman may have a long way to go before he's held in the same light as Dimitri Payet or Rio Ferdinand, you can't help but think that a promising future lies ahead for the young Reece Oxford. Reece Oxford was speaking at the launch of EA Sport's Fifa 17, out now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and all other formats. To find out more visit easports.co.uk/fifa #FIFA17

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rejects Dimitri Payet notion: This is not the case
SLAVEN BILIC refuses to accept that West Ham are a one-man team.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:40, Tue, Oct 4, 2016 | UPDATED: 05:40, Tue, Oct 4, 2016
Express.co.uk

Talisman Dimitri Payet rescued the Hammers a point in their 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday. The star playmaker took on five Boro players before slotting past Victor Valdes as he scored a sensational solo goal. West Ham fans have had to rely on the 29-year-old more than once this season, as Payet curled in a last minute free-kick against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup third round. But despite the Frenchman's top talent which saw him pick up five end of season awards last term, Bilic believes Payet should just be an inspiration to his team-mates, not a saviour. "We are not a one-player team, but the others have to take their lead from Dimi," Bilic told the club's official website. "I was pleased with our work-rate, but that's a minimum, as we have to step up our quality in the last third of the pitch. "It doesn't have to be a wonder goal like Dimi's, but it has to be more."
Last week, Payet was said to have spoken up at a team meeting to outline his frustration at results, as the Hammers have struggled so far in their debut campaign at the London Stadium.
Bilic's defence have leaked goals with West Ham sitting 18th in the table heading into the international break. Other than Payet, only Michail Antonio has been a real source of goals with the winger bagging five in the league already. But Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell are set to return to the side for their next game and offer Payet support at Crystal Palace after recovering from injuries.

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Bilic must follow Koeman's blueprint to turn the tide for West Ham at the Olympic Stadium
HITC
Damien Lucas

Slaven Bilic can turn things around at West Ham United if he follows the lead of the man in the hotseat at former club Everton, Ronald Koeman. Infighting amongst fans, resentment towards owners and concerns over safety at the club's new 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium home have soured the Hammers' campaign so far. Bilic's side have lost five of their opening seven Premier League matches, picking up just four points from 21 so far. The Hammers were also embarrassingly dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu for the second season running. It is a far cry from last season when West Ham enjoyed their best ever points total of the Premier League era, recorded a first positive goal difference since 1986 and finished just four points off the Champions League places in their emotional farewell campaign at Upton Park. As a result Bilic finds himself under intense pressure for the first time since taking over last year. But he can turn things around if he follows the lead of Toffees manager Koeman.
Speaking to Jamie Carragher ahead of Everton's game against Crystal Palace last time out, Koeman - who has led Everton to their best ever start to a Premier League season - revealed he had done a lot of research before deciding how to approach games at Goodison Park. "I spoke to a lot of people about what the supporters expect and did a lot of research and at home we press because that is what the fans want to see in the stadium," Koeman said on Sky Sports Friday Night Football. That is exactly what West Ham did so well last term and was a major factor in their success and losing just three times at the Boleyn Ground all season. This season, though, through a lack of workrate and a peculiar change in tactics West Ham have treated their home games like away matches, sitting off the opposition with no visible plans to press the ball. The insipid tactics were on display yet again against Middlesbrough in the 1-1 draw last time out with far too much respect shown to a newly-promoted side. Koeman's early season success at Everton, together with his impressive couple of seasons at Southampton have seen him cast a shadow over the achievements of Bilic. Every club that has enjoyed a good start to the season has employed a pressing game so far. The old adage 'if you can't beat them, join them' seems apt for Bilic this season and the former Croatia boss must be humble enough to accept he needs to change his style and fast to rescue the Hammers' season.

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West Ham to take control of women's team following sexual discrimination complaint
JOHN DUNNE
Evening Standard

West Ham are to take direct control over its women's side after the team's chairman complained that players were suffering discrimination. Stephen Hunt, the chairman of West Ham United Ladies, lodged a formal complaint with the Football Association after claiming his players were forced to play in last year's kit and to pay for their own transport to games. He also said the women's team was unable to afford physiotherapists and players werehaving to warm up by running alongside a busy road while they had limited access to the club's training facilities. The kits the women have been issued with are last season's but with new names printed on the back, he claims. The running of West Ham United Ladies was handed over to a committee of fans and while bearing the club's name Hunt said they were being cut off from the main club structure. He told Standard Sport last night: "I have constantly pressed the club to commit to taking the ladies' team in-house since I was appointed. "Their recent actions have caused damage to the players' training which we assume Julian would not have approved if he had known about that decision. This has always been about what is best for the players."
He has complained to the FA that the club was in breach of its obligations to promote grassroots football, and had discriminated against the women's team. An FA spokeswoman confirmed it had received a complaint, which it was reviewing. Following the complaint the club has now announced its intention to bring the running of the women's side "in-house", saying that the current arrangement, in which "the day-to-day running of the [women's side] was transferred to a third party some years ago ... has simply not worked". It added in a statement: "The club have been working for some time on plans to take West Ham United Ladies FC 'in-house' and, in light of Mr Hunt's most recent deeply concerning comments, we will now be seeking to do so at the earliest opportunity. "We will, of course, seek to maintain the current West Ham United Ladies FC squad personnel where possible, and provide them with the best possible support and management moving forward." As a result, the statement said, "women's football at West Ham United will become bigger, better and stronger". The women's team was founded in 1992 and plays in the Southern division of the FA Women's Premier League.

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Juventus have Zaza worry
By Football Italia staff

Reports in Italy warn West Ham United could send Simone Zaza back to Juventus, rather than buy him outright. The Italian international joined the Hammers on loan this summer, with the deal automatically becoming permanent after 15 appearances. That transfer would be worth €20m [£17.5m] plus bonuses to the Bianconeri, who have already budgeted for that money and used it as part of the Juan Cuadrado deal. As calciomercato.com notes, the threshold was set deliberately low in order to virtually guarantee that Zaza would move to the English Premier League permanently. However, the website believes West Ham may be having doubts about the striker, who has so far made five appearances. Zaza could therefore end up in a similar situation to Stephan El Shaarawy at Monaco, with the winger kicking his heels on the bench until January last season so he wouldn't play the final game necessary to trigger a permanent move.

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Walsall boss hails performances of Aston Villa loanee Kevin Toner and West Ham's George Dobson
HITC
Tom Nightingale

Jon Whitney has been impressed with the two young stars. Walsall manager Jon Whitney has hailed the performances of young Aston Villa loanee Kevin Toner and on-loan West Ham midfielder George Dobson, as quoted by the Walsall Advertiser. Dobson joined the Saddlers on a season-long loan in June, whilst Toner signed on in August on a deal until January. The Hammers midfielder has made six appearances for the League One club so far in all competitions, impressing in a midfield role despite being at the tender age of 18. Dobson is yet to play a senior game for West Ham and this loan spell is bringing him his first taste of first-team action, and Whitney admits he has been impressed by what he has seen so far from the teenager.

Walsall ground

The Walsall boss said, via the Advertiser: "George came off with nothing left on Saturday – but that's what you have to do if you want to win games, that's what you have to sacrifice physically. "George came to me after the defeat at Northampton, shut the door behind him and said he wanted to fight for me and this team. I told him I knew that. But I explained I have to decide when it is right to put the younger players in. "George deserved his chance because he has done well when he has come in. I watched him for the under-21s and he has dictated play. We needed someone to come in and just free Adam Chambers up a little bit because I wanted Adam to try and win the ball a bit higher up the pitch. George can then be the one that links the play and he did that really well." Whitney also voiced his pleasure with what he saw from Toner, who has played in seven of the Saddlers' 11 league games so far this term.
The manager added: "Kev Toner grew in stature throughout the game. You can see why I brought him in because he's one that actually stepped forward and coped." Toner has four Premier League appearances under his belt for Villa from the back end of last season, but was allowed to leave on loan this summer by former manager Roberto di Matteo.

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Rigobert Song 'out of coma and breathing by himself' after ex-West Ham defender suffered stroke
Ex-defender Rigobert Song suffered a cerebral aneurysm on Sunday
The 40-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon
Song is the uncle of former Arsenal and West Ham United midfielder, Alex
By JOHN DOWNES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:24, 4 October 2016 | UPDATED: 10:33, 4 October 2016

Rigobert Song is reportedly out of a coma, breathing by himself and has been flown to France after suffering a cerebral aneurysm on Sunday. Two photographs emerged of Song on Twitter on Tuesday, telling the news, and showing him sitting up in a hospital bed and then being wheeled by medics. Former Liverpool, West Ham United and Cameroon defender Song was reportedly fighting for his life after being rushed to hospital in Yaounde. Rigobert Song out of Coma and breathing by himself wonderful news he has been flown to France. The 40-year-old is the uncle of former Arsenal, West Ham United and Charlton midfielder, Alex. The head coach of Chad's senior national team was in a critical condition after a stroke. He reportedly fell ill at his home in the Cameroon capital and was said to be in a coma, according to French publication L'Equipe.
Song joined Liverpool in a £2.7million move in 1999 from Metz, but only made 39 appearances for the Reds before moving on to sign for West Ham the following year. He then left east London to join Cologne on loan, before having spells with Lens, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor in Turkey to finish his playing career in 2010. The football world was quick to unite in support of the popular ex-player, who won 137 caps for Cameroon and a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. Fellow Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o posted a picture of Song with the caption: 'I wish you a lot of courage and a speedy recovery big brother!' Jamie Carragher, Stan Collymore and Robbie Fowler also posted messages of sympathy in the wake of the news.
Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger also paid tribute to Song, posting on Twitter: 'Just got the news that Rigobert Song is fighting for his life after having a stroke...get well soon buddy #YNWA'.
Song was appointed as Chad national team coach on October 20, succeeding Frenchman Emmanuel Tregoat. He'd been working for the Cameroonian Football Federation in recent years. His first game in charge was the first leg of a play-off match in qualification for the World Cup in Russia in three years time against Egypt, which Les Sao won 1-0. However, they went down 4-0 in the return fixture days later to exit the qualifying process in the second round.

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