Daily WHUFC News - 11th October 2016

Randolph helps Ireland secure another victory
WHUFC.com

Randolp helps Ireland maintain unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over Moldova
Collins is unused sub for Wales during their 1-1 draw with Georgia
Kouyate helps Senegal record opening 2-0 win over Cape Verde

Darren Randolph helped the Republic of Ireland maintain their unbeaten start
to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 away win over Moldova. The West
Ham keeper played his part in helping Martin O'Neill's side make it seven
points from their opening three games and put them in a strong position just
behind Serbia in Group D. Shane Long fired Ireland into the lead after just
two minutes and although Moldova grabbed an equaliser, two goals from James
McLean helped them come away with another important victory. Randolph will
now be hoping they can extend their unbeaten run when they prepare for the
next World Cup qualifier which takes place against Austria on 12 November.
James Collins was an unused substitute as Wales suffered a setback in their
qualifying campaign as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Georgia at the
Cardiff City Stadium. Fellow Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna was also an
unused sub as Italy had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 away win over
Macedonia in Group G. There was better news for West Ham midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate as he helped Senegal record a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in their
opening World Cup qualifier. Sofiane Feghouli appeared as a second half
substitute for Algeria as they drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their opening game.

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Only one Hammer on loan was in action over the weekend due to the
international break
George Dobson helped Walsall to a 2-1 victory over Millwall
Meanwhile, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham as they were
beaten by Oldham Athletic

With the top two tiers out of action due to the international break, it was
a much quieter weekend for the Hammers out on loan, with only one of them in
action. George Dobson – on loan at League One outfit Walsall this term –
played as the Saddlers secured a vital 2-1 victory over Millwall to climb
out the drop zone in England's third tier. As the midfielder started and
completed 83 minutes at the Banks's Stadium, the hosts took the lead after
17 minutes when Simeon Jackson – the former Lions forward – struck his fifth
of the season after Franck Moussa's knock-down. The visitors, hoping to
avoid a fourth-straight defeat, were back on level terms five minutes later;
Fred Onyedinma nodded home a Mahlon Romeo cross from six yards out. Shortly
after the break though, the hosts regained the lead when the same pair
combined. Jackson was denied by goalkeeper Jordan Archer, and Moussa slammed
home the hosts' second to make it 2-1. Steve Morison and Lee Gregory went
close for Neil Harris' side, but Dobson and co held out to move up to 16th
in League One.

Elsewhere in the division, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham
as they slipped to defeat against Oldham. Cody McDonald gave the Gills a
first half lead, but second half strikes from Freddie Ladapo and Ryan Flynn
meant Oldham travelled back up north with three points in the bag.

Bradford City continued their excellent form to remain second in the league,
beating Fleetwood Town 2-0, though the Bantams were without Hammers
midfielder Josh Cullen. Away with the Republic of Ireland U21s, Cullen
played for the Boys in Green in their 3-1 UEFA European U21 Championship
qualifying defeat to Serbia.

Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.

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Youth international round up
WHUFC.com

A number of West Ham United youth players made appearances for their
international side this weekend
Malyk Hamilton scored his first goal for Canada U18s in their draw with El
Salvador
Rihards Matrevics played twice for Latvia U19s and is set to make a third
appearance on Tuesday

A number of young West Ham United players have represented their youth
international sides across the world during this international break. Malyk
Hamilton scored on just his second start for Canada U18s as they levelled
their two match international series with El Salvador. Canada drew the first
match 1-1 in San Salvador, thanks to a late Alan Camacho equaliser, and were
cancelled out by the same opponents in the second match. Camacho scored
again to level proceedings before Hamilton equalised with the first goal for
his country in the second half to ensure a share of the spoils for Canada.

Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has had a packed schedule, appearning twice in
three days for Latvia U19s, and he's set to make his third appearance of
this international break on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old was in goal as Latvia drew 2-2 with Turkey on Thursday and
lost 3-0 to Ukraine on Saturday. He'll aim to keep his place for the
encounter with Iceland this week.

Josh Cullen played the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland U21s on
Friday as they lost 3-1 to Serbia. Everton's Courtney Duffus gave them the
lead in the second half before Serbia - the World U20 champions last year -
scored three times to clinch the victory.

Elsewhere, Domingos Quina came off the bench as Portugal U19s beat Italy 2-1
on Sunday in Marinha Grande. Vrioni Giacomo gave Italy the lead in the
first-half before the Portuguese struck back through Pedro Marques and
Gedson Fernandes to take the win.

Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute for the Norway senior side, as
they were beaten 1-0 by Azerbaijan on Saturday. The 19-year-old will hope to
make his first appearance of this international break against San Marino on
Tuesday.

Declan Rice was also an unusued substitute as Republic of Ireland's Under
19s thrashed Gibraltar 5-0 on Saturday. They face Germany on Tuesday.

Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.

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Stoke City ballot now open
WHUFC.com

The Claret Members' ticket ballot for West Ham United's Premier League
fixture with Stoke City at London Stadium is now open. Claret Members can
enter the ballot to secure tickets for the visit of the Potters, which will
kick-off at 3pm on Saturday 5 November, between now and the closing date of
5pm on Sunday 23 October. To enter, Claret Members are required to login to
their Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Fans
wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client
reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated
together. By becoming a Claret Member, supporters not only ensure access to
the ballot, but will be guaranteed exclusive ticket priority for every
Premier League home game during the first season at our stunning new
Stadium. With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on
the waiting list and thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret
Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with
supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5
discount. Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting
List for the reduced price of just £5. Supporters entering the ballot have
the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are
happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of
being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave
the second option blank.

The ballot closes at 5pm on Sunday 23 October and successful supporters will
be notified via email on Monday 24 October. Hospitality packages for this
fixture are available to buy now from £349 +VAT per person. For further
information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or
call 0871 091 1811*.

*Calls cost 13p/min plus your networks access charge.

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Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com

Avid footballer Jodie Coombes reconnected with her family after appearing on
Match of the Day, alongside Hammers heroes Adrian and Michail Antonio
The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July

The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family. Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her
Mum and Dad when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared
in an episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has
greatly improved. The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to
represent her country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.

The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions. "I still participate now.
The season just finished went really well, I've really enjoyed every minute
of it to be honest. The whole experience, the new skills and the new people
I've met have all been amazing. "After I'd left home, my parents did stay in
contact, but now I'm living independently we're all trying to rebuild that
relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're getting on really good."

In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign. There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie,
whose talent has shone through during the training sessions. She continued:
"Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met them and I was
really, really over the moon, I was speechless! "They gave loads of tips,
and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're doing. "I was quite
nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of the Day was
a dream come true, it was really amazing."

After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us. "Showing our support hopefully gives
them more of a drive and gives them that self-belief. "It's not easy to get
the right opportunities in life but as long as you're determined and willing
to push yourself, it can be done." West Ham United Foundation
chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's sentiments saying: "This is a
fantastic example of how the work we're carrying out is a real long-term
journey for our participants. "Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just
shows that the right kind of intervention can help change young people's
lives! To go from being homeless to representing England in a football
tournament, just shows local young people that anything is possible."

The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it. "Projects like
Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in situations like
myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what they can do, I
think they do a great job."

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#WHUAREYA - Ben Johnson
WHUFC.com

As Dimitri Payet curled home his fourth direct free-kick of the campaign at
Manchester United last season, there would have been no shortage of
youngsters attempting to replicate the stunner in back gardens all over the
country. For 16-year-old midfielder Ben Johnson, it was slightly different;
he was doing his best to imitate Payet's feats on the training pitches the
Frenchman also graces. "He's an amazing player," says Johnson, in admiration
of the superstar. "It's great to watch him play. I think out of the West Ham
first team squad, he's the player I'm most like. I like him a lot. "His set
pieces are incredible, and I like to think I hit a good set piece too. I
just love watching creative players like Payet. Mesut Ozil also, and
obviously Lionel Messi. They're all fantastic footballers and I try to be
like them on the pitch."

Johnson sees himself as an attacking talent who can "pass quickly, dribble
well, hit a good shot and drive from deep". Those attributes, of course, are
plain to see in Payet's all-round game. As for this season, the 29-year-old
will be hoping to continue his excellent form that helped France reach the
UEFA Euro 2016 final. Johnson hopes a similarly positive campaign is in
store for him. "I want to play a lot of U23s football this season if I can –
that's got to be one of my aims," he continues. "I want to train regularly
with them, and then if I get the chance, to train with the first team maybe
a few times. "I need to try my hardest in training and work my way up. I've
been at the Club nine years now, and every session, every week, the
relationship between me and the Club gets bigger, I feel. "I really love the
Club a lot and I think I can go far here."

While the youngster has begun the season with the U18 squad, he also enjoyed
time with the Hammers' PL2 side during pre-season in Holland this summer.
"It was a great trip, because we built that team spirit that can serve you
well if you take it onto the pitch. If you have a good connection off the
pitch, it's often the same on it and that is a key to success in my opinion.
"We chilled out a lot, played some FIFA and had a laugh – it was a great
trip for us to bond."

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Dimi sets up France winner
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet's France clinched a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over
the Netherlands on Monday
The Hammers midfielder set up the game's only goal
Reece Oxford was also in action as England U20s beat the USA 2-0

Dimitri Payet set up the only goal of the game as his France side picked up
a second win of the international break over the Netherlands on Monday
evening.
The Hammers midfielder started and completed 67 minutes for Didier
Deschamps' side, who followed up last week's 4-1 victory over Bulgaria with
the narrow win in Amsterdam. The game's only goal was scored after just half
an hour when Manchester United's summer signing Paul Pogba rocketed a long
range effort into the bottom corner following Payet's pass in-field. The
visitors moved up to joint top of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, level
on points at the summit of Group A with Sweden. The clash was Payet's 30th
in the blue of his national side.

Teenage prospect Reece Oxford was also in international action on Monday, as
his England U20s outfit were 2-0 winners over the USA at Rochdale's
Spotland.
Competing in the Four Nations competition which the Young Lions had already
clinched following wins over Germany and the Netherlands, the hosts rounded
off an impressive tournament with the comfortable victory. Ovie Ejaria and
Dominic Solanke were on the scoresheet for England in a game which Oxford
started. The defender was making his third appearance for his country at U20
level.

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Fans group hold inaugural rally
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

The first meeting of a new West Ham United supporters organisation was held
on Saturday afternoon. Staged at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in
Castle Street, opposite the club's former Boleyn Ground home, the first
meeting of a proposed, independent organisation aimed at representing the
supporters' interests was held. A spokesman for the group, who are yet to
give themselves an official title told KUMB: "It was a pleasure to meet
everyone that made an effort to turn up. A number of good ideas on how to
move forward together and see where it takes us were put forward." Meanwhile
another fan who attended insisted it was inportant for supporters to have
their own voice, independent of the club's own fan groups such as the
much-maligned SUpporter Advisory Board (SAB). "What became clear from the
meeting is that it is nigh on impossible to engage with WHUFC PLC on any
issue whatsoever," they said. "We are not being heard no matter what route
you take, its as simple as that. "A supporters' trust itself is the ultimate
goal and something that others are already working hard on. These guys know
what they are talking about but quite frankly they cannot do it on their
own, they need foot soldiers - so the more people on board the merrier."

Anyone interest in becoming involved with the new organisation are welcome
to attend the next meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday, 22 October
(ahead of the home match with Sunderland).

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Light at the end of tunnel, says Cresswell
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

Aaron Cresswell says he can't wait to become involved in first team action
once again having spent the last three months on the sidelines. The
26-year-old full-back is set to make his return from injury this weekend
when Slaven Bilic takes his side across the city to Crystal Palace. And
Cresswell is looking forward to making his first Premier League appearance
of the season - should he secure a first team spot for the fixture, as is
widely expected. "This is the first big injury I have suffered during my
career," he told West Ham's website. "Hopefully I will be able to get over
this little setback and stay injury free for a long time. "I was stuck in a
knee brace for four to six weeks and it was hard to get the knee bending. I
could only bend it so much and it was difficult for me just to get out of
bed and walk down the stairs. "There was some dark days during that time but
I can now see some light at the end of the tunnel."
And Cresswell - who moved to West Ham from Ipswich in the summer of 2014 -
also revealed how additional nursing duties for his wife went a long way to
aiding his recovery! "The missus was great to me during that time," he
added, "and it felt like I had a little bell by the side of the couch that I
kept pressing every time I wanted something! "It was little things from
wanting a cup of tie or getting the food on, but she was fantastic during
that period and helped me through it as well when I couldn't walk or get
down the stairs."

West Ham face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday.

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Zaza linked with Serie A return
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

On-loan striker Simone Zaza is being linked with a return to Italy - just a
matter of weeks after joining West Ham on loan. Having already lost star
striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus in the summer, Serie A outfit Napoli are
back in the transfer market following the news that the Argentine
international's replacement, Arkadiusz Milik, has been ruled out of action
until the new year. And with Zaza's future at West Ham already uncertain
following a slow start to his Premier League career - which has seen him
failed to find the net since moving to England - Napoli are said to be
taking keen interest in the 25-year-old. However Zaza - who is currently on
loan at West Ham - has a number of potential rivals for the role. Leonardo
Pavoletti of Genoa - who was linked with Leeds United last year - and
Sassuolo's Gregoire Defrel have also been linked with a move to Gli Azzurri
who are currently second in Serie A, four points behind early leaders
Juventus.

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Kanu snubs Uniteds and makes history
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

Talented youngster Idris Kanu has finally left West Ham - for National
League outfit Aldershot Town. The highly-rated 16-year-old began his career
at West Ham, for whom he has featured since the age of 11. And only last
month he appeared to be close to securing a move to Manchester United after
spending a brief spell on loan with the club at their Carrington training
complex. However the striker has surprised many by snubbing both Uniteds in
favour of the fifth-tier non-league club, who are currently sixth in the
National League, 15 games into the campaign. "We're fortunate to have signed
a very talented player," said Shots boss Gary Waddock via his club's
website. "We need to make sure that we help him to realise his potential but
we are planning for the future." Kanu made 17 appearances for West Ham
United's Under 18s last season, scoring two goals. He made his debut for
Aldershot as an 86th-minute substitute in their 2-0 win over Solihull Moors
on Saturday.

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Randy on a roll as Dimi delights
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

Michail Antonio was an unused substitute for the second game in succession
as England beat Malta in their latest Qorld Cup qualifer at Wembley. The
West Ham winger was selected for the second England squad in succession but
was left on the bench by temporary boss Gareth Southgate as the hosts
managed to beat the minnows 2-0 at Wembley. Dimitri Payet was on the
scoresheet for France as the Euro 16 hosts ran out 4-1 winners over
Bul;garia, despite falling a goal behind early on. West Ham's midfielder
scored the second of three French first half goals when his far post cross
evaded everyone before nestling in tthe bottom of the net - as you may see
in our video below. Elsewhere James Collins was an unused substitute as
Wales struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia, whilst Darren Randolph was
part of the Republic of Ireland team that secured a vital 3-1 World Cup
qualifying win in Moldova last night.

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Enner fires back in paternity row
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer

Enner Valencia has hit back at critics who accused him of failing to stay up
to date with maintenence payments for his daughter. Last week we revealed
how the Hammers striker, currently on loan at Everton made a comical escape
from the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa by allegedly faking injury in order to
avoid the attention of watching Police officers. And having receiving
widespread condemation for his antics, Valencia has fired back to clear up
any misconceptions regarding his disappearance last week - whilst accusing
ex-wife Synthia Pinargote of seeking personal financial gain. "According to
what has happened in the last few days and regarind the supposed
non-fulfilment of my obligations as a father to my five-year old daughter
Beira, I feel obliged to explain the truth of these matters to honour my
family as well as my personal and professional image," he said in a
statement relased via twitter. "I am currently facing several lawsuits
initiated by Sinthyia Pinargote Chumo, which I perceive are aimed
exclusively on matters of economic and personal gain, such as the demand for
maintenance, presented in 2015, where I set the amount of 30,000 dollars a
month as alimony. "Within the last two years, despite spending a sum
estimated to be 100,000 US dollars, for pensions of food, which can be
verified on the website of the judiciary, she has prevented me strengthening
my relationship with my daughter, because her mother prevents me from
exercising any contact on my visits when I am in Ecuador. "After thinking
all this through with my family, I decided to take legal action and ask for
my daughter's custody. It is my intention to bring my daughter Beira to live
and study in the UK, where I am based at the moment, so she can grow up
within a stable family environment. "In December 2015 my demand was accepted
by the court and my daughter's custody was granted; the judge also ordered
the immediate suspension of all alimony ppayments to Mrs Sinthya
Pinargorte."
Valencia also hit out at his former partner for spending his monthly
payments, that were intended for his daughter, on material items for
herself. "Among other facts, it was proven that she bought a luxury car,
jewelllery, constatnt travels as well as the fact that my daughter was left
abandoned, several times, on her own for long periods whilst her mother was
performing her modelling and stripper activities at a gentlemen's night club
in Guayaquil," he added."

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Cancer patient Jack Howard thanks West Ham in touching video after £200,000
is raised for treatment
15:57, 10 OCT 2016 UPDATED 15:57, 10 OCT 2016
BY JAKE POLDEN
The 12-year-old also thanked his friends and family for their continued
support
The Mirror

Young cancer patient and West Ham supporter Jack Howard thanked his family,
friends and his club in a heart-warming video. The 12-year-old, who
underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had his kidney removed in 2013, is
currently battling kidney cancer for a second time. The treatment he has had
in the UK has failed and his family are now raising money so that Jack, who
is in an LA hospital, can have pioneering treatment. His family are hoping
to raise £250,000 and have so far accumulated £200,000. The youngster took
to social media, in the above video, to thank his family and friends for
their continued support. He also thanked the fans of his football club West
Ham as well as the people behind the scenes there. The east London club
donated £5,000 towards Jack's cause, which Hammers co-chairman David
Sullivan matched personally to help boost the figure. The fundraising effort
is being made via a Crowdfunder page, where the football community and
beyond have made donations. Jack recently received a Facetime call from star
players Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram . In the touching clip, Payet tells the
youngster: "We wish you a good recovery and we hope to see you soon in
London Stadium."

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West Ham's board must forget the corporate jargon and take responsibility
for what is THEIRS
20:30, 10 OCT 2016
OPINION Mike Walters BY MIKEWALTERS
The Hammers move from Upton Park to the Taxpayers Stadium has come with far
more than teething troubles - and the corporate speak has far from helped
The Mirror

Poor old Karren Brady must be suffering from double vision in her two
highest-profile jobs. As Lord Sugar's pouting sidekick on The Apprentice,
she watches from a safe distance in the background as a bunch of clueless
pretenders botch perfectly simple tasks in London. And as West Ham's
vice-chairman, the Duchess of Knightsbridge also watches from a safe
distance, in the directors' box, as another bunch of ­clueless pretenders
botch perfectly simple tasks in London. But for Brady and Hammers
co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, the acid test is coming up. Later
this month, when Chelsea come calling at the Taxpayers Stadium for a League
Cup fourth round tie with more than 5,000 fans in their entourage, football
will hold its breath. West Ham have not just had teething troubles with
crowd behaviour since they became anchor tenants at their new home. They
have needed root canal treatment.
Fans have been refusing to sit down, fighting each other and visiting
supporters were ambushed by their coaches after the 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough 10 days ago. To date, on matchdays there has been no visible
police ­presence inside the ground because it is not equipped with the
Airwave radio system used by emergency services. It has been left to stadium
operators London Stadium 185 – who were alerted to the radio frequency
problem by Metropolitan Police two years ago – to manage in-house security.
Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me to The Moon, said: "I just do not
understand how West Ham got a licence to play games there when they are not
being policed ­properly. "It's incredible that, in this day and age, a
Premier League match can take place in an environment like that." Ticket
allocations and safety arrangements for Chelsea's visit, by far the biggest
trial of football at the converted London 2012 Olympic cathedral, will be
finalised this week. Although it is unthinkable that a fixture of such
tinderbox potential can be played with no police inside the ground, this is
not a case of West Ham putting a few quid before public safety. It is
stadium owners E20 who are responsible for paying the police bills and the
stewards have been given extra training since the post-match disturbances
against Boro. But it doesn't really matter who pays the bill for the old
bill.
In theory, West Ham could certainly afford it after contributing just £15m
towards the £272m cost of adapting the stadium and they are being charged
only £2.5m-a-year to rent it. Under the terms of their 99-year lease,
however, they do not have to pay for policing, stewarding, heating,
lighting, cleaners or turnstile operators. They don't even have to pay for
the goalposts after successfully arguing that you would not be expected to
rent a tennis court with no net supplied.
But some things are more important than arguing about who picks up the tab
for police costs at a cup tie. This task is not about auditioning to become
Lord Sugar's business partner by flogging tat down at Camden Market. It is
about organising a potentially combustible derby with watertight segregation
inside the ground and taking responsibility for crowd control on the
concourses and walkways around it. Decent fans who venture across the Queen
Elizabeth II Olympic Park on October 26 won't care two whelks who settles
the account with Scotland Yard. They would just prefer it if they didn't
have to navigate skirmishes between Danny Dyer tribute acts and Football
Factory retro-pond life when they go to watch a football match.

Gold, Sullivan and Brady's business acumen is not on trial here. Anyone who
can strike a deal to rent the Taxpayers Stadium for buttons, with the
landlords settling all the household bills, is clearly a formidable
negotiator. But there was trouble at West Ham's home games with Watford and
Boro, which should have been low-risk Category Z fixtures, and the honeymoon
period for buck-passing has expired The Two Daves and Her Ladyship believe
moving to a new home, with the lowest season ticket prices in the Premier
League and almost double the capacity of Upton Park, will hasten the
Hammers' entry to English football's elite.
As a business plan, that's fair enough. But remember, they are YOUR fans,
it's YOUR club's reputation, it's YOUR safety licence. Or, in the corporate
jargon in which Lady Brady is so fluent, it's YOUR culture and it's YOUR
brand.

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Aaron Cresswell surprised by West Ham's poor start - but backs Slaven
Bilic's side to recover
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

Aaron Cresswell has been surprised by West Ham's poor start to the season
but the full back expects Slaven Bilic's side to begin climbing the Premier
League table after the international break. The Hammers finished seventh
last term and rode a wave of optimism into their new home at the London
Stadium in the early weeks of this season. But such a positive outlook has
stuttered in recent weeks as results have been poor, leaving the east
Londoners languishing in the relegation zone with just four points to their
name after seven games.
Cresswell is yet to feature this season, having suffered a serious knee
injury during pre-season, and has admitted he did not foresee his teammates
making such a sluggish start. "Yes it has [surprised me]. Even in pre-season
we didn't have good results in the Europa League," Cresswell told the club's
official website. "But we still have a strong squad, the same team and the
same manager. No one expected it to be like this. "Everyone thought we were
going to be - not challenging for the title - but certainly up there and
having a right good go. "It's still early doors but we want to try and turn
it round and get further up that table," he added. Cresswell is ahead of
schedule in regards to his personal fitness battle and could be available
for West Ham's next league match against Crystal Palace. Yet injury problems
for a number of key players have clearly played a part in the club's
disappointing run of results and Cresswell is adamant a fully fit squad -
plus the return of a fighting spirit - will help to lead West Ham out of the
mire. "We've still got the same players and we've added some fantastic
players," he insisted. "Once everybody is fit the gaffer will have a
headache picking the starting XI but I'm sure he will welcome that. "We need
that team spirit back, fighting for each other, winning games. "The spirit
hasn't changed - the lads are still tight as ever - but it just hasn't
happened on the pitch. "When we get that fighting spirit back with us all -
and the fans - I'm sure we're going to push further up that table."

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West Ham need to stick together and ride out the storm after poor start to
the season, insists Julian Dicks
SAM LONG
EVENING STANDARD

Julian Dicks has urged West Ham to pull together in order to "ride out the
storm" that has engulfed the club in recent weeks. The Hammers moved into
their new home amid an overwhelming feeling of optimism but have endured a
difficult start to life at the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic's side have won
just one Premier League game this season and are currently languishing in
the relegation zone with four points to their name. Such a poor start has
seen frustration grow among the West Ham fanbase, many of whom expected
their side to challenge for a place in the top four, but assistant coach
Dicks has called for unity as they attempt to climb the table. "We had a
great season last season and it was going to be hard to do the same," he
told the club's official website. "But the start we had - obviously we
didn't work enough - we know that. "Collectively we're not working as a
team. You can't really on Dimi or Manu to pop up with goals all the time.
"We have to work as a team. But that's the players, the coaches, the
manager, everybody and even the fans. "We have to stick together and ride
this storm out," he added. Dicks also believes that playing at the London
Stadium has proven to be a motivation for West Ham's opponents and believes
stamping such an attitude out will be key for the east Londoners. "This has
been a big transition and the new stadium is impressive. Teams want to play
there because it is such a fantastic stadium and we have to stop them doing
that. "You do that by working hard. It's down to the players. They need to
start working harder and giving the crowd something to shout about."

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West Ham team news: Diafra Sakho to be given first-team chance as he nears
return from back injury
JAMES BENGE
EVENING STANDARD

Diafra Sakho will be part of Slaven Bilic's first-team plans in the coming
months with his recovery from a back injury almost complete. The Senegal
striker has not featured for West Ham this season as he looks to recover
from an injury that has plagued him on and off since late 2014. Sakho seemed
set to depart the London Stadium in the summer after submitting a transfer
request. West Brom had agreed a £15million deal for the 26-year-old only for
the move to collapse over fitness concerns from the Midlands side. In
Sakho's absence West Ham have struggled for goals, particularly from their
strikers. Only four Hammers have found the net this season and not one of
Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri or the oft-injured Andy Carroll have yet
troubled the scorers. Whether Sakho would remain beyond January would be
dependent on any offers that came to West Ham but suitors may be reluctant
to target a striker that could be unavailable for much of the hectic new
year period. Senegal's place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations would almost
certainly see Sakho travel to Gabon, providing he is fit, for the
tournament, which runs from January 14 to February 5. West Ham could be
without the striker, his international team-mate Cheikhou Kouyate, Sofiane
Feghouli and Andre Ayew for up to eight matches, dependant on their progress
in cup competitions. Over 24 appearances last season Sakho managed just
seven goals, five of which came before the end of September. That contrasts
markedly with the 12 he scored in 26 games during Sam Allardyce's final
season at the club. Sakho could be joined by Carroll and Aaron Cresswell in
the coming weeks with West Ham's injury concerns seemingly easing. The
latter completed 50 minutes of a behind closed doors match at the Rush Green
training ground last week and hopes to be available for Saturday's London
derby with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. "I could not have asked anymore
from the physio's, especially Eamon, our rehab fitness coach who has helped
me out massively over the last 12 weeks," Cresswell said. "It is not just
the body, it is the mind as well that you have to get right. For me this is
the first time I have had a long-term injury and hopefully it will be the
last."

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Andy Carroll: West Ham players love the London Stadium, I can't wait to play
there again
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Andy Carroll says West Ham players "love" their new home despite their
struggles to secure positive results at the London Stadium. West Ham have
won just one of their four Premier League matches at their new ground this
season with captain Mark Noble admitting players were struggling to adapt
away from the Boleyn Ground. Supporters have made plain their displeasure at
their new home, with parts of the crowd at last week's 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough chanting "Stratford's a s***hole" and "We should have stayed
at the Boleyn". But Carroll, who has yet to play a league match at West
Ham's new ground, insists that players are happy to have made the move and
cannot wait to make his bow at the London Stadium.
"It has been fantastic for us moving into the new stadium and it is great
for the club," Carroll told the West Ham website. "I know there have been a
lot of discussions about the move, but the players love it. "It is a great
stadium and it was great for me to score two goals against Juventus and get
the season going. Hopefully there is plenty more. "It is one of the biggest
grounds in England and it is great for us to have that and have it being
part of the club. "Obviously the results have not been going our way and we
have not been performing but I cannot wait to get back out there." Carroll's
last appearance for West Ham came in the Europa League tie with Astra
Giurgiu where he suffered a knee injury. West Ham hope the striker will be
back in time for their first match after the international break, a trip to
Crystal Palace. Carroll though is particularly keen to return to the Olympic
Stadium, where he scored a brace in a friendly win over Juventus in August.
"My recovery is going well. I am working hard in the gym and everything is
going well. Hopefully soon I will be back in action. "I can't wait to play
my first league game at the new stadium. I scored two goals against Juventus
and would love to score a lot more there."

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