Daily WHUFC News - 13th October 2016

Reid targets Russia 2018
WHUFC.com

Winston Reid captained New Zealand to fine 1-1 draw with United States in Washington DC
West Ham United defender returned to international duty after a 13-month absence
Defender is targeting a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia

Winston Reid believes New Zealand can qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals after producing two fine performances on their US Tour. The All Whites pushed Mexico all the way before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Nashville, before holding the United States to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Washington DC. Captain Reid, who was appearing for New Zealand for the first time in 13 months, was impressed by Anthony Hudson's squad and believes his national team can replicate their achievement from 2010, when the West Ham United star scored and helped his country to three group-stage draws in South Africa. "First and foremost it has been nice seeing everyone again," said Reid, who has 20 caps. "The team has been doing well. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. "In the short space of time that we have had in the past week or so together the team has come together from all four corners of the world and the main thing is we went out there, we had a game plan and we stuck to it. "At the end of the day the most important thing is to see we are improving as a group."

Reid, who became a national hero after scoring a late equaliser against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup, is excited by his country's future prospects after seeing the improvements they have made under English manager Hudson over the past year. "If we continue down these lines it will be very good," he said. "We need to learn from the mistakes we make and continue on doing well. Rome wasn't built in one day so we need to take it one step at a time, keep humble and work hard. "We have learnt from day one when Anthony first took over the group that we need belief in not only ourselves but also our peers and work hard. That is the core ethic of this group, be humble and don't take anything for granted."

Next up for New Zealand, who won the regional OFC Nations Cup in June, is an Oceania World Cup qualifying double-header with New Caledonia next month. The All Whites host the first meeting at North Harbour Stadium on 12 November, just a few miles from his birthplace in the Auckland suburb of North Shore, before travelling to Kone for the return tie three days later.
New Zealand's Round 3 Group A also consists of Fiji, who they will take on home and away in 2017, with the winner going through to a two-legged play-off with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Tahiti. Win that, and the All Whites will face the fifth-placed South American nation home and away for a place in Russia. "It's going to be good," said Reid, whose last game on home soil was actually for West Ham on their 2014 pre-season tour. "It's been a long time since I've been back home so it's something I'll look forward to. "We all want to come back and play on home soil. It's not often we get to do that, so it's definitely something that I'm personally relishing. "It's a big moment for us. I think the way forward is for us to get a big crowd and hopefully they'll be there to cheer us on and give us the support we need."

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Loan pair on target in World Cup qualifying
WHUFC.com

Martin Samuelsen got on the Norway scoresheet for the first time against San Marino on Tuesday
The youngster, in FIFA World Cup qualifying action, was making only his third senior appearance for the side
Meanwhile Enner Valencia grabbed a brace for Ecuador against Bolivia in South American qualifying

Hammers winger Martin Samuelsen scored his first international goal at senior level on Tuesday, finding the back of the net in his Norway side's 4-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over San Marino. The 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, bagged the hosts' third strike on just his third cap, cutting into the box on the right hand side and firing low under the keeper following a clever dummy. Norway had previously been struggling against their minnow opponents, who equalised nine minutes into the second period after Norway had previously taken an eleven minute lead through an own goal. Incredibly, it was the visitors' first away World Cup qualifying goal for 15 years, but Norway were sure to spoil the party, getting back in front through Hull City forward Adama Diomande. Bournemouth attacker Joshua King – a former player of Samuelsen's Rovers – rounded off the scoring with seven minutes remaining. The victory was Norway's first in Group C following defeats to Germany and Azerbaijan previously.

Also in scoring action during World Cup qualifying was Ecuador forward Enner Valencia who is currently on loan at Everton. Taking on Bolivia away from home in the South American Group, the visitors were two behind by 43 minutes thanks to goals from Pablo Escobar. Just two minutes into the second half, Valencia halved the deficit, smashing home from six yards out to give the Yellows hope, and one minute from time, they were level. Following a defensive mix-up on the right hand side of the box, the ball broke to Valencia who fired in at pace on the swivel to give Ecuador a point and keep them in the automatic qualifying spots in the Group.

Elsewhere, there was friendly defeat for Doneil Henry's Canada as they were beaten 4-0 by Morocco, however the defender did not feature.

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Sears - London Stadium can be special
WHUFC.com

Lifelong Hammer Freddie Sears came through the Academy of Football before scoring on his debut against Blackburn Rovers as an 18-year-old in March 2008. After 58 first-team appearances, Sears joined Colchester United and is now a regular starter for Championship club Ipswich Town.

Hello everyone,

I'm a lifelong West Ham fan and I'm hoping to get down to see another game at our new home soon. I came to the Astra game in the Europa League and I like the new Stadium. I went down there with five or six mates and it was like a trip to Wembley. It was the first time most of us had seen the Stadium and it is lovely. The move is brilliant for the Club going forward and now it's about getting the results and making people happy. It was a European night and there weren't many away fans, so the atmosphere was a bit different from a big Premier League game, when I'm sure it will be rocking. Everyone knows Upton Park was a special place and it's going to take a while for people to get over it, but hopefully we've got some good times coming, we'll push up the league and everyone will forget about everything else. Upton Park was a special place, and I'm sure the London Stadium can be special as well. I left West Ham in 2012 and joined Colchester, where they gave me the chance to play regularly and get my career on an upward curve again. I did quite well there and luckily enough Ipswich Town came in for me, a good Championship team, in January last year and I'm really enjoying it here. I've only missed three or four games out of 70-odd since I joined, so I've been playing regularly and it's nice to feel important. When you're in a team and know you're going to play, it gives you confidence, so it's been good. The Championship is a tough league. You can win or lose every week, and you seem to spend the whole season five points from the Play-Offs and five points off relegation. There are some massive clubs in there, it's like a mini Premier League, and some of them can't get anywhere near the promotion places. I have been playing on the left wing this season, but I still see myself as a centre forward, as I was when I came through the ranks at West Ham. In football nowadays, teams prefer to play one up front, so you don't see two strikers playing together too often. Talking of West Ham, I can't look back on my time playing for my Club as anything other than a good time. I can't believe it is eight-and-a-half years since my debut, when I was lucky enough to come on and score against Blackburn.
I still remember it. I had been travelling around for ages with the first-team squad alongside Jack Collison and James Tomkins waiting for a chance to play. We were all in the same position, really. I was on the bench for the team I supported and it was crazy. The manager told me to warm-up and I was going on and I came on with about 15 minutes to go. I remember I came on and made a tackle, which was probably the only tackle I've made in my life! The game is pretty much a blur, but I remember Dean Ashton back-heeled it and my shot was saved by Brad Friedel and followed up to score the rebound. I have watched it back and it's something nobody can ever take away from me – I've scored in the Premier League for West Ham and it's a brilliant feeling. West Ham is my team, so theirs is the first result I look for after our game. It's been nearly five years since I left and there are only really Mark Noble and Winston Reid left of the players I knew. Tonks was also there until recently and West Ham will come up against him at Crystal Palace on Saturday. They paid good money for him and we all know what a good defender Tonks is, and Alan Pardew has taken him and he's fitted in straight away. I had my first loan spell from West Ham at Palace and it was great. It was a real eye-opener to proper football, playing there under Neil Warnock, but what I'll always be remembered for there was my 'ghost' goal against Bristol City, which hit the net and the advertising board and bounced out and wasn't given! It's a good club and it's good to see them doing well, and it's going to be a tough game for West Ham, but they need a result. I'm going to sit on the fence and say it will be a draw!

Freddie

The opinions and views expressed in his article are not necessarily shared by West Ham United.

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Hammers surprise London Stadium Tour guests
WHUFC.com

A number of West Ham United supporters were treated to a special London Stadium Tour surprise recently as four first team players delighted the guests with an appearance at the Club's new home. Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate and Ashley Fletcher were on hand to surprise supporters of the Club who are terminally ill as they enjoyed the Stadium Tour with their friends and family. The fans were able to meet the Hammers, get their merchandise signed, have photos taken and pick their brains about anything West Ham United. On the Tour, Hammers fans can go behind the scenes at the Club's magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
With an interactive, multimedia tour guide to lead the way, supporters can see how the home of the London 2012 Olympic Games became the stunning new home of West Ham United. You can check out the home dressing room, walk down the tunnel onto the pitch and see the Stadium through the eyes of Slaven Bilic with a seat in the dugout. And ahead of half term, supporters can book their place on a London Stadium Tour now, with all season ticket holders receiving 10 per cent off as part of an offer which ends on 31 December 2016.

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Dicks praises positive move for Ladies
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies have now joined the West Ham family at the Club
Former Ladies team manager Julian Dicks thinks the move will be only positive for the side
The ex-Hammers left-back believes problems the team formerly faced will no longer exist

Following the news that West Ham United Ladies will now be run in-house at the Club, Hammers coach and former Ladies team manager Julian Dicks expressed his delight at the move. The Hammers side, who currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, enter the West Ham family during FA Girls' Football Week and will now run alongside the rest of the Club's teams. Former Hammers left-back Dicks, who coached the side during the 2014/15 season before joining Slaven Bilic's first team backroom staff, thinks the move will be a huge positive for the Ladies. He said: "For me, it's fantastic news. It can't not be a positive move for them. Taking them in house, sorting all the problems they have faced out, it will all help. "I tried to get it to happen two years ago [when I was coach], but the timing wasn't right. It's brilliant news now, especially for the girls, and they'll get looked after now. "Any problems they were experiencing should now be solved because they will have professional people running the team. It's not just about chucking money at it; it's about doing things right, getting the right kind of players and the right kind of staff in."

The Ladies have endured a tough start to the season this campaign, winning just one of their ten matches, but Dicks believes the move can be a turning point for the side. "The ambition now for the side [is to kick on]," the ex-defender said. "Manchester City [for example] put a lot of money into their girls and hopefully in time that will be something that will happen at West Ham. "There's no reason they couldn't go on and play in the Super League. For me, even when I took over, it's about progression and getting the right players in. It isn't going to happen overnight, and like most things in football, it will take time. "It could take two, three or five seasons, but it's about progression every season. As long as they do that, the future looks bright."

During his time overseeing the Ladies outfit, Dicks admitted he faced difficulties which he hopes can now be solved under the new setup. "There were problems I encountered," he continued. "For every 5,000 men that play football, there are probably five women. "There are plenty of teams looking for their signature. It's difficult to attract the better players. With the squad I had, we finished sixth and it was fantastic. "When I was coach, of course this was something I would have liked to happen in that time. We spoke about it when I first took over. It will be much easier [now]. "Taking them in house, sorting all the problems like the pitches they play on, the facilities they train in and the coaches to take them to games, it will all help. It's fantastic news."

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...

Hello everyone,

We will start with the positive news this week, which is that Aaron Cresswell, Havard Nordtveit and Jonathan Calleri have all returned to full training. Aaron was injured in a pre-season match with Karlsruhe in Austria in July, while Havard is back in training after undergoing a small medical procedure, while Jonathan has had a minor injury.

Arthur Masuaku is progressing very well after suffering a knee injury in the EFL Cup tie with Accrington Stanley. Arthur will have the brace removed from his knee early next week, after which we will progress to the next step in his rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, Sam Byram and Gokhan Tore have both suffered injuries since the last From the Treatment Room was published. Sam suffered a significant hamstring injury in the early stages of our Premier League fixture with Middlesbrough. He has seen a specialist and underwent an operation on Saturday to reduce the risk of a re-injury and ensure he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.

Gokhan injured his quadriceps in training during the international break and is going to be out for 4-6 weeks.

Andre Ayew is continuing his rehab from the thigh injury he suffered in the opening Premier League fixture at Chelsea in August. He is entering the stage, a mini pre-season, where he needs to get significant fitness work under his belt in order to cope with the demands of the Premier League and adapt to the new biomechanics following a significant injury, basically hard work day after day. You will have seen that Andre travelled to his home country of Ghana, where he and Ashley Fletcher spent two days promoting the Club and principal partner Betway. Myself and first-team sports scientist Tom Taylor travelled with the players to Ghana, where Andre continued his rehab with me on the pitch and in the gym. We also took the opportunity to share some of our methods with local coaches and give a training session to some promising young footballers, which added to the experience of visiting a fascinating country.

Diafra Sakho is also undertaking his own pre-season, working very hard on his fitness levels with a view to join the squad on the pitch.

And finally, Andy Carroll is continuing his rehab following the knee injury he suffered in the UEFA Europa League tie in Romania in August. He is working as hard as he can on the pitch and in the gym, making progress. Andy has a few bridges to cross before he can join in first team training.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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Parfitt-Williams - I'm fit and ready
WHUFC.com

West Ham PL2 striker Djair Parfitt-Williams hopes to help his team climb the table in the coming weeks
The Bermudan is now fully fit having recovered from an injury which kept him out of action during the summer
Parfitt-Williams was instrumental as the Hammers lifted the Premier League Cup last season

West Ham Premier League 2 striker Djair Parfitt-Williams revealed he is fully fit and ready to push for a starting place in Terry Westley's outfit this season.
The Bermudan forward, who spent the majority of the summer recovering from a pelvis injury, is now back in action for the U23 side and played in their recent clashes against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wycombe Wanderers. Having scored eight times for the Development Squad last season, Parfitt-Williams is keen to get back on the scoresheet this campaign after a tough off-season break. He said: "My main target now is to push on and try and play as many games for the Academy sides as possible and push towards that first team or go and get out on loan somewhere "It was obviously difficult being injured over the summer. It was mentally really hard seeing everyone getting great opportunities with the first team, training with them, but I just wanted to encourage everyone. "I knew I would come back soon and be able to be involved."

The Development Squad enjoyed a positive campaign last season, topping off the term by winning the Premier League Cup after a two-legged final tie with Hull City which the Hammers eventually won on penalties. Parfitt-Williams was key to the side's success in the competition, scoring four goals including the first leg's only goal against the Tigers, and he believes the side could enjoy similar achievements this year. "Hopefully we can do well [in the Premier League Cup again this season]," he continued. "Every game and every cup we play in, I will just be trying to do my best for the team. "I mean, if goals come, that's a plus, but it's all about the team for me. "I did well in front of goal last season, so of course the target is to do so again this year. I personally think that it's the most important thing for a player in my position, to go and score goals. So, that's the big target."

West Ham PL2 next face Aston Villa away from home on Monday after a period without a game due to the international break. With the side third in the table, just one point off Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion above them, Parfitt-Williams hopes to establish his place in the side once again to help his team push on.
"Hopefully I can be pushing to start for the upcoming games," he said. "I'm fit to play now. "I need to work hard in training so that the manager can pick me."

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Simone Zaza set for West Ham exit as Valencia eye January move for Juventus striker
21:54, 12 OCT 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 12 OCT 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The Italian international has struggled to make an impact during his loan spell with the Hammers and could make an early exit
The Mirror

Simone Zaza could be on his way out of West Ham - less than two months after joining. Valencia boss Cesare Prandelli is keen on the Italy striker who is on a season-long loan at West Ham. Zaza has struggled to settle at West Ham who have a clause in his contract to make the transfer a £10m permanent deal if he plays enough games. But former Italy boss Prandelli is keen to try and do a January deal while Napoli are also watching developments. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic claimed that he had spent a year trying to sign Zaza but the 25-year-old - who is on loan from Juventus - has yet to score. But if the deal does not work out then it would be a blow for Bilic who was hoping he would be a big lift for his squad. West Ham have made a poor start to the season, have managed just one win this season and Bilic is beginning to feel the pressure.

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West Ham's Sofiane Feghouli discusses transfer decision, claims Bilic has wanted him for years
HITC
Olly Dawes

Sofiane Feghouli has discussed his decision to join West Ham over the summer. West Ham United winger Sofiane Feghouli has told the club's official website that his decision to join the club over the summer wasn't a difficult one. Despite having great attacking players in Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio last season, manager Slaven Bilic moved to bring in more options for his attacking midfield roles. Even before snapping up Gokhan Tore on loan from Besiktas and Andre Ayew from Swansea City, Bilic swooped to land winger Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia. The former Grenoble starlet, 26, hit 31 goals in 202 games for La Liga side Valencia before his contract expired at the end of last season – and West Ham swooped to sign him on a three-year deal. So far, Feghouli has endured a stop-start opening to his West Ham career; he may have scored his first goal for the club in a Europa League tie against Domzale in August, but has played just 90 minutes of Premier League action having struggled for form and fitness. The Algerian international will be hoping to kick on and live up to his billing over the coming months, and has now discussed his decision to leave Valencia and join West Ham. Feghouli told the club's official website that his decision 'wasn't too difficult', as he wanted to play in the Premier League, and knew that he wanted to join the club after speaking to manager Bilic. The wide man added that he knows Bilic has wanted him for years, and the Croatian knows how to get the best out of him as a result. "It wasn't too difficult to come to my decision," said Feghouli. "I was coming to the end of my contract at Valencia and for various reasons, we were unable to renegotiate and so, I needed to find a new club and consider the offers that were being made. "I wanted to give the Premier League a go because it's one of the best leagues in the world and attracts so much attention from around the world. I knew about West Ham and I had heard a lot about the passion of the fans. After speaking to the manager and listening to his project, it was an easy decision for me to join the Club." "Slaven has followed me for a couple of seasons and so he knows how I play and where best to play me for the good of the team," he added.

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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan 'fed up with negative campaigning against London Stadium'
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Co-owner David Sullivan says that West Ham are the subject of "negative campaigning" against the London Stadium. The club's move from the Boleyn Ground, their home of 112 years, to Stratford during the summer has been defined by struggles on the pitch – Slaven Bilic's side are 18th in the table and out of the Europa League – and discontent among fans in the stands.
Though the London Stadium provides the club with the financial muscle to compete with rivals in the capital and the rest of the Premier League supporters are yet to embrace the ground, with a section of supporters chanting "we should have stayed at the Boleyn" during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough before the international break. Five fans were arrested in clashes outside the ground following the match. West Ham have said that any supporters found to have engaged in violence will receive lifetime bans. "I have to say I am getting increasingly fed up with the negative campaigning against the stadium by some sections of the media," Sullivan wrote on the club website. "I find it particularly galling when the journalists who are writing these skewed opinions have not even been to the stadium! "Reading some write ups they give a very different impression of the Stadium to that which is being reported by people who have actually been there. "To put it into perspective at the Middlesbrough game there were five arrests - ALL outside the stadium in the public park. It has not yet been confirmed which of these supporters are West Ham United fans. "However, I fully accept that's too many and we are in the process of identifying and banning these supporters in line with our zero tolerance policy. "I prefer to listen to the hundreds and hundreds of emails I am getting from supporters who love the new stadium, love that we have made football affordable, and I am very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason we made the move in the first place.
"Things will calm down shortly and it will all be helped when we start to win a few games." West Ham host their first London derby at their new home on October 26, welcoming Chelsea in the EFL Cup four days after a Premier League game with Sunderland at the London Stadium. Sullivan confirmed that tickets would only be available to those who had attended a match in the last five years. Chelsea have also been told they may not receive their full allocation, 5,700, for the match as there remain logistical issues in the London Stadium's away end.

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West Ham's Adrian leads the praise for Joe Hart after stunning England performance in Slovenia
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was full of praise for Joe Hart after the England shot-stopper made a string of fine saves to help the Three Lions secure a point in Slovenia on Tuesday.
Hart, who is spending the season on loan at Torino after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City, put in a man-of-the-match performance in the World Cup qualifier in Ljubljana, which ended 0-0. The 29-year-old first came to Eric Dier's aid after he raced out to retrieve the Tottenham midfielder's backpass which had been intercepted by the opposition before making a phenomenal stop to keep out Jasmin Kurtic's header. Such were his heroics that Hammers goalkeeper Adrian took to Twitter during England's game to hail Hart and his performance in Slovenia. "Joe Hart. #Onfire #Respect #goalkeeper," he wrote on the social media website.

Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman was also full of praise for Hart, writing on Twitter: Great performance Joe Hart!!#MOM".

Speaking about his own performance after the game, Hart admitted he put his body on the line to help England salvage a draw but revealed it was probably his best game for the national side for some time.

Adrián San Miguel ✔ @AdriSanMiguel
Joe Hart🙌🏻⚽️🔥🔥🔥#Onfire #Respect #goalkeeper
9:14 PM - 11 Oct 2016

David Seaman ✔ @thedavidseaman
Great performance Joe Hart!!#MOM
9:38 PM - 11 Oct 2016

Alec Stewart ✔ @StewieCricket
Joe Hart showing why the ability of a goalkeeper to be able to use his hands and not just his feet is rather important! #greatsaves
9:00 PM - 11 Oct 2016

Rio Ferdinand ✔ @rioferdy5
Bit behind on the #SLOENG as had to pause... That save from Joe Hart 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
8:57 PM - 11 Oct 2016

"[It was] my best one [England game] in a while," Hart told ITV Sport. "My body is in absolute pieces. I think I'm going to struggle to get up tomorrow. I just did everything I could to keep it out. "I don't know what happened. I've just seen it [the replay] now - it hurt though!"

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What a talent we have... David Gold sends message on Twitter to West Ham teenager Martin Samuelsen
HITC
Olly Dawes

Martin Samuelsen scored his first goal for Norway in a 4-1 win over San Marino this evening. West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has taken to Twitter to congratulate teenager Martin Samuelsen for scoring his first goal for Norway this evening. As the international break draws to an end, Norway were in action against San Marino tonight at the Ullevaal Stadion in Olso – and avoided a potential upset. Davide Simoncini's own goal set Norway on their way in the first half, but minnows San Marino stunned the world when Mattai Stefanelli equalised in the second half. With 15 minutes to go, Norway were being held to a 1-1 draw, and were set for embarrassment before Hull's Adama Diomande, West Ham's Martin Samuelsen and Bournemouth's Joshua King struck within five minutes to clinch a 4-1 win. For 19-year-old playmaker Samuelsen, it was his first goal for Norway in just his second cap as he continues to demonstrate his huge talent. The teenager, snapped up by West Ham from Manchester City back in the summer of 2015, is currently out on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, but looks to have a huge future ahead of him at West Ham. After the final whistle in Oslo, West Ham's co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter to offer a congratulatory message to Samuelsen for his maiden international goal. Gold summed up how West Ham feel about Samuelsen by saying 'what a talent we have' – and fans will hope to see him banging in Premier League goals over the coming years.

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Congratulations Martin @samuelseen first goal for Norway. What a talent We have. @WestHamUtd @WestHamSocial @ExWHUemployee dg
10:10 PM - 11 Oct 2016

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Arsenal defender: How West Ham move helped me grow up
Express.co.uk
By CHARLIE PHILLIPPE
PUBLISHED: 07:39, Wed, Oct 12, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:47, Wed, Oct 12, 2016

Jenkinson spent the last two seasons with the Hammers, before returning to Arsenal with a cruciate ligament injury in January. The 24-year-old finally returned to training at the end of last month after his long injury lay-off. And he insists his time spent with West Ham was beneficial not only for his career but also in his personal development. "I've definitely grown up a lot in the last couple of years," Jenkinson told Arsenal.com. "I like to think I've always been quite a mature lad but just learning how to deal in everyday life with certain situations, I think I've matured a lot. "I think on the pitch I'm better at making decisions and it comes with experience. "I've played a lot of football over the last couple of years for someone my age. "I've played 50 odd games in the Premier League, which was fantastic for me. That experience is invaluable."

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IS ZAZA TO EXIT IN JANUARY? WILL HE BE ACCOMPANIED BY OTHERS OUT THE DOOR?
By S J Chandos 12 Oct 2016 at 08:00
WTID

It has been reported by a Spanish media source that La Liga side, Valencia, are preparing a bid to sign Simone Zaza in the January transfer window. Obviously, West Ham are currently in the driving seat with a £5m season long loan agreement and the option to sign the Italian international permanently for a further £20m fee. However, Zaza's indifferent start to his West Ham career has meant that the club may be prepared to end the deal early and allow Juventus and Valencia strike an alternative deal in the winter transfer window. Much depends on whether Zaza can convince the Hammers to sign him in the remaining 10 games before the permanent deal clause in the loan agreement is activated?

So, it looks as if West Ham could have a handy 'get out' if Zaza continues to disappoint. If he does leave, the question is will Zaza be the only one out the door in January? The form of fellow loanees, Tore and Calleri, has been equally disappointing. Apart from his assist for the winner against Bournemouth, Tore has shown little to suggest that the Turkish international has what it takes to make an impact in the PL. While, the Argentinian striker has emulated Zaza in failing to find the back of the net so far this season. Although in fairness to Calleri, unlike Zaza, he has consistently got into goal scoring positions and one could argue that he has been slightly unfortunate not to have broken his PL duck. But nevertheless, neither loanee has hitherto 'pulled up any trees.' But the likelihood is, all things being equal, that both Tore and Calleri will remain with the club for the remainder of their season long loan period. After that is completed, it is unlikely that, on current form, the club will sanction a £13m permanent deal for Tore and, my understanding is that, there is no clause for a permanent deal for Calleri, even if West Ham wished to pursue it.

Of the other summer signings, Feghouli and Ayew have suffered injuries that have limited their first team appearances and Arthur Masuaku has now suffered the same fate. Although Masuaku has clearly struggled with pace of the PL, once he adapts he should be a reasonable deputy for Cresswell. Similarly, it could be argued that Nordtvelt also needs to adapt his game to the greater pace/aggression of the PL. When he does, likewise, he will eventually make a positive impact. Nordtvelt's distribution and ability to pick out a pass is a real strength, but he needs to 'step up to the plate' in the defensive midfield/ball winning aspect of the role. Currently, Obiang looks the stronger option in that latter respect. And there is no doubt that Obiang was one of the major successes in the draw against Middlesboro and should continue in the role in the Palace away match. While Alvaro Arbeloa is undoubtedly a player, with substantial top level experience with Liverpool, Real Madrid and the Spanish national side. Once he raises his match fitness, he can bring vital experience and defensive leadership skills to the right-back position. His free transfer signing could be vital, especially in light of Byram's recent injury. Finally, Fletcher and Fernandes have looked very promising in their early first team appearances and Martinez is demonstrating his goal scoring ability in the U-23s. Indeed, if the young Spaniard continues with this type of goal scoring form it will not be too long before he also forces his way in to Bilic's first team plans.

So, it is an understatement to say that the performances of our new summer additions have been variable. But injuries have been a major contributing factor and I have no doubt that the likes of Ayew and Feghouli are class players, who will eventually make a positive contribution. The big successes this season are arguably two of the stars of the previous campaign, Antonio and Payet. Payet's creativity and vision is crucial and where would we be without his and Antonio's goals? We also need to see Lanzini continue his midfield play-making partnership with Payet and Carroll & Sakho return to fitness. Carroll gives us another option and, in my option, Sakho is the best all-round centre-forward at the club. Not only does Sakho know how to convert chances, but his industry and skilful leading of the line adds cohesion to our forward line and brings our midfielders in to play. I would dearly love to see Sakho overcome his previous differences with the club and dedicate himself to competing for a starting place. That requires 'give and take' on both sides and, if his attitude, fitness and form are good, the club should offer the Senegalese international a new, improved contract.

The major plus points from the Middleboro draw were the greater efficiency of the defence, with Ogbonna at left-back and Collins, Reid and Arbeloa forming an improved rearguard and the performances of Obiang, as the midfield anchor, and, of course, Payet. With Antonio continuing to perform in his preferred wide role and Lanzini coming back to form, there is cause for real optimism. But as I indicated in last week's 'Al Pacino' column, it is about each player doing their jobs, raising their individual performances, winning the 50/50 balls and improving the margins to deliver a significantly improved team performance. We have the players to do it and we will only get stronger once the absentees return. Ideally we need to draw a line in the sand against Crystal Palace and deliver an away win. The good news is that Cresswell and Carroll are nearing a return, whether that is against Palace or Sunderland remains to be seen? We have particularly missed Cresswell and, perhaps, it is only in his absence that one fully appreciates his prime importance to the team, both defensively and in our attacking play down the left flank.

To be honest I would settle for grinding out a 0-1 win on Saturday. Although it would obviously be preferable to ally a solid defensive performance, with a powerful and fluid attacking display. As I have said, I would take a 0-1 win now, but a repeat of last season's 1-3 victory would be ideal. In fact there could be a certain symmetry to this fixture. On 17 October 2015 we registered that 1-3 win to lift us in to the top three of the PL. Would it not be ironic if the corresponding fixture this Saturday provided the three points to lift us out of the bottom three and start a charge up the table. Stranger things have happened! COYI.

SJ. Chandos.

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Valencia eye Simone Zaza move in January
HITC
Sean Lunt

The Juventus man is currently struggling on loan at West Ham United. According to Valencian newspaper Levante-emv, Valencia are eyeing a move for striker Simone Zaza. The forward is currently on loan at West Ham United from Juventus, with Slaven Bilic's side paying a £5million loan fee with an obligation to buy him for £20 million should he play a certain amount of games. He has failed to shine at the London Stadium, though, and is currently goalless in his first five games. Indeed, talk has already been rife about a potential return to Italy in the January transfer window should he fail to turn things around. And it seems Italy may not be his only option, with Levante-emv reporting that Valencia could offer him an escape route.
According to the newspaper, the Italian has been added to a long list of potential strikers they could target in January and manager Cesare Prandelli has already given his approval.
Los Che have struggled for goals so far, with just nine in their first seven games, and Zaza is viewed as a solution to that issue. The deal is likely to be a tricky one to get done, though, given there are three parties involved in the deal. Although, if he continues to struggle then West Ham will likely take any opportunity to bring his loan spell to an end.

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Ecuador's Enner Valencia scores twice and celebrates with 'baby bump' after child maintenance row
08:58, 12 OCT 2016 UPDATED 08:59, 12 OCT 2016
BY ALEX RICHARDS

On-loan Everton striker Enner Valencia put a difficult week behind him by scoring twice in Ecuador's World Cup qualifying draw with Bolivia - and celebrated with a baby bump. Valencia has made international headlines amid a row over unpaid child maintenance and appeared to feign injury in last week's 3-0 win over Chile in an astonishing incident which saw him chased by judicial officials and police. But after breaking his silence on that subject over the weekend, Valencia emerged as his country's hero, bagging a brace at La Tri came from two down to draw in La Paz. The hosts had taken control of the match, with veteran striker Pablo Escobar netting both goals. The 38-year-old thumped home from 30-yards inside four minutes to give Bolivia the lead, before firing home two minutes before half-time to double their advantage. But Gustavo Quinteros' side came out firing in the second period and hit back within three minutes of the break, 26-year-old Valencia turning home. And the Toffees forward, who joined on a season-long loan from West Ham in August, notched an 89th minute equaliser - celebrating with a nod to events of recent days. They head to Uruguay next month, with La Celeste currently sitting in second, three points ahead.

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