Daily WHUFC News - 7th November 2016

Cresswell - I feel good now
WHUFC.com

Having come through another 90 minutes of action for West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell is feeling fitter and stronger with every match he plays. The left-sided defender made his fourth start of the season at the weekend, continuing his comeback from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season. The 26-year-old faced the twin challenge of playing as a wing-back and tackling Stoke's all-action Republic of Ireland forward Jonathan Walters. "I feel good now," he confirmed. "I was up against Jonny Walters, who is probably the most energetic player I've ever played against, as he's constantly running and never gives up and credit to him. "Me personally, I feel good and it's just about getting back to fitness and I feel I am there."

While he is feeling physically and mentally fitter than at any point in 2016/17, the No3 says the Hammers need to start faster if they are to avoid a repeat of Saturday's disappointing draw with Stoke City. West Ham edged proceedings at London Stadium, taking the lead through Glenn Whelan's own-goal with 25 minutes remaining, but a late defensive error allowed the Potters to snatch a share of the spoils. However, Cresswell was frustrated with the way the home side approached the game in the first 45 minutes, when they created precious little from open play and forced just one meaningful save from Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant. "It was very frustrating and disappointing, with us getting the lead, but then conceding the goal in the manner that we did," said the No3. "I don't think we were our usual selves. We managed to create enough chances to score the goals to win the game, but we didn't manage to do that. "I don't think we were as good as we've been of late. Even at Everton, in the first 20 or 30 minutes, we played well, but we had a slow start on Saturday and that's not us. We needed that same fast start that we had against Chelsea with the high press and running, but it just wasn't there."

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Stat's a Fact - Key man Dimi
WHUFC.com

West Ham United may not be hitting the heights of last season just yet, but Dimitri Payet is still creating plenty of chances. The France star, who has been shortlisted for both the France Football Ballon D'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player of 2016 Awards, was in the thick of the action again during Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Stoke City. Payet played no fewer than seven key passes, including the cross which Michail Antonio headed against Glenn Whelan and into the bottom corner of the Stoke net. While that cross may not have counted as Payet's fifth assist of the season, it goes without saying that his delivery directly led to West Ham's goal. Of the No27's six other key passes, three were corners. The first, on 27 minutes, was met by a powerful Pedro Obiang header that needed a fine save from Lee Grant to keep it out of the Stoke net. The second came on 74 minutes, when Michail Antonio leapt and won the header but could not keep his header down. Then, in the final minute of the 90, found James Collins at the far post, but again the header was not on target.

The other three key passes came in open play. On 24 minutes, Payet's lay-off from Antonio's pass found Manuel Lanzini, who lashed over the crossbar. Having provided the corner for Obiang's header, Payet's next key pass came after the break, when he fed the same player, only for the Spanish midfielder's low drive to be turned aside by Grant. Finally, Payet's dangerous cross was headed behind by Ryan Shawcross, forcing the corner which eventually led to Whelan's own-goal. The Hammer of the Year's ball in was cleared as far as Mark Noble, who found Payet again to cross for Antonio, whose glancing header deflected in off the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

To prove Payet's importance to the West Ham team, no other Hammer completed a single key pass, while no Stoke player completed more than two. The 29-year-old also touched the ball 66 times, made 44 passes, unleashed one shot on goal and embarked on three dribbles. Statistically, according to the performance analysis website WhoScored.com, only central midfielder Obiang had a more effective game than Payet. However, as an attacking threat, it was clear that the Euro 2016 star was head and shoulders above anyone else on the London Stadium pitch.

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Families enjoy London Stadium experience
WHUFC.com

West Ham United made it a dream day for two families who have bought Season Tickets for the first time at London Stadium this season.

Due to the Club's commitment to affordable pricing, the Hammers have the cheapest junior Season Ticket prices in the top flight, and with youngsters having to pay just £99 for their seat, thousands of families are now benefitting from our amazing offer.

West Ham United have worked to ensure families and the next generation of Hammers fans are able to see top flight football for the best price possible and our West Ham families are enjoying a fantastic matchday experience.

It was a day to remember for two of them, as the Hines and Walter families were invited behind-the-scenes before the Stoke game on Saturday. They had an unforgettable afternoon meeting their boyhood heroes and Joint-Chairman David Gold.

In particular it was a special story for the Hines family who have three generation of Hammers fans and are now all able to see their beloved team in action for the first time.

Father Daniel Hines is part of a big party of nine, which includes his parents, who attend every game and loves being able to bring his two sons Joshua and Sam for the first time with the whole family sitting together.

He said: "When the Club announced they were moving into the new Stadium, my boys were approaching the right age and it was a no-brainer for us to get the £99 season-tickets.

"I have got a lot of praise for the owners and Board for setting the prices so low and it means the whole family can now come along.

"I have a number of people asking me how much it costs to take the two kids and when I say for the three of us, it is under £500 they cannot believe me. It is absolutely brilliant and this is what Premier League football should be about – being able to bring the whole family.

"I am able to come with my parents as well and for three generations of my family to now sit together makes it even more special.

"It was a great touch from the Club to invite us down for the day and we will never forget seeing the looks on the kids faces when they met the players. I think the little was a bit star struck!

"We spoke to the owner and you can see how much he loves the Club. It has been a great day all-round."

The Walters family have also benefitted from the £99 season-ticket offer and father Matt says it is now cheaper for him to bring his son Rafe to London Stadium than going to see a non-league game in Kent.

He said: "We couldn't believe it when the Club set the price at just £99 and it was crazy to think I could buy a season-ticket for that price.

"It is more expensive for me to take my boy to see a local Southern Division time by the time we have paid for the bus to get us there than coming to see a Premier League game at London Stadium. It is amazing.

"It is something that we could never do before and the cost implication was huge. The West Ham Board have given football back to the people again and that is how it should be.

"The transport links for us are amazing. We travel from Broadstairs which takes just over an hour and it is direct from where we live. It could not be any better."

Walters believes the facilities inside London Stadium make the experience even better when they come to see West Ham in action and jokes there is one change which makes a big difference to a number of people.

He added: "The facilities inside are great and we can actually go to the toilet now! I remember the queue was going out the door at the Boleyn Ground and I had to give up sometimes!

"You can always go and get something to eat and it makes a huge difference. I will always love Upton Park and it will be part of my history, but we had to move on.

"A lot of the criticism that we now get is down to jealousy. They are trying to find things wrong, but I think it is brilliant.

"We cannot thank the Club enough for inviting us behind-the-scenes and to meet the Chairman was fantastic. We never thought this would happen and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Mr Gold is a great man and along with Mr Sullivan, they have done so much for West Ham.

"We were on a downward spiral when they came in but we have come so far in a short period.

Rafe, just 13, is also relishing the chance to watch West Ham in action for the first time on a regular basis and says he has been taken aback by the atmosphere inside London Stadium.

He said: "I love going to the games and the atmosphere, especially when Bubbles is being played and the whole crowd join in."

Despite the Hammers having to settle for a point against Stoke, it was a day that the Hines and Walters family will never forget and shows the impact the London Stadium is having on all generations of West Ham United supporters.

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Dimitri Payet hints at January exit from West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 06/11/16 5:18pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet has hinted he could leave West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window. The France playmaker has been a star performer for the Hammers since making a £10.75m move from Marseille in June 2015, scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances for Slaven Bilic's side. West Ham rewarded Payet with a new five-and-a-half year deal in January, rumoured to be worth as much as £125,000-a-week, in a bid to stave off interest from potential suitors. But following West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season, the 29-year-old has suggested he may be open to leaving the east London club. When asked about his future plans, Payet told Telefoot in France: "We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing."

West Ham have won just three of their opening 11 matches and currently sit in 16th place, just a point clear of the relegation zone. Payet added: "Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case. "Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."

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Dimitri Payet hints at West Ham exit in January as he tells French TV that he has 'closed the door to nothing'
Payet spoke to French TV show Telefoot and hinted at January exit
West Ham talisman said: 'Leave in January? I've closed the door to nothing'
29-year-old has been excellent since arriving from Marseille in 2015
But West Ham's poor start has raised concerns over his future at the club
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City on Saturday
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:50, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 11:50, 6 November 2016

West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season has raised concerns that talisman Dimitri Payet may depart in January - and the French star has done little to calm fears in his latest interview. Speaking on the French television show Telefoot, Payet said 'I've closed the door to nothing' when asked about his future.
The playmaker has been outstanding since arriving at West Ham from Marseille in the summer of 2015, marking his debut season in England with 15 goals and 17 assists. And 29-year-old Payet has been one of the few positives from West Ham's poor start to this campaign, scoring twice and creating five more goals.
When asked about his plans, Payet said: 'We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing.'
He continued: 'Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case.
'Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself.' Although West Ham have always insisted Payet will not be sold - he signed a new five-and-a-half year contract back in February - the uncertainty will only heighten anxiety after a poor start to the season that sees them in 16th place. The Hammers drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City on Saturday, after Bojan Krkic cancelled out Michail Antonio's opener.

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West Ham star Michail Antonio can't believe Premier League's 'cheek' as Stoke strike is ruled as own goal
TOM DUTTON
Evening Standard

Michael Antonio was left in disbelief at the Premier League's 'cheek' after they deemed West Ham's opener an own goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke.
Antonio seemingly headed the Hammers in front in the second period as he stretched to connect with Dimitri Payet's cross when under pressure from Glenn Whelan. The effort crept past Lee Grant and in off the Stoke post to put West Ham on course for a third straight win at London Stadium, but Bojan restored parity late on as the Potters capitalised on an Adrian error. The result leaves Slaven Bilic's men just four points above the drop zone in 16th with three sides beneath them set to play on Sunday. But Antonio was dealt a double dose of disappointment when he took to Twitter to rue West Ham's luck after the whistle. The England international was met with a barrage of tweets pointing out he had not been credited with West Ham's goal after initially tweeting: "Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet!"

Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet! ⚒⚒@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:26 PM - 5 Nov 2016
67 67 Retweets 510 510 likes

Indeed, the Premier League confirmed before the full time whistle at London Stadium that the opener had gone down as a Whelan own goal. And Antonio was left perplexed by the decision. "I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me," Antonio later tweeted after being bombarded by corrections. The 26-year-old has five Premier League goals so far this term.

Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me 🙈🙈@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:42 PM - 5 Nov 2016

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West Ham moving in right direction to stop crowd trouble
TYRONE FRANCIS ITV NEWS LONDON

There weren't many talking points on the pitch for West Ham, much of the focus was placed on how the club's hierarchy were going to tackle the growing issue around crowd trouble at the London Stadium. Today we have implemented even more robust measures which we believe will help ensure the safe and friendly environment we are all working so hard to achieve at the London Stadium. For the first time this season the Metropolitan police have been deployed inside the stadium to avoid further outbreaks of violence. This follows the ugly scenes which marred West Ham's last home game against Chelsea in the EFL Cup last week.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a comprehensive, and robust, policing plan for the match on Saturday, 5 November between West Ham and Stoke City at London Stadium. Although Airwaves radio is not yet installed at the venue, a tactical measure will be in place to ensure adequate airwaves coverage for safe deployment of officers in the stadium. The game seemed largely to pass without any trouble. Police officers were quick to be more of a presence once a goal had been scored and at either ends of the half. West Ham fans already segregated due to the stadiums design under the Sir Trevor Brooking stand were visibly hurling abuse at one another in addition to that at travelling fans. Police and stewards swiftly lined the rows to ensure trouble didn't escalate. As for the game itself a 1-1 draw seemed a fair result but much of the attention was on what was happening in the stands rather than the 22 men on the pitch.

Last updated Sat 5 Nov 2016

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Exclusive: West Ham ready to make January bid to sign Chelsea stalwart
WEST HAM UNITED are ready to give Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic the chance to remain in London that he craves.
By NEIL FISSLER, EXCLUSIVE
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:22, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk

The Serbia international is out of contract with Chelsea at the end of the season and is set to leave after dropping down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.
Ivanovic, 32, is keen to remain in the capital and Crystal Palace ruled themselves out of the race to land him He has lost his place in the side following the summer arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. West Ham are keen on the signing and are looking to snatch him when the transfer window opens at the end of next month. Ivanovic has won eight major trophies since moving to Stamford Bridge for £9.7 million from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008. He has won the league title twice during that time, under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010 and Jose Mourinho in 2015. Italian giants Inter Milan have also made contact with his advisors to sound them out about his plans for next season and were told they wouldn't be his first choice. While their has been some interest in him from the Chinese Super League but that is an option that he isn't keen on taking up. The Chinese certainly have the money to make a move attractive but he has four children who are settled in London and he isn't keen on uprooting them.

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Premier League star Andy Carroll 'bought two £15,000 mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his carjacking terror'
He ordered two Cane Corsos mastiff dogs because he feared for his family
The dogs, costing at least £15,000 each, are being trained and will be delivered soon
He was threatened by armed bikers as he drove home from West Ham's training ground last week
Carroll, 27, has since hired a bodyguard and security at the Premier League club has been increased
By DAVE BURKE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 02:06, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, 6 November 2016

Premier League star Andy Carroll, who was chased by gunmen in a terrifying robbery attempt last week, ordered two fearsome £15,000 guard dogs in the months leading up to the ordeal. The England and West Ham striker, 27, was threatened by armed bikers at traffic lights as he drove home from training last Wednesday.
Fearing for his life, he sped away - but it has now been claimed he paid at least £30,000 for two Italian mastiffs because he feared for his family's safety. The breed, called Cane Corsos, can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone. The animals are renowned for being excellent guard dogs, which can be trained to be safe around children. But they have also been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014. The director of the company which sold the animals to the football star said the dogs would be delivered very soon.
Richard Douglas, director of Chaperone K9 in Leicestershire, told The Sun on Sunday: They are not aggressive animals in the slightest, until called upon.' Mr Douglas continued: 'Footballers are obviously targeted individuals. They want something that when they go away will keep their family safe.' He declined to reveal how much the dogs cost, but said prices start at £15,000. Carroll has also hired a bodyguard since the ordeal. Driving in a state of panic pursued by the motorbikes, Carroll turned and headed back to West Ham's training ground at Rush Green in Essex, hoping to reach safety and receive help from the club's security staff. The would-be assailants failed to keep up with Carroll as he drove at speed. On reaching the training ground he left his top-of-the-range SUV vehicle and ran to reception seeking help. West Ham have since beefed up security at their Rush Green training base and will offer Carroll, who earns £90,000 a week, any support he needs in the aftermath of his lucky escape. During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic revealed the incident has left everyone shocked. Bilic said: 'I saw a few of the players and when we heard about it we were shocked. To be fair, we are not under siege here. This was a one-off.' Carroll, who has a two year old son, Arlo, with fiancee Billi Mucklow, a star of TV show TOWIE, was driving a £100,000 Mercedes G-Wagon when he was targeted. No arrests have been made in connection with the robbery, which was exclusively reported by Sportsmail.

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Exclusive: West Ham's Andy Carroll wanted by Chinese clubs in massive January deal
ANDY CARROLL is set to end his West Ham nightmare with a huge £300,000 a week move to China.
By NEIL FISSLER
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk

The former England star has only managed four appearances this season because of a knee injury and Slaven Bilic is ready to cut his losses. Carroll, 27, has scored 23 times in 92 appearances for West Ham who could be set to make a profit on the injury prone striker. They paid Liverpool £15million for Carroll and one of the two Chinese clubs who are fighting for his services for willing to give them a £5 million profit. Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou R&F both want to take the ex-Newcastle United man to the Chinese Super League in January. And they are both willing to make him one of the best paid players on the planet if he agrees to call time on his Hammers career. Southampton's Graziano Pelle moved into the top ten wage earners the world when he penned a £260,000 a week deal with Shandong Luneng in July.

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