Daily WHUFC News - 23rd November 2016

Samuelsen pleased with goal and minutes
WHUFC.com

Martin Samuelsen was delighted to be back playing with his West Ham teammates and back on the scoresheet in the PL2 side's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers. The Norwegian youngster, who has been on loan with Rovers this season, has found game time hard to come by this year with Owen Coyle's team, and made a brief return to West Ham's U23s for the second time in three weeks. He bagged the Hammers' only goal of the match in the seventh minute after a sweeping move, but his goal was not enough for the home side to take the three points. "It was a good team move. Calleri put a good cross in and Fletch held off the defender and showed composure to lay the ball off to me and it wasn't a bad finish," said Samuelsen. "I'd say it was a fair result but we had enough chances to win the game. In the second half, I came through and their keeper made a really good save. But probably, a draw was fair."

Despite not playing an awful lot for Blackburn's first team, Samuelsen has had a terrific year internationally. The 19-year-old has broken into Norway's senior side and scored his first goal for them in their 4-1 victory over San Marino in a World Cup qualifier in October. He was also part of the West Ham U23 side which won the Premier League Cup last season and he is still remaining positive despite his frustrating time so far at Blackburn. "I'm always happy to score and get the minutes today. I just enjoy playing football really, the last time I played was here for the U23s against West Brom so I'm delighted to be able to play today," he added. "At Blackburn I've been working hard and going in to train pretty much every day because I haven't been playing. I've been doing the extras to allow myself to be more fit when I get the chance to play."

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Hammers ready for FA Youth Cup tie
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's U18s begin what they hope will be a successful FA Youth Cup campaign this evening when they travel to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City. The Hammers have been in fine fettle this season in the U18 Premier League South and they were top of that league just a few weeks ago. Steve Potts' players go into tonight's match on the back of a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but they are still well in the mix to challenge for honours come the end of the season. Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley says the FA Youth Cup is the priority for the Academy system this season. "The priority will be on Tuesday against Stoke. So Nathan Trott, Declan Rice, Vashon Neufville, Dan Kemp who have been regular starters for the U23s will be rested to feature on Tuesday," he said. "We need to try and be competitive in it. We've had three years without not going through and that hurts the players and staff as much as anybody. "It would be nice to try and get a cup run going and with the way the U18s have been playing with Steve and Mark would suggest we would have a chance. If we play to our potential, I can see us doing well."

As mentioned, the Hammers love affair with the famous Cup competition has weakened over the last three years with three successive 3rd round exits. They lost 3-1 away at Derby County at this stage last season and will hope to make it fourth time lucky by qualifying for the next phase. West Ham last won the trophy in 1999 with a thumping 9-0 aggregate victory over Coventry City in the final, with a team featuring the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. "It's not been nice the last couple of years but we're hoping to do a lot better this season. Last season we had two weeks break before the match with Derby and it didn't work in our favour at all," said U18s assistant boss Mark Phillips. "Maybe playing three days before will work in our favour. We have needed this game (vs Spurs) to be sharper. Stoke have had a whole week's rest so it may work in our favour. We'll have to see."

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Learning Academy players take on Hammers youngsters
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Foundation Learning Academy students were given the chance of a lifetime last week, when they faced the Hammers Academy stars of the future in a friendly fixture at the Club's Little Heath training ground.

The Learning Academy side, made up of students who benefit from elite coaching and competitive football alongside their studies, with the aim of keeping them in education, were given the opportunity having been watched by Club staff at their Chadwell Heath training base and deemed strong enough to give the Hammers Academy side a competitive fixture.

The Learning Academy programme is open to 16-18 year olds, is free of charge thanks to funding sourced by delivery partners SCL Education, and is available at five centres across east London & Essex; Basildon, Beckton, Chadwell Heath, Chelmsford and Canvey Island.

Jordan Ambrose-Richardson, who represented the WHU Foundation Learning Academy side, spoke of the differences between the sides: "They understand the game so well and they pass the ball quickly. You have to get into position quickly and be pro-active. It's so tiring; you have to be so fit! I think I did well and I was the only player on our team to score, but they're so hard to keep up with! We could have kept a clean sheet in the second half, but they took advantage of our mistakes."

Jordan has played football from a young age and joined the Learning Academy with WHU Foundation having previously experienced life with a Club academy. He spoke highly of the programme, which allows him to complete assignments away from the classroom in order to allow maximum time playing football: "I like that our assignments are easily accessible and all online because I can work from home as well as at college. I'd definitely recommend it to others who might have been let go from an academy."

Whilst not strong enough to prevent an expected defeat on the day, the Learning Academy side – who have only been playing together since September - gave a strong account of themselves in difficult conditions, earning plaudits from WHU Academy staff and players alike.

Senior Academy Integration Officer Jim Hampsheir enthused: "The match was a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their ability, playing in a professional environment and testing themselves against one of the best academies in the country, if not the world. The players were treated like signed academy players on the day and got to experience how it would be if they did get signed by the club, having trained and played for the west ham elite second chance programme.

"The lads really tried to apply everything that we have been working on since the start of the season; they had to concentrate and work harder than ever due to the quality and movement of the West Ham United Academy players, It was a wet day which increased the speed that the ball was being played around and the tempo of the play.

"The match was a real education for our lads and showed them the standard that they will need to achieve to become a signed player."

Jim continued: "I must praise the lads for their persistence to play the right way and show great character throughout the match; their attitude was first class.

"All of the players were buzzing afterwards and keen to get into training on Monday following their incredible experience. The
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Foundation2.jpg

Foundationmatch was filmed just like any other Academy match and we will be using the footage to review and analyse individual performances to aid the football education process and development of the players.

"There is a lot of potential in the squad and we do our best to help every individual to be the best they can be and, ultimately, to achieve their dreams."

The Learning Academy programme will begin recruitment via trials for its next cohorts for all locations in early February 2017. For more details, please email Sam Taylor, staylor@westhamunited.co.uk

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Westley - Quina is one of Europe's best
WHUFC.com

Domingos Quina recently signed his first professional contract with West Ham
Academy Manager Terry Westley believes the youngster is one of Europe's best talents
The Portugal youth international has been sensational for the U23 side this season

Academy boss Terry Westley labelled teenage talent Domingos Quina one of Europe's finest young stars days after the Portuguese signed his first professional contract with the Hammers. The 17-year-old, who has enjoyed a terrific first season in east London so far, put pen to paper on a deal which will see him under contract at the Club until 2019. The Portugal youth international, who was a key player in his country's U17 European Championship triumph in Azerbaijan last summer, has excelled for the Hammers' U23 side this season. His terrific strike from just inside the opposition Leicester City's half in the Premier League Cup earlier this term has been a standout moment, and Westley believes Quina has got everything to grow into a world class footballer. He said: "It's great news for the Academy, it's great news for the first team squad and the manager Slaven [Bilic], and great news from a brand and PR perspective with the board and directors backing the Club to move forward with a talent as big as what he could be. "[The deal] shows how far we have come in recent years, attracting the very best talent, not only just in England but in Europe, he's that good. "He's got that star quality and for him to commit long-term to us is great news. "I think, for a 16-year-old, to be playing every week in your U23s, and being one of the better players in the league, [it's great]. I haven't seen any players in our league who can dominate a game like he can and break the lines and go past people like he can."

The midfielder, who will be in action on Tuesday night for the Club's U18s as they take on Stoke City in the FA Youth Cup, has been deployed as a deep midfielder in recent weeks for the PL2 squad, and Westley believes the youngster is perfectly suited to the role.
"People, analysts, talk about players 90 per cent keeping the ball, but they've kept it safe," Westley continued. "This boy tries real high tariff passes. "He tries to split defences, he'll try the outrageous against Leicester and score from nearly his own half. He's got that star quality and to do things different to other players. "That shows his calibre and how good he is to be one of the best players in the U23 league already at the tender age of 16 and now coming on to 17. "This season, I'd love him to have a game in the Prem! I'd love him to show our supporters and our staff and players, younger players in the Academy, that it can be done. I truly believe he's of that quality."

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Domingos Quina - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com

Here are ten fast facts you may not have known about 17-year-old sensation Domingos Quina, who recently signed his first professional contract with West Ham…

The midfielder was born in west African country Guinea-Bissau but moved to Portugal as a youngster
The teenager has represented Portugal at U17, U18 and U19 level despite only just turning 17
Quina initially signed for the Hammers on scholarship terms during the summer but recently put pen to paper on a deal which will see him remain at the Club until 2019
Was a star player for his national U17 side which won the U17 European Championships in Azerbaijan during the summer
He started the final victory over Spain and scored in the group stage fixture against Scotland
Quina has already played twice for the Hammers' first team in competitive matches – in both early season Europa League ties against NK Domzale
He also featured in the Club's official opening match at the new London Stadium against Juventus
The 17-year-old has starred for the PL2 side this term, more recently being deployed as a deep midfielder where he sees lots of the ball
Bagged a wonder goal against Leicester in the Premier League Cup, scoring from just inside the opposition's half, lobbing the goalkeeper (above)
Quina has already been praised aplenty by boss Slaven Bilic, who said "if he doesn't make it, nobody will"

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Obiang and Fletcher surprise families
WHUFC.com

The London Stadium Tours have proved to be a big success with West Ham supporters this season as fans get a major insight into life at London Stadium. From walking out the tunnel to going behind-the-scenes in the dressing room, these are just a few of the big features that make the London Stadium tours a must for every West Ham United fan. All generations of Hammers fans have enjoyed the experience and this proved to be the case once again for the Baker, Karir and Sinclair families who had a big surprise in store when they went on a London Stadium Tour. As they made their way into the dressing room first-team stars Ashley Fletcher and Pedro Obiang were waiting to greet them and made it a night for them to remember at London Stadium. Fletcher said he was pleased to play his part and knows what it means to the fans when they get the chance to meet up with the players. Fletcher said: "It was a great gesture from the Club to put this event on for the fans. "It enables the relationship between the fans and the Club to get even stronger. I was happy to come along with Pedro and help out."

Obiang was also happy to make the night even more special for the Hammers fans and says he hopes many more will come and see the tour in the near future.
Obiang said: "I think it's a big surprise because when you come and see two players from the team, it's great and it's amazing."

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#WHUAREYA - Toni Martinez
WHUFC.com

There was plenty of excitement in the summer when the Hammers tied down the signature of young Spanish talent Toni Martinez.

And the forward did nothing to detract from the excitement, bagging seven goals in his first seven competitive matches.

Though the teenager picked up an injury that has ruled him out of the last month's fixtures, the striker is on the road to recovery and can't wait to get back amongst things for Terry Westley's men.

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FT - Stoke City 2-2 West Ham United U18
WHUFC.com

Heartbreak in the shootout as two Mate Deczki saves helps Stoke to a 4-2 victory.

FULL TIME: It finishes 2-2! Nothing to separate the two sides after 120 minutes, so we go to penalties.

120 (ET): One minute to be played of added time. 2-2.

119 (ET): Great save by Deczki in the Stoke goal. Domingos Quina shoots hard from 25 yards and at full stretch the Stoke man parries it clear. 2-2

117 (ET): West Ham with much of the possession in these latter stages but have been unable to create anything of real substance. Penalties just minutes away now. 2-2.

110 (ET): Both teams look to be tiring understandably. Can West Ham find one more chance and get themselves a precious goal? 2-2

106 (ET): A quick turnaround and the second half of extra time is underway. Early chance for Jordon Greenidge but his header is easily collected by Trott. 2-2.

105 (ET): That's it for the first half of extra-time and still nothing to separate the sides. Jordon Greenidge's miss the pick of the chances. Second half to come shortly. 2-2.

103 (ET): More good play in midfield by Stoke City but have, as yet, not troubled Nathan Trott in the West Ham goal. 2-2

98 (ET): Massive chance for Stoke City. Jordon Greenidge receives it in the box, turns his man well and with just the keeper to beat from six yards, he places it well wide. Let off for West Ham.

95 (ET): Short break in play as Stoke City's Cameron McJannet receives treatment on the field. 2-2

91 (ET): Extra-Time change for The Hammers as Korrey Henry replaces Alfie Lewis.

Full Time (in 90 mins): Nothing to separate the sides after 90 minutes so we will play a further 30 minutes of extra time.

90+1: Great chance for Stoke. Thomas Edwards picks up on the right hand side of the box, fires at goal but thankfully Declan Rice is there to block and concede the corner. 2-2.

90: 3 minutes of added time to be played.

87: Yellow card for Conor Coventry who brings down the Stoke man on half way. 2-2

82: Stoke City change - Tyrese Campbell comes off for Kristofer Szereto. 2-2.

78: First change for West Ham as Anthony Scully replaces Joe Powell. 2-2.

76: Still 2-2 here at the Bet365 Stadium. It's been a much better response by the West Ham boys after a slow start to the second half. Hopefully a big finish to come. 2-2.

69: Brilliant save by Nathan Trott! Thibaud Verlinden's strike from 25-yards looked destined for the top corner but Trott's fingertips are enough to see the ball cannon in to the crossbar. 2-2

64: WEST HAM GOAL! Excellent build-up play finds Danny Kemp on the right side who's cross lays up Jahmal Hector-Ingram for a simple header from close-range. 2-2.

60: Not the start to the second half we would have wanted but the young Hammers have responded well to the double-setback. Still time to turn this around. 2-1.

53: Goal for Stoke. A second in as many minutes as Tyrese Campbell breaks free to slot past Nathan Trott from the edge of the box. 2-1

52: Goal for Stoke. The hosts have started brightly and equalise through Thomas Edwards from close range. 1-1.

46: We're back underway here after the half-time interval. No changes, Hammers leading 0-1.

Half Time: Jahmal Hector-Ingram's strike gives us the one goal advantage at the break.

45: Another excellent chance for The Hammers. Domingos Quina the architect down the left hand side, he cuts it back to Danny Kemp on the edge of the box who fires just wide. 0-1

43: Hector-Ingram again the man causing trouble, this time he dribbles his way around a defender into the Stoke box but is unable find a teammate. 0-1

36: Best chance of the game for the hosts as Jordan Greenidge picks it up 20 yards from goal but his effort just goes wide. 0-1

35: We're still looking comfortable and Jahmal Hector-Ingram is causing trouble for the Stoke defenders, but no more chances since the last update. 0-1

28: West Ham really growing in to this game now and beginning to take control. Quina the latest to go close, but his shot from outside of the box goes over. 0-1

24: Yellow card this time for Stoke City's Louis Da Silva. Danny Kemp's free-kick is then eventually collected by Mate Deczki and Stoke clear. 0-1

20: The hosts looking comfortable on the ball in midfield but rarely threatening our goal. West Ham still leading 0-1.

15: West Ham's Ben Johnson booked for a foul just outside our own box. Following free-kick sent high over the bar. 0-1

10: GOALLL! Lovely ball forward by Joe Powell who finds Jahmal Hector-Ingram in the box. The forward calmly takes it under control and slots under the keeper's body from close-range. 0-1

8: Chance for West Ham as the hosts half-heartedly clear the ball from their own box only as far as Conor Coventry whos volley goes wide. 0-0

5: Lively start to this encounter with half chances at both ends. West Ham just beginning to bring the ball down and play with more confidence. 0-0

1: Fabulous save from Nathan Trott as Stoke City's Tyrese Campbell cuts in from the right and shoots low towards the bottom corner. The shot is parried wide and the subsequent corner is cleared. 0-0

Kick Off: We're underway at the Bet365 Stadium!

West Ham last tasted success in this prestigious competition in 1999 and will hope that tonight marks the end of a three-year spell in which we have tasted successive 3rd round exits. There is also a start tonight for 17-year old Domingos Quina, who yesterday signed his first professional contract with The Hammers.

6.45pm: The warm-ups are complete and the teams are making their way back down the tunnel with kick-off just 15 minutes away.

West Ham United: Trott, Johnson, Neufville, Akinola, Rice, Coventry, Lewis, Kemp, Quina, Powell, Hector-Ingram.

Subs: Wells, Matrevics, Longelo, Henry, Scully.

Stoke City: Deczki; Edwards, McJannet, Dunwoody, Read, Da Silva, Verlinden, Sorensen, Greenidge, Campbell, Twyford.

Subs: Butler, Allen, Szereto, Balde, Diallo.

6pm: Hello and welcome from the bet365 Stadium! Tonight, our young Hammers take on Stoke City in their first clash in this year's FA Youth Cup. We haven't had the best of times in this competition in recent years, so let's hope tonight we can turn that around and progress to the next round! The visitors are to field a strong side this evening - team news to follow shortly.

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Date set for Ladies trials
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies FC are looking for players aged 16 or over to join the team at an exciting time in their history.

Having recently joined the West Ham United family, the team are hosting a trials event to develop the Ladies teams, and add to the current pool of players.

West Ham United Ladies FC currently consists of four junior and two senior teams, with structured and progressive coaching provided to talented female footballers from coaches within the men's Academy. West Ham United Ladies philosophy is long term development over short term success, and our players are provided with support covering all aspects of the game, both on and off the pitch.

The Ladies train twice a week, with an optional third session also available. Match fixtures tend to be played on a Sunday, with some midweek fixtures throughout the season.

Do you share our ambition? Do you want to be part of the newly structured West Ham United Ladies FC?

Trial Date

Wednesday 7 December 2016
8pm-9:45pm
Age: 16+
Location: West Ham Academy, Saville Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford, RM6 6DT

Players wishing to attend the Ladies trials must register with Head Coach Karen Ray no later than Wednesday 30 November. To register, please email Karen directly: kray@westhamunited.co.uk.

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Retractable seating back on the agenda?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd November 2016
By: Staff Writer

The Olympic Stadium could be set for yet more upheaval after it was claimed that the arena's operators are currently considering replacing the much-maligned temporary seating. Although West Ham fans were informed prior to the move to Stratford that fully retractable seating was to be installed inside the arena in order to bring the stands closer to the pitch, the reality turned out to be something quite different.
Instead of stands that have been installed on wheels, as is common elsewhere at grounds featuring running tracks, the (cheaper) solution provided at Stratford involves completely dismantling the stands after use (ie at the end of the football season). And instead of the seven-day turnaround that fully-retractable seating would require, the current solution requires up to three weeks to implement - something that, it has been claimed, has led the arena's operators to consider ripping out the existing infrastructure, according to a source close to the project. "The big cost is not simply the dismantling and rebuilding of the temporary stands every time - It's the nine days it takes to do and the lost income that leads to," the source wrote on construction forum skyscrapercity.com. "That means for a one day event, the Olympic Stadium needs nearly three weeks between football matches. Long term that means it is almost impossible to make money from because it means only the summer spell can be used. "Spurs will soon have the option of a major all-year events programme; the O2, Twickenham etc all can too due to relative infrequency of use. The Olympic Stadium will find itself competing for events not only with those big venues, but with seasonal rivals too (the royal parks are now big venues for summer festivals). "Since events are the main means of the owners making money, and with some weekends in summer likely to include athletics meets (a contractual obligation) and thus diminishing revenue opportunities too), the implications are huge."
The source also revealed how the stadium operators, LS185, and their partners were considering reducing the stadium's 57,000 capacity whilst work is undertaken - all of which could add another £50m to the stadium's costs, which already exceeds £700m. "The owners are looking at a schedule, possibly one stand at a time of reduced capacity, to install actual retractable seating (with all the mechanics that involves)," the source added. "That is likely to cost tens of millions at best, and take years due to having to accommodate the sitting tenant. "It may also see big payments made to West Ham if the contracts specify availability of stands for matches."

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Martin Samuelsen: Blackburn Rovers terminate West Ham winger's loan spell
BBC.co.uk

Blackburn Rovers have ended the season-long loan spell of Norway winger Martin Samuelsen and he has returned to parent club West Ham United. The 19-year-old joined Rovers in August, but he made just two starts in four outings at Ewood Park. He scored for the Hammers against Rovers in Premier League Two on Monday. "Martin's family felt that he wanted to be starting games and at this moment in time we couldn't guarantee him that," boss Owen Coyle told the club website. "So we agreed that it was in his best interest to return to West Ham. He's a great lad and we wish him well."

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: POSSIBLE MANAGER AND PLAYER TARGETS LISTED
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 10:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

What a frustrating result that was against Spurs. It was the first time this season I had felt comfortable with the team selection and the formation and it was nice to have a recognised forward starting and someone who we know can score in the Premier League.

I thought we played well and in particular Winston Reid and Cheik Kouyate were superb. I thought Lanzini was industrious in midfield and that Spurs were afraid of Payet. This is why he shouldn't have been taken off and why I believe the subs costs us.

Payet was our main outlet and the player Spurs were most fearful of and it meant they didn't push on with as much freedom as they did once he left. He should have stayed on the field in my eyes. I agreed Sakho should have gone off because he was looking tired but I would have put on Fletcher who has proven he is a good person to put on to hold the ball up and use pace to worry the opposition. I would have also brought on Collins instead of Nordveit, who has looked off the pace all season and push Kouyate into defensive midfield. I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but it was very disappointing especially as all three goals that Spurs scored had individual mistakes by us in them.

Another frustrating thing to come out of the Spurs game was the lack of coverage some of the Spurs fans got in comparison with the ludicrous headlines that greeted us after matches at the Olympic stadium. I have heard from many of you who attended the match saying how Tottenham fans were steaming in and taking out random West Ham fans, as well as coin throwing. Had this been the other way round at the London Stadium you know this would have been covered all over the press.

The board, whilst backing Bilic 100% at this point are becoming quite worried/frustrated with recent results and performances. Whilst I think Bilic is safe for the short term, should these results continue and our Premier League survival be in doubt then I think the club would act unlike what happened under Avram Grant. Although this is all speculation at the moment I know the club really like Mancini and that he would be keen to move here. Benitez was obviously a big target before we got Bilic but would he be persuaded to leave high flying Newcastle for us? Likewise we like Eddie Howe but I am not sure whether he could be persuaded either. There are also some foreign alternatives and some in the championship (although these are unlikely) including former targets Bielsa and De Boer but like I said Bilic for the time being is safe.

The board have a real dilemma on whether they will back Bilic in the January window or a new man. Sturridge is someone that the club would love to get on loan for the season with the potential for a permanent deal in the summer. There are some concerns regarding his injury record so a loan deal could be the way round this. It was thought that we may try and persuade Giroud to join us as well but his recent form for Arsenal could prevent them from selling him as well as a lot of competition from other clubs. A forward is the key as it really should be and a number of players are being scouted at the moment. Dembele of Celtic and Lookman of Charlton are players that have been watched, which Hammers Chat reported in the week, and Mandžukić of Juventus too who could come in to save his fellow Croatian. Lukasz Teodorczyk is a Polish forward on loan at Anderlecht, we could try to buy out his loan and take him permanently to the club. There is a few other players from the German and French leagues have been scouted too. Many supporters are calling for Jermain Defoe to return, should he be available for a move I think we would do it as we have made two previous approaches under the current board of directors.

We will also move for a right back. Iorfa of Wolves is someone we are keen on, plus the potential of loaning Jenkinson for the season hasn't left our minds. Without doubt the right back situation will be addressed, Jon Flanagan the Liverpool right back, who has recently returned from a loan from Burnley may be an option too. Glen Johnson's name has been discussed as well for some Premier League experience and someone who can also play right back and wing back.

As I mentioned in my last column we have looked at Chelsea and Liverpool players as is mentioned above but this also includes Dominic Solanke whose contract is due to expire in the summer. We are also expected to allow Tore, Calleri and Zaza to have their loan deals terminated to free up wages and squad space.

It is great news that Quina has signed a new contract with the club and Oxford is set to sign very shortly. Reece turns 18 on the 16th December and so the club will be able to tie him to a long term deal from that point which he now seems keen to do. It is expected that a number of other promising youngsters will also sign new deals soon.

eventsOur West Ham Way Event is really selling well and we are delighted to have Frank McAvennie and Mark Ward answering questions in a specially designed "West Ham" venue. There will also be a number of other famous West Ham fans in attendance and we would love to see more of you there. If you are still unsure free coach travel to the London Stadium and free beer should persuade you. Even if you don't have a match ticket the game will be shown at the venue. You can buy tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/22834/293a/

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FORGOTTEN MAN: MIKE SMALL
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 22 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 9:01PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk

Andy Carroll's injured. Everyone else is rubbish. West Ham need a target man desperately or we're getting relegated. Guess what? We've been here before. In the first of a new series, Sid Lambert (@sid_lambert) looks back at the strange selection of West Ham strikers that littered the 1990s.

For ten years, Mike Small did little of note in professional football.

After failing at Luton and Peterborough, he jobbed from club to club, enduring stints in Holland, Belgium and Greece in search of a regular home. There were brief flashes of success, including a short spell at Vitesse Arnhem in 1987, but little to suggest that he would succeed at a higher level.

Finally, in 1990, the 28-year-old nomad pitched up in Brighton.

And then everything changed.

Small battered his way through the Second Division, notching 21 goals in all competitions. His goals powered the Seagulls to the play-offs and convinced West Ham boss Billy Bonds to make a move for him.

Bonds had guided us to the top flight at the second attempt. Ludek Miklosko, Colin Foster and Steve Potts had been stalwarts in the Second Division's most meagre defence. However, goals had been hard to come by. Only Trevor Morley (12) and Frank McAvennie (10) had hit double figures on league duty and it took cameos from Iain Dowie and veteran Jimmy Quinn to get us over the line.

With Dowie departed, Bonds needed a physical presence up front. Small fit the bill perfectly. He was in-form and, more importantly, very affordable at just £400,000.

Incredibly, Small took that red-hot form straight into the top tier. He took just two games to get off the mark, scoring in a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United. In the next home game he scored as the Hammers beat Aston Villa 3-1. We had five points from our first four games and had only suffered defeat once. Things were looking promising.

As is the West Ham way, that promise started to fade.

But Small's ruthlessness in front of goal didn't. He scored in successive games against Chelsea, Norwich and Crystal Palace, where a precious three points kept us out of the relegation zone.

It wasn't just sheer volume, Small was scoring every type of goal: tap-ins, headers, one-on-ones. The Birmingham-born man was brimming with confidence. Everything he hit turned to gold.

A seven-day spell at the end of October 1991 was Small's finest hour in claret and blue. He scored the equaliser – cancelling out an early strike from Gary Lineker – as we beat Tottenham 2-1 at Upton Park. In midweek a penalty helped us to a 2-0 League Cup win at Sheffield United before we travelled to Highbury to face George Graham's Arsenal.

After absorbing heavy pressure throughout, the marauding Mitchell Thomas led a rare Hammers' break into the Arsenal half. Tim Breacker fed the ball to Small, who easily eluded Tony Adams before unleashing a left-foot screamer past David Seaman. In a split-second he'd embarrassed two of England's very best.

West Ham won 1-0 and two successive wins against north London rivals put us into the heady heights of 14th place.

Small had scored 13 goals in just 19 starts. That was a record to eclipse even the likes of McAvennie and Cottee.

In just three short months he'd become a folk hero. By now, he was the country's in-form striker and there were even whispers that Graham Taylor might consider him for England duty.

The only thing to match his meteoric rise was the fall that followed.

It took three months for Small to score again, a winner at Luton Town. By now, we were mired in the bottom three. Small's confidence, like the team, had completely evaporated. The first touch was less assured and the finishing hesitant.

Upton Park was an unforgiving place back then. Every moan and groan from the terraces seemed to weigh upon his shoulders. The big man was shrinking before our very eyes. He scored only three more times as we finished rock bottom.

Small's rapid decline is hard to explain. A niggling back injury didn't help. But even when he was fit, he never rediscovered the form of old. He plummeted down the pecking order at Upton Park. Within two years, he was drifting aimlessly around Irish League football.

Mention his name now and it evokes many a wistful glance from the West Ham fans that saw him, still struggling to work out where it all went so wrong.

For three glorious months Mike Small was one of the best strikers in the country.

Let's try and remember him that way.

As well as contributing to TWHW, Sid Lambert is a freelance writer specialising in 90s football. His new book, Cashing In, is now on sale. Set during the dawn of the Premier League, it tells the story of Ray Cash, a talented young player thrust into England's top-flight. As money and fame change football forever, Ray encounters the ugly reality behind the beautiful game.

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Martin Samuelsen returns to West Ham after ending Blackburn loan spell
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 22/11/16 4:35pm
SSN

Martin Samuelsen has returned to West Ham after cutting short his season-long loan at Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
The Norway international joined Rovers in August, but found his first-team opportunities limited at Ewood Park. He featured only four times for Owen Coyle's side, his last appearance coming in the goalless draw with Ipswich on October 15. Coyle told the club's website: "We had a good chat and Martin's family felt that he wanted to be starting games and at this moment in time we couldn't guarantee him that, so we agreed that it was in his best interest to return to West Ham. He's a great lad and we wish him well."
The 19-year-old scored for West Ham's development squad in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Tuesday in their Premier League 2 fixture at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium. Samuelsen joined West Ham on a free transfer in June 2015 following his release from Manchester City and spent last season on loan at Sky Bet League One side Peterborough, scoring two goals in 20 appearances.

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West Ham United: Roberto Mancini on shortlist to replace Bilic
calciomercato.com
22 November at 17:04

According to reports in The Telegraph, pressure is mounting on West Ham United coach Slaven Bilic. Last weekend's last-gasp defeat at Spurs has forced club executives to consider lining-up a successor to the former Croatian international.

Ex Inter and Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini is one of the names reportedly on the club's shortlist as well as current Bournemouth number one Eddie Howe, former Napoli and Real Madrid and current coach of Newcastle United, Rafa Benitez and Marseille boss Rudi Garcia, who was reportedly linked with the Hammers before he returned to France.

West Ham sit just one point above the relegation zone with some big games coming up before Christmas against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have given Bilic the chance to turn round an awful start to the new campaign but feel that time is running out if they are to avoid getting into a relegation dogfight.

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Samuelsen returns to West Ham
Posted: Tue 22 Nov 2016
Author: rovers.co.uk

Norway international Martin Samuelsen has returned to West Ham United with immediate effect. The 19-year-old winger joined Rovers on a season-long loan deal in August, but has found first team opportunities hard to come by at Ewood Park. Having made just two starts and two substitute appearances in Rovers' colours, Samuelsen has now returned to his parent club. Rovers boss Owen Coyle said: "We had a good chat and Martin's family felt that he wanted to be starting games and at this moment in time we couldn't guarantee him that, so we agreed that it was in his best interest to return to West Ham. He's a great lad and we wish him well."
Last night, Samuelsen opened the scoring for West Ham in the 1-1 draw against Rovers in the Premier League 2 fixture at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

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MICHAIL ANTONIO TALKS UMBRO & THE VELOCITA 3
Interviews Tuesday 22 November 2016 @ 10:23
soccerbible.com

Scoring six goals already this season, Michail Antonio is an attacking player who has almost reached his entire total from last years run out. A double diamond player in the form of his life, we caught up with him behind the scenes as he prepared to launch the Umbro Velocita 3.

What do you remember of Umbro when you were growing up? They're such an iconically English brand.

"Such great memories. Umbro were one of the first boots I had growing up. The Speciali's ― they were the first boots I ever had. Umbro is an icon brand, it's just easy to forget their history. If you think back, Umbro was everywhere at one stage. So many footballers were wearing their boots. Because Nike bought them and then sold them, it affected the brand. This is about bringing Umbro back to where it should be."

Some description

The Double Diamond has retro cool but also has a tech savvy focus when you look at the Velocita 3. How much do you see your boots as your tools?

"Definitely. Your boots are your life basically. Football is my life right now and my boots in that respect are what I do my life in. So if I don't have the right pair of boots, I'm not going to be able to perform. If the boots are going to affect my feet, it's going to affect the way I play because I play with my feet. I'm not a keeper! [laughs]."

"If the boots aren't doing right for me, the boots aren't doing right for my career. For the last four years of my career I had been wearing adidas boots, this year I've changed to Umbro and it's not had a negative effect on my career in any shape or form. I've tried other brands and tried to play with Nike but it just wouldn't work out for me. It's just about getting everything together to make sure I'm playing as well as I can."

"I think right now I'm playing the best football of my life and the best season I've ever had right now. I've scored six goals already this season and I'm just going to keep pushing on."

What have been your impressions having now been able to get a behind the scenes look at how a brand works, is that something that interests you?

"You manage to see the other side of things when you start working with a brand like this. I really enjoy it. When I was with adidas and other brands, I didn't get to go through that kind of experience because they obviously have other players that they will use for their campaigns. With Umbro, they've given me that opportunity to see certain things that I wouldn't have previously. Doing things like making the adverts and videos to go with the Velocita and being able to see what goes on in the commercial side - I like to learn things. I'm very much a person that likes to experience more things in life and the brand has given me a great opportunity."

On the pitch, you have that flair element to your game. How would you describe yourself off the pitch?

"People call me "imaginative". I like to think of things. If I'm involved in something or a situation arises on and off the pitch, I like to think about three or four ways in which I could do something. Like when we shot the advert with Umbro. I was putting ideas in there and giving my thoughts on what I think would work better and stuff like that so that was enjoyable. I'm quite laid back too so when I'm open to anything and say for the video, where people might say "I'm not doing that", I just enjoyed being able to throw myself into it. I'll always get involved, play along and try and have banter with people."


What did you first think when you saw and held the Velocita 3? What are the first things that caught your eye?

"It's very lightweight and I like that. The sock around the ankle, there's no distraction there and it stabilises your feet and it hardly moves. Once you've got it on it fits like a sock and it's incredibly comfortable. I saw the boot maybe a month ago and was like, "can't I wear them now!" [laughs]. I've been asking them to bring the launch date forwards on a weekly basis because I like them so much. Now they're here, ready for me, I can't wait to wear them."

Visually they're big on the senses, how much does the 'don't get caught' mantra play into your character and your style of play?

"As a winger and an attacking player. I'm more likely going to be on the ball and the defender is going to be trying to catch me to try and get the ball off me so yeah. I definitely don't want to be caught! I do definitely want to get more goals so it ties into how I play nicely."

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Exclusive - Harry Redknapp insists West Ham players are behind boss Slaven Bilic and his job should not be under threat
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Harry Redknapp has given his backing to West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, insisting the Croatian shouldn't be under any pressure. Bilic enjoyed a successful first season in charge of the London club but has overseen a disappointing start to this campaign. The Hammers have lost seven of their opening 12 Premier League games, with Saturday's last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Tottenham leaving them just a point above the relegation zone. Reports have suggested that West Ham chiefs are considering whether to make a managerial change in an attempt to transform their fortunes, but Redknapp insists there should be no question marks over Bilic's future. The former West Ham boss told talkSPORT: "I can't see Slaven being under any pressure. "He had a great year last year. They have started the season with a few injuries and they played well at the weekend at Tottenham. "It was a real good performance - 2-1 up with four, five minutes to play - so it as not as if the team are not playing for him."

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West Ham United will listen to offers for Andy Carroll
HITC
Aiden Cusick

West Ham United are fourth from bottom of the Premier League. The Telegraph reports that West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is among 'a number of players' the club will consider offers for in the January transfer window. West Ham failed to properly address their striking options in the summer and have not scored a single goal courtesy of any of their recognised forwards this season.
Although Carroll can hardly be blamed for that, having been sidelined since the Hammers' opening day defeat to Chelsea, he is one of few - unlike summer loan signings Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri - whose departure could raise funds for reinforcements. Carroll moved to east London four years ago on an initial loan deal from Liverpool, later signing a permanent contract until 2019, and has scored 23 goals in 96 appearances. It is possible, however, that the nine-cap England international may wish to leave the area following an attempted gunpoint robbery on his way home from training earlier this month. The Sun reported this month that Carroll is a £20 million target for Chinese Super League sides Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou R&F.

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How West Ham hope to land Liverpool star: Ambitious plan preferred
WEST HAM reportedly wish to sign Daniel Sturridge on loan in January before landing him permanently from Liverpool in the summer.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 04:57, Tue, Nov 22, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:36, Tue, Nov 22, 2016
Express.co.uk

Express Sport understands the Hammers are front runners to land the England international. Slaven Bilic is desperate for firepower upfront with his position at the London Stadium also coming under increasing pressure. West Ham's precarious place in the Premier League table of 17th with 12 games gone has seen all their strikers fail to find the net. With Jurgen Klopp preferring Roberto Firmino to Sturridge at Anfield, Liverpool are ready to offload the 27-year-old. And according to website The West Ham Way, the Hammers will ideally look to secure Sturridge on a temporary basis this term, then buy him afterwards. The east London club's history of injury problems upfront, including former Liverpool forward Andy Carroll, makes them reluctant to commit immediately to the Reds striker. Sturridge's Merseyside career has been blighted by problems, but he has shown he is a proven Premier League goalscorer.
The potential deal would work similarly to that of how Simone Zaza arrived from Juventus in August, with West Ham looking to cancel the flop's spell in January to make space in the squad and free up wages. Liverpool are unlikely to accept a loan switch though with interest high in their out of favour forward. According to The Telegraph, West Ham are weighing up a £25m bid too, with that fee understood to be what Klopp's side would accept. Sturridge has lived in London before while at Chelsea, and regular game time at West Ham could entice him. However, Bilic must turn around results before then if he is to still be in charge by the transfer window. It is said ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is keen on a return to England, and his Premier League success makes him attractive to the Hammers. But Bilic will be given more time, starting with Manchester United up next at Old Trafford on Sunday (4.30pm).

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic under increasing pressure as owners consider other options
Matt Law, football news correspondent
21 NOVEMBER 2016 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk

Pressure is mounting on the position of West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic ahead of the run of games that could ultimately determine his future. Telegraph Sport understands West Ham chiefs have started to consider their options should they feel forced to make a change with Eddie Howe, Roberto Mancini, Rudi Garcia and Rafa Benitez all admired within the club. The heart-breaking last-gasp defeat to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur left West Ham just a point above the Premier League relegation zone with games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool to come.

Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, plus vice-chair Karren Brady, now fear West Ham could go into the busy Christmas period in the bottom three which would leave them a difficult decision to make on Bilic. Sullivan and Gold do not like sacking managers, and have been keen to give Bilic time to turn around the team's bad start to the season, but they cannot risk relegation just a year after their controversial move into the London Stadium. Fans have already voiced their displeasure regarding the new stadium that has experienced stewarding and safety problems, and trying to get anywhere near filling it in the Championship would be impossible.

It is not just results that have put pressure on Bilic, but also West Ham's summer transfer business that is yet to pay dividends. Simone Zaza, Arthur Masuaku and Gokhan Tore have all flopped, while £20million signing Andre Ayew has only just returned from injury. Havard Nordtveit came off the bench at White Hart Lane and needlessly gave away the penalty that gifted Tottenham all three points.

To make matters worse, it was West Ham's star man Dimitri Payet who Nordtveit had replaced. But Bilic defended the change by saying: "It was like five minutes to go, we were 2-1 up, from my point of view, for our point of view, it was a logical move to put on a fresh body. "He (Payet) was excellent but we thought, 'Ok it's like the end of the game, we are winning, let's hold on.' We wanted to score a third one but when we see them coming then you think you can resist it with one more player, a fresh body for five or seven, eight minutes."

West Ham's situation is in stark contrast to last season, when the likes of Payet and Manuel Lanzini shined and the team finished Bilic's first campaign in charge in seventh place. Bilic was appointed in 2015 on a three-year contract after West Ham missed out on top managerial targets Benitez, Unai Emery and Marcelo Bielsa.

Terminating the contract of Bilic would not be too costly to the Hammers and potential replacements have already been discussed by influential deal makers close to the club.

Howe has impressed greatly at Bournemouth, although West Ham are aware they would face a battle to convince the 38-year-old to leave the south coast for a relegation battle – particularly as he has already been touted for bigger jobs, such as Arsenal.

Similarly, it would be a major surprise if Benitez was prepared to give up a promotion chase with Newcastle United after pledging his future to the club in the summer and Marseille would fight to keep Garcia.

Mancini, however, is out of work after being sacked by Inter Milan and is thought to be keen on a return to England having attempted to work his way into the reckoning for the England job. His experience of winning the Premier League at Manchester City makes him an attractive proposition to West Ham, with many still believing he was harshly dismissed in 2013. Whoever is in charge in the New Year will be given funds to try to steer West Ham away from relegation danger and up the table. The club have been in talks with Chelsea regarding a number of players, including goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, right-back Branislav Ivanovic and youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke. West Ham are also keeping a close eye on the situation of Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool and are weighing up a bid in the region of £25m for the striker. Injury-plagued Andy Carroll is among a number of players the Hammers are willing to listen to offers for when the transfer window opens.

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