Daily WHUFC News - 21st December 2016

Loanee round-up
WHUFC.com

West Ham United loanee Enner Valencia was in Merseyside derby action for Everton on Monday evening. The Ecuadorean forward started and played for 73 minutes on the right wing for the Toffees, who lost out 1-0 to Sadio Mane's added-time winner at Goodison Park.
On a season-long loan with the Blues, Valencia has made ten appearances for Ronald Koeman's side, starting three times.

In League One, Josh Cullen produced an impressive display at Bradford City drew 1-1 at Walsall, for whom fellow Hammers loanee George Dobson was an unused substitute. The Bantams sit fourth in the table.

In the same division, Lewis Page started and completed the full 90 minutes as Coventry City were defeated 2-1 by second-place Sheffield United at the Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues sit 23rd.

Elsewhere, Reece Burke was an unused substitute as struggling Wigan Athletic slumped to a fifth straight Championship defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Ipswich Town.

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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble believes West Ham United's fortune is no longer hiding after helping his side secure seven Premier League points in the space of seven days. The Hammers sat 18th and inside the relegation zone ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday 11 December, but a 2-2 draw there, followed by 1-0 home wins over Burnley and Hull City have taken them up five places and five points clear of the bottom three. Noble netted the winner in those two victories and it targeting a third straight success when Slaven Bilic's side head for struggling Swansea City on Boxing Day.

Mark, how do you reflect on Saturday's 1-0 win over Hull City a few days on?

"We managed to win and that's all that mattered, to be honest. We need another three points after Wednesday and we got that. We know they hit the post a few times, but we did on Wednesday and that sort of thing evens itself out over the season."

Hull gave you a good game, didn't they?

"Yes, but that's the Premier League and you know you're going to get a tough game every time you go out on the field. "The last two games, Burnley and Hull at home, have been massive tests but we got two wins and two clean sheets and that was massive."

You were the man for the big moment with both winning goals…

"I have taken that many penalties now that it's become a comfortable position for me. I know what to expect and with the amount I've taken, I'm going to miss a few. "There are a lot worse things happening out there in the world than taking a penalty. Luckily enough I had one saved in the week and it came back to me and I managed to score, then I was successful with the second one.

You nearly got a second goal against Hull, too, heading against your own post!

"Yeah, but to be honest, that's the sort of luck we haven't been getting. I was trying to block their cross and hit my own post, but the ball came back out and we managed to clear it, so it was a massive, massive day for us."

It's not quite flowing yet, is it?

"No, but points breed confidence and in the position we were in, we couldn't have a lot of confidence because we hadn't won a lot of games. "It's starting to come back for us. Dimi could have had a couple of goals on Saturday with a shot blocked and their 'keeper saving one. "Hopefully with me heading it onto the post and scoring the penalty our luck is changing a little bit."

What are the prospects for the Hammers for the remainder of the season?

"We didn't start the season the best, we know that, but last week was massive for us because it moved us up the Premier League table. "We've got another two games that we need to go and get points from. Points breed confidence and it seems to be getting a lot better. "If you'd said we'd have got seven points before Liverpool away and two tough games at home, I'd have taken that, even if our fans probably expected us to win the two home games. "Now, with those wins under our belts we can go to Swansea on Boxing Day with more confidence and look forward to getting some more points on the board. "If we can win there, we'd be on 20-plus points and if we can keep up the momentum by winning games, no matter how we win them, we can go into the New Year and the second part of the season will be a lot more comfortable and the players can start enjoying themselves."

Finally, you met your old pal James Corden again on Saturday!

"Yes, he's a top man. He's done great for himself and has become a big star over in Los Angeles with The Late Late Show. "I must say I'm not sure about the style he's picked up since he moved over there, though. His trainers were a bit flash for my liking! "On a serious note, it's always good to have James supporting us."

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Like My Dreams - Owen's Story
WHUFC.com

It has been a hugely challenging year for Owen Richards and his family.

The 14-year-old has a lifelong developmental condition named autism nonverbal, which means he is unable to communicate via speech, and was also diagnosed with diabetes while on holiday in early 2016.

Living with autism nonverbal can make understanding and relating to other people hard for Owen, who communicates using sign language and by typing messages on his iPad, while everyday family, school and social life are also more difficult.

Despite those challenges, and the need to regulate his blood sugar level on a daily basis, Owen is making progress with the help of therapy provided by his family, school and healthcare professionals.

Aunt Amanda, a postwoman who lives in East Ham, nominated Owen for his Like My Dreams experience after introducing him to West Ham United in 2014.

Already a football fan, Owen had attended matches with his Liverpool-supporting mother Jackie, but Amanda was determined that he would follow the family tradition by following the Hammers.

Two years later, he is an avid Hammer, watches home and away matches with his family, and this month was given the opportunity to lead the team out before the Premier League game against Burnley at London Stadium.

"It's a dream come true for me, being his auntie, with the year that Owen has had, I can't believe this has actually happened to him," she said.

"West Ham United is something which makes things easier for Owen and easier for us as a family. He thoroughly enjoys coming to the games and is well into it.

"We first took him to Celtic Park, then to Anfield and then, two years ago, when West Ham announced it would be the last season at Upton Park, I asked Jackie if I could convert him to West Ham and it was a very, very emotional time for the whole family going back there.

"I have been supporting West Ham since 1980 and used to go all the time with my Mum, and ever since we started taking Owen, he watches the games either live or on TV, watches Match of the Day with his step-dad, or goes on his iPad the next day to re-watch them. He absolutely loves it!"

Owen receives regular treatment for his diabetes and, with the help of his little sister Paula, has learned to take his own blood sugar levels and eat and drink the right things to keep that level regulated.

"I can't forget how close we came to actually losing him," Amanda explained. "The Newham medical team who help him to deal with his diabetes have been absolutely brilliant, because if it wasn't for them he wouldn't be as good at dealing with his diabetes as he is."

For mother Jackie, caring for her children and helping Owen to live the most-fulfilling life possible are her twin aims every single day.

"It has been a challenge but I couldn't be prouder than I am of Owen," Jackie confirmed. "For an autistic nonverbal child, he is brilliant, because to be able to do what he can do is unbelievable.

"Owen has high-functioning autism, he's nonverbal and he finds it very frustrating. He has learning difficulties, but he has attended brilliant schools. It is hard dealing with his tantrums, which are the result of frustration because he can't speak, but on the whole Owen is a lot better than he could be and he copes with it really well.

"I can't thank the medical staff and his key worker at school for helping him to deal with his diabetes. He has four injections a day and he knows what to do if his blood sugar level is too low or too high.

"He has done so well and it's thanks to everyone who helps him, from Paula, who is my eyes when I'm not in the room, and the whole family. It's an all-round effort."

For Jackie, seeing her son enjoy watching West Ham with her husband and sister-in-law was a dream come true.

"Owen being into football has proved that he can read because he goes through the teams every weekend and picks the ones he thinks will win," she confirmed. "It gives us an interest as a family because his step-dad is football-mad. Owen loves his football.

"Seeing Owen leading the team out was a proud moment for me. I am always proud of him, but seeing him be mascot for West Ham made me the proudest Mum in the world."

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER ROUND UP: ALL THE NEWS HERE.
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 DECEMBER 2016 AT 2:25PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

So we sit here with six points from the two games against Burnley and Hull and that is exactly what the doctor ordered to get our season up and running. It is a results business and we needed those results although the performances need to be improved massively. Had we been playing a much better team than Hull (who I think are the worst team in the league) we would have been battered and rightly so, the post deserved the man of the match award.

I thought Antonio had a good game and worked his heart out up the flank. Noble also was more on his game and I feel it is games against the likes of Hull who have arrived for a battle when we need him most. I also think Winston Reid is coming back to his Hammer of the Year best which has been pleasing to see. Randolph had another solid performance and for me he has to remain the number one for the time being.

It is that time of year where my workload as a West Ham blogger gets massively increased and alongside the stress of it too. You will find a load of "new ITKs" who suddenly decide to emerge for the window and then disappear afterwards. You will get all the "agents" suddenly revealing all the news too. You know those with the cartoon picture and the original name of "Agent Dave" "Agent Peter" "Agent Derek" none of whom are actually registered agents either. The other type are the non-creditors. Those that take other people's news (mine mainly ha) and change a few words or add a bit more detail and claim to be in the know. The frustration is that two of the bigger West Ham blogs have categorically told their writers not to credit me (because of their various agendas) and will wait till another site/paper has copied and quote them instead. The final problem and I am sorry to moan is what is known as "Football Twitter Rustlers" mainly a bunch of teenagers without much to do in their lives who decide to "rustle(wind up)" bigger accounts. So they will wait for something I say to not happen for various reasons and then start with the fraud comments. I know it is my own fault I have positioned myself in this field but I think maybe old age is creeping up with me and I prefer other things associated with the account like the radio show and our events than this anymore. That said I will still continue to do what I tried to do from the start and bring reliable news to the fans. I know that I will not always be right as I do not have as direct line to Mr Sullivan, the only man who knows exactly what is going on minute by minute but I will do my best. Anyway rant over, here is what I know so far about the window.

As I have said for many months now, we want proven players to join us in January and no major gambles (Although knowing David Sullivan as I do, I wouldn't be surprised of another South American player turning up at some point). We have approached many of the big clubs to get a run down on their player availability. Chelsea have been the main target with a loan for Bathsuayi the number one choice. It has been made clear to us that Chelsea are not looking to loan the player as they do not have many options in the forward department. Batshuayi is apparently keen for first team football and Chelsea will only consider loaning him out if the player himself asks to go on loan. Batshuayi is reluctant to do this because whilst he wants first team football he doesn't want to rock the boat and upset his currently employers. It will be interested to see how much game time he gets with Costa now suspended. West Ham hope that we can change his mind set. We would also like to sign Ivanovic but this seems more likely in the summer when his contract is up as Chelsea are still using him as back up. Begovic is another we have looked at bringing in and again this is more likely to be in the summer where either Adrian or Randolph could be sacrificed. We are also keen on Loftus-Cheek but Chelsea will only loan him if he is guaranteed to have regular starting 11 football (something we may not be able to do) and another player out of contract in the summer Solanke could join. We have scouted him a number of times and it is unclear yet whether we will make a move.

We have been in contact with Liverpool too. This time the main target is Sturridge but again it appears he may be still required at his current club. Flanagan at right back is another potential option but his injury record and unsuccessful loan at Burnley may put us of.

At Manchester United there is Fellani who should be available and again could be someone that we would move for although many big clubs are also in for him from abroad. There is some interest in the player and he is open to a move to East London get more regular games. Although both are very unlikely Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have also been identified for potential loan moves. We would face a lot of competition and it would be tough to pull these signings off but they could be considered. Chris Smalling is another potential signing from the Manchester club and he can play in the desired right back position.

Then you look at Manchester City there isn't really anyone at the moment who is likely to be available in the positions that we want from them with their injury problems. We would be keen on Giroud from Arsenal but whether he is available or wants to come to us is not known at this stage. We could also look at their right backs, former hammer Carl Jenkinson and Debuchy although injuries are a concern with the later. There is some talk that we could move for Spurs right back Kieran Trippier who has barely featured for them since joining them from Burnley but Spurs don't tend to like to do business with us and we would have to move past that obstacle.

It is obvious but a right back and a forward or two are the main positions we want to sign in. Iorfa of Wolves has come to the attention and there is some talk that Glen Johnson could be available as well. There has been couple of foreign right backs identified one from the French league and one from the German league but this is not our preferred strategy.

As far as forwards go all of the above would be targets. There is a chance we could take a gamble on Berahino of WBA. He is out of contract in the summer and could therefore be bought for a cut down fee or a loan until then possibly. He has the same agent as Reece Oxford and now that Reece has agreed to stay at the club, his agent could try to bring the out of favour forward to club. The club would be keen on Defoe but it is unlikely that Sunderland would sell him to us as we are a relegation rival.

There are a few foreign alternatives that we spoke about in an article yesterday but after all the failures this summer they will only be considered if a domestic signing cannot be made.

As I have been reporting for a few weeks now (breaking news on another site yesterday) we will look to get rid of a number of players. The obvious ones are Calleri who is back in South America and an injured Tore who is unlikely to be fit enough to play again this season, both may have their loans terminated. The same can be said for Zaza who is unlikely to be here in January with Italian and Spanish teams looking to take him off our hands. Arbeloa has never really seen eye to eye with the manager since being here and he is another that is likely to be allowed to leave. Zaragoza and a couple of other Spanish teams are keen. Feghouli could also be allowed to leave. He is unhappy with his playing time and it is likely that he will be allowed to move on loan during this window.

There have been rumours that Obiang and Payet could leave. Obiang is happy at the club and has finally convinced Bilic he should be a key player and Pedro realises that he is now a very valued. He is likely to want to remain at the club. The other player who I believe will stay is Payet. He has been reported as saying in the press that he would consider various clubs. Those clubs, whilst being keen on him, are unlikely to meet our price tag this window and the club wants to turn down all offers. I do believe however that depending on how this season goes Payet could consider his future in the summer.

A number of youngsters are knocking on the first team door and should be offered new longer term deals like we reported on Reece Oxford. Martinez has impressed massively in the development squad and Bilic is considering using him on the bench over the Christmas period and possibly more against Manchester City in the cup. Reece Oxford is expected to feature a lot more now he has signed the deal and is on the road to injury recovery. Some youngsters will go out on loan with Marcus Browne looking likely to be one of the first with Coventry a likely destination.

You may have seen on the website that we have Alvin Martin as our special guest at the next VIP event on the 2nd of January. It is expected to sell out as we have had massive interest. Tickets to this event would make a really great Christmas present and would also help to kick off the new year in style. We shall have an excellent raffle with prizes and I hope to see you all at the event! I will either give the odd transfer update verbally to those who are starting to know who I am or get Wardy to do a little announcement during the event too. You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/2hewqo4

Tune into the radio show tomorrow to hear out Christmas special and our predictions for the festive period and watch Evan's YouTube video where he reflects on this transfer column. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and would like to say since I have started my account (4 years ago on Xmas Eve) I have met so many quality people and hope to continue to do so for years to come. COYI

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West Ham United welcome TransferMate
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce global payments company TransferMate as the Club's Official Payments partner.

The agreement will see TransferMate operate as the Club's exclusive foreign currency provider for all relevant services relating to foreign exchange payments, including player transfer transactions.

TransferMate's partnership will include the utilisation of various Club platforms, both digitally and at London Stadium, to drive brand awareness globally and grow new business via the West Ham United fanbase, corporate membership, partnership network and companies based in London's financial district.

Launched in 2010, TransferMate offer the smartest solution for businesses worldwide to both send and receive international payments.

Using an online platform and global banking infrastructure, TransferMate virtually eliminate the cost of sending international payments by collecting and sending payments using their own local bank networks. Clients benefit from better exchange rates, lower bank transfer fees and direct integration into their back end accounting systems.

TransferMate now employ over 165 staff in offices across Europe, North America and Australasia and have won several major awards globally for providing both clients and partners with innovative payment solutions.

West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "I am thrilled to welcome TransferMate as the latest global company to join our growing partnership network.

"TransferMate's unique global payments solution will be a huge asset to us as we continue to identify and attract the brightest talents in world football.

"It is yet another significant example of our ongoing commitment to bringing innovative and ambitious partners on board who share our vision of an exciting and successful future at London Stadium."

TransferMate Co-Founder and Group CFO, Sinead Fitzmaurice added: "This new partnership with West Ham United is of huge significance and it is an honour to be the Club's Global Foreign Exchange and Payments Provider. I am confident that our global FX solution will enable West Ham United to continue in their pursuit of attracting the world's leading footballing talent and skills. By offering the most innovative global payment solutions in the market, TransferMate are set to deliver huge savings for the club into the future."

For more information on the TransferMate global payments service, visit: www.transfermate.com/westhamunited.asp

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Martinez stakes claim for first team spot
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Toni Martinez is moving ever closer to a first team call-up after scoring a hat-trick against Wolves in the Under 23's 4-0 Premier League 2 win last night. Terry Westley's young side - which included six players still eligible to feature for the Under 18s - trounced a high-flying Wolves at Telford FC's ground with Martinez scoring three and having an hand in West Ham's fourth, scored by Dan Kemp. Th 19-year-old has averaged more than a goal per game for the Under 23s this season, with 12 from 11 starts and already calls for his inclusion in the first team - who are desperately lacking a regular goalscorer - are being heard. Were that to happen, it would be with the blessing of Under 23s boss Terry Westley who recently described the Spaniard as "an out and out goalscorer".
"Toni's record is frightening at the moment," he told whufc.com. "He's on double figures and he probably missed six weeks of the season [through injury]. "He can be frustrating because he's not on the right side of the pitch sometimes when you want to play it up, but around the box he comes alive and to score double figures in the first half of the season at any level is difficult."

Martinez opened his account last night from the penalty spot before combining well with Martin Samuelsen, another highly-rated young Hammer to double his account for the night. And having set up Kemp for his forst goal for the Under 23s, Martinez completed his own personal land mark with a clinical close-range finish. Meanwhile the teenager, who moved to West Ham from Valencia last summer is just taking everything in his stride. "It's always nice to get a hat trick," he said, "but the most important thing is the win for the team. But I'm always happy to score three goals. "I'm very happy to be back from injury now and very pleased to return and get three goals tonight. I hope I can push on and improve as the season goes on."

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Stadium stewards taunted father and son
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

A West Ham supporter has expressed his surprise after several stewards at the Olympic Stadium were heard mocking a fellow supporter and his son. Hammers fan Tommy Wathen, blogging for EssexLive revealed how he was disgusted to hear a group of stewards mock the fans during the West Ham v Hull clash last weekend. "A man and his young son tried to access a public walkway via a set of stairs next to the club shop which was blocked off by around 10-12 stewards," wrote Wathen. "Despite telling the stewards it's a public pathway, the man and boy moved on and went a different way. "I was then completely shocked to hear the stewards mocking the supporters by imitating what they were saying in stupid voices, whilst giggling between themselves. "The head steward present must've heard it as I was twice the distance away and I heard it crystal clear, but nothing was said and they all continued with their duties. "I couldn't believe that, after all the negative press and problems that the London Stadium stewards have had with supporters, they were mocking fans and thinking it's funny. I don't go to work and mock people that I deal with on a daily basis – so why should they?"

Wathen's experience is the latest in a long line of complaints aimed at the stewards employed by the stadium operators, LS185.
Just last week two season tickets holders, who had previously been banned from the venue having been accused of being abusive towards stadium staff (including making comments of a racist nature) were handed their season tickets back. The bans were rescinded after video evidence, requested by the supporters' legal team failed to support the versions of events supplied by the steward/s in question.
Despite registering a complaint with both West Ham United and the London Stadium, Wathen is yet to receive a reply from either. "I've reported my experience to both who were contacted for a response, but neither decided to make a public comment at the point," he added.

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West Ham to holler for Molla?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham and Southampton are both reported to be casting an eye over the progress of Udinese centre half Molla Wague. The 25-year-old Malian international had featured just six times for the Serie A side thus far this season but is reported to be interesting both Premier League teams and several Ligue 1 clubs just 12 days before the winter transfer window opens on 1 January. Elsewhere, the outgoing Simone Zaza is being linked with a move to Valencia and Milan. The 25-year-old on-loan striker has proved to be an abject failure at West Ham since joining from Juventus on a season-long loan deal, which is understood to have cost West Ham circa £5million in fees. However the Italian international is on the radar of both the La Liga and Serie A sides, who are reported to be keen to take over the loan with Juve apparently unwilling to take Zaza back. Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli recently indicated his desire to take Zaza to the Mestalla Stadium, telling reporters: "I know him very well and he could be important for us , but it is something that the Board will take care of."
In other transfer news, Ashley Fletcher is reported (The Sun) to be in talks with Championship side Leeds United. The former Manchjester United striker has barely featured at West Ham United under Slaven Bilic and Garry Monk is said to be keen to take the youngster to Elland Road for the remainder of the campaign. Finally, West Ham target Marouane Fellaini has been spotted in Milan, where he is said to have met representatives from Serie A giants Inter. I Nerazzurri chiefs are hoping to conclude a deal that would see the Belgium international move to the San Siro, where the Manchester Utd star would earn circa €140,000 per week.

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Best recalls THAT night in Blackpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Clyde Best has revealed what really happened on the infamous night in Blackpool that nearly led to Bobby Moore being sacked by West Ham United.

A West Ham United team - featuring Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves, Brian Dear and Best himself - were thrashed 4-0 by underdogs Blackpool in a third round FA Cup tie at Bloomfield Road on 2 January 1971.

However that was just the start of the players' troubles, as someone subsequently leaked to the press that all four had spent the night before the match drinking in a nightclub belonging to the former British boxing Heavyweight champion Brian London.

Ron Greenwood, the manager at the time was naturally furious and, claims Best, initially wanted to sack all those who had been involved - including World Cup-winning captain Moore - only to be dissuaded by Chairman Reg Pratt who fined the players two weeks' wages instead.

"I think we were all dragged into it innocently," Clyde, speaking on the latest episode of the KUMB Podcast, said. "Because the referee had already told us that the game wasn't going to be played.

"Then, when we were woken at four in the morning, after being out [the night before], the game was put back on! But the fact that the guys had been out should take nothing away from Blackpool or Tony Green, who was brilliant."

Talking about the match in his new autobiography, The Acid Test, Best recalled how Blackpool's Green - who scored the first two of the Tangerines' four goals - "reminded me of a ballerina", even though "the surface was at time like ice".

Already in hot water, the players eventually met with a fiery reception from Greenwood once he had been made aware of their decision to sample the Blackpool nightlife which was strictly against orders hours ahead of an important cup tie.

"Ron came down hard on everybody," recalled Best. "I was the only one who wasn't drinking as I was on ginger beer and lime. In fairness, the senior players spoke up for me and told Ron I hadn't been drinking.

"We'd got talking to some members of a television crew and they said they were going to visit London's nightclub. Bobby knew Brian so we all decided to go along; if the game was going to be off, what harm was there in whipping out for a couple of hours?

"Ron didn't hold the incident against me but Greaves, Moore and I were all dropped from the first team - and Jimmy and Brian [Dear] were soon on their way out. They'd only had one or two beers, it wasn't anything out of hand like they'd had seven or eight.

"The main thing is that the display on the field didn't help. If we'd have won everybody would have been happy and he would probably have told us to have a few more beers the next week, you know!"

Best, who spent a further five years at West Ham after the incident - even outstaying his skipper on that fateful day - also felt that Greenwood used the incident to attempt to force Moore out of the club.

"I wouldn't be surprised as he and Bobby had fallen out at that time," he added. "That was maybe Ron's way of trying to get rid of him.

"I think the Blackpool incident was probably the main thing, that and some disagreements they had with the way the team was playing because at times we took a lot of chances when we probably shouldn't have.

"That's probably what happened to make that particular relationship very tough."

* Clyde's new autobiography, entitled The Acid Test can be purchased from publishers deCoubertin Books, in hardback, here. Price £20. A full review will follow on KUMB soon.

* The KUMB Podcast featuring Clyde Best will be available to download tomorrow (Wednesday 21 December).

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INJURY EXCLUSIVE: CRESSWELL SENT IN FROM TRAINING
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 DECEMBER 2016 AT 2:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

According to friend of the site @IronworkTours whom you can get a great day away match package from, Aaron Cresswell went in from training to day with a new potential injury.

During a session of two touch passing training, Cresswell went down holding his left ankle and was on the floor for sometime. A couple of the coaching staff are said to have helped him into the changing rooms with no shoe on his foot. Cresswell was clearly very dejected when being carried off. Reports also suggest that Antonio went in from training rubbing his groin but he stated to the crowd that he wasn't injured and it was a precaution.

This injury news is fresh from the training ground (so therefore unconfirmed) and we hope that it is nothing serious! We will update when we have further news. If you are looking for more positive news be sure to check out my column from today. Since writing the article-Cresswell has said to the fans that it is nothing serious and he is 99% sure he will be fit for Swansea City.

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Martinez eager to improve even more
WHUFC.com

Toni Martinez scored a hat-trick as West Ham United PL2 beat Wolves 4-0
The Spaniard has now scored 12 goals in 11 matches in all competitions.
He has vowed to improve even more as the season progresses

West Ham United PL2's in-form striker Toni Martinez has vowed to improve even more after netting a sublime hat-trick in the Hammers' 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Spaniard has led the line superbly for the U23s this term since joining in the summer from Valencia, and added his tenth, eleventh and twelfth goals in a terrific, individual attacking performance.

Dan Kemp contributed to the scoring, as the Hammers ended 2016 with a much-needed victory which gives them huge confidence going into the Christmas break.

Afterwards though, most of the talk was about Martinez and his terrific record for the U23s so far and the 19-year-old said: "It's always nice to get a hat trick but the most important thing is the win for the team. But I'm always happy to score three goals.

"I'm very happy to be back from injury now and very pleased to return and get three goals tonight. I hope I can push on and improve as the season goes on."

Martinez has now scored 12 goals in 11 U23 matches so far and epitomised everything positive about West Ham's display at the home of AFC Telford United on Monday evening.

He opened the scoring from the spot after Marcus Browne was fouled in the first half, before Dan Kemp added a second after playing an intricate one-two with the Hammers' sharp shooter.

The Spaniard then added his second and third of the game, both clinical finishes from inside the area, to complete a terrific individual and team performance.

"Today was a good game from the whole team, starting from the attack to the defence. I'm very happy for myself and my teammates," Martinez continued.

"It's nice to finish the year with a victory and now i can go back home, see my family and return stronger in the New Year."

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West Ham flop Simone Zaza backed to revive his season at Valencia as he nears Premier League exit
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham flop Simone Zaza has been backed to turn his career around at Valencia by the coach who wishes to end his misery at the London Stadium. Italy international Zaza is expected to return to parent club Juventus in January after a disastrous spell under Slaven Bilic, for whom he has yet to score in 11 appearances. Juventus are likely to send him straight back out on loan with Valencia having made the striker a top target as they battle above the relegation zone in La Liga. Their manager Cesare Prandelli is convinced that Zaza could make the difference. "The ownership knows everything that I think," Prandelli told a press conference. "I asked for four players to start a new project, we'll see if we can sign them in January. "Zaza? When I came here I spoke to Suso [Valencia director of football] about him. I know him very well and he could be important for us, but it's something the directors will take care of."

The Hammers agreed to pay a £5million loan fee to bring the 25-year-old to the club and had committed to spending £20m if Zaza made sufficient appearances for the club. Currently sidelined with a knee injury, Zaza has appeared in just one of the Hammers last seven games, failing to make the matchday squad in the last three.

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West Ham 'sometimes set expectations too high' admits Angelo Ogbonna as defender caps 'lucky' week by becoming a dad
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

Angelo Ogbonna has labelled the past seven days as a "dream" week after the defender helped West Ham move away from the relegation zone and became a father for the first time. Slaven Bilic's side secured their second straight win in the Premier League on Saturday when Mark Noble's second-half penalty handed the Hammers a narrow 1-0 victory over rock-bottom Hull at the London Stadium. The two wins, along with the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in early December, has ensured West Ham are now five points clear of the drop zone ahead of the club's Christmas fixtures away to Swansea and struggling champions Leicester. With things beginning to look up for the east Londoners, Ogbonna has admitted the past week has been a good one for the club and for him personally too after the Italy international's partner gave birth to a baby boy called Samuel. "It has been a very lucky week for me and my family," he told the club's official website. "I am so proud to have become a father and I want to say a big thank you to my fiancée and it is very important. "We are so happy to get seven points and we should not forget the point we got at Anfield last week which was really important. "We have to keep going and stay concentrated. We didn't play well against Hull but the most important thing is the three points and hopefully we will play better in the next game. "I want to talk about our position in the table which was better than the performance. We are staying positive because we got three points and it is so important for everyone. The fans stayed behind us and this is football." He added: "I don't know how much this will turn our season around. I want to stay focused on the present because sometimes our mistake was sometimes setting our expectations too high and we have to stay focused on the next game."

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