Antonio's hat-trick of assists
WHUFC.com
West Ham TV caught up with Michail Antonio to get his exclusive view on his
hat-trick of assists and discover why he felt left out of the goal
celebrations!
Andy Carroll stole all the headlines on Saturday with his memorable scissor
kick, but it would not have been possible without the help of Antonio. The
No30 was instrumental in helping the Hammers come away with a memorable 3-0
victory, despite being forced to miss the build-up with a high temperature
and still feeling sick on the morning of the game. But the Hammers forward
showed his commitment to the team as he declared himself available for
selection and the move paid off as he produced one of his best performances
of the season.
Antonio provided no fewer than three crucial assists and has nothing but
admiration for the way Carroll executed the perfect finish and scored one of
the goals of the season. But he joked Carroll would not been enjoying all
the attention if it was not for his accurate cross into the box which fell
perfectly for the Hammers forward! Antonio said: "Manu's made a good run and
passed the ball back to me. I saw big AC at the back post and was thinking
to go for his head, but no! "He does an unbelievable bicycle kick. To be
honest, I saw him shaping up and I was thinking, "No what are you doing?!
No…OH! OK, do that again next time, do it again, beautiful.
"It was quality, but you know what, he doesn't get to do that, if it wasn't
for my ball!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s fight back to draw with Brighton
WHUFC.com
West Ham's U18s came back from two goals down to draw with Brighton
Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Joe Powell (pen) got the goals.
Manager Steve Potts applauded his player's resilience after the match
Steve Potts praised his U18s for showing resilience to fight back from two
goals down to draw 2-2 with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Elite
Performance Centre. After a conceding twice in the opening 40 minutes
through goals from Isaac Hutchinson and Luis Garcia, the Hammers pulled a
goal back just before half-time through top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram and
equalised 15 minutes from time with a Joe Powell penalty. Despite immense
pressure in the final ten minutes, the Hammers could not find that elusive
winner, but they still left the south coast with their heads held high after
a terrific comeback. "It was a bit of a mixed bag really. Both our goals
were good and our possession was very good at times but we were sloppy
defensively on the goals we conceded," said manager Steve Potts. "You're
going to come up against obstacles like that where teams are going to be
solid and organised and get behind the ball. But you've got to try and find
a way and first half we were a little bit static and slow with our passing,
which plays into the opposition's hands. "Second half, we moved it around
with a lot more purpose. We got after them more defensively and started to
find some good spaces. In the end, we were unlucky not to win the game."
The Hammers started the better of the two sides and almost went ahead when
Hector-Ingram sliced Powell's cross just wide in the opening ten minutes.
However, it was the hosts who took the lead just before the half-hour mark –
Hutchinson fired into the roof of the net after initially being thwarted by
keeper Rihards Matrevics. It went from bad to worse for the visitors when
Stefan Ljubicic crossed for Luis Garcia to tap into an empty net. Brighton
made the most of their opportunites and punished the Hammers for wasting
theirs, although Potts' side did pull themselves back into the contest on
the stroke of half-time. Dan Kemp delivered for Hector-Ingram who found the
bottom corner. The Hammers upped their tempo in the second 45 and after a
period of sustained pressure, they got their just rewards 15 minutes from
time. Vashon Neufville was fouled in the area and Joe Powell stepped up to
notch his third goal in as many games.
West Ham could have easily completed the perfect comeback when Bernardo
Rosa's effort was deflected just over the bar just minutes before the final
whistle. Nonetheless, it was a very resilient display from Potts's players
as they maintain their quest for a top four place. "Fair play to the boys
for coming back," Potts continued. "Our first goal was nicely worked and
that gave us the chance to start the second half positively. Once we
equalised, I could only really see us going on to win the game. "We had to
be wary of them on the counter attack but apart from that we were the ones
doing all the probing."
West Ham: Matrevics; Eggleton, Akinola, Wells, Neufville; Coventry (Hannam,
73), Johnson (Ferrari, 79); Kemp (Ngakia, 63), Rosa, Powell; Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Forde
Goals: Hector-Ingram 45+1, Powell 74 (pen).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Best - It is a magnificent new Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Clyde Best has no doubts that the big move into
London Stadium will help the Club challenge at the highest level over the
next few years and is predicting a big future for the Hammers. Best will
always be remembered for becoming a pioneer in the English game after he
overcame discrimination from the terraces and emerged as the first black
striking hero. The talented forward, who arrived from Bermuda back in 1969,
enjoyed a memorable spell when he made 221 appearances for the east London
Club and scored 58 goals. Best was recently back in England and made his
first visit to London Stadium for the games against Burnley and Hull and
says it would have been a dream for him to play at the Hammers magnificent
new home. There have been some hurdles to overcome following the big move,
but Best has no doubts that it will take the Club onto the next level and
help West Ham challenge the elite clubs in the top flight.
Best said: "It is a magnificent new Stadium and just unbelievable. I would
loved to have played in an arena like this. Words cannot explain how nice it
looks and hopefully we can make it into a fortress. "When I played I used to
love playing in front of the big crowds and I am sure it is the same for the
players now. "When we used to play at the Boleyn Ground the support was
fantastic and with 60,000 fans now inside London Stadium I am sure it will
be just as good. "The West Ham fans are among the best in the country and
they can play a big part in helping the team to do well. "I think West Ham
will be able to compete with the big teams now and we need to concentrate on
getting the job done. "We proved last year that we could compete with the
big teams and if we continue to show the same attitude we have got all the
ability."
Best was back in east London to promote his autobiography 'The Acid Test'
and says it gives an honest account of how he ended up playing in the same
team as World Cup Winners' Bobby Moore Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst and
became a role-model to thousands of youngsters. The 65-year-old admits he
will never forget the special relationship he built with the West Ham
supporters during his eight-year spell and feels like he will always have a
second home in the east end of London. Best added: "I love being back in the
east end of London. They like workers and will appreciate you if you give
everything. They know their football and you cannot cheat them. You have to
give them what they want because they deserve it. "I played with Billy Bonds
and I always used to watch him. He was getting applauded every time he
touched the ball and it was because of his work ethic. "I couldn't do what
Billy did because he could run all day but I tried to follow that pattern
and the fans appreciate that. For any young player, if you can look at
someone like Billy Bonds you are on the right path and I tried to do the
same. "I faced some challenges but I was not going to let them stop me from
what I wanted to do. Life is not easy with certain things. "I thank my
family and my mum and dad for the support they gave me. She always told me
if you want to be treated properly, you treat people how you wanted to be
treated and you cannot go wrong. That is how I try to live my life and I
believe in that.
The Hammers got their season back on track with their biggest league victory
at London Stadium last Saturday as they recorded an emphatic 3-0 win over
Crystal Palace and Best sees no reason why they cannot enjoy a second half
to the campaign and challenge in the top half of the table. Best always
enjoys coming back to England and says he always feels part of the family
when he makes a return to east London and hopes to make many more visits to
London Stadium in the future.
"This is my club - I have got claret and blue blood. When they lose I feel
it just as much and it will always be that way. There is nothing like being
in the east end of London. They are the greatest people around. "I consider
this my second home. The one thing about being in the east end is I can
always see friends here and you cannot beat that."
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Ten point pledge: an update
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Last night a group of representatives from various West Ham United websites,
blogs and YouTube channels met with vice chair Karren Brady to discuss the
ongoing situation at the Olympic Stadium.
During the three-hour meeting, which was staged in Stratford,
representatives from the following organisations took the opportunity to
question Brady and her team (including members of the Marketing and Media
departments) about various issues regarding the stadium:
Knees up Mother Brown (KUMB); Claret & Hugh; Hammers Chat; West Ham Til I
Die; West Ham Way; West Ham Fan TV; Sex, Drugs & Carlton Cole. Jack
Sullivan, the son of co-owner David was also present (though not involved in
discussion).
During the session, all of the ten key points outlined in KUMB's recent plan
were discussed, along with several other important issues pertaining to West
Ham fans' experience of the stadium...
1. Surround the local area with former Boleyn Ground vendors
KB explained that the main issue with implementing this particular
suggestion is the stadium's close proximity to Westfield shopping centre
(and their businesses) and that the club simply have no jurisdiction over
the streets leading to the island. There are plans however to make the
bridge/s leading to the Island more West Ham-ified.
2. Make a concerted effort to entice former Boleyn Ground stewards to return
It was acknowledged that KB had initiated this with a single tweet, posted
last month, however she was asked if it was possible to do more to attempt
to lure former employees back to the club. Paying the London Living Wage and
the potential for stewards at the OS to earn the same as those at the BG
(same overtime rates) were suggested.
I understand that, as of Thursday lunchtime, letters have been sent to all
former steward employees and that a request has been made to LS185 asking
for all stewards to be paid the London Living Wage.
Stewarding was perhaps the main topic of discussion during the meeting, with
all parties agreeing that fewer issues had been observed in recent weeks -
although a video highlighting a recent incident between fans and stewards in
Block 114 was also discussed.
This is partly due to the club insisting that LS185 station stewards in
regular spots so that they may build a rapport with those fans around them.
The club will also ensure all staff are able to obtain NVQ certification
(online if necessary).
3. Replace the temporary seating with retractable seating
Quite frankly, as long as we remain at a stadium owned by the state, this is
unlikely ever to happen due to the vast costs involved. Although almost
everything else here can be worked on, this is an absolute no-go as things
stand, according to KB.
4. Rehouse the Supporters' Club
We learnt that preliminary talks between the two parties had taken place and
it was stressed that a solution had thus far been impossible to find. The
impression given was that the club had tried to help as much as possible
without any agreement having been reached, including strengthening the links
between the Club and Newham Council. We intend to clarify the position with
the SC.
5. Rehouse the day trippers and occasional fans
KB stated that very few tickets were being allocated to Newham Council and
other concerns, yet it was mentioned that anyone could book tickets via
Ticketmaster's website for any home game this season. Notes were taken and
further investigation suggested.
6. Put the home fans first!
Access to all local stations will be open permanently, including the new
Pudding Mill station, with immediate effect. The general feeling is that
LS185 are slowly getting to grips with the logistics of dealing with a
large, often partisan football crowd. West Ham will increase their Match Day
'SLO' squad from 10 to 50, following favourable feedback from supporters.
7. Provide recognisable singing and family enclosures
KB maintained her earlier stance, insisting that there is a dedicated family
area but that the entire stadium was designed for families (of which up to
10,000 currently enjoy ST status). She is also happy that (almost) everyone
who requested to be re-situated has now been addressed. No issues relating
to persistent standing had been reported in some weeks.
8. Provide an increase in the number of shuttle buses
KB promised to review the situation after it was revealed that some disabled
fans had to wait for up to an hour, in the rain, for transport last weekend.
It was suggested that additional buses could be laid on to affect waiting
times and to extend their use to non-disabled supporters too during certain
times (ie pre-2pm, to encourage fans to arrive at the ground early). The
club confirmed that they had already increased the number of buses from
seven to 12, for homeward journeys.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers
Although their introduction was generally welcomed it was stressed that the
request for additional SLOs referred to full-time staff, not part-time,
match day stewards (as the new ones effectively are). This would bring West
Ham in line with other PL clubs. KB is to investigate the possibility
further, although the club confirmed this morning (Thursday) that they have
already sanctioned the employment of one new, permanent SLO.
10. Treat the fans with respect and engage with us
It was felt by everyone who attended that this was an important first step
in developing a relationship between the club and its independent media
outlets. Now the onus is on Ms Brady and the club to deliver. Further
meetings were suggested, at regular intervals (quarterly meets were mooted).
There were naturally several other points raised during the meeting, ranging
from the speed at which pints of beer are served at half time (I can confirm
action has already been taken on this) to the delays experienced when
attempting to access the ground due to stop and search (LS185 have promised
to purchase more search 'wands' to speed up this process).
One other small but important point, in terms of making the stadium feel
like 'home', is that the club will now be actively encouraging supporters to
bring flags to "brighten up" the inside of the ground, which may then be
stored at the stadium.
Our thanks go to Karren Brady, Paul Cox and Tara Warren for arranging the
event.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's latest bid of £6m for Hull's Robert Snodgrass rejected
Last Updated: 18/01/17 4:14pm
SSN
West Ham's latest bid of £6m for Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass has
been rejected, according to Sky sources. The Hammers had initially made a
bid of £3m for the Scotland international, which was rebuffed and a further
offer of £5m failed to win any favour with the board at the KCOM stadium.
Snodgrass, who is under contract until 2018, has been a key performer for
Hull this season despite the club's troubles, but in December turned down
the chance to commit his long-term future to the club. New Tigers manager
Marco Silva started the Scot in the club's EFL Cup semi-final first leg
against Manchester United at Old Trafford and he also featured against
Bournemouth on Saturday, January 14. Speaking ahead of the weekend game,
Silva insisted Snodgrass was not for sale, while stressing it was imperative
that the club added players to the squad, not get rid of them. Slaven Bilic
is keen to strengthen his West Ham squad as he looks to spark a revival in
their fortunes amid continuing uncertainty over the future of Dimitri Payet.
Hull moved off the bottom of the Premier League after securing only their
fourth win of the campaign against Bournemouth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: PLAYERS WANT PAYET OUT, NEW DEAL FOR HAMMERS STAR, SWANS
STAR SNUBS HAMMERS & EVERTON, HOPE FOR DEFOE?
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 18 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:47PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sigudsson Swansea
Good afternoon everyone, here is a round up of the news this Wednesday
lunchtime.
Senior West Ham United players want the club to sell Dimitri Payet this
month, as they do not wish to play with the Frenchman again. (Football
Insider)
I'm glad that the players are coming together like this. Who would have
thought that our best player was the problem all along?
Dimitri Payet says he has no plans to apologise to the West Ham players or
fans over his recent actions. (Daily Star)
He needs to leave my club. No matter how good you are, you do not disrespect
your team mates and the fans of the club that basically made you.
Michail Antonio is set to sign a new five and a half year deal at West Ham,
earning £70,000 a week. (Guardian)
Brilliant news for the club to get him tied down. Congratulations Michail, a
fully deserved contract extension for this seasons Hammer of the Year in my
opinion.
West Ham have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Brentford for striker
Scott Hogan. (Daily Mail)
Its about time this happened. Hopefully now we can get his medical done and
he will soon be a Hammer.
West Ham are keeping an eye on Jermain Defoe, to see if he hands in a
transfer request at Sunderland. (Express)
I highly doubt Defoe will hand in a transfer request if I'm honest. I don't
think he would do that considering he will probably be leaving for nothing
at the end of the season anyway.
Gylfi Sigurdsson will snub moves to West Ham and Everton in order to help
Swansea avoid relegation. (Mirror)
Fair play to Gylfi for wanting to help them. I do hope Swansea stay up
because I think they are a great club, but just very poorly run. If they go
down though, we should definitely go back in for him in the summer.
West Ham are the favourites to sign Joe Hart this summer. (Daily Star)
He would be an outstanding signing. With Adrian likely to be on his way, he
would be a more than ideal replacement. He will cost a big fee, but with
what he brings to a team it will be more than worth it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Giving Toni Martinez a first-team call-up would make it a hat-trick of good
decisions from West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The teenager is worthy of a place in West Ham United's senior side. West Ham
United manager Slaven Bilic has had an eventful few days, first having to
deal with an unsettled Dimitri Payet and then enjoying a very impressive 3-0
victory against Crystal Palace without his French talisman. The decision to
drop Payet was the right one, as was the call to select summer signing
Sofiane Feghouli from the start against the Eagles, with the Algeria
international opening the scoring and putting in his best performance in a
Hammers shirt. Bilic could make it a hat-trick of great decisions with one
big call: Selecting teenage striker Toni Martinez for the West Ham
first-team. The 19-year-old has been in blistering form for West Ham's
under-23 side this season, scoring 10 goals in 10 league matches and 12 in
11 in all competitions. That is a simply remarkable strike rate for any
striker, even for the second string, and Martinez thoroughly deserves a
call-up to West Ham's senior side and a place on the bench at the least. It
is easy to overlook a player for being young, but sometimes they make it
impossible for you to ignore them for long and Martinez must surely be
wondering what else he has to do to get Bilic's attention. The West Ham boss
has got a lot right a few times in the last few days, and giving Martinez a
call-up would be another to add to the list.
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England and West Ham hero Bobby Moore immortalised as Action Man
TOM DOYLE
Evening Standard
England and West Ham hero Bobby Moore has been immortalised as a limited
edition Action Man figure in support of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK. Moore, who captained England to triumph in the 1966 World Cup
final, died from bowel cancer in 1993, aged just 51. Fittingly, 1,966
figures have been released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of England's
4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley which saw Moore lift the Jules
Rimet trophy, with the iconic Action Man figures also launching for the
first time that year.
Ten per cent from each figure sold will go to the Bobby Moore Fund,
supporting Cancer Research UK's life-saving work to beat bowel cancer.
Stephanie Moore, Bobby's widow and founder of the Bobby Moore Fund, said:
"Last year was huge for the Bobby Moore Fund and we have seen so many people
and companies come on board to help raise money and awareness in Bobby's
memory, supporting research that ultimately saves more lives.
"The Bobby Moore Action Man is such a brilliant way to capture the nostalgia
every football fan has for the 1960s and I know that Bobby would be so
touched by the gesture. Not only is it a brilliant memento to celebrate 50th
years on since England won the World Cup, it shows just how much of a hero
Bobby was – and continues to be – to fans of the sport. "We are incredibly
grateful that Action Man will be donating a proportion of the profits to the
Bobby Moore Fund. Every figure sold is bringing us a step closer to our goal
of beating bowel cancer once and for all."
The figure, comes in gift box with a traditional Action Man dog tag and a
certificate of authenticity. The miniature Moore is now available from
Harrods for £59.95 or online at www.actionman.com. Moore's Action Man is one
of a range of collector editions being launched by Art + Science
International, under license from Hasbro Inc to celebrate the figure's 50th
anniversary until Autumn 2017.
Peter Rooke, managing director of Art + Science International, said: "We
absolutely love the Bobby Moore Action Man and are proud to have created a
figure of one of the nation's finest and most respected sportsmen. "We hope
that fans of Bobby will agree it's a fantastic way to remember and celebrate
his life, all whilst supporting the Bobby Moore Fund and Cancer Research
UK's pioneering research."
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how
to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1861 or visit
www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Dimitri Payet rejects Hebei China Fortune offer with French
international only interested in Marseille
Payet, now training with the Hammers Under-23 side, has insisted that a
return to France is not about money but rather the good of his family
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYALEX RICHARDS
Dimitri Payet's desperation to rejoin Marseille has seen him already reject
an approach from China over moving to the Far East in the current transfer
window. Payet's representatives were contacted by Hebei China Fortune, the
club who count Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gervinho among their squad. The CSL side
indicated that they would pay whatever fee required by West Ham - now asking
£30million for the want-away star - while paying Payet £500,000 per month
after tax, reports France Football. However, Payet is only interested in
returning to the Stade Velodrome and his agent dismissed the offer out of
hand. Payet has become persona non grata at the Hammers Rush Green training
ground, being forced to train with the Under-23s at their Chadwell Heath
base. He wants a return to the south of France for the good of his family,
with his wife and kids having already returned to Marseille, after 18 months
in London. Unhappy Payet has even told pals that he will earn LESS at
Marseille than the deal which he signed at West Ham last season. The French
international has vowed never to play for the club again and is determined
to rejoin Marseille in the current window. But meetings between the club's
hierarchy and OM counterparts on Tuesday came to nothing, with the two
club's some way apart on their valuations.
So far, Marseille have had two offers rejected by the Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet trains with West Ham Under 23s as stand-off continues with
club unmoved by Marseille's advances
West Ham remain unwilling to surrender to Dimitri Payet's pleas to leave
club
In the meantime Payet is training with Under 23s away from the first-team
base
Payet wants to return to Marseille but West Ham have not been moved by talks
By Oliver Todd for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 13:13, 18 January 2017 | UPDATED: 13:24, 18 January 2017
Dimitri Payet trained with West Ham's Under 23s away from the club's
first-team base for the first time on Wednesday while his January transfer
stand-off continues. West Ham remain adamant that Payet will not leave the
club this month with sole suitors Marseille unable to tempt Hammers chiefs
into selling up. Since Payet announced his intention to leave last week West
Ham's stance has remained staunch. And while a bid in excess of £30million
could tempt them to sell up, the east London club do not believe Marseille
will match that figure. In the meantime, Payet has been told to train with
the club's youth side at Chadwell Heath – formerly the first team's training
ground before they moved to their new Rush Green headquarters in the summer.
Slaven Bilic has been preparing the rest of his senior players for their
trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday at the new base, a little under two miles
down the road in Romford. Payet underwent a one-to-one fitness session at
the Chadwell Heath outpost on Tuesday and then joined up with the Under 23s
on Wednesday. He was pictured taking part in a full-group session alongside
some of West Ham's top academy products, switching between green and orange
bibs in training. West Ham rejected a £22m offer from Marseille for Payet on
Monday and are unsympathetic to his pleas that he needs to leave as soon as
possible and that he wants to bring up his young family in the south of
France.
Manager Bilic has no plans to bring his star forward back into the
first-team fold until his situation and attitude change — along with Payet
offering an apology. Sportsmail understands team-mates had noticed changes
in Payet's behaviour before his fall-out with Bilic and club captain Mark
Noble revealed that he had not spoken to the Frenchman for 'two or three
weeks'. 'I have always said that he is up there with one of the best players
I have ever played with,' Noble recalled. I had — and I say had because I
haven't really spoken to him for the last two or three weeks — a great
relationship with him, but I don't know his reasons. 'I am not going to
comment on why he wanted to leave but I do know that if someone doesn't want
to play for the team then they are better off not even playing.' It is now
six days since Payet told his manager that he wanted to leave and would not
train or play while he remained at the club. West Ham will go into
Saturday's game away at Middlesbrough without Payet after Sofiane Feghouli,
Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini stepped up in his absence in last
weekend's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
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Roma target Sofiane Feghouli to stay at West Ham until decision made over
Dimitri Payet future
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham have put any potential deal for Sofiane Feghouli on hold whilst the
future of fellow midfielder Dimitri Payet remains in doubt. The Algerian
winger is the subject of strong interest from Italian giants Roma with the
offer of a loan deal that included a £12million purchase option a tempting
one for West Ham, who brought Feghouli in on a free last summer. Standard
Sport understands that West Ham had initially been minded to let Feghouli
leave, with Hull's Robert Snodgrass seen as an ideal replacement, but with
Payet's future in doubt there are unlikely to be any major departures in
attacking positions. On Monday West Ham rejected a £20m bid from Marseille
for Payet, an offer they deemed to be some way short of their asking price.
With Payet training with the West Ham under-23 squad, not having apologised
to the fans as instructed to by the club's owners and threatening to feign
an injury if he is made to play against his will it seems unlikely that the
French international has a long-term future in East London but
joint-chairman David Sullivan will not be bullied into a quick sale. That
makes it increasingly likely that Feghouli will see out the season at the
London Stadium, a state of affairs that seemed unlikely after his disastrous
display in the 5-0 FA Cup third round elimination by Manchester City, where
the Algerian international missed an open goal. However Feghouli was one of
West Ham's most impressive performers in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and
joint-chairman David Gold hinted that the club hierarchy were keen for the
27-year-old to stay, telling a fan on Twitter that he agreed when it was put
to him that the Hammers should keep hold of the winger. Though it has been
reported in Italy that Feghouli is Roma's preferred target they have also
monitored Chelsea forward Charly Musonda, with manager Luciano Spalletti
having confirmed that the Gialorossi's sporting director Frederic Massara
was working on a deal.
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West Ham make breakthrough in pursuit of £15m-rated Brentford striker Scott
Hogan
Transfer news: All the latest from the Premier League and rest of Europe
Brentford are looking for £15m from West Ham for highly-rated Scott Hogan
The striker is wanted by Hammers boss Slaven Bilic to bolster his frontline
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 17:59, 17 January 2017 | UPDATED: 08:11, 18 January 2017
West Ham and Brentford have had a breakthrough in talks over the transfer of
striker Scott Hogan. The clubs have agreed an initial £9million down payment
but are still negotiating on the add-ons with Brentford pushing for their
£15m total. West Ham are understood to have offered around £13.5m in total
as the clubs edge towards a solution. Hogan was left out of the Brentford
side for Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Newcastle. Rochdale are also due 30
percent sell-on for the 24-year-old. He has scored 14 goals this term after
battling back from knee ligament surgery and Slaven Bilic hopes he can have
an immediate impact on his misfiring Premier League side.
West Ham have also asked about Southampton's Shane Long and seen a bid for
Hull winger Robert Snodgrass rejected. They are also waiting to see if
Jermain Defoe will ask to leave Sunderland before returning with an improved
bid.
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West Ham United hoping to seal deal for Brentford's Scott Hogan
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are aiming to complete a deal for Scott Hogan this week.
According to a report in the Guardian, West Ham United are hoping to seal a
deal for Brentford forward Scott Hogan in the next few days. West Ham have
been working on signing Hogan throughout the January transfer window to
date. The Hammers initially had two offers rejected by Brentford, but the
Championship club appear to have realised that they are facing a losing
battle to keep hold of their star striker. Hogan was left out of Brentford's
team, when they took on Newcastle United in their most recent match. And
West Ham are now confident that they will get their man in the very near
future. Slaven Bilic's side are thought to have had to pay £15 million to
secure the signing of Hogan. Hogan has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances so
far this season for Brentford, and is one of the most in-form strikers in
the Championship. If he was to join West Ham, he would be in competition
with the likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho for a starting place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Ince believes West Ham are better off without Dimitri Payet, branding
him 'disrespectful'
Ince – who started his career at West Ham – even believes Payet's omission
from the squad will galvanise his team-mates
EXCLUSIVE
BY JUSTIN ALLEN 17th January 2017, 8:29 pm
The Sun
PAUL INCE believes West Ham are better off without Dimitri Payet. The former
Hammers ace also branded Payet disrespectful to manager Slaven Bilic, his
team-mates and the fans. Ince – who started his career at West Ham – even
believes Payet's omission from the squad will galvanise his team-mates. He
said: "West Ham's 3-0 victory at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday showed
they don't need Dimitri Payet. "When you have someone like Payet at West Ham
you have a player that the other lads rely on. "They look to him for a piece
of magic that wins the game. They might shirk a little bit of
responsibility. "But dropping him from the squad galvanises the whole squad.
Suddenly other players are stepping up and taking the game by the scruff of
the neck. "This is a team game and you can't rely on just one individual.
"That result was massive for the club and the fans, but particularly for the
players. They now believe they can go out and win convincingly without Payet
in the team."
Ince infamously was photographed wearing a Manchester United shirt before
his move was confirmed. It earned Ince dog's abuse for years when he
returned to West Ham. But the self-styled Guv'nor has always maintained he
was badly advised as a 21-year-old kid at the time and had only done the
picture because he was told to by his agent. Ince said: "I can understand
players wanting to go and better themselves, but I don't accept the way that
some players act when they manipulate a club or a manager. "Payet could have
made his feelings clear to Slaven Bilic in private. He could have continued
to play to the top of his game for the good of the team, with the
understanding that if the opportunity arose he would be allowed to look into
leaving. "But instead, he's disrespected the manager, his team-mates, the
club and the fans."
Ince thinks West Ham have no choice but to sell Payet because his position
at the club is untenable. He said: "As a manager when you have one of your
best players threatening to leave it puts you in a terrible position. "You
want to keep him, but at the same time where is the benefit of putting him
in with the under-23s and letting him rot? "The longer he sits in the stands
the club are paying his wages and his transfer value is decreasing. In
reality he has to go. That's the best solution for West Ham."
Meanwhile, Ince does not even understand why Diego Costa would be
contemplating leaving Chelsea for the riches of China. Ince won two Premier
League titles, a European Cup Winners' Cup, a European Super Cup, two FA Cup
and a League Cup during his time at Manchester United. And the former
Liverpool and England star said: "I was brought up with the belief that I
wanted to play for the biggest clubs in the world and playing in the most
competitive competitions. "That's the Premier League and the Champions
League. China doesn't even compare. "If you're a top player why would you go
when you can still have a successful career in the Premier League? "There's
no chance I would have left Liverpool or Manchester United to go and play in
China. Not even for £500,000 a week. "If they had come calling when I was 31
and or 32 and my career was winding down, then absolutely I would have taken
it. "But as a footballer at your peak you should want to play with the best
players and win trophies. "Diego Costa is at Chelsea, scoring goals and
enjoying his football, yet he's still open to leaving for China. "Why? £2m a
month tax free is an obvious attraction, but that doesn't substitute for
winning medals and performing at the very elite in your game. That's just
pure greed. "Whether it's now or at of the season that isn't the point.
Costa is 28 years old. He could play at Chelsea for the next two years, earn
good money, and still go to China when he's 30."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Michail Antonio set to sign new contract worth £70,000 a week
Winger has been offered a new five-and-a-half year contract
Antonio has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season
Ed Aarons
@ed_aarons
Wednesday 18 January 2017 10.35 GMT Last modified on Wednesday 18 January
2017 10.37 GMT
Michail Antonio is set to sign a new five-and-a-half year contract at West
Ham worth £70,000 a week as a reward for his impressive performances this
season that have seen him earn a call-up to the England squad.
Antonio, who joined West Ham in September 2015 for around £7m, agreed a new
four-year deal last summer having established himself as one of manager
Slaven Bilic's key players with eight Premier League goals last season. The
26-year-old winger has carried that form into the new campaign despite a
disappointing start to life at the London Stadium, already matching his
tally from last season and providing all three assists for West Ham in the
victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
That prompted vice-chairman Karren Brady to pay tribute to the player who
began his career at non-league side Tooting & Mitcham in the week that
Dimitri Payet told West Ham he wanted to leave. "Michail Antonio was in bed
with flu yesterday, got out of bed pulled on his shirt & played
magnificently today - that's dedication for you," Brady wrote on Twitter.
It is understood that and reported interest from Chelsea prompted West Ham
to act to secure Antonio on a long-term deal which doubles his current
salary of £35,000 a week will bring him into line with some of the club's
biggest earners. Payet, who is paid £125,000 a week, is expected to be
allowed to join Marseille if the French club significantly increase their
offer from around £20m, although West Ham are insistent there is no
financial pressure on them to sell a player whose deal runs out in 2021.
West Ham are also hopeful of striking a deal to sign Brentford's Scott Hogan
this week having seen three bids rejected for the 24-year-old. Watford and
Crystal Place remain interested as the Championship side hold out for a fee
close to £15m for the former Rochdale striker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MICHAIL ANTONIO SET TO SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
readWestHam
In a month where West Ham have been dealt body blow after body blow, finally
some welcome good news has surfaced. According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian,
Michail Antonio is set to sign a new five-year contract with West Ham worth
£70,000-a-week. The Hammers signed Antonio for a reported £7m from
Nottingham Forest back in the 2015 summer transfer window and despite a
rocky start at the club, he's progressed and developed his game well and has
emerged as a key first-team player. So far this season, Antonio has been
deployed in several different positions but this has not held him back on
the goalscoring front – his eight goals this season makes him the club's top
scorer and his form has also put him into the England reckoning. Antonio was
linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this month which may have forced West
Ham's hand in bringing forward new contract talks with the winger,
originally scheduled for the end of the season David Sullivan recently
stated.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet makes desperate last plea to West Ham to let him leave for
Marseille this month
Unhappy Payet has even told pals that he will earn LESS at Marseille than
the mega deal which he signed at West Ham last season
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
09:00, 18 JAN 2017UPDATED09:02, 18 JAN 2017
Dimitri Payet has made a desperate plea to West Ham to let him go after
insisting his move is NOT about money. Payet, who is on £125,000-a-week at
West Ham, claims that he wants to go to Marseille not because he is being
greedy but for the sake of his family.
Unhappy Payet has even told pals that he will earn LESS at Marseille than
the mega deal which he signed at West Ham last season.
Payet insists he wants to go to France for the sake of his marriage and also
because he wants his three kids to grow up in France.
West Ham fans will be highly sceptical of his motives and the club hierarchy
are standing firm so far having turned down two bids from the French club.
Payet has vowed never to play for West Ham again but did report to train for
the under-23s. But it is understood he is still determined to go in this
window. But Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud has held talks with
West Ham to try and broker a deal for the want-away France star.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet update: Player won't apologise, West Ham want £40m, no talks
planned
Daily Star
By Paul Brown / Published 18th January 2017
Payet trained briefly on his own with a fitness coach yesterday at Chadwell
Heath, where the club's youngsters are now based. But talks with Marseille
on Monday lasted just 15 minutes with the two clubs far apart on a fee for
the want-away winger. And Hammers sources insist no more are planned this
week as co-chairman David Sullivan plays hardball with the 29-year-old.
Marseille have so far offered just £20m for Payet, while West Ham are
holding out for closer to double that. The Hammers insist they are under no
pressure to sell - but Marseille remain confident they will be forced to
lower their asking price. It is also understood Payet has NO plans to
apologise for his behaviour after saying he does not want to play for the
Hammers again. West Ham want him to say sorry to the club and its fans, but
the player insists he has done nothing wrong in asking to leave.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andre Ayew breaks legendary father Abedi Pele's AFCON record
Published on: 18 January 2017
Andre Ayew sent himself into the Africa Cup of Nations history books after
surpassing the goals scored by his legendary father Abedi Pele when Ghana
defeated a gritty Ugandan side on Tuesday night in Gabon. The West Ham
midfielder scored the only goal of the game to give the Black Stars the 1-0
victory over the Cranes in their opening Group D match at the Port Gentil
Stadium. By converting the spot-kick, which he sent straight down the
middle, Andew Ayew scored his seventh Nations Cup goal. This means he has
surpassed the total scored by his father and legendary former Ghana captain,
Abedi Pele. The West Ham winger slotted in a penalty on 32 minutes after
captain Asamoah Gyan had been pulled back. Ghana also threatened through two
Gyan headers, while Ayew and Christian Atsu tested Uganda goalkeeper, Denis
Onyango. Uganda came close when Faruku Miya hit the outside of a post but
could not force their way back into the game. It was a disappointing return
for Uganda, who is playing her first Nations Cup since 1978 when they lost
in the final to then hosts Ghana. The Cranes created few opportunities of
note and struggled to get behind the Black Stars, who appeared happy to
defend their lead and took the sting from the match.
Ghana was far more positive in the first half, with Andrew Ayew and his
brother Jordan, along with Atsu, posing a huge problem for the Uganda
defence. Andre Ayew should have scored from a great cut-back by Jordan,
while Atsu relentlessly tormented Isinde, whose day worsened when he
conceded a penalty by tugging back Gyan after miscontrolling the ball.
Ghana had a good chance to add a second late on when Atsu was clean through
but his 12-yard drive was superbly saved by Onyango. The only downside for
Avram Grant's side was an injury to defender Baba Rahman, who was
stretchered off with what looked like a hamstring injury after 39 minutes.
Ghana, who won the last of their four tiles in 1982 and lost on penalties to
the Ivory Coast in the final two years ago, will next take on Mali on
Saturday. Uganda will face record seven-time champions Egypt on the same
day.
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