Daily WHUFC News - 22nd January 2017

Carroll at the double in Teesside win
WHUFC.com

After last weekend's heroics, it was back to the day job, so to speak, for
Andy Carroll as his brace helped West Ham United to a 3-1 win over
Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

With his cracker against Crystal Palace – one of the Premier League's
greatest ever – still fresh in the memory, the Hammers' big forward was back
doing what he does best on Teesside as he crashed home an unstoppable header
before bagging a second from close range.

Cristhian Stuani's strike sandwiched between Carroll's double meant the
hosts continually pressed during a tight second half, but Slaven Bilic's
held on before adding a late third through substitute Jonathan Calleri - who
found the back of the net for the first time in Claret and Blue - in injury
time.

It's bubbles that fly so high according to the song, but after just nine
minutes it was most definitely the Hammers' big man up front touching the
sky as he nodded home the opener.

Manuel Lanzini swung in an inviting corner from the left hand side which had
been won by Michail Antonio, and nothing was getting in Carroll's way as he
steamed in before planting a header past Victor Valdes in goal.

And though it was an early lead, it could have been greater had Antonio
converted from close range minutes earlier. The threat throughout could only
miscue from six yards after Aaron Cresswell's cross.

Delight can quickly turn to despair in the Premier League though, and so
Slaven Bilic's men learned with 26 minutes played.

Adama Traore was allowed the the time and space to charge down the right and
pick out a cross and, on his own at the back stick, it would have been
harder for Cristhian Stuani to miss from eight yards as he tapped past
Darren Randolph to level.

Time to dig in. As the hosts applied the pressure, West Ham stood firm
despite one or two scares. Traore was again the danger down the right,
though this time his driven centre across the face of goal found white
rather than red.

Moments earlier, skipper Mark Noble had audaciously chipped inches wide, but
if the Hammers' luck was out then, it returned to them two minutes before
the break as they once again took the lead.

Antonio worked the room for a shot and although Spaniard Valdes was this
time able to deny the forward, he pushed it only as far as Carroll who
tapped under the stopper.

Happy Hammers indeed at half time, though things could have got even better
as the second half began in the same lightening fashion the first.

First Antonio nodded over from a corner, before then Lanzini went through on
goal only to tamely fire into the hands of Valdes.

West Ham must have known it was going to be their day just after the hour
mark, when Boro came inches away from equalising for the second time.

A cross from the left found its way to the back post where Cresswell,
unaware of the onrushing Stuani, directed his clearance straight at the
winger and against the crossbar.

Previously, Randolph in goal had produced a marvellous save to deny Marten
de Roon, but the Irishman was not tested further as the travelling east
Londonders kept it tight at the back before breaking in the 94th minute to
put the icing on top of the cake.

A slick passing move, in which white shirts far outnumbered red, ended with
sub Calleri finding the back of the net with the help of a deflection to
score his first West Ham goal and ensure the points were heading back down
south.

And so into the top half the Hammers went – for just the second time this
season – after vital back to back Premier League wins. The Irons have
started 2017 as they mean to go on.

Middlesbrough: Valdes, Friend, Bernardo, Gibson, Clayton, Negredo, de Roon,
Stuani (Bamford 80), Chambers, Forshaw (Gestede 83), Traore.

Subs not used: Guzan, Fabio, Leadbitter, Fischer, Downing.

Goals: Stuani 26

Bookings: Gibson 80, Bernardo 83

West Ham United: Randolph, Byram, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Feghouli
(Collins 83), Obiang, Noble (Fernandes 54), Lanzini, Antonio, Carroll
(Calleri 67).

Subs not used: Adrian, Fletcher, Oxford, Quina.

Goals: Carroll 9, 43, Calleri 90+4

Bookings: Lanzini 6

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Obiang - I'm happy for Calleri
WHUFC.com

Obiang thrilled to see Jonathan Calleri end wait for first West Ham United
goal
Win was fifth for the Hammers in their last seven Premier League outings
Spanish midfielder says the Hammers can continue in this vein with the
attacking threat they possess

Pedro Obiang was delighted to see Jonathan Calleri get off the mark for West
Ham United in Saturday's 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough.

Calleri sealed the win in the closing moments with his first goal since a
summer loan move from Deportivo Maldonado, killing off a Middlesbrough
challenge which had already been dented by Andy Carroll's double.

With the Hammers strikers contributing strongly - Michail Antonio also took
his assist tally from the last two games to four - Obiang is not surprised
to see the goals, and points, flow.

"I am happy for Jonathan on many levels," he said. "It has been difficult
for him these last three months, but Saturday can be a big moment for him.

"Scoring the goal will give him confidence, for him and for the supporters.
It is hard for any striker when you don't score, so now he has his goal,
everybody is happy.

"When we win like this it shows we are a team. We work together, we fight
together and this is very nice for us and for the supporters.

"At the moment, the important reason is we aren't conceding a lot of goals,
and we are also scoring. This is because Andy and Michail Antonio have
played so well in these last two games - and Manuel Lanzini too.

"Everyone knows Andy Carroll, when he is in the area you can do nothing. It
is very hard to defend against him and we are lucky to have him."

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

Like you, I was a very proud West Ham United fan at the Riverside Stadium.

Not only did the team win for the fifth time in seven Premier League
matches, continuing our fantastic recent form, but they did so as a team.

The whole team played well, both defensively and in attack, and we could
have scored more than the three goals we did against one of the Premier
League's best defences.

We are now in the top half and just a few points behind Everton in seventh.
Our recent run means we are looking up rather than down and I hope we can
ensure that is the case for the rest of the season.

The supporters were absolutely magnificent, as ever, and I want to thank
every single one of you for travelling such a long way to cheer the team on.

Slaven has really got the team playing for one another and I am pleased for
him, for the players and most of all for the fans.

It was brilliant to see Andy Carroll score two more goals – the first one
was an unstoppable header and the second one was a real striker's goal, with
him anticipating the shot being spilled and finishing clinically.

Michail Antonio got another assist, while Manuel Lanzini got two from his
role in the hole behind the striker. Manu has got real ability and he can
show everything in that No10 position.

Defensively, Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna were solid again, and we of
course wish Angelo all the best with his knee surgery and for a successful
rehabilitation. Angelo has showed his commitment to the Club by playing with
the injury for a while now, and we thank him for that.

We have signed Jose Fonte and he is a top-class defender who will add
strength, depth and leadership to our squad.

When we knew Jose was available, we made him a top target and were delighted
to beat off some big clubs for his signature. It is a big statement of
intent.

Talking of defenders, it was great to see Sam Byram back in the team at
Middlesbrough and playing so well. He is still young and I am sure, if he is
fit and has a run of games, he can be a real asset for us because he has
great ability.

The team now have a short break between matches and that will give the
players a chance to recharge their batteries after a busy period.

We have Manchester City next on a Wednesday night at London Stadium and I am
sure the atmosphere is going to be brilliant, as it was against Crystal
Palace last weekend.

We will all go in to that match buoyed by our last two performances and, I
hope, with further new signings, which we hope to make between now and the
end of the transfer window.

The market is challenging, but we are positive and will work around the
clock to secure the right players to take us forward.

Come on you Irons!

David Sullivan

Joint-Chairman

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England U19 star Holland signs
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Nathan Holland
The former Everton youngster can play as an attacking midfielder or on the
left wing
The England U19 international says he can't wait to get started

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of England U19
international Nathan Holland on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Everton youngster joins the Hammers on a deal until 2020 and goes
straight into the PL2 squad to face Leicester City on Monday night.

Holland is an attacking midfielder and said he is keen to repay the faith
shown in him by Academy Director Terry Westley.

"It's amazing, I'm quite gobsmacked to be honest," he said. "When I first
came down, Terry introduced me to all the staff and they were all very
welcoming. They've shown a lot of faith in me and I just want to repay that
and kick on.

"It's all a bit of a family thing down here. Everyone is close together.
It's a brilliant set up they've got and I think it will only help me
improve. I think I can do that.

"I like to be direct. I like to get assists and get at people and just try
and dribble and combine with other people. Hopefully I can add more strength
to the team."

Born in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Holland joined Everton at the age of nine
and progressed with the Merseyside club through the age groups.

He was called up to the England U16 side as a 15-year-old and cemented a
place within the national setup, travelling to the UEFA European
Championships with the U17s in the summer of 2015.

Most recently, he made his debut for England U19s in September of last year,
and he hopes to progress with the Hammers to eventually become a senior
England international.

"The experiences were unbelievable. Obviously going to the Euros can only
help you improve and I'm privileged to play for my country," added Holland,
who already knows Hammers defender Reece Oxford from their times with
England.

"I think [London Stadium] is the best stadium in the Premier League by far.
If I could ever get myself out there, I think it would be a dream come true
to be honest.

"[Slaven Bilic] really welcomed me. He said that they will look after me.
I'm really happy to be here and happy that the contract is signed now.

"You've had the likes of Joe Cole, he was a legend, and I think the
attacking football that the Academy play is outstanding and hopefully that
will fit my style.

"I've met a few of my teammates already and they've all said how good it is
here. And been really welcoming. I feel at home already and I cannot wait to
get started. "

Academy Director Terry Westley, who will be working closely with Holland for
the rest of the season with the U23s, said he was delighted to get the deal
done.

"It's taken a while to get the player to us. He's someone who I saw two
years ago playing for England in the same team as Reece Oxford. I looked
down at my programme and circled his name because of the talent that I saw.

"He's an England international through the ages and he's got those late
developer signs which we like. We know he's going to mature and we are going
to give him the platform, a long enough contract, to develop with us.

"To come here now is a big challenge, but it's one I know he is looking
forward to."

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Bilic reveals Ogbonna injury
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has revealed Angelo Ogbonna will miss the remainder of the
season with injury
The defender has been playing with a problem all season
He helped the Hammers to a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday and has
played 25 times this campaign

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic revealed after his side's 3-1 win over
Middlesbrough that defender Angelo Ogbonna will miss the remainder of the
season with injury.

The Italian, who played a major part in the Hammers' crucial victory at the
Riverside Stadium, will have an operation this week in an attempt to resolve
an injury problem he has been dealing with all season.

Ogbonna has played 25 times for the Club this season and, despite playing
with a niggle all campaign, racked up his 18th successive Premier League
start on Saturday.

Bilic sounded his disappointment over the loss of the centre-back but also
expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing new signing and UEFA Euro
2016 winner Jose Fonte in action at the heart of the Hammers' defence.

"I have to praise Angelo Ogbonna, because he has played the whole season
with an injury," Bilic confirmed. "He needs an operation on his knee to be
fit long-term, and it was supposed to be a couple of weeks but we asked him
to play a couple more games.

"He will now have it after today's game which will rule him out until the
end of the season. But we have Fonte now. He wasn't even our target because
we didn't think he was going to be available but when we found out he was,
we jumped on it straight away because he's a great player.

"He has played here for eight, nine or ten years and he has won the Euros
and he's a great addition to our team."

Ogbonna signed for the Club in the summer of 2015 from Italian champions
Juventus and made 39 appearances in Claret and Blue in last season's
historic final campaign at the Boleyn Ground.

He began this season down the pecking order in the side's defence but forced
his way into the starting XI before becoming a key man as the Club turned
their fortunes around after a tricky start to 2016/17.

Meanwhile, the Club confirmed the £8 million purchase of former Southampton
man Fonte on Friday.

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Super Slav delighted with Boro performance
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic was left delighted after his side beat
Middlesbrough 3-1 on Saturday
The Hammers were winners on Teesside thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and
Jonathan Calleri
Bilic said the win topped off a superb week for the Club

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic says his side's 3-1 win over
Middlesbrough on Saturday capped off a superb week for the Club.

The Hammers put back to back Premier League wins together to move into the
top half of the table for just the second time this season with their
terrific victory on Teesside which came thanks to goals from Andy Carroll
and Jonathan Calleri.

The win followed on from last weekend's comfortable London Stadium triumph
over Crystal Palace and Bilic was delighted with the outcome at the
Riverside Stadium.

He said: "It has been a good week for us. After the game against Palace, we
played well against them and we have used the momentum we got in that win to
come here and put out a strong performance and get three massive points.

"We're especially pleased because we played good and it's great. We had a
lot of players who were on top of their game today and we did great things
with the ball. We hurt them when we attacked and it was brilliant.

"Andy Carroll, week in, week out, is brilliant. I am always saying this; he
is a brilliant player, not just with his goals, but he makes such an impact
with his presence.

"The goals are also obviously important but it's so hard to stop him in the
box and so for him to score two goals is brilliant.

"I have told you why I'm a big fan of Andy; he does everything. The only
problem before was that he wasn't available to play. Hopefully he is going
to stay fit. He felt his groin a bit and we didn't want to risk it because
we don't want to lose him.

"He's great though, he is one of the leaders and he enjoys that."

Argentine Calleri replaced the big man in the second half and added the
Hammers' third with his first goal for the Club four minutes into stoppage
time.

And Bilic praised the impact of his substitutes in a game where he was
forced to replace not only Carroll but skipper Mark Noble who also suffered
an injury problem during the clash.

"We still don't know about Mark Noble. We have to wait of course, but he is
our skipper and leader and he's like a mentor in the middle of the park.

"But it's all about the squad and the guys who came on, like [Edimilson]
Fernandes and Calleri, did well and it's good for us.

"We are delighted after today because we not only won but played very good
so we are extremely pleased with our week."

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AC - We got what we came for
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll says confidence and morale is high in the Hammers dressing room
In-form striker scores twice in 3-1 Premier League win at Middlesbrough
Victory lifts West Ham United into top half of the table

Andy Carroll says West Ham United 'got what we came for' after winning 3-1
at Middlesbrough.

The No9 bagged two more goals as the Hammers climbed into the Premier
League's top ten with a hard-earned victory at the Riverside Stadium – just
their second in 12 Premier League visits.

Carroll powered home a header inside the opening ten minutes before putting
his side back in front with a smartly-taken finish on the stroke of
half-time – Cristhian Stuani having equalised in between.

Jonathan Calleri added a late third to send Carroll, Slaven Bilic's squad
and 2,000 travelling fans home from Teesside with wide grins on their faces.

"I'm happy with the goals and the three points and the lads were great again
today," the Big Man confirmed. "The points are fully deserved.

"It was a great cross by Manu for the first goal and I got a clear run on it
and as soon as it met my head I knew it was in the back of the net.

"Then for the second it was a great effort from Mick and I was just waiting
for any scraps, and the keeper's parried it and I was able to get there
first.

"They left it open a bit for us to attack in the second half and we could
have had a couple more. We're not being greedy, we're happy with the three
points and three goals!

"It's very good to see Calleri score his first and he worked hard when he
came on and he's been working hard in training. It was good for all the lads
to see him score.

"At the end of the day, we've got the three points we came here for and
everyone is delighted."

After a stop-start opening half of the season, and some distracting
off-field issues in recent weeks, West Ham have now won five out of seven in
the Premier League and are within touching distance of seventh-place
Everton, who are six points ahead of them.

Carroll said team spirit and confidence in the dressing room are in good
shape after such a strong run of form and results.

"I think the lads have come together even stronger recently with everything
that's going on and you can see on the pitch everyone is working together,
putting the grit in and that's when the points come," he confirmed.

"The morale in the dressing room is fantastic. All the lads are having a
laugh before and it's great to be around. Everyone wants to work for the
manager and it's brilliant.

"It was tough at the beginning of the season but we came out of that and
we're just thinking about each game as it comes."

The only concerns on an otherwise perfect day for the Hammers were the sight
of both Carroll and Mark Noble going off with injuries.

However, the centre forward was pleased to point out that his substitution
was purely precautionary and he expects to be fit to face Manchester City at
London Stadium on Wednesday 1 February.

"My groin was a little bit tight so we didn't want to risk anything," he
said. "I didn't train all week and I was a little bit stiff, so maybe that's
one of the reasons why it's a bit tight. But I'm all good and looking
forward to the next game.

"I feel good. I'm working hard and hopefully a lot more goals will come. I
thrive on great balls in like that, and I always try my best to get on the
end of it.

"We've got ten days until the next game so we'll rest up and look forward to
that."

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Fonte - I want more trophies
WHUFC.com

Jose Fonte is used to lifting major silverware and now hopes to win even
more trophies at West Ham United. Fonte enjoyed the best day of his career
last summer when he was part of the Portugal team that won the European
Championships in France. The Hammers new signing has now got the hunger to
achieve more success and hopes his move to London Stadium can help achieve
that over the next two-and-a-half years. Fonte, who joined the Hammers from
Southampton on Friday for £8million, cannot wait to make his debut for the
east London Club and says the fans and manager Slaven Bilic played a big
role in his decision to join West Ham United....

Jose Fonte - welcome to West Ham United. Why have you decided to join the
Hammers?

JF: "I signed for West Ham because they are a great club and a very big
club. They have a lot of fans and I have known for a number of years how
passionate they are. "The manager was also a very big influence. I thought
that he really wanted me and that he sold me the project and the ambition of
the Club. "I also have part of my family living in London and they are big
West Ham fans. It just made sense for me at this stage to join West Ham. It
is a new challenge and a new beginning and I am looking forward to it."

We already have Fonte fans in the West Ham family. How much are you looking
forward to playing in front of them?

JF: "I am looking forward to it and they are Season-Ticket holders. I will
find out where they are sitting in the Stadium and they have been West Ham
fans for a number of years – especially my brother-in law. "He was on the
phone to me all the time wanting me to sign!"

There were a number of big clubs interested in signing you. Was it the
ambition of the Club that persuaded you to put pen to paper on joining the
Hammers?

JF: "You just have to look around and see the Stadium and the ambition of
the owners and the investment in the team. You see where they want to go and
the fans support. "I am very pleased to be here and I just want to start
working and repaying the faith."

You touched on the manager Slaven Bilic. How much did he play a factor in
you signing and how much are you looking forward to working under him?

JF: "Slaven was a massive factor. I met the gaffer and he was very
persuasive. I like him and have always liked him, even before I met him and
the way he is.
"I have asked a few players who know him as well like Tadic and Lovren and
they gave me the best indication about him. "As soon as I met him he made me
feel comfortable and I just want to help the team win and succeed."

What is it going to be like for you playing at London Stadium and playing in
front of 57,000 fans every home game?

JF: "It is every players ambition to play in front of a crowd like that
every week. I just want the team to make it a fortress. "I want everyone to
come together and make it a very hard place for the opposing teams."

After the impressive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, how much are
you looking forward to getting into the team and showing your quality?

JF: "I saw the game and how the fans reacted. It was an important win and I
hope we can continue like that. "It is only like this that we are going to
be successful. Everyone pushing together and supporting the team."

One player you know well is Michail Antonio having played alongside him for
Southampton and winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley back in
2010. Tell us about Michail and your memories of playing alongside him?

JF: "Michail was only young at the time. I was young at the time as well! He
had raw pace, talent, explosiveness and we could see the potential in him.
"He was fantastic in the Final and scored a goal. It was a great day at
Wembley."

Michail produced a hat-trick of assists last weekend and is hitting top form
at the moment. How impressed were you by his performance against Crystal
Palace?

JF: "He has been outstanding and has done really well for himself. I am
happy for him and I just hope he can continue to help the team so we can
have many more wins."

In your area of the team, there are a number of players challenging for
places like Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. How much are you
relishing the competition for places in the West Ham defence?

JF: "Competition is good and healthy. It is the manager's decision at the
end of the day. "I just want to help the team in any way I can – both inside
and outside the dressing room. Whoever the manager picks will do their best
but I am here to be a part of that."

What are your aims and ambitions at West Ham over the next few years?

JF: "With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging
in the top eight. "I told the manager in conversations that we want to win
and we want to win trophies. The ambition is big and we need to aim high.
"West Ham are a massive club and it is an exciting challenge and it should
be for everyone. We all need to get together and start working."

We now have a Euro 2016 winner in the squad. How much pride do you take from
that memorable day in Paris last July?

JF: "It was the best day of my career. It was a moment that will be with me
forever for many reasons. It was a dream come true. "After coming into the
national team at 31 and then become a champion is something I am very proud
of. I just want to keep going and there are many more things to win. "I have
the hunger to win more trophies and hopefully many more will come."

Your first game could be against Manchester City at London Stadium. How do
you feel about making your debut for the Hammers in such a big game?

JF: "They have great strikers and one of the best forwards in the world in
Sergio Aguero but if we produce a good display it will be an easier day for
me. "I relish this kind of challenge. I have played against City a few times
but it is about the team and not the individual. I hope we can get a good
result."

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Jose Fonte: West Ham sign Southampton captain
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have signed Southampton captain Jose Fonte for £8m on a
two-and-a-half-year deal. The 33-year-old Portugal centre-back - who spent
seven years at Southampton - made a transfer request with 18 months left to
run on his Saints deal. The transfer includes a possible £1m in add-ons and
gives Fonte the option to extend his contract for a further year.
Southampton's director of football Les Reed said Fonte had the chance to
sign an improved deal but requested a move. Fonte, a Euro 2016 winner, said
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was a "very big influence" in convincing him
to choose the Hammers ahead of other clubs. "I thought that he really wanted
me and that he sold me the project and the ambition of the club," Fonte told
the club's website. Fonte made 288 appearances at St Mary's and was the last
remaining member of the Saints side that rose from League One to the Premier
League. "I also have part of my family living in London and they are big
West Ham fans. It just made sense for me at this stage to join West Ham," he
added. "With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be
challenging in the top eight."

The Hammers confirmed Fonte will not be available for Saturday's trip to
Middlesbrough.

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Wigan Athletic: Ryan Tunnicliffe and Marcus Browne join Championship side
BBC.co.uk

Wigan Athletic have signed midfielders Ryan Tunnicliffe and Marcus Browne
from Fulham and West Ham on loan until the end of the season. Tunnicliffe,
24, worked with Wigan boss Warren Joyce when he was coming through the
Manchester United youth system. Browne, 19, made his professional debut in
the Europa League this season and has also played in the EFL Trophy. "Marcus
is a young player with great potential and will strengthen our group," said
manager Joyce.
"Ryan has got a terrific attitude first and foremost. He has built up
considerable experience now in this division and we are confident he can be
a really positive influence to the group in the immediate future." Both
players are available for Wigan's Championship game against Brentford on
Saturday.

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JOSE FONTE SIGNS-DETAILS AND SCOUT REPORTS ALL HERE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 JANUARY 2017 AT 10:43PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

So we finally got the confirmation tonight that Jose Fonte was joining us
from Southampton. This is a deal I first mentioned on the 11th of January
and then confirmed on our radio show on Wednesday. I believe this to be a
very good signing. He is very experienced in the Premier League and has
performed very well for Southampton as well as winning Euro 2016 with
Portugal. He has captained the Saints and is a leader on the pitch which is
something that we have lacked and he will coach and nurture the younger
centre backs. He arrives on a two and half year deal on approximately £65k
a week. People say that we have a number of centre backs but Reid, Ogbonna
and Collins are all regularly injured so he is needed if/when this scenario
happens again.

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Fonte signs two-and-a-half year contract
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 20th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Portuguese international Jose Fonte has completed an £8million switch from
Southampton. Having undergone a medical earlier today, the central defender
put pen to paper on a contract that ties him to the club until summer 2019.
And he immediately paid tribute to Slaven Bilic, who he described as a key
reason behind his decision to snub alternative offers - from the likes of
West Bromwich Albion - in order to join West Ham. The manager was a very big
influence," he told whufc.com. "I thought that he really wanted me, he sold
me the project and the club's ambition. "I told the manager that we want to
win and we want to win trophies. The ambition is big and we need to aim
high. "West Ham is a massive club, it is an exciting challenge and it should
be for everyone. It is a new challenge, a new beginning and I am looking
forward to it."

Fonte, who played a role in his nation's Euro 16 success last summer will
wear the number 23 shirt formerly used by the likes of Jimmy Walker, Herita
Ilunga, Sebastien Carole and, more recently, Diego Poyet.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham alarmed by Marseille's change in stance on Dimitri Payet - Sky
sources
By Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 21/01/17 12:12pm
SSN

West Ham are alarmed that Marseille let it be known on Friday that they are
resigned to not signing Dimitri Payet this month, Sky sources understand.
Sky Sports News HQ understands that the Hammers believe Marseille are just
bluffing and the French club's position is a negotiating tactic. Marseille
indicated, during talks earlier this week, that they will pay no more than
£25m to re-sign the playmaker they sold to West Ham for £10.7m in the summer
of 2015. West Ham, however, want £30m for the player, who wants to return to
Marseille, citing family reasons. The most likely outcome remains a
compromise being struck, otherwise West Ham will be stuck with a player who
will carry on refusing to play for them while being paid £125,000 a week.
Regardless, the high-stakes poker game between these two clubs continues
over Payet, who has not featured since the 5-0 thrashing at home to Man City
in the FA Cup on January 6. It is understood Payet has rejected offers from
Chinese Super League clubs because he is determined to return to France.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic defends his West Ham exit as Dimitri Payet refuses to play
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 20/01/17 11:35pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic has told Dimitri Payet there is a right way and a wrong way to
leave West Ham, defending his own exit as a player. Payet refused to play
against Crystal Palace last week in a bid to force a move away from the
Hammers. The France star wants to return to former side Marseille, but West
Ham have turned down two bids and are believed to be holding out for £30m.
Bilic, who is feeling "let down and angry" at Payet's antics, has been
accused in some quarters of having a short memory having himself secured a
big-money move from West Ham to Everton in 1997. But the former defender
believes he proved his loyalty to the club by insisting he stayed on until
the end of the season to help them avoid relegation. "I don't mind players
moving and all that, nowadays players move," said Bilic. "But it's about how
you move, how you go about everything. Especially the big players, they
should respect themselves in the way they go. "I wouldn't like to compare it
but I can tell you my story with Everton. If anything I have a good memory,
to be fair. "The fact is I was at West Ham and I wanted to go to Everton,
and they didn't want to sell me. But the way it happened was very, very
loyal. "I had a clause in my contract - I think £4.5million - which was
extremely high for a 29-year-old, a world-record fee for a defender. "It was
March, when you had the old March deadline, and Everton approached West Ham
and wanted to talk to me. "I went there and said 'okay, I can talk for
summer, but not now'. They said they needed me now. I said I was not going
to come, I was going back to West Ham because we have to stay up. "And
although they had injuries and needed me then, they liked that. So we shook
hands on it and made an agreement for June. "I came back to West Ham, I
played until the end of the season and I was happy that we stayed up. "The
way I had done it, I think, I showed loyalty. That is what the core of the
fans know and that is one of the reasons why I think they trust me and they
like me." Payet will once again be absent when West Ham travel to
Middlesbrough on Saturday. Bilic hopes Andy Carroll, Sam Byram, Winston Reid
and Sofiane Feghouli will shake off minor knocks and be available.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angelo Ogbonna: West Ham defender to miss rest of season
BBC.co.uk

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna is set to miss the rest of the season as he
requires surgery on a knee injury, according to manager Slaven Bilic.

The Italy international, 28, has featured in 19 of the Hammers' 22 Premier
League games this season.

But after the arrival of defender Jose Fonte from Southampton this week,
Bilic will allow Ogbonna to have surgery.

"I have to praise Angelo Ogbonna, because he has played the whole season
with an injury," said Bilic.

Ogbonna played in West Ham's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday, but Bilic
said that will be his last game of the campaign.

"He needs an operation on his knee to be fit long-term, and it was supposed
to be a couple of weeks [ago] but we asked him to play," he added.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Holland: West Ham sign Everton's England Under-19 midfielder
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have signed Everton's England Under-19 international Nathan Holland
on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The midfielder, 18, signed his first professional contract at Everton in
January 2016 but did not make a first-team appearance.

Holland played for England Under-17s at the 2015 European Championships and
made his Under-19 debut in September.

He has been included in West Ham's Under-23 squad to face Leicester City on
Monday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough 1-3 West Ham United
By Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport

Andy Carroll scored twice to make it back-to-back victories for West Ham in
the Premier League, despite Middlesbrough dominating for long spells at the
Riverside on Saturday.

The Hammers took the lead inside 10 minutes when Carroll lost his marker to
head in a Manuel Lanzini corner.

The hosts hit back with a well-worked move that ended with Cristhian Stuani
tapping in Calum Chambers' low cross.

Carroll pounced after Victor Valdes tipped away Michail Antonio's low effort
to give West Ham the lead at the break.

Boro threw on January signings Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede, but the
Hammers added to their lead on the break late on through Jonathan Calleri.

It means Middlesbrough's winless run in the top flight now stretches to five
games.

Carroll key for Hammers

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said Carroll had suffered whiplash after scoring
an acrobatic overhead kick last week against Crystal Palace but, despite
taking a couple of days off training during the week, the powerful centre
forward looked sharp at the Riverside.

He only touched the ball twice in the Middlesbrough box in the 67 minutes
before he was taken off, but found the net on both occasions - and he has
now scored five goals since his return from injury in early December.

With Dimitri Payet left out of Bilic's match-day squad amid rumours he is
set to leave London Stadium, Carroll offers the Hammers a very different
threat.

The former Newcastle and Liverpool man won 70% of his duels against Boro,
only bettered in the West Ham starting XI by captain Mark Noble, and his
aerial prowess also proved key to the visitors when defending set-pieces.

Boro unfortunate at home

Middlesbrough's struggles in front of goal have been well documented this
season, and they headed into the game having scored the fewest in the top
four leagues apart from Oldham.

But Aitor Karanka's side can feel aggrieved at not taking something from
this one. They enjoyed over 60% possession and delivered 27 crosses to West
Ham's eight from open play - only capitalising on one of those.

Karanka has bolstered his squad's attacking threat with the January signings
of Bamford and Gestede, the former scoring 17 goals during his last spell at
the Riverside in the Championship, but neither had time to have an impact on
the game.

It was winger Adama Traore who proved the biggest nuisance for West Ham,
first down the right-hand side with the on-loan Chambers and then on the
left when he linked up with George Friend.

Karanka said after the game the 20-year-old has "an amazing future", but he
will surely hope to keep him for at least another transfer window as Boro
look to avoid relegation.

Man of the match - Calum Chambers (Middlesbrough)

Calum Chambers
Chambers, on loan from Arsenal, excelled from right-back for the hosts,
getting forward and delivering 10 crosses including the assist for Cristhian
Stuani's goal. He also enjoyed a 97.7% passing accuracy rate, better than
any other player.
'Carroll loves it' - manager reaction

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka: "As a manager I cannot be more proud of my
players than I am now. They have done every single thing. We win as a team,
lose as a team. We have to work on the last 10, 15 minutes."

On whether keeper Victor Valdes was at fault for Andy Carroll's second goal:
"Victor Valdes is having an amazing season, helping us a lot.

"He is one of the best keepers in the world and us as a club have to be
proud to have players like him."

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It was a good week for us after Palace, the
confidence we played with, and we used that momentum to come here and put
out a strong performance and get three massive points."

On Carroll's goalscoring form: "Week in, week out he is a brilliant player.
Not only goals, he makes an impact with his presence. His work rate is
quality and he is unbeatable in the box. It is very hard to stop him.

"He loves it. He gives you everything. Hopefully he is going to stay fit."

Boro struggling for wins - match stats

Andy Carroll scored in successive Premier League games for the first time
since April.
Carroll scored more than once in a Premier League away game for the first
time.
Of Carroll's 48 Premier League goals, 23 have been from headers (48%).
West Ham have won five of their past seven Premier League fixtures, as many
as they had in their previous 19.
Boro have won only one of their past eight Premier League matches (five
defeats).
What next?

Middlesbrough host Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup fourth round next
Saturday (15;00 GMT), before welcoming West Brom in the Premier League the
following Tuesday (19:45).

West Ham are at home against Manchester City in the Premier League on 1
February (19:45), having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Pep Guardiola's
side.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MIDDLESBROUGH 1-3 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 21 JANUARY 2017 AT 7:19PM
TheWestHamWayco.uk

Match Report by @WestHamAmerican

West Ham defeated Middlesbrough 1-3 today at the Riverside to climb to tenth
in the Premier League table. A pair of first half goals by Andy Carroll,
and a late third by Jonathon Calleri gave the Hammers their second
consecutive victory since the Dimitri Payet trade demands were made public
over a week ago.

The first half was great football as a stand-alone match. Both sides played
smart on all thirds of the pitch. Early on Andy Carroll started the scoring
when he rose above the crowd and headed in Manuel Lanzini's corner kick.

Ten minutes later Aitor Karanka's men equalised as Chambers squared it to an
unmarked Cristhian Stuani, who tapped it in from six yards out. Much of the
remainder of the opening half was back and forth with no one able to take
the lead.

In the closing moments of the half, Michail Antonio's shot was poorly
handled by Victor Valdes and Andy Carroll was able to put the rebound into
the back of the net. Retiring at the break with a 2-1 lead under the
floodlights of a loud Boro crowd, West Ham looked for more.

The second half opened and Antonio almost had a goal in the opening minute
when his header from Sam Byram went a yard over the crossbar. Soon after,
Mark Noble went down with an injury. The West Ham skipper came back on the
pitch but after a minute or so of limping about he was replaced by Edimilson
Fernandes.

Middlesbrough's best chance to equalise came in the 58th when Darren
Randolph dove to stave off a Marten De Roon header that was certainly
heading inside the post.

Andy Carroll left the pitch midway through the second half with a bit of a
groin injury. His three goals in two matches have shown his importance to
West Ham's attack.

In the late minutes of the match, Karanka brought on another striker in Rudy
Gestede and Bilic answered by bringing James Collins to hang on for the 2-1
win. Even with a more defensive set up, Jonathon Calleri was able to take a
pass from Lanzini and score off a Clayton deflection.

With the late stoppage time goal, West Ham sealed a 3-1 away victory and
showed their determination to succeed without Payet (and Kouate and Ayew as
well.) The big news this week will be to see the health of Andy Carroll and
Mark Noble. The two have been very important to the recent run of good form
that the Hammers have shown over the past few weeks. With a week to rest
before hosting an inconsistent Manchester City side, hopefully Bilic will
have his best XI ready to continue a well-needed run of victories.



Boro: Valdes, Chambers, Bernardo, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Forshaw, De Roon,
Traore, Stuani, Negredo.

Subs: Guzan, Fabio, Leadbitter, Downing, Fischer, Bamford, Gestede

West Ham: Randolph; Byram, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Obiang, Noble (C);
Feghouli, Lanzini, Antonio; Carroll

Subs: Adrian, Collins, Fletcher, Calleri, Fernandes, Oxford, Quina

Referee: Martin Atkinson

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF ANALYSIS – MARTIN ATKINSON
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 21 JANUARY 2017 AT 7:00PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden – @SamRoyden

After a fantastic result against Crystal Palace at home last weekend and
after so much hype around the Dimitri Payet saga, its evident that what has
happened hasn't affected the squad. I do support David Sullivan and the
board's decision regarding Payet. Payet's contracted to the club until 2021,
he signed a new deal in February 2016 and had his wages increased to be West
Ham's all time highest paid player. We 100% shouldn't sell a player on the
cheap because he's refusing to play. In better news, we signed Jose Fonte
from Southampton this week on a 2 and a half year contract. In my opinion,
this is a fantastic signing for us and offers us more stability, quality and
leadership to our defence.

The referee who was appointed to officiate our visit to the Riverside
Stadium was Martin Atkinson. Atkinson has previously officiated two of our
games this season, most notably West Ham's 1-0 away win at Crystal Palace
earlier in the season when Atkinson sent Aaron Cresswell off within 4
minutes for two bookable offences.

Martin Atkinson had a good game in my opinion and he kept up with the game
well, as well as making good decisions. In the first half, there was an
early yellow card when Manuel Lanzini brought down the extremely pacy Adama
Traoré. The Ex-Barcelona B winger was attempting to start a counter attack
before the West Ham man brought him down. Atkinson was spot on to issue
Lanzini a yellow card and it was a foul that warrants an immediate yellow
card in the modern game.
Later in the first half, there were appeals from the West Ham fans after
Mark Noble went down in the penalty area. My initial thought was there
wasn't much contact by the Boro defender and after reviewing the replays,
that referees don't get the luxury of, there was contact but it was very
minimal. In my opinion, there wasn't enough contact for Mark Noble to go
down so I agree with Atkinson's decision.

I've always considered Martin Atkinson as one of the best referees in the
league and the most experienced. Atkinson played advantage very well in the
first half and throughout the game in fact. Adama Traoré was a constant
threat and breezed past West Ham players at ease. The West Ham players were
trying to challenge the Boro winger and actually were fouling the Boro
winger on more occasions than not. Atkinson is highly intelligent and reads
the game extremely well, playing the advantage on three or four occasions
correctly.
I felt the assistant referees in the game could have helped Atkinson with a
couple of decisions when the assistants were better placed. The best example
of the game would be the penalty that should have been awarded to West Ham
after Sofiane Feghouli was fouled inside the Boro penalty area. George
Friend was the Boro player who attempted to challenge Sofiane Feghouli but
the Boro defender completely missed the ball and his trailing leg wiped out
Feghouli's left foot. The decision was made to award West Ham a corner
instead of a penalty but this is where the assistant referee, who would have
been closer to the incident than Atkinson, needed to help with the decision
making.

There was a period of the second half where Atkinson was very lenient with a
couple of challenges which I felt could have been fouls. None more so than
two fouls by Bernardo Espinosa in the second half that I felt both deserved
a yellow card. The first foul was on Michail Antonio where Bernardo went
through the back of the West Ham winger and it was a nasty and late
challenge. Whenever a player goes through the back of a player it's reckless
and in my opinion, Atkinson should have cautioned Bernardo for this
challenge. The second foul was equally as punishable than the first, but the
difference was Atkinson issued a yellow card for this foul. Bernardo was
late, once again, and caught Manuel Lanzini late and Atkinson got this spot
on. In my opinion, I felt that Bernardo was lucky to be on the pitch when
you look at both fouls in isolation.

Overall, I felt that Martin Atkinson had a good game but there were phases
where I felt he was too lenient however, overall he officiated and
controlled the game very well. For the penalty appeals against Feghouli, I
felt Atkinson should have had some help from his assistants to ensure the
correct decisions were made.
It was great to see a solid performance again by West Ham and it's another 3
points. We now sit comfortably in 10th position in the league. With the
addition of Fonte this week, it's definitely going to be an interesting end
to the transfer window. As it's FA Cup next weekend, we have the weekend off
to prepare for Man City's visit to the London Stadium on 1st February live
on BT Sport.

Thanks,
Sam

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll plays down fears over groin injury after goals help West Ham
beat Middlesbrough
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 21/01/17 6:25pm
SSN

Andy Carroll has played down fears over a possible injury after he scored
twice to help West Ham beat Middlesbrough. The striker notched a brace
before half-time in a 3-1 win at the Riverside but was taken off on 67
minutes because of a problem in his groin. But he said: "I'm all good and
looking forward to the next game. I haven't trained all week. I had a couple
of days off in the gym. "My groin is a little bit tight. I didn't want to
risk anything. It was a little bit stiff so maybe that's one of the reasons
it's tight." Carroll scored a sensational bicycle kick against Crystal
Palace last week and helped the Hammers secure back-to-back Premier League
wins in the absence of the wantaway Dimitri Payet. He said: "The lads have
got together even stronger with things that are going on. "You can see on
the pitch everyone is working hard for each other and that's where the wins
and the points come from. "Every goal counts. I thought the lads played
well. The goal at the end was fantastic, to kill the game after they put us
under pressure. "At the end of the day we got the three points we came here
for and everyone is delighted."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robbie Keane urges West Ham to sell Dimitri Payet and sign someone new
By Stephen Mills
Last Updated: 22/01/17 12:36pm
SSN

Robbie Keane says the best thing for West Ham and Dimitri Payet himself is
for the player to leave. Robbie Keane believes West Ham are better off
without Dimitri Payet and has urged the club to sell him as soon as
possible. The France international has not played in the Hammers' last two
Premier League matches as he tries to engineer a move to former club
Marseille, citing family reasons. However, West Ham won both of those
matches - against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough - convincingly, and Keane
reckons his former club should sell the 29-year-old quickly and reinvest the
money. "There's a problem there," he told Goals on Sunday.
"It is looking like that the best thing for the club and him is probably to
leave, certainly if you can get good money for him. "He is a top, top
player, but they are flourishing since he announced he wants to go. "When
you have a player who is a special talent and wants to leave, there is
always a few in the dressing room, people like Mark Noble who is a legend
there, who is thinking 'this is my club and you just want to walk away'.
"Everybody has their own situations. I don't know if he's homesick and his
family wants to go home, but I think for West Ham, try and get the money and
get someone in this window or in the summer." Scotland manager Gordon
Strachan was also on the Goals on Sunday sofa and argued West Ham's improved
form might be a direct consequence of the Payet situation.
He believes the other players may be working harder in the absence of their
star player. "It can bind the squad together," Strachan said. "Sometimes you
have an individual that's so good that you rely so much on him and the rest
take a back seat. "Now it's a case of 'we've not got him here, we'll all
have to pitch in and do a bit more'. They probably feel more comfortable
that way. "Sometimes the players feel undervalued when everybody is talking
about one player and it can wear them down. "There's freedom when that
player is not there and they can go out and play. They have done incredibly
well and seem to be a more rounded team in this period."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New twist in West Ham's Dimitri Payet transfer saga with Nice now keen to
sign him
The Ligue 1 leaders can still provide move to France the star wants as the
Hammers play hardball with Marseille over a fee
The Mirror
BYNEIL MOXLEY
22:30, 21 JAN 2017

West Ham are considering a deal to loan outcast ­playmaker Dimitri Payet to
Nice. The French league leaders will step in and make an offer to the
Hammers, who are refusing to lower their asking price in talks with Nice's
Ligue 1 neighbours Marseille. A deal with Nice would suit them and West Ham,
who are keen to offload his £125,000-a-week wages. Payet has cited family
reasons as his motivation to leave the Londoners and return to his homeland.
And this temporary fix would see him get his requested return to the south
of France, suiting all parties apart from Marseille – which would not upset
anyone at the Hammers. And, should Nice cement their place in next season's
Champions League it could be win-win for the West Ham — they would demand
not only a loan fee, plus the player's wages being met, but also a whopping
bonus payable on qualification for the continent's premier football
competition. It could also be a viable alternative for the player, should
Nice like what they see and rival Marseille for Payet's signature in the
summer. Nice have emerged as a major force this season after being taken
over by Chinese and ­American investors last summer. They have bankrolled a
­significant splurge in the transfer market, luring the likes of Mario
Balotelli to the Mediterranean coast. They were also interested in Crystal
Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye – but will not pay the transfer fee on top of
the player's wages. Now, they are waiting in the wings to see how Payet's
situation develops with Marseille, and appear willing to to step in to end
his stay under Slaven Bilic. Payet is lucky he hasn't been pinned up against
the wall by angry West Ham players, according to Hammers legend Martin
Allen. The wantaway Frenchman's car was vandalised outside his home on
Thursday and senior players have cut him from their WhatsApp group. Allen,
who played 190 games for the club, is disgusted by Payet's behaviour and
reckons he should have been sold as quickly as possible. Allen said: "Payet
doesn't give a toss about the club or his team-mates. His awful displays
have been jeopardising their careers. It's their living and he's disrupting
their livelihood to get a move, which could relegate the club. "I'd imagine
his team-mates would love to pin him up against a wall and have it out with
him. It's particularly disappointing because he received a £1m loyalty bonus
last September. "The players would have known what he was planning a long
time ago. They would have noticed his body language in matches and training,
how he was not tracking back, not listening to the manager, the tell-tale
signs."
Allen, 51, has his own fantasy about how he would like Payet to leave West
Ham… with a monstering from hardman and current coach, Julian Dicks. He
said: "What I'd love is for the club to sort out a six-a-side with Payet on
a Friday morning, and invite Dicks to play for the ­opposition. Even though
Julian would be limping because of his bad knee, I'm sure he could find that
extra half-yard to make a tackle on him. "It would be a 50-50, and Payet
would probably nutmeg him. But Julian would turn round and then scythe him
in half. "That would be a nice way to end the saga, I'm sure all West Ham
fans would agree."

Allen, now boss of non-League Eastleigh, believes West Ham owners David
Sullivan and David Gold made a big mistake last summer by not ­flogging
Payet.
"He had a great Euros for France – one of best the players there," said
Allen. "And West Ham pandered to him after that. "But they had 11 truly
committed players in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. They wouldn't have won
so convincingly with only 10 men, if Payet had played."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet set to fly to Marseille this weekend - and doesn't want to
return to England
The West Ham playmaker is desperate to force a return to his former side
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
22:30, 20 JAN 2017

Dimitri Payet plans to fly to Marseille this weekend – and does not want to
come back to England. Payet is desperate to force a return to his former
club and told West Ham he faces a family crisis. His wife Ludivine is
determined to raise their three children in France and the £125,000-a-week
midfielder told pals he is travelling home and is not sure when he will
return, as the saga threatens to turn really nasty. West Ham believe
suggestions Marseille have abandoned attempts to sign the France
international this month is a bluff and are considering reporting them to
FIFA, alleging the player was tapped-up. They insist they will not sell in
January but Payet is becoming increasingly desperate to move. He told the
Hammers Marseille is the only club he wants to join, which means there is no
bidding war to drive up his price and has been frozen out of the first team
because of the dispute. Marseille have had two bids turned down, the second
£20million up front with £3m in add-ons. Payet, who signed a new contract
last year, claimed he will have to take a £25,000-a-week pay cut to rejoin
Marseille. But the Ligue 1 club has been taken over by US billionaire Frank
McCourt and West Ham believe a lucrative deal is on the table. The Hammers
last night completed the £8m signing of centre-back Jose Fonte from
Southampton.

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