Daily WHUFC News - II - 14th January 2017

Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com

Good morning everyone,

We all know the importance of getting back to winning ways when we play
Crystal Palace this afternoon. We have had some good performances agains
them in recent matches and I hope we will see another good display today. We
have managed to come away with two victories at Selhurst Park and both of
those games the team played really well. Last year at home we were winning
2-1, then Cheikhou got a red card and when we were reduced to ten-men,
Dwight Gayle got a late equaliser and it finished 2-2. We managed to win the
appeal against the decision after the game. We will be hoping that Manuel
Lanzini can continue his impressive record against Palace having scored
three goals and hopefully he is going to score again! Due to injuries,
players away at the Africa Cup of Nations and some difficult circumstances
this week, I will have to make a few changes for the game today. We haven't
got a big squad now left, but we have enough players to put a strong team
out and have good players on the bench for the reaction. That's the crucial
thing in the Premier League, to have options on the bench to change the
game, or to raise the game. We have it here. I have good news that James
Collins and Sam Byram will be back in the squad and it is brilliant to have
both of them back in contention. I was asked in the pre-match press
conference if this is the toughest time I have had as a manager. I was asked
that question a few weeks ago as well! Don't get me wrong, I'd rather be up
there with Chelsea but I was thinking yesterday by myself that this is,
including the new situation, this is an unbelievably great challenge for me
personally. I feel so strong and I want that challenge. I want to try and
solve this puzzle now. It's not enjoyable of course but when you have such a
big challenge in front of you, it motivates you even more and it gets the
best out of you and that's how I feel now.

Once again I was asked about the possibility of new signings coming into the
squad. Some managers are saying this January transfer window should not be
there. That it is useless - in one sense they are right and I think that way
as well. But the season is so long that you need the chance to sign some
players because some get injured and it is tough. It is totally different
than the one in the summer when you start from zero. You have three months
to prepare and then you have pre-season and everything. Clubs are also more
willing to sell players during that time. They have no time to replace them
now so it is a tough one. But it's not different from last year or the one
the other clubs are also having when you read their situations regarding the
transfer window.

Enjoy the game this afternoon.

Slaven

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Tina and Bobby
WHUFC.com

Nearly 24 years on from his untimely death at the age of just 51, West Ham
United and England icon Bobby Moore continues to inspire a nation.

The legendary FIFA World Cup-winning captain, who led West Ham to FA Cup and
European Cup Winners' Cup glory before making it a unique Wembley treble as
part of the famous Upton Park trilogy with Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters in
1966, remains an enduring symbol of greatness.

Last summer, to mark the 50th anniversary of his finest hour, he became the
first footballer to be honoured with an English Heritage Blue Plaque at his
childhood home in Barking, while the Club will pay further tribute with a
Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Player Awards in May.

On Friday evening, a new three-part ITV drama series, Tina and Bobby, will
air focusing on the early family life of Bobby and his young wife Tina –
football's original 'golden' couple.

Tina remains a proud Hammers supporter and we are proud to welcome her to
matches when she is over from her home in Miami.

Hammers fans of all ages will no doubt be eager to tune in and see the story
of how Bobby became a national hero and icon whose legacy endures to this
day.

The programme will also feature the early lives of daughter Roberta – now
Patron of the Moore Family Foundation, the Club's charity set up together
with her and the Moore family to honour her late father's legacy – and son
Dean, who tragically lost his life in 2011.

Roberta and her family, including husband Matt, daughter Ava and son Freddie
as well as Dean's daughter Poppy, remain Season Ticket Holders at London
Stadium, ensuring that the Moore name remains intrinsically linked with the
Club which he served with such distinction.

Bobby's achievements are immortalised throughout our new home, with the
North Stand at London Stadium named in his honour and Club London proudly
hosting the exquisite BM6 Lounge and celebrating his memorable achievements.
A Legends Stone is laid in Champions Place commemorating his West Ham United
and England career, while his retired No6 shirt hangs with pride inside the
Stadium for all to see.

Later this year, Bobby will be honoured with our Lifetime Achievement Award
at The West Ham United Player Awards 2017, in aid of The Academy – the most
fitting finale at the end of our historic first season at London Stadium.

Tina and Bobby is based on Tina Moore's memoir, Bobby Moore: By The Person
Who Knew Him Best.

ITV describe the drama as 'the story of the legend's life with his childhood
sweetheart, Tina Dean, from their humble beginnings to the dizzy heights of
superstardom.

Cast as the 60s golden couple are Michelle Keegan, formerly of Coronation
Street, and Lorne MacFadyen, who revealed that Moore's humility and
greatness in equal measure provided obvious inspiration for taking on the
role.

"What Bobby did, not only for his country but for where he came from, too,"
says MacFayden. "Bobby was incredibly humble and I think that is why the
public responded to him so well.

"People would often refer to him as Sir Bobby Moore, and that's because he
was a man of the people. He was, and still is, loved by millions."

Tina and Bobby, episode one, is on ITV on Friday evening at 9pm

For more information on Bobby's Lifetime Achievement honour at the 2016-17
West Ham United Player Awards, click here

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HOW DO WE REPLACE PAYET?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 JANUARY 2017 AT 10:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Greg Richardson @rakis14

Ok, so this might be about soon, after all, Slavens heartbroken press
conference announcing that Dimitri Payet no longer wishes to be at the club
is still being shown and discussed by football 'experts' up and down the
country-but despite Slav (and then Jack Sullivan on twitter) stating that we
do not wish to sell him, the truth is that Payet is most likely going to
leave this window. Payets actions and attitude mean that even if he had a
change of heart, the fans no longer want him and what would rather his
perceived selfish and arrogant attitude be nowhere near the club.

And with the romance dead, it's time to consider what other fish are in the
sea.

The likely one: Robert Snodgrass

We have apparently had bids of 3 and 5 million rejected by Hull for their
star man. And whilst he may be an underwhelming option for many fans, there
are a number of reasons his addition has merits. He knows the league, is a
cheap option (in today's market) and is having a good season. He has 7
goals, 2 assists and has a higher percentage of completed passes and take
ons than Payet. (85% and 60% respectively). He has also created 40 chances
for teammates, and given Hull are probably the only side with more
non-existent strikers than us, it's safe to say with a decent finisher more
of these would have become assists. He is roughly the same age as Payet so
isn't one to build the team around but he is a better option than he first
seems.

The People's Choice: Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Swansea playmaker appears at first glance (on twitter at least) to be
the player most fans would like to see feel the Payet shaped hole in our
team. And it's easy to see why. He has more goals to his name this season
(5) and equal number of assists (6) as Dimi and poses a similar threat from
a dead ball position. He has also been consistent in the league for a number
of years now so is a reliable option. He is less likely to get us out of our
seats with a mazy run (he's completed just 42% of his take-ons) and his
passing accuracy is below that of Payet and Snodgrass at 76%. However he has
still created 38 chances for teammates in a poor Swansea side and you'd hope
with better players around him he could get more space. The only question
mark would be his previous stint in London with the Spuds but he was
competing with Bale for a place in the side for a lot of that time. There is
also the added bonus that signing him (or Snodgrass for that matter) would
also weaken a side that we might still be in a relegation battle with come
May!

My Choice: Ross Barkley

I am not suggesting for one minute this would be an easy deal to pull off.
However if we got around 35 Million for Payet I would like to see us put
that straight back into his replacement. We have seen with Spurs and
Liverpool (following the sales of Bale and Suarez) that using the money
received to try and strengthen the whole squad is a bit of a hit and miss
approach. We are already in the market for Hogan, Batshuayi and a right back
so we have funds regardless of if Dimi goes or not. So the Payet money can
go on replacing him. And for me Barkley would be the perfect choice. He's
young, talented and in my opinion in need of a new start. Koeman doesn't
seem to fully trust him to be his creator in chief and could be persuaded to
part company with the former 'next Gazza'. Whilst his "key figures" such as
goals (3) and assists (2) are below the levels of Payet and Sigurdsson, his
passing accuracy and successful take-ons surpass both of them (83% and 63%
respectively) and his chances created (43) is not a figure to be sniffed at.
Plus he has that "X Factor", the ability to get fans out their seats that we
will miss once Payet departs. He has his best years ahead of him and with
Bilic putting his faith in him to make things happen for us I think he'd
flourish in Claret and Blue.

The Risky Option: Marcus Browne.

The u21's catalyst could be given an opportunity to fill Payets boots. Full
of energy, tricks,pace and above all a burning desire to play for us, Browne
could be the answer we are looking for. He has formed a good understanding
with Toni Martinez (who looks like he could finally get a first team bow
soon) and looked impressive in his cameo in our I'll fated Europa cup run.
He has scored 4 goals in the Premier League 2 and whilst he hasn't yet
registered an assist in his no.10 role, he has played well against Football
League opposition in the Checkatrade Trophy. It would be a real gamble to
put faith in one so young and untested, but we do love one of our own and
what better way to heal of hearts than to see an academy graduate pick up
the playmaker mantle.

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WEST HAM V CRYSTAL PALACE – MATCH PREVIEW
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 14 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:28AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Deportivo Hammer

Well, what a week it has been for West Ham United, firstly a 0-5 drubbing
from Manchester City in the cup, then Slaven Bilic telling us what we
already knew. One time hero Dimitri Payet doesn´t want to play for West Ham
United anymore. He would like to go back to France. Since this story broke
there have been lots of different stories about his reasons. (Money mostly)
But for me there is a way of doing things, and for me refusing to play for
West Ham is the absolute worst way he could have gone about it. I don´t
want to go on about the subject anymore as it´s been widely reported
elsewhere but I support the stance taken by the Manager and the Board.

We welcome the return of ex manager Sam Allardyce, who was in charge for 4
years at Upton Park. Getting us promoted at the first time of asking and
then managing to keep us in the Premier League. I was not upset at the
departure of Big Sam, but I would like to thank him for what he did for the
club at the time. He went on to manage Sunderland, then England but now
finds himself at Crystal Palace still looking for his first win in charge.
Wouldn´t it be typical if he got it against us. Palace have 4 defeats and 2
draws in the last 6 games and are on 16 points and just one away from the
drop zone. I would also like to welcome back academy graduate James Tomkins
back.

After a good start to the festive season, West Ham seem to have switched off
and lost some of the momentum we had going. (off the field problems might
explain this.) We are not exactly soaring, 13th in the table and 7 points
clear of the relegation battle. We must improve to make sure that the
threat of relegation does not become an issue for the team. I believe that
now everything is out on the table we can put it behind us and come together
as a team and remind the rest of the league that there was a West Ham United
before Payet and there certainly will be a West Ham United when he is gone.

In team news West Ham have a bit of a problem with top scorer Antonio trying
to shake off a flu virus. Andre Ayew and Kouyate are in Gabon, while Sakho,
Tore, Masuaku and Arbeloa still remain injured. The good news is we welcome
back Sam Byram to the squad along with James Collins. Payet will be sitting
at home counting his money.

Crystal Palace are also missing some players due to the ACON, Wilfred Zaha
and Bakary Sako miss out. Along with Connor Wickham, Steve Mandanda,
Jonathan Benteke and Pape Souare remain sidelined with injuries. But they
do welcome back to fitness Christian Benteke and Wayne Hennessey who are
very important players for them. Palace have also been busy in the transfer
market already, bringing in Jeffery Schlupp who is available for selection.

The previous game between the two teams West Ham managed to win 0-1 with
Manuel Lanzini getting the goal. The game will be remembered for Aaron
Cresswell managing to get his marching orders undeservedly, after getting 2
yellow cards in the space of 90 seconds.

Predicted Line Ups :

West Ham United : Randolph, Byram, Cresswell, Reid, Collins, Noble,
Fernandes, Obiang, Lanzini, Feghouli, Carroll.

Crystal Palace, : Hennessey, Tomkins, Dann, Ward, Kelly, Ledley, Cabaye,
Puncheon, Townsend, Remy, Benteke

Obviously if Antonio passes his fitness test tomorrow I expect him to come
into the team. I strangely have a very good feeling about the game and
think we will go on and beat a poor Palace team. Keeping Big Sam looking
for his first win. I really hope that the last 48 hours can be forgotten
during the 90 mins and we can really unite behind Slaven Bilic. This starts
with the crowd and i expect a cracking atmosphere and show of support behind
the 11 players who hopefully, are proud to wear the Claret and Blue. 2-1
home win with Mark Noble and Andy Carroll getting the goals.

Deportivo Hammer

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West Ham's Manuel Lanzini can replace Dimitri Payet, says Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 14/01/17 7:47am
SSN

Slaven Bilic has urged Manuel Lanzini to fill the void left by Dimitri
Payet's refusal to play for West Ham. France star Payet this week rocked the
Hammers by telling them he wants to leave and he will not feature against
Crystal Palace. But Argentinian midfielder Lanzini has a handy knack of
finding the net against the Eagles and boss Bilic feels he can step out of
Payet's shadow at the London Stadium on Saturday. "Since I've been here, we
played Palace twice at Selhurst Park," said Bilic. "Last year, we won 3-1
and this year 1-0. Both of those were really good performances from us.
"Lanzini has scored three goals against them. He scored in the first game
last season, he scored in the 2-2 draw at Upton Park and he scored the
winner in the 1-0 game this season. "Hopefully he is going to score again."
Bilic is hoping Payet's actions will unite the rest of his squad. The
Hammers boss has fought the 29-year-old's corner all season, despite his dip
in form following last term's heroics and his sparkling displays at Euro
2016. So the sense of betrayal Bilic feels at Payet's decision was palpable
when the Croatian broke the news to the media on Thursday morning. Payet
will be left in no doubt about the fans' opinion when the match kicks off -
the terrace chant 'We've got Payet' is expected to begin with a different,
less favourable two words. But Bilic knows his players need to forget about
their absent team-mate and concentrate on the task in hand, picking up three
points to avoid being sucked back towards the relegation zone. "It's going
to be a demanding game in every sense," he said. "Also it will be a nervous
game from both teams, because of what's at stake. "It's a great opportunity
for us to get back on the path in the league that we have shown in the last
five or six games. "We haven't got a big squad now left, we just have the
players for this game. But we have enough players to put a strong team out
and have good players on the bench. "It is the team that I am managing. Many
times clubs have lost quality players but gained a team."

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Karren Brady shares her strong opinion on Dimitri Payet situation
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has suggested in her football
diary in The Sun that Dimitri Payet could be on his way out of the club in
the January transfer window. Payet joined West Ham from Marseille in the
summer of 2015 and has a contract with the London outfit until June 2021,
according to Transfermarkt.co.uk. The future of the France international
attacking midfielder is wrapped up in uncertainty, though, with manager
Slaven Bilic recently telling The Sun that he wants to leave. Bilic added
that the 29-year-old does not want to play for the Hammers anymore. West Ham
vice-chairman Brady has given her opinion on the current situation of Payet.
"Slaven Bilic reports angrily today that the French star is refusing to
play," Brady wrote in her football diary in The Sun. "And with this attitude
I suppose that probably sooner rather than later he will be on his way. "We
have already made him our highest-paid player but there has been plenty of
evidence recently of his lost motivation. "We will carry on trying to keep
him, of course, but his attitude will affect the whole team unless it
changes radically.
"Personally I would not sell him for any price. After all if every player
did not respect the validity of their contract, the result would be chaos."

Payet scored nine goals and created 116 chances in 30 Premier League
appearances for West Ham during the 2015-16 campaign. So far this campaign,
the Frenchman has scored two goals and created 72 chances in 18 league
matches for the Hammers. West Ham are 13th in the Premier League table at
the moment with 22 points from 20 matches.

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Pundit comes up with Dimitri Payet conspiracy theory
A SKY SPORTS pundit has come up with a conspiracy theory over Dimitri
Payet's behaviour.
Daily Star

Danny Higginbotham reckons the disgraced West Ham star, 29, may have gone on
strike in August had he not been due to a loyalty bonus. It's claimed Payet
banked a £1m sum in September - after the transfer window shut. And he left
it until this week - now the transfer window is back open - to tell Slaven
Bilic he wants out. Higginbotham told Sky Sports: "That £1m loyalty bonus in
September some time, put it this way, if there wasn't a loyalty bonus due in
September, would he have refused to play in August? "That way he would have
got his move in August. "You never know but it could well be the case."
Payet is now set to leave the Hammers with Marseille leading the race to
sign him. They've already had one bid rejected and are set to come back with
an improved offer.
Higginbotham said: "He never seems to settle. He played for St-Etienne for a
certain amount of time (four years) but the rest of the time he moves on. "I
look at a player like Payet and no disrespect to Payet, you look at his
ability and he should be playing for one of the top European clubs. "If he's
not, you have to ask the question: 'Why isn't he?' "Is it a mentality thing?
Is it an attitude thing? I think the way it's been handled so far, you have
to question his attitude. "There's nothing wrong with a player wanting to
move on to enhance his career. "He should have pulled Slaven Bilic and said:
'This is the situation, I want to move to the football club. I'm not going
to refuse to play, I'll do all I can while I'm at this football club but I
want to move.' "It's disappointing because West Ham have given him a lot and
it doesn't look nice on the player."

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Sky Sports pundit tears into Dimitri Payet in 'ridiculous' rant
DIMITRI PAYET'S behaviour at West Ham has "dumbfounded" Sky Sports pundit
Phil Babb.
Daily Star
By Jack Wilson / Published 14th January 2017

And the former Liverpool star has blasted him as "ridiculous" for taking a
£1m loyalty payment in September - just months before going on strike.
Payet, 29, has refused to play for the club and has been told to stay away
from the first team until his attitude changes. He won't be in the squad for
the Hammers' clash with Crystal Palace this afternoon. Babb told Sky
Sports: "You sell him - if the price is right. "The player has made up his
mind. He's let down the manager, the supporters, the club in spectacular
fashion. "I'm hearing he has taken an alleged £1m in loyalty payment -
that's absolutely dumb-founded me. "To look yourself in the mirror, take
that money and never play for the club again - it's ridiculous. "Footballers
are fickle people. You see other players who have made a stance. "Carlos
Tevez did it many moons back and eventually backed down when he was at City.
"Is there a way back for Payet? Yes, if he eats humble pie. "But if there's
no movement in January, what's he going to do? "Is he just going to train on
his own until the summer when the transfer window opens again? I can't see
it. "He has to play football. He has to have a fantastic PR man working on
his behalf to make up the water under the bridge with that club."

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Slaven Bilic urges West Ham's Manuel Lanzini to step up and fill in for
Dimitri Payet as chief playmaker
Creative midfielder Dimitri Payet is refusing to play for West Ham United
Payet told his boss Slaven Bilic this week that he doesn't want to play for
him
Bilic is expecting Manuel Lanzini to make the step up and fill his boots
By ANDY SIMS, PRESS ASSOCIATION SPORT
PUBLISHED: 00:13, 14 January 2017 | UPDATED: 00:13, 14 January 2017

Slaven Bilic has urged Manuel Lanzini to fill the void left by Dimitri
Payet's imminent West Ham walkout. France star Payet this week rocked the
Hammers by telling them he wants to leave and is refusing to play against
Crystal Palace. But Argentinian midfielder Lanzini has a handy knack of
finding the net against the Eagles and can step out of Payet's shadow at the
London Stadium on Saturday. Since I've been here we played Palace twice at
Selhurst Park,' said Bilic. 'Last year we won 3-1 and this year 1-0. Both of
those were really good performances from us. 'Lanzini has scored three goals
against them. He scored in the first game last season, he scored in the 2-2
draw at Upton Park and he scored the winner in the 1-0 game this season.
'Hopefully he is going to score again.' Bilic is hoping Payet's actions will
unite the rest of his squad. The Hammers boss has fought the 29-year-old's
corner all season, despite his dip in form following last term's heroics and
his sparkling displays at Euro 2016. So the sense of betrayal Bilic feels at
Payet's decision was palpable when the Croatian broke the news to the media
on Thursday morning. Payet will be left in no doubt about the fans' opinion
when the match kicks off - the terrace chant 'We've got Payet' is expected
to begin with a different, less favourable two words. But Bilic knows his
players need to forget about their absent team-mate and concentrate on the
task in hand, picking up three points to avoid being sucked back towards the
relegation zone. 'It's going to be a demanding game in every sense,' he
said. 'Also it will be a nervous game from both teams, because of what's at
stake. 'It's a great opportunity for us to get back on the path in the
league that we have shown in the last five or six games. 'We haven't got a
big squad now left, we just have the players for this game. But we have
enough players to put a strong team out and have good players on the bench.
'It is the team that I am managing. Many times clubs have lost quality
players but gained a team.'

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