Daily WHUFC News - 3rd March 2017

Bilic - Carroll should be fit
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is feeling optimistic about Andy
Carroll's fitness ahead of Monday's clash against Chelsea
The big forward has missed the Hammers' last two matches but looks set for
his return at London Stadium
Bilic also dismissed rumours linking the striker with a potential move to
China

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is confident key man Andy Carroll will be
fit to face Chelsea when the Blues visit London Stadium on Monday.

The forward was back in full training with the rest of the squad on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin problem that kept him out of the
recent draws against West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

And having scored twice against Chelsea last season, the Hammers manager
believes Carroll can make a huge impact should he return to the team for the
clash with the west Londoners.

Bilic said: "Andy trained individually for the last few days and did
everything with those medical guys, and then he joined us yesterday.
Usually, the press conference is two days before a game, but this time, it's
four days.

"We still have three training days before the game but it looks good,
especially for him. Altogether, it will be a good week of training for him.
That should be enough for him to be fit for the game.

"It will have been a good week of training for him. That should be enough
for him to be fit for the game. I'm very optimistic.

Andy Carroll and Slaven Bilic"I'm very optimistic about if he is fit or not,
but it looks good. It means a lot to have him back.

"We have done well without him in the last few games but I'm sure we would
have done better with him because he is one of our key players. It will be
great to have him on the pitch on Monday."

Bilic was also quick to dismiss rumours linking Carroll with a move away
from London Stadium, with China being reported as a possible destination for
the 28-year-old.

"Andy knows how much we and I rate him," the Croatian continued. "He is one
of our best players and we want to keep him. As far as I know, the Chinese
clubs sent representatives to watch our game. Apparently they were watching
other players but fell in love with Andy.

"It's certainly not the Club that has asked an agent to try and sell him.
That's not the case. I suppose Andy would have been flattered as it's nice
that people have a good opinion of you, but me and him didn't talk about it
at all.

"We haven't been bombed with offers from China, so it hasn't affected me or
Andy.

"It wasn't like we had three or four offers for our players from China. I
heard the rumours and saw it in the papers but it didn't affect any
relationships with the players or with Andy, so that's it basically. There
is nothing to talk about there."

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Thursday 02 Mar Updated Thursday 02 Mar 13:05
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell feels he is approaching his best form after an
injury-affected campaign
Left-back produced an impressing display in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League
draw at Watford
Defender says West Ham United will battle for every last point in their
final 12 matches

Aaron Cresswell feels he is getting back to his best after recovering fully
from the first major injury lay-off of his career.

The left-back missed just one Premier League game in his first two seasons
with West Ham United, but a knee injury suffered in a late challenge in a
pre-season match against German club Karlsruher SC last July.

The injury kept him out until mid-October and, although his form was
sufficient to earn a first England cap against Spain at Wembley in November,
Cresswell admitted it took time to rediscover his normal match-fitness and
sharpness.

Those appeared to be back in abundance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford,
when the No3 produced arguably his best performance of the season so far.

"As of late, it has not been too good for me personally injury-wise this
season, but I just needed to keep my head down, work hard and I hoped things
would come good," he said.

"Pre-season is the foundation for your season, so to be out for three or
four months with a knee injury was never easy, and it was the first time in
my career that I'd had a serious injury and been out for quite some time.

"All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and
now I feel fine. I have felt fine physically for a long time, but missing
pre-season and a few months was not easy. That's football, so you've got to
learn to deal with it and get on with it."

All I could do, as I say, was get my head down and give 100 per cent and now
I feel fine

Aaron CresswellHaving returned to form, Cresswell has been part of a
successful period for the Hammers, which has seen them lose just three of
their last 12 Premier League matches.

Next up is the visit of runaway leaders Chelsea to London Stadium on Monday
evening, followed by arguably more winnable fixtures against AFC
Bournemouth, Leicester City and Hull City.

With 12 games to go, the left-back says West Ham are targeting a strong
conclusion to 2016/17 and are not about to settle for a mid-table finish.

"We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," he confirmed.
"With the lads we've got here, we're not going to rest on our laurels and
accept tenth or twelfth position.

"While there are points to play for, we'll give it everything we've got
week-in, week-out and try to get as many points on the board as we can
between now and 21 May."

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Bilic backs new boys to shine
WHUFC.com

Manager says Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have 'clicked' immediately with
their new teammates
January signings made their debuts against Manchester City and could both
start at Southampton
Bilic says Fonte has the experience to handle the challenge of facing his
former club on Saturday

Slaven Bilic says his two new signings in the January transfer window have
'clicked' immediately and has backed them to help West Ham United return to
winning ways at Southampton tomorrow.

Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass made their debuts in Wednesday's 4-0 defeat
at the hands of Manchester City and, while it was hardly the ideal start,
Bilic has already been impressed by the impact that both have made in their
short time here so far.

For former Saints captain Fonte, Saturday's return promises to be an
emotional one, but the manager has backed the defender to show all his
experience and poise at St Mary's.

"Jose has settled in really well, and we expected that from him because he
is almost a British player, having spent so many years here [with Crystal
Palace and Southampton]," says the Hammers boss.

"Both of the new players have clicked straight away, into the group and with
training. Okay, we didn't have a great game against Manchester City on
Wednesday, but we are going to benefit from having Jose big time.

"It is the same with Robert. He is 100 per cent British and those players
don't need time to adjust. Okay, it is not just about swapping jerseys but
for British players it is much easier – they don't have any problem with the
language, they know about the intensity of the game here.

"His situation was only that he hadn't trained for ten or eleven days, and
he needs a little bit of time to be 100 per cent match fit. But he came on
and looked good against City, and I am glad about that."

For Fonte, tomorrow's trip to the south coast provides an almost immediate
return to the club where he spent the last seven years, making 260
appearances and helping lead Southampton from League One into the Premier
League.

Bilic has no doubts that the 33-year-old will approach the game in the right
frame of mind and admits his knowledge of Claude Puel's side can be of help.

"He is an experienced player and very strong," he says. "We spoke about
Southampton and he has nothing but good memories. He was the captain there
and he is looking forward to going back.

"Of course we spoke about their team, he knows them well and it is always
good to have that kind of information from someone who knows the
opposition."

Hammers travel to St Mary's tomorrow with key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate
available for selection again following his return from the Africa Cup of
Nations, which ended in a quarter-final defeat for his Senegal team at the
hands of Cameroon, and Bilic is confident of having no new injury worries
for the weekend.

"There is nothing serious," he says. "Sam Byram felt his hamstring after
Wednesday's game and we are going to check on him today but it looks okay."

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Fans and players enjoy Iron Men premiere
WHUFC.com

IRON MEN, the historic, emotional story of West Ham United's final season at
the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, was screened at an exclusive
worldwide premiere in east London on Thursday evening, ahead of its launch
on Friday.

The entire Hammers squad, led by manager Slaven Bilic and captain Mark
Noble, attended the premiere to re-live the incredible scenes of the final
day when the side were 3-2 winners against Manchester United.

Many other celebrities and famous Hammers names – including star of IRON MEN
Ray Winstone – were also there to watch the first screening.

Released on DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, you can pre-order for just £10 now by
clicking here - and the film will also be available as a digital download in
43 countries worldwide from iTunes, Google Play and on Xbox.

Supporters from all over the country turned out to attend the premiere and
after watching the production and quizzing Slaven Bilic and Mark Noble in a
live Q&A, they certainly enjoyed their evening.

Dave Batchelor, from Hornchurch said: "It was a really good reflection on
how all the fans feel and our emotions on that amazing night.

"I was at the last game and all those emotions came rushing back. Re-living
the Manchester United game and all the emotions of that was amazing.

"West Ham fans who haven't seen it, it's a must watch. I've got a couple of
copies for friends and I'd very much urge fans to watch it."

Tom and Hayley Chapman, who brought their young son Frank to the premiere,
also loved the screening.

Tom said: "It really showed our journey to the new Stadium, so it was so
emotional. It's more about the fans – that's what it is all about.

"It's about their journey and their experiences and it's well worth a watch,
for sure. The last day at the ground was one of the best days of our life,
so it was great to be here tonight."

And Rebecca Reynolds, who travelled from Milton Keynes, was delighted to be
in east London for the night.

"It was an amazing film – just amazing," she said. "That night, West Ham
didn't let us fans down. We knew they wouldn't. It was great to see it all
again.

"You've got to get the DVD – it's emotional, and everything came flooding
back. I'm proud to be here."

Directed by Paul Crompton and Suri Krishnamma and produced by independent
production company Iron Men Films, IRON MEN will be a must-have for each and
every member of the Claret and Blue Army.

The film has won widespread praise from critics, with The Independent's
Jacob Stolworthy calling IRON MEN 'An unparalleled love letter for fans',
and talkSPORT regaling 'If you ever wanted to convince someone why football
matters, show them this film'.

Mirror Sport call IRON MEN an 'Incredible up-close and personal docu-film
about leaving Upton Park'.

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ALL THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 2 MARCH 2017 AT 8:51PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Here are all the questions and answers from Bilic's press conference earlier
today.

What is the latest with Andy Carroll?

He had trained on his own for a few days. He joined the squad yesterday and
we still have four days until the match. So he feels good and altogether it
will be a week of good training which should be enough for him to be fit for
the game. I am very optimistic that he will play but it looks good. So far
so good.

How important is it to have him fit for Chelsea?

It is very important. We have done well against Chelsea without him before
but he is one of our key players and it would be great to have him on the
pitch on Monday. It would be a big blow for us if he didn't make it. I am
always optimistic but this time it is not crazy optimistic. I am confident
we will have him on the pitch on Monday.

Is it true that the club gave permission to his agent to sell him to do a
deal with a Chinese Club?

No, no way, you know how much I rate him, how much we rate him and I said a
couple of minutes ago he is one of our best players and we want to keep him.
As far as I know the Chinese club's sent their representatives to watch a
game and other players and they fell in love with Andy. It is not the club
who asked the agents to sell him.

How has Andy been? Did he ask you about it? (The move to China)

No not at all. He probably heard it but I suppose he was flattered, it is
nice to have options. It is good to have other clubs want you but we didn't
talk about it at all.

Is it a relief to have the window shut now?

Well we haven't been loaded with offers from China so it didn't affect me, I
didn't wait for it to finish.

Did the club turn down an offer from China?

Yeah but you told me about them closing the window, it's not like we had 4,
5 or 6 offers for our players. We had an offer for Andy but as we told you
we didn't speak about it so that's it basically. Not a lot to talk about.

In terms of team news for Monday, Antonio is out, is anyone struggling?

No it is just Micky who is suspended for us which is a big blow. Only Sakho
and Ogbonna are out. Sakho is coming back he is going to see the surgeon in
Bordeaux and if that meeting goes well he could be available in 3-4 weeks
and Angelo is doing really good after his surgery on his knee. There are a
few knocks, like you always, have but we are good.

Can you clarify the situation with Antonio's contract?

I told you last time, he has a contract but the club wants to reward him
with a new contract to show recognition because he has done great for us.
It will be done very soon.

What about you, will you get a new deal?

I have spoken about this, I am happy, I have a contract and I am very happy
here. I treat my next few games as my contract. I don't think that much
about it.

It would be nice to get it done?

As I told you I have a year and a half contract and nowadays in football,
contract lengths do not make much difference in football nowadays. Ranieri
is the best example of this. Before the season we would say he has the
safest job in football and then what happened. So I am not bothered to be
fair.

You are one of the few clubs to have beaten Chelsea this year, do you have
the measure of Chelsea?

It will be harsh to say this. We beat them and this was well deserved, some
would say they didn't play with their strongest team but in the second half
they brought subs on and did and we beat them. It means a lot, we have done
it recently and they have improved since then and we have improved. It is a
game that we are knowing we need to be big time on top of our game.

Do you think some teams think it is impossible to get something from
Chelsea?

No, no. I watched the game v West Brom. They gave them a very hard game.
They didn't have a shot on target in the first half. In the Premier League
anyone can beat anyone which is why this is the best league in the world.

Can anyone catch Chelsea?

It is still very open, there are still many points. There is a chance if
Chelsea slip up.

Can I ask you about Victor Moses, has he surprised you?

Not surprised, I am pleased for him. He has said he has good memories of
his time here, I am glad for him. His potential, his characteristics were
always amazing. His pace, stamina, everything….he is top top class.
Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in and day out and now he is
doing it. Once I spoke to Payet and Payet said including himself; Victor
and him are the best players at West Ham.

Just a question on Lanzini, how important is he?

Of course when your best players improve, you improve as a team. He is
making all the players around him better. He started the season with a big
injury and a big disappointment that he couldn't go to the Olympics with
Argentina. He took a while to get back into the team but he is a top player
and he makes the players around him feel more confident alongside him.

Has this been one of the hardest seasons for you as a manager?

It was a hard season but every season is hard. I see this season as great
for me individually and for the club. This season we experienced a lot of
negative, positive and new things. We moved stadiums, training grounds and
we had a strange pre-season because of Euro 2016 and the Europa League. We
were then hit with a lot of injuries. We didn't have some players in some
positions. We started the season ok but we lost four games in September
which we had to come through and we want to improve but things look much
stronger now. This gives you experience for the future.

What was the turning point and do you have a points target from the
remaining games?

No the plan is simple, guarantee safety and then try and approach each game.
We can talk about the Palace away game, or the Hull and Burnley hard fought
wins, we can even talk about that period when we approached those 5 big
games and we got a couple of away points against Liverpool and Manchester
United. You could pick them but there was no turning point as we continued
to believe. The only way to get out was by sticking together.

What have you made of the job Conte has done at Chelsea?

I am surprised by the streak that they are on as it is not very common. I
was expecting him to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. I
knew him at Juventus and I studied his game and I expected him to do great
long term. In the first season it is a surprise that they are 10 points
clear but he is a great manager. He did it at Juve and at Italy.

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Andy Carroll: Chinese clubs fell in love with West Ham striker, says Slaven
Bilic
BBC.co.uk

Chinese Super League clubs "fell in love" with striker Andy Carroll when
scouting the Premier League this season, says manager Slaven Bilic. But
Bilic says there was "no way" West Ham were going to sell the 28-year-old in
the January transfer window. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker has
scored six times in 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers despite an
injury-hit campaign.
"He is one of our best players and we want to keep him," said Bilic.
"Chinese clubs send their representatives over to investigate. They were
watching other players, but they fell in love with Andy. The club didn't try
to sell him."
Bilic says Carroll heard about the interest and was no doubt "flattered by
it", but that it had not been discussed. Former Hammers defender Bilic
rejoined the club as manager in 2015 and has 18 months to run on his current
deal, but cited ex-Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri as an example when
suggesting he was not stressing about his contract at the minute. He said:
"The way I see it. I'm very happy. I have a contract and I am very happy. I
don't think that much about it. "I wouldn't lie, yes, it would be nice but I
have a year-and-a-half contract and there's no difference when you consider
what happened to Ranieri. The biggest one and the best one.
"Who has the safest job? We would all say Ranieri. Everyone would have said
that. Ranieri. And then what happened with that? So I'm not that bothered
about that to be fair."
West Ham finished seventh in Bilic's first season in charge, but a move to
London Stadium and the loss of influential playmaker Dimitri Payet to
Marseille have contributed to a difficult second term. Bilic said: "Well it
was a hard season, but every season is hard. I consider this season as a
great season for me individually for the team and club. "This season we
experience negative things, we moved the stadium, the training ground, a
very strange pre-season. And then we were hit of lots of injuries, some
positions we didn't have any players. "To come out of that in such a good
way, of course we want to improve but it looks pretty good now. It makes you
stronger. It's different if you are eighth, ninth and 10th and stay there.
This way you enjoy it and it gives you more experience for the future."

'Chelsea can still slip up'

West Ham face Premier League leaders Chelsea on Monday, having knocked them
out of the EFL Cup in October. And Bilic is a fan of Blues boss Antonio
Conte. He said: "I'm surprised how good they have been. I was expecting him
to have a strong impact because he had it at Juventus. "I watched Juve quite
a lot and I was studying his game. I didn't know because no-one knows. "I
expected him to do great long term and it is a surprise they are 10 points
clear. Conte is a great manager, he done it at Juve, he done it with Italy.
A brilliant manager of course. "It [the title race] is still very open.
Many, many points. If they slip up, which you can in every game, other teams
need to be ready."

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AA on the road to stardom?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st March 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham youngster Ajibola Alese is reported to be on the summer wish list
of both Manchester City and Liverpool. The 16-year-old defender is just the
latest in a long line of Academy talents to be chased by fellow Premier
League clubs and according to media reports, is being targeted by both North
West clubs.
A regular in the Under 18s this season, schoolboy Alese made his debut for
the side as a 14-year-old at Leicester in August 2015 when replacing the
unavailable Declan Rice. However the defender's appearances have been
limited so far this season, with Alese making just three appearances for the
18s so far this season. Current first team coach Slaven Bilic is reported to
be a huge admirer of Alese's, and is said to have taken a keen interest in
his recent development.

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Who needs Payet? Lanzini has shown why he's now our diamond geezer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd March 2017
By: Staff Writer

His performances against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich
Albion have shown Manuel Lanzini has grasped the chance to drive the Irons'
creativity and attacking play. But is the Jewel ready to step out of Dimitri
Payet's shadow and become a star for West Ham for years to come? Or, as many
people have pointed out recently, has he ever truly been second fiddle to
Payet – or merely getting on with his job whilst Payet stole the headlines?
The topic is covered in the February issue of Blowing Bubbles with writer
Stuart Plant suggesting the young Argentine has everything it takes to step
up a level.
"It's calming to see Lanzini providing the early signs of evidence that he
can slide straight into the void left by Payet. "Importantly though we must
remember that Lanzini is six years younger, still learning, and hasn't even
reached his peak. This is scary that he still needs to be afforded some
leeway due to his age in relation to his talent. "We now have to put our
trust in him and build our side around him. If we do stick with Lanzini, it
will surely pay dividends for years to come but we'll have to give him the
time to develop and become an even better player than he is now."
Elsewhere in the February issue of the popular monthly magazine, Blowing
Bubbles chats to Clyde Best on his journey from Bermuda to east London and
why he would not allow the many racists to drive him out of English
football.
Blowing Bubbles also asks if Lanzini can step out of Payet's shadow and
become a star for West Ham for years to come and whether or not Mark Noble
still deserves a place in our first choice XI.

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Slaven Bilic expects West Ham to 'get something' from Chelsea clash
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Stadnard

Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham can secure at least a draw when the
Hammers host league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. West Ham were only
narrowly beaten by Antonio Conte's side in the reverse fixture on the
opening day of the season back in August, but followed up the 2-1 loss by
overcoming Chelsea at home in the EFL Cup two months later. The Hammers,
who sit in ninth place in the Premier League standings, now welcome
high-flying Chelsea to the London Stadium on Monday night and Bilic believes
his side will walk away from the derby with at least a point, if not all
three. "It's harsh to say we have the measure of them because we beat them
last time but it does mean a lot, it shows it is not impossible," Bilic said
on Thursday. "They are not a different team now but they have improved from
that game when we beat them. "It is not a bonus game for us. We are at home
and [it is] a game we are expecting to get something from."

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Michail Antonio set for new West Ham deal and Slaven Bilic 'very happy' amid
contract talks
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Slaven Bilic said today he is "very happy" at West Ham amid reports he is
set to be offered a new contract. Bilic's deal runs until the summer of 2018
and it was reported this morning that West Ham will present him with new
terms at the end of what has often been a difficult first season at the
London Stadium. "I have a contract and I'm very happy here," said the West
Ham manager. "At the start of the season we would have said, if anyone was
safe in his job, we would all say Claudio Ranieri and look what happened to
him."

Bilic also revealed that Michail Antonio is in line for a new, improved deal
in the near future. The versatile Hammer was given a new contract last
summer following a strong first season with the club and has continued that
progress this term, leading to an England call-up. "We want to give him
another contract because he's been great for us and, hopefully, it will be
done soon," said Bilic. Antonio is suspended for Monday's game against
Chelsea but Bilic is optimistic Andy Carroll will be fit for the derby at
the London Stadium. The striker has missed two games with a groin problem
and West Ham are desperate for their front man to be cleared to play.
"Hopefully, he will be fit," said Bilic. "He trained individually for the
last few days and then joined us yesterday. We have another few days and it
should be enough for him. I'm very optimistic. It would mean a lot to have
him for the Chelsea game. "We have done well without him for a couple of
games but we would have been even better with him because he is one of our
key players."

Carroll has not represented England since October 2012 but club-mate James
Collins believes the striker should be recalled by national boss Gareth
Southgate. "I think Andy Carroll should be [in the England squad]," he
said. "A fit Andy Carroll is a handful for any defender. I know if I was
playing against him and he was in the opposite team, I'd be in for a tough
afternoon. It gives [England] something different. "What Andy can do; I've
never trained against a lad or played against a lad who is as physical and
as good in the air as Andy, so I think it's a no brainer."

West Ham knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup in October, defeating the
Premier League leaders 2-1. "Some would say they didn't play their
strongest line-up in that game but we beat them and it means a lot because
at least we know it is not impossible," said Bilic. "Even then, they were
winning games easily but have improved since, as we have. "We know we will
have to be big-time on top of our game on Monday and if we play like that —
and have a little bit of luck — then who knows? The Premier League is like
that. "It's still open. There are still a lot of points at stake. Even us,
we are not afraid of our position but we still need points to be safe. It is
the same up there with Chelsea and the clubs who are behind them."

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Leroy Rosenior tells Sky Sports News HQ that racism stopped his family from
seeing him play
By Jefferson Lake
Last Updated: 02/03/17 10:51am
SSN

Leroy Rosenior has opened up on the racist abuse he suffered as a player and
how it stopped his family from watching him. Rosenior made more than 300
appearances for Fulham, QPR, West Ham and Bristol City but just one of those
games was witnessed by his family members. In his autobiography, It's Only
Banter, the former Torquay and Brentford manager details the shocking abuse
he received and on Thursday he gave a moving account of his experiences on
Sky Sports News HQ.
In the book, Rosenior revealed how his sisters were horrified by the abuse
their brother suffered from the stands and that they never again returned to
see him in action. Rosenior made his professional debut in 1982 and learned
very quickly that racist abuse - even from fellow players - was something he
simply "had to deal with". "I was a bit wet behind the ears and I went
straight into football from school," he said on SSNHQ. "A couple of players
started abusing me and they must have had it rehearsed because they had it
down to an absolute tee. "For 90 minutes of the game my head had just
absolutely gone, I was in an absolute whirl but it taught me a very serious
lesson, that if I wanted to play football at a professional level I'd have
to deal with that. "I saw lots of players who reacted aggressively to it but
I knew if I wanted a career in football I just had to get on with it."
The line, however, was crossed for his team-mates when they witnessed the
racist abuse go from vocal to physical. In his book, Rosenior recalls an
incident in which he was spat on by a member of the crowd and how he had to
explain to his colleagues that he drew no distinction between the different
forms of abuse. "I'd had bananas thrown at me and whatever by then, and when
I got in the dressing room I lost my rag," he said. "I said to my team-mates
than when people were doing Nazi salutes or monkey chants they didn't do
anything but as soon as they saw something physical they reacted. "But I
felt the same from the chants and from that moment on they understood what I
was going through. I was still a young man as well and I wasn't really able
to express how I felt to those people."
Such problems no longer exist for Rosenior, who has learned through his
career as a player and a manager - and away from the game - that education
and communication are crucial. "I've learned how to speak to people about it
over the years," he said. "I did a radio show and the presenter referred to
me as being coloured. "I said to her that I've always preferred to just be
called black, that I regard myself as black. She hadn't ever thought that
that might be the case."
And then, a long time after those early days as a confused teenager left "in
a whirl" by racist abuse, the circle was completed for Rosenior. "I even saw
one of the players who racially abused me on the pitch, about 25 years after
it happened," he recalls. "I bumped into him and I was surprised to see him.
"He mentioned what had happened and his tone was very conciliatory. I took
that as an apology."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic denies West Ham gave agent permission to sell Andy Carroll to
Chinese Super League
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 02/03/17 11:14am
SSN

Slaven Bilic insists there is "no way" West Ham gave permission for an agent
to sell Andy Carroll to China. Reports in the national press on Wednesday
claimed the Hammers wrote to agent Mark Curtis giving him permission to
negotiate a deal to sell Carroll to one of three Super League clubs before
Tuesday's Chinese transfer deadline. Ahead of West Ham's clash with Chelsea
on Monday Night Football, Bilic admitted he did know about interest in
Carroll from the clubs in the Far East nation. But asked if the newspaper
reports were true, Bilic replied: "No way, no way. You know how much I rate
him. He is one of our best players and we want to keep him. "As far as I
know, the Chinese clubs sent representatives to watch the game. Apparently
they were watching other players but they fell in love with Andy. But it was
not the club that asked an agent to sell the player. "Definitely Andy heard
it (the interest). I suppose that he was flattered. It is nice to have
options and have a good opinion about you at other clubs. But we didn't talk
about it at all.
"We haven't been bombed with offers from China so it didn't affect us. It
wasn't like we had three or four or five offers from China for players.
"(Interest) it happened with Andy, I heard it, and I saw it in the papers.
But it didn't affect our training. There is not a lot to talk about."

Carroll, who has six goals in 16 appearances this season including four in
his last four Premier League games, returned to full training this week
after a groin problem. And Bilic says he is "optimistic" Carroll can return
against the league leaders at the London Stadium after nearly a month on the
sidelines. "He trained individually over the last few days, then he joined
us yesterday. Still we have four days and he is training today with us," he
said. "It looks good and, especially with him, altogether it will be a week
of good training, and enough for him to be fit for the game. I am very
optimistic."

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Slaven Bilic set to be rewarded with new West Ham contract
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 02/03/17 6:05am
SSN

West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to give manager Slaven Bilic a new
contract at the end of the season. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce as
manager in June 2015, currently has 15 months left on his three-year
contract. Talks about a new improved deal were due to take place before
Christmas, but were postponed after West Ham's poor start to the season. But
results have improved significantly and Bilic is set to be rewarded with a
new deal. Since the start of December, West Ham have won six and drawn two
of 11 Premier League games. As well as better performances on the pitch, the
West Ham board have been impressed with the way Bilic handled the
acrimonious sale of Dimitri Payet to Marseille last month. They also
demonstrated their faith in Bilic by making significant funds available for
the signings of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from Hull
City. Bilic will be given more money to spend this summer, with a striker
and a right back top of his shopping list.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham received £32m bid for Andy Carroll from Chinese Super League
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
2 MARCH 2017 • 12:22PM
Telegraph.co.uk

West Ham United received a tentative offer of £32million from a Chinese
Super League club to sign Andy Carroll. Three clubs - Tianjin Quanjian,
Hebei China Fortune and Shandong Luneng – expressed an initial interest in
Carroll via an agent but no formal bid was eventually submitted. West Ham
did not encourage the offer because it came at the beginning of February,
after the January transfer window had closed, and they would not have been
able to sign a replacement for the 28-year-old striker. It is also unclear
as to whether Carroll, who cost West Ham £17.5million when he signed a
six-year deal from Liverpool in 2013 and earns £90,000-a-week, would have
been willing to make the move. It may well be, therefore, that West Ham will
consider offers for Carroll in the summer but would have left themselves
desperately short in forward areas had they sold him now. However manager
Slaven Bilic insisted on Thursday that he has no plans to sell Carroll. "No
way, no way," he said. "He's one of our best players and we want to keep
him. We wouldn't want to sell him to China."
Diafra Sakho is expected to return from injury next month but Bilic, with
Carroll out again injured, has been forced to play Michail Antonio as a
central striker. It is hoped that Carroll, who returned to training on
Wednesday after recovering from a groin injury will be available for
Monday's home match against league leaders, Chelsea. There is no doubt of
Carroll's importance to West Ham when he is fit as has been evidenced by the
fact that he has scored four goals in his last four appearances. Bilic also
spoke on Thursday about whether he was close to agreeing a new deal at West
Ham with 16 months left on his current contract. The Croatian wants to
remain at the club but the policy from the board is to review contracts at
the end of the season. There are very positive noises that Bilic will be
offered an extension, with West Ham having recovered from a poor start to
the season, and sitting ninth in the Premier League table after a run of six
wins and two draws in their last 11 league games. Bilic also had to deal
with the acrimonious departure of Dimitri Payet in January and a raft of
injuries to his squad as well as the move to the new stadium. "I have a
contract and I am very happy here and I always treat my next few games as my
contract, and I don't think that much about it," Bilic said.
"Of course it would be nice but I have a year-and-a-half left on my
contract. Nowadays in football id you have that or four years left there is
no difference at all. "The last example of Claudio Ranieri is the biggest
and best one. If you asked anyone in or related to football who has the
safest job, we would all say 100 per cent Ranieri. And then what happened
with that? So I am not bothered about it to be fair."

A clear sign that Bilic is staying is that West Ham listened to him in the
January window when he advised the club not to make any more signings,
beyond the arrival of Jose Fonte from Southampton and Robert Snodgrass from
Hull City, to allow him additional funds to help re-shape the squad in the
summer. A new contract is expected to be offered to Antonio, also, at the
end of the season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: Why West Ham decided against Chelsea transfer despite Dimitri
Payet protests
SLAVEN BILIC admits Dimitri Payet told him Victor Moses was the best player
he had at West Ham last season.
The STar
By Jon West / Published 2nd March 2017

Moses returns to his former club on Monday as part of a Chelsea team on
course to win the Premier League in Antonio Conte's debut season. Conte has
turned the Nigeria international, 26, into a wing-back winner following
years of being a nearly man. The Hammers had a clause in their season-long
loan agreement to make the move permanent but decided not to trigger it -
despite Payet's plaudits.
Bilic said: "Of course he had it in him. I remember once we had I spoke to
Payet during last season. It was him I think and a couple of other players.
"Payet said that even including himself Victor was the best player that we
have in West Ham. I mean seriously. "It was about time to show what he had
in himself and explode in a positive way – he has done it. "He looks on the
pitch very concentrated and very serious. He became a tough player."
Bilic gave a hint of why the Hammers had passed on the permanent option. He
said: "His pace, quality on the ball and stamina is basically top top class.
"Sometimes you have to push him to do it day in day out and now he is doing
it. "But he proved himself. And if you add on top of that he is playing in a
position that is not basically his ideal position – or wasn't his ideal
position. "It makes his achievement even greater and he should be very proud
of what he has done since the start of the season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic needed to 'push' Moses to be the star he's now at Chelsea and Payet
said he was the best Hammer
West Ham will come up against their former loan star when Chelsea visit on
Monday
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:36, 2 MAR 2017UPDATED11:39, 2 MAR 2017

Dimitri Payet hailed Victor Moses as the best player at West Ham – including
the Frenchman himself – during the Chelsea star's loan spell at the Hammers,
according to Slaven Bilic but the boss admitted he had to push the player on
occasions. Moses signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea yesterday
(Wednesday) after becoming a mainstay in the Blues side at right wing back
as they charge towards the Premier League title. Moses spent a season on
loan at the Hammers in the 2015/16 campaign, making 21 appearances in a
season disrupted by injury and Bilic decided not to make his move permanent.
But, the Nigerian international has been a shining light for Antonio Conte's
side this season and has been rewarded for his impressive form. Bilic,
speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference at Rush Green on Thursday
morning, said: "I remember last season when we had [Dimitri] Payet and he
said Victor, including himself, was the best we had at West Ham. "It was
about time for him (Moses) to show his talents and explode in a positive
way. "I am very pleased for Victor, I am blessed for him. "His pace, his
stamina, his quality on the ball, Victor was top class. Sometimes, you
really had to push him to do it and do the things you wanted him to do, day
in, day out but now he's doing it. "He has done amazing to keep his place in
a good side. He has proved himself and he is playing in a position that
wasn't ideal.
"It has made his achievement even greater and he should be proud of what he
has done."

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West Ham's Andy Carroll in contention to start against Chelsea, says David
Gold
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

West Ham striker Andy Carroll could start the Hammers' London derby clash
with Chelsea on Monday night after recovering from injury.
The 28-year-old has missed West Ham's last two league games with a
persistent groin injury, which he has been carrying for several weeks.
Carroll travelled with the Hammers team for a warm weather training camp in
Dubai last week, but the issue prevented the England international from
training normally. But West Ham co-chairman David Gold today revealed that
Carroll has fully recovered from the problem and could make Slaven Bilic's
matchday squad for the club's Premier League game with Chelsea on Monday
night.
"Andy Carroll is fit and training with the first team squad and should be
available for selection against Chelsea," Gold tweeted on Thursday morning.
The news will be a huge boost for Bilic, with Carroll having scored four
Premier League goals in his last four appearances. One of those strikes
included a superb acrobatic overhead kick in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace
two months ago, which earned Carroll the January Goal of the Month award.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini proves team spirit is thriving at West Ham after Dimitri
Payet departure
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United are a much happier bunch nowadays after the departure of
wantaway star Dimitri Payet in January. Payet was reluctantly sold back to
former club Marseille for £25 million in January. Slaven Bilic brought in
Robert Snodgrass from Hull City for £10 million and Jose Fonte from
Southampton for £8 million. Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been
more united and results have improved drastically as a result with the club
sitting ninth in the Premier League. Reports claimed Payet's brooding
attitude was hurting team morale. Captain Mark Noble says divisions had
formed in the dressing room off the back of discontent caused by Payet's
actions, as reported by the likes of the Daily Star.
Improved and spirited performances since the Frenchman left showed morale
has improved compared to the first half of the season.
And now the man who has stepped out of Payet's shadow, Manuel Lanzini, has
proved team spirit is better than ever with a post on Instagram. The
skillful Argentine playmaker posted a picture of himself at the centre of a
huddle of West Ham players laughing and joking during training ahead of
Monday night's London derby with rivals Chelsea. Lanzini said in the post:
"Team Spanish win today."
Skipper Noble, fellow Argentine Jonathan Calleri, goalkeeper Adrian, outcast
Alvaro Arbeloa, Fonte and midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Havard
Nordtveit and Domingos Quina all feature in the picture which will bring a
smile to the face of any Hammers fan.

Some fans could not resist a tongue-in-cheek dig, though, pointing out that
number one 'keeper Darren Randolph is being "left out" in the background
looking on. Given the run Chelsea are on West Ham will need all the team
spirit they can muster. But given the comfortable position Slaven Bilic's
side find themselves in, the East Londoners won't be an easy proposition for
the runaway Premier League leaders.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan watch: How Slaven Bilic's 11 loanees are doing - and what the
future could hold for them
We've had a closer look at all of the Hammers loan stars
Football London
BYADAM JONES
17:45, 1 MAR 2017UPDATED17:46, 1 MAR 2017

West Ham have 11 players out on loan at the minute - with many looking for
added game time to return to West ham as stronger players.
Some have better prospects of a Hammers future than others, it has to be
said - with some perhaps playing for a permanent move away from the club in
the next transfer window.

Enner Valencia
Club: Everton
Appearances: 15

It's been a bit stop-start for Enner Valencia during his time at Everton. He
took a while to get his feet off the ground, only making a smattering of
substitute appearances nearer the start of the season. However, the West Ham
man did go through a spell in the line-up for the Toffees and found himself
in good form around the Christmas period - during which he bagged his only
goal for Ronald Koeman's side against Watford. He's seemingly Everton's
back-up striker ahead of Arouna Kone - but youngsters Dominic Calvert-Lewin
and Ademola Lookman are both threatening that position. He doesn't look
likely to stay at Goodison beyond this season, and hasn't really done enough
to earn himself a place back with West Ham.

Reece Oxford
Club: Reading
Appearances: 0

Such an exciting prospect at West Ham, but clearly struggling for game time
whilst on loan at Reading. The young Hammer has struggled with a minor
injury recently, but even before then couldn't break in to the starting
line-up for the Championship side. He was brought in as injury cover, and
he's not seeing enough minutes on the pitch. That will definitely be
frustrating Slaven Bilic.


Reece Burke
Club: Wigan
Appearances: 8

It's been a somewhat different story for Reece Burke whilst he's been on
loan at Wigan. A fellow Championship side, but the defender has already
managed much more game-time than his Hammers teammate. He's even bagged
himself a goal for the Latics whilst he's been there - scoring in a 2-1 win
against high-flying Huddersfield back in November. For a player who took
part in West Ham's Europa League campaign earlier in the season, it's good
to see him getting more game time - and definitely won't hurt his chances of
breaking in to the Hammers' side.

Stephen Hendrie
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Appearances: 8

Stephen Hendrie has already managed more appearances this season than he
ever has for West Ham. After a successful short-term loan spell at Southend
last campaign - Hendrie has already turned out eight times for Blackburn
Rovers this season. Only four of those have come in the league though, and
all of his action only amounts to around 590 minutes of time on the pitch
this campaign.
Probably not going to be helping his chances of making it at West Ham.

Josh Cullen
Club: Bradford City
Appearances: 26

Well here's a real success story. Josh Cullen was fantastic when sent out to
Bradford City on loan last season - so much so that they brought him back to
play for them this campaign as well. And he hasn't disappointed. The
midfielder has made 26 appearances so far for the club this season, bagging
himself one goal, which came against MK Dons back in August. The Bradford
fans seriously love him and Cullen has become an integral member of their
side with some terrier-like performances in the centre of midfield.

Toni Martinez
Club: Oxford United
Appearances: 7

Well, as starts to loan spells go, they don't usually get much better than
Toni Martinez at Oxford United. The forward has been in brilliant form since
going out on loan in January, bagging two goals already this campaign -
including one against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. He definitely looks like
he could have a future at West Ham.

George Dobson
Club: Walsall
Appearances: 17

Another loan star who's finding game time a bit easier to come by. The
midfielder's 17 appearances so far this season have yielded one goal - which
is always going to help him. Boyhood Hammer Dobson has recently claimed
that, whilst he would of course like to make the grade at West Ham, his loan
spell has taught him that there is a career to be made a division or two
lower.

Martin Samuelson
Club: Peterborough
Appearances: 3

Martin Samuelson hasn't found it at all easy this season. The former
Manchester City academy player has been sent out on loan twice by West Ham
this season - and has only managed seven appearances between both spells.
Samuelson's loan at Blackburn was terminated earlier in the season due to a
lack of playing time having made only four appearances.

Jaanai Gordon
Club: Newport County
Appearances: 4

Well, all you can say so far is that he's started his loan spell very well.
His four first team appearances have yielded one goal - and he's knocking on
the door quite loudly for a regular starting place in the Newport County
side. One to keep an eye on...

Alex Pike
Club: Cheltenham Town
Appearances: 5

This is another loan spell just getting off the ground. The versatile
20-year-old Alex Pike only moved to Cheltenham Town on January 12, but has
already made five appearances for his temporary club. A solid start
definitely, and good to see from a young prospect.

Marcus Browne
Club: Wigan Athletic
Appearances: 1

Unfortunately, this loan spell has been blighted by injury so far. Marcus
Browne has only managed 14 minutes of FA Cup action for Wigan Athletic so
far this season, which is frustrating both for him and his parent club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham can't afford to miss out on Daniel Sturridge this summer
The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool
Football London
BYADAM JONES
20:00, 1 MAR 2017

We may have only just entered March, but transfer rumours are still
dominating the news - as they always seem to be in the world of football.
For West Ham, this inevitably leads to talk of a new striker. Obviously the
names of Alexandre Lacazette and Troy Deeney have already been thrown up,
but there is one more interesting option that West Ham are still favourites
to sign in the summer. Now, instantly, you might be thinking of his injury
record and you'd be forgiven for that - what with Andy Carroll already being
the Hammers' main man up front. But, you have to see past that and towards
the true quality that Sturridge possesses. He's still at Liverpool for a
reason - and that reason is surely because Jurgen Klopp still believes he
can perform at a high level for Liverpool when he is in top form. To hit top
form, though, you need more minutes. And Sturridge just isn't getting that
luxury at the moment.
Why is anyone's guess really. One option could be that he's disillusioned
with the lack of game time he is already receiving. Of course, the flip side
of that is, maybe, his attitude is wrong in training and that's why Klopp
doesn't want to play him. It would undeniably be a risk for West Ham to sign
Sturridge in the summer transfer window - but it's a risk that the club
really can't afford to miss out on. Yes, he might be an injury worry - but
he's also a proven Premier League goalscorer. Get him playing like Liverpool
did in that 2013/14 season and there isn't a defence in England that's able
to contain him - he just knows where the back of the net is. If there is any
attitude problem, a move to West Ham in which he will be looking to
seriously prove himself and regain some of his reputation will definitely
nip that in the bud. And, from the point of view of the Hammers, they're
getting a genuine top-notch striker - who could seriously put himself
amongst the league's top scorers if he had enough game time to do it. Pace,
power and the ability to create a goal out of almost nothing. How could
Slaven Bilic possibly turn that opportunity down? The move really makes
sense for both parties - and could definitely be one to look out for in the
summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marseille chief must eat his words after taunting West Ham over Dimitri
Payet transfer
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United were taunted by Marseille this week, a month after being
forced to sell Dimitri Payet back to them. The Hammers were forced to sell
wantaway star Dimitri Payet back to Marseille for £25 million in January.
Since Payet's departure the Hammers have been more united and results have
improved drastically as a result. Reports claimed Payet's brooding attitude
was hurting team morale and if performances on the pitch are anything to go
by there is nothing wrong with the team spirit now. It was galling for West
Ham this week when Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud appeared
delighted to have "won" the transfer "game" over Payet.
Speaking to La Provence, Eyraud boasted they got Payet at a knockdown price,
admitting he was worth nearly double what his club paid.
But Eyraud's antagonistic comments will only serve to amuse West Ham fans,
who will be quick to point out that his club paid more than double the £10m
they sold Payet to West Ham for in the first place just to get him back a
year later. And given the poisonous atmosphere Payet's actions created in
East London, supporters would even go as far as to say Marseille have done
them a favour taking him off their hands. It was an impossible situation for
Slaven Bilic but one the manager and club handled well.
And so far West Ham don't seem to be missing much as the Frenchman has
struggled to recapture his imperious form of last season.
A solitary goal - a wicked deflection from a free-kick - against Guingamp in
front of a half empty Stade Velodrome is all Payet has to show since his
return and was ineffective as Marseille were hammered 5-1 by Paris Saint
Germain last time out.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to offer utility man Michail Antonio a new contract
which could double his wages
Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for good
form
Winger and striker Antonio could be set to double his wages to
£70,000-a-week
West Ham are keen to secure him after departure of Dimitri Payet in January
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 1 March 2017 | UPDATED: 23:32, 1 March 2017

Michail Antonio is in line for a new deal at West Ham as a reward for
turning into one of Slaven Bilic's most reliable stars this season. The
London club are aware of interest in Antonio, with Premier League leaders
Chelsea among those who have looked at the versatile 26-year-old. Antonio's
current contract sees him paid about £35,000 per week but that is to
significantly increase if he agrees to sign. It could double to £70,000,
depending on talks. The departure of Dimitri Payet, who was their
highest-paid player on £125,000 per week, saw West Ham lose their main man
in January. Antonio has helped fill the void and this season showed himself
as a key player for Bilic, particularly in the absence of Andy Carroll. Club
officials have been impressed by Antonio's commitment and ability as a
makeshift centre forward, and want to make sure they do not lose him in the
summer. It was his shot which hit one post then the other before being
tapped in by Andre Ayew that saw West Ham avoid losing to Watford at the
weekend.
Michail Antonio has been involved in 11 of West Ham's 35 league goals this
term (eight goals and three assists) — more than any other player.
Ex-favourite Dimitri Payet is next with eight (two goals andsix assists).
Yet a second yellow card in that same match means Antonio will be
unavailable for the visit of Chelsea on Monday, which comes as a blow to
Bilic. In his absence, West Ham are banking on Carroll being fit after the
striker returned to first-team training at Rush Green yesterday following a
groin injury. Bilic had hoped to have him back on Tuesday but, with Carroll
being monitored closely by the club's medical department, they gave him an
additional day. The plan is to see whether Carroll can come through the next
four days unscathed, before deciding if he is fit to start on Monday.
Carroll was absent for almost a month with his latest injury with his last
appearance against Southampton on February 4. West Ham drew 2-2 at home to
West Bromwich Albion then 1-1 at Watford in the two games he missed. They
both saw Antonio, who has already scored as many Premier League goals as he
did last season, lead the line. The West Ham workhorse joined from
Nottingham Forest for £7million in 2015 and was also handed a new contract
last July.

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