Daily WHUFC News - 4th March 2017

Holland up for PL2 Player of the Month
WHUFC.com

West Ham United winger Nathan Holland has been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for February. The 18-year-old has dazzled since joining the club in January and joins fellow Hammers Toni Martinez, Marcus Browne and Domingos Quina as a nominee for the award. Holland played twice in Premier League 2 last month and scored the historic first ever PL2 goal at London Stadium against Fulham on 20 February in the Hammers 2-0 victory. After the match, manager Terry Westley compared the Manchester-born forward to a "young Ryan Giggs". Speaking after the win over the Cottagers, Westley said: "I'd probably say Nathan Holland [was brilliant], particularly in the first half. "What a talent we've got on our hands. He was skipping past players, reminding me of a really young Ryan Giggs. I think he particularly caught people eyes tonight." He also scored in two consecutive Premier League Cup fixtures, opening his account against Leicester City in a 2-2 draw and netting in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Holland faces stiff competition for the award, coming up against Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers). The winner of the award will be announced at the end of next of week.

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Nobes - AC's return would be massive boost WHUFC.com

Mark Noble says Andy Carroll's return against Chelsea would be 'massive' for West Ham United Centre forward fit again after a two-match absence with a groin injury Blues go into the weekend ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table

Mark Noble says Andy Carroll would give West Ham United a huge boost going into Monday's Premier League derby with Chelsea. The Hammers hope to welcome their talismanic No9 back for the visit of the leaders to London Stadium after a two-game absence with a groin injury. Captain Noble says the whole squad will be lifted if the England centre forward, who scored home and away against the Blues in the Premier League last season, is passed fit to face Antonio Conte's men. Carroll netted six goals in eleven appearances over Christmas and New Year, helping the Hammers to rise up the table, and the skipper says his physical presence and all-round qualities would give Chelsea something extra to think about at London Stadium. "Andy is massive for us whenever he is fit and everyone knows it," said Noble. "He was fit for eleven matches over Christmas and New Year and scored six goals, so we need to keep him available. I don't know how to do that, to be honest, but when he is fit he is a massive plus for us. "Andy knows how important he is to our team and he hates not being involved with the lads on the training pitch. Having a fit Andy Carroll is a massive boost for us."

Whether Carroll is ready to start the game or not, Noble says West Ham will need to be at their very best to beat Chelsea for the second time this season, having already done so in the EFL Cup fourth round back in October. As one of only four sides to have defeated Conte's high-fliers this term, the No16 says the Hammers can take inspiration from their knockout victory, but knows they will need all their ducks in a row if they are to repeat that result. "We face a top, top Chelsea team," he observed. "Anyone who can go ten points clear at the top of the Premier League at this stage is having an incredible season and we're going to need to be at 100 per cent to beat them on Monday night. "They are a great team – you've got to say that. They've taken this league by storm, are great at scoring goals, are great at defending and are strong in midfield, so we have to be at our best and, if they're not quite on it, we can get a result. I must admit I enjoy watching Chelsea play because they go to places which are really hard and get a result. They play fantastic football, but they can also mix it up and grind it out when they need to with a ball over the top to Diego Costa. They can win in different ways and they know how to win. "That said, we need to believe that we can win. We're at home, we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're playing well at the moment and we can prove something."

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Sakho getting closer to return
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic says Diafra Sakho could be set for a return to action in less than a month
The Senegalese forward has missed the majority of the season after undergoing back surgery
Manager also gave update on Angelo Ogbonna's rehab after his knee surgery

West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho could be available for selection in less than a month's time, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers boss confirmed Sakho, who has missed the majority of the campaign with a back problem, is progressing well with his recovery after undergoing surgery before Christmas and could be set to join the squad in the near future. Bilic also provided an update on Angelo Ogbonna, who recently underwent knee surgery after the Club's win over Middlesbrough at the end of January. "Sakho is coming back," Bilic said. "He's travelling to see the specialist in Bordeaux, to see the surgeon who will hopefully give him the green light to push up more. "If that meeting goes well, which we are expecting, he could be back and available – if he keeps progressing like he has been – in three or four weeks. "Angelo is also doing really good, after his surgery on his knee. Apart from that, there are some small knocks which you always have in a Club, but we are good."

As well as the injured pair, Bilic will be without Michail Antonio for Monday's meeting against Chelsea at London Stadium as he serves a one-match suspension after receiving a red card at Vicarage Road in last weekend's draw with Watford. Having scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign, Antonio has been one of the standout performers for Bilic's outfit and the Croatian believes he is close to agreeing a new deal with the Club. "It's just Michail is suspended, and of course that's a big blow for us," he continued. "Michail has got a contract here but the Club wants to reward him with a new contract, a better contract.
"We want to give him that because he has done really great for us. That's what the Chairman told me, and I think it's going to be done very soon."

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MARK WARD WRITES: WE CAN UPSET THE FORM BOOK IN OUR ULTIMATE TEST!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 3 MARCH 2017 AT 8:19PM
TheWestHaMWayc.o.uk

This is our new weekly feature from former West Ham winger and member of the "Boys of 86" squad Mark Ward. Wardy is also the host of our prematch events and we will be getting his weekly opinion on all things West Ham. If you want to discuss anything the scouser says with him in person, you know where to find him on a match day!

The up coming game v Chelsea is a great game for the Hammers as it is the ultimate test for them as it looks as if this Chelsea team will be Champions. It is important to remember though that West Ham over the years have more than once took a top scalp and upset the form book. We should remember that twice we stopped a team winning the league. Beating Manchester United in 1992 with a goal from Kenny Brown and a host of Ludek Miklosko saves stopping them winning the League in 1995.

John Moncur, our last guest, told a funny story about his words with Roy Keane. They were having a few words with each other during the game in 1995 and Moncs told Keane "You wont be winning the title this year". In reply Keane said " I will seeing you in the tunnel after the game". Moncs replied with "I wont be in the tunnel I will be celebrating on the pitch!"

I've got a fantastic memory of beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 0-4 in 1985/86 season. It was a complete demolition of a good team which made the football world realise the HAMMERS were proper title contenders! It still hurts we didn't win it that season.

Lets hope the Hammers can put up a decent performance and have a strong end to the season. COYI

Mark Ward is hosting a number of events. He is the regular host at our event and will be doing a Q and A session with West Ham legend Phil Parkes. You can get tour tickets here: http://bit.ly/TWHWTICKET6

He is also hosting an event with another West Ham legend Alvin Martin at Crowlands golf club on the 31st March. You can call 02089847373 for tickets to that. Or if you want to hear Wardy and Steve Lomas you can meet them at The George II in Hornchurch on the 24th March. Tickets are £25 on the door.

COYI

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Get Snodgrass! Polis issue warrant
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer

A warrant has been issued for West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass after he failed to attend a court hearing in Glasgow. The 29-year-old Scottish international was due in court to answer a charge of driving "while a baby was being held by a passenger" but failed to attend as "he didn't think he had to", according to defence lawyer Martin Black. The incident is said to have occurred on the city's Duke Street on 17 April 2016. Snodgrass is accused of being in control of the car whilst a passenger held the child, as there was no baby seat present. The incident is unlikely to affect the winger's selection for West Ham's London derby with Chelsea at the Olympic Stadium.

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Going Dutch? Nathan nominated
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's in-form Academy star Nathan Holland has been nominated for January's PL2 Player of the Month award. The young Hammer, who moved to the club from Everton in January is one of five young stars nominated for the award, which follows a fantastic first month at West Ham for Holland. The attacking midfielder, who signed a three-and-a-half year contract when completing his switch scored against Leicester in the Premier League Cup on his debut before notching against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Holland is vying with Mason Bennett (Derby County), Liam Walsh (Everton), Brahim Diaz (Manchester City) and Donovan Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers) for the award, thew winner of which will be announced next week.

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Chelsea sweating on Hazard fitness
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd March 2017
By: Staff Writer

Eden Hazard is a slight concern for Chelsea ahead of Monday night's clash with West Ham at the Olympic Stadium. The Belgian international has been in top form for his side this season but is a minor doubt for Monday's meeting after sustaining a knock during training this week, according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
During his pre-match press conference, Conte - who urged his team to go and exact revenge for the EFL Cup defeat last October - also warned his players to keep an eye on Andy Carroll, United's in-form striker who is preparing to return from injury against Chelsea.
And he insisted that former Hammer, Victor Moses was derseving of a new contract having become a valuable member of the first team at Stamford Bridge this season.

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West Ham v Chelsea preview: Blues travel east for spicy London derby
Last Updated: 03/03/17 3:42pm
SSN

Premier League title favourites Chelsea travel east to take on West Ham United in what should be a spicy London derby on Monday Night Football. Only four teams in Premier League history have had more points at this stage of a season than Chelsea's 63 points. The only team with 63 or more points after 26 games not to go on to win the title was Arsenal in 2007/08. Chelsea have won 17 of 19 Premier League games against teams outside top-six this season but have lost their last two away games against West Ham. One of those defeats came earlier in the season when the Hammers knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup.

Team news

Andy Carroll is set to replace Michail Antonio in the West Ham squad. Striker Carroll is fit after missing the last two games with a groin injury but winger Antonio is suspended following his red card at Watford last weekend. Diafra Sakho (back) and Angelo Ogbonna (knee) are the only injury absentees.

Eden Hazard is expected to be fit for Chelsea despite a knock. Hazard was on the receiving end of a kick in training, but head coach Antonio Conte expects the Belgium playmaker to be available at the London Stadium. Chelsea, leaders by 10 points entering into this weekend's fixtures, have no other injury concerns.

Ways to watch

Coverage of Monday Night Football starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports 1 with presenter David Jones joined by Jamie Carragher and special guest Frank Lampard and you can also watch all the action in UHD via Sky Q.

Not able to watch the game? Sky Sports still has you covered, with minute-by-minute commentary across all digital platforms as well as in-game clips, half-time and full-time highlights available on the mobile app and in the Football Score Centre with a free Sky iD.

Match stats

This is the first league meeting between the sides at the London Stadium - the Hammers won just two of their last 10 Premier League games against Chelsea at Upton Park (D1 L7).

Chelsea have lost only two of their last 21 Premier League games against West Ham United (W15 D4).

However, the Hammers eliminated Chelsea from the EFL Cup at the fourth round stage this season; winning 2-1 at the London Stadium.

Conte has lost two of his three away London derbies in the Premier League, suffering defeat by Arsenal in September and Tottenham in January, while beating Crystal Palace in the other game.

Carroll has scored five goals in his last three home London derbies in the Premier League.

Carroll is one goal away from his 50th strike in the Premier League and has scored in two of his last three games against Chelsea.

Cesc Fabregas recorded his 102nd Premier League assist in what was his 300th Premier League game last weekend. He needs one more to move outright second ahead of Frank Lampard (also 102).

Fabregas has already matched his total of assists from last season (seven) and assisted twice in last Premier League game against West Ham in March 2016.

Manuel Lanzini has scored in seven of his 11 Premier League London derby appearances (seven goals). He's scored four goals in 38 Premier League appearances against non-London sides.

The suspended Antonio has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other West Ham player this season (11).

Diego Costa has scored 48 goals in 78 Premier League appearances. Should he score two or more goals in this game, he'll be the fifth quickest to 50 goals in the competition after Andrew Cole (65 apps), Alan Shearer (66 apps), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68 apps) and Fernando Torres (72 apps).

Merson's prediction

Chelsea look like a well-oiled machine at the moment which is showing now signs of any faults. They did lose to West Ham at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup earlier in the season, but I do not expect a repeat performance. I expect Chelsea to win this game. West Ham have struggled in front of their own fans and are a better side away from home.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Chelsea are just 8/13 with Sky Bet to take another crucial step towards the Premier League title by beating West Ham, who are 17/4 to upset their rivals with a win and 3/1 to hold out for a draw.

Conte's men headed into the weekend as 1/8 shots to lift the trophy while their hosts are 8/11 to secure a top-half finish. Costa heads the first goalscorer betting at 100/30 with Andy Carroll considered the hosts' main threat at 15/2, while the strike duo are 9/2 both to find the net.

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West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass issued with warrant after failing to attend court
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 03/03/17 10:29pm
SSN

A warrant has been issued for West Ham forward Robert Snodgrass after he failed to turn up for a court trial. The Scotland international, who joined the Hammers in a £10.2m deal from Hull during the January transfer window, is charged with driving a car while a baby was being held by a passenger. Snodgrass is alleged to have driven on Duke Street, Glasgow, on April 17 2016 with too many people in the vehicle to fit a baby seat in. The baby is alleged to have been in the arms of a rear seat passenger. Snodgrass, who was born in the city, did not attend the city's Justice of the Peace Court when the case was called. Defence lawyer Martin Black told the court "he didn't think he had to be" when asked why his client was not present. The Crown requested a warrant, which was granted by JP Eunice Paton.

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Slaven Bilic admits West Ham's turbulent season has been one of the toughest of his career
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 3 MAR 2017

Slaven Bilic admits his troubled season at West Ham has been one of the toughest of his career. The 46-year-old former Besiktas, Croatia and Lokomotiv Moscow coach leads his team into battle against league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. It is to his credit that he does so with the Hammers confident of a top-10 finish after a nightmare first half of the season. "You pretend at home that you are OK because you don't want it to affect your family," said Bilic. "But inside of course you are hurting. This is not the kind of job that you can leave in your office and go home."
Hammers, who challenged for the top four last year, crashed out of Europa League qualifying to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu for the second successive year. It wrecked the owners' dream of bringing European football to the London Stadium in their first season. West Ham, ravaged by injury, went on to lose five of their opening six matches to leave Bilic under pressure. Although they beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup in October, that match was marred by violent clashes while fans complained that the new stadium did not match their expectations. A 4-1 defeat at Manchester United put the club out of the EFL Cup in November while a 5-1 humiliation at home to Arsenal four days later left Hammers in relegation trouble. A 5-0 FA Cup demolition, again at home, by Manchester City in January coincided with Dimitri Payet's insistence that he no longer wanted to play for the club.
Since the Frenchman's departure, West Ham have lost just one of their last six and the dressing room appears firmly behind the manager. Bilic believes a tough campaign has left strengthened him as a boss. He added: "Of course I wasn't enjoying the defeats but sometimes you have to sacrifice something to get something. "The experience is priceless. They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. "It's great because now I can see it as a great experience. For me personally, for the players, and for the club. "When you go home a part of you is affected by what happened during the day, with your bosses or colleagues or some fans who said something on social media. "In football it is not only the players or the manager who are getting the criticism, now the media gets it as well.
"Every one of you is very reachable from every fan around the world. I'm sure that you can say 'I am not bothered' but it affects your mood, your private mood.
"On a bigger scale of course it affects ours. And that is a good thing because if it was not affecting me or other managers then we would lose our determination and spirit for our job."

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West Ham midfielder Gokhan Tore sees his season derailed by one of his own team-mates
Tore was forced to undergo knee surgery and is now back in Turkey regaining fitness
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACS
18:52, 3 MAR 2017

West Ham United midfielder Gokhan Tore reveals his season has been wrecked by ONE of his own team-mates, but has vowed to come back even stronger and prove his critics wrong. Tore has suffered a nightmare spell in English football following his season long-loan from Besiktas last summer. The 25-year-old only started three Premier League games before he picked up a knee injury during training and has been forced to undergo surgery. Tore has now returned to Turkey where he is slowly building his way back to full fitness and says he will never forget the moment that one of his own team-mates accidentally collided with him in the build-up to the Crystal Palace game and ended his season. West Ham stewards will continue to use cameras at London Stadium as they prepare for Chelsea visit Tore said: " Slaven Bilic was always like my brother, a teacher I love so much, I also like working with him. "I was transferred to England at the beginning of the season. I picked up a knee injury in the pre-season camp in the summer which put me back 3-4 weeks from match form. "After that I made a great effort to return to the first team. I went on to play six matches but there was another problem. During the preparations for the Crystal Palace match I was injured three minutes before the end of my workout. "My team mate entered a tackle hard and I felt something in my knees. The doctors looked and decided to carry out surgery"
Tore is determined to regain the form which saw him break into the Turkey side and says he will return to Besiktas a much stronger player. Tore added: "I'm in the recovery process now. I want to try to get stronger. I want to see a better Gokhan Tore for the Turkish people. I will return stronger. "I am in Istanbul, I do my individual recovery here. I get up at 8am every day, I'm brushing my teeth, I am jogging, I am having breakfast. I go to the gym at noon. I see a physical therapist for four hours each day. I am riding a bike and building up stamina. "The treatment and recovery program is very busy for me. I go home afterwards when special physical treatment continues. Then I go to the movies and read books. Besiktas supporters make feel you are a very special player. I hope to return stronger for them. "I am in my own country, I speak Turkish. To speak English in the UK I needed an interpreter. I feel more comfortable here. I cannot wait to return (to Besiktas) I believe everything will be beautiful after the recovery of my heath first."

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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic to be offered a new deal and the opportunity to splash some cash
West Ham are ready to back Slaven Bilic in the transfer market next summer
They want the Croat to bring European football to the London Stadium
Bilic impressed last summer with his handling of the Dimitri Payet transfer saga
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:39, 3 March 2017 | UPDATED: 22:39, 3 March 2017

West Ham United will hand Slaven Bilic a new contract in the summer and are ready to back him in the transfer market in a bid to bring European football to the London Stadium. Bilic's current deal expires at the end of next season, but a two-year extension tying the Croat to West Ham until 2020 is in the pipeline.
Talks were due to be held in January but they were put back. The board and Bilic are in no rush to finalise terms, with results improving and pushing the Hammers into the top half of the table. Insiders say it is acknowledged West Ham's squad is not on a par with those of rival Premier League clubs targeting Europe and that they overachieved last season by finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. This summer, though, West Ham are prepared to hand Bilic the funds to bridge that gap, with signing a striker their priority. The £20.5million deal to bring in Andre Ayew from Swansea last year was a club record but it is expected to be smashed in the search for a proven goalscorer. Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce in June 2015 on a three-year contract, gets on well with the West Ham board and was impressive in his handling of the Dimitri Payet saga. West Ham's suffered a poor start to the season but the former Croatia manager was never in any danger of the sack and he has steadied the ship. The Hammers sit ninth in the table and are preparing to play runaway league leaders Chelsea on Monday night. Gareth Southgate is expected at the London Stadium for the game, which will probably be the only one the England manager attends this weekend as he prepares to name his squad for this month's friendly in Germany and the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. It gives Andy Carroll another chance to impress, but another England hopeful, Michail Antonio, is suspended following his red card at Watford last Saturday.

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Slaven Bilic says West Ham have done a 'great job' combating crowd trouble By PA Sport Last Updated: 03/03/17 12:08am SSN

Slaven Bilic insists West Ham have solved their crowd trouble issues ahead of Monday's match with Chelsea. The EFL Cup clash between the London rivals at the London Stadium in October was marred by coin throwing and fighting between rival fans. But moves to improve the segregation, policing and stewarding have meant that such ugly scenes have all but disappeared since that night. Vice-chairman Karren Brady has worked hard to put an end to disorder in the stands, and Bilic is confident she has succeeded. "It is not that I think it, it is definitely the truth," the Hammers manager said. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems. "She, or we, have done it, so I am not expecting [a repeat]. "Of course, there could be individual things that may happen, but the club has done a really great job regarding that. "They have approached it since that game really seriously. We have done it, yes."

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Why Kevin Malcuit is the perfect solution to Slaven Bilic's right-back problem at West Ham The St Etienne full-back is West Ham target as they look to sign a qualified option in the position and Andrew Gibney believes Malcuit fits the bill Football London BYANDREW GIBNEY 11:40, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED11:43, 3 MAR 2017

When AS Monaco were relegated to Ligue 2 in 2011, the whole team shifted in direction. Big stars moved on, the squad was ripped apart and a lot of the youth system were expected to sink or swim in the principality. Left-back Layvin Kurzawa flourished, on the other flank, Kévin Malcuit, went on loan to OC Vannes before moving locally to Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël. Just turned 21, he had to rebuild his career in the lower divisions, five years later he is looking set for a move to West Ham United or Manchester United in the summer.
Now 25 years old, the defender has paid his dues, climbing up the ladder with Chamois Niortais, before Saint-Étienne snapped him up in 2015. "In Fréjus, I learned about real life. I was away from one of the best training centres in France, where everyone was very attentive to me and where I could afford to only think about football," Malcuit admitted looking back on his early career. "In the National, it isn't as comfortable. Honestly, I needed that to bounce back. I got a good slap. This gave me strength and determination."

Saint Etienne defender Kevin Malcuit is reportedly close to agreeing a move to West Ham (Photo: PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images) At the Stade Louis II, he managed 21 minutes of a Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse in 2010, there would be a five-year gap before he featured at the top level again. He admitted that he needed that kick to get his career back on track, knowing that it wasn't a permanent drop, that he would make his return. Even when he joined Sainté, he wasn't Christophe Galtier's first-choice, not until this term has he convinced his coach that he can be trusted with the role. That doesn't mean he hadn't impressed. Whenever he was called upon, Malcuit was defensively sound, playing well against Paris Saint-Germain on several occasions. After nine appearances last season, he's made 19 this term, excelling regardless of whether it was 5-3-2 or 4-4-2. Playing against Manchester United, Les Stephanois may have lost the tie 4-0, but the right-back did enough to catch Jose Mourinho's attention and the Old Trafford boss is contemplating challenging the Hammers for his signature.

Slaven Bilic has used a few players on the right of the defence in the Premier League. From Håvard Nordtveit, Sam Byram and even midfielder, Cheikhou Kouyaté. It's an obvious problem area, so the continued link to Malcuit makes perfect sense. An eager attacker, the full-back is very good at getting up and down the flank, showing a fearlessness regardless of who they are playing. Malcuit has made more attempted tackles than anyone in the Hammers squad that has played in that role, plus the Frenchman has three assists this campaign. In Ligue 1, the 25-year-old is averaging 2.8 interceptions per 90 minutes, Nordtveit is up at 2.9 and Kouyaté is just behind on 2.6. Malcuit was quick enough to track the runs of Marcus Rashford and he's shown that side to his game a lot this season, able to read the game, he looks to get in the way of opposition passes, but always has the pace to get back and recovery. He has been successful with 2.7 of his 4.7 dribbles per 90 minutes this term, superb numbers for a full-back and testament to his attacking prowess. To compare, Dimitri Payet was completing successful in 2.8 of his 4.8 dribble attempts before moving to Marseille.

Contracted till 2019, Saint-Étienne already refused a €10 million bid in January and compared to what the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Jordan Amavi and Djibril Sidibe were all sold for recently, because he is older, the French club would be looking for around €12-15million in the summer. Maybe then, with a move to the Olympic Stadium, Malcuit can get revenge on Anthony Martial for when the fellow former Monegasque youngster draw blood when he smacked him with his arm at Old Trafford.

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West Ham will issue stewards with video cameras in bid to avoid potential fan trouble during Chelsea clash The Hammers will look to avoid scenes from the previous encounter between the sides in the EFL Cup last October The Mirror BYJACK RATHBORN 10:51, 3 MAR 2017

West Ham will provide stewards with video cameras for the London derby against Chelsea in a bid to avoid a repeat of fan trouble between sets of supporters. The London Stadium officials will be issued with handheld video cameras for the Monday night fixture after trouble erupted during the last meeting between the clubs. Hundreds of fans were seen launching bottles, seats and coins at each other during the EFL Cup tie last October. Seven arrests were made and 71 fans were subsequently banned from the Hammers' new home.
In addition to video cameras for stewards, the club will also introduce a larger segregation between supporters and clearer exit routes to avoid confrontation upon leaving the stadium. Manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that he has held monthly meetings with Baroness Brady in a bid to solve the issue. "I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. We have talked a lot and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put into solving those problems," Bilic said. "We have done it so I am not expecting a repeat of the trouble. Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that, they have approached it since that game really seriously."

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Exclusive: Michail Antonio's two word West Ham admission By James Jones - Mar 3, 2017 0
westhamworld.co.uk

West Ham fans love a hard worker, someone who gives everything to the cause at all times. So it's no real surprise that Michail Antonio has become one of the most loved players at West Ham since he arrived from Nottingham Forest 18 months ago. For Antonio, the £7m transfer to east London marked the latest chapter in what has been one of English football's less documented rags to riches stories. While Jamie Vardy had his six year journey from non-league Stocksbridge Park Steels to lifting the Premier League title with Leicester City, Antonio had his own story to tell.
In 2008 Antonio was turning out for Tooting & Mitcham United. Since then he has climbed the Football League ladder with the likes of Reading, Cheltenham Town, Southampton, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and, of course, Nottingham Forest. It was his performances for Forest in the Championship that convinced Slaven Bilic that he was good enough to have his chance in the biggest league in the world. And after having to wait patiently for a real chance to show the Premier League what he has to offer, Michail Antonio has not looked back since being given his first start for the club four months after signing.
If you fast forward to today, it has been an incredible 18 months or so for Antonio. He has scored 17 goals in 65 first team appearances for the Hammers and was rewarded for such consistency with a first ever call-up to the England squad in August 2016.
It is fair to say that the forward is enjoying the best form of his career to date, and as I sit down to discuss life at the club with him as part of Heineken's HammerHeads competition at Rush Green, there are only two words Antonio has to describe what it's like playing for West Ham United.

"I'm home," he tells me, with a big grin on his face. It's an admission that every West Ham fan will be delighted to hear. Put simply, Antonio is one of the most effective players at the club right now. But as I mentioned earlier, his journey from new arrival to first name on the team sheet has not been easy for the 26-year-old. "It's difficult being a player that, for the last five or six years of my career, if I was fit I would have been playing," Antonio admits when I ask him about his first few months at the club.
"At clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Colchester, I always played. So coming here and not playing was quite difficult because it was new to me."

So, how does a player so used to playing every week adapt and remain focused on forcing his way in to the manager's plans? "I'm the kind of person who always believes in my ability, I believe in myself and I always told myself that if I ever get an opportunity, I'm going to take it. "I always knew I was good enough to play in the Premier League, that's what kept me going and what kept me motivated."

That self-belief and motivation has been evident to those who have seen Antonio turn out for the Hammers week in, week out. Having netted 17 goals for the club so far and currently topping the squad's scoring charts with eight in all competitions this season, Antonio has become a vital source of goals for Bilic's side. But how does a player who has played in a number of different positions for West Ham still manage to find his way on the scoresheet. "I just always want to get in the box," he tells me. "I'm the sort of player who always wants to be around the goal and more often than not, if you're in the box, the ball might drop for you. "It's one of those things where I'm always going to be there, I'm always going to make sure I'm around."

His goalscoring antics have been amplified somewhat by his fun and quirky celebrations. We all know the story behind why he celebrates goals the way he does, but the burning question I have to wrap up the short chat we had at Rush Green was; do you have another celebration lined up and can he tell us what it is? "Yeah, I have another one lined up but I'm not even giving you hint!"

It was the answer I was expecting, but you can't knock a guy for trying. Antonio hasn't scored since the 4-1 Boxing Day win over Swansea City but, given the season he's having, I don't think it'll be long before we see his next celebration in action.

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Aaron Cresswell: West Ham aren't going to 'pack our suitcases' and accept 10th place this season VAISHALI BHARDWAJ Evening Standard

Aaron Cresswell insists the West Ham players are not thinking about their summer break already, saying the Hammers will fight to finish in the top ten this season. Slaven Bilic's side have recovered from a poor start to the campaign in what is their first season at the London Stadium to lose just three of their last 12 Premier League games. The upturn in results since the beginning of December has lifted West Ham into ninth position in the league standings, with defender Winston Reid telling Standard Sport recently a ninth, eighth or seventh-placed finish this term would be "acceptable" considering the start the Hammers had.
Cresswell has echoed Reid's thoughts, admitting the team are working hard to ensure they end in the top 10 ahead of West Ham's London derby clash with Chelsea on Monday night. "We're not about to pack our suitcases, that's for sure," Cresswell told West Ham's official website. "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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Slaven Bilic insists there will be no repeat of violent clashes between West Ham and Chelsea fans on Monday night The Hammers are ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week The Mirror BYDARREN LEWIS 23:10, 2 MAR 2017

Slaven Bilic insists he is confident there will be no repeat of the violent clashes that marred West Ham's League Cup win over Chelsea on Monday night. Missiles — including seats, coins and bottles — were thrown by both hooligans within sets of fans towards the end of October 26 tie. Seven arrests were made on the night. Hammers officials have since worked with the police to identify 97 supporters through CCTV footage with banning orders imposed on them. The club are now ready to impose a raft of new measures to prevent a repeat of the trouble in Sky's live game next week. The fixture, at the 57,000-seater stadium, has been given the highest security category. Bilic said: "It is not that I think [there will not be a repeat], it is definitely the truth. "I have been spending a lot of time thinking about it. I have monthly meetings with Baroness Brady. "We have talked a lot about that and I know how much effort, through her of course, has been put in to solving those problems. "She or we have done it so I am not expecting (a repeat). Of course there could be individual things that may happen but the club has done a really great job regarding that. They have approached it since that game really seriously."
West Ham have drafted a 'five-point plan' which they hope will avoid a repeat of the appalling scenes. Stewards will be given hand-held cameras to film troublemakers. The segregation areas between rival fans will be widened and there will also be higher physical barriers between the home and away sections. Exit routes after the game will also be blocked off to keep rival factions apart after fights which followed the League Cup tie. Meanwhile Bilic is refusing to get carried away by suggestions he has done enough to earn a new deal at the London Stadium. The Croat has lost just one of his last six games, winning three, since seeing his side demolished 5-0 by Manchester City at home in the FA Cup. But Bilic used the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, dismissed a year after winning the League, to point out that no manager in football is ever safe. He said: "The last example of Ranieri is the biggest one or the best example. "If you asked anyone who has anything to do with football who had had the safest job before the season started?
"We would all say - 100% in all countries - Ranieri, Ranieri. But then what happened was that. So I'm not bothered about it, to be fair."

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Iron Men premiere review: The tales you didn't know about the Boleyn and even some booing for Payet Sam Inkersole assesses the new Iron Men film and what it means to Hammers fans following last night's premiere Football London BYSAM INKERSOLE 07:45, 3 MAR 2017UPDATED07:49, 3 MAR 2017

The media, West Ham players, staff and fans all descended on the Genesis Cinema in Mile End on Thursday for the anticipated premiere of Iron Men – the film documenting the final days of the Boleyn Ground and the move to the London Stadium. After the players were photographed hundreds of times – Jonathan Calleri looked like a rabbit in headlights and Pedro Obiang was the only player to bring his Mrs – and interviews with us press folk, the film got underway. The Oscars, this certainly was not. Immediately, we were greeted with the image of Ray Winstone in a car, wondering where the pub was he used to frequent, which is now a Tesco Express. Then, the first – and very loud – boos of the evening as we were treated to a close up of Dimitri Payet taking a set piece. Hisses were evident as well.
There was almost a tension around screen one as we looked back at the Boleyn Ground – first for the FA Cup tie quarter final replay with Manchester United. A game which Winstone describes as "s**t." Lots of Iron Men, particularly the opening moments, is dedicated to the traders who are losing out by the club moving. The man who sells the West Ham fanzine "Over Land and Sea" and has done for 40 years, Nathan's Pie and Eels in Green Street, "The Rib Man" Mark Gevaux, the sweet store seller outside Upton Park and The Boleyn pub.
We get up close and personal with David Gold, Mark Noble and Slaven Bilic. People who are media trained so even we don't get to see them up this close. "It's gonna be strange," says Noble, Bilic alludes to if he wanted to have the best atmosphere, he would remain at the Boleyn. "It's something we have to do, it is the future," adds Gold as he surveys where he grew up, where he then owned and where the club was moving to in one shot.
Slaven Bilic spoke about how he hopes to retain the Boleyn Ground atmosphere at the London Stadium (Photo: West Ham United FC) We then meet the star of the show, Hammers 100-year-old superfan Mabel Arnold, who went to her first game in east London in 1934.
As the documentary meanders towards that final game on May 7 against United, Mabel tells us West Ham are "doing her nut in" by moving to Stratford, Noble takes us to Canning Town where he grew up, Ray Winstone does likewise 1.5 miles from Upton Park. Karren Brady – such a divisive figure among West Ham fans – appears and she talks about the London Stadium. There are a few murmurs in the cinema, nothing more.

The documentary is trying to convince any remaining doubters that the move to E20 from E13 was the right thing to do, but there is always that lingering doubt that some are still not convinced. We reach the crescendo, that famous 3-2 win against United on that wet Monday night at the Boleyn. We see Winston Reid score the final goal, the cinema erupts in applause. We see Mabel Arnold, tears streaming down her face. It really was an emotional night.
The film ends with some captions telling us the man who sold the fanzine has kept his promise and not been to the London Stadium, Mabel has been to every home game in E20 and the Rib Man, Mr Gevaux, has moved too even though he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip.
"I am the Rib Man of West Ham," the man who lost his left leg in a car accident tells the camera. "I have a new home," he adds. Let's hope that West Ham United Football Club can truly make the London Stadium their home, just like the Boleyn was for those glorious 112 years.

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Nigel Reo-Coker concedes he learned to appreciate West Ham the hard way HITC Damien Lucas

Nigel Reo-Coker had a fractured relationship with West Ham United fans and has admitted he didn't appreciate the club while he was there. Reo-Coker came within minutes of eclipsing Hammers great Bobby Moore as the youngest captain in the club's history to lift the FA Cup. Steven Gerrard stole that honour away from him, though, in that epic final against Liverpool back in 2006 and the rest as they say is history. A firm favourite with Hammers fans, Reo-Coker enjoyed a memorable three and a half years in East London. But it ended somewhat acrimoniously as his relationship with the club's fans soured in the wake of suggestions from manager Alan Curbishley of a 'Baby Bentley Brigade' at the club during their fight against relegation.
Reo-Coker risked the wrath of supporters when he cupped his ear to the crowd after scoring at the Boleyn Ground. He moved on to Aston Villa after the club's Great Escape was sealed by Carlos Tevez in 2007 and was booed on his return. And in an interview with the whufc.com, Reo-Coker - now 32 and without a club - has conceded he did not appreciate what he had at West Ham until he left. "I can say this now because I've been away for a few years and I've travelled around a bit and been to different places – I truly realise how big and special this club is," Reo-Coker told West Ham TV. "It's the part of my career that has really stayed with me. It's something that I've never forgotten and it's something that I truly appreciate. "Everywhere I go, I'm always remembered and recognised from my time at West Ham. There have been so many Hammers fans I have met worldwide, and that's when you understand how big the fanbase is."
The former midfielder's words will not be lost on West Ham fans who appreciate what he did for the club during his time there. He was the club's brave young captain who helped lead them back to the Premier League under Alan Pardew and then onto a strong finish in the Premier League and that FA Cup final. That season also saw West Ham qualify for what was then the UEFA Cup, although their stay in the competition was shortlived after a heavy two-legged defeat to Palermo. Despite only being 32, Reo-Coker has been out of action for over a year after having his contract at Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact terminated by mutual consent in January 2016.

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