Daily WHUFC News - 25th May 2017

Feghouli – Scoring was a confidence boost
WHUFC.com

Sofiane Feghouli was delighted to net the Hammers' equaliser against Burnley on Sunday
It was the Algerian's first goal since his London Stadium strike against West Brom in February
The winger said to score was a boost for his confidence

Sofiane Feghouli was delighted to score West Ham United's opener in their 2-1 win over Burnley on Sunday and admitted finding the back of the net at Turf Moor was a confidence boost. The winger equalised just before the half hour mark at the weekend, finishing off a delightful Hammers move that culminated in Andre Ayew flicking the ball neatly through for Feghouli to finish. Sam Vokes had previously given Sean Dyche's Clarets the lead minutes before but Ayew went on to score a second half winner for the Hammers to end the season on a high. Feghouli had not scored for the Hammers since his London Stadium equaliser against West Bromwich Albion in February, and was therefore thrilled to have taken his tally for the season to four on the last day. "For me to score was good for my confidence and also good for the team," the winger said. "I think we showed that we are capable of a nice style of football with lots of combination play.
"I think that we also showed our spirit. First of all, before the match, it was important to win to end on a high, so we knew that we had to give everything to leave the fans with a positive image. "For me, the fact that I was starting gave me even more motivation. To score, for me, was important, and it was a nice way to end the season."

Feghouli made 27 appearances in Claret and Blue during his first season in English football having signed from Spanish giants Valencia last summer and believes he has learned plenty over the course of the campaign. "First of all, the Premier League is a very different style of football to what I have experienced in La Liga, the Champions League and World Cups," he continued. "Unfortunately, I was affected by some physical problems earlier in the season but that's football and I'll take what I've learned this year to improve for next season. "I'd like to thank all of the West Ham supporters for the messages they've been sending me on social media. It's important for the players to know that they are supported in this way. "I'd also like to thank the Algerian fans around the world who continue to support me through the good and bad moments. I think it's very important that we say thank you to them today. "This summer, I'm hoping that I'll be called for upcoming matches with Algeria. If I am called up, I'll go away on holiday with my family after the national team matches."

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Joint-Chairman and son to home Manchester attack hero
WHUFC.com

A homeless hero who rushed to the aid of the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack now has somewhere to live thanks to West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and son Dave. The Joint-Chairman and his eldest son were moved by reports of a man named Steve, who was sleeping rough near Manchester Arena when a bomb went off at a concert being given by American singer Ariana Grande on Monday evening. Steve quickly rushed to the scene, where he tended to children hurt in the horrific incident which left 22 people dead and more than 50 injured. His selfless act was recognised by the Sullivans, with Dave taking to social media in an attempt to locate Steve and find him a home, with the offer of paying his rent for the next six months. Hours later, Steve had been found, and the Joint-Chairman and his son are now working out a plan to pay the hero's rent for the next six months, while also providing him with new clothes and opportunities to find work in the future. "Dave and myself were both hugely impressed by the bravery shown by Steve, the emergency services and all those who rushed to the aid of those affected by the Manchester attack," said the Joint-Chairman. "This was a terrible incident, but the response of the people of Manchester has been one of bravery, togetherness and resilience – the hallmarks of what makes Britain such a fantastic place. "Steve was just one of hundreds of people who forgot about their own safety and rushed to the aid of others, and we were both moved by his story."

Having located him, the Sullivans are now working with a local charity to work out how to fund a life-changing move for the hero.
"We are just trying to work out with a charity in Manchester how we pay for the accommodation for six months and give him some money for clothes and other essentials to give him as chance of getting a job and a normal life. "Dave is in touch with several charities in Manchester, so they can tell us how much money to send and we'll send it. "Steve deserves this chance to improve his own life after his selfless and heroic acts undoubtedly improved the lives of so many others."

A JustGiving page set up to raise funds for 'Steve the Hero' had, at time of writing, raised nearly £18,000. To make a donation, click here now. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Stevethehero

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Young Hammers set for Hong Kong
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will take a group of youngsters out to the Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens next week
The Hammers have made the final of the tournament in the last two years
Coach Mark Phillips hopes the team can go one better this year and win the title

West Ham United will aim to make it third time lucky this year in the Far East as they travel to the Hong Kong Citi Soccer Sevens tournament on 26-28 May. The Hammers have come close to winning the competition in recent years, losing to Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa in the last two finals. But coach Mark Phillips hopes the team can finally go one step further this time as the young Hammers round off another intense campaign. "We've been there the last two years and it's a very well run, professional tournament with good teams in it," he said. "It's a different sort of tournament because the teams are 7-a-side but play on an 11-a-side pitch so the lads have to do a lot of running! "On the finals day you can get a full house of around 7,000 people watching so hopefully we can get there again. "It's a very competitive tournament. We're normally the youngest team there and a lot of it is about running power."

The tournament this year will feature West Ham's fellow British clubs Aston Villa, Leicester City and Glasgow Rangers along with big European sides like Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen. The competition has grown in prestige over the last few years, due to it's unique set of rules, and Phillips believes the Hammers will have to be at their best to go one better. "This year, it will be a massive ask to get in the final with the likes of Marseille and Rangers in it. But it's great for the players to play against different styles," he continued. "We may have some players returning from loans, but we'll have to see over the coming days who will be selected. "There's a lot of West Ham supporters that live in the Far East and a lot of them come to cheer us on."

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First pro deal for young midfielder
WHUFC.com

Alfie Lewis has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United
The midfielder has signed a deal to keep him at the Club until 2020

West Ham United youngster Alfie Lewis has signed his first professional contract with the Club. The 17-year-old, who has penned a three-year-deal with the Hammers, is a highly-rated central-midfielder and has been a regular starter for the U18s this season. Impressive throughout the campaign for the Academy side, Lewis also played eleven times for the U23s, including appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy against Football League sides Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town. Having signed the deal which will keep him at the Club until 2020, the hot prospect expressed his delight at putting pen to paper. He said: "It's great news. This is the contract you always want when you first join the Club. I've done my scholarship and now I'm on my pro deal, so I'm looking forward to it. "Hard works pays off, like they say. Over the years, training and playing games – it's great now I have got this deal but I can't sit back on it – I need to keep pushing on. "It's been a great season for me [this year]. The youth teams have been doing well; the U23s were promoted last week and it's been a good season. I've had a few 23s games and a lot for the 18s. "I've learnt about the physicality and the quickness of the football for the U23s, especially against the Football League teams [in the Checkatrade Trophy], and it's been a great experience for me. The games in that competition have probably been the best ones this year. "Playing against the guys at the back in those teams, it's different to what you're used to in the 23s, so it was a great experience for us."

Lewis has played much of the season under the guidance of U18s coaches Mark Phillips and former Hammer of the Year Steve Potts, and has also received plenty of feedback from tutor Liam Manning. And Academy Director Terry Westley has high hopes for the midfielder, who he believes is still yet to develop fully and improve. "He's a boy we think a lot of, and he's gifted on the ball – he still has an awful lot to come," Westley claimed. "It's not like he's an early developer; he has plenty more development in him and he deserves his professional contract. "Slaven [Bilic] has brought him over for training sometimes and he's been with the U23 group this season. You can see that progression. "This season, with Domingos Quina, Nathan Trott signing pro deals, and with Reece Burke and Reece Oxford up there, Alfie follows in that tradition of us giving contracts over a longer period of time so we have a chance to develop him."

And Lewis, who describes himself as a player who likes to "get on the ball and create things", hopes to follow in the footsteps of those mentioned by Westley. The youngster continued: "It's really important to know that the Club want to push the players through from the Academy, and you know that you've got a chance if you keep doing things right, and you'll get the opportunity. "Hopefully I can follow in their footsteps. [Also players on loan this season] have done really well, and I've watched a few of their games. The leagues that they're playing in are not easy, so it's great. "Hopefully next year I'll push on and play more games for the 23s, train with the first team even more as well. I've trained about five times this season, and it's great to come over and see what they're doing. It's good."

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Important Season Ticket relocation information
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Season Ticket relocation period, which will take place in the first two weeks of June, the Club would like to confirm the process for renewing Season Ticket Holders who are looking at the possibility of relocating their seat for the 2017/18 campaign.

Firstly, we would like to thank those supporters who have already renewed, for their continued support.

The Club has received a record number of renewals to date, with a week still to go until the deadline. As we have always stressed, supporters wishing to retain their existing seat when renewing of course have the right to do so, therefore please be advised that seat relocations are strictly subject to availability.

If you wish to relocate your seat, first and foremost you must have renewed your existing seat by the renewal deadline of Wednesday 31 May.

For renewing Season Ticket Holders, seat relocations will be prioritised by how early you renewed, which the Ticket Office hold a record of.

As previously explained, there are some priority cases where exceptional circumstances exist, such as accessibility requirements and a group of supporters who had to move out of Block 114 in order to increase the size of the segregation line.

If you wish to relocate your seat for the 2017/18 season, you must complete this online form by 9am on Monday 29 May. This will allow us to allocate you a relocation window in line with when you renewed. You will receive an email notification of your relocation window when you can call the Ticket Office.

The relocation phase will be a busy period for the Club and we would therefore ask that you only contact us once your window has opened. Supporters calling earlier will be politely requested to call back at their designated time.

FAQs

I am in a group of Season Ticket Holders, can we relocate together?

Due to seat availability, you will have more chance of relocating if moving in singles or pairs.

If relocating with others, the group will only be able to select in the window for the group member who renewed at the latest point, so as to not disadvantage others.

Please make sure you have to hand all client references, names, and postcodes within the group.

Can I relocate to a different price band?

Yes, if your relocation falls into a different price band, the difference in cost will either be refunded or required to be paid in full immediately.

As there will be no access to the stadium seating bowl during relocations, supporters are reminded to familiarise themselves with the stadium seating blocks and price bands ahead of their window. You can view our stadium map and pricing by clicking here.

What will I need when calling the Ticket Office about my relocation?

It is important to have your client reference number and postcode to hand and you should have an idea about the location within the stadium you are wishing to relocate to. If you relocate to a higher price band you will need payment details to pay the difference immediately.

In the interest of fairness, seats cannot be placed on reserve.

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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: MARTIAL A TARGET?, MARSEILLE TARGETING AYEW?, ZABALETA THE KEY FOR STRIKER DEAL?
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 24 MAY 2017 AT 1:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Good afternoon Hammers. Here is today's lunchtime round up.

West Ham are interested in bringing Manchester United winger Anthony Martial to the club in the summer. (Metro)

I rate Martial very highly and I think he has been very poorly treated by Mourinho. Whilst I would love it if we signed him, I just do not think he is a realistic target and I do not think he would join us either. I hope I am wrong on this though, because I think he would be an excellent addition.

Marseille are interested in resigning Andre Ayew from West Ham this summer, (Mirror)

I do not think we should do business with Marseille ever again. They seem a horrible club to deal with, especially when you take the Payet situation into consideration. As for Ayew, I would not sell him anyway. He has been a big player for us since returning from injury, and I am excited to see what he can do with an injury free season.

West Ham youngster Declan Rice has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad. (Mail)

What a week for Declan. He gets his Premier League debut and then gets called up into the Ireland squad. This boy has a massive future ahead of him in my opinion. Congratulations Declan!

West Ham owner David Sullivan has tracked down the homeless man in Manchester and has pledged to reward him for his heroic efforts during the attacks. (Mirror)

This is such a brilliant gesture from the Sullivan's. It is one of many reasons I do not slate our board like others do. The man in Manchester is a hero and he deserves his rewards after his actions on Monday night.

Lincoln City have rejected three bids for defender Sean Raggett. (Lincolnshire Live)

Pablo Zabaleta could be the key part in trying to secure the services of Kelechi Iheanacho for West Ham. (Clubcall)

I will not complain if we sign Iheanacho. Whilst I do hope we sign Batshuayi ahead of him, I still think he is a brilliant striker with a massive future. If we do sign him instead of Batshuayi, I can see him becoming a huge player for us for a number of years.

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First team or bust, says Cullen
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th May 2017
By: Staff Writer

Josh Cullen says he'll be pushing for a place in Slaven Bilic's first team squad this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder ended his season with a trip to Wembley in the League One play-off final last weekend, although it was to prove a disappointing finale to the campaign as Bradford were beaten 1-0 by Millwall. However it's a place in Bilic's team that Cullen has his eyes firmly set upon, following a fantastic season on loan at Valley Parade. "The whole process of me coming out on loan is to try and get in West Ham's first team," Cullen told the Yorkshire Post. "I am still in a position to do that when I go back in the summer in pre-season. We will have the discussions and see what needs to be done. Hopefully, I will be in West Ham's plans. "If not, then a Championship club is probably the next step for me. There are discussions to be had and we will see where we go."

Cullen ended the 2016/17 campaign as Bradford's Player of the Year - and believes he couldn't have chosen a better club at which to spend a season on loan.
"Bradford is a really great club with great people," he added. "I wanted to come back for a second spell to try and get us promoted. We have got one step closer than last year, but just come up short again. "It is a club I really felt the passion to play for. It has been a tough time, the first time I have been away from home for a permanent period of time. But everyone has been brilliant to me. "

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Masuaku linked with swap deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th May 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham full back Arthur Masuaku is being linked with a move to Serie A as part of a swap deal. According to sources in Italy, Milan's Inter are pondering making a move for the 23-year-old left back who moved to West Ham a year ago this summer in a £6million switch from Olympiakos. And it is further suggested that they will be looking to include Italian international Eder in a potential swap deal; the 30-year-old forward is thought to be surplus to requirements at the San Siro despite having joined the former European giants just 17 months ago.
* Staying in Italy, and fellow Serie A side Bologna are said to be keeping a close eye on West Ham's central defender Angelo Ogbonna.
The 29-year-old, who has recently recovered from major surgery is said to be keen to secure a spot in Italy's squad for next summer's World Cup Finals and is therefore considering a move in order to secure first team football. However Bologna are unlikely to be able to meet West Ham's asking fee, with Ogbonna - who cost West Ham in the region of €11million back in 2015 - thought to be valued around the £10million mark. A loan move have been mooted by some sources, although that possibility is unlike to tempt the Hammers who are only interested in a permanent deal.

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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan tracks down homeless Manchester attack hero after pledging to reward him
Stephen Jones helped tend to victims of Monday night's attack at the Manchester Arena
The Mirror
BYJOE MEWIS
11:54, 24 MAY 2017UPDATED13:22, 24 MAY 2017


West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has got in touch with the homeless man who helped victims in the aftermath of Monday night's at at the Manchester Arena after offering to reward him for his actions. Stephen Jones was sleeping rough close to the city centre when the explosion which killed 22 and injured more than 60 people took place. After realising what had happened he rushed to the aid of those hurt in the blast, giving an emotional account of the scenes to ITV News .
Upon hearing this account, Hammers chief Sullivan pledged to offer shelter and money to the 35-year-old. "It looks like he needs some help, so we are desperate to find who he is and give him six months free accommodation and a little bit of money to help him on his way," he told BBC Radio 5 live on Tuesday night.

Sullivan's son Dave has since taken to Twitter to reveal that they have managed to make contact with Jones. "We found Steve!," he tweeted. "Shows the power for good social media has. Thank you to all those involved, you have helped change a mans life [sic]." West Ham have confirmed that the Sullivans are working alongside a local charity to ensure that Jones is given accommodation. "Dave and myself were both hugely impressed by the bravery shown by Steve, the emergency services and all those who rushed to the aid of those affected by the Manchester attack," the Hammers' co-owner told their official website. "This was a terrible incident, but the response of the people of Manchester has been one of bravery, togetherness and resilience – the hallmarks of what makes Britain such a fantastic place. "Steve was just one of hundreds of people who forgot about their own safety and rushed to the aid of others, and we were both moved by his story."
A public appeal has also been set up on the JustGiving website to raise money for Jones following his heroic actions, with more than £19,000 raised by Wednesday lunchtime. In Jones' harrowing account he described the scenes he saw outside the Arena. "We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and faces," he said, as he recalls seeing "lifeless" bodies of children on the floor, next to their "hysterical" mothers. He continued: "Just because I'm homeless, doesn't mean that I haven't got a heart and I'm not human still. "They needed help and I like to think that someone would come and help me if I needed it. "It's just instinct to go and help and it was children and it was a lot of children with blood all over them and crying and screaming. "It had to be done, you had to help them. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself for walking away and leaving kids like that."

Manchester United will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence before their Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm tonight.

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West Ham close to completing deal for Pablo Zabaleta
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 24/05/17 3:55pm
SSN

West Ham are close to completing a deal to sign Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer, according to Sky sources. The Argentina defender will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of June and is in final negotiations over a switch to the Hammers.
Sky Sports News HQ revealed in April that West Ham were interested in bringing Zabaleta to London Stadium. If the deal goes through, the 32-year-old will become Slaven Bilic's first major signing of the summer and compete with Sam Byram for the right-back berth at West Ham. Bilic has been looking to add to his options at right-back with Alvaro Arbeloa set to depart the club in the summer following the conclusion of his one-year deal. Zabaleta joined City from Espanyol in 2008 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League on two occasions.

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WEST HAM OPT AGAINST CASILLAS MOVE – REPORTFeatured Image
Date: 24th May 2017 at 8:43pm
Written by: Bodie Williams
ThisIsFutbol

West Ham have decided to reject a move to sign Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas on a free transfer, according to Transfer Market Web. The report also claims that London rivals Arsenal have also opted against signing the former Real Madrid stopper, because of his age and his astronomical wage demands. This comes after Spanish outlet AS claimed Premier League rivals Liverpool had reached an agreement with the 167-time Spain international to bring him to Anfield on a pre-contract agreement. Casillas, 36, is recognised as one of the world's best goalkeepers after 16 years between the sticks in Real Madrid's first team following his debut way back in 1999. The former Real captain went on to make an enormous 732 league and cup appearances for the Spanish giants, keeping 234 clean sheets in the process. The Spaniard's trophy cabinet includes triumphs such as a World Cup trophy, three Champions League victories and two European Championship successes. However, Casillas' two-year stay with Portugal has not proved to be as fruitful, failing to win a trophy and being criticised for his performances with the Portuguese giants. Porto's number one could be seeing his career beginning to enter its final stages, despite making 43 appearances during the 2016-17 campaign.
Although Slaven Bilic's side are likely to be in the summer transfer window for a new goalkeeper despite confirming a deal to keep Adrian at the London Stadium, it is believed they will look elsewhere instead of signing Casillas.

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Sofiane Feghouli vows to improve after failing to hit top form in debut season at West Ham
SAM LONG
Evcenig Standard

West Ham midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has vowed to improve next season after struggling to hit top form during his debut campaign in English football. Feghouli joined the Hammers on a free transfer last summer amid a large amount of fanfare, having impressed during a six-year spell at previous club at Valencia. But the 27-year-old scored just three goals in 20 Premier League appearances for Slaven Bilic's side, who finished in 11th place. The Algeria international struggled with a series of injuries and has conceded the style of football on show in England's top tier is a stark contrast to what he has experienced elsewhere. "First of all, the Premier League is a very different style of football to what I have experienced in La Liga, the Champions League and World Cups," Feghouli told West Ham's official website. "Unfortunately, I was affected by some physical problems earlier in the season but that's football and I'll take what I've learned this year to improve for next season. "I'd like to thank all of the West Ham supporters for the messages they've been sending me on social media. "It's important for the players to know that they are supported in this way," he added. The Hammers fell short of expectations this season but the club's summer transfer plans are getting underway as Bilic looks to add to his squad. Manchester City pair Kelechi Iheanacho and Pablo Zabaleta are both of interest to the east Londoners, with the latter expected to sign a two-year deal later this week. But interest in Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is believed to have cooled due to concerns over the veteran's high wages demands.

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Manchester United's Anthony Martial lined up for West Ham transfer
Mark Brus for Metro.co.uk
Wednesday 24 May 2017 8:53 am

West Ham are reportedly interested in a surprise summer transfer window move for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial as they look at a number of options up front. The Hammers are desperate to land a big name up front after finding that to be something of a problem position for them down the years due to repeated injury problems for Andy Carroll. Martial has shown plenty of promise since arriving in the Premier League last season, scoring 15 goals in 56 league appearances in total. However, the Frenchman only managed 18 starts for United in the season just gone, and his future seems in some doubt after apparently failing to impress Mourinho. This has reportedly alerted West Ham, with the east Londoners also looking into signing Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi or Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho in that area, according to Goal. It remains to be seen if United would allow a talented young player like Martial to leave at this stage, with the 21-year-old rated for some time as among the most promising youngsters in Europe. Lyon have also been linked with a loan move for Martial as he may be tempted by the offer of more regular playing time next season.

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Walsall transfer news: Jon Whitney looking at new George Dobson loan deal
Walsall FC | Published: Less than an hour ago
www.expressandstar.com

George Dobson impressed on his loan from West Ham. The 19-year-old midfielder impressed in 26 appearances for the Saddlers last season after being snapped up on a season-long loan. Dobson has a year remaining on his West Ham contract but has previously said he would be open to second loan spell at the Banks's Stadium. And Whitney is still keen to add the youngster to his squad ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. "I am still speaking to West Ham about George," Whitney said. "I am still negotiating on that. But George is a player I like and I'm keen for him to come back. "At this precise moment I'm really prioritising a couple of other positions. "But George is still in the mix and I am still in contact with him."

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End of the road at Bradford City for Josh Cullen
yorkshirepost.co.uk
LEON WOBSCHALL
22:30Tuesday 23 May 2017

The Bradford City loanee, a class act again in his second season at the club, dejectedly trudged off the pitch following a cruel late loss to Millwall in a sad end to his footballing journey with the Bantams. Having proved himself in League One during two highly-impressive loan spells, the West Ham midfielder now has his sights set on propelling himself into the first-team picture with the Hammers in 2017-18 – or on continuing his career development in the Championship in a third loan. Either way, Saturday's events mean that it is unlikely that he will don the claret-and-amber jersey again, any time soon. But his gratitude for his time at City is heartfelt and considerable. Cullen, 21, told The Yorkshire Post: "The whole process of me coming out on loan is to try and get in West Ham's first team. I am still in a position to do that when I go back in the summer in pre-season. We will have the discussions and see what needs to be done. "Hopefully, I will be in West Ham's plans. But if not, then a Championship club is probably the next step for me. There are discussions to be had and we will see where we go. "I could not have really wished for a better club to come on loan to. It (Bradford) is a really great club with great people and I wanted to come back for a second spell to try and get us promoted. We have got one step closer than last year, but just come up short again. "It is a club I really felt the passion to play for. It is a tough one to take and we will have to come again."

On his sense of personal disappointment, Cullen, watched from the stands by a number of family members and friends who made the short trip from Essex to cheer him on, added: "I had a lot of family and friends here and my girlfriend and everyone has been brilliant to me because it has been a tough time; the first time I have been away from home for a permanent period of time. "It was nice to have them at the final and I would have loved to have won it for them as well as ourselves. We have come up a bit short."

Saturday may have represented the end of Cullen's Bantams' story, for the time being at any rate, but the schemer believes that the club have every chance of going that one step further next season by securing a cherished promotion back to the second tier after two near-misses. His belief is fortified by the sight of a Bradford squad coming together in outstanding fashion after some early-summer upheaval following the exit of Phil Parkinson. Cullen added: "After the end of last season, there was an overhaul of staff and players and I think there were only nine or 10 players left in the squad. "To build a new squad together and go as far as we have done is a pleasing achievement. The expectations at the start of the season have probably been exceeded. Next season, I am sure the lads will go again and give it a great shout. "Everyone has got to move on now and I've got to in my career. All the lads will bring the club forward, I am sure. "It will be another tough season. It is such a disappointment as it's such a long season and you work so hard to get here and are 90 minutes away from getting promoted. But with the quality and togetherness in that dressing room, I am sure the lads will be right up there."

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Marseille now eyeing transfer of West Ham's Andre Ayew 4 months after raiding them for Dimitri Payet
The forward left the French club for Swansea in 2015 before becoming the Hammers' record signing last year
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 23 MAY 2017

West Ham are bracing themselves for a summer fight with Marseille for another of their top stars — £20million record-signing Andre Ayew.
The Hammers sold midfielder Dimitri Payet back to the French club in January and they are now interested in Ayew, another of their former players. The Ghana international signed for the Hammers last August and promptly got injured in his first Premier League appearance. He returned two months later but, despite scoring eight times this season, has never really rediscovered the form that persuaded them to sign him from Swansea. West Ham are hopeful that will come next season, but new Marseille owner Frank McCourt is staging a massive overhaul of his club's squad this summer ahead of a push for the French title and Champions League qualification.
Having re-signed Payet in January 18 months after selling him, the American businessman now has a string of other ambitious Premier League stars in his sights, also including Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud at Arsenal, Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye and Riyad Mahrez at Leicester.
Marseille watched Ayew join Swansea on a Bosman in summer 2015. He scored 12 times in 35 appearances for the Welsh club before becoming the Hammers' record signing. Meanwhile, West Ham's director of player recruitment Tony Henry has claimed they need a "maximum" of three signings this summer. Manchester City stalwart Pablo Zabaleta is set to become the club's first capture, in an attempt to solve their problems at right-back. The Hammers are also hunting at least one new striker, with Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge , Man City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea all major options. Help is also being sought in central defence, with relegated Sunderland's Lamine Kone the man they want. Although the Irons finished just 11th this season, Henry is confident they will be able to punch their weight under boss Slaven Bilic next season with just three quality signings. He said: "We need two or three, maximum. If we can get the ones we want, I think we'll be a really good team next year."

Despite the criticism that their new London Stadium home has had over the past year, Henry believes the prospect of playing there remains a draw for potential signings. He added: "London is a massive thing for players, but obviously the new stadium, players come and they love it. "I remember when we bought Jose Fonte in in January, he just said the stadium was brilliant.When he played for Southampton here, he said he thought it was fantastic. It's a massive pull."

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West Ham co-owner and son to pay rent for homeless man who helped Manchester bomb victims
David Sullivan and his son have committed to paying the
Football London
BYKEVIN BEIRNE
07:00, 24 MAY 2017

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan and his son, David Sullivan Jr, have committed to paying for six months of accommodation for a homeless man who assisted victims of a bomb in Manchester on Monday night. An explosion killed 22 people and injured 120 others at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. In the immediate aftermath, a homeless man by the name of Steve was reported to have assisted the victims of the blast. "Just because I'm homeless it doesn't mean that I haven't got a heart and I'm not human still," Steve told ITV News on Tuesday. "They needed the help. I'd like to think that someone would come and help me if I needed the help. It's just instinct to go and help, if someone needed your help."
Steve's interview struck a chord with many watching at home, and the son of the Hammers co-owner was one of them to understand Steve's words and feel a desire to help. Shortly after the clip aired, Sullivan Jr began a social media campaign in an effort to track down Steve and provide him with somewhere to live for six months. Eventually, after a few hours of searching and with the assistance of some local charities, they were able to track down Steve and reward him for his selfless act. Let's hope he can get back on his feet and that we can all follow his example.

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