Daily WHUFC News - 2nd December 2017

Manchester City v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are back in Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to league leaders Manchester City.

Read on for all the information you need to know about the match with City, including team news, how to follow the action, and how to get there:

Where and when?

Manchester City v West Ham United will be played on Sunday 3 December at the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00pm.

How to follow:

Manchester City v West Ham will be shown live on Sky Sports, on the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event channels. Coverage will begin at 3:30pm.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
Live audio coverage will be provided from BBC Radio 5 Live.
Meet the opposition:
0:24

Team news:

David Moyes will offer an update to the media on Friday afternoon about his squad during his pre-Manchester City press-conference.

Stay close to the official West Ham United channels for extensive coverage of the press-conference, as well as confirmation of team news and player availability as and when available.

Match Officials:

Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Dan Cook
Fourth Official: Mike Jones

Last Five Meetings:
0:39

What they Say:
"We need to get back to work and try and get some points. We need to stay strong, be men, take responsibility and move forward."
Andre Ayew
How to get there:
The Etihad Stadium has its own Metrolink stop on the East Manchester line, named Etihad Campus. This can be reached from either Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly railway stations, with a journey time of roughly eight minutes.
By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 19 and follow the A556, then join the M56. Continue onto the M60 passing Stockport and heading on towards Ashton Under Lyne. Leave the M60 at Junction 23 and take the A635 towards Manchester. Branch off onto the A662.
By Car:


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Moyes: Expectations, Improvements & Academy prospects
WHUFC.com

David Moyes spoke to the media on Friday ahead of West Ham United's clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

The Hammers boss discussed how his side can stop City's attack, the chance he's willing to give Academy players, and the expectations on his team…

'There is an expectation to be competitive'

Heading into Sunday's match Manchester City are in incredible form, with Pep Guardiola's side only dropping points on one occasion so far this season.

With West Ham currently occupying the bottom three Moyes admits that, to the neutral, this weekend's match could be a foregone conclusion.

However, the manager believes there is still an expectation of his side to perform and try to get a positive result, with Moyes anticipating a competitive showing from his side against the Citizens.

"Against Manchester City there's probably less expectations on you in many ways, but we've got to find a way of going there, being competitive and in the game," Moyes said.


"I don't want to say there's no expectation. There is an expectation. We have to try and win all the games. We're in a worse position than Manchester City. They might be saying they have to win to stay at the top but our position is as big in that we have to get away from the wrong end of the table.

"I see the players here having a strong mentality and a fighting spirit to make things right. We've tried to do bits to have a better shape and start from a stronger position."

'Manchester City will be beaten…I hope it's us'

Moyes has previously stated his stance that he believes he has a team that is capable of winning every game, something which hasn't changed heading into the match with City.

He said: "I don't think I've ever gone into any game not thinking we're going to win, or we've got a chance of winning, or we're going to get something out of it."

Although Guardiola's side are currently unbeaten this campaign Moyes does not believe that means it's impossible to take points off of them, pointing to how well some of City's recent opponents have performed.

And the Scotsman is confident his West Ham team can do the same on Sunday.

He added: "Undoubtedly, we're going up against the most in-form team in the league. But that doesn't mean to say they're unbeatable, because they will be beaten somewhere. We hope that it's us.

"I think we've seen some teams play well against them. Huddersfield had a real go. Southampton had a really good go. I think there's ways to play against them. I think they've got weaknesses and I don't think they are completely unflappable in what they've got.


"I think what they have got, going forward, is people who can really create chances, take chances, and be very clinical. We've got to try and make sure we're in the game all the way and give ourselves every chance."

'The players are trying to improve and get better'

The Hammers are yet to collect a victory under David Moyes but, despite this, the former Everton and Sunderland boss has picked out signs of encouragement in all of his new side's matches so far.

The manager feels that, more than anything, individual player errors have been the main cause of goals being conceded so far, something he is eager to iron out.

And the biggest positive for Moyes has been a willingness from his players to make a marked improvement.

"There's been bits of encouragement in all the games. I think Leicester was probably our best all-round performance, even though it probably was only good for one half of the game. I thought it was the same in the Everton game. I thought for 20 minutes of the second half we were okay and we gave ourselves a chance.

"I think there's been moments where we've looked okay. The biggest thing is the players are trying to improve and get better. The hard bit to take is when it becomes individual mistakes which I think a lot of our goals conceded have come down to recently."

'If you look back at my history, I've always played young players'

"If I could play young players I would do," Moyes told his press-conference when asked about the possibility of giving some Academy graduates a chance in his first team.


Moyes has had an Academy graduate involved in each of his matchday squads since taking over at West Ham with the likes of Declan Rice, Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez all a part of at least one Premier League squad since his appointment.

The boss is eager to give these youngsters – and indeed others – the chance to play but says the onus is on them to prove that they are worth inclusion in the first team and then to justify a continued selection.

Moyes continued: "If you look back at my history, I've always played young players. But you have to do it at the right time and the right moments. Also, I've got to say, I've got to see enough from the young players to suggest they are better than the players who are in just now.

"We've got two or three young players making the bench right now. If any of them get an opportunity we will give them every chance to show what they can do. But they need to show us, if they get in, that they are capable of staying in."

'I've really enjoyed returning to the Premier League'

Although results haven't quite gone his way yet, Moyes is relishing life back in the Premier League.

The West Ham coach is pointed to the Club's owners and the fans for their brilliant support, which is making his role with the Irons all the more pleasant.

"Apart from the result the other night I've really enjoyed it," Moyes said. "The Club's been great. The owners have been terrific and the support behind the scenes has been terrific.


"The support from West Ham supporters as well. West Ham supporters know how difficult the job is and they know the situation we are in. At the moment, apart from the midweek result, I've been really enjoying it."

'I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere'

Moyes was also questioned about potential additions to his team in the January transfer window, but the manager is currently focused on building a winning side with the players currently available.

He said: "They told me when I came that if things were needed in January it would be possible to do so. But I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere just now.

"I have to try and get a team from what we have in the squad. We want to get a team, a winning team, from what we've got. If we're struggling we might have to look at other players to do that."

Moyes admitted he is yet to look at potential signings anyway, having been in the job less than a month, and will look to guidance from his coaching team should they decide to make any signings.

"I've only been here two or three weeks. To have done all that work, and be prepared, I don't think anybody could do that in that short time. But I do expect the staff that work here and the people in that department will have me plenty of people to look at recommend, and if I think it's needed nearer the time I'll go and see them."

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London Stadium: A statement from West Ham United
WHUFC.com

Following the release of the Mayor of London's independent review of London Stadium today, West Ham United have issued the following statement:

"As the report confirms, the Concession Agreement is a watertight, legally binding contract signed in 2013 in good faith by West Ham United, who remain absolutely committed to its terms for the entire 99-year duration.

"We have delivered everything we committed to within the Concession Agreement, and act as the primary vehicle for London Stadium's legacy, delivering its most watched sporting spectacles, revenue driving events and thousands of jobs for local people.

"It is not in West Ham United's interests for the Stadium to not be performing in line with aspiration and, as we have done ever since moving to Stratford in the summer of 2016, we continue to offer the benefit of our commercial expertise and substantial experience in managing successful stadia.

"West Ham United will continue to devote our absolute commitment to London Stadium, but our first priority in this sense is always to act in the best interests of our supporters.

"We fully concur that West Ham United has played a significant part in the most successful regeneration programme in the history of the modern Olympics, however the stadium itself craves renewed leadership and direction and we welcome the Mayor's decision to step in and deliver this. West Ham United is firmly behind him."

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Team News: Moyes offers update on Chicharito, Carroll and Reid
WHUFC.com

David Moyes has insisted injuries will not be used as an excuse by West Ham United, with a couple of key players set to be absent for this weekend's match with Manchester City.

The Hammers head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to take on Pep Guardiola's Premier League leaders.

West Ham are poised to be without a few players for the latest game, according to Moyes, but the manager is adamant that he won't let absentees be a defence for a poor performance.

"We've got a few injured players," Moyes told his pre-Manchester City press conference: "I don't want to be somebody that talks about injuries but we've got a few injuries.

"It does make the task much more difficult, because of the lack of experience and probably players who might be seen as some of our better players. But if we talk about injuries all the time it will, in some way, be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that.

If we talk about injuries all the time it will be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that. I'd rather stand up with what I've got.

David Moyes
"I'd rather stand up with what I've got and give the players that are in the team confidence that we believe in them and trust in them. We will have some other people that will come into the team. It might not just be this game, it might be other games as well, because we've got a few long-term injuries.

"We're going to go to Manchester City and try and put on a good show and take something from the game. Ultimately, that's what we have to do."

The Irons were without striker Andy Carroll and Chicharito for Wednesday's defeat to Everton and Moyes has confirmed that West Ham will be missing the attacking duo once again.

A late check will also be given to Winston Reid, who limped out of the match at Goodison Park.

Moyes said: "Andy Carroll's not back yet and Chicharito is not back yet. We've got a few missing just now. It's the same at all other clubs.


"Winston Reid; we will check him out tomorrow. Jose Fonte is a long-term injury. It's a couple of months before he's back in the fold."

With Joe Hart unavailable to play against parent club Manchester City this weekend it is likely that Adrian will be given his first Premier League appearance of the season.

Moyes is looking forward to watching the Spaniard in action and has called on the goalkeeper to show his ability now he has an opportunity to feature.

"I think when you get in, show me what you can do. Ultimately that's the same with all players. When you get your chance, you've got to show you're good enough to play and that's the same, not just for Adrian, but for everybody else as well."

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EXCLUSIVE: THE BLOGGERS MEETING WITH KARREN BRADY
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 1 DECEMBER 2017 AT 11:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Written by Kevin Slade (Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole) with help from ExWHUEmployee

Last night we were called to a third meeting with Karren Brady at the London stadium regarding current affairs at the club. Myself, Dave, and Ex were in attendance representing our respective social media platforms, as were Nicky and Ryan from West Ham fan TV, Blowing Bubbles magazine's David Blackmore, and a representative from KUMB. The meeting began discussing the playing staff; although Karren immediately dismissed any involvement with the team herself, she was in agreement that it's just not good enough at present and the club are doing all they can to put this right. This followed on to the club's financial state – rumours have been circulating the internet in recent weeks claiming a transfer budget for David Moyes will be around £20m – £30m in the January transfer window. I can categorically tell you now that no transfer budget for January has yet been disclosed by the club (as confirmed by Karren). No players have a relegation release clause either; Winston Reid had one but that was taken out. To her credit, Karren was very open, responsive, and gave us very detailed explanations to every question everyone asked her, which now brings me to the Financial Fair Play rules (FFP) in the Premier League.

For those that don't understand the FFP, I will try to explain this as clearly as possible: The Premier League has its own form of financial regulation which is not as stringent as Uefa's version of FFP. The Premier League also has a short-term cost control measure in which clubs are restricted in the amount of increased PL central funds that can be used to improve player wages. Outside of these obligations it is up to individual clubs, who all have their own directors and senior executives, to make decisions over how they spend their income. In a nut shell, it is not determined on how wealthy the club owner is. It's based on the club's seasonal income. Wondering why Manchester City can spend whatever they like? Because they're branded by their owner's own business which includes their stadium naming rights. Example: If we were branded by Ann Summers, we would be able to do the same. Unfortunately Ann Summers isn't a big enough business to do so! She explained in depth this is how we've been able to smash our transfer record on Marko Arnautovic, and our wage cap on Javier Hernandez.
Other finances such as club debt, income, and ticketing were brought up by all in attendance. As were other points:-
CLUB DEBT: The club's 'debt' currently stands at £50m. However, West Ham United football club is clear of all debt. The 'debt' was transferred from the West Ham united accounts in to another business which effectively means its being used as an 'overdraft', as opposed to 'being in the red' so to speak. As we all know, using an overdraft also comes with interest… this interest currently stands at 3%…
INCOME: The club are obviously generating a greater income to that at the Boleyn Ground since moving to the London stadium. Karren was adamant that the income is being put back into the club for player wages, renewing contracts, bigger transfer budgets, improving Rush Green training ground etc.
TRANSFER POLICY:
Potential players coming in to the club was confirmed as a joint effort collectively between the manager, David Sullivan, Tony Henry, and scouts. However the manager has the absolute final say on any transfer dealings.
TICKETING: 'Affordable football' was the topic of discussion at this stage. The club currently have 10k season tickets at £99 each. The £70/£80 tickets for children (Band 1) are in the 1966 seats, and this was justified by wealthier families purchasing these tickets for the experience.
Should the worst happen and we get relegated, ticketing all over the stadium will be reduced. Karren also confirmed that the season ticket waiting list stands at 50k.
There was talk about speaking to Chelsea and looking at ways to put on away trains solely for West Ham fans
STADIUM MODIFICATION:
There are no current plans for any structural modification to the London stadium. However there is a long term plan in place to square off the arches at the front of the stands, and fill the voids in the corners.
The club have also dismissed the idea of claret Astro turf surrounding the pitch because it was too expensive as "rubbish". The LLDC will only comply with the club if the surrounding Astro turf is 'London stadium blue', which the club will absolutely not go ahead with as its Tottenham's colours. The club are making a genuine attempt to have this overturned & are extremely confident in doing so.
The Bobby Moore statue is expected to be removed from Upton Park & will be at the London stadium as of next season. A location for it is yet to be decided.
BOLEYN CASTLE RETURN:
The club are open to the idea of the castle returning to programmes and on the walls. Stencils on the side of the stadium, or having a castle feature hanging inside the concourse are being discussed, but not confirmed. Timelines of our history may appear outside and pictures in the ground from great days gone by.
FUTURE FIXTURES COINCIDING WITH ATHLETICS:
Future home fixtures at the London stadium will no longer coincide with athletics. Future Boxing Day home fixtures haven't been ruled out either.
CURRENT BADGE/CREST:
The club are aware that the majority of the supporters aren't keen on the current badge. Ideas and suggestions have been noted and taken into consideration.
MUSEUM MEMORABILIA:
The memorabilia from the museum at the Boleyn Ground is in storage. Ideas & locations around the London stadium are currently in discussion for its use.
ACCESS TRIALS:
Access to the London stadium is constantly being trialled at home games for supporters and disabled supporters. Westfield have agreed to allow disabled supporters to travel through the shopping centre to make their journey easier.
Finally, the board take full responsibility regarding mistakes that were made during the transition to the new stadium. Karren acknowledged that the 95% of fans happy with the stadium stat was just a throwaway figure mentioned by David Sullivan in a Sky interview and wasn't based on any research. They're proactively noting ideas on how to improve a match day experience for West Ham supporters & making it feel more like 'home'. It was a very productive meeting which lasted up to almost three hours, and everyone present put forward some valid points and asked some important questions which were answered in detail by Karren.
Kevin Slade
(Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole)

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