Bilic - We don't want to sell Payet
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admits Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham United but the Club will not sell
Manager has encouraged the midfielder to show commitment to the Club and return to the fold
The Board has pledged that no key players will be sold during the January transfer window
Slaven Bilic has admitted Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham United and will not figure in Saturday's Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace. However, the manager has insisted Payet will not be sold and he expects the France midfielder to return to the fold and demonstrate the same level of commitment the Club has shown to him. The Board has pledged that no key players will be sold during the January transfer window. Speaking to the media at the Club's Rush Green training ground on Thursday morning, Bilic said: "We have a situation with a player and it is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. The Club, us, as I said so many times before, we don't want to sell him. We've said hundreds of times that we don't want to sell our best players, we want to keep them. "I have a team to manage and he has probably been tapped up by some clubs, or whatever, which is usual in this part of the year, in the transfer window. Anyway, until he changes his attitude, he is out of the team. He isn't going to train with us. "We aren't going to sell him, not whatsoever. It's not a money issue or anything. We want to keep our best players and I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him."
The 29-year-old was signed from Olympique de Marseille in summer 2015 and has flourished in a West Ham shirt, earning an international recall and excelling for France at UEFA Euro 2016, winning the Hammer of the Year award in his debut season and being awarded an improved five year-contract last year.
The Board has also invested heavily in improved contracts for many of the Club's other first-team players in recent months, with Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini, Darren Randolph and Reece Oxford all signing new deals in 2016, while the Hammers broke their transfer record by making Andre Ayew one of eleven new signings last summer.
When asked if he is confident Payet will still be a West Ham player in February, Bilic restated his intention to keep the No27 – and all the Club's leading players – in east London.
"I spoke to the Club, I spoke to the Chairmen, I spoke to the Vice-Chairman and it's not a money issue," he said. "We want to keep him, that's the reason we gave him such a long contract and the reason why he signed another contract in January, four or five months after we signed him, because we want him. That's it."
When asked for his other team news ahead of Saturday's derby, Bilic confirmed that Michail Antonio is suffering from 'flu or temperature' and will not train on Thursday, but could return to Rush Green on Friday and be available for selection.
Elsewhere, Cheikhou Kouyate and Andre Ayew are absent at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Diafra Sakho (back), Alvaro Arbeloa (calf), Arthur Masuaku (knee) and Gokhan Tore (knee) are out injured.
On a more positive note, James Collins, Sam Byram and Reece Oxford have all returned to fitness, have been in full training this week and are available to face the Eagles.
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Pike joins Cheltenham Town on loan
WHUFC.com
Defender Alex Pike has become the latest West Ham United youngster to depart the club on loan. The 19-year-old has joined Sky Bet League Two side Cheltenham Town on loan until the end of the season. Pike has been in fantastic form this year for the U23s and is the only player to appear in every Premier League 2, Checkatrade Trophy and Premier League Cup fixture. He has also been on the substitutes bench twice for Slaven Bilic's first team in the games with Liverpool and Swansea City in December. He has also earned praised from Academy boss Terry Westley for his versatility, as he has played in every position across the back four this season.
Pike becomes the latest link between West Ham and Cheltenham - Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Grant McCann and Josh Payne are all previous Hammers that have played on loan for the Robins. Martin Allen, who made almost 200 appearances for the Hammers, managed Cheltenham between 2008-2009. Bobby Gould also played in east London and managed the Whaddon Road side. Cheltenham achieved promotion from the National League last season but are currently in the relegation zone in League Two and a point from safety. Everyone at the Club would like to wish Alex the very best for his loan spell.
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Lanzini hoping to be king of the Palace again
WHUFC.com
Hammers star Manuel Lanzini will hope to continue his great form against Crystal Palace on Saturday
The Argentine has scored three times in as many games against the Eagles
Slaven Bilic's men will hope a good result against Palace can act as a turning point in their season as it did earlier in the campaign
West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini hopes to continue his incredible record against Crystal Palace on Saturday with another goal against the Eagles in the vital Premier League London derby.
The Argentine, who joked that Saturday's opponents are probably fed up of facing him, has scored in each of his three appearances against Palace, a side who visit London Stadium in need of a win on Saturday.
The game is just as crucial for Slaven BIlic's Hammers however, as Lanzini explained when he sat down with West Ham TV ahead of the clash.
"This is a game that we need to win and it's a very important one," the 23-year-old said. "But of course we know that it will be a tricky game.
"It's amazing that I've scored three goals against Palace and I've been lucky enough to have done so, but I approach the games like I do any other game, and every game is important.
"I've been lucky enough to score three against them and they're probably fed up of playing against me! Let's hope [for another on Saturday]!"
The Hammers' 1-0 win at Selhurst Park in October – in which Lanzini bagged the crucial strike – was labelled by manager Bilic as a big turning point in the first half of the campaign.
And without a win in two Premier League matches, Lanzini and his teammates hope Saturday's encounter can be a similar boost to the Club's season.
"I hope that this game, like that last one [against them] can happen again and be a big turning point for us," he continued. "I think this game gives us a chance to get back on track.
"The year hasn't started as we expected that it would, but of course we know that this can change and this game is the opportunity to do just that. We're working very hard in training and we're full of confidence.
"I remember the goal against them [last time] – it was a great goal. It was a lovely piece of play building up to it involving lots of passing. Then Aaron [Cresswell] put in the cross and I managed to score and overall it was a great performance as well.
"We played well as a team and put them under a lot of pressure and that's exactly how we would like to play [on Saturday].
"On a personal level, of course I like scoring goals and helping the team win so I hope that we can have the same result as last time."
West Ham's new home has already been the scene of some memorable matches, including the all-London encounter in the EFL Cup against Chelsea in which the hosts were 2-1 winners.
And ahead of the new Stadium's third London derby, Lanzini expressed the importance of the supporters in getting behind the team.
He said: "Having the fans behind us is always very important and we know that they support us, and that motivates us. We know that if we play well, we will have their support and our confidence increases and we'll be able to play better as a team.
"As a team, we have quality. If you look at the players we have here, we are capable of doing better than we have been doing.
"We did get a few wins on the bounce and we need to replicate that and get on another winning run which will increase the confidence around the whole club."
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Bilic - This is a great opportunity for us
WHUFC.com
BilicSlaven Bilic has called on his players to reproduce the form which saw them enjoy a four-match unbeaten run back in December and hopes they can force their way into the top half of the table.
The Hammers showed all their fighting qualities to get their season back on track last month with an impressive draw against Liverpool and then consecutive victories over Burnley, Hull and Swansea.
Following the disappointing Emirates FA Cup defeat against Manchester City in the last game, Bilic is now looking for a similar response when his team play a big London derby at London Stadium on Saturday.
Bilic knows it is not going to be easy against a Crystal Palace team who are also fighting to move away from the bottom three and says his team will have to be at the top of their game if they are to come away with the right result.
Bilic said: "We have a gap between us and the relegation zone, but we have to continue picking up points and be as safe as soon as possible. Everything will then look brighter.
"We have a chance on Saturday, a big game at home to a club below us and we want to win and be closer to mid-table.
"They have a good team and like us they are not in the position they planned or thought they would be. It happened to them last season when they had some ups and downs. They started the new year fifth in the league and now they are starting another year fourth from bottom.
"They have a very good team, a good balanced team, but they are not picking up points even though they played well against Watford and should have won.
"They lost against Arsenal which you can understand, but the last game against Swansea was probably a big shock for them. They are without a few players through injury and Zaha at the Africa Cup of Nations.
"They have players back in training, McArthur, Scott Dann, maybe Benteke. It's going to be a demanding game in every sense. It is also a nervous game for both teams, because of what's at stake.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get back to the form we showed in the league in the last five or six games."
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Hammers to raise awareness for Richard House
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are proud to confirm that the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at London Stadium on Saturday will be dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Richard House Children's Hospice.
Richard House, in Beckton, East London, provides care and support to children and young people who are at risk of death because of a life-limiting or complex health condition. Services are free to families, with the majority of their funding coming from voluntary donations. This year the charity needs to raise £2 million to continue providing its support for the children of east London.
West Ham United captain Mark Noble is a Patron of the hospice and has supported it for many years, having lived just a few streets away as a child. He said: "The Richard House Children's Hospice is a charity very close to my heart, and the respect and admiration I have for the work they do to help seriously ill children in east London has just grown and grown over the years.
"It makes me extremely proud that West Ham do everything we possibly can to support the charity and it is fantastic that we are able to dedicate Saturday's game for their benefit. I'd urge all West Ham supporters to give whatever they can afford to help Richard House this weekend. Any donation will be gratefully accepted and go towards making a huge difference."
West Ham United players will be wearing t-shirts supporting the charity and encouraging donations as they warm up on Saturday, and there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about the hospice and donate via text message throughout the match.
Two young children who use the services of the hospice have been invited to be team mascots on the day, and will walk out to the pitch with the Hammers stars.
Peter Ellis, chief executive of Richard House says: "West Ham are long-standing supporters of Richard House, and our Patron Mark Noble and the team visit families at the hospice regularly. We are delighted by the support offered by the club for this match and we ask that supporters dig deep as every penny raised will make a big difference to families."
There are plenty of ways to support Richard House. You can donate £5 to Richard House by texting RHCH02 £5 to 70070, or take part in a Swimathon event next month at the London Aquatics Centre next door to London Stadium. Find out more at www.richardhouse.org.uk/event/swimathon2017
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FAKE CARLTON GIVES HIS VERDICT ON THE PAYET SITUATION!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 JANUARY 2017 AT 10:27PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @_CarltonCole9
We had Payet – And even he didn't understand Quick disclaimer: This is going to be a (relatively) serious article. If you clicked on this looking for a joke about the currency of Eastern European countries or how well-endowed Diafra Sakho is, you will be disappointed. If you want to read about my thoughts surrounding the whole Payet saga, read on at your own pleasure. At 11pm last night (11.01.17), I contacted Ex asking if I could write an article about Payet as he was a trending topic among West Ham fans. He said yes, so I thought "Ah cool. Will do the article tomorrow. Gonna go to bed now." The article was going to be a glowing report on Payet. I was going to say how he is the best player to don the claret and blue shirt for decades, better than Di Canio and Tevez in my opinion. How he is the only player who can be considered world class at West Ham. How even if he leaves, I will still love him.
And then the Slaven Bilic interview happened. First of all, well done to Slaven for calling out our best player. It takes some balls to do that. As for Payet, to paraphrase Groundskeeper Willie, what an arrogant, selfish, cheese-eating-surrender-monkey he is. When he signed for West Ham, he was an under appreciated talent who, despite being in the Ligue 1 Team Of The Year twice in three years, was relatively unheard of. At 28 and with only a handful of French caps to his name, it seemed his career was going to fade as one of the "what could have been" players. This is shown by how West Ham fended off little competition to sign him for a mere £10million. West Ham are the team who gave him the stage to become the man he is today. West Ham are the ones who gave him a contract that would make Shanghai say "wow calm down lads". West Ham are the ones who created a catchy yet annoying chant for him. West Ham were the team who made him feel loved.
I seem to remember in around October 2015 when Payet was becoming a cult hero, Didier Deschamps didn't pick him for the France squad. Slaven Bilic, a man who is hated in France for what he did to Laurent Blanc, pestered Deschamps to give him a chance, publicly and privately. Deschamps caved in and the rest is history. How does he repay Slaven? Saying that he won't play for him ever again.
What an ungrateful %$£. But here is the issue; I wholeheartedly understand why he wants to leave. He is too good for us and he knows it. When he signed the contract in February, he was promised a world class stadium and a world class team built around him. He was given a tacky athletics stadium and Simone Zaza. He has created the most chances in the league this season but has no one to convert them. This is why in recent games, you can tell that he has lost interest. However he could have at least tried to care and put in a performance for the fans who adore(d) him so much.
What next for Dimi? This is where I go back to the point of the article I was originally going to write. Whether he goes this month or in the summer, what will his legacy be? Will he be Jesus or Judas? Tevez or Lampard? People who are quiet when the plane lands or people who clap when the plane lands? Personally I am torn. I am going through every stage of grief right now. I feel as if I want to set fire to his Lamborghini whilst singing that earworm Billy Ray Cyrus chant. I want to punch him yet make sweet sweet love to him.
But this is the way I think about it; Dimitri Payet is the best player I have seen play for West Ham. Granted he may not be remembered in the same way as Di Canio because of what he's done. But he is world class, a word which I have never uttered sincerely at a West Ham player in my lifetime. Only 4 West Ham players have been nominated for a Ballon D'Or: Moore, Hurst, Peters, Payet. This should not be forgotten. When I saw the news that he said he wanted to leave, my heart sunk but I was not surprised. Not because of his half-arsed performances, but because he was a big fish in a tiny, popcorn-munching, soulless bowl. He was way too good for us and he knew it. But despite everything that has happened over the last few months, it was an honour to witness Dimitri Payet in a West Ham shirt.
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NO PLAYER IS BIGGER THAN THE CLUB
BY BEN COOPER ON 12 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:21PM
WestHamWay.co.uk
This article was written by Katie S (@flump9)
Well today has been a bit of a depressing day for West Ham and its supporters. We had our suspicions, but seeing Bilic speak so frankly and emotionally about Dimitri Payet has really hit us West Ham fans hard.
I am feeling an array of emotions, but the overwhelming feeling is that of betrayal. Don't get me wrong, I know Payet hasn't been with us that long and obviously had no affinity to the club beforehand, but he was welcomed by the fans from day one and even had fans supporting him in the Euros, playing for France. I remember being at the Palace game in October 2015 and it was the first time the 'Payet song' (@Bennyraves created it) was sang. I loved it and from that moment I believe it has been sang at nearly every match! Sadly, we will no longer sing Dimi's song and if you follow me on twitter, you will know about my dad's new version of the song, hopefully we can sing this instead (too offensive to put into this article). In my opinion he is not welcome at our club!
I honestly believe that West Ham gave Payet the platform to be the player he is regarded as today. He finally got his chance to properly play for France and surely had one of the best summers of his life, which I am convinced came from the opportunity West Ham gave him.
Every club has had players hand transfer requests in, it's life and it happens. However, I don't think many players have behaved the way in which Dimitri Payet has behaved. He has acted like a spoilt child, with no respect for the manager, the fans, his teammates and the club as a whole. You only have to watch Slav's press conference to see the emotion and disappointment he was feeling, watching him speak hit home what Payet has done to the club and actually made me realise that his behaviour must have played a big part in the recent issues on and off of the field.
The one positive that I hope may come from all of this, is the support of Bilic. I don't know if all fans will feel the same as me, but as I said previously, watching Slav today has reminded me of the man I loved last season. I hope the players get behind him and prove that we do not want or need players like Dimitri Payet.
I for one, want players that 'want' to play for our club, even through the tough times. I do know that loyalty in football seems to be a rare thing these days, but the way he has gone about things is unforgivable, shameful and as bitter as this sounds, I wish him nothing but an unsuccessful end to his career.
Do you feel the same as me, or do you think Payet is right to behave in this way? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter – @flump9.
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Dimitri Payet does not want to play for West Ham, says Slaven Bilic
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic says forward Dimitri Payet no longer wants to play for the club - but says they will not sell him.
The 29-year-old France international has regularly been linked with a move away from West Ham. "We have said we don't want to sell our best players but Payet does not want to play for us," Bilic said. "We are not going to sell him." Payet joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.7m in June 2015. He excelled in his first season with the club, scoring 12 goals and earning a nomination for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. In February 2016 he signed a new contract to tie him to the Hammers to the summer of 2021.
However, even though he has scored on five occasions this season, Payet has failed to hit the same heights this season, and the Sun reported last week that Bilic had ordered the player to improve his attitude. "I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him," Bilic said on Friday. "We aren't going to sell him, not whatsoever. It's not a money issue or anything. We want to keep our best players. "I spoke to the chairman and this is not a money issue. We gave him a long contract because we want him to stay."
He was left on the bench for Friday's 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City. "He's probably been tapped up by some clubs or whatever," added Bilic. "That is usual at this time of year. "But until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he's not going to train with us." West Ham are 13th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, and host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: PAYET WANTS OUT, HOGAN FEE AGREED, DEFENDER SNUBS PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 12 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Slaven Bilic says Dimitri Payet does not want to play for West Ham anymore. (Sky Sports)
However, Bilic has said that West Ham will not sell the Frenchman. But until he changes his attitude, he will not be allowed to train and will be removed from the team. (Star Online)
Marseill and the Chinese Super League are leading the queue to sign Payet, although West Ham are determined not to sell him. (Mail)
Marseille have reportedly had a £20m bid rejected for Dimitri Payet. (Telegraph)
I just want to say, Dimitri Payet's attitude is absolutely disgraceful. He is supposed to be a professional, yet he is acting like a child. Fair enough he may want to leave, but for him to refuse to play is absolutely pathetic. We have given him so much love ever since he signed, and without us he would not be the player that he is today. Personally, I would make him sit in the reserves until he sorts his attitude out. The love we have showed him, he needs to show us now. Finally, I just have to give plaudits to Slaven Bilic on this situation. He has handled it brilliantly, coming forward and publicly shaming the player. It takes a big character to do that, so well done Slaven.
West Ham and Brentford have agreed a fee of £15m for striker Scott Hogan. (90min)
I hope this is true. We need to hurry up and sign some players, because the window will be closed before we know it.
Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia is set to snub a move to West Ham and Hull this month. (Talksport)
I am not really fussed about this because I've never heard of him. These types of players do not interest me.
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Allardyce reflects on 'fantastic years' at West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce makes his very first trip to the Olympic Stadium this weekend with new club Crystal Palace.
And the former West Ham boss, who led the club from the Championship to the Premier League before leaving in 2014 revealed that he will always retain fond memories of his time at the Boleyn Ground.
"The past is something I don't reflect on very often because the future is the most important thing," he said, "but I had four very enjoyable years at West Ham.
"One of the reasons I am back here is not just for the football club but also because it brings me back to London, which I really enjoyed during my time at that club.
"It means I have lifestyle satisfaction with where I am living and also the club I am looking after now in the Premier League.
"I am looking forward to the game and seeing the new stadium so it will be interesting to have a look behind the scenes there, but most importantly it is the result I am looking for."
Big Sam, who has spent time at both Sunderland and England since leaving West Ham also revealed that he expects to receive a reasonably warm welcome upon his first visit to the Stratford stadium.
"The reception I got last season [at the Boleyn] when I went back with Sunderland was fine and it wasn't a problem for me or the fans," he recalled, "but I expect the reception won't be too clever if we start winning!"
And despite having seen West Ham, along with his new club, struggle to find their rhythm in the opening half of the 2016/17 Premier League campaign Allardyce predicted a rosier future for his former club.
"It's par for the course for any club that goes into a new stadium," he added. "Getting used to the different surroundings for all involved is a difficult one.
"Every team that has moved to a new stadium always seems to struggle, I remember Phil Brown telling me Bolton had a similar issue when they moved to the Reebok.
"I am sure though, that with the squad and management West Ham have got, that they will overcome that - but hopefully not on Saturday."
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Nobby returns to management
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has been confirmed as the new manager of the Football League's oldest club. Nolan, who led West Ham as club captain from 2011 to 2014 was confirmed as the new boss of League Two side Notts County, who were formed in 1862, on the same day that businessman Alan Hardy was confirmed as the club's new owner. "I am absolutely delighted that Kevin has agreed to become our new manager," Hardy told nottscountyfc.co.uk. "He is a consummate professional with vast footballing experience and I was very impressed with what he had to say when we discussed the vacancy. "I thoroughly look forward to working with him."
Although County are currently just one place about the relegation zone in League Two and under a transfer embargo, Nolan believes he can get the team moving up the table. "This squad is capable of staying in the league," he told the media. "With my input we can start to get away from the current situation. "I do not see this as a risk. I see this as something I can build with Alan. He knows we have to turn this around slowly. I see this as a challenge. I hope I can make him a successful and give him back all the faith and confidence he has shown in me."
Nolan's only previous foray into management was a short spell at Leyton Orient, where he lasted just 15 games before being shown his marching orders - despite winning seven of them.
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'I'd take Payet', says Marseille boss
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Marseille's manager Rudi Garcia has welcomed the potential return of Dimitri Payet after it was revealed the French international was keen to return to his former club.
L'OM saw an opening bid of some £20million rejected by West Ham earlier today, but that has not deterred Garcia from speaking about the possibility of bringing Payet back to the Orange Velodrome.
"Payet? Of course I'll take him every day," Garcia told RTL on Thursday afternoon. "We will seize any opportunities to improve this team. But there are also things that are said and that are not true at all, and usually during the transfer window period."
And when asked to confirm Marseille's £20million offer, he replied: "This is the case of Dimitri, not so others. My priority is to find a new left side."
Slaven Bilic broke the news of Payet wishing to leave West Ham earlier today. You may see his brief interview here.
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Dimitri Payet adds injury to insult as homesick star refuses to train claiming a pain in his back
The French international has gone on strike in his quest to leave the Hammers, as he eyes a return to former club Marseille
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSSDARREN LEWIS
21:20, 12 JAN 2017
Dimitri Payet has gone on strike to force through a move from West Ham to Marseille. The France international refused to train on Thursday with club sources revealing the player claimed he had a pain in his back. Boss Slaven Bilic said: "We don't want to sell him. I informed him of that and he refused to play for us. I have a team to manage and he has probably been tapped up by some clubs - it is usual at this part of the year, in the transfer window."
The France international, who signed a new deal worth £125,000 a week last year, told the club he is homesick and does not want his three kids to grow up abroad. His team mates believe he is leaving to join Marseille, whose new US owner Frank McCourt has promised to bankroll the club with huge financial backing.
Bilic said: "We gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry."
During an explosive showdown on Tuesday, the 29-year-old French playmaker left the Hammers stunned by insisting he would neither play nor train. West Ham publicly insist that Payet will not be sold in January - and that comes after Marseille made contact and said they are willing to pay just £9million. The French club's president Jacques-Henri Eyraud is planning to travel to London to try and broker a deal but they have yet to place a formal bid. It could take £30million to persuade West Ham to sell. There is interest from China but it is understood that Payet has made it clear he wants to rejoin the club that sold him to West Ham for £10.75 million in 2015. Payet went on to break into the France team for Euro 2016, helping his country reach the final.
Bilic continually backed his star man this season, despite a rash of interviews in which Payet constantly linked himself with other clubs while the Hammers struggled following their move to the Olympic Stadium. Bilic told the first team players of the situation yesterday and Payet will be fined two weeks wages. The manager said: "Until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he's not going to train with us. "But we are not going to sell him, not whatsover. I expect him to come back and show commitment and determination to the team, like the team has shown to him. "I am disappointed. I can understand that the players are being "tapped up" by the clubs. He is not the first or the last but the team gave him everything. I have to look after my team who are very committed. I cannot let it happen. No way. "I spoke to the club, the chairman, the vice chairman. It's not a money issue. We want to keep him. That's why we gave him such a long contract, and then gave him another new contract four months after he joined us. That's it."
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West Brom join West Ham in race to sign wantaway Hull star Robert Snodgrass
Snodgrass has rejected a new contract at the KCOM Stadium and is being eyed by a number of top flight clubs
The Mirror
BYJAMES NURSEY
West Brom are ready to join West Ham in the race for Hull ace Robert Snodgrass. Albion are looking to beef up their midfield options after Craig Gardner joined Birmingham. Baggies boss Tony Pulis is a big fan of Snodgrass' creativity and set-pieces. Snodgrass, 29, has rejected a new long-term contract at struggling Hull and is in demand after nine goals this term, including at The Hawthorns in Mike Phelan's final game. The Hammers have already had an opening bid rejected but Albion have cash left over from their summer transfer kitty. Pulis is keen to strengthen his squad to consolidate their eighth-place after missing out on Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton. Albion could now use skipper Darren Fletcher's influence to help tempt Snodgrass to join. The pair are Scottish internationals and Fletcher previously convinced pal Jonny Evans to join from Manchester United.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic's biggest mistake was not letting Dimitri Payet leave in the summer
Payet is refusing to play for West Ham and their season is turning into a disaster, writes John Cross
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
19:32, 12 JAN 2017
Slaven Bilic began the season believing he was ready to take West Ham into the most exciting chapter in their history. Now, just after the halfway mark, the whole campaign has descended into a nightmare which not even the biggest doom mongers among their supporters could have predicted. On top of a hugely disappointing campaign in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, now their star player has gone on strike. Dimitri Payet was supposed to represent a brave new world for West Ham. The cult hero among the fans, the superstar who was one of the best players at Euro 2016. But Payet's very public row with West Ham and demands to leave has now made him public enemy No 1 with the club's fans. That comes after the club's disastrous move to the London Stadium which has seen them endure the worst possible start to life in their new home. Crowd violence, teething problems, unhappy atmospheres and even staff from another club being attacked in the stadium has made it a disaster. Upton Park has been traded for a white elephant of a stadium bereft of any soul and built for athletics rather than football. This, after all, was supposed to be the platform to allow West Ham to push on from being just another London club with a rich history into being a major player in the Premier League. West Ham find themselves languishing in 13th, far too close to the relegation zone for comfort and they have failed to build on Bilic's first season in charge. But perhaps the biggest mistake was not to cash in on Payet last summer as ultimately that might have been less painful than the ugly saga which now threatens to overshadow their whole season.
At least then they could have got a big price rather than be held to ransom by Marseille who know they have West Ham by the short and curlies. Payet was the glamorous star, the fans invented a chant for him and he seemed to have realised his huge potential under Bilic. His free kicks, spectacular goals and then starring role in the Euros made him one of the Premier League's biggest attractions. It was clear to a lot of people around him that Payet wanted to leave last summer, wanted to join a bigger club on the back of his brilliant performances for France and yet West Ham refused to do business. West Ham's start to the season was a disaster and, in fairness to Payet, he was good in the dressing room, trying to lift the team rather than sulk. But as West Ham sunk further down the table and it was obvious this season was becoming a write-off, Payet allowed his head first to drop and then be turned by Marseille's interest. Payet's growing discontent saw his own performances dip, West Ham were also stuck in a rut with their fans unhappy with the football, increasingly resentful about the stadium and now their hero wants out as well. Bilic always privately had doubts about the stadium and whether the team could adjust to playing on a pitch with an athletics track around it.
But he admits now this is perhaps his biggest challenge in management to turn around the club's season which is threatening to implode after Payet's bombshell
Bilic said: "I was asked this question four or five weeks ago. Don't get me wrong, I would rather be up there fighting with Chelsea but on the other hand I was thinking to myself, also including this situation now, that this is an unbelievably great challenge for me personally. "I feel so strongly, I don't like it but I want that challenge, I want to try to sort it out. It's not enjoyable but when you have such a big challenge in front of you it motivates you even more and it gets the best out of you. That's how I feel now."
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Dimitri Payet has let West Ham down, but there's a reason he joined them in the first place...
His family may indeed be homesick but do the semi-decent thing by a club that has rewarded you handsomely and fans that idolise you and see out the season
The Mirror
BYANDY DUNN
18:50, 12 JAN 2017
The line coming out of the Dimitri Payet camp - yes, sadly, today's footballers do have camps - is that he and his family are unhappy in London and want to go back to France. Well, they couldn't exactly say he has been tapped up by Marseille, could they? If the Payet family are homesick, fair enough. It happens.
But is it really that painful he cannot reach some sort of compromise and honour his commitment to West Ham until at least the end of a very testing season? Just do the semi-decent thing, Dimitri. This, don't forget, is a club that has rewarded him handsomely, a support that has lionised him. The Hammers need Payet, make no mistake. Reports of his laziness, his uselessness, his all-round rottenness this season have been a little exaggerated. Since joining West Ham in 2015, Payet has created more chances (189) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues. And how can you NOT need a player who delivers set-pieces as he can, who allies vision with outstanding technique? Payet has been a problem this season, but no bigger an issue than the mediocrity around him. West Ham is a decent club with decent owners, decent people. It is certain they have done - and would continue to do - everything possible to alleviate the Payet homesickness, to understand his 'personal reasons'. The issues have come on pretty sharpish. It was only in the summer - the ink on his five-year, £125,000-a-week contract just a few months fresh - that he was '100 per cent' a happy Hammer. And it wasn't that long ago he could barely stop making that silly crossed-arms gesture imitating the design of the club badge. But it is amazing how 'personal reasons' can coincide with interest from another club. Payet comes out of this poorly — particularly if he is refusing to train or play. But there was a reason he ended up at West Ham in the first place. He's a wrong 'un. Talented, but a wrong 'un. The one thing you can say in mitigation is maybe it is not purely about the money. It is pretty unimaginable - even with a wealthy American owner - that Marseille can give Payet the sort of fantastic contract he is on at West Ham. And that is the bottom line for the club. Slaven Bilic has been hurt by Payet, the club has been let down by him. That is why they have gone on the front foot, that is why they have exposed his troublemaking. That is why they are digging their heels in. But if they sell, they will get more than the £10million they paid for him and will get the fattest contract off their wage bill.Then maybe they can go out and find someone with similar talent to, but with a bit more character and loyalty than, Dimitri Payet.
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Selfish Dimitri Payet is wrong if he thinks leaving West Ham like this will open doors at Arsenal, writes John Dillon
JOHN DILLON
Evening Standard
Dimitri Payet should be left to rot for the rest of the season by West Ham. And whoever then signs him in the summer had better beware – if the going gets tough, he will selfishly and arrogantly turn his back on his club and his team-mates, just as he has done in east London. Modern football is on rancid display for all to see in this sorry saga, which took a new twist on Thursday after months of speculation when Hammers boss Slaven Bilic announced it was Payet's wish to leave the club. And let's get one thing straight right at the beginning here. It is of no consequence in this matter that Bilic's team have struggled, that their transfer policy has been rotten since last summer and that any alleged promises made to Payet about where the club is headed have been broken.
First and foremost, he owes loyalty and all his best efforts to employers who are apparently paying him £120,000-a-week. You earn that by doing the right thing when the going gets tough, not agitating to get away because things are not so rosy anymore. Yes, the board and the manager have to look at the work they have done since the team finished seventh last season with a very cold, hard eye. But that is their province, not Payet's. Correctly, Bilic has said he will not pick him until his attitude changes. This is an admirable stand by a manager under pressure, determined to manage. But it has to be carried through and not abandoned if things get desperate and the team's troubles and poor performances continue to pile up. Even in this desperate campaign, Payet has been West Ham's best player, albeit at a diminished level of effectiveness from last season. Sure, he may he been driven nuts with frustration about what is going on around him in the side. But this is sport, it is unpredictable. That is the very idea of it. That is why there is so much money in it. Inherent in that is the fact that things don't always work out. That places a responsibility on lavishly-paid professional sportsmen to respond accordingly and battle to put things right. After all, Payet was quick enough to cash in on the ups and downs of football when things began so well for him at Upton Park in 2015.
Bilic will win huge backing from the supporters if he maintains this approach. A hard-headed and tough Croatian, surely he will be as good as his word. Then Payet can leave in the summer with the reputation and the adulation he finally discovered so late in his career after moving to Upton Park left in tatters. If he is thinking about a possible move to Arsenal, which has been suggested, here's a significant point. Arsene Wenger is a manager who is more concerned about character and loyalty than most, even if his own club is currently racked with uncertainty about the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mezut Ozil. Would he be so keen on Payet after his brazen act of disloyalty to West Ham, who rewarded him with a new £120,000 contract as soon as he begin to make his presence felt in the Premier League?
Personally, I hope not.
Salary figures like that are bandied about all the time in top-level football. Of course. In one way, they have become virtually meaningless. But away from the headlines, that is an awful lot of money and it has a very real meaning. It means employees have a duty to their employers to repay such vast earnings – let alone to the supporters who put all that lovely cash in their pockets. Payet, according to Bilic, has more or less abandoned ship by wanting to leave the club at a time of near-crisis.
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West Ham reject £19.1million bid from Marseille for wantaway star Dimitri Payet
The Frenchman wants to quit the London Stadium and is keen to push through a move back to his former club
COMMENTS
BYJOHN CROSS
The Mirror
West Ham have rejected a bid from Marseille for wantaway star Dimitri Payet. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has gone public at his press conference by revealing the France star has refused to play and train for the club. But while Bilic insists they will not sell, Payet has taken the drastic action by having his head turned by Marseille. The French giants are being bankrolled by US businessman Frank McCourt and they have tabled a bid just short of £20million, but this has been turned down. Payet insisted he was committed to West Ham last summer but their poor form and results coupled with Marseille's interest has seen him take matters into his own hands. It is understood that it is Marseille and no other club at this stage who have chased Payet and caused him to take this action. Marseille have held up Payet as the central piece of their rebuilding plans and a sign that they mean business.
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No sign of Dimitri Payet as West Ham players prepare for Crystal Palace clash
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
The West Ham team were full of smiles during training on Thursday amid talk of the future of star forward Dimitri Payet. Hammers coach Slaven Bilic confirmed this morning that the Frenchman has refused to play for the club as he seeks a transfer away from the east London side. Bilic said that Payet's stance meant he will not be allowed to train with the first-team, making a potential appearance in West Ham's London derby match against Crystal Palace on Saturday unlikely. As Hammers fans digested and, indeed, reacted to the news on Thursday, the West Ham squad continued their preparations for their upcoming Premier League match by training at Rush Green. Captain Mark Noble was seen laughing and smiling during the session alongside striker Andy Carroll and manager Bilic, who spent some time talking to defender Winston Reid. But not present was Payet, who West Ham have insisted they will not sell this month.
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West Ham would be STUPID to make Dimitri Payet stay. Sell him NOW!' – Danny Murphy on West Ham revelation
Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that West Ham would be 'absolutely stupid, senseless and irresponsible' to keep Dimitri Payet after revealing he wants to leave the club. Manager Slaven Bilic dropped a huge bombshell on Thursday by revealing star man Payet has asked to leave the Hammers and is refusing to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The playmaker's future at the Olympic Stadium has been a topic of debate since the summer, where he made his quality known on an international stage with Euro 2016 hosts and finalists France. Payet, who cost West Ham £10million from Marseille in 2015, signed a new long-term £125,000-a-week contract last February and even said on social media that he hoped to stay at the club for 'many years'. Bilic has insisted he will NOT be sold in January, but many fans believe they should cash in while his stock is high after turning on their star man over his sudden change of heart.
Murphy agrees, with the former Liverpool and England star insisting that making Payet stay would not be beneficial to the club.
Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, Murphy said: "I'm sorry, but West Ham would be absolutely stupid, senseless and irresponsible to not take that money just to prove a point. "If they do dig their heels in and say: 'right he's staying but he's not going to play', it doesn't help the supporters or the club. "It might make them look good by saying: 'we're not going to be told what to do by players', but the fact someone is willing to pay money for him now would benefit the club. "You can't cut your nose off to spite your face as a club. Get some new players in to help that team!"
Murphy also warned fans not to judge Payet too harshly, having experienced a similar issue at Charlton, where he left on bad terms after a fall out with boss Alan Curbishley. "It's very hard to know for sure what's been said," he added. "I think Payet is in the wrong, but I think Bilic is also a bit silly for saying that he's not leaving the club. He's backed himself into a corner there.
"I certainly wasn't a Payet, I wasn't that important, but near the end of my spell at Charlton I did something similar in terms of what I said to Alan Curbishley. "I didn't do it publicly, but I told him about not wanting to play there again because of what had gone on between me and him. When the story eventually got out and I looked like the bad man, which was fine, people didn't know the intricacies of what had happened to me, the way I had been treated and the things I was told. "I had no choice, really, I was put in a corner to do what I did. I'm not saying Payet is in that same boat, but I'm just saying you have to be careful about killing him if there has been things promised to him. You just don't know what's happened behind the scenes. "This isn't some conspiracy, it's obvious he has been tapped by a club which is very, very appealing to him and he knows the only way to get out of West Ham is to kick up a stink. He would have been advised to do that. "But it's a shame because what he's done now, unless he's going to perform a massive U-turn, is that he's killed himself with supporters."
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Dimitri Payet Q&A: What is REALLY going on at West Ham and what will happen next?
Slaven Bilic revealed the France star has refused to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday as he looks to force a move
BYMATT LAWLESS
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has told West Ham he wants to leave the club. Manager Slaven Bilic revealed the France international has refused to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday as he looks to force a transfer. Payet, who cost West Ham £10million from Marseille in 2015, was one of the stars of the Premier League last season but his form has dipped this term amid speculation about his future. Bilic has told the 29-year-old to stay away from training, but has maintained his stance that the player will not be sold. "We have a situation with a player, Payet, he wants to leave," said Bilic. "As a club we don't want to sell him."
Why does Dimitri Payet want to leave West Ham?
He is not happy. It appears his family are unsettled and keen to return to France.
Is he not happy because West Ham failed to bring in top players this season?
Quite likely. The signings did not match the expectations of the new London Stadium and Payet - who is statistically the leading creator in Europe - will undoubtedly have been frustrated.
But didn't he just sign a new deal?
Yes - 11 months ago. He is contractually committed to stay at West Ham until 2021.
So, how much does he earn?
It's understood he takes home £125,000-a-week - comfortably West Ham's highest earner ahead of Andy Carroll.
How much is he worth?
£30million would be a a good fee for a 29-year-old. But the Hammers could potentially command a greater fee if there is interest from a Chinese Super League club.
Have West Ham had a player go 'on strike' before?
Craig Bellamy reportedly cleared out his locker when Manchester City registered an interest in him in 2009. Bellamy denied that he went on strike but it wasn't long before he left for £14million. Diafra Sakho was accused of going AWOL last season. And former Romania international Florin Raducioiu infamously went shopping with his wife at Harvey Nicholls instead of playing in West Ham's 1996 League Cup defeat at Stockport.
Will the fans side with Slaven Bilic on the Payet situation?
Absolutely. He took control of the situation and was honest about what is going on. They love him for that and share his disappointment. Like Bilic, they invested heavily into Payet.
So, is there any way back for Payet at West Ham?
Bilic says so. But it's difficult to see him wearing claret and blue ever again.
But will he stay at West Ham until the end of the season?
Unlikely. Again, Bilic says he wants to keep him. But the writing is on the wall and he'll want Marseille to hurry up with a move.
Can Marseille really afford him?
They sold him to West Ham against their will and for a cut-price fee back in 2015. But with a new wealthy American owners, the Ligue 1 side do have the funds to re-sign Payet.
If the Marseille move doesn't happen, where else could he go?
Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked. Here are the odds, according to Paddy Power:
7/1 Chelsea
7/1 Any Chinese Club
15/2 Man United
11/1 PSG
16/1 Arsenal
20/1 Any MLS Club
33/1 Barcelona
33/1 Inter Milan
33/1 AC Milan
50/1 Juventus
50/1 Real Madrid
75/1 Bayern Munich
Will Payet play against Crystal Palace on Saturday?
As stated above, it's very unlikely he will play for West Ham again - but perhaps Bilic will look to prove a point.
What about the 'Payet 27' shirt that adorns the London Stadium concourse - will that stay?
For the rest of the season, yes. If he leaves, it could go with him - especially with West Ham branding set to be replaced during the forthcoming 2017 World Athletics Championships this summer.
Will West Ham refund 'Payet 27' shirts if he leaves?
No official comment has been made by the club at this time - and quite right since he is still a West Ham player. Should he leave midway through the season, it is very much doubtful that they would offer compensation as such.
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Dimitri Payet asks to leave West Ham - and it's not the first time Frenchman has tried to force through an exit
During his time at Saint-Etienne, Payet tried to force through a move to Paris Saint-Germain - and even called out his employers at the time
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
13:39, 12 JAN 2017
Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham - but it isn't the first time the Frenchman has tried to force a transfer. The Frenchman only penned a new deal with the club in February, worth a staggering £125,000-a-week. But boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed Payet wants to go - and will not play or train for the foreseeable future. West Ham are left with a big decision to make as Marseille look to take Payet back to the club in a £30million deal. The player has come in for criticism from Hammers fans and it is not the first time he has tried to force through a move. In 2011, while at Saint-Etienne, Payet asked to leave the club to join PSG. "There is a real fissure between the [Saint-Etienne] leaders and I," he said. "It is a project that interests me very much. Paris are second in Le Championnat, they are able to qualify for the Champions League, they are in the knockout stages of UEFA Europa League, and they are a club that could teach me. "If it's not done, I would lose, and the club would too." The move failed to materialise but Payet did get a move in the summer of 2011 as he joined Lille. He would spend two years with the French club before joining Marseille. Payet is keen to return to the Ligue 1 club, who are the only club to register an interest.
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Valencia want to sign Simone Zaza as soon as possible - Salvador Gonzalez
ESPN
Simone Zaza has not scored for West Ham since his arrival. Valencia coach Salvador Gonzalez has confirmed that he is interested in signing Simone Zaza on loan from Juventus. Zaza, who has been on loan at West Ham since the summer, has failed to score in 11 appearances and is reportedly keen to leave England during the window. "Our idea is to bring a striker," Superdeporte quoted Gonzalez as saying. "We are interested in Zaza and he is a real option. Things take time and our club is working on it. "We are trying to get him to come as soon as possible. It's a difficult market, but whoever arrives will do so with the idea of improving the team."
Struggling Valencia had wanted to add Zaza in the summer but failed to agree a deal and he instead joined West Ham. Fiorentina, Genoa and AC Milan are also reportedly interested in taking the Italy international on the loan until the end of the season. Gonzalez, in charge of Valencia until the end of the season, is in his fifth spell as caretaker boss. Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for ESPN FC.
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West Ham need to sell Dimitri Payet immediately as his attitude is nothing short of disgraceful
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: January 12, 2017
By Sam Inkersole sam.inkersole@KRNmedia.co.uk
Hammers reporter Sam Inkersole believes the club should dump Dimitri Payet sooner rather than later before an already toxic situation in E20 gets even worse. To coin his own song from the fans, now do you understand? West Ham superstar Dimitri Payet wants to leave the club, but manager Slaven Bilic doesn't want to sell him. Why? Payet has brought a toxic atmosphere to the club that was already enduring a wretched season. Just get rid of him now, why keep a player at the club who doesn't want to be there? He's not bringing anything to the team now, he needs to go. But, let's take a step back and look at how we have arrived at this situation. Payet arrived the summer before last from Marseille for a bargain £10.75m and lit up the Premier League, earning a £125,000, five-year extension in February – the largest ever contract handed out by the Hammers.
No doubt he would have been sold on the plans for the transfer dealings this summer, with the Hammers looking to build on the seventh place finish in the league last season. The names of Alexandre Lacazette, Carlos Bacca, Mario Mandzukic, were all bandied around.
Who did the Hammers end up with? The pathetic Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri, a record signing in Andre Ayew who is worth probably half of the £20.1m shelled out for him, and a number of free transfers and loan signings that have been duds. The attacking midfielder had every right to feel aggrieved, but that doesn't excuse him. The 29-year-old has been well below par this season, that's been clear to see. There have been flashes of his brilliance – the rabona cross for Michail Antonio's goal against Watford and the majestic solo goal he scored against Middlesbrough stand out – but apart from that? His heart hasn't been in it since the season started – which he missed a few games of due to injury – and he hasn't hit the heights since he returned. If he was playing for a move, he wasn't doing a good job.
Payet was outstanding in Euro 2016 and maybe his head was turned. Maybe he felt he was bigger than West Ham and that at the age of 29, he needed to move to a Champions League club to fulfil his career ambitions. But anyway, that doesn't excuse his poor attitude this season and now refusing to train is the tip of the iceberg. It is a severe dereliction of duty towards the club who pretty much made him a superstar. It's a disgraceful lack of integrity shown by the Frenchman. Those interviews in France where he fawned for a move to back to Marseille, not ruling out any transfer, should have set alarm bells ringing. Now, the alarms are going off, big time.
Fair play to Slaven Bilic for calling Payet out during his press conference as well. He will be as upset as any Hammers fan, the Croat has been completely stabbed in the back by his prized asset. Bilic is often far too honest towards the media for his own good and maybe he had enough of Payet's poor attitude and let rip. Some players are reportedly complaining the Frenchman hasn't been pulling his weight this season, and that speaks volumes.
Bilic has clearly had enough of the disrespect shown towards him and the club from Payet, that's why he went on the rampage on Thursday morning. No one player is bigger than the club, Payet thinks he is, so sell him. The Hammers have three options. Sell him, let him rot in the stands, or continue to play Payet. The last option shouldn't happen, the second one maybe but what good does that do? The first one, definitely. If someone doesn't want to play for the club, get shot of them. It benefits neither party keeping Payet on the books, so the club need to do the right thing and get as much cash as they can. It's another twist in what has been a sorry season for West Ham United. The 2016/17 campaign has been a horror show on and off the pitch, it just needs to be over with. The Hammers are of course, worse off without Payet, but the Frenchman in claret and blue is now over, get used to it.
Follow us on Twitter @WestHamEC, @Sam_InkersoleTM & @tommywathen. You can also like us on Facebook.
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Dimitri Payet is betraying West Ham but it's time to move on
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: January 12, 2017
By Robbie Lawther
Hammers columnist for Essex Live and West Ham fan Robbie Lawther isn't surprised by Dimitri Payet's betrayal of the club but says it is time to get on with it. This has been a hard week to be a West Ham fan, but we have been through worse. Remember in 2003 when we had to sell some of the best youngsters we have ever produced. Or in 2011, 1992 or 1989, depends on who you speak to, when we played some of the worst football the club has ever witnessed.
Slaven Bilic's comments about Dimitri Payet do not come as a surprise to me. Payet was easily one of the best performers last season. He has been good this year as his stats show and if it was not for him we would be in the bottom three. But his passion for the club is nowhere to be seen. He has not put effort in at all. The only time I see him show any desire this year was his genius goal against Middlesbrough and his lack of effort has also cost us this year. There is no motivation from him to hurry, chase or win a ball which we saw last season from him.
We have to take the positives from this sad situation. When have West Ham ever sold anyone for the amount which Payet will go for? Only Rio Ferdinand went for a large fee to Leeds which should have been more. We have to be positive, use the money wisely to bring in a few players with the hunger and desire that Payet once showed. However these players need to be an improvement from what we have now. Do not waste the money, use it in the summer when we do not have to panic buy.
Of course we are not going to replace him, but let's be like Southampton. When they lose a player to Liverpool, they scout well or use their youth. We need to use our scouting network much better than we did this summer. We definitely cannot afford to go backwards when Payet inevitably leaves.
This may to some feel like a betrayal but today it is just football. We need to move on and back the boys who want to play for the Hammers.
Follow Robbie on Twitter @RLawther94.
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'It's obvious he's been tapped up by a big club' – Danny Murphy on Dimitri Payet's West Ham revelation
Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that Dimitri Payet has likely been advised to 'kick up a stink' and force an exit from West Ham to join a bigger club. Manager Slaven Bilic dropped a huge bombshell on Thursday by revealing Hammers star Payet has asked to leave the Premier League club and is refusing to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The playmaker's future at the Olympic Stadium has been a topic of debate since the summer, where he made his quality known on an international stage with Euro 2016 hosts and finalists France. Payet, who cost West Ham £10million from Marseille in 2015, signed a new five-year £125,000-a-week deal last February and even said on social media that he hoped to stay at the club for 'many years'. Bilic has insisted he will NOT be sold in January, but many fans believe they should cash in while his stock is high after turning on their star man over his sudden change of heart.
Murphy, though, has warned not to judge the Frenchman without knowing what has been said behind the scenes. Speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White, the former Liverpool and England star said: "It's very hard to know for sure what's been said. "I think Payet is in the wrong, but I think Bilic is also a bit silly for saying that he's not leaving the club. He's backed himself into a corner there.
"I certainly wasn't a Payet, I wasn't that important, but near the end of my spell at Charlton I did something similar in terms of what I said to [then Addicks boss] Alan Curbishley. "I didn't do it publicly, but I told him about not wanting to play there again because of what had gone on between me and him. When the story eventually got out and I looked like the bad man, which was fine, people didn't know the intricacies of what had happened to me, the way I had been treated and the things I was told. "I had no choice, really, I was put in a corner to do what I did. I'm not saying Payet is in that same boat, but I'm just saying you have to be careful about killing him if there has been things promised to him. You just don't know what's happened behind the scenes. "This isn't some conspiracy, it's obvious he has been tapped by a club which is very, very appealing to him and he knows the only way to get out of West Ham is to kick up a stink. He would have been advised to do that. "But it's a shame because what he's done now, unless he's going to perform a massive U-turn, is that he's killed himself with supporters."
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There is no going back for Dimitri Payet - he has let down West Ham fans that adored him and must leave
The Hammers have been rocked after the French star told manager Slaven Bilic he wants to quit the London Stadium
The Mirror
BYMATT LAWLESS
12:24, 12 JAN 2017UPDATED12:33, 12 JAN 2017
West Ham fans are devastated, hurt and angry. Dimitri Payet was our hero. Kids wear his name on their shirts. Adults adore him. They sing his name to the rafters. "He's super Slaven's man. He's better than Zidane. We've got Dimitri Payet". At least Zidane had class.
The France star wants out. And he is going about in the worst way imaginable - refusing to train and refusing to play. Bilic says West Ham won't sell him . But there is no going back now. He must leave. From what I understand, the writing has been on the wall ever since Payet returned from Euro 2016. His family are said to be unsettled in England. A return to Marseille is believed to be their preference. Not Manchester United. Not Arsenal. A £30million deal is good business for a 29-year-old, who was signed for £10.5m.
And West Ham fans would have waved him off this summer with goodwill, if he'd had been honest. Except he hasn't. His manager, Slaven Bilic had to take control of the situation and break the news. Believe me, West Ham fans are not the forgiving type. And they deserved better from this. Deep down, Payet knows it. It was just 11 months ago that he vowed to stay at West Ham for years when he'd signed a club record £125,000-a-week five-year deal. We all believed him. Just like we all believed the London Stadium would take the club the greater new heights. The latter could still happen. It may take time and considerable improvement. But it could happen. Payet, however, is nothing short of a let-down. Some say, a mercenary. Whatever, he has lost the trust of his teammates and manager.
Bilic said on Thursday morning: "This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry." I feel angry. His unquestionable talent aside, it was West Ham who provided him the platform to return to the big-time. It was West Ham who helped him become the 17th best player in the world. Not Marseille. It is worth noting Payet has played up before. At Lille, at Marseille and at West Ham even before he signed his improved terms. Just hours before the Hammers' FA Cup replay with Liverpool last season, he was locked in talks at the Boleyn Ground looking to get more money. He should have been focusing on the game.
Make no mistake, Payet is the best player to walk through the doors at the East End club in years. Perhaps of all-time. As such, a large 'Payet 27' shirt adorns the concourse at the London Stadium along with bona fide greats Moore, Brooking, Bonds. When fans walk through the turnstiles on Saturday, it will provide a sad reminder that a man they considered to be a legend, doesn't want to be there.
They had Payet. And like Bilic, we just don't seem to understand.
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SLAVEN BILIC CLARIFIES THE DIMITRI PAYET SITUATION
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
readWestHam
West Ham fans were dealt the worst possible news this morning when Slaven Bilic confirmed that Dimitri Payet wants to leave the club.
The 29-year-old joined the Hammers from Marseille in July 2015 for a reported £10.5m and the Frenchman has made 66 appearances for the club since, scoring 18 goals and tallying 25 assists. Signing a new contract back in February running until 2021 worth £125,00-a-week making him the highest-paid player in the club's history, the news has come as quite a shock. Speaking to the media this morning, Bilic addressed the situation and here's what he had to say in full.
"I've got something for you, to tell you. I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. "The club, us, as I have said so many times before we don't to sell him. We have said hundreds of times that we do not want to sell our best players we want to keep them. He's definitely one of our best players that's why we gave him such a long contract. "I informed him of that and he refused to play for us, so, I have a team to manage. He's probably been tapped up by some clubs or whatever, which is usual in this part of the year or whatever in the transfer window. "Anyway, until he changes his attitude he's out of the team. He ain't going to train with us and I expect from him, because we aren't going to sell him, no [chance] whatsoever, it's not the money issue, nothing, we want to keep our best players and I expect from him to come back and show commitment and determination to the team like the team have shown to him."
The two parties appear to be a clear impasse in their relationship. We'll wait and see if Payet forces through a move or performs a u-turn on his stance.
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WEST HAM REJECT £20M BID FROM MARSEILLE FOR PAYET
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadWestHam
West Ham have rejected a £20m bid from Ligue 1 side Marseille for Dimitri Payet, according to the Telegraph. Slaven Bilic confirmed at a press conference this morning that Payet no longer wants to play for the club and that he will not even train with the team until his attitude changes. "I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. "The club, us, as I have said so many times before we don't to sell him. We have said hundreds of times that we do not want to sell our best players we want to keep them. He's definitely one of our best players, "He's probably been tapped up by some clubs or whatever, which is usual in this part of the year or whatever in the transfer window. "Anyway, until he changes his attitude he's out of the team. He ain't going to train with us and I expect from him, because we aren't going to sell him, no [chance] whatsoever, it's not the money issue, nothing, we want to keep our best players and I expect from him to come back and show commitment and determination to the team like the team have shown to him."
One of the club's keen on the 29-year-old is Marseille, the club the Hammers bought Payet from in July 2015 for a reported £10.5m. It's understood the Frenchman is longing for a return to the Ligue 1 club and is pushing for a return to France. They launched a bid to resign Payet this month worth just shy of £20m with a £2.5m bonus if Marseille qualify for the Champions League which was swiftly rejected by the Hammers. Payet immediately informed the club he'd never kick a ball for West Ham again, club sources tell the Telegraph, following the rejected bid. Despite signing a new five-year deal in February worth £125,000-a-week, Payet thought his exploits at this past summer's Euros would prove enough to warrant a big-money move to a European giant and even though the likes of PSG and Real Madrid were keen, West Ham kept hold of him. He hasn't been the same since. His head has been turned and he wants to leave the East London club after effectively going on strike. West Ham deem Marseille's bid as rather low and would need to see that offer significantly increase before they even consider parting ways with Payet.
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DIMITRI PAYET EAGER FOR A RETURN TO FRANCE
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadWestHam
Who'd have thought things could go so sour?
In February, Dimitri Payet signed a new deal to become the highest-paid player in West Ham's history on a long-term contract running until 2021. Fast-forward 11 months and here he is, saying he doesn't want to play for the club.
West Ham's season thus far has been a bit of a shambles. Knocked out of the Europa League in the play-off round back in August, couples with a Premier League campaign that has been an almighty struggle – oh, and no marquee striker signing as promised.
Why would a player of Payet's calibre want to stay? It's a fair question, but he's forever tarnished his relationship with the fans that revered him as a result of his actions over the last few weeks and months.
He appears set to leave the club sooner or later, but West Ham are reluctant to sell this month. According to the Times, Payet wants to return to France for family reasons. The Independent note that the 29-year-old is eager for a return to Marseille.
Marseille have been linked with a sensational €40m bid to resign Payet just 18 months after selling him for €15m to the Hammers.
Payet has a strong connection with Marseille the club, the city and it's way of life and would like to return to the club where he spent two years at but whether it materialises remains to be seen.
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Former Bolton and West Ham star Kevin Nolan set to take Notts County managerial job
Owner Alan Hardy wants to name a new boss this week after buying control at Meadow Lane and former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham midfielder Nolan is set to take the reins
The Mirror
BYJAMES NURSEY
11:05, 12 JAN 2017
Kevin Nolan is set to land the Notts County job at the League two strugglers. New County owner Alan Hardy wants to name a new boss this week after buying control at Meadow Lane. County had caretaker Alan Smith, 36, in charge in Saturday's 4-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Morecambe. It was the 22nd-placed club's 10th successive League loss Hardy wants to bring in his own man after John Sheridan was axed earlier this month. Former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham midfielder Nolan, 34, is now set to take the reins.
He played with County midfielder Smith in the North East and is likely to keep him on in a player-coach role. Nolan had his first taste of management last season with Leyton Orient from last January but left in April with the club just outside the play-offs in League Two.
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Dimitri Payet's West Ham tweet from last year has football fans despairing for the modern game
A look back to February 2016 reveals exactly why Payet's refusal to play another minute for West Ham is so fundamentally depressing
The Mirror
BYRICHARD INNES
11:24, 12 JAN 2017
Most football fans can understand Dimitri Payet's desire to leave West Ham. The France international - one of the stars of Euro 2016 - was linked with numerous top clubs over the summer. As such, it comes as no great surprise that he has decided a potential relegation dogfight with The Hammers is not for him. However, there are ways and means of making that happen - and Payet has decided that simply handing in a transfer request won't do it. No, for Payet, going on strike is the only way to make his point. In fact, the playmaker is not simply refusing to play another game for Slaven Bilic's side - he is now refusing to even train. For a man who earns £120,000-a-week to play football, withholding his labour is a pretty outrageous move. But it looks considerably worse when you see this, a tweet he posted in February last year - around the time he was agreeing that new megabuck contract with West Ham:
So, in the space of 11 months, Payet's view on West Ham has gone from "my future is here and for many years" to "I am never playing for you people again". Unsurprisingly, despite being nearly a year old, that tweet has gone viral in the wake of Payet's industrial action. There are two very good reasons why:
1. The tweet illustrates the way Payet has turned himself from a cult hero to a wantaway villain - and therefore represents everything that is wrong with the modern game.
2. The replies prove that football fans can always see what's coming…
Well played, sir.
At least some people saw what was coming…
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Dimitri Payet goes on strike and refuses to face Crystal Palace after telling West Ham he wants to leave
KEN DYER
Evening STandard
Dimitri Payet has dropped a bombshell at West Ham by refusing to play in Saturday's London derby against Crystal Palace. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic revealed that Payet has been told not to train with the other players but added that the club are determined not to sell the France international during the January transfer window. A clearly angry Bilic said: "He [Payet] wants to leave but the club don't want to sell him. We want to keep our best players. He has refused to play for us. He's probably been 'tapped up', so until he changes his attitude he won't train with us — but we're definitely not going to sell him. "Of course I feel angry. I feel let down because everyone here was always there for him. It's very frustrating but I have a team to manage and they are very committed. We will put another player there [against Palace] but it is hard to replace someone of his talent. "It's not a money issue. That is why we gave him such a long contract."
Payet signed for West Ham from Marseille in the summer of 2015 for £11million.There have been reports in France that Marseille, who have new owners, are preparing to make a bid of around £30m to take Payet back but West Ham are digging in their heels. Following the 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City, Bilic wants a reaction from his players. "The Palace game is huge for us," he said. "We have a gap in the table and we have to make it bigger and go closer to mid-table."
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Slaven Bilic confirms Dimitri Payet wants to leave West Ham, but vows not to sell him
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening STandard
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed Dimitri Payet wants to leave the club but insisted the Hammers will not sell the Frenchman.
Payet's future at West Ham, the club he joined from Marseille in the summer of 2015, has been speculated about since the 29-year-old gave an interview to a French TV channel late last year in which he said he is not "closing the door to anything" after being linked with a move back to Ligue 1. After being substituted off in West Ham's 2-0 loss to Manchester United at the London Stadium, Bilic said the club want to keep the forward, who has four years left to run on his current contract. But the Hammers boss has today confirmed Payet does want to leave West Ham, although the club have no intention of letting their star man depart during this transfer window. "We have said we don't want to sell our best players but Dimitri Payet does not want to play for us," Bilic said in his press conference on Thursday. "We are not going to sell him." "I spoke to the Chairman and this is not a money issue. We gave him a long contract because we want him to stay."
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Dimitri Payet refuses to train at West Ham as boss Slaven Bilic admits star man wants to leave London Stadium
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed Dimitri Payet wants to leave the club
The Hammers have had a tough season following their move from Upton Park
Bilic told reporters: 'Let's get serious. He wants to leave.'
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 10:26, 12 January 2017 | UPDATED: 10:28, 12 January 2017
Slaven Bilic has revealed that Dimitri Payet has told West Ham he wants to leave and is refusing to train with the squad. Payet told the club when the January transfer window opened that he wants out – despite having only signed a new deal in February that made him their best-paid player in their history on £125,000 a week. West Have have told Payet that he will not be sold this month and the stand-off will continue, with the player seemingly on strike. 'Let's get serious,' Bilic said during his pre-match press conference.
'I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. 'We are not going to sell him. 'It started 10 days ago when the window started. I spoke to the club. I spoke to the chairmen. It's not a money issue. We gave him a new contract. 'I don't think he will go this window but it will be hard to keep him happy.' Asked how angry he is, Bilic added: 'This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry.'
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Premier League transfer news and rumours: 'West Ham to increase bid for Scott Hogan to £15m'
Telegraph Sport
West Ham will increase their bid for Brentford striker Scott Hogan to £15m to finally land their target. Slaven Bilic has already seen three offers rejected by the Championship side but is confident his latest bid will not be turned down, according to the Sun.
West Ham are desperate to bolster their lightweight attack and turned their attentions to Hogan after Sunderland vetoed their ambitions of re-signing Jermain Defoe. Hogan only joined Brentford from Rochdale for £750,000 back in 2014 and the League One promotion-chasers stand to earn a 25 per cent of the sell on fee. The Hammers have also improved their bid for Hull's Robert Snodgrass. They initially had their £3m bid rejected but will offer £5m in the hope of signing the Scotland international. Snodgrass turned down the chance of extending his contract at Hull back in December and could be open to leaving the bottom placed Premier League side.
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FRANCOIS VAN DER ELST 1954-2017
By Dan Coker 12 Jan 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Former West Ham United forward Francois Van der Elst has passed away at the age of 62.
Francois Van der Elst was born in Opwijk, Belgium on the 1st December 1954 and joined Anderlecht at the age of 15, winning two national titles and four cups between 1971 and 1980. He also won the European Cup Winners' Cup twice, in 1976 and 1978. The first of these finals was against West Ham United with the 21-year-old 'Swat', as he was known in his home country, scoring twice. Van der Elst scored 20 goals in 43 European games for Anderlecht and was widely regarded as the best forward in the Belgian league.
At the age of 25, Van der Elst left Anderlecht to sign for New York Cosmos where he played with the likes of Dutch midfielder Johan Neeskens and German legend Franz Beckenbauer. He also helped Belgium to second place in the 1980 European Championships and was part of the World Cup squad at Spain '82. He scored 14 goals in 44 appearances for the Belgian national side having made his debut on 31st October 1973 in a 2-0 win over Norway played on his home ground at Anderlecht. Eight of his caps were won during his time at West Ham, with his final appearance for his country coming as a Lokeren player on 9th November 1983.
After a year in the States, the 27-year-old Van der Elst moved to England and to West Ham United for a fee of £400,000. He made his debut on 16th January 1982 as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Brighton in the First Division and scored his first goal for the club in his sixth appearance, in a 2-1 loss at Stoke on the 6th February 1982. That was the first of a spell that saw the Belgian score five goals in ten matches before the end of March 1982.
His only full campaign in claret and blue was a memorable one – he played 47 games, scored 12 goals and the Hammers finished eighth in the First Division. He notched four goals in as many games between 11th September and 2nd October as the Hammers thrashed Birmingham 5-0 at home, won 2-1 at West Brom, beat Man City 4-1 and won 3-2 at Arsenal. 'Frankie' also scored a hat-trick in the 3-3 League Cup fourth round draw at Notts County on 7th December 1982. His signing and goal at Tottenham is covered at the 1:27 mark of the video below.
Frankie scored in each of his last two matches at the Boleyn Ground, in a 2-0 triumph over Notts County on 7th May 1983 and in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal three days later. His final Hammers appearance came at the age of 28 in a 4-2 win at Coventry on the 14th May 1983. After 70 appearances and 17 goals in all competitions for West Ham United, Van der Elst returned to his homeland, signing for Lokeren, with whom he stayed until his retirement from playing at the age of 30 in 1985 due to a fractured leg.
After his career, Van der Elst owned a snooker and billiards bar in his hometown of Opwijk. He still attended Hammers matches on occasion and had close ties with the Belgian Hammers supporters group. On New Years' Day he collapsed and was resuscitated by a medical emergency team before being placed in an induced coma. After a period in intensive care, he eventually died from the sustained heart damage.
Former team-mate Sir Trevor Brooking said: "John Lyall managed to bring Francois in the season after we won promotion, adding to what was already a very good side. Technically he was very good and his style of play suited the way that John wanted to play. He was also a popular lad among the squad, well-liked by everyone, and obviously had an affinity with the supporters who saw him as the type of player suited to West Ham. It's sad to hear of his loss, and obviously my condolences go to his family at this time".
Ex-Hammer Tony Cottee stated: "Francois was a lovely guy. He was in the team when I made my debut against Spurs, so I've obviously got great memories of that, and he was great to play with – very creative and skilful. I also remember him breaking my heart in the 1976 Cup Winners' Cup Final though, when he scored two great goals for Anderlecht. There were a few tears in my house that night! It was a bit surreal to be playing with him just over six years later. He wasn't at West Ham for too long but he made an impact and was a big favourite with the fans. He was one of those who paved the way for the future foreign players to come in – a genuine top player who was a success here and he won't be forgotten".
Former Iron Ray Stewart also paid tribute to his friend: "It's terribly sad news and tragic for his family to have lost him at the age of just 62. Frankie was a great player and a great guy, too. I got really friendly with him as we lived near each other in Brentwood and used to travel in to training together. I used to drop him off at the airport if he was heading back to Belgium for whatever reason, and he'd let me use his car while he was away! We just clicked as pals, he was very easy to get along with and we spent a lot of time together. As a player, he was wonderful to play with, very intelligent, skilful and really fitted into the way that we played under John Lyall at West Ham then. I'd not spoken to him for a good few years but I still thought about him and all the good times we shared – I have so many great memories from that time".
Francois Van der Elst passed away on Wednesday 11th January at the age of 62. I am sure all WHTID readers will join me in sending condolences and best wishes to Francois' family and friends at this sad time.
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HOG UNDER THE HAMMER West Ham transfer news: Scott Hogan set to move to London Stadium after £15m fee agreed with Brentford
Slaven Bilic has had three bids turned down but is now close to getting his man
EXCLUSIVE
BY CHARLIE WYETT 11th January 2017, 6:57 pm
The Sun
WEST HAM are close to wrapping up the transfer of Brentford's Scott Hogan in a deal worth £15million. The Hammers have already had three bids turned down, the last one being a £12.5m offer. But boss Slaven Bilic hopes to seal the deal within the next week to strengthen the club's attacking options. West Ham and Brentford have been arguing over add-ons rather than the initial up front payment of £9m – with Rochdale due to land 25 per cent of that fee. That will be a massive boost for the League One promotion-chasers.
Depending on Hogan's success, Brentford could then land a further £6m for a player who arrived for just £750,000 in 2014. Hogan, 24, who has scored 14 times this season, has 18 months left on his contract. Bilic is desperate to land another striker with high profile summer loanees Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri spectacularly failing to live up to expectations. And his side were humiliated 5-0 in the FA Cup Third Round by Man City last week. It had previously been thought that Brentford were looking to complete a deal for Watford's Jerome Sinclair before letting Hogan go, but it appears the £15m fee has forced their hand.
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Karren Brady confident of major stadium announcement after Crystal Palace game
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady is confident of a major improvement to the Olympic Stadium after the Crystal Palace clash this weekend. A woeful start to life at their new Olympic Stadium has left a large section of Hammers fans despondent. Fighting among supporters marred early matches as did safety fears for away fans over segregation and insufficient policing and stewarding. A perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club's contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term. But the club's biggest problems are off the pitch where the stadium issues have driven a wedge between factions of supporters and the club's owners. A number of issues continue to irk the Hammers faithful, 52,000 of whom signed up for season tickets at the Olympic Stadium this season - second to only Manchester United. Due to the ugly scenes which marred many of the early matches at the stadium, particularly Watford and Chelsea, West Ham were forced to cap their 60,000 capacity to just 57,000 by Newham Council's Safety Advisory Group. That has meant only 2,000 or less tickets were available to non-season ticket holders after away fans' allocation was taken into account this season. The club wants to operate a 66,000 capacity from next season but has been desperate to get it back up to 60,000 for the current campaign. And now Brady has revealed talks with the SAG on Monday went well and she hopes capacity will be raised to 60,000 after the Crystal Palace game this weekend. "Very positive SAG meeting with no incidents since October confident that agreement will be finalised soon, plan to apply after Crystal Palace game," Brady said on Twitter.
Lady Brady ? @karren_brady
Morning very positive SAG meeting with no incidents since Oct confident that agreement will be finalised soon, plan to apply after CP game https://twitter.com/scoHammer88/status/819091154398539776 …
8:31 AM - 11 Jan 2017
4 4 Retweets 13 13 likes
That could mean the raised capacity will be in place for the visit of Manchester City on February 1st and the Hammers will want the extra 3,000 supporters roaring them on after a 5-0 home defeat to Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup last time out. Brady revealed last week that the club's first act once capacity is back to 60,000 will be to invite the supporters who were moved to block 127 after action was taken to increase segregation between home and away fans the chance to move back to 114.
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West Ham want to sign Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia
HITC
Tom Nightingale
The Hammers are looking to add a touch of class to their backline, according to reports in Italy. West Ham United are looking to add top European class to their backline with the signing of Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, according to Sky Italia. Only five Premier League team have conceded more than the Hammers' total of 35 from 20 league fixtures so far this season. Too often, Slaven Bilic's side have looked at best porous and at worst inept at the back as they struggle in the bottom half of the table. Whilst the headlines have all surrounded the club's search for a top-class striker, they are thought to be pursuing defensive options as well.
According to Sky Italia, one of their leading targets is Inter stalwart Ranocchia, whom they are hoping to tempt into a move to the London Stadium The 28-year-old has played 158 games for the Italian giants since moving to the San Siro in 2011 but has featured just five times in Serie A this term. Ranocchia won 21 caps for Italy in an international career spanning six years and would bring both international and Champions League experience. There are conflicting suggestions as to whether he would be keen on a move, however, Sky Italia claims that the Irons could be the centre-back's preferred choice despite interest from Hull City and Italian sides Sassuolo and Bologna. However, Football Italia report that the defender is not keen on leaving his home country. It seems uncertain whether any solid offer will be made, but the reported interest may be one to watch over the next three weeks or so.
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Hull City and West Ham make offers for Ranocchia
By Alex Mascitti
Updated: January 11, 2017
footballitaliadaily.co.uk
The Italy international has plenty of market away from Inter. Andrea Ranocchia was once courted by the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, now it's Hull City and West Ham onto the ex-Bari defender. According to Sky Sport, Ranocchia has bids from a few English clubs, but he'd rather stay in Italy. Sassuolo meanwhile are still interested in him, but the deal has cooled off following their decision to not sell Francesco Acerbi. The soon to be 29-year-old has not enjoyed a good spell at Inter for the last 18 months. He was loaned out last season to Sampdoria and failed to impress. He returned to Inter in the summer and was unsuccessful at convincing Mancini, De Boer and now seemingly Pioli that he is starting caliber. Hull City and West Ham are desperate for defenders, Ranocchia to England is possible, but difficult.
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SWANSEA are reportedly giving up hope of landing Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi on loan - as they expect him to join West Ham.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 22:56, Wed, Jan 11, 2017 | UPDATED: 23:33, Wed, Jan 11, 2017
Express.co.uk
Paul Clement's side were keen to organise a swap deal with the Blues which would see Fernando Llorente and Batshuayi head in opposite directions. Antonio Conte is said to be edging closer to securing a reunion with Swansea striker Llorente at Chelsea. And a move could even be completed for the 31-year-old, who has impressed during his first season in the Premier League, within the next few days.
Swansea must replace their joint-top scorer this month though amid their fight for survival. But according to the Daily Mail, belief in bringing Batshuayi to the Liberty Stadium until the end of the season has now faded. The club apparently expect Chelsea's £33million summer signing to move to West Ham instead on a similar agreement. Slaven Bilic is also desperate to boost his own firepower at the London Stadium, with more than one striker potentially being signed this month. A deal for Brentford's £15m forward Scott Hogan is looking likely, and Batshuayi will also be welcomed on loan if Chelsea sanction his exit. Llorente does not want to become third-choice in attack at Stamford Bridge, and Conte has not favoured the Belgium international as a back-up for Diego Costa.
As a result, once Llorente is brought in, Batshuayi could then link up with the Hammers. The 23-year-old is believed to prefer a switch to West Ham where he would also reunite with ex-Marseille team-mate Dimitri Payet and get more consistent game time. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail add that Swansea will wrap up the signing of Luciano Narsingh from PSV within the next 48 hours, and the winger will cost Clement £4m.
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