Daily WHUFC News - 28th January 2017

Randolph - Carroll is unstoppable
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph believes Andy Carroll is 'unstoppable' at the moment and is
excited to see his new partnership with Michail Antonio in the West Ham
attack.

Carroll has scored three goals in the last two games which included a
contender for goal of the season after he scored a memorable scissor kick
against Crystal Palace at London Stadium.

The Hammers striker followed up his wonder goal with a brace against
Middlesbrough last Saturday and looks back to his best following a
frustrating start to the campaign after he was sidelined with a knee injury.

Randolph is excited to see Carroll producing his top form, but insists any
talk of an England call-up is premature at this stage and the experienced
forward just needs to concentrate on his club form and let his football do
the talking.

Randolph said: "Andy is unstoppable at the moment.When the service is right
and everything is going for him you cannot live with him and he is massive
for us.

"We are just happy to have him back fit again and he is playing regular
football. That is the most important thing for him at the moment.

"It is the same for any player that they need to concentrate on their club
form and everything else follows in terms of a national call-up."

DazzaRandolph has nothing but praise for the way Carroll and Antonio have
developed a formidable partnership in the West Ham attack.

After producing a hat-trick of assists against Crystal Palace, Antonio
turned provider once again when his low shot was only parried by Victor
Valdes and Carroll was in the right place to strike the ball into the corner
of the net.

The Hammers keeper feels they have the ideal qualities to play alongside
each other and says they can be a match for any team in the top flight.

Randolph added: "Michail is playing at the top of his game. When he is not
scoring he is creating assists and is another player who is on top form.

"When he plays alongside Andy they are going to cause anyone problems when
they play to strengths like they have done in the last few games and it is
tough for defences to play against.

"They compliment each other well with pace from Michail and the power that
both of them have. It is a tough combination to live with.

"Michail has also had a little taste of getting into the England squad
although he is yet to get on the pitch yet. It is something that will come
if his club performances keep going the way they are. There is only so long
that he can be ignored for."

Randolph has no doubts that the recent victories over Palace and
Middlesbrough has improved the team spirit and brought everyone closer
together.

FonteThe Republic of Ireland keeper believes the arrival of Jose Fonte from
Southampton will only improve the squad and can already see the quality he
will bring to the team.

"You can tell from the last couple of performances and results that we are
heading back in the right direction and it has come at a time when we all
needed to pull together. It is probably the best confidence we have had as a
squad this season because we are playing well and getting the results.

"Jose is a great addition to the squad. He has a lot of experience and it
can only be a good thing having him in the squad, especially as we are
playing so well at the moment.

"It is only going to add to the quality that we have and to the squad as
well. I have already seen in training that he is a leader. He is loud and
vocal and organises well. It should be a good addition."

Randolph is now preparing for another big home game against Manchester City
next Wednesday and says he would like to make it three wins in a row and
make up for the disappointing Emirates FA Cup defeat against Pep Guardiola's
side at the start of January.

The Hammers keeper hopes the fans can re-create another special atmosphere
at London Stadium and roar the team to victory.

"Personally I am not looking for revenge. I just want us to pick up more
points and move higher up the table.

"The London Stadium could become a fortress if we manage to re-create the
atmosphere that we saw against Palace.

"I know there was a lot of extra passion from the fans from the week leading
up to the game, but if we can see that kind of atmosphere every week we can
make the stadium a fortress and it will be a hard place for teams to come
to."

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Matrevics - Focus only on Swansea
WHUFC.com

Rihards Matrevics thinks it's important not to underestimate Swansea City
this weekend
The Latvian stopper also thinks the long journey won't affect the team
The U18 Hammers can go five games unbeaten with a victory

U18s goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics believes it is important not to
underestimate Swansea City this weekend.

Swansea have only won twice in the U18 Premier League South so far, but
provided a stern test for the Hammers when they visited Little Heath in
October.

Steve Potts' team won 3-2 that day but it was only thanks to a last minute
winner from Korrey Henry that the home side took all three points

Matrevics is calling on his teammates to make a fast start and focus on
their own performance as they aim to make it five games unbeaten.

"In this league, players come and go," said Matrevics. "Some players will
move up play for the U23s so you can't look at the league table and look at
lower teams and think they'll be bad because they may play better players.

"It's been a good season so far and we just need to keep it up now and stick
to our strengths. There aren't too many games to go so we've just got to
keep pushing and try and finish as high as we can and secure a top four
spot."

The U18s will make an eight-hour round trip to South Wales for the 1pm
kick-off on Saturday.

It's been a good season so far and we just need to keep it up now and stick
to our strengths
Rihards Matrevics
It will be their longest journey for a league game so far this season and
they will travel without top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram who is missing
through injury.

"It's obviously going to be a test because it's easier to play with Jahmal
but it's also a good challenge for the team," added Matrevics.

"We'll have to wake up early and it's a long drive but we have to make a
fast start. We have to get going quick because it's sometimes easy to fall
behind after a long journey.

"Most of our best performances have come at away games, but it's probably
just coincidence!"

West Ham United U18s take on Swansea City on Saturday at 1pm, with the match
taking place at the Landore Training Centre.

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Snodgrass signs!
WHUFC.com

West Ham United complete £10.2m signing of Scotland international Robert
Snodgrass
Attacking midfielder moves to London Stadium on a three-and-a-half year
contract
New No11 becomes second signing of January transfer window after defender
Jose Fonte

Scotland star Robert Snodgrass believes he has joined 'a Club with real
ambition' after completing his move to West Ham United.

The talented left-sided midfielder arrives at London Stadium on a
three-and-a-half year contract for a £10.2m fee, further strengthening a
squad already bolstered this month by the capture of UEFA Euro 2016 winner
Jose Fonte.

Snodgrass has been one of the Premier League's outstanding performers this
season, scoring seven goals and recording three assists in 20 appearances
for Hull City, and will add creativity and quality to Slaven Bilic's
attacking options.

The 29-year-old pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt for the first time at the
Club's iconic home on Friday evening before sitting down with West Ham TV to
talk about why he could not turn down a move to east London.

"I'm delighted because this is a massive Club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass, who is set to make his Hammers debut against Manchester City at
London Stadium on Wednesday evening.

"This is the sort of Club which speaks for itself, the fans who come here
and support week-in week-out and moving to and selling out this new stadium
is terrific and I want to be part of it.

"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started. I feel this is a Club with real ambition, with
the new stadium, great players and a manager of his calibre at Premier
League level.

"The lads will say we want to be up in the top half of last table and repeat
last year, so it's up to us. The Club has had a few good weeks with results
and if I can add to that, great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new
teammates and getting started."

Snodgrass is the latest in a line of Scottish stars to pull on a Claret and
Blue shirt, and the new No11 revealed he had spoken to Boys of '86 legend
Frank McAvennie before opting to move to east London.

"The traditions of the Club also attracted me and I spoke to Frank
McAvennie, who sold the Club really well, which was great," he said. "Ray
Stewart and Christian Dailly were also here, so if I can do as well as Frank
and the rest that would be great.

"This is my own chapter and it's about me and not them and I firmly believe
in my ability and that I can go and get a relationship with these fans and
my new teammates and really drive the team up the league."

Born in Glasgow, Snodgrass began his career with Livingston, where his
eye-catching displays reportedly saw him offered a trial by Spanish giants
Barcelona.

After scoring 24 times in 107 appearances north of the border, the
midfielder moved to Leeds United, where he played alongside West Ham
defender Sam Byram during a successful four-season spell at Elland Road.

Snodgrass's creativity and goal threat saw him net 41 goals and chalk up 45
assists in four seasons at Leeds, with whom he also won promotion in 2010.

Summer 2013 saw Norwich City and Premier League football come calling, and
Snodgrass had no trouble adapting to a step up in level, scoring 14 goals in
74 games for the Canaries over two seasons.

A £6m fee took the player to newly-promoted Hull City in 2014 and he quickly
established himself as a vital player for the Tigers, scoring four times and
adding seven assists in just 24 appearances to inspire his team to promotion
via the Championship Play-Offs.

At international level, Snodgrass has become a central figure for Scotland
since debuting against Northern Ireland in February 2011.

Highlights include a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying winner in Croatia in
2013 and a maiden international hat-trick against Malta in 2018 World Cup
qualifying last September.

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Ten Fast Facts – Robert Snodgrass
WHUFC.com

Find out more about West Ham United's second signing of the January transfer
window - Robert Snodgrass

Robert Snodgrass's first senior appearance came as a 65th-minute substitute
for now-defunct Scottish Premier Division side Livington in a 2-0 home
defeat by Kilmarnock on 11 September 2004 – four days after his 17th
birthday.

Snodgrass was an assist machine during his four seasons at Leeds United,
leading League One with 16 in 2008/09 and finishing with the second-highest
number in the Championship, 15, in 2011/12. In all, he tallied 45 in 193
appearances for the Yorkshire club.

Robert SnodgrassTwo of those assists came at the Boleyn Ground on 21 August
2011, when he set up goals for Ross McCormack and Adam Clayton – who faced
West Ham for Middlesbrough last weekend – in a 2-2 Championship draw.

Snodgrass's first Scotland goal was a winner as the Tartan Army scored a 2-1
friendly victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on 10 August 2011.

Snodgrass scored his maiden Premier League goal for Norwich City in a 1-1
draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 1 September 2012, steering a left-foot volley
into the bottom corner of Brad Friedel's net at White Hart Lane.

Snodgrass has a 100 per cent record against eight different clubs in his
career. He has enjoyed wins in all five matches against Bristol City, all
four against Scunthorpe United and Stockport County, two against Cheltenham
Town and Crewe Alexandra and one each against Blackburn Rovers, Rotherham
United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In those five wins against Bristol City, Snodgrass has scored three goals
and recorded four assists.

Snodgrass is in the goalscoring form of his life this season, netting 12
goals in 28 games for club and country, including his first career hat-trick
in Scotland's 5-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Malta in September. He
has already netted more Premier League goals, seven, than he did in any of
his three previous top-flight seasons.

Snodgrass's hat-trick was just the third scored by a Scotland player in the
21st century. In fact, bar Steven Fletcher's two trebles in UEFA Euro 2016
qualifiers against Gibraltar in 2015, Snodgrass's haul was the first
hat-trick by a Scot since Joe Harper bagged three against New Zealand in
June 1967.

With 1.8 per game, Snodgrass provides the fifth-highest number of crosses in
the Premier League. In 20 appearances this season, the Scot has put 36 balls
into the opposition penalty area from wide areas.

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

I am delighted that we have managed to secure our second major signing
during the January transfer window. Robert Snodgrass is another hugely
talented player that we are bringing into the squad.

He has been Slaven's target for some time and we are thrilled that we have
now clinched his signature.

It has been well publicised that other top flight clubs were also interested
in signing him but I think it shows the ambition of the Club and the
direction we are heading that he chose to join West Ham United.

There is no question that he has been one of Hull's best players over the
last couple of years and he is a senior Premier League professional who will
fit straight into our squad.

We know from day one what kind of player we are getting and he has performed
in the top flight for a considerable period.

The current transfer window is always a tough one to get good players and I
have to pay tribute once again to David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic for
helping get another seasoned professional into the squad.

We signed a European Championship winner last week and have now signed one
of the best wingers in the Premier League.

You only have to look at his stats to see what kind of player we are
getting. He has put in 137 crosses in just 20 games this season and I am
sure Andy Carroll will be relishing the prospect of playing alongside him.

We could have another special partnership in the making and I am sure Andy
will be saying 'give me even more'.

Andy is on top form at the moment and I have got every confidence that he
can maintain this form and stay among the goals.

After seeing him score the wonder goal against Crystal Palace, he then
followed it up with two more against Middlesbrough and he looks back to his
best. Long may it continue.

We have had two important victories in the last two games against teams who
were below us in the table and we have managed to move well clear of the
bottom three.

We are now looking upwards and there is no reason why we cannot cement our
place in the top half of the table.

I want to say a special thank you once again to our magnificent fans who
made the long trip to the north east last weekend and were magnificent
throughout the whole game. We are very lucky to have that dedication.

We now want to make it three wins in a row when we play Manchester City next
week and we will be looking for revenge following the FA Cup defeat earlier
in the month.

It was a difficult night for everyone connected with the Club but we have
come a long way since that defeat and the players are now full of confidence
as we look to secure another big win at London Stadium.

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West Ham United mark Holocaust Memorial Day
WHUFC.com

Holocaust Memorial DayWest Ham United today remember the millions of people
who have lost their lives through acts of genocide, including the six
million Jews who died in the Holocaust.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year. It's a time for
everyone to pause to remember the millions of people who have been murdered
or whose lives have been changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust,
Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and
Darfur.

Holocaust Memorial Day honours the survivors of these regimes and challenges
us to use the lessons of their experience to inform our lives today. January
27 marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp
during the Second World War.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 is 'How can life go on?' The
aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides continues to raise
challenging questions for individuals, communities and nations.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 asks audiences to think about what happens after
genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.

Holocaust Memorial DayAuthor and survivor of the Holocaust Elie Wiesel has
said: 'For the survivor death is not the problem. Death was an everyday
occurrence. We learned to live with Death. The problem is to adjust to life,
to living. You must teach us about living.'

West Ham United will pay further tribute to the memory of the six million
Holocaust victims ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against
Manchester City at London Stadium, when six commemoration candles will be
lit before kick-off and a short film presented by Sir Trevor Brooking will
be played on the big screens.

One of the candles will be lit by 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Harry
Spiro, who went on to build a happy life in England and a successful career
in London as a tailor, which included making the suits worn by Brooking and
West Ham United's triumphant FA Cup-winning team in 1980.

Here Harry gives a brief but moving account of his experience as a Holocaust
survivor:

"I was born in Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland on November 21, 1929. Before the
war I lived with my parents and younger sister Gita.

"In September 1939 the Germans occupied Poland and on November 1, 1939 they
set up the first Jewish ghetto in my home town. My life suddenly changed,
there was very little food and we lived in fear of the German soldiers.

"Although I was only 11 I managed to get a job working in a glass factory in
the ghetto. Due to my mother's premonition, I evaded being sent with my
family to Treblinka gas chambers. She pushed me out of the house against my
will, and I will always remember her saying to me: 'Let one of us survive!'

"When the Germans started to retreat out of Piotrkow Trybunalski, I found
myself ending up in the concentration camps, initially in Czestochowa, I
thought life was hard in the ghetto, but this was so much worse. Towards the
end of the war I was on a death march from Buchenwald to Thersienstadt. A
group of 3,000 people started the march and only 300 people survived.

"In August 1945 I had the opportunity to come to England, with a group of
other child survivors, known as 'The Boys'. I was looked after in Windermere
and then started a new life in London where I worked in menswear creating a
successful career. In 1957 I married a lovely girl called Pauline and
together we had three children and now have nine grandchildren.

"I am often asked about my experience, and what I now feel about Germany. I
always tell people that hatred doesn't achieve anything, my survival shows
that Hitler didn't win and that my Mother was right."

For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day 2017, click here.

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Supporter Advisory Board enjoy positive meeting
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's all-new Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) enjoyed a positive
and successful inaugural meeting at London Stadium on Tuesday evening.

As part of the Club's ongoing commitment to improving fan engagement,
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and other senior Club officials met face-to-face
with supporter groups with the clear message: ''We are listening and we are
here to help".

Following on from the successful Fan Feedback Forum hosted by the
Vice-Chairman in October, a panel made up of individuals representing
different sections of the Club's large and diverse fanbase met to discuss a
wide range of important topics at London Stadium following the move to our
iconic new home.

The evening began with an address from the Vice-Chairman, who thanked the
members for attending and reiterated that the purpose of the meeting was to
hold a very open, frank discussion about the issues supporters wanted to
raise as the Club continues to settle in to its new home and improve the
matchday experience, and that they were free to raise any topic or area of
concern.

Recent innovations she highlighted included the introduction of Supporter
Liaison Officers, with 30 scheduled to be assisting fans at Manchester City
on 1 February and experienced stewards now being positioned in the same
areas to build a rapport with supporters.

Joining the Vice-Chairman on the panel were Executive Director of Marketing
and Communications Tara Warren and Head of Ticketing Nicola Keye, while Head
of Concessions Nick Kendall and London Stadium 185 Safety Officer Peter
Smith were also present to answer questions.

During the two-hour meeting, a range of subjects were discussed including;
accessibility and facilities for disabled supporters, stewarding and
matchday operations, stadium security, ticketing and seat relocation, routes
to and from London Stadium, public transport links and the introduction of
more West Ham United imagery on the main route to the stadium.

The consensus among those attending was that stewarding has significantly
improved at recent matches and that good work should be built upon. The Club
also confirmed to supporters it has written to former Boleyn Ground stewards
encouraging them to work at London Stadium and will add more West Ham United
specific information to the matchday stewards' briefing, and encouraged fans
to contact Supporter Services with any feedback on all matters, including
stewarding at the Stadium.

Actions agreed on the night included working towards the creation of a
disabled supporters' advisory group, using 50 more search wands to assist
with searches of women and children, and the Vice Chairman writing to more
train companies encouraging them to add carriages to their services on
matchdays, in the hope of achieving more further positive results to add to
those already achieved in this area.

Supporter Advisory Board member Patricia Lamb said: "This forum is a
brilliant way for people representing supporter groups to voice any issues
or feedback that they have.

"When supporters know their voices are being heard, they won't be as
antagonistic, and perhaps a little more supportive. It's a big thing that
has been started up and it was a very positive meeting."

It was a view echoed by fellow SAB member Norman Collins, who is also a
member of the Trans-Pennine Irons Supporters' Club.

He added: "Everybody wants to know things, and it's important that we are
able to raise the issues that the supporters we represent care about.

"We've got a couple of hundred members of our group in the north of England
and there have not been a lot of complaints from people up north about the
Stadium. But it's obvious that there are a lot of things to discuss - and
it's great that the dialogue has been opened."

The next meeting of the Supporters Advisory Board is schedule to take place
on Wednesday 24 May, 2017 at 6pm.

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Hammers win Snodgrass race
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are understood to have beaten off a challenge from Burnley to land
Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass. Both United and the Clarets offered bids
worth £10million for the Scottish international, who has opted for a move to
London over Lancashire. News of the deal broke on the KUMB Forum late
Thursday night. West Ham will pay £8million for Snodgrass with a further
£2million to follow via add-ons. The player's exit was all but confirmed
earlier in the day by Tigers boss Marco Silva. "He has not trained since
they did a deal with West Ham," he told the media. "It is possible it will
be done in the next few hours. For 10 days he has not been available to work
with us and has told us he wants to leave."
West Ham had previously bid £6million for Snodgrass, who has made more than
100 appearances in the Premier League despite playing outside of the top
flight his entire career until joining Norwich in 2012. He has also
represented his country 21 times having previously appeared at Under 19, 20
and 21 youth levels.
Snodgrass is set to undergo a medical on Friday ahead of the move and should
be available for the visit of Manchester City next Wednesday (1 February).

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West Ham complete £10.2m signing of Robert Snodgrass from Hull
By James Dale
Last Updated: 27/01/17 8:50pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the signing of Robert Snodgrass from Hull City on a
three-and-a-half-year contract.

Snodgrass, who will wear the No11 shirt, has arrived at the London Stadium
for an initial £7m fee, potentially rising to £10.2m with add-ons, and is
set to be make his debut against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Scotland international passed a medical and agreed personal terms with
West Ham on Friday, and has now become the club's second major signing of
the January transfer window following Jose Fonte's arrival from Southampton.

"I'm delighted because this is a massive club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass. "This is the sort of club which speaks for itself, the fans who
come here and support week-in week-out and moving to and selling out this
new stadium is terrific and I want to be part of it.

"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started. I feel this is a club with real ambition, with
the new stadium, great players and a manager of his calibre at Premier
League level.

"The lads will say we want to be up in the top half of last table and repeat
last year, so it's up to us. The club has had a few good weeks with results
and if I can add to that, great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new
team-mates and getting started."

Snodgrass had been the subject of offers from fellow Premier League sides
Burnley and Middlesbrough this month.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche had expressed doubts they would complete a deal
for the 29-year-old despite also having a £10m bid accepted, while
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka suggested his team's position in the
Premier League could deter Hull from selling to a rival - with the two sides
just four points apart.

Hull manager Marco Silva had insisted there was no problem between him and
Snodgrass following their EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United,
but that the player had made it clear he wanted to leave.

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Marseille and West Ham agreement over Dimitri Payet still 'miles away'
By Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 27/01/17 9:45pm
SSN

An agreement for Marseille to sign Dimitri Payet from West Ham is still
"miles away", Sky Sports News HQ has been told.

A senior source involved in talks between the clubs says no breakthrough has
been made after another day of negotiations on Friday.

The Ligue 1 side had been hoping that West Ham's £10.2m signing of Robert
Snodgrass from Hull would open the door for Payet's departure.

However the Hammers are still demanding at least £30m for Payet, while
Marseille have indicated they will not pay more than £25m.

As well as a difference of opinion on the attacker's value, there are also
significant disagreements over the structure of the deal.

Sky Sports News HQ has been told that "as long as the window is open it is
possible that the deal will be done but at the moment it's still miles
away".

Payet has been training with West Ham's Under-23 squad this week but, as
expected, he did not play in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Friday
night.


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Robert Snodgrass: West Ham sign Hull City midfielder for £10.2m
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the signing of Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass
for a fee of £10.2m.

The Scotland player, 29, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at London
Stadium.

"I'm delighted, this is a massive club with great tradition," said
Snodgrass, who scored seven times in 20 Premier League games for Hull this
season.

He becomes West Ham's second signing this month after the arrival of
defender Jose Fonte from Southampton.

The Hammers saw off competition from Burnley and Middlesbrough to sign
Snodgrass, and boss Slaven Bilic could hand him his debut in the home league
match with Manchester City on Wednesday.

"The owners and the manager are trying to build something here and I just
can't wait to get started," added Snodgrass, who joined Hull from Norwich in
2014 for a fee in excess of £6m.

"I feel this is a club with real ambition, with the new stadium, great
players and a manager of his calibre at Premier League level.

"The club has had a few good weeks with results and if I can add to that,
great. I'm just looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting
started."

Snodgrass made just three outings after joining Hull before he suffered a
career-threatening knee injury at QPR on the opening day of the 2014-15
season that kept him out of action for 16 months.

He recovered to play a significant role in the Tigers' promotion from the
Championship last season before starting this season in superb form, hitting
the winner in the opening-day victory over champions Leicester and rescuing
a point with a last-minute free-kick at Burnley.

Hull then triggered a one-year contract extension to tie him to the club
until the end of the 2017-18 season.

He is the second high-profile exit from the KCOM Stadium in January
following Jake Livermore's £10m move to West Brom.

Hull boss Marco Silva had been reluctant to part with Snodgrass, with the
club 19th in the Premier League, but has promised to bring in three or four
more players before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

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ormer Man Utd midfielder Ravel Morrison training with Queens Park Rangers
Last Updated: 27/01/17 9:55am
SSN

Former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is training
with Queens Park Rangers, according to Sky sources. The 23-year-old moved to
Italy just under a year ago but has not made an appearance for Lazio this
season and is seeking a return to England. He spent time training with Wigan
Athletic earlier in the month after being invited to the club by his former
United youth-team manager and current Latics boss Warren Joyce. Rangers
manager Ian Holloway is now running the rule over Morrison, who made 17
appearances on loan at Loftus Road between February and May 2014. Morrison
was tipped for a bright future in the game when he turned professional at
Old Trafford at the age of 17 in February 2010. But in January 2012 the
player was sold by United to West Ham, who were then in the Championship,
for an undisclosed fee. During his three-year stint at Upton Park, Morrison
was loaned to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.

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Dimitri Payet refuses to play for West Ham Under 23s against Aston Villa as
he tries to force Marseille return
Dimitri Payet is training with West Ham under 23s but won't play for them
Payet is trying to force his way out of east London and get a move to
Marseille
The winger, on £125,000-a-week wages, will not play for any West Ham team
The club are also wary of Payet picking up an injury which could end any
deal
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:57, 27 January 2017 | UPDATED: 10:32, 27 January 2017

Dimitri Payet is using West Ham's development squad to train – but will not
play for them either. The Hammers kids have been preparing to play Aston
Villa in Dagenham on Friday and joined by the £125,000-per-week player at
Chadwell Heath. Payet is trying to stay fit by taking part in their training
sessions but his refusal to play for West Ham extends to the Under 23s.
Payet is trying to force his way out of east London. West Ham will also be
wary of risking the 29-year-old picking up an injury in a Premier League 2
match, which could scupper any deal with Marseille. Slaven Bilic has kept
Payet away from his first team in a bid to stop him unsettling his squad.
West Ham's manager is also planning a winter training camp in Dubai next
month and their want-away winger is not invited. The Premier League side
have secured successive wins since Payet was taken out of the squad, beating
Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. He is angling for a move back to
Marseille, who have seen multiple offers turned down so far. Their latest
was only an improvement of 1million euros (£860,000) and angered West Ham,
as revealed by Sportsmail this week. Their first bid was £20m and their
second was £22m.

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West Ham confident of striking Reece Oxford loan deal with Rangers, could
stay at Ibrox next season
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham youngster Reece Oxford could join Rangers on loan.

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers' proposed move to land West Ham
United wonderkid Reece Oxford may be extended for the whole of next season –
but the Gers have to let a defender go to sign him.

Oxford, 18, has been billed as one English football's top prospects having
come up through the ranks with West Ham, even earning comparisons to former
Hammers youth product Rio Ferdinand.

The teenager shot to prominence on the opening weekend of last season, as he
turned in an almost perfect performance in an unfamiliar holding midfield
role against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Since then, Oxford has struggled for first-team football with the Hammers,
and whilst he committed his future to the club by signing a new contract in
December, he continues to be linked with a loan move away from the London
Stadium.

Now, The Scottish Sun report that Rangers have made a move to bring Oxford
on loan until the end of the season, and they claim that West Ham and Oxford
are confident that a deal can be struck before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Whilst it's stated that Rangers' initial offer is just until the end of the
season, there may well be an option to extend the loan move for the duration
of next season, with West Ham seemingly keen to get Oxford playing as much
as he possibly can.

However, the problem for Rangers is that they allegedly need to make room
for Oxford in order to sign him. Manager Mark Warburton already has four
centre backs at his disposal in Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Clint Hill and
Philippe Senderos, and one reportedly has to go in order for Oxford to
arrive at Ibrox.

Given that Hill and Senderos are both out of contract at the end of the
season, they would be the favourites to go, especially Senderos, who has
barely featured for Rangers since a disastrous debut against Celtic in
September, which saw him red carded in a 5-1 defeat.

Both players are ageing and fighting for new contracts, but it may not be a
huge surprise to see Rangers move Senderos out of the club in order to
accommodate Oxford this month.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 27th January 2017

Westley - Development is key
WHUFC.com

Terry Westley given his thoughts on the decisions behind the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez as they moved out on loan
The December PL2 Player of the Month nominees have departed the club on loan for the rest of the season
Westley has also called on the younger players at the Academy to step up

Academy boss Terry Westley has revealed the coaches in charge of Wigan Athletic and Oxford United were key factors in the destinations of Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez. Warren Joyce (manager of Wigan) and Michael Appleton (manager of Oxford) both have a history of developing young players at Premier League clubs. With Browne moving to the Latics and Martinez to the U's, Westley believes the moves are vital to take their development to the next level. "They've been two of the stand out players for us and in the league," said Westley. "There was a lot of interest for both of the players. "We knew Warren Joyce from his days at Man United as a coach and a developer [bringing through] Marcus Rashford, Ashley Fletcher and Danny Welbeck, so that had a bearing on where we were going to send Browne. "Hopefully he goes and plays matches. That's the key to any loan. He's started very well, he was on the bench on Saturday and then played a behind-closed-doors match this week. They won 3-0 and Marcus scored twice as well as being brought down for a penalty. "Toni's was very similar. We knew the manager and we knew he has a history of developing players from his time at West Brom. "Oxford, to be fair to them, really showed a desire to want to take him to the football club. He's settled in very well, with the help of Greg de Carnys, our Head of Performance, who speaks Spanish and has been over there helping Toni settle in. I'm sure he's going to get some game time. "So they are two very good loans. The next step is getting matches under their belt, return to us pre-season with the thought process of pushing them to establish themselves as West Ham players."

The departures of Browne and Martinez mean the Academy of Football currently has 13 players out on loan, which means there is a necessity for younger players to make the step up into the U23s side. Second year scholars like Declan Rice, Nathan Trott, Vashon Neufville, Dan Kemp, Alfie Lewis and Tunji Akinola have all made significant contributions in Premier League 2 this season and Westley says there will be more chances for other players to break into his squad. "At the end of the day we are developers. We have to try and find ways to get young players into the first team and help Slaven, his staff and the club," declared Westley. "The results are good and we want to try and win football matches and we think if we can win five matches before the end of the season, we'll be in the play-off group. "When you think of who is missing and the team we could have, we've done very well both ways in terms of how many games we've won and the amount of development time we've given our scholars."

West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

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Kemp - We are being noticed
WHUFC.com

West Ham United PL2 take on Aston Villa in Premier League 2 on Friday evening
The match is being played at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium and is free to watch for season ticket holders
Winger Dan Kemp is expecting an improved performance from the Hammers after their defeat in the reverse fixture

Dan Kemp thinks the PL2 side's performances this season have been the catalyst behind a number of loan moves for players at the Academy of Football this month. Kemp was speaking ahead of Friday's match at home to Aston Villa and said that recent loan moves for Marcus Browne and Toni Martinez show that strong displays for the U23s are being noted by Club managers up and down the country. The pacy winger, 18, also admitted he is surprised at his rapid rise after holding down a place in Terry Westley's squad over recent months and says he aims to earn a loan move of his own next season. "The way that the team has been playing this season is getting us noticed as a group," said Kemp. "We've got lots of good players and for me personally, if I can keep playing well, I can get a good loan and further my development. "I'm very pleased. I didn't expect to break into the U23s so early on in the season and now I've had a lot of games and a lot of starts but I'm not happy with this. I want to keep going and keep pushing forward and make sure I keep my place. "The boys that have gone out on loan means there's a opportunity for us other players to impress. It's time for the boys that have been in the team from the start to step up and help the boys that are coming into the team. "So we're all looking to help each other out and we've got a lot of quality in the U23s and U18s teams so whoever plays can do a job."

Kemp admits the recent postponement of Monday's Premier League Cup match with Leicester City was "frustrating" but thinks the Hammers have unfinished business with Friday's opponents. Westley's men were beaten 2-0 by Villa in the reverse fixture at the home of Walsall FC, and Kemp is hoping for a much better display this time around. "It was frustrating because obviously we were prepped, ready for the game and looking to get the win. These things happen and it gives us more time to go into Friday and hopefully get a win then," Kemp continued. "We should all be quite fresh for Friday so hopefully we'll get a good performance and a win. "Obviously last time they beat us 2-0 so this time we'll be looking to get back at them and show them what we've got. We're looking for a better performance than the one when we played them away."

West Ham United PL2's match with Aston Villa kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Admission is free for season ticket holders - otherwise it's £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: SNODGRASS FEE AGREED, BILIC RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL, PAYET TERMS AGREED?!
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 26 JANUARY 2017 AT 12:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Afternoon Hammers, here is a round up the news this lunchtime.

Hull have accepted West Ham's offer for Robert Snodgrass, which is believed to be higher than Burnley's offer yesterday. (BBC)

Snodgrass reportedly prefers a move to West Ham over Burnley and Middlesbrough. (ESPN)

Its a good signing if we get him. I just hope we haven't paid too much more than Burnley for him.

Slaven Bilic has been released from hospital after suffering from a bad bout of flu. (Mirror)

After the fixture against Chelsea was changed to a Monday night, the Hammers have been assured that there will be no repeat of the events that occurred back in October. (Express)

I would hope there is no trouble, as it is just unwanted press for the club. The media will always try to just bring everyone down again.

Aaron Cresswell has shared something that disappointed him about West Ham's win over Middlesbrough last weekend. (HITC)

I agree with him, but a win is a win. We cannot grumble about that.

Dimitri Payet has reportedly agreed personal terms with Marseille, despite the two clubs failing to have agreed on a fee for the Frenchman. (GFFN)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that not tapping up? If so, then I hope we do the right thing and report Marseille for this. It is not fair how they have gone about this whole situation.

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Cole linked with County role
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Carlton Cole could be set to make his return to English football - alongside former team mate Kevin Nolan. Former Hammers' striker Cole has not played since leaving Celtic at the beginning of the current campaign, but could be set for a sensational return to league football with Notts County. The League 2 side - who are under a transfer embargo at present due to outstading funds owed to HMRC - are currently managed by ex-Hammers captain Kevin Nolan, who was named as their new boss earlier this month. And one of his first tasks was to call Cole to discover whether the 33-year-old striker would be interested in joining him at Meadow Lane. "We have had a chat," Nolan told BBC Nottingham Sport. "It would be fantastic if I could bring him over. "The best thing is to see if he is interested and we can work something out. He has a few things in the fire. "He would be a breath of fresh air. He is a top pro and a good player. If we can make it happen and the embargo gets lifted, then we will try our best to do that."

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Robert Snodgrass: West Ham bid more than Burnley for Hull midfielder
BBC.co.uk

West Ham and Burnley will compete for the signing of Hull City top scorer Robert Snodgrass after the Hammers had a bid accepted.
Burnley had an offer accepted on Wednesday and, while both are believed to be in the region of £10m, West Ham's is higher. The Tigers, who are 19th in the Premier League, rejected a bid from the Hammers earlier this month. The Scotland midfielder, 29, has scored seven Premier League goals this season. The Tigers say the move is now down to the player and he has not yet gone for a medical at Burnley. Hull previously rejected offers of up to £6m from West Ham for Snodgrass, who missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea with what manager Marco Silva described as "a small injury in the knee".
Silva is reluctant to part with Snodgrass, having already sold midfielder Jake Livermore to West Brom for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m. Snodgrass has been linked with a move since December, before Hull triggered a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017-18 season.

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Two-way battle for Snodgrass
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Both West Ham and Premier League rivals Burnley are understood to have had bids of £10million for Hull winger Robert Snodgrass accepted. According to reports, West Ham have returned with an improved bid for the former Leeds and Norwich player after the Clarets usurped United's previous offer. And the 29-year-old is said to be considering both offers ahead of the end of the window next week - whilst Middlesbrough are also thought to be interested.
West Ham had previously bid up to £6million for Snodgrass, who would effectively replace the outgoing Dimitri Payet in Slaven Bilic's styarting XI. The Scottish international has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League despite playing outside of the top flight his entire career until joining Norwich in 2012. He has also represented his country 21 times having previously appeared at Under 19, 20 and 21 youth levels.

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West Ham still looking to sign Scott Hogan from Brentford
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 26/01/17 12:33pm
SSN

West Ham have not given up on signing Brentford forward Scott Hogan, according to Sky sources. Sources close to the 24-year-old believe the deal is hinging on the situation with wantaway Hammers midfielder Dimitri Payet. West Ham have agreed to pay £9m up-front for Hogan, who has 18 months left on his contract at the Sky Bet Championship club. Brentford value Hogan at £15m and want a further £6m structured into the deal, but West Ham have so far only offered £3m in additional payments. Sky sources understand West Ham have had three bids for the former Rochdale forward turned down. Hogan has enjoyed a prolific campaign in front of goal and has netted 14 goals in 26 matches for Brentford. He has not featured for Brentford since January 2 due to a combination of injury and West Ham's interest. The Hammers have made one signing so far during the January transfer window, securing the services of defender Jose Fonte from Southampton for £8m.

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West Ham transfer latest: Manager reveals all on £15m striker bid
DEAN SMITH has told West Ham to pay up or miss out on Scott Hogan.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 16:02, Thu, Jan 26, 2017 | UPDATED: 16:09, Thu, Jan 26, 2017
Express.co.uk

West Ham are trying to bring Hogan to the London Stadium to boost their striking options. They have had three bids turned down but have yet to reach Brenford's £15m valuation. Hogan has been left out of the Bees' squad in recent weeks with speculation over his future unsettling him. But the 24-year-old is set to return against Chelsea in the FA Cup. And Brentford boss Smith has told them to up their bid or go without. "We would let any of our players go anywhere for the right money, because everybody has a value at any club," Smith said. "We've had offers from different clubs for Scott Hogan and all of them have not met the valuation.
"We keep our business strictly private. We'll say no to people if we don't think the value is met and then it's up to them to come up with a deal that does meet ours."
Hogan was withdrawn from the Bees squad for last weekend's loss at Wigan after suggestions a renewed bid was imminent. "Scott's available for selection. He's trained all week, again, as he did last week," added Smith. "It will be my decision whether he's starting, whether he's on the bench or whether he's not involved.
"I think we made that abundantly clear last week at the end of the game that we're not going to be affected by phone calls."

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West Ham's £25m double swoop for Robert Snodgrass and Scott Hogan on hold until Dimitri Payet future resolved
KEN DYER, JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham's £25million twin bid to sign Robert Snodgrass from Hull and Brentford's Scott Hogan remains on hold until there is more clarity on Dimitri Payet's future. The club have had a £10m offer for Scotland international Snodgrass accepted by Hull and they remain interested in the £15m-rated Hogan. The signs are, though, that there will be no definite movement on either player until Marseille significantly improve their last offer of £22.5m for Payet, who they sold to West Ham in 2015 for £10.7m. Club co-chairman David Sullivan, who is handling the negotiations, wants £30m for Payet and remains determined that Marseille will not acquire the player on the cheap. The deal could go all the way to the wire with the transfer window set to close next Tuesday. Burnley and Middlesbrough have also had £10m bids for Snodgrass accepted by Hull but a decision on his future could again have to wait until next week. Reece Oxford, West Ham's teenage defender, could go on loan to Rangers until the end of the season. The Scottish club are keen on signing Oxford, who recently agreed a new long-term contract. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is intending to return to the club's training ground this weekend after spending two days in hospital with flu. Bilic felt unwell after last weekend's match at Middlesbrough and was admitted to the London Hospital for treatment. He is currently at home resting but has targeted a return to the club this weekend.

West Ham are confident their Premier League game against Chelsea at the London Stadium in March will be played without a repeat of the ugly scenes which marred the teams' EFL Cup tie three months ago. Sky Sports announced yesterday they will show West Ham's match with their London rivals on 6 March at 8pm as part of their Monday Night Football show. West Ham co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter on Wednesday to apologise to one fan about the timing of the fixture, writing: "Sorry Danny but we don't move the game, Sky do. We hate it as much as you. DG".

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Dimitri Payet agrees terms with Marseille as West Ham hold out for £35m for wantaway Frenchman
The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons with Marseille having multiple bids rejected for the 29-year-old
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE

Dimitri Payet has agreed terms on a return to Marseille - and is willing to take a £25,000 pay cut to secure the move. The Frenchman remains desperate to leave West Ham and return home due to family reasons. Marseille have made multiple bids for the 29-year-old, with their latest offer of £25m plus £3m in add-ons rejected. Talks have reached an impasse over a fee with West Ham holding out for £35m for last season's player of the year . But the player has agreed terms on a £100,000-a-week deal, which would represent a £25,000 pay cut from the contract Payet agreed last February. Marseille are still hoping a loan deal could be brokered with a fixed price in the summer. High flying Ligue 1 outfit Nice are also looking into a loan deal for the Euro 2016 star. Payet has been training with the club's Under-23s at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground. He has told the club he is facing a family crisis, with wife Ludivine determined to raise the couple's three children in their homeland. In his absence, West Ham have won their last two Premier League matches to climb into the top half of the Premier League.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after suffering from bad bout of flu
The Croatian is set to return to take Hammers training in the next few days having been released from a London hospital on Tuesday
The Mirror
BYPRESS ASSOCIATION
11:15, 26 JAN 2017

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is expected to return to take training over the next few days following a stay in hospital with a bad case of flu. Press Association Sport understands the Croatian was discharged from a London hospital on Tuesday and is now resting at home.
Bilic felt unwell following the 3-1 Premier League win at Middlesbrough on Saturday and after returning to the capital, went to hospital where he was subsequently kept in for observation. West Ham have seen some of their other staff and players hit by a sickness bug, with winger Michail Antonio having been ill before the win over Crystal Palace on January 14. The Irons are not in FA Cup action this weekend, so when he returns, Bilic will be preparing the squad for the visit of Manchester City on February 1. Earlier this month, Pep Guardiola's men romped to a 5-0 win at the London Stadium in the FA Cup third-round tie.

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WEST HAM STILL IN WITH A CHANCE TO SIGN HELDER COSTA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam

It was reported earlier this month by Portuguese source O Jogo that West Ham were one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolves loanee Helder Costa this month.

The 23-year-old is on loan with Wolves for the season from Liga NOS outfit Benfica and the deal contains an option for the Championship side to make it permanent for a fee of €15m.

Costa, a former Portugal U21 international, has been in fine form for Wolves this season, scoring seven goals and tallying five assists in 25 Championship appearances this season. Those totals rise to nine goals and six assists when you factor in all competitions.

O Jogo are now reporting that Wolves plan on exercising their option to sign Costa permanently in a €15m deal this month, amid interest from Premier League clubs. Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira is travelling to London today to finalise the permanent transfer to Wolves.

However, aware of the interest in their star winger, Wolves plan on cashing in straight away on Costa before the end of the January transfer window and making a quick but sizeable profit on him.

West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs keen on signing Costa once his permanent transfer to Wolves is finalised, but they face competition from Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton, Middlesbrough and Hull for his services.

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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic released from hospital after severe bout of flu
The Hammers boss has been under the weather this week and was kept under observation by doctors
football.london
BY ALASDAIR GOLD
10:13, 26 JAN 2017UPDATED10:19, 26 JAN 2017

West Ham United have confirmed that manager Slaven Bilic was hospitalised earlier this week with a severe bout of flu. The boss was knocked back after feeling unwell following the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday and took himself off to a London hospital the following day. Doctors kept Bilic under observation for 48 hours but he was released from hospital on Tuesday. Bilic picked up the virus after Michail Antonio was also struck down by it, but managed to shrug it off in time to face Crystal Palace and recover fully for the trip for the Boro. A club source told football.london: "This one is true. He was discharged on Tuesday and will link up with the team in the next few days after recuperating at home."
This weekend coming up is handy for Bilic to recover with the Hammers not in Premier League action and he should be fighting fit and ready to go for the visit of Manchester City to the London Stadium on Wednesday.

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Aaron Cresswell insists West Ham want to put things right against Manchester City after chastening FA Cup exit
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

West Ham are determined to right the wrongs of their FA Cup exit when they face Manchester City in the Premier League next week, according to Aaron Cresswell. The Hammers' Cup campaign was ended by City in devastating fashion earlier this month as Pep Guardiola's side scored five unanswered goals at London Stadium. Such a chastening exit was difficult for West Ham to take but Slaven Bilic's side have returned to form in recent weeks by winning back-to-back fixtures against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. West Ham now occupy 10th place in the table and Cresswell is keen for the east Londoners to prove that they can match City under the lights at their new home next Wednesday. "They're one of the toughest teams to play. It was difficult to go out of the FA cup in the manner that we did," Cresswell told the club's official website. "We want to rectify that and put it right. "We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season," he added. Andy Carroll's form in front of goal has been key to West Ham's resurgence. The England international has scored four goals in his last five League appearances and Cresswell is hopeful his countryman can fire West Ham on towards a respectable finish. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table," said the left back.

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Ghana star Andre Ayew 'blasts' referee Bakary Gassama for defeat to Egypt
Published on: 26 January 2017
ghanasoccernet

Ghana's forward Andre Ayew (L) challenges Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Ghana in Port-Gentil on January 25, 2017 AFP
Ghana star Andre Ayew had issues with referee Bakary Gassama following his side's 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Wednesday night in their final Group D match.

The West Ham United player said "refereeing should have been better" after the match.

A superb free kick from AS Roma star Mohamed Salah in the first half, however, meant the Ghanaians were relegated to second spot – as they set up a last-eight clash with Group C winners DR Congo on Sunday.

"Refereeing should have been better towards us," Ayew told BeIN Sports channel after the game, without elaborating further.

"We were dominant for long spells especially in the second half. Egypt didn't create many clear-cut chances apart from the free-kick goal."

Group D winners Egypt will now face North African rivals Morocco for a place in the semis when both sides clash at Stade de Port-Gentil on Sunday night.

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Rio Ferdinand sale offers lessons for West Ham's Payet transfer crisis
ESPN

As the Dimitri Payet saga continues, Gab Marcotti gives his views on player power and whether it is affecting the game. With the transfer deadline looming and the situation regarding Dimitri Payet still rumbling on, ex-Hammer Rio Ferdinand has joined the debate about the French International's intention to force a move away from Stratford.

In proclaiming that Payet should "respect the fans" and having urged Slaven Bilic to "let the player rot" rather than sell him to Marseille for less than the Hammers' asking rate, the former England International has aligned himself firmly with supporters.

Whatever the strong words from Ferdinand however, the former England international knows full well the reality of the situation. In transfer matters, the club do not always have a strong hand and the general consensus is that having an unhappy player on the books does no club any favours. Indeed, while it doesn't always work to the benefit of the selling club, the transfer fee does also allow a team to invest in players who will hopefully make the side stronger.

The problem with this particular transfer tussle isn't that Payet has just signalled his unhappiness with life in the East End, it's more the way the 27-year-old has gone about it that has caused such resentment.

In refusing to play and going on strike, Payet has appalled fans, all of whom would dearly love the opportunity to play for the club they support. Similarly, Bilic and the owners are all obviously shocked and disappointed at the way the France international has responded to the huge contract agreed just last year. He may have his family reason but it's certainly the sense of betrayal that hurts.

Dimitri Payet's future is unclear as Marseille have failed to meet the Hammers' asking price. However, most fans realise the economics of modern football and few blame the opportunity Ferdinand himself took when he left the club in November 2000 to play for Leeds United in the Champions League. Nevertheless, hidden behind the accepted front of any transfer, there often lies a deeper truth -- and Ferdinand himself is testament to the fact.

At the time the Hammers sold Ferdinand for a club record of £18 million to Leeds, as the Yorkshire club and West Ham sat next to each other just outside the top six of the Premier League. It's true that, having won the league title the season before, Leeds were also playing Champions League football, but supporters were torn on the decision to sell Ferdinand at that time.

Some argued that the £18m -- then a British transfer record that made Ferdinand the world's most expensive defender -- could be used to strengthen a Hammers team just outside the accepted elite of the English Premier League. Others felt that West Ham, under no pressure to sell the player, should utilise the skills of the then 20-year-old for a few more years and wait for the inevitable sale to a bigger club later on. Those in the latter camp largely found themselves vindicated when the £18m disappeared in a flurry of poor purchases, while Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for an estimated fee of £30m just two year later.

Rio Ferdinand started his Premier League career with West Ham before moving on to join Leeds United. Had West Ham held onto Ferdinand for another couple of years, the history of the club in the early part of the century would have been manifestly different. As it was, the sale of the popular defender signalled an end to the Hammers' "Golden Generation" and within a short while, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson had all left for greener and more lucrative pastures.

Now it's true that the Dimitri Payet situation isn't following the accepted pattern of West Ham transfers and it's certainly not the case that the sale of the Frenchman will trigger a mass exodus. Nevertheless, it is hard to see any benefit in forcing Payet to stay and, with a bigger stadium and a higher profile, any profit of £10-£15m-plus on the Frenchman should enable the club to bring in some good players. Behind the bluster though, there is some acknowledgment that when, as he surely will, Payet leaves, West Ham will lose a world-class player that they will almost certainly be unable to replace for the money. In that sense, there are parallels with the Ferdinand situation. It's probably this rather than economics of any deal that has made the Hammers play hardball with Payet. On 2016 form, Payet is well worth £30m and West Ham are right to hold out for it.

Where will the standoff end? Well, with the larger gates in their new home, the Hammers believe they can afford to keep the midfielder until the summer, but don't be surprised if some "added extras" deal isn't struck before next week. Ultimately however, there are no winners in this sorry episode and, while it would offer some satisfaction to believe that Payet himself will be the biggest loser, it's likely to be West Ham who will suffer the most.

Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is ESPN FC's West Ham blogger.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com