Bilic: Love for Lanzini, respect for Rice, Hart's impact and why the window needs to close
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic sat down with the media on Thursday afternoon to give a typically insightful press conference. The West Ham United boss was asked for his opinion on a host of subjects by broadcasters, but strangely Saturday's Premier League fixture at Southampton was not one of them! We will have more on the manager's thoughts on facing the Saints on Friday but, in the meantime, here is what he had to say about speculation surrounding Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll's imminent return, Declan Rice's promising introduction and the ongoing debate over the transfer window…
'He is happy and he likes it here' Part 2
As was the case a week previously, Slaven Bilic was asked about the speculation surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini. And, as was the case a week previously, the manager talked of his close relationship with the Argentina international and the playmaker's happiness in a Claret and Blue shirt. "I said it last week, I speak to Manu every day, he is very happy," he said. "He really feels at home here. He feels wanted. You can see it every day – he is smiling and happy. He broke into the Argentina national team. "He knows if he has a good season at West Ham, he has the chance to improve, to have a better contract with West Ham and to play for Argentina. He is very happy here. "I am sure he is going to stay with us. He knows that he is wanted. He was voted the Players' Player of the Year, which is a really good thing. It makes you feel really wanted at a place. He likes it here."
'It's still the beginning for Dec'
Slaven Bilic knows as well as anyone that young players need a combination of hard work, good fortune and talent to make it at the highest level. As a player himself and manager of both a national team and club sides, Bilic has seen dozens of teenagers given a chance to succeed at first-team level, with only a handful going onto establish themselves. Last weekend, he gave 18-year-old Declan Rice a second Premier League appearance at Manchester United and the midfielder generally impressed. The manager is rightly happy to have blooded an Academy product, but urged restraint when it comes to putting pressure and expectations on the young Irishman's shoulders. "Although it's nice to have a situation (where a player comes through the Academy), we are never trying to force that," said Bilic. "We didn't go 'Let's put Declan in to gain something from the fans'." "He's a boy, a very mature and good player for his age. He thinks about the game and has the quality and has impressed everybody – the players, staff, West Ham family. In pre-season, he played every game. He was very important. He did very well in all our games. "It's still early for the kid, but is he improving and doing good? Yes, he is. "OK, we've had some injuries in that area, but the reason he has played is because he was the best option and I was confident he can do it. He has done it already in the last couple of months. "He came on against Burnley and it wasn't because of any other reason – it was an important game for us and we brought him on because it was the best option for us. "We don't want to praise him too much – him and his family are down to earth and will stay focused. It's still the beginning for him but he is doing really well."
Unfinished sympathy
Eight months ago, Slaven Bilic was the Premier League manager dealing with a high-profile player who reportedly and publicly wanted to move elsewhere. Dimitri Payet was that player and, come the end of the transfer window, he was wearing the white of Marseille, rather than the Claret and Blue of West Ham United.
Fast forward to this summer and a number of players are reportedly digging their heels in to force moves elsewhere. So, does Slaven have sympathy with the likes of Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and Southampton's Maurico Pellegrino? You bet he does, while also endorsing the view that the transfer window should close before the season stars to avoid ongoing and unsettling speculation. "Of course, I have sympathy for that [situation]," he said. "That would stop at least if the season starts after transfer window has closed. "You want to have your team and concentrate only on the game and you're not because of those things. "Sometimes you're on the other side of the story and you're the one getting the player, but it definitely doesn't help the managers. "It's a great idea, and I'm definitely in favour. We end the pre-season with a team and we are into the season with the same team. "Some teams lose 30% of their team or whatever [between the start of the season and end of the window], but it definitely should be across Europe [and not just England] otherwise there is no point."
AC and Joe Joe
West Ham United have lots of leaders in their dressing room these days. The Hammers have three England internationals – Joe Hart, Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell – and no fewer than ten others who have featured at major tournaments for their respective countries. When asked about the impact England's No1 has made since arriving on loan from Manchester City, the manager was effusive in his praise. "Joe made a big impact," he confirmed. "He is No1 for England he's very vocal in a positive way and he is in games and training. You need that from a goalkeeper, to organise the defence and shout. We are very happy with him so far."
And what of Carroll, who has returned to full training and could make his first appearance of the season at former club Newcastle United a week on Saturday? What kind of impact can he make on his comeback? "We don't want to rush him into the game against Southampton," Bilic said. "He has a great impact on the pitch but we don't to put him in a situation where after a few days' training, he plays for us. "Maybe in that game he would be great, maybe he would score, but that kind of approach has caused new injuries for Andy in the past. "So we don't want to drag it too long, but he has to have at least kind of a short pre-season before he enters the pitch. Only then can he maintain his fitness."
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Pedro Obiang: I'm working hard to get back to my best
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang has assured supporters he is working hard to return to his best ahead of West Ham's Premier League match this Saturday against Southampton.
West Ham's clash with Manchester United on Sunday was Obiang's first competitive appearance for the club since March, having suffered an ankle injury in the home contest with Leicester City last season. Although the Irons were defeated the midfielder was happy to get back onto the field and once again play for Slaven Bilic's side. Obiang admits that recovery has been tough but is now feeling strong ahead of Saturday's fixture with the Saints. "It's been difficult to come back to the team because I've had to get back to full fitness, had to trust in myself and had to have the same confidence in my ankle," Obiang said: "It's not the same but I think you need time. I've been working with our physical trainer and at the moment I feel okay. I have a little problem but it's normal. I need a little time to be perfect."
The 25-year-old joked that he enjoyed the initial weeks of his lay-off due to the lack of running but was eager to return to the first team as soon as possible.
"The first two or three weeks were lovely because I didn't have to run! But after that I wanted to be back on the pitch. You want to be with the team. You want that feeling when you start to prepare. "You have to be patient and you have to be focused. When you come back with the teammates it's lovely. You feel like a proper player again. You're in the team. It's not the same when you aren't. It's like being school and the teacher tells you to go to the other classroom."
Obiang is once again likely to start for West Ham at St Mary's Stadium this weekend and has fond memories of scoring at the ground last campaign. The midfielder's first Premier League goal was in this fixture last year and Obiang is hopeful of scoring again. "St Mary's is an important stadium for me. It's a lovely. I have beautiful memories because we won that game and I scored my first goal. I will try to score another one this weekend. There have been many changes in Southampton's team and they have signed some good players, which will help them do well. They try to play lovely football. We have to perform well against them and we have to be ready for the game."
Obiang shared the pitch with four of West Ham's five summer signings this past weekend in Chicharito, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Pablo Zabaleta. The No14 is excited to see what West Ham can achieve this season with the experience these new signings bring. "They've come here to give us a little more experience than before. When we have a totally fit squad we'll be able to see what we can do together. "Hart is a big guy. He has experience. Zabaleta also has experience. He speaks Spanish so I talk all the time with him. Arnautovic is a really good player. I know him from Italy. Chicharito is a lovely guy too. He's always happy."
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Team news: Antonio back, Kouyate, Carroll and Lanzini set for Newcastle return
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio will return to West Ham United's Premier League squad for the first time in four-and-a-half months at Southampton on Saturday. The winger is back in Slaven Bilic's squad after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in the victory over Swansea City at London Stadium in April. Bilic enthused about the No30's fitness and his performance in the Premier League 2 Division 1 fixture at Everton last Friday, when Antonio produced a typically all-action performance at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. "Michail is back, he is fit, he played for the Under-23s last week on the Friday when we played Manchester United on the Sunday, which was part of the plan," the manager said. "He looked really good, he is in shape and he has been training with us for two-and-a-half weeks now. He did 90 minutes on a big pitch in the Under-23s and then he came back to train with us and he looks good and he looks ready."
While Antonio is ready to return to action against his old club at St Mary's Stadium, Saturday's fixture has come a week too soon for Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll. The Senegal midfielder has been out since the start of pre-season with a knee problem, while the England centre-forward has been sidelined since April with a hip issue. However, both were back in full training with the squad this week and are on course to return to first-team duty at Newcastle United on Saturday 26 August.
"On Wednesday, Cheikhou and Andy started to train with us, so they have done a couple of sessions," Bilic confirmed. "We are going to see with them because both of them, especially Andy, had a long lay-off. Andy was out since April and Cheikhou had a few weeks off, as his injury basically happened in our first pre-season training session in Austria."
Finally, the boss had more good news regarding Manuel Lanzini, who suffered a knee injury in training during pre-season but is also in line for a first appearance of 2017/18 at St James' Park. "Manu is training individually and he is joining us on Monday, so we are going to have a full squad back for the Newcastle game," Bilic enthused. "We will have Mikey back 100 per cent for this game [at Southampton], but for Cheikhou and for Andy, it's a bit too early, I think."
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Jamie Porter: The West Ham fan bowling for cricketing glory
WHUFC.com
The Claret and Blue Army has one of English sport's rising stars among its ranks. It is less than three years since Jamie Porter bowled his first ball in an Essex Cricket shirt, but the 24-year-old is now being widely tipped to become the county's latest England international. Born just two stops down the Central line in Leytonstone, Porter's wickets have also put Essex on course to win their first County Championship title since the year the Premier League was born, 1992.
He is also a proud and lifelong West Ham United fan. "I was born into a West Ham family raised in Ilford, so I had no option but to be a Hammer," smiled the seamer, whose Essex side face two make-or-break T20 Blast fixtures with Kent and Sussex this week. "My Dad and Grandad would not have been too pleased if I had supported anyone else. "I am told the first thing I ever wore were West Ham baby clothes, which I left the hospital in!"
While his promise on the cricket field meant he was always more likely to bowl a ball than kick it, Porter's family ensured young Jamie also enjoyed plenty of football as a youngster. "My Dad is a Season Ticket Holder and I go to as many games as I can with him, but obviously with playing cricket all year round these days, it's not as often as I would like," he confirmed. "My favourite game? I remember seeing us beat Liverpool in the last season at Upton Park in the FA Cup, that really sticks out in my memory."
Porter is not the only Hammer associated with Essex Cricket, either. Wicketkeeper Adam Wheater is also a fan, as is legendary batsman and captain Graham Gooch, while Sir Geoff Hurst even played a Championship game for the county in 1962. "There are quite a few football fans in the dressing room, to be fair," Porter revealed, "although most of them support Manchester United, Spurs or Arsenal. "I am flying the flag, though, and I always try to catch the matches on my iPad or phone in the dressing room when we are on TV. I remember we were playing during the Play-Off final back in 2012 and I somehow managed to turn my ankle…"
The 2017 season has been a hugely successful one for Essex and Porter – so far. They sit 41 points clear at the top of County Championship Division One, with just five matches remaining, with Porter's 40 wickets making him the fourth most-successful bowler in the top flight. "It's a big thing doing what I have done this season on a bigger stage," he said, with deserving pride. "I have just tried to keep doing what I have done in the last few years and to be consistent."
That approach has worked not only for Porter, but for his teammates too, and he now believes Essex are 'well set' to win Division One. To put that in context, Essex were considered 16/1 outsiders to win the title in April, but now their odds have shortened to 1/6. Just once previously since cricket's County Championship split into two divisions in 2000 has a club been promoted from Division Two and gone on to be crowned Division One champions the following year – Nottinghamshire in 2004 and 2005.
So, just how big a sporting upset would it be if Essex were crowned County Champions next month?
"Cricket is probably more of a level playing field than football in that players are probably paid the same at every club, but the difference is that bigger clubs can afford to pay more players in the top bracket – so Essex winning the title would be a little less impressive than Leicester City winning the Premier League!" Porter explained. "That said, it's been a long time since a club from a non-Test county won the Championship, although Somerset went close last year. It's a nice feeling to know we could be just the second team to come up and win the title straight away. "To win Division Two and Division One back to back would be pretty special."
Naturally, everyone at West Ham United wishes Jamie and Essex all the best in their pursuit of what would be, to steal his own word, a truly special achievement.
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Premier League International Cup dates confirmed
WHUFC.com
A date has been confirmed for West Ham United U23s' Premier League International Cup tie against Portuguese outfit Benfica.
The Hammers will take on The Reds, who just missed out on qualification to the knockout rounds of last season's competition, on 21 November 2017, though a venue and kick-off time is yet to be confirmed.
The tournament was won by Porto last season after a 5-0 final win over Sunderland in the north east.
The Hammers' campaign in the International Cup kicks-off at the end of this month, with a second trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the space of two weeks taking place on 31 August.
Then, Terry Westley's team will host Villarreal – a date that has also been changed – just five days later on 4 October at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium.
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ISA call for 'goodwill gesture'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Independent Supporters' Association have written to the club after it was revealed that there would be no trains returning to London following next week's Carabao Cup tie against Cheltenham.
Although West Ham were drawn as the home side in the tie, which takes place on Wednesday, 23 August, the match will be staged at the League Two club's Whaddon Road ground as the Hammers do not have a ground in which to play the match as a result of the recent World Athletics.
And should the game enter extra time, and possibly penalties, Hammers fans travelling by rail will be left stranded - as the last scheduled train to London leaves Chelteham at 10.01pm.
As a result of this possibility, WHUISA have written to the club asking that they make a 'gesture of goodwill' to the 1,050 fans who will making the trip to Gloucestershire next week.
"WHUISA wishes to express its disappointment in the club and the apparent lack of goodwill shown towards the fans who travel to away games to support the team," read the letter, which KUMB has seen.
"West Ham were drawn to play Cheltenham Town at home in the Caraboa Cup but this was re-arranged as an away game at West Ham's request making it the fourth consecutive away fixture in the space of two weeks.
"This fixture could attract extra time and penalties but without leaving the game early during normal time, it is not possible for away fans to take the last train back to London which departs at 22.01 so a lengthy road journey or overnight stay is the only practical solution.
"It is therefore disappointing that no gesture of goodwill has been made by the club for this game at a time when the income it receives from Sky TV and Season Ticket sales is higher than it has ever been.
"We believe a solution to this would be a gesture towards all fans whether travelling near or far to the match in funding the cost of the match ticket.
"If every one of the 1,050 allocation were sold at the full adult price it would cost the club a little over £22,000 to pay for them. This is a televised game and the positive publicity a gesture like that would attract is a small price to pay to reward some of the most loyal and dedicated West Ham fans.
"We are certain West Ham United will want to make a strong positive gesture to its loyal fans in this quite unique situation."
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More Athletics = no European football
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
Athletes from Great Britain and the United States will meet at the Olympic Stadium next summer in a freshly-devised competition entitled 'The Meet'. Niels de Vos, chief executive of British Athletics confirmed that the event would be taking place next summer at the stadium on Saturday, 21 July - less than three weeks before the 2018/19 Premier League season commences.
"British Athletics and USA Track & Field (USATF) have today announced that two of the strongest nations in global athletics will go head-to-head in a new format, one-day competition next year," read a statement on britishathletics.org.uk. "Hosted by British Athletics, the event will be staged at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London."
Whilst the event shouldn't impact on West Ham's Premier League campaign this time around, it WILL however affect the club should they qualify for the preliminary stages of European competition at the end of the current campaign. This season (2017/18), Europa League qualifiers began on 26 June and 2 July (1st round). The second qualifying round took place on 13 and 20 July and the third qualifying round on 27 July and 2 August. All of these dates will almost certainly to be unavailable to West Ham next season as a result of the planned Athletics meet.
And should the Hammers by some miracle qualify for the Champions League, the third qualifying round took place this year on 14 July and 2 August - which again means it is extremely unlikely that the stadium will have been returned to 'football mode' in time. West Ham Vice-Chair Karren Brady previously insisted that West Ham have the ability to veto any event taking place at the stadium during the regular football season.
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West Ham remain in talks to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/08/17 11:05am
SSN
West Ham remain in talks to sign William Carvalho but Sporting Lisbon are demanding a higher price for the midfielder, according to Sky sources. The Portugal international is understood to want a move to the Premier League and has a £40m release clause in his contract. Despite holding talks over the past two weeks, Sky Sports News understands Sporting will only sanction a deal to sell Carvalho if West Ham match the buy-out fee. Sky Sports News also understands West Ham have had an opening offer turned down by Sporting for Carvalho, who was left out of the matchday squad for the 0-0 Champions League play-off first-leg draw against Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday. The 25-year-old, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016, is a product of the Sporting academy and has scored nine goals in 137 appearances since making his first-team debut in 2011. Sporting have recently signed midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia as a potential replacement for Carvalho.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has made five major signings during the summer transfer window, with Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Sead Haksabanovic arriving at the London Stadium.
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Slaven Bilic says Manuel Lanzini will stay at West Ham this season
Last Updated: 17/08/17 3:29pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says Manuel Lanzini will stay at the club this season amid links with Liverpool. Bilic says the midfielder "feels at home here" and has ruled out any chance of a transfer this summer. The 24-year old, who joined West Ham permanently last summer after a year on loan, has been linked with a move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho. "I speak to Manu every day. He is very happy, he feels at home here and he feels wanted," said Bilic. "You can feel it, you can see it. I don't have to talk to him. You see how he is smiling here."
The West Ham boss believes playing regularly for West Ham in a World Cup year means Lanzini is happy to stay in east London. "He broke into the national team of Argentina despite being injured, he got a call up for the September games. So he knows if he is playing here for West Ham and has a good season, he can improve, sign a better contract with West Ham and play for Argentina," said Bilic. West Ham are interested in Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. The Portugal international is understood to want a move to the Premier League and has a £40m release clause in his contract. "We are going to see what happens with ins and outs," said Bilic. "I have left it to the board and chairman. I am concentrated only on our game with Southampton."
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Robert Snodgrass surplus to requirements at West Ham
By Keith Downie
Last Updated: 17/08/17 6:15pm
SSN
West Ham have told Robert Snodgrass that he is surplus to requirements, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands the Scotland international will be allowed to leave either on a permanent basis or on loan. Snodgrass only joined West Ham from Hull in January, but has since struggled to find his best form and has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular. The 29-year-old scored nine goals for Hull last season before joining the Hammers in a deal worth £10.2m. Snodgrass, whose former clubs include Leeds and Norwich, has three years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium. Meanwhile, West Ham remain in talks to sign William Carvalho but Sporting Lisbon are demanding a higher price for the midfielder. The Portugal international is understood to want a move to the Premier League and has a £40m release clause in his contract. Despite holding talks over the past two weeks, Sky Sports News understands Sporting will only sanction a deal to sell Carvalho if West Ham match the buy-out fee.
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WEST HAM SET TO MAKE €40M CARVALHO OFFER
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are set to make a €40m offer for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. According to Record, via Sport Witness, Sporting are expecting West Ham to come in with a €35m + €5m in add-ons bid for Carvalho soon. The report does claim, though, that before the bid is made West Ham have to raise funds by selling players. It was reported earlier today that Robert Snodgrass has been told he can leave the club, eight months after signing from Hull last season.
It is also said that West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes Carvalho would be the club's most important signing this summer. This is despite the club signing prolific marksman Javier Hernandez in a big deal from Bayer Leverkusen. West Ham have also splashed cash on Marko Arnautovic, who signed from Premier League rivals Stoke for £24m. Pablo Zabaleta joined the club on a free transfer, whilst Joe Hart is on-loan from Manchester City.
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Five situations that need resolving at West Ham before the transfer window shuts
West Ham transfer news centres on William Carvalho's potential club-record arrival but there are other issues for Slaven Bilic to sort too
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
20:00, 17 AUG 2017
Just two weeks remain before the transfer window slams shut and West Ham intend to remain busy over the next fortnight as Slaven Bilic finalises his playing
squad for the 2017/18 season. Bilic has already completed the majority of his business with five first-team arrivals and a raft of departures to overhaul his options and inject confidence into the fanbase that the Hammers can enjoy a successful campaign. But he has not quite finished fine-tuning his squad and there remain some issues to resolve at the London Stadium between now and the window slamming shut for business at 11pm on August 31. We've taken a look at what will be on the Hammers agenda up until the transfer deadline.
Completing the William Carvalho deal
Negotiations have proven more protracted than West Ham would have anticipated and there is slight frustration that a conclusion has yet to be reached, but they still have time. Sporting Lisbon have been accused of moving the goalposts on a deal, with the Portuguese side now hunting a fee in excess of €40m having previously indicated to West Ham they would accept lower. Bilic's comments in his press conference ahead of the weekend trip to Southampton were naturally cautious. "I don't know," he said when asked on the latest on the transfer. "We will see what happens with ins and outs. It's becoming very busy at other clubs too." West Ham have other, ahem, irons in the fire should a deal for Carvalho not materialise, with both Danilo Pereira and Ljubomir Fejsa - of Porto and Benfica respectively - on their radar as alternative targets.
Getting rid of Robert Snodgrass
The writing was on the wall before his omission from the squad to face Manchester United at Old Trafford - that just served to confirm where his future lies.
It isn't at West Ham, with Bilic having decided the player can leave on a permanent deal or, failing that, on loan. There has been tentative interest from Premier League and Championship clubs but formal offers have as yet not been forthcoming. West Ham are determined to offload him in this window as Bilic continues to trim the fat from his squad after Sofiane Feghouli's move to Galatasaray, though the departure of the Scot could potentially leave the Hammers short in the wide positions. Snodgrass has never settled since moving from Hull City in January and though he has made all the right noises, West Ham fans have never warmed to him and have requested his exit almost from the get-go. They might get their wish in the next couple of weeks if Aston Villa, Brighton, Leeds or Norwich follow up on their interest.
Deciding on Declan Rice's role
The emergence of young Irishman Rice has captured the imagination of West Ham fans as much as the exciting additions of Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have. Particularly given David Gold's comments on the likelihood of youth players proving their first-team worth amid Reece Oxford securing a loan move to Borussia Monchengladbach. Rice appears the exception to the rule, but his continued involvement with the first team needs to result in regular football at this stage of his development. West Ham are not inclined to allowing Rice out on loan but if Carvalho arrives his chances of a midfield berth become more limited while there is plenty of cover in central defence. Toni Martinez may find himself in a similar situation if Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho regain enough fitness to challenge Hernandez and a decision needs to be reached on both young talents.
Fending off a possible Liverpool move for Manuel Lanzini
Barcelona are beginning to speak with a confidence about their chances of prising Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool and his departure could yet pave the way for Lanzini to make the move to Anfield. At this stage it's considered unlikely - and West Ham would almost certainly issue a firm stance on the future of one of their most prized assets. Lanzini would seem a natural fit to replace Coutinho but West Ham hold all the aces over his future and the player has shown no desire to move and will not agitate for a transfer. But West Ham need to be wary of the threat Jurgen Klopp's side will pose if they do lose Coutinho, as they will be armed with what would surely have been a world record fee in the pre-Neymar transfer market. Every player has his price and West Ham would not be in the position to turn down silly sums, but equally they can also charge them in such a heavily inflated market.
Keeping hold of Adrian - or replacing him
With Crystal Palace having allowed Steve Mandanda to leave for Marseille, Frank de Boer is desperate for a new goalkeeper and has reportedly earmarked Adrian as his top choice. The Spaniard is under no illusions that Joe Hart's arrival has demoted him to second choice but after the departure of Darren Randolph, West Ham's goalkeeping options are increasingly sparse. They may need to offer him assurances that he will get the first-team football he craves, though that will be difficult given the gulf in quality between him and Hart, barring injury or suspension to the arrival from Manchester City. The quality gap to Wayne Hennessey isn't quite so significant and so he may well be minded to start afresh, though West Ham will not entertain any offers unless they can receive top dollar for him and source a replacement. Palace already look as if they are set for a season of struggle and West Ham can compound those fears by refusing to negotiate on a player they still require.
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VIEW NOW THE DUST HAS SETTLED - THEY'LL BE A WHILE
By Goatygav 17 Aug 2017 at 17:00
WTID
A 4-0 defeat is tough to take at any time. When excitement and expectation ahead of the first kick of the season is still at play it's even more of a let down. That said did any of us really expect to go up there and win? After a few days of reflection, and with emotions running at a far lower level, it's good to have a more detached 'hindsight' view.
The tactics were quite plain to see. Try and contain by sitting deep and protecting the defence. The sight of Chicharito completely isolated in his 'lone furrow' role in the first half was frustrating watching but there was a plan. Not necessarily the right one IMHO – but a plan nonetheless.
So half time arrived and we were getting battered but still only one goal down.
For me the second half was better viewing. Yes – we were still being outplayed in the most part but there were occasions where we started to move the ball quickly with some incisive, one touch stuff, that was better viewing for sure. Problem with that was the defence became more exposed and it lead to 3 more goals. Lukaku loves playing on the break. He loves playing on the break even more against us. I know his second goal didn't come by this route but, let's face it, he could have got 5 on Sunday afternoon. So would it have been better to continue to sit rigidly and keep the score down? Not for this Hammer. It's not 'The West Ham Way' but, more importantly, it wouldn't have been the right approach for that particular situation. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and as I sit here typing it's clear, to my mind, that we should have 'had a go' from the first whistle. Lessons to learn there by my reckoning. By having a go I really don't mean in an Ossie Ardiles or Kevin Keegan 'completely abandon defence' way – just don't sit so deep your're practically on your own goal line. There were some positives to take out of the game btw but more of that later on.
Last season we saw the addition of squad players in the transfer window. For the right, or wrong, reasons it was a case of quantity not quality. I fully understood those reasons. A bigger squad of players was considered a key requirement but then we got drawn against our bogey European part time team again and that was that. So many squad additions became more of a burden than a boon.
This time around it is a completely different story. Player positions that needed strengthening were recognised and the club worked hard to bring in the right quality to improve, not simply grow, the squad. On that score the club has certainly delivered.
So, with all four new signings taking the field at Old Stretford, the appetite was well and truly whetted. Let's consider that for a second. Four completely new players to the team all thrown in at once. "Ah yes but they played together pre-season," I hear some mutter. Doesn't count for me. Pre season is about fitness and the intensity of a game with points at stake cannot be replicated. Results and performances have little relevance before the first official whistle of the season. So numerically not on the same scale as 2016-17 but four from eleven is a big percentage of the team all the same. Here's the rub. A team with so many new additions really needs time to gel. I'm constantly hearing, from virtually every football pundit, that time is not a luxury afforded you in the Premier League. Be that as it may you can't 'demand' understanding and confidence amongst, and with, team-mates. It takes time and, for me, Sunday was more about players looking like strangers than it was individual poor performances. Don't get me wrong, there were some howlers with the defence leading the hit-list of culprits (Masuaku looks like the man who started last season again, not the one who finished it, and Reid clearly hates playing Lukaku), but it's going to take a few games before the team starts to buzz again IMHO.
"The bite and fight in this lad is on a Mike Tyson level"
On to those positives I mentioned earlier. If you were to list those positives Declan Rice's performance would have to be right at the top. Frankly the academy product showed other players the desire and hunger that they should have been displaying. The bite and fight in this lad is on a Mike Tyson level. And not without quality either. You only have to compare Obiang's passing to his and you can rest your case. Young players not getting played because they make costly mistakes? Yeah – right. Go compare in this game Mr Wenger? This was a Premier League game not a Sunday afternoon stroll and Declan Rice seemed to be one of the few that understood that. Of the others who 'put in a shift' Chicha stood out. We're going to love this player. The only thing that's a little frustrating is his passing, and speaking to a Manchester United mate of mine it's clearly a common theme amongst fans of clubs he's played for, but his crossing certainly is not . If he could have only been on the other end of his own sublime ball from out wide in the second half we'd have halved the deficit and, perhaps, played with a bit more confidence in the last quarter of the game. My advice – work harder to get there Chicha ;) .
"Young players not getting played because they make costly mistakes? Yeah – right. Go compare Mr Wenger?"
"If he could have only been on the other end of his own sublime ball"
I've not even mentioned the players we were missing. For me the most creative, most powerful and most combative weren't able to take the field and that was a huge contributor. But that's not the point I'm trying to illustrate here. A good cake depends on quality ingredients and this group are going to improve us from a flat Victoria Sponge to a 'Great Bake Off' contender. It's just going to take some patience and careful, expert, mixing, rolling and baking (not sure the analogy carried through there but you know what I mean ;) ). I have a strong belief that all four additions this Summer are going to be great. In contrast to 2016-17, come May, we're going to be gutted to see the end of the season.
Lastly a big thanks to Iain for the opportunity to contribute here. Looking forward to 'chatting' and exchanging views with some of the 'blast from the past' names I recognise and others I've yet to 'meet' on WHTID.
West Ham 4 The Cup – COYI!
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Every single word of Bilic's press conference as West Ham boss offers update on Carvalho switch
If you missed anything from Bilic's press conference, you can recap it here
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:57, 17 AUG 2017
What's the latest injury news, Slaven?
Mikey [Antonio] is back, he is fit. He played last week for the U23s as part of the plan for his recovery. He has been training with us for two and a half weeks now.
He joined us back training and he looks good and he looks ready. Yesterday, Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll started to train with us. We are going to see with them, especially Andy, he had a long lay-off since March. Cheikhou has been out for a while too but it happened at the beginning of the pre-season for him.
Manuel Lanzini he is training separately, individually, and will be joining us on Monday so we should have a full squad back for Newcastle. For the Southampton game 100 per cent Mikey is back.
There was some harsh analysis after the United game, are you concerned?
I said after the game that, Ok, it's Man United and we should have done a bit better. Especially when it comes to the last few minutes. We didn't give up, we did our best but it wasn't very smart and we crumbled. I wanted to find the balance between criticising and talking about what wasn't good because some if it wasn't good enough but on the other hand, you don't want to lose the confidence because of one defeat. We found the balance, we have looked good this week in training and then we want to approach the game against Southampton in a very positive mood, knowing what we have to do to get anything out of that game.
We are playing against a team that is doing well, they are consistent, no matter that they are changing managers but they are not changing players, they are doing well.
What the latest on William Carvalho?
I don't know what is with the ins and outs. It is very busy at the other clubs as well but I have left it to the board, the chairman, and the people who are involved in the ins and outs. I am only concentrating on Southampton.
Karren Brady said 17 of 20 Premier League clubs are in favour of shortening the transfer window - are you?
Yes. It is mutal. Me and the club are on the same line and we would like it to happen. Ironically, it would put the clubs even in a worse situation that you would still lose some players if clubs from abroad want them and you want to be able to replace them. It would only protect us in terms that no other Premier League clubs can take your players. Like Coutinho, it can't stop Liverpool losing him but stop buying his replacment. For me it is a great idea, we are really starting the pre-season with one team and then when the season starts, some teams are losing like 30 per cent of the team and then its all new. For me, let's say before the first game of the season and definitely it should be across Europe. This is giving the people around Europe a lot of time to speculate, think, act and it definitely the hardest for managers.
Do you have sympathy with Klopp and Conte on Coutinho and Costa with your experience with Payet?
Of course I have. What you asked before, that would stop these kinds of moves. You want to have your team and be concentrate only on the game but you cant. Of course I have sympathy for them. Sometimes you are on the other side, a position where you get the player, but it definitely doesn't help.
Do players have too much power?
Yeah but what is very important and what gives you strength as a manager and as a club is the strength of the other side, you're on the same line as the board and chairman, that is important because you, the manager the chairman and the club first of all becomes really powerful.
Has the balance gone too far?
I don't know, you know better than me. As much as I know the power is too much on the side of the players and the agents. It's hard for the managers. I was a few times in that situation but I never recommend a player, I never suggest or ask from a player or advise them to stop training. No, that is low. And it shouldn't be like that.
One positive was Declan Rice, you must have been happy?
Although it is nice to have those situations, a bonus lets say, we are never trying to force it. I didn't go OK lets put him in to gain everything, but he is a boy. Very mature for his age, very good for his age he is thinking about the game plus the quality definitely he impressed everybody - players, staff, West Ham family and me of course. He wasn't in the plans from the beginning. He was there [pre-season] and it was still very important for him to play pre-season games and he did really well. It's too early for the kid but he is improving, he really is. Ok, we had some injuries and players are coming back soon or now in midfield - but he came on against Man Utd because I was confident that he can do it. Like I asked, and he did already previously. He came on against Burnley last season and it was an important game, Burnley tried to equalise and he came on as the best option so Rice still it can go either way. I don't want to praise him too much despite he and his family being totally down to earth, he will stay focused. He is still at the beginning, very low on the scale but he is doing well.
What is the latest with Manuel Lanzini to Liverpool and does he have a price tag on his head?
"No, I am not worried [about Lanzini leaving]. I got it from the papers, the news. That's it. "But, I said it last week when we spoke about it before Man Utd game. I speak to Manu every day and he is very happy. He really feels at home here, he feels wanted. "You can see it, you don't have to talk to the player but you see he is smiling, he is happy. He broke into the Argentina team, he got a call-up for the September games so he knows that if he plays for West Ham I have a chance to improve, sign a better contract with West Ham and play for Argentina. He is very happy. "I don't want to set a price tag on him, I am sure he is going to stay with us. "He knows that he is wanted. As I said, the chairman and the board, when he was on loan we took the option even before we had to, we activated it. He was voted players player of the year which is a good thing and he feels wanted at the place. He likes it here."
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Manuel Lanzini still injured, but Michail Antonio and Cheikhou Kouyate could return for West Ham against Southampton
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Manuel Lanzini will again be missing for West Ham when they go to Southampton on Saturday. Slaven Bilic had hoped that Lanzini would recover from a leg injury in time to be involved but the playmaker is not now expected to return to full training until next week. Bilic will, however, be boosted by the return of Michail Antonio to his squad. The England international missed last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Manchester United as he recovers from a hamstring injury but has since played for the Under-23 team. Andy Carroll is also back in full training, as is midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who has a chance of making the substitutes' bench.
Meanwhile, West Ham remain hopeful of adding Portuguese holding midfielder William Carvalho to their squad before the transfer window closes but are not prepared to match Sporting Lisbon's asking price of £40million. Speaking on Sky Sports, West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said chairman David Sullivan was working "20 hours a day" on possible deals while another club source revealed today the Carvalho deal "had always been 50-50" but they were "battling on" in an effort to sign the player.
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Manuel Lanzini is happy at West Ham and won't go to Liverpool to replace Philippe Coutinho, says Slaven Bilic
JAMES BENGE
ES Sport
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has no doubts whatsoever that Manuel Lanzini may be lured away to Liverpool this summer. Lanzini has been linked with a move to Anfield as a possible replacement for Philippe Coutinho should the Brazilian move to Barcelona, who have bid £90.9million for the playmaker. However West Ham have been insistent that the 24-year-old, arguably their outstanding player and certainly their most important playmaker since the departure of Dimitri Payet to Marseille in January. "I speak to Manu every day and he is very happy," Bilic said during his pre-Southampton press conference. "He feels at home here, he feels wanted. "You can feel it, you don't have to talk to the player but you see he is smiling, he is happy. He broke into the Argentina team, he got a call-up for the September games so he knows that if he plays for West Ham I have a chance to improve, sign a better contract with West Ham and play for Argentina. He is very happy." "I don't want to set a price tag on him, I am sure he is going to stay with us. "He knows that he is wanted. As I said, the chairman and the board, when he was on loan [from UAE side Al Jazira during the 2015-16 season] we took the option even before we had to, we activated it. He was voted player's player of the year which is a good thing and he feels wanted at the place. He likes it here."
West Ham are keen to improve the supporting cast around Lanzini and are attempting to secure the club record signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. Bilic is leaving responsibility for that deal to club chairman David Sullivan as he looks to prompt a revival from the West Ham side that were hammered 4-0 at Manchester United. "We're going to see what happens with ins and outs," he said. "It's becoming even more busy with other clubs but I've left it to the chairman. I'm concentrating only and totally on our game against Southampton."
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A West Ham move for Man City defender Mangala would be pointless - think of Declan Rice's progress
West Ham transfer news has seen the Hammers linked with a move for Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
12:45, 17 AUG 2017
There are many reasons why West Ham making a move for Eliaquim Mangala before the transfer window slams shut makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
1. He's badly out of form.
2. West Ham don't need him.
3. He'd command extortionate wages the club don't need to spend.
4. Declan Rice's progress would be stunted.
5. He's no upgrade on Winston Reid. It's debateable if he's an upgrade on James Collins.
6. William Carvalho would be a better signing.
To be honest, there really shouldn't even have to be an article explaining why this is just a bad, bad move for the Hammers and a pointless one but I'll go ahead and explain it anyway. This is a player who signed for Man City for a frankly outrageous £31.8m at the time from Porto and that was before it was leaked the Frenchman could cost City more like £42m. He has spent the last season away from Manchester at Valencia and didn't pull up any trees in La Liga. It's easy to say "he will re-discover his form" but he's had two seasons to find it since coming to the Premier League and he hasn't.
Mangala just isn't the right fit for West Ham, nowhere near. The centre half is out of favour under Pep Guardiola as he is unlikely to be able to pass the ball out from the back like he would be required to do. West Ham do the same, finding Pedro Obiang, Mark Noble, Edimilson Fernandes, Cheikhou Kouyate or whoever it is out from defence and play the ball through midfield so Mangala wouldn't work out at all. It would also stunt the progress of Declan Rice, who is going great guns at the moment for the Hammers, with rumours he could be in line for a Premier League start at Southampton this weekend. The teenager is a precious talent the Hammers need to keep hold of right now and not send away on loan like they have done with Reece Oxford. Rice has been played in midfield but his future is at centre half, that's his favourite position, and bringing in Mangala would see Rice probably lose a his place in the first team squad. It would be a terrible waste.
Winston Reid is a good defender, we know that. Jose Fonte can improve and Angelo Ogbonna is still working his way back to full fitness after a knee injury - the Italian was sorely missed last season when he was absent. Is Mangala really any better than them? It would just be an all around mistake if the Hammers were to sign Mangala. With that in mind, it'll probably happen now.
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West Ham chairman David Sullivan working 20 hour days during summer transfer window, reveals Karren Brady: 'It's an incredibly stressful situation'
West Ham have signed five players this summer including Marko Arnautovic
The Hammers continue to work behind the scenes to add new faces to squad
Karren Brady revealed chairman David Sullivan 'is working 20 hours a day'
Brady also explained how the window is an 'incredibly stressful situation'
By Matt Maltby For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 23:47, 16 August 2017 | UPDATED: 23:57, 16 August 2017
Karren Brady has lifted the lid on the 'incredibly stressful' summer transfer window at West Ham — by revealing club chairman David Sullivan 'is working 20 hours a day'. The London Stadium outfit have had a busy summer, adding five players to Slaven Bilic's squad including the £24million club-record signing of Marko Arnautovic. But the Hammers are still working hard on deals, with Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho among the targets, before the window slams shut on Thursday, August 31. And Brady, the east London club's vice chairman, admits Sullivan is working through the hours to ensure the club have a squad capable of winning silverware this season. Speaking on Sky Sports' Debate show, Brady said: 'A lot of supporters don't understand how stressful that whole period [the transfer window] is. 'My chairman is working 20 hours a day getting very little sleep, taking phone calls, morning, noon and night. He's doing all of that to try and improve things for West Ham. It's an incredibly stressful situation. 'I don't deal with agents, my poor chairman has to deal with them — and I can tell you it's incredibly stressful. 'There are people who come into the market who purport to represent players but don't, that are working behind your backs, talking to players and turning their heads. 'They're talking them out of deals, talking them into deals, talking you into deals — it's stressful.'
Along with the signing of Arnautovic, who signed from Stoke City, Javier Hernandez, Sead Haksabanovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart have also arrived this summer. And Brady admitted the money is available for Bilic to improve his squad, with the club keen on bringing £37.5m-rated Carvalho to the Premier League.
She added: 'We are ambitious and want to win things. 'We realise we needed extra players in the team. The manager has identified who they are, the money is there and the chairman is working very hard to bring them in. 'All of our ambitions are for West Ham. But we can't put on the football boots, play the games and score the goals. 'We have to rely on other people to do that and that's where the money comes in, the negotiations and the tactics — and the way it all works is very important.'
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West Ham vice-president Karen Brady gives update on William Carvalho transfer situation
The Hammers are still interested in a move for the Portugese international
Football London
BYADAM JONES
07:00, 17 AUG 2017
West Ham vice-president Karen Brady has given some encouragement over the possible transfer of William Carvalho - saying that hard work is still being done to bring him to the club. The Hammers were recently believed to be frustrated at the lack of progress thanks to Sporting Lisbon's high demands, and were even said to be identifying possible alternatives to the Portugese international. However, speaking on new Sky Sports show "The Debate" - club vice-president Karen Brady has reassured fans that, whilst transfers are a difficult process, the club are working very hard to bring in the midfielder. "Well, my chairman handles all the transfer negotiations and he's working very closely," Karen Brady said. "It's all very complex signing players. You think you make a decision to buy them but there's so many various different layers and actually getting it done and doing it in the time-frame that you want isn't always possible. "But I know they're working very hard on it [Carvalho's transfer]."
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'You have not been hoodwinked' Karren Brady makes promise to angry West Ham fans over stadium
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has made a pledge to angry fans over the London Stadium. The Hammers have had to request to play the first four games of the season away from their new home due to the World Athletic Championships taking place there. The IAAF competition and the much-criticised relocatable seating at the ground - which will cost an eye-watering £8 million each time it is done - will have to be reconfigured again for football mode, a process which takes around 15 days. When the club left their beloved Boleyn Ground home of 112 years supporters were worried about the fact West Ham did not own their new stadium and were only anchor tenants. General view inside the stadium during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on May 14, 2017 in Stratford, England. But those fans were reassured West Ham fixtures would always take precedence over other events and sporting fixtures.
So when Karren Brady appeared as a guest on Sky Sports show The Debate Live, it was inevitably the resounding topic when fans were invited to send in their questions on Twitter. And Brady made an unequivocal pledge to the West Ham faithful after being quizzed on why athletics was taking priority and leaving Slaven Bilic with four away games to start the new campaign. "When we signed the contract in 2013 we were aware that the IAAF (World Championships) was going to happen this summer," Brady told The Debate Live. "I have to say what a fantastic event it was and I'm sure London and the whole country were very proud to be part of it and that's part of the (Olympic) legacy. "It's a once in a lifetime situation and it's the only time that our games won't take precedence. "We've reversed the middle fixture (vs Southampton) so we end up with three Premier League games away from home and obviously the (EFL) cup game we've reversed as well (vs Cheltenham) which obviously Sky is going to show on TV. "I think it would be an excuse to say that that's going to affect the team, I mean Slaven's said 'we have to play everyone anyway, which order we play them in doesn't matter' by the end of September we'll have had four away game and three home games and if you think about March we've got three home games in a row. "But we do understand the supporters are not happy about it but it was already in the diary for the stadium and we asked the Premier League's permission before we signed the contract to be able to have the fixtures reversed in 2013 but it is a one-off."
When asked if she felt comfortable that fans have not been 'hoodwinked and it was an anomaly', Brady responded "Yes" and cited the example of Liverpool last season while firmly reiterating her point. "This is a one-off, it's a once in a generation, once in a lifetime, it's part of the legacy of the stadium, I think it was a very good event, the manager says it's not going to affect his preparations and it's not going to effect the team, the away form was pretty good last season, so I think it's one of those things but it won't happen again," Brady added.
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Chris Sutton claims Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is better than West Ham United's Javier Hernandez
HITC
John Verrall
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths and West Ham United forward Javier Hernandez both boast strong scoring records. Chris Sutton has suggested that Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is better than West Ham United new boy Javier Hernandez. Griffiths was in fine form for Celtic last night, which led to Sutton telling BT Sport that the Scottish international could tear apart the Premier League. The comment caused some debate on Twitter, with one West Ham fan suggesting that Griffiths would struggle in England's top tier. And Sutton claims that he would rather have Griffiths in his team over Hernandez, who moved to the London Stadium this summer for a fee valued at £16 million by the London Evening Standard.
Follow
Chris Sutton ✔ @chris_sutton73
Griffiths over Hernandez everyday of the week... and I like Hernandez https://twitter.com/dave49hammer/status/898087072887709696 …
8:42 AM - Aug 17, 2017
West Ham's signing of Hernandez has caused great excitement, as the Mexican forward has scored goals at every club he has represented in his career to date.
Hernandez has played and proved to be a clinical option for the likes of Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen previously. Griffiths, meanwhile, has also been a frequent scorer for Celtic in recent times. Griffiths has netted 89 goals in 147 matches for the Bhoys, since moving to Glasgow back in 2013.
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IN ABSENTIA OF KOUYATE AND THE WISE/FAMOUS LAST WORDS DICHOTOMY!
By S J Chandos 17 Aug 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The current squad boasts higher profile and arguably more skilful/celebrated players such as Lanzini and Hernandez, but in terms of sheer power, physical presence and functionality we literally only has one player like Kouyate. He is a powerful box-to-box midfielder, with the ability to add steel and coherence to the midfield unit and get forward to grab some important goals. He is also blessed (or some would say cursed!) with a wonderful adaptability, being able to play as a holding midfielder, a centre-back or even at right-back. But it is in this box-to-box role that he has the greatest impact. It was noticeable last season how crucial his midfield presence is to the team and how we suffered when he was absent or played out of position. That is a subjective observation on my part, but it would be interesting to see how many points we dropped in his absence last season (especially during the ACON campaign last winter). However, his importance is surely reflected in the fact that his pending surgery, at the end of last season, was delayed until after the home victory over Spurs that assured our PL status.
It was this observation that led me to suggest last season that we needed to recruit another player of similar qualities in the January window to provide cover/competition for the Senegalese international. And it seems that Bilic has reached a similar conclusion and is doing something about it with the pursuit of William Carvalho and, according to various social media sources, a number of alternative, midfield power houses targets (if the deal for the Sporting Lisbon man stalls). In truth, the insipid performance last Sunday was a typical 'in absentia of Kouyate' display, with the midfield losing possession far too easily and lacking the sheer power and drive to seriously trouble our opponents. It was more apparent due to the quality of the opposition, but in the PL we will continue to drop points to less accomplished teams if our midfield unit continues to play like that. Indeed, it speaks volumes that the introduction of 18 year old Declan Rice, as a substitute, only served to emphasise the palpable lack of confidence, technique and sheer application demonstrated by much more experienced team mates. There are a number of senior players who should be taking a long, hard look at themselves after Sunday's debacle. I can tolerate losing to the likes of Man Utd away, but for god's sake make a fight of it, if not for the players own professional pride then for the sake of the wonderful travelling claret and blue army!
I could not travel on Sunday, due to health reasons, but observing the match on Sky Sports, the experience was all too familiar from previous such bygone fixtures. It was observed during the Sky commentary that statistically it was a case of the PL club with the highest number of winning opening fixtures versus that with the least. I do not feel any pressing compulsion to clarify 'which club is which' in this particular case! Indeed, why is it that so many times over the years, and stretching back to the days of the football league, West Ham invariably look less fit and unprepared for a new season than their opponents? Certainly, that is how it appeared to me on Sunday. The team looked like a rapidly assembled collection of strangers (which I suppose they were to a certain extent, with four debutants), who are still half-way through pre-season. The Manchester United players looked far fitter and sharper, not to mention organised, more motivated and hungry for the ball. What happened to all the careful pre-season fitness work and the cohesion that should have accrued from the matches in Austria and Germany? It was called the ideal preparation, and probably it was in terms of avoiding injury, but was it actually a demanding enough programme and did we suffer on Sunday as a consequence?
The player I felt most sorry for was undoubtedly Hernandez, he really did apply himself up front and tried until the final whistle. However, ultimately you have to feed a goal poacher like the Mexican international and on Sunday the service was virtually zero. I also felt that Arnautovic grafted for the team and made some intelligent forward runs, but the crucial early balls forward were either not there or too easily intercepted. Zabaletta played like he still had the likes of Vincent Company to cover his adventurous and pulsating excursions down the right flank and duly got caught out of position on occasions (especially in the build up to Man Utd's first goal). Hopefully, the return of Antonio and the addition of the likes of Carvahlo will rectify that problem. Alternatively, especially away from home, we might look again at implementing three at the back and give Zabaletta and Cresswell the licence to go forward more readily. But at least in Zabaletta's case he did apply himself and make the necessary effort, even if he did not reap the rewards on this occasion. I would also give Sakho the benefit of the doubt, he only played two or three games last season and has endured a considerable injury lay off. I am not surprised that he is looking to ease his way back in to the action in those circumstances. By rights, he should be doing that with a run of U-23 appearances, but with Carroll still out and Bilic apparently choosing not to sign another striker, I suppose 'needs must'. It is better to judge him after a few more appearances, not at this early stage of the season. similarly, Reid looked unfit and decidedly out of sorts, I would not be surprised if he is struggling with a niggle or, alternatively, he has just come back too soon. Hart did fair to middling and, as stated, Rice was excellent, but rest of the line up really did not win any battle honours on the day.
Still, never mind, upwards and onwards. On the bright side, our next fixture is distinctly winnable (if we can sort ourselves out on the training ground this week); we have some key players coming back in the shape of Antonio, Lanzini Carroll and Kouyate, who will improve us significantly; the existing new signings should benefit from another week of training and better build understanding with their teammates; the caravahlo deal is hopefully still in the pipeline; and it is possible there could be further additions, especially if Snodgrass is sold/loaned out. Who is favourite to come in? Well, as I said, at the time of writing, the grape vine has it that Bilic does not want to sign another striker (lets hope that Sakho and Carroll's fitness justifies that decision). That is fine if it means that Martinez will be in the frame for a first team debut at some point. I suppose Bilic also reasons that Antonio and Ayew can both play as auxiliary central strikers if circumstances necessitate, which is a fair point. If Snodgrass does exit we will need another wide player. We have Antonio and Arnautovic and promising youngsters like Holland, Samuelsson and Quina as cover. I feel that those three should take a step nearer the first team this coming season (although most thought the same about Burke and Cullen) and they should be encouraged to do so.
So, I reckon one additional wide player is necessary and the favourite seems to be Jota of Brentford Town. A Spanish winger, who was their creative font last season and has the very handy tendency of weighing in with his fair share of goals. The player allegedly wants the move to the London Stadium and has resisted overtures from Newcastle Utd (The frozen north does not appeal apparently!). So, the scene looks set for a deal, possibly on deadline day? A new defensive/box-to-box midfielder is likely to be signed if recent reports are to be believed. Lets hope it is the option that we all prefer. Apart from Ogbonna, we lack pace in central defence and is that surprising with both Fonte and Collins still at the club. Rice can play at centre-back, but at this stage of his career is he ready for that position; or would he better deployed in midfield? I am still to make my mind up on that point. In my view Burke should have stayed and provided cover. Remember this is a young player with a number of competitive first team appearances under his belt and he looked the part in pre-season. Still it is notable that the Burke/Cullen loans to Bolton are only until January, so it could be that they will be recalled and figure in the New Year. We shall see? I suppose the safest option is to sell Collins and sign another centre-back, but they did seem reluctant to do that, presumably in the knowledge that they have three such outstanding prospects as Rice, Oxford and Burke emerging from the Academy. However, this evening the news story broke that we are interested in signing Man City centre-back, Mangala. I cannot say that I am very keen on that potential deal, but lets see what transpires.
So, we have hardly 'hit the ground running' but it is correct to preach patience and look at the bigger picture in terms of the new squad gelling in the coming weeks. Talking of poor starts to a season, I was reminded recently of the 1974-75 season. It was the early post-Moore/Hurst period and we were in a difficult transition to the succeeding Bonds/Brooking era. In addition, Lyall had just succeeded Greenwood as manager, with the latter becoming General Manager responsible for scouting/transfers amongst other wider club matters. In 1973-74 we just avoided relegation with a 18th place finish, accumulating 37 points from 42 matches, and we started the following season poorly with defeats versus Man City (A – 4-0), Everton (H – 2-3), Newcastle Utd (A – 2-0), Sheffield Utd (H – 1-2) and Spurs (A – 2-1). By mid-September 1974 we were languishing at the foot of the table with 3 points, gained from a 2-0 home victory over Luton Town and a 0-0 away draw with the same opponents. Believe me things looked very grim indeed at that point!
Yet, Greenwood worked his magic and regenerated our prospects with the acquisition of Billy Jennings, Keith Robson and Alan Taylor, as they quickly gelled with the likes of Gould, Paddon, Brooking and Bonds to create a new exciting unit. The change signalled itself as a single, advanced swallow in the form of the 6-0 home demolition of Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup. And summer quickly followed with goals and exciting displays in a run of league victories over Leicester City (H- 6-0), Birmingham City (A -1-3) and Burnley (A – 3-5), amongst some very memorable performances/results. In fact, up until 28 December 1974, we only lost another two matches. Admittedly, the 'wheels did come off' results wise in the New Year, but we finished in a relatively comfortable 13th place and by then the 1975 cup run had fully gripped our attentions.
1974-75 will always be one of my favourite seasons, primarily because of the way our season turned around, the quality of our football and that memorable Cup victory over Fulham. I know that performance/progress in the PL is crucial these day, but this example does serve to illustrate that it is not always wise to get too depressed based on initial results because the fortunes of clubs can and do change for the better. Some times beyond the scope of what fans imagine possible at the time of the opening defeat(s).
Lets hope for all our sakes that these prove 'wise' and not 'famous last words' on our prospects for the 2017-18 season.
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, August 18
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