We are West Ham United since 1900: New Third kit launched!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Umbro are delighted to reveal the Club's historic new Third kit for the 2017/18 season. The striking design recreates the first-ever strip worn by the Hammers in the 1900/01 Southern League season - the Club's first as West Ham United - and is adorned with the first known crest to appear on a West Ham jersey, from the famous 1923 'White Horse' FA Cup final.
Available to buy now in stores and online here, the stylish Third kit is comprised of a sky blue shirt, complete with cuffed sleeves and a buttoned collar stamped with the date that the Club became West Ham United - 5 July 1900 - white shorts with a claret trim and black socks.
West Ham United's first Southern League fixture following the Club's recreation in 1900 was against Gravesend at the Memorial Grounds in West Ham on 1 September 1900. The Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over their visitors from Kent in front of a 2,000-strong crowd, with Billy Grassam scoring four times, James Reid twice and Fergus Hunt once.
Captain Mark Noble says it is important for the Hammers to pay tribute to the Club's forefathers. "As a lifelong West Ham fan, I really like what the Club have done with this Third kit," said Noble. "It's important to remember where it all began for West Ham United, all those years ago. "It's also a really nice kit, too. I'm sure the fans will love wearing it as much as the players will love playing in it. It's a shirt you can wear both to play football and with a pair of jeans."
The Third kit is priced at £55 for Adult short-sleeve sizes and £45 for Junior short-sleeve sizes, with Season Ticket Holders receiving a 10% discount on all full-price Umbro kit and trainingwear. The Hammers' new Third kit is on sale now online from the Official West Ham Store or in person at the Club's London Stadium, Lakeside Thurrock and Liberty Romford stores in Men's, Women's, Junior and Infant sizes. The kit is set to be worn in Premier League action for the first time when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace on 28 October. Supporters can meet first teamers including Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll at our Third Kit launch event at the Stadium Store today!
Head to the store between 11.30am and 1.30pm to meet the players and buy the kit! You can also film your TV-style walk-up in the new kit, and young Hammers can take on a couple of players at FIFA.
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A throwback to our origins: Explaining the detail on West Ham United's third kit
WHUFC.com
In 1900 a football team in east London named Thames Ironworks FC made the decision to disband. From the ashes of that team rose West Ham United.
In the 117 years that have followed that name has become more than just a title. It has become synonymous with passion, determination, hard-work and a way of playing football. And it all started with this shirt.
West Ham United's new third strip is directly inspired by the first-ever kit worn by the Irons, in the 1900/01 Southern League season. On September 1 1900, in the club's first home game wearing that strip, the Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over Gravesend. The sky-blue shirt is also embroidered with the first known crest ever to ever appear on a West Ham United jersey, from the famous first Wembley FA Cup final of 1923. The date '05.07.1900' has also subtly been stamped across the back of the neck as a reminder of the club's roots and the inspiration for this kit. The simple design of the shirt is completed with a buttoned collar and a cuffed sleeve, finishing off an elegant and refined new addition to the West Ham United locker. The top is accompanied by white shorts, again sporting the 1923 cross irons crest, and black socks in a complete tribute to the first West Ham United team.
West Ham's newest kit is now available to buy from the Club stores at the London Stadium in Stratford, the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and at the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford.
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Apply to join the Supporter Advisory Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United is delighted to announce that new applications have now officially opened for the 2017/18 Supporter Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB is the primary link between supporters and the West Ham United Board, ensuring that the voice of the fans is heard at the highest level on the subjects that matter most.
A close relationship between the Club and supporters is of crucial importance to the Board, and the SAB format will continue to grow and develop in order to ensure that all sections of our diverse fanbase are represented.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady says: "The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board has evolved into a hugely positive and integral element of our football club since its inception.
"The direct and regular contact between the board and the fans has been proven to be a successful formula and we look forward to developing it even further this year.
"I would like to sincerely thank every member of the 2016/17 SAB for their dedication, support and commitment on behalf of their fellow West Ham United supporters last season.
"Their involvement played a crucial role in helping us to make great progress and improvements during our inaugural campaign at London Stadium, and had given us a fantastic platform to build upon and continue doing all we can to make the supporter experience as rewarding as possible for our fans."
Last season saw four meetings held at London Stadium, with the Fan Feedback Forum in September, two SAB meetings in January and May respectively, and the introduction of the Disabled Supporter Advisory Board in April.
The 2016/17 members represented a number of diverse fan groups but also focused heavily on spectator sections within London Stadium, as part of the objective to address early issues at the stadium on matchdays and aim for constant improvement.
The group helped advise and guide on a number of key initiatives, including how to bring stewards closer to the West Ham family, the development of Supporter Liaison Officers and the creation of the DSAB.
At these meetings, we also set our mission; working together to develop and maintain a positive relationship and create the best supporter experience for all West Ham United fans and we would like to thank all of our supporters for their valued contribution throughout the 2016/17 season.
To ensure we build on the success of these meetings we have decided to increase the number of meetings to three SABs and three DSABs for 2017/2018, making it a total of six meetings between the Board and supporters for the upcoming season.
The first DSAB and SAB meetings for the 2017/18 season are scheduled as follows:
Disabled Supporter Advisory Board – Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Supporter Advisory Board – Wednesday 11 October 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Why should I apply for the SAB?
This is a unique opportunity to work directly alongside fellow supporters and the Board to enhance the remove supporter experience for all West Ham fans. The agenda for each meeting is crafted based on the submissions received by supporters, with clear action points agreed collectively on the night and minutes published on whufc.com.
We're a team both on and off the pitch, so if you're a West Ham United fan with a passion for working together and you feel you can represent the views of your fellow supporters, then apply today!
Who do you wish to represent?
It has always been our aspiration that the SAB would evolve to have more members who represent a larger group or section of the overall fanbase. Those members will then be tasked with bringing forward the two or three core issues for the agenda that are specific to the group that they represent with a view to reaching a consensus for the years agenda for the Club to focus on and invest in as necessary, along with the various day to day issues that may crop up. There are a maximum of 25 members on the SAB, so please ensure you express key examples of the role you play in representing the category you have chosen.
We are excited to be inviting new applicants to represent, share and discuss the views of our supporters in the following areas:
Youth (under 25)
Senior (over 65)
Women
Supporters Clubs UK
Supporters Clubs International
Non-geographical Supporters Clubs (e.g. minority or representative groups)
1966 Season Ticket Holders
Season Ticket Holders from each stand
Away match-goers
Families
Club London (Bars)
Club London (Lounges)
Please choose the category you feel you could represent on the SAB 2017/2018 and complete the online or postal application form below:
Online application form
Postal application form
Please note that, as part of the application process, the Equal Opportunities section must also be completed and submitted in full. Failure to return this section of the form will unfortunately result in the application being void.
All applications should be received no later than September 15 at 5pm and all applicants will be notified by email whether their application has been successful or unsuccessful.
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Sullivan delivers transfer window verdict
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says manager Slaven Bilic is content with the transfer business the Hammers have done this summer. Five new faces were added to the squad during pre-season, with over 600 Premier League appearances between four of them. And whilst the Hammers' start to the season has been a frustrating one, Sullivan says the Board have worked closely with Bilic to secure his desired players, and both are confident that results will soon come.
"Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer transfer window," he told whufc.com. "We received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it. "It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. "Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. "As a Board we are behind Slaven, and he believes he has the tools to turn around our form and rectify our disappointing start to the season."
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Slaven Bilic tells Diafra Sakho to behave or pay the penalty after West Ham striker pushes for move
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Diafra Sakho was back training with West Ham on Friday, following his bizarre transfer-day attempt to engineer a move to French club Rennes. The Senegal striker also had talks with manager Slaven Bilic about the future, with West Ham insisting on an immediate improvement in the player's behaviour if he wants to avoid club sanctions. Sakho apparently wanted to move back to France for reasons not connected to football. He travelled there earlier this week apparently to undergo a private medical, which was not sanctioned by the club, prior to a proposed £9million move to Rennes. He then failed to appear for training on Thursday and was later spotted at Chelmsford racecourse, where his agent Mark McKay's horse was running. Bilic is understood to have told the player that any future similar behaviour will not be tolerated and that he must stay fit and play a certain percentage of games before next January, when his position at the club will be further reviewed.
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West Ham have the key ingredients for a solid season despite tough start
Evening Standard
I know West Ham have had a very difficult start to the season, but I honestly think they will be OK. It is not easy when you have to play your first three league games on the road, as they had to do because the world athletics championships were being held at the London Stadium. If you look at the squad, they have made themselves much better. Javier Hernandez is a proven goalscorer. Marko Arnautovic has flair and can create chances and score goals from nothing.
Joe Hart remains one of the best English goalkeepers. Perhaps the midfield is not as strong as it might be. Mark Noble is a fine player but he is coming towards the end, but I am confident they have enough to ensure a solid season.
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Jaanai Gordon: Cheltenham Town sign former West Ham United striker
BBC.co.uk
Cheltenham Town have signed unattached former West Ham United striker Jaanai Gordon on a free transfer. The 21-year-old has joined the League Two club on an undisclosed-length deal. Gordon's career started at Peterborough and loan spells at Nuneaton and Newport followed his 2014 move to West Ham. "Jaanai has trained with us for a few weeks so we have seen his ability and when he became available we were delighted to secure his services," boss Gary Johnson told the club website.
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Meltdown
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Rio Barlow
16 months ago I walked away from the Boleyn Ground, full of sadness that I was leaving my second - nah, sod that - my true home. But I was also filled with joy. I'd witnessed one of the greatest seasons of football I've had the privilege to witness. My team was playing with style, flair and had a never say die attitude that I'd not witnessed in way too many year. We didn't know when we were beaten.
Being two down was no longer a death knell, but almost seemingly a challenge that was easily overcome. We we're the fittest I'd ever seen us. It was almost as if I was watching a completely different club to the one I was brought up with. Of course there were disappointments, it wouldn't truly be West Ham without them now would it?
I knew the move to the Olympic Stadium would be hard. I expected a dip. History shows when a club moves ground this happens. What I wasn't expecting however was the almost complete meltdown of the club in the 16 months that followed.
Our Chairman's love of his own voice and publically playing his cards whipped up a buzzing fanbase into a frenzy as we allegedly pursued big name strikers. We all know how that panned out.
A scattergun approach to buying that was more akin to a trolley dash than a quest for excellence. The promises made about the stadium itself weren't fulfilled to the specifications set out, as penny pinching and arguing between the club and the stadium owners left those in the middle, 'us', with a far from ideal experience.
We were promised world class on and off the pitch. The reality was more remedial class. Our board had years to prepare for the move, but still managed, despite extensive jolly ups, sorry research, delivered the worse migration seen in British football.
With more spin than messers Murali and Warne combined, they played their propaganda out, via their media connections, to such an overblown extent, that it seemed the only thing missing from the campaign was the former Iraqi Minister of Information Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf.
They undermined their manager, they alienated the fans, they wiped out the feel good factor in a time when it was needed most. Disquiet was met with dismissive and underhand methods of counteraction. When the image is threatened, the claws come out.
Maybe it was a first season at the new home blip? This Summer has proved it wasn't. Again the media undermining of the manager has come to the fore. Again the penny-pinching attitude towards the transfer market has made us look embarrassing. Again we look like we have been lied to over the terms of our tenancy.
The catalogue of errors, media spin, failed transfer policy, lack of investment in both team and stadium and failure to deliver on their own 10 point pledge of May 2010 has led us to not what we were promised, the 'next level', but to a state of despair and clinging to a forelorn hope our threadbare, disgruntled and injury prone/ridden squad can survive.
You've failed Sullivan, Gold & Brady. You've failed me, my friends, my kids and the support of finest club in the land. Is a laughing stock of a director of football, a mismash bowl of scaffolding and tarpaulin and a demotivated squad, rooted to the foot of the Premier League befitting of the 15th richest club in the world? No.
Sell up and spend the money you've milked from us elsewhere. You said you wouldn't stay where you weren't wanted. Well no one wants you here anymore. And just to remind you, you have previous in this - the following from Birmingham City fan and former KUMB member Mickey07, writing back in 2009:
"Welcome to the world of very average players being signed from the fizzy pop leagues! To find out what approach Sullivan, Gold and Brady will take towards West Ham just look back in the archives for their time at Birmingham.
"Firstly, they'll tell the fans that you are in debt (their figures, not necessarily substantiated) and the fear created justifies the inevitable increase in ticket prices in the summer (Birmingham were more expensive to watch than Man Utd).
"Secondly, they'll blame high wages for the club's problems, but then make out that you will spend a huge sum of money on a 'star' player's wages (conveniently unnamed) - there was never any realistic chance that the player would sign, but gives the supporters the false impression that these guys are prepared to back big transfers.
"Thirdly, they'll avoid spending any money on facilities by trying to move the club to a new ground that someone else has paid for - ie the 2012 Olympic Stadium. Witness the failed campaign aimed at getting the City Council to pay for a new stadium in Birmingham which the club would move to but not contribute towards.
"Birmingham's fans, like those of any club, can certainly be accused of periods of unrealistic expectation but then it was Sullivan himself that made comments about Champions League qualification, not the supporters.
"Being regularly reminded for 15 years of how our club was 'saved' eventually wears a little thin.
"Sully loves a gamble on mickey mouse, no mark players that he thinks he's going to sell for £20million in a few years. And before every transfer window, he will promise you the world and deliver little/nothing.
"If you think [former CEO Scott] Duxbury is bad with spin, just wait until Sullivan starts! He will definitely surpass Duxbury, and within two or three years time you will definitely be doing this."
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SPORTING ACCEPTED WEST HAM'S CARVALHO OFFER
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Sporting Lisbon accepted a club-record fee for William Carvalho on deadline day. Sullivan claims that Sporting contacted West Ham on deadline day to accept an offer that was initially rejected a couple of weeks ago. However, it was too late in the day for the club to finalise a deal, meaning that West Ham were unable to secure the signing.
Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. West Ham were thought to have had an offer in the region of £38m rejected for Sporting, which is likely to be the offer that Sullivan is referring to.
Slaven Bilic is said to be happy with the business that the club has done this summer, although they currently sit bottom of the Premier League after losing all three of their games so far. Bilic also rejected the chance to sign Renato Sanches or Krychowiak.
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WEST HAM WERE OFFERED SANCHES AND KRYCHOWIAK
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
readWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak were both offered to West Ham this summer. Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are given the chance to sign the pair but manager Slaven Bilic rejected the chance. Bilic was happy with his squad and felt that he did not need either midfielder to strengthen his side. Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. This is despite the club's clear attempts to sign a midfielder on deadline day, with William Carvalho and Andre Gomes both heavily linked with a switch to the Olympic Stadium. Sanches and Krychowiak did both get their moves on deadline day, though. They signed for Swansea and West Brom on loan respectively. Sanches, from Bayern Munich, was seen as a massive coup for Swansea and has been touted as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Bilic did not think he would add to the current West Ham squad.
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Carvalho looking to January window
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
William Carvalho is reportedly disappointed that he was unable to complete a move to West Ham during the summer transfer window. The Sporting midfielder was linked with a £35million switch to West Ham during the final few weeks of the window, but a deal failed to materialise. Portuguese daily A Bola claim that whilst disappointed, Carvalho - who was also closely linked with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco - will try to find a new club in January instead, when the next window opens.
Since the deadline passed last night, at least one source has suggested the transfer failed after the plug was pulled by co-chairman David Sullivan due to doubts over the vast fee involved. Sporting were holding out for circa £40million for the defensive midfielder - which would have been almost double the record transfer fee paid to Stoke for Marko Arnautovic in June.
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Quina move collapses as fans call for Blades boycott
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
Domingos Quina's proposed deadline day move on loan to Sheffield United collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Academy star was poised to join the Blades on a season-long loan, but the deal myteriously fell through late in the afternoon on transfer deadline day. Although it is unknow exactly why the move fell through, talks had advanced to the point where the Portuguese youngster had been booked in for a medical with the Championship side - one that was never to proceed.
One suggestion for the breakdown in talks, hinted at by the Sheffield Star, referred to a guarantee of first team football. "Manager Chris Wilder has previously stated that he will not process any agreement which guarantees a player first team football at Bramall Lane," they wrote. Meanwhile, a KUMB Poll staged on deadline day resulted in 82 per cent of voters imploring West Ham not to do business with Sheffield, as a result of the Carlos Tevez fiasco that saw the Blades extort in excess of £30million from West Ham a decade ago. Just 13 per cent of those polled argued that it was time to let bygones be bygones. Either way, Quina remains a West Ham player this morning.
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CROSSED HAMMERS & THREE LIONS: BOBBY MOORE
By Dan Coker 1 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID
Welcome to the third in a series of articles designed for international weekends – a look back at former Hammers players who wore the Three Lions of England. Today, as England prepare to face Malta at the Ta'Qali National Stadium (where West Ham played Birkirkara two years ago), we look back at arguably West Ham United's greatest ever player and the world's finest defender – Bobby Moore.
Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore was born at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking on 12th April 1941, the only child of Robert and Doris – he attended Westbury Primary School and Tom Hood School in Leytonstone and joined the Hammers in 1956. With mentor Malcolm Allison recovering from tuberculosis and 17-year-old Moore waiting in the wings to replace him, manager Ted Fenton asked full-back Noel Cantwell for a recommendation on who to play against Manchester United on 8th September 1958. Cantwell, despite being a big friend of Allison's, famously replied, "play the kid". Moore made his debut for the newly-promoted Hammers in a 3-2 home win.
Moore would make five more appearances in 1958/59 and 15 the following season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 home win over Charlton in the Hammers' first ever League Cup game on 26th September 1960, the first of his 27 goals in claret and blue. A graceful, stylish defender, Bobby became a regular in that 1960/61 season after the departure of Johnny Smith to Tottenham, playing 42 games as West Ham finished 16th in the First Division. Moore, who was voted Hammer of the Year for the first time in 1960/61, was sent off for the only time in his career in a 5-3 defeat at Manchester City in November 1961, by which time Ron Greenwood had replaced Fenton.
Bobby made his England debut at the age of 21 on 20th May 1962 in a 4-0 win over Peru in Lima and played in the 1962 World Cup. He became the youngest player to captain England a year later after Johnny Haynes' retirement and injury to Jimmy Armfield – Moore was handed the role permanently by new manager Alf Ramsey in the summer of 1964. By then, he had become an FA Cup winner after the Hammers' defeat of Preston by three goals to two before lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season – he played in every game en route to the 1964 success and only missed both second round matches against Spartak Prague in the European campaign. Bobby was also part of the side which reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1966 and the two-legged League Cup Final in the same year as the Hammers were beaten on aggregate by Borussia Dortmund and West Brom in the respective competitions. Moore had also been named Hammer of the Year for the second time in 1963 and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1964.
His finest hour was to come on 30th July 1966 – a day etched in English sporting history. Bobby captained the England team, including West Ham United team-mates Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst to World Cup triumph over West Germany. Moore created two of the goals – Hurst and England's first and last – as the Three Lions triumphed 4-2 at Wembley. In a typical display of gentlemanly conduct Moore, despite surely being beside himself with pride and joy, still had the wherewithal to note on his ascent to the Royal Box that the Queen was wearing white gloves. His only thought was to not dirty them and he wiped his muddy hands on his kit and on the velvet balustrade before shaking Her Majesty's hand. His receipt of the Jules Rimet trophy is iconic of Moore's own majesty and his holding aloft of the trophy still symbolises this country's finest sporting moment. Incredibly, Moore had only recovered from testicular cancer 18 months previously.
Greenwood refused to sanction a move to Tottenham and Moore would be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966. He would be voted Hammer of the Year in 1968 and again in 1970, winning the award four times in total, but the Hammers were entrenched in a period of under-achievement, although they did reach the semi-finals of the League Cup in 1972 with Moore incredibly saving a penalty against Stoke after going in goal when Bobby Ferguson was injured. Mike Bernard did score from the rebound though. An approach from Derby's Brian Clough for Moore and Trevor Brooking was again turned down by Greenwood. Bobby scored his last goal for the club in a 4-3 defeat at Manchester City on 21st October 1972.
Bobby continued to impress against the world's best – his performance against Pele's Brazil in the 1970 World Cup was a masterclass in timing of the tackle and use of the football. With England struggling during qualification for the 1974 World Cup, he was left out by Ramsey – Moore's last game for England was a 1-0 friendly defeat to Italy on 14th November 1973. He won 108 caps, scoring two goals. He held the appearance record for his country until it was surpassed by Peter Shilton but maintains the joint record for appearances as captain with Billy Wright.
Bobby's 647th and final appearance for the Hammers came against Hereford in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round on 5th January 1974. He held the appearance record for the club at the time and is now third behind Billy Bonds and Frank Lampard. He left the club two months later in a £25,000 move to Fulham. Ironically, he would face his former club in the FA Cup Final of 1975.
After a spell in the North American Soccer League with San Antonio Thunder and Seattle Sounders, Moore would go on to manage Oxford City and Southend United. He also turned his hand to co-commentary with Jonathan Pearce for Capital Radio. Bobby died at the tragically young age of 51, from bowel cancer, on 24th February 1993. His passing was mourned across the world, a sign of his stature as a player and a man. The gates at Upton Park became a shrine, with scarves, flowers and mementoes being left by thousands of supporters of many different football clubs. West Ham retired the number six shirt for their next game against Wolves, with Ian Bishop instead wearing 12 – the shirt was retired permanently in 2008. West Ham would name the newly-all-seater South Stand after him and a statue of Moore stands outside Wembley. The North Stand at London Stadium is now named in his honour.
On a personal note, despite never meeting him or seeing him play (he left West Ham nine years before I was born), Bobby Moore is one of my all-time heroes. When he passed away I started wearing the number six shirt for my Sunday League boys' team and continued wearing the number six shirt right up to my university playing days. Bobby's legacy passes through generations – this legacy continues with the work carried out by the Bobby Moore Fund.
Malta v England
England face Malta this evening in a World Cup 2018 qualifier – it will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Ex-Hammer Martin Peters was the star of the show in the only previous competitive match to be staged in Malta, on 3rd February 1971. George Harrison was number one with 'My Sweet Lord', Get Carter premiered in Los Angeles and, the day after, Rolls Royce went bankrupt and was nationalised.
Alan Mullery was skipper in place of Bobby Moore, who had been suspended by West Ham following the 'Blackpool Affair' (Bobby, along with West Ham team-mates Jimmy Greaves, Brian Dear and Clyde Best, had been caught drinking in a nightclub on the eve of an FA Cup tie they thought was going to be cancelled because of snow – the match went ahead and West Ham lost). Martin Chivers, Roy McFarland and Everton team-mates Joe Royle and Colin Harvey made their debuts in this European Championship qualifying match – Geoff Hurst had been due to start but withdrew because of illness, his place going to Harvey.
Playing on a very hard pitch covered with sand then steamrollered flat (see picture above of Norman Hunter during the game), with barely a blade of grass to be seen, Alf Ramsey's England took the lead in the 34th minute courtesy of Peters, a half-hit shot bobbling inside the far post after Maltese goalkeeper Alfred Mizzi mistimed his dive. The tiny island nation almost snatched an equaliser late on but Gordon Banks denied captain Joseph Cini with his feet.
Malta: Alfred Mizzi, Joseph Grima, Alfred Mallia, Anthony Camilleri, Emmanuel Micallef, Edward Darmanin, Ronnald Cocks, William Vassallo, Joseph Cini (captain), Edward Thobald, Louis Arpa.
England: Gordon Banks (Stoke), Paul Reaney (Leeds), Norman Hunter (Leeds), Roy McFarland (Derby), Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool), Alan Ball (Everton), Alan Mullery (captain, Tottenham), Colin Harvey (Everton), Martin Peters (Tottenham), Martin Chivers (Tottenham), Joe Royle (Everton).
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Gareth Southgate keeps faith with Joe Hart for England's clash in Malta
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 01/09/17 9:45am
SSN
Gareth Southgate says Joe Hart will start for England in their World Cup Qualifier against Malta and insists he is England's "best goalkeeper at the moment".
Hart has had an uneasy start to his season-long loan at West Ham, conceding 10 goals in his first three matches but Southgate is keeping faith with him. "Joe will start for us," the England boss said. "I think he's our best goalkeeper at the moment. "I wanted to see how he would respond because he has had a difficult start to the season with his club but I'm pleased he's in a good frame of mind. Joe has trained really well. "His performances since I've been manager have been very, very good, he's only conceded two goals in Scotland in this qualifying campaign."
The 30-year-old long-serving goalkeeper is facing increasingly strong competition from Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford, and Southgate gave encouragement to all of them ahead of next year's World Cup. "We're only three matches into the start of the season, so I don't feel as though the others have had time to stake a claim to push Joe out of that position," he said. "But we've got three excellent goalkeepers here, there's Jordan who was with us (before withdrawing through injury), and Fraser Forster, who is very unfortunate not to be in the squad."
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West Ham United would pay Rafael Benitez's compensation at Newcastle United
HITC
Shane Callaghan
According to The Northern Echo, Rafael Benitez would have to pay Newcastle United up to £6 million if he breaks his contract by quitting, but West Ham United would pay it for him. West Ham might well be on the hunt for a new manager in the coming weeks after the Irons lost all three of their Premier League games under Slaven Bilic so far. Likewise, things aren't much better at Newcastle but Benitez - who lost his first two games of the season - stopped the rot with a 3-0 win over Bilic's side last weekend. However, the fact that the Magpies failed to sign anyone on deadline day, despite Benitez trimming around £200,000-a-week from the club's wage bill by offloading the deadwood, has given further rise to talk that the Spanish manager could quit. The Telegraph reported earlier today that Benitez would "express some interest" in the East Londoners if they needed a manager, but The Northern Echo reports that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man would have to pay around £6 million to sever his ties. But the report goes on to claim that West Ham - long-time admirers of Benitez - would consider paying that on his behalf if it meant he would replace Bilic at the London Stadium.
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West Ham spending is not enough, says Paul Merson
By Oliver Young-Myles
1st Sep 2017
www.squawka.com
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has criticised the West Ham board for their lack of spending this summer. West Ham have endured a disastrous start to the 2017-18 season losing all three of their Premier League matches including 4-0 to Manchester United and 3-0 to newly-promoted Newcastle United. The club's poor run of results coupled with an underwhelming campaign last time out has seen the pressure piled onto manager Slaven Bilic, but Merson suggested that the Croatian should've been backed more by the board in the transfer market. He said (via Sky Sports): "Pablo Zabaleta is a good pro, but is coming towards the end of his career, but I think they've made three strong signings in Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez. "However, it's not enough, is it? I saw Tony Gale on TV, saying they have spent £4m net in four years which is ridiculous. They should be spending £100m, but I will give them a decent grade because what they have brought in is decent." Javier Hernandez has converted 28.6% of his chances for West Ham. Merson's comments regarding West Ham's lack of spending will likely resonate with the club's supporters as many were left disappointed by their lack of activity on transfer deadline day. William Carvalho was a high-profile target that West Ham failed to secure. However, Merson and Tony Gale's comments about the club's net spend over the past four years are actually incorrect – massively so, in fact. Rather than spending £4m net, West Ham have actually recorded a net spend of approximately £127m after shelling out just shy of £200m and recouping approximately £66m of that through player sales in that timeframe. Furthermore, the last time that the Hammers spent less money on players than they brought in was way back in 2009-10 when they received a big fee from Manchester City for Carlos Tevez without re-investing much back into the squad. West Ham's new signings this summer have endured contrasting fortunes so far with Javier Hernandez scoring twice but Marko Arnautovic being sent off in his second game against Southampton.
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Rafa Benitez's long-term future in serious doubt after Newcastle fail to make any deadline day signings
Telegraph.co.uk
Luke Edwards
1 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 8:43AM
Rafa Benitez was left with a familiar sinking feeling at the end of another hugely deflating transfer window for Newcastle United as they failed to sign anyone on deadline day. Despite keeping his side of the bargain by cutting the wage bill, with the sale of Grant Hanley to Norwich City and Achraf Lazaar to Benevento, as well as the loan departure of Tim Krul to Brighton, Benitez did not see a single player come in the opposite direction.
Newcastle went into the final day of the window still trying to strengthen, but proposed loan deals for Southampton's Matt Targett and Chelsea's Kenedy fell through. A bolder move for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez also failed to lead to anything after the striker elected to return to Deportivo La Coruna.
Although Benitez will not quit at this stage, he has been left disillusioned by the blatant lack of ambition this summer and his long-term future on Tyneside is in serious doubt. Indeed, should West Ham sack Slaven Bilic in the next few weeks, it is likely Benitez will express some interest in replacing him.
Significantly, although Newcastle supporters would be heartbroken if he leaves it is the anger towards the board that dominates the mood on Tyneside this morning. Most feel, as with previous managers, they have failed to back Benitez properly and seem happy to push him towards the exit door rather than strengthen the squad properly.
Benitez insisted seven days ago that he expected to be able to bring in at least two more players before the close of the window, hinting that there could be more if he was able to move players out.
It is the second successive transfer window that the Spaniard has felt disillusioned by the way the club is run by owner Mike Ashley after he was prevented from signings Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace back in January.
In the end, despite going into the final week of the window believing he would see more new arrivals, Benitez was left frustrated as deals collapsed and he privately fears he has been left with a squad that looks short on numbers and quality on their return to the Premier League.
More worryingly, having felt as though promises made by owner Mike Ashley have been broken this summer, he no longer trusts those above him and suspects he will never receive the financial backing needed to turn Newcastle into a major force in the Premier League again.
Despite being promised every extra penny from promotion, Newcastle have one of the lowest net spends in the top flight, with Ashley's lieutenant, Justin Barnes, refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost.
It is feared, with the club effectively up for sale again, that Ashley will decide to take money out this season in order to recoup some of the £33m he loaned the club last season to help cover the cost of relegation to the Championship.
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Revealed: The story behind why William Carvalho's move to West Ham did not happen
West Ham were chasing the defensive midfielder for the best part of a month and the move never came close to happening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:49, 1 SEP 2017
West Ham's pursuit of William Carvalho ultimately ended in defeat - where have we heard that before this season - on Transfer Deadline Day and left a number of Hammers fans frustrated. All the way up until Carvalho was named in the Portugal starting eleven for the national side against the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier on the continent, there was hope the club could pull off a record-breaking deal but ultimately, it wasn't to be. The defensive midfielder was desperate to join the Hammers having seen a number of moves to the Premier League fall through in previous seasons but yet again, saw a move to the biggest league in the world collapse.
But how did we we get to yesterday's situation?
Football.London first reported the Hammers interest in Carvalho on August 10 and even then were ready to shatter their transfer record and shell out £36m on the Sporting Lisbon star - not that ever offered that. From then on, it was nothing bit stalling and stalling from his current employers and eventually, the Hammers ran out of patience. West Ham first offered Lisbon £27.2m and that was, unsurprisingly, rejected as Lisbon felt he was worth much more. Four days later on August 14, the Hammers were supposedly closing in on sealing a move for the midfielder as Lisbon prepared for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier with Steaua Bucharest, with meetings held between the club and the player. The Hammers had offered to double Carvalho's wages from £30,000 a week to £60,000 a week which was accepted by the player and also, a five-year contract at the London Stadium to boot. Remember, the two clubs had yet to agree a fee for the transfer. Sporting then claimed they wanted to discover their Champions League fate before progressing on a move, which stalled it for a week. The Portuguese side would eventually see off Bucharest and negotiations would re-open. That's when it all started to go wrong.
West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season had heaped the pressure on Slaven Bilic and the Hammers board suddenly became uneasy at the prospect of shelling out that kind of cash for a manager who's track record with transfers has been highly questionable. Then, a week ago, the Hammers pulled out of negotiations with Lisbon, who had upped their asking price to £40m - a price the Hammers were never going to pay despite Bilic's insistence on "getting the deal done."
Football.London was told: "He just got too expensive and you have to say no sometimes. "Also, he's not trained for three weeks. He has done no pre-season training – so he might have needed four to six weeks to be ready to play for us." That's when the club were reportedly looking at Danilo Pereira as an alternative/ploy to force Lisbon's hand. So, that was that, then? No. At the start of this week, West Ham re-ignited their move for Carvalho and the player once again re-iterated his desire privately to join the east Londoners and reports in Portugal backed that up. There were unfounded claims of Lisbon representatives in London to thrash out a deal which was not true and that Hammers representatives were in Portugal to sort it out - again not true.
Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan was still not going to part with the cash Lisbon wanted and would only proceed if they dropped their price. Lisbon wouldn't - despite them now owing Carvalho £5m as a result of it not going through - and Sullivan went on holiday. The supposedly unfit Carvalho then played for Portugal on Thursday night, bagging a goal and an assist and then leaving Hammers fans wondering what might have been.
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BREAKING NEWS: Armed robber, 22, is found guilty of trying to mug West Ham's Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch at the wheel of his Jeep
Jack O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old
Motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun and demanded his watch'
Carroll, 28, initially thought it was a prank but then did a U-turn and fled scene
Called partner's father before dialling 999 and saying 'S***, I've hit loads of cars'
Police say O'Brien is a career criminal who used same Suzuki in other burglaries
He was found cowering under his mattress and the moped was in the garden
By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 11:23, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 11:24, 1 September 2017
A motorbike riding thug was today found guilty of trying to rob Premier League star Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch in a dramatic 'gunpoint' hold-up. Jack O'Brien was accused of trying to steal footballer Andy Carroll's £22,000 watch in a traffic light heist in East London. The West Ham and England striker, 28, was targeted as he drove his green Jeep Wrangler and was forced to pull a U-turn and then smashed into at least 10 cars during his escape, Basildon Crown Court was told. Initially Mr Carroll believed the hold-up was a prank by a friend and when the armed robber told him: 'nice watch' he thought it was just a compliment so replied 'thanks'. But he said one of two motorbike riders then 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun' and was demanding to have his watch so he fled. O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the 6ft 4ins millionaire footballer on November 2 2016, and said someone else was using his Suzuki motorcycle that day. Police said he already used the moped in a string of burglaries and when they raided his house he was hiding under his mattress. They also found a crash helmet and Ducati jacket were seized from the property, and a Suzuki motorbike was seized from the back garden. Prosecutor Simon Gladwell told Basildon Crown Court: 'The motorcycle used in the alleged attempted robbery was the same motorcycle that was seized at the time of Jack O'Brien's arrest'. He said the rider of the bike used in the alleged attempted robbery wore the same crash helmet and jacket seized at the time of O'Brien's arrest.
Mr Gladwell then detailed a string of burglaries, to which O'Brien pleaded guilty in April 2017, in which items including jewellery, watches and cash were stolen. The offences happened in October and November 2016. 'At the time of each of the burglaries Jack O'Brien used the same motorcycle that was used in the attempted robbery of Andy Carroll,' said Mr Gladwell. He said that in each of the burglaries O'Brien also used the same crash helmet and jacket worn by the biker in the attempted robbery of Carroll. Carroll previously told the court he was 'scared' when a motorcyclist approached him at traffic lights in Hainault, north-east London, and demanded he hand over his watch as he returned home from West Ham's training ground. Initially Mr Carroll thought it was a 'prank' and initially thought he recognised the rider as his boxer friend Kevin Mitchell, the court heard this week. The footballer told O'Brien's trial: 'He just said 'Nice watch' I said 'Thanks' and went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'. The motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch', the court heard. He said in a frantic 999 call played to a jury: 'There's two motorbikes, one's behind me pulling out a gun, I don't know what to do' and also told the handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer'.
As beeping is heard in the background, Carroll says to the operator: 'Oh s***, I've hit loads of cars, I don't know what to do, he's just hit my car.' He eventually arrives at the West Ham training ground and tells the operator there are security staff there. 'I've probably just hit about 10 cars on the way here,' he said in the call. Andy Carroll was whisked from training to give evidence against a man accused of holding him up in an armed robbery. The lanky West Ham striker appeared via videolink on Wednesday after being recalled to court on the eve of transfer deadline day. Police rushed to pick him up and took him to a video link centre after a late request from Jack O'Brien's defence Michael Edmonds . The England-capped forward told Basildon Crown Court he had not seen the 22-year-old's picture before the ID parade and said the conditions were good on the day of the robbery Mr Edmonds first thanked him for coming to court and said: "When you had the 10 seconds to view the rider who demanded your watch that the light conditions were good. "Do you remember or not that there was sunlight or not on the helmet do you remember? Wearing his hair tied back a black T-Shirt and Blue Jeans said: "I don't remember the sunlight I just remember his face." When asked if he remembered police calling him to say O'Brien had been arrested he said: "Not really." He also revealed he had deleted his Facebook and Twitter accounts since September and denied anyone sending him O'Brien's picture, simply answering "no". He said: "I have deleted my Facebook and Twitter as I haven't been on for about eight months. "I don't use it anymore since September."
Explaining what happened Carroll told the jury: 'I just pulled up at the traffic lights, my window was open, a bike pulled up next to me and said 'Nice watch'.'
He said he replied 'Thanks' and 'Thought I recognised him'. 'He had his crash helmet on with his visor up,' said Carroll. 'I stared at him for about 10 seconds as I thought I recognised him and thought he was going to have a conversation.' He continued: 'I went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'.' He said to start with he 'didn't know if it was a joke' but, when he did a U-turn, both bikes turned and followed him. Bearded Carroll, who had his hair in a bun, wore a dark blue shirt, blue jeans and trainers as he gave his evidence. He used his hands to show jurors how the motorbike rider allegedly gestured for him to surrender his watch, and he also showed a gun gesture. O'Brien, who wore a white shirt, pink tie and grey trousers, sat beside a female officer in the secure dock, and Carroll avoided his gaze as he gave evidence. Mr Gladwell said Carroll was 'beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away' Carroll told the court: 'I was scared, I didn't know what to do. I called my partner's dad, I just panicked. He told me to ring the police.' In the 999 call Carroll struggles to recognise road names, as the operator reassures him that police are not far away. At one point he tells the call handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer.' Mr Gladwell said Carroll did a U-turn and eventually managed to get back to the West Ham training ground, but he was pursued by the two motorbikes for some distance. 'Mr Carroll accelerated away as he was scared, did a U-turn and headed back towards the West Ham training ground,' he said. 'He realised the threat was real.' He continued: 'Mr Carroll was beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away, but still the motorbikes were following him. 'The first bike got in front of him and approached his front passenger door but Mr Carroll managed to find a gap and get away. 'During part of this incident Mr Carroll called police as he was being pursued.' Michael Edmonds, defending, said O'Brien, of Romford, east London, was not the biker. He said O'Brien had used the motorcycle, jacket and helmet for crime before, but that it was not him using the bike on this occasion.
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Diafra Sakho is the Peter Odemwingie of 2017... West Ham striker's trip from Rennes to Chelmsford Racecourse joins list of bizarre deadline day stories
Diafra Sakho will remain at West Ham despite initially angling for a move away
Striker travelled to Rennes without permission of the club to conduct a medical
He was later forced to wait in a car park at Chelmsford Racecourse due to agent
But Sakho made peace with the Hammers after dicussing personal problems
By Ben Grounds For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 10:44, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 10:57, 1 September 2017
It is fair to say that the summer transfer deadline day of 2017 will be remembered more for the deals that failed to go through than any business that was completed, in England at least. While the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Ross Barkley stole the headlines with their high profile on-off moves away from their respective clubs, Diafra Sakho did his best to steal the limelight. The West Ham striker was due to report to the club's Chadwell Heath training ground at 11am on Wednesday, but instead boarded a flight to Rennes as he sought to push through a deadline day move. Sakho, who came on as a substitute for the Hammers in the 3-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park last Saturday, appeared to take matters into his own hands by travelling to France where he had a medical and agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 club. The striker then hoped to outline his 'off-field personal issues' with West Ham, but the saga took a bizarre twist when he turned up at Chelmsford Racecourse on his return to England. The Senegalese international arrived back in the early afternoon on Thursday, but took a detour before meeting West Ham bosses so his agent, Mark McKay, could watch a racehorse he owns in action. The diversion paid off as 9-2 favourite Siege of Boston won the 3.20 - and Sakho's £100 bet on his agent's horse earned him a £550 win. Having been on the phone to West Ham in a car park during the race, Sakho was then driven to the London Stadium where he and his representatives attempted to find a solution. The situation was complicated further by David Gold and David Sullivan being away on holiday, meaning the player could not speak directly about his problems on his return with West Ham's co-owners.
But after talks, Sakho may now be in line for a new contract with the Hammers after being handed reassurances over his personal issues, with the player stating his 'total respect' for fans while understanding the reasons for staying put. Sakho's is not the first bizarre transfer deadline day whirlwind adventure, as Sportsmail revisits a few classic tales from bygone years.
Peter Odemwingie (West Brom to QPR in January 2013)
Still the undisputed champion of deadline day's power play, Odemwingie took it upon himself to drive to London from West Brom and spoke of his excitement about joining QPR. He rolled down his window and told Sky Sports: 'It's a new chapter to start in my life. I love West Brom and always will. I think every football fan is excited to see if we're going to make it or not but we're optimistic about it. 'We have some good players here and I'm happy with the trust that Harry Redknapp is giving me.' Unfortunately, the Nigerian would discover his club hadn't given him permission to speak with Redknapp, and the striker returned to The Hawthorns with his tail between his legs.
Benjani (Portsmouth to Manchester City in January 2008)
Portsmouth striker Benjani deserves his place on any list of bizarre deadline day goings-on after inexplicably missing two flights from Southampton airport to Manchester - because he fell asleep. The nap nearly cost the Zimbabwean his move to City, but having rubbed the sleep out of his eye, the striker dashed up north to complete his medical and sign on the dotted line for an initial £3.87m. Portsmouth's then director of communications Gary Double said at the time of his departure: 'Benji's as strong as an ox and never misses a day's training.' Perhaps all that exertion explained the fatigue.
Robinho (Real Madrid to Manchester City, August 2008)
The Brazilian joined City in a ground-breaking £32.5m deal on transfer deadline day in August 2008, gazumping original moneybags Chelsea to seal his signature on the same night they had been pipped by Manchester United for Dimitar Berbatov. But after such a great coup, City fans may well have wondered if they'd grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory as Robinho then announced: 'Chelsea made a great proposal on the last day and I accepted'. When asked if he meant Manchester City, Robinho replied: 'Yeah. Manchester. Sorry!'
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid to Tottenham in August 2010)
The signing of Rafael van der Vaart proved a masterstroke by Redknapp as the Tottenham boss managed to sign the Dutchman for just £8m from Real Madrid, but the deadline-day deal was not without its problems. With the chimes of Big Ben approaching, the Premier League approved Van der Vaart's move from Madrid despite paperwork being lodged late. The reason: a dodgy fax machine. Papers had reached the League two hours late but Spurs claimed technical difficulties relating to a computer used in the transaction between the two clubs, hampering efforts to complete the administration on time.
Ryan Babel (Liverpool to London, August 2010)
Who can forget the Babelcopter. The Liverpool winger was spotted getting in a helicopter bound for London on deadline day in 2010 but a move away from Merseyside failed to materialise. The Dutchman's tale captured the imagination of football fans across the land, but despite travelling in a Chinook (we're assuming) to an unknown round of contract negotiations, a transfer failed to take off. It turned out to be nothing but yet more noise and confusion, and the mystery remains unanswered to this day. Perhaps he was just filming a rap video all along.
David De Gea (Manchester United to Real Madrid in August 2015)
One of the more acrimonious transfer sagas involving players currently active in the Premier League involved Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, who looked set to join Real Madrid two years ago. The Spanish stopper was set to be involved in a swap deal with Keylor Navas, but the £29.3m deal fell through. The Spanish league said the relevant paperwork was not sent in time and Real blamed United for holding up the transfer. It is believed that De Gea was denied his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu because United took eight hours to make minor modifications to the agreement. It later emerged that Madrid had been unable to open documents sent to them by United, scuppering any hopes of an 11th hour deal being struck.
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WINDOW SHOPPING – WEST HAM SUMMER TRANSFER RESUME
By Blind Hammer 1 Sep 2017 at 08:00 WTID
Blind Hammer assesses West Ham's Summer Transfer Window.
David Sullivan's Holiday break was a big sign that we should not have expected dramatic late movement in the transfer market. Fans are always disappointed when rabbits are not pulled out of the hat at the last minute but most will agree that it is far better to get business done early in pre-season rather than scrambling around for the crumbs left at the late night table. Sakho's bizarre and sad Manoeuvrings apart the last day of the window was quiet. I saw lots of complaints that this quietness was due to "penny pinching" by our Board. I am afraid I do not buy this. Harry Cane is on £80K a week, less than we pay Andy Carroll, and massively less than what we now pay Hernandez. I have heard complaints from Spurs fans and allegedly Spurs players about how we are dwarfing Spurs in terms of wages. We have not indulged in massive inflated transfers but then many other clubs, including Spurs, have made similar decisions. Clubs like Arsenal have also balanced the books with their transfer dealings. Newcastle also lead a raft of clubs with fans disappointed about the lack of business so we are definitely not unusual in having unhappy fans.
Yet we should remember that only a few weeks ago West Ham and Sullivan were lauded for having a "fantastic" window. Bilic publically celebrated his acquisition of his first choice in 4 positions. Pre-Season there was general positivity. Now we have come up against the grinding reality check of the first 3 PL games the assessment is perhaps not so straightforward.
So what can we tell about our "Fantastic Four" of summer recruits?
Pablo Zabaleta is a player few of us complained about when he was recruited. Here finally seemed the solution to our perennial right back problem. So far, though, he has failed to demonstrate how he can stem the leaks in our historically porous defence.
Zabaleta is a player with fantastic credentials but he may carry an unexpected price.
The suggestion is that he can only play effectively in a flat back four. The argument goes that he has no longer the energy or pace to play the wide wing back role alongside 3 at the back. The rigidity of his positional capacity is one reason proposed to explain the curious failure by Bilic not to return to the defensive structure which served him so well at the end of last season.
A few days ago I suggested that Bilic's stubbornness was a possible reason for this. Another reason may actually be the accommodation of the limitations of Zabaleta. If Bilic really does not believe Zabaleta is able to play the wing back role, or probably more importantly if Zabaleta himself does not believes this, then Bilic has actually created a cleft stick for himself. Zabaleta may actually be trapping Bilic by forcing him into a more inflexible defensive approach, tying his defence to a single option of a flat back four. A formation which has sadly repeating the failures which have plagued the club for the last 18 months. If, as seems likely, Bilic will be forced to resort to 3 at the back then Zabaleta will either be forced to play a role he does not feel confident in, that of wing back, or possibly moved into the middle to form a 3 way partnership on the right side of the defence alongside Reid and Collins. In either case it may be a case of round pegs in square holes again. My own hope is that Zabeleta can overcome this to have an unexpected career as a right sided central defensive option with Byram providing him with the necessary pace and energy alongside. At the moment for me Collins is a proven performer with 3 at the back and Zabeleta and Reid should be automatic picks given the current squad. Byram and Cresswell can provide the necessary energy on the flanks with hopefully Byram in particular benefitting from Zabeleta's experience. Such a change would require Obiang, Noble, or Fernandez to be withdrawn from a midfield role.
Joe hart is another signing who most, including me welcomed. I think it is very early days but I think it is fair to say that he has not so far demonstrated that he is a significant upgrade to our current number 2. Hart is certainly vocal in trying to organise our defence. In a season which may be tense and nervous, his experience and leadership may be crucial. Given Hart's own agenda to solidify his international place we can be sure he will do his level best to sort things out in defence.
There is still time for both Hart and Zabeleta to be significant upgrades for West Ham and for them to have successful season. What baffles me though, as I have commented on multiple occasions, is that we have not also refreshed our central defensive options. Rather we have decreased them, releasing Oxford and Burke to develop elsewhere relying on Collins, Reid, Obonna and Fonte. This quartet contains injury prone players with uncertain pace. Rumours emerged last week that West Ham was too belatedly to make a late bid for 29 year old defender Aymen Abdennour who is apparently surplus to requirements at Valencia. I know nothing about this player and this interest, if it ever existed, appears now dead in the water as the player has now completed a medical with Zenit St Petersburg. This means we have failed to find a young, energetic and pacey central defensive option. This is to my mind a higher priority, a higher priority than the late interest in the midfield talents of Carvalho.
It is possible that Rice may be switched from his current midfield duties to grow into this defensive role though his confidence may be damaged after being hauled off against Newcastle. If Rice is not ready then not recruiting in this area is to my mind the biggest mistake of the Window. We have never replace Tomkins and I personally would not mind if we tried to re-sign him. If we are forced to play 3 in central defence our resources will be stretched paper thin and probably Kouyaté will be pressed into covering in defence. Whilst I am sure he will do an admirable job this would not augur well for his longer term future with us. Kouyaté has publically expressed his dislike of playing out of his preferred position and this may well increase his motivation to seek pastures new.
So on to our forward recruitment. In Chicharito Hernandez, West Ham has finally signed a proven goal scorer. My only anxiety is again Bilic's propensity to play players out of position. In all his time Bilic has managed West Ham you could count on one hand the occasions in which he has played with more than one central forward. In the vast majority of games he plays with a single forward, normally only resorting to 2 forwards when we are chasing a game.
So although Chicharito is a high quality recruitment, I worry he will suffer the same difficulties that Zaza faced. I thought it was telling after his departure from West Ham that Zaza's advisors confessed that they were baffled as to why West Ham had signed him in the first place. Apparently Zaza had never, in his career, ever succeeded as a lone forward, more suited to the second striker role playing off a hold up player. Zaza has certainly flourished away from West Ham now that he has been relieved of lone forward duties.
Hernandez also strikes me as best suited to a second striker role. He seems ideally suited to play in a partnership with Sacko but it seems likely that this will only happen when we are behind in games.
The eventual success of Hernandez over the season is likely to be closely bound with the fortunes of our fourth and current record signing Marko Arnautovic. Arnautovic certainly has the stature and athleticism to provide physical support for Hernandez up front though this will apparently come from a wide area on the wings. West Ham will have a curiously inverted forward line when compared to traditional models. Traditionally teams would depend on a big physically strong centre forward in the Andy Carroll mode to compete for possession in advanced areas and link up play. Conventionally such a forward would be serviced by wingers, normally smaller, nimbler and pacier. In Antonio and Arnautovic West Ham will reverse this formation with their most athletic and strongest forwards operating on the wings.
I can see and admire Bilic's logic in pairing Hernandez with not just Arnautovic but Antonio. It is a gamble but has exciting possibilities. At its most potent such a system could provide Hernandez with the physical support he is likely to need but in a way he may be unused to. Rather than relying on a single forward partner Hernandez may join Antonio moving into the centre with him when Arnautovic has possession and vice versa. This would be a fluid system with Hernandez needing to develop a partnership not just with Arnautovic but Antonio. If understanding gels between this trios it may be very difficult for opposing defences to counter.
The crucial question is whether they can gel quickly enough to prevent the drop in confidence which would detract from their play. It is also critical that Lanzini in particular can develop the anticipation of their movement.
In an ideal world a backup and support for Lanzini as our main playmaker would have been recruited. However, West Ham is not a club with artificially oil provided resources. A lot will depend on Lanzini avoiding injury. In any absence it is likely that Kouyaté will be asked to advance into the Lanzini role. If Samuelssen continues his encouraging progress in the Development squad he may be a surprise option to deputise for Lanzini, perhaps in an early FA Cup round against lower league opposition. Sead Haksabanovic may also be a surprise package to encourage us all.
I think Sullivan and the Board, with the caveats I have mentioned, have attempted to support their Manager well. Whether Bilic is able to organise and utilise the resources they have provided him with to good effect only time will tell.
COYI
David Griffith
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Just like Harry Kane: West Ham coach raves about Antonio Martinez
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham coach Terry Westley compares Antonio Martinez to Tottenham's Harry Kane. West Ham youngster Antonio Martinez is a player with a bright future and his academy coach believes he shares traits with England international Harry Kane. The Spanish striker featured for the Hammers in pre-season and starred on loan at Oxford United last season. He scored twice at the weekend for West Ham's under-23 side, ending a three game stretch without a goal. Under-23 boss Terry Westley told the club website that he felt Martinez finding the scoresheet was never in doubt. He said: "Toni is the type of a player – a Harry Kane dare I say it who apparently doesn't score in August – they know they're going to get goals. "He is in that mould, he knows that sooner or later one is going to drop to him or he's going to rifle one in because he's always in and around the action. "He might miss some and you'll get frustrated with that, but as a coach you know, sooner or later, he's going to bag goals."
Martinez said in pre-season that he hopes to make it into West Ham's first team this season, and if he keeps on impressing for the under-23s then he could get a chance. The 20-year-old joined from Spanish side Valencia in 2016 and finished as top scorer for the under-23s last season. West Ham have had a poor start to the season and Martinez contributing could provide just the spark they need to give the side a little lift, if Slaven Bilic decides to give him a chance.
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Damning statistic shows Aston Villa signing Robert Snodgrass is wrong over Slaven Bilic claims
HITC
Damien Lucas
Robert Snodgrass has spent his first two weeks at Aston Villa criticising Slaven Bilic after his loan move from West Ham United. The Scotland midfielder signed for the Hammers from Hull City for £10million back in January. His signing came in the wake of the departure of talismanic playmaker Dimitri Payet and turned out to be one of the worst deals in West Ham's recent history. Snodgrass failed to impress in any of his 16 appearances and failed to net a single goal, despite scoring seven and laying on a number of assists during the first half of the season with Hull.
Since sealing a season-long loan move to Villa, Snodgrass has been outspoken on his time in East London and Bilic in particular. "I was coming on against (Manchester) City and he said 'Where do you want to play, on the left or right?'," Snodgrass told the Daily Record when he joined up with the Scotland squad this week. "I thought 'You have just signed me and I have played on the right or behind the striker at Hull City all season'. "That was my debut and alarm bells were ringing right away. I found it very strange and I realised from the off that it wasn't going to happen. Every time I played I was on the left. I don't know why he did it. I joined as Dimitri Payet left and maybe it was a case of 'you can play there'. "But when I eventually did speak to him I said I thought he would have known I wasn't a left-midfielder and that he must have watched me after signing me for that type of money. "His answer was basically that when people are confident they can play anywhere."
The midfielder's comments have come at a time when Bilic finds himself under intense pressure having lost his first three games of the new Premier League season to prop up the table. And many supporters have taken umbrage to Snodgrass' claims that his poor form was down to Bilic.
A West Ham supporters group has now taken to Twitter to disprove the claim, with some eagle-eyed statistics which are somewhat damning for the former Leeds United man's case. "Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" central attacking midfield and right-sided position, why is he moaning," WHUFC News posted along with a spreadsheet of all where he played in each of his matches.
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Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" CAM and right-sided position, why is he moaning 😂😂😂
7:18 PM - Aug 30, 2017
13 13 Replies 16 16 Retweets 42 42 likes
Perhaps the fact Snodgrass has had to drop down to the Championship, albeit to a big club in Villa, is an indication of how Premier League managers view his talents.
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Rafael Benitez will "express some interest" in West Ham United job
HITC
Shane Callaghan
The Newcastle United boss might be tempted into replacing Slaven Bilic at West Ham United. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is likely to "express some interest" in the West Ham United job if Slaven Bilic is fired. West Ham have lost all three of their Premier League games so far, with a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend only adding to the mounting pressure on Bilic. The Magpies manager is said to be frustrated over the fact that he was unable to sign anybody on deadline day - despite clearing off some of the deadwood - as his relationship with owner Mike Ashley looks like deteriorating further. And The Telegraph reports that the Champions League-winning coach, although happy to stay for the moment, will be interested in the West Ham job if Bilic fails to turn things around in East London. The report goes on to claim that Benitez no longer trusts a number of people in the boardroom at St James's Park - including Ashley's lieutenant Justin Barnes for "refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost".
Newcastle fans will be furious with Ashley - well, more than they already are - if his failed promises leads to the departure of one of their best managers in a very long time.
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West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho returns to first team training following failed attempt to force a move away... and a bizarre stop at Chelmsford races
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training
Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Rennes
He then turned up at Chelmsford races before speaking to the Hammers owners
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 09:51, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 09:51, 1 September 2017
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training after his whirlwind transfer deadline day. Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Ligue 1 club Rennes by passing a medical without his club's permission. The 27-year-old then turned up at Chelmsford racecourse on Thursday so his agent Mark McKay could watch the horse he owns win in the 3.20pm. Talks were held after that visit – over the phone with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who is currently in Marbella – and it is now business as usual. Sakho is now re-joining his team-mates for training. Not all of the first team will be present, of course, due to international duty. West Ham return to Premier League action on September 11 against Huddersfield Town at the London Stadium. They will be searching for their first league win of the season.
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Dave Sullivan Jnr: An Exclusive Interview With The Son Of West Ham's Chairman
As we head into the final few days of the transfer window and the first few weeks of the Premier League season, SPORTbible spoke to West Ham United Chairman David Sullivan's well-known son Dave, who is a high-profile social media figure for West Ham United Football Club.
Dave Sullivan Jr gives us an exclusive insight into West Ham's season, new signings, the London Stadium and Dave's personal life including the story of the attempted robbery on his father's beloved home.
Your dad has had a strong transfer window this summer and there are several talented faces in the squad. What do you think are realistic aims for the team this season?
"I think every team has got to set up like they want to win the league. Every team can dream - we have not had the best start, but we still have 35 games. We have to go out to every single game as if we want to win it."
We have signed four major names this summer - Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart. Which signing do you think will improve the team the most?
"I think Hernandez. He has the type of goal threat which we have never had before."
The pressure is rising on Slaven Bilic after losing his first three games of the season, and reports are suggesting that the club are already looking for alternatives. Do you think Slaven could turn his situation around?
"Of course he can. We are three games into the season, meaning there are thirty-five games to go. For all we know, we could win at Huddersfield and West Brom and be in a completely different position. We have had three very hard away games in a row.
We lost to a Manchester United side which could win the league, and with ten men and two penalties given against you at Southampton - you cannot get much harder than that really. We have also been missing vital players such as Lanzini and Kouyate, whilst Antonio has only just got back."
Some fans think that we have the right individuals in defence, but the structure and tactics do not seem to be working effectively. Do you think West Ham need a specific defensive coach?
"I think that is more down to Slaven to comment on, however I personally think we can definitely tighten up on defensive errors and discipline. We tend to get a lot of red cards, and we have conceded the most goals from penalties in the last three seasons.
In that time, we must remember that Adrian saved four penalties back-to-back. We give a lot of penalties away - the Southampton game being a prime example. This is my main worry. Giving away five or ten penalties a season is going to cost us vital points."
Other fans think the midfield is the problem - West Ham have been linked with a move for a defensive midfielder. Do you think we need to bring in a new player in this position?
"No. I think we have potentially the best young midfielder in the league - Declan Rice. Name me a better 18 year old in these first three games? There isn't one. Kouyate is still yet to return fully, who I think is a top player, as well as Obiang. Noble goes without saying and Fernandes is also a top player. A lot of it is just getting the players to actually play as a team.
We have had a lot of formation changes; four at the back one week then five at the back the next; players getting injured - even Lanzini you can count as a midfielder who we have lost to injury."
Sofiane Feghouli recently completed his move to Galatasaray, whilst Robert Snodgrass has been loaned out to Aston Villa. Do you think West Ham should be searching for a new winger to take his place?
"We have Arnautovic, Antonio and Ayew. However now that Snodgrass has left it would make sense to buy a new winger."
Does that mean there are any more potential signings in the transfer window?
"I can only say what I personally think."
One more team-related question: With Josh Cullen and Reece Burke already impressing at Bolton, do you think they have a future in the first team next season?
"I think it is a lot to ask for them to be starting next season, but I see no reason why they cannot be in and around the first team soon."
Moving on from transfers, do you believe that you and/or Jack will be the next chairmen of West Ham?
"I personally think Jack is more likely to be the chairman of West Ham, however I would still like some input. Jack is currently working with the Ladies team in order to gain the experience he needs. Jack is also looking into working with clubs in other countries. Whereas I am focused on my own project and West Ham is not in my immediate future.
However I will still retain my shareholding and one of the Sullivans will be the chairman."
Does this mean that there is definitely no chance of West Ham being bought?
"No. If a Saudi Arabian investor could take West Ham further than we can, then no. We would want someone who can take West Ham a lot further than we ever could."
Is your dad looking into the possibility of buying the London Stadium outright in the future?
"I cannot comment on that, but it is certainly a possibility."
Radio 5 discussed on their show last week about the possibility of the retractable seating at the London Stadium being upgraded. Is this something the club are looking at?
"We are always looking for ways to improve the stadium, so if we think it will increase the fans experience then of course it is an option. However, in the immediate future I do not think so because it has already cost a lot of money to install the normal seating. I reckon it could happen, but not for a few years."
Moving on from football - Back in June, a scumbag criminal broke into your dads house. This must have been frightening for your dad and a horrible experience to go through. What exactly happened that night?
"The guy broke in, but he did not get very far. The alarms went off and the guy did a runner. They think this man has robbed 40 houses, including Lord Sugar's. Luckily for us, he did not nick anything from my dad's house."
Did your dad ever catch the criminal?
"I think he is either being questioned by the police or his safehouse got raided - I am not entirely sure, but the situation is something like that."
Interviewed by Matthew Jones (@MatthewJ_Joness)
You can follow Sullivan's popular Twitter account (@DaveSulley) in order to keep up to date with some of the latest West Ham news. Sullivan also has a public Instagram account (@dave.sulley).
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Is West Ham's transfer inactivity proof the owners have lost all faith in Slaven Bilic?
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is a man under pressure and could the writing now be on the wall? The Hammers have endured a nightmare start to the new season. Defeats in each of their opening three games have left West Ham bottle of the table with a minus eight goal difference. As a result Bilic's position is under severe pressure with reports owners David Sullivan and David Gold are set to replace the Croatian. However, a meeting between the owners and manager after the 3-0 humbling at Newcastle United saw fresh reports emerge claiming the former Besiktas boss would be given more time. That was met with large scale disapproval from increasingly disillusioned West Ham fans who feel it is time to change after the worrying hangover from a poor season last term. After signing Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic things had been looking up for West Ham this summer. But only Hernandez has impressed on the pitch so far. The club was linked with a club record move for Portugal star William Carvalho over the last three weeks and more recently Barcelona's Andre Gomes.
At 11pm last night, though, the transfer window slammed shut and West Ham failed to do any business despite being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with a shambolic defensive unit.
Given what is at stake with survival in the increasingly competitive Premier League - particularly for the Hammers after their big move to the London Stadium - fans are in shock. So is it the clearest sign yet that the board have lost all faith in the manager and are refusing to commit any more money to players he has identified. And if that is the case is it inevitable that Bilic will be replaced if the Hammers do not beat Huddersfield when the Premier League resumes after the international break? It will cut no ice with supporters either way given the club's net spend is just £10m this summer.
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Deadline Day circus underlines issues at West Ham
by Scott Johnson
@greensthammers
West Ham, as a club, are not in a good place right now. With no points from three games, I'd like to say that's as bad as it gets. However a player trying to book his own medical to get away, an on loan player saying the manager has no idea how to manage his players and no activity on deadline day despite some obvious holes in the club show other issues as well. With a football club you want everything to be sorted on the pitch. However it seems that the Hammers have a lot of issues to sort behind the scenes if their deadline day is anything to go by.
It has to be said that when your main Deadline Day story is one of your strikers being so desperate to get away from the manager that he books himself a medical at a French club then returns to spend the day at the horse races it's not been a good one. And the fact that he isn't the only one to criticize the manager is also a problem.
When the manager loses players he is really struggling. The manager can set everything out perfectly but if the players won't play for him he's in for a tough time. So can the manager turn it around?
And in Portugal the reports were that Sporting were asking for 2m more than West Ham were bidding. In the grand scheme of things that's really not a lot. Especially when you look at our midfield and spot the Carvalho sized hole in its current setup. There are a lot of reasons the fans in East London can stare at this club and despair.
All this before our first home match. I'm still annoyed that we sold so many players, because the start of the transfer window was great. Now all we need is one or two injuries and suddenly we're in a whole world of pain.
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Saturday, September 2
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