Daily WHUFC News - 10th September 2017

West Ham U18s' fall at home to Swansea City
WHUFC.com

West Ham United U18s' suffered another disappointing result on Saturday with
a 2-1 home loss to Swansea City. A headed effort from a corner and a
well-placed through ball and finish saw the Hammers go two goals down inside
13 minutes. Rosaire Longelo got West Ham back into the contest midway
through the first period with a long-range strike. But despite being the
better team in the second period the Hammers were unable to find the crucial
equalising goal against the Swans, who also saw a penalty saved late in the
game. The loss leaves the U18s without a win this season, although captain
Ben Wells was happy to see an improved performance from the side. Wells
said: "Mistakes let us down early on. After the first 20 minutes, we
dominated the game. I thought the team did really well and worked hard.
"We started passing the ball around well and made it hard for them to make
any opportunities. It was just the end product that let us down but it was
a much better performance than our last game. "We can take a good
performance out of this game. Everyone put their hearts into it. We want the
results but it's also about development. We will learn from this."

The away side took less than quarter of an hour to take a 2-0 lead at Little
Heath with Brandon Cooper heading home on four minutes while Matthew Roberts
beat the offside trap to net just nine minutes later. Steve Potts's side
halved the deficit with an excellent strike from 20 yards by Longelo, which
found the goal despite the Swansea goalkeeper getting a hand to it. Korrey
Henry was a threat up front with the No9's power causing a number of issues
for the south Wales side, while Connor Coventry also saw an effort saved. It
seemed Longelo's finish spurred West Ham into life and the home side were
the better team throughout the second period, controlling possession and the
majority of the play.

Some lovely football saw Henry come agonisingly close to heading in West
Ham's second while Jeremy Ngakia saw a shot go over the bar. Swansea had the
chance to secure their win with a late penalty, but Rihards Matrevic
comfortably saved the weak effort. Ultimately, despite a strong showing.
West Ham failed to get a second finish which allowed Swansea to leave Little
Heath with the three points.

West Ham United: Matrevic; Johnson (Caiger 46'), Mings, Wells, Hannam;
Watson (E Longelo '), Coventry, R Longelo, Bernardo, Ngakia (Diallo 83');
Henry
Goals: R Longelo 26'

Swansea City: Lang; Lewis, Cabango, B Cooper, Blake; Price (Williams 90+3'),
De Boer, Jones-Thomas (Hazell 53'), O Cooper, Fox (Gudjohnsen 62'); Roberts
Goals: B Cooper 4', Roberts 13'

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West Ham back at London Stadium ahead of Huddersfield clash
WHUFC.com

West Ham United returned home to London Stadium as the squad stepped up
preparations for Monday's Premier League visit of Huddersfield Town. Manager
Slaven Bilic put his players – including the returning Andy Carroll and
Winston Reid – through their paces under sunny east London skies on Saturday
morning.
And with a second session planned on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday
afternoon, the Hammers will be feeling right at home when they step out to
face the Terriers in front of a sell-out 57,000 crowd worldwide television
audience. "It's going to be nice to be out here in front of our fans," said
Reid, who scored a memorable last-gasp winner against Sunderland at London
Stadium last season. "We obviously haven't been at home in the first few
rounds, so it's going to be especially nice to return home. "Our home form
is going to be important and we want to do much better here than we did last
year. We will go into Monday's game well-prepared and hopefully we'll have a
good game and get the win we need. "I think the way we finished last year at
home was acceptable, but we want to build on moments like beating Spurs and
we can do that by getting a win here. We know having the fans behind us is
massive and we really need them on Monday night."

Michail Antonio scored West Ham's first-ever Premier League goal at London
Stadium eleven months ago, when he headed the Hammers to victory over AFC
Bournemouth. The No30 is set to start on Monday evening and is eyeing
another landmark goal as he and his teammates return to action on home turf.
"It's nice to be back on our home pitch," he confirmed. "We have had a
couple of tough away matches, so it's good to be home and hopefully we can
do well for the fans.
"It would definitely be nice to get the first goal of the season again,
especially as I've not got one this season yet, so it'd be nice to get one
in our first game at home. "The fans always bring it, so 'Come on you
Irons!'."

*Standard Tickets for West Ham United's Premier League home opener with
Huddersfield Town on Monday 11 September at 8pm are available now via the
Ticket Exchange.

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OPPOSITION Q&A: HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
By Jeff Gayle 9 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID

After our pointless start to the season West Ham at last have a home fixture
on Monday night against Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town who we
last played at home in the league in 1972. We won that game 3-0 with a brace
from Clyde Best and one from 'Pop' Robson. So far this season they have had
two wins and incredibly have yet to concede a goal. This may not be the easy
3 point win that we might have presumed would be ours before the season
started. Ahead of the game I spoke to John McNamara from Huddersfield fan
site "terrierblog.co.uk":https://www.terrierblog.co.uk/ to ask for his
opinions on Huddersfield and Monday night's game.

First off, congratulations on reaching the Premier League, at this stage
last season did you realistically think you would be getting promoted?
Absolutely not. When we beat Newcastle away in the second game of the
season, after several pints I tentatively suggested to my friends that we
might get promoted. I was shot down in flames and kept my faint hopes/pipe
dream to myself until around February when it looked like we might actually
be serious contenders.

I don't suppose there can be many of your fans alive who will remember your
three consecutive league titles, and your FA Cup win, so you must be loving
it, being 'top dogs' in Yorkshire again, lording it over the likes of 'Dirty
Leeds'.

I've only ever met one person who remembers the league titles, although I
suspect he may have been exaggerating a bit! It's brilliant to be the best
team in Yorkshire, especially when we've had to endure the taunts of Leeds
and Sheffield Wednesday fans for so long. I've grown tired of hearing about
Chris Waddle and
Lucas Radebe, we're the number ones now and we're not trading on past
glories.

What's the biggest difference between the Championship and the Premier
League?

I'd say the ingenuity of attacks. In the Championship goals become almost
predictable, a plethora of corners, throw-ins and long balls eventually lead
to a chance or a goal. In the Premier League teams have the ability to get
in behind your defence in the blink of an eye, no matter how well your
defence was set.

You've had a great start to the season, but what position do you think
Huddersfield Town will finish come next May?

In a pre-season blog I predicted we'd finish 16th, and I'll stick by that.
We will surprise teams this season and we're nowhere near the relegation
certainties that some pundits say we are. I don't expect us to carry on this
fantastic form but I do think we'll get enough points to survive.

Your start is in direct contrast to ours: where do you think West Ham will
end the season?

I had you as 11th in the aforementioned prediction, however I think I
plumped for that because I like Slaven Bilic and I want to see him to do
well. Now I think your position will ultimately depend on which manager you
choose to go for after Bilic is shown the door. If he stays I think you
could well finish 14th/15th.

Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the
title this season?

Brighton definitely, I don't think Hughton is tactically up to the task of
the Premier League, I also see Swansea's luck running out this term and I
fear for Palace. I don't trust their chairman to pick the right manager when
he inevitably grows tired of De Boer. For the league, United are looking
ominously well-drilled and Mourinho seems determined.

Dave Wagner seems to be doing a great job as your manager, tell us a bit
about him, and how do the fans view him?

David Wagner was appointed completely from left-field. He's the former
Dortmund reserve team coach and he's equally as entertaining as Jurgen
Klopp. Wagner has helped to create an identity at the club which was sadly
lacking when he joined, he's also developed a real bond between the players
and the fans, which is refreshing to see. In short, he's a God and a legend,
we love him!

Happy with your transfer window dealings? Are there any areas that you think
still need improving?

Very happy. There's always areas that could do with improving though and I'd
have liked to see one more striker to come in and provide cover since Nahki
Wells left for Burnley.

If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would
you choose and why?

Michail Antonio. Whilst I don't think he's your best player I think he'd be
the best suited to our style, he's full-on, physical and aggressive, and
that would suit us down to the ground!

Which Huddersfield player(s) will be key to your hopes this season?

The two most important players in my opinion are centre-back Schindler and
central midfielder Mooy, they're the spine of our team. Schindler is
imperious at the back and a real leader and Mooy dictates our play and is
capable of moments of magic.

How do you expect Huddersfield to setup against West Ham on Saturday/
Team/formation prediction?

We'll play 4-2-3-1 and I'm almost certain our team will look like this;
Lossl
Smith-Schindler-Zanka-Lowe
Mooy-Billing
Ince-Palmer-Kachunga
Mounie

Prediction for score?

I believe that our aggressive pressing will worry your defence and
capitalise on any lack of confidence. I can see us taking a first-half lead
and losing it in the second. I'll go for 2-2.

Thanks for that John, however Slaven will surely have got the boys up for
this one, and for my first visit to the London Stadium of the season I think
I'll be watching a home win. 2 – 1 to the Hammers – Come on you Irons!

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Bilic disheartened by failed pursuits of Carvalho and Gomes
442.com

Slaven Bilic spoke openly of his disappointment after West Ham failed to
sign William Carvalho and Andre Gomes. West Ham's inability to sign either
William Carvalho or Andre Gomes before the transfer window closed has left
manager Slaven Bilic frustrated with what he deems to be a squad lacking
depth. The two Portugal international midfielders looked set to seal late
switches to the Premier League, with Bilic revealing that much of West Ham's
previous business was done with Carvalho and Gomes in mind. But neither
joined West Ham in the end, with their pursuit of Carvalho ultimately
straining the club's relationship with Sporting CP, while Gomes has been
left to fight for his place at Barcelona. And Bilic believes that West Ham's
failure to get either has left him very short of options in midfield. "I
think with Carvalho it was a money issue," Bilic told Sky Sports. "I really
wanted the player and it really looked like it was going to happen.
"I thought until the last minute that he was going to come. Why am I
disappointed? I'm disappointed because we've been looking at that position
for two years.
"For that crucial position, for us he was ideal and it didn't happen. One of
the reasons we were offloading so many players was to raise the funds to get
the budget for him and then when it didn't happen you are frustrated. "For
me, if we tried everything that's all we could have done. I wanted Carvalho.
We all did. We are a bit thin and I took that risk deliberately. "It wasn't
only Carvalho, it was also Andre Gomes, who also looked done. It's a
question of injuries now. If we stay away from injuries we have enough
players - and now, to be fair, we don't have many injuries so we are okay in
every department."

West Ham's struggles in the transfer market have only increased the scrutiny
on the club and Bilic is said to be under pressure internally after three
successive defeats to start the season. However, he is adamant that his
relationship with chairman David Sullivan is as good as it always has been.
"The fact is I have my relationships with the chairman for two-and-a-half
years almost now and it's been good since the first day of that season," the
Croatian added. "We don't talk a lot, but we are in contact and communicate
through emails. Usually we talk after every game. "He [Sullivan] is very
polite because he leaves you the day after the game and then you talk a
couple of days after. Maybe that's because he wants to gather more
information? "It's fine. It was always polite, always decent. When I don't
like something I tell him straight and it's been fine so far, to be fair."

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Where Are They Now? Nolberto Solano
MoorethanJustaClub
POSTED BY: LUKE GLANVILLE 09/09/2017

Every Hammer will surely remember the charismatic Peruvian Nolberto Solano
and his memorable spell during the otherwise easily forgotten 2007/2008
season.

But, how did he become such a popular figure with The Claret & Blue Army?
How did his journeyman career see him arrive for a twilight spell in East
London? And where is he now?

"Nobby" Solano was born in the Peruvian Province of Callao in 1974, starting
his career with the little-known Peru First Division Side Sporting Cristal.
But, it wouldn't be long before one of Peru's most recognizable clubs in the
form of Deportivo Municipal came calling.

However, things didn't work out with La Academia and Solano would quickly
return to his roots with Sporting, where he would stay until a huge move in
1997.

Boca Juniors, commonly known as "The Barcelona of South America", had been
scouting the youngster for some time and decided to move for him in 2002.

The club has come to be a player channel to Europe and more specifically the
Premier League, making it hardly surprising when Kenny Dalglish's Newcastle
United signed the star for around £2 Million just months later.

Nevertheless, Solano left Argentina with a very handy reputation, after
being described by Diego Maradona is "The Little Maestro".

Successful spells with The Toon and Aston Villa would follow as he became
not only the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League, but also the
first to appear in an FA Cup Final.

Upon his return to The Magpies in 2005, the then 29-year-old announced that
he would be quitting his national team after a dispute with manager Freddy
Ternero. He would return a year later but eventually retired in 2009 after
Peru failed to reach the 2010 World Cup.

Having once again lit up the North East with his flair and versatile, the
dead ball specialist expressed his desire to move South in 2007, citing
family reasons as the main contributing factor to the decision.

Our then boss Alan Curbishley was in luck and he got his man during that
summer on a free transfer.

Although his powers were inevitably fading, "Nobby" still managed to conjure
up his fair share of magic in East London, none better than his first
Hammers goal, however.

In an incredible 0-5 rout at Pride Park against a soon to be relegated Derby
County side, the winger curled in an outstanding 69th-minute free-kick to
round off our victory and open his Claret & Blue account.

Three more notches in a West Ham shirt would follow for Solano before the
end of the season, including a contentious late winner at Craven Cottage.

In his final game at Upton Park, the paceman waved goodbye to the Premier
League in some style as he placed yet another trademark free-kick into the
top corner against his former club, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa.

Following the conclusion of that campaign in May 2008, Solano's contract was
not renewed in E13 and he made the bizarre move AE Larissa in the Greek
League. In 2009, the attacking winger returned to Peru for a brief but
significant tenure with Universitario De Deportes.

Return spells with Nigel Pearson at both Leicester City and Hull City saw
the flare player through to his final club, Hartlepool United.

Scoring two League One goals in his final professional season deep into his
30's, Solano jumped straight into management after being told he was no
longer needed at Victoria Park.

His first assignment was with North East based Non-League side Newcastle
Benfield, which was prior to a double spell back in his native land of Peru
as a coach.

Having left his role of first-team coach with Canada's Internacional De
Toronto, Solano's career took a very different and unexpected turn.

The once highly decorated player took a break from the game to focus on
other business ventures, including his accomplished trumpet career and
setting up his own salsa band.

However, nowadays after a return to the Peru football set-up, Solano is
proudly the assistant manager of his birth nation and one step closer to his
promise of guiding Peru to a World Cup as a manager.

So, with the Coaching Career of one of the most popular figures in not just
the Premier League, world football, finally taking off. Will we ever see
Nolberto Solano back in familiar Claret & Blue as manager at The London
Stadium?

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Biker jailed for trying to rob West Ham ace Andy Carroll of his £22,000
watch 'threatens to send gang to break his legs'
Jack O'Brien was jailed for 11 years for trying to steal Andy Carroll's
wristwatch
O'Brien and a fellow gang member followed the footballer from training
Angered by his sentence, O'Brien has told fellow prisoners he wants revenge
He has claimed he knows a biker gang willing to attack the West Ham player
By Darren Boyle for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:59, 9 September 2017 | UPDATED: 16:40, 9 September 2017

A biker jailed for 11 years for trying to rob Andy Carroll's £22,000
wristwatch has threatened to send a gang of thugs after the West Ham striker
to break his legs.
Jack O'Brien, 22, attempted to rob the player as he drove his Jeep Wrangler
through Hainault, north-east London after leaving West Ham's training
ground. The career criminal has reportedly ordered a revenge attack on
Carroll after receiving his long jail term.
According to The Sun, O'Brien has told fellow fellow prisoners inside
Chelmsford Prison in Essex that he wants revenge. A source told the paper:
'He's been telling everyone he's going to have a biker gang go to Carroll's
house and break his legs. 'He has got a phone so he can speak to people on
the outside.' O'Brien was found guilty of attempted robbery following a
trial at Basildon Crown Court. In a victim impact statement Carroll, who
believed the defendant had a gun, said he 'feared for his life' and now
travels to and from training with security guards. O'Brien, of Navarre
Gardens, Romford, east London, was given a sentence of 11 years and three
months for the attempted robbery on November 2 and a previous 'campaign of
burglaries'.
Judge John Lodge told him: 'I have no doubt at all in saying that by reason
of the planning of that sophisticated offence, the length of time that you
pursued that vehicle, and that you were again using your motorcycle
equipment as a disguise, you are at the very top of the bracket of
culpability.' O'Brien, who changed into an olive green turtleneck jumper
between the verdict and sentencing, yelled 'I never done it' as he was led
down from the dock. The defendant was found hiding below a mattress at a
property in Dagenham, east London, when police went to arrest him 10 days
after the botched robbery. The 6ft 4in striker told the court the motorcycle
driver approached his camouflage green vehicle and said: 'Nice watch.' As he
went to drive off, the man said: 'Give me your watch.' Carroll told the
court he then did a U-turn, but was pursued by two motorbike drivers.

The judge said: 'I have no doubt that you targeted Mr Carroll, hoping to
taking his watch from him. You anticipated that he would give up his watch
and he did not. But you didn't give up – you gave pursuit to his vehicle.
'You have heard from the 999 telephone call he was in some fear because by
that stage you were purporting to threaten him with a gun and he had no idea
if it was an imitation gun, an actual gun or whether you were just
pretending.' He was sentenced to five years and three months for five other
burglaries, three attempted burglaries and handling stolen goods between
September and November 2016, which he previously admitted. For the attempt
on Carroll, he was sentenced to an additional six years. Referring to the
footballer's victim impact statement Simon Gladwell, prosecuting, told the
court: 'Obviously we heard this in evidence, he says that he feared for his
life, that he honestly believed he had a gun and talks about how he now has
two security guards to pick him up from training.'

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 9th September 2017

West Ham United v Huddersfield Town: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will play at London Stadium for the first time this season
on Monday evening as Huddersfield Town travel to Stratford.

Check out the information below to get all the latest news you need on the
Hammers' Premier League clash with the Terriers.

Where and when?

West Ham United v Huddersfield Town will be played at London Stadium on
Monday 11th September at 8.00pm BST.

How to follow:

West Ham United v Huddersfield Town will be shown live on Sky Sports with
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League beginning live coverage
at 7pm on Monday evening.

You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the evening. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!

Audio coverage will also be provided on whufc.com, and both BBC London and
BBC Radio 5 Live.

Team news:

Andy Carroll is set to return to the West Ham matchday squad after
participating in training over the international break and the striker is
expected to be joined by defender Winston Reid, who has missed the last two
games with injury.

Marko Arnautovic will serve the final game of his three-match suspension
after his sending off against Southampton.

Huddersfield Town come into the contest with Martin Cranie, Jonathan Hogg
and Jon Gorenc Stankovic still out. Rajiv van La Parra has recovered from a
minor knock but Collin Quaner is a doubt.

Match officials:

Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistant Referees: Ian Hussin and Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth Official: Mike Dean

Meet the opposition:

Few would have expected Huddersfield Town to enjoy the start to Premier
League life they have but David Wagner's side are flying in their first
season back in the top flight since the 1970s.

The Terriers are sat third in the league after three matches, winning two of
their three contests and not conceding a league goal so far this campaign.

In Wagner Huddersfield have a coach that developed under Jurgen Klopp at
Borussia Dortmund and is considered one of the brightest young managers in
European football.

Player to watch:

Despite a difficult start to life at West Ham for Joe Hart a huge show of
faith from England manager Gareth Southgate last week will have boosted the
shot-stopper's confidence.

Hart played the full 180 minutes of international football for the Three
Lions during the break - keeping his first clean-sheet of the campaign in
the process - and will step out for the first time as a Hammer at the London
Stadium on Monday.

An experienced winner, Hart could prove vital for Slaven Bilic's side
against Huddersfield Town.

Head-to-head:

It's been almost exactly 20 years since West Ham United and Huddersfield
Town clashed in any competition, with that League Cup match in September
1997 ending in a 3-0 win for the Irons.

The Terriers had won the first leg 1-0 two weeks prior, but you have to go
back to 1972 for when the two sides met in league football.

That Division One match was also a 3-0 victory for the Hammers courtesy of
two goals from Clyde Best and a finish from Pop Robson.

Last five meetings:

West Ham United 3-0 Huddersfield Town, League Cup, 29 September 1997
Huddersfield Town 1-0 West Ham United, League Cup, 16 September 1997
West Ham United 3-0 Huddersfield Town, Division One, 4 March 1972
Huddersfield Town 4-2 West Ham United, FA Cup, 26 February 1972
Huddersfield 1-0 West Ham United, Division One, 13 November 1971

How to get there:

There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to
reach the London Stadium.

Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the
DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.

Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.

Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR line and is just south of the London Stadium
while Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground.

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Hart: We have a duty to perform for the West Ham fans
WHUFC.com

Joe Hart believes Monday's Premier League home-opener with Huddersfield Town
is a 'must-perform game' for West Ham United. The goalkeeper returns to
Hammers duty after helping England to the brink of qualification for the
2018 FIFA World Cup finals courtesy of qualification victories over Malta
and Slovakia. Those successes have given Hart a welcome confidence boost, as
his previous three appearances this season had all ended in Premier League
defeats.

Next on the agenda is the 30-year-old's London Stadium debut, with the
in-form Championship Play-Off winners providing the opposition. "It's a
must-perform game in front of our home crowd," Hart told whufc.com. "We've
had four away games and all four were packed to the rafters in the away end.
"We won at Cheltenham but in the other three, in the Premier League, we have
not performed to the level that we want to perform to. "So, on Monday night,
it's our duty as West Ham players to turn up, perform and give our all."

Hart took great heart from his performances in England's Group F victories
at Ta'Qali National Stadium and Wembley, where he conceded just a single
goal, scored by Slovakia's Stanislav Lobotka just three minutes into
Monday's win. Undeterred, he produced an important save from Adam Nemec to
keep his country level at 1-1, allowing Marcus Rashford to score the goal
which put England just two points from Russia 2018. Hart now has his eye on
a third World Cup finals and the chance to replace the nightmares he
suffered at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 with happier memories. But
before then, he wants to celebrate his first victory in a West Ham shirt,
rewarding the Claret and Blue Army for their loyal support in the process.
"I'm happy and ready to work. The beautiful thing about football is that,
when things have not gone so well for you individually or as a team, you get
another opportunity to put things right. That's what we're going to be ready
to do on Monday. "We're going to Rush Green, we're going to train hard and
it's our duty to perform to the highest level in front of our great
supporters."

Standard Tickets for Monday's first-ever Premier League visit of
Huddersfield are available via the Ticket Exchange here.

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'Utilise Carroll to check Huddersfield's momentum'- Dean Ashton on Monday's
big game
WHUFC.com

West Ham make their first appearance at home this season on Monday as the
Hammers welcome Huddersfield Town to the London Stadium. Following a
difficult start to the season for Slaven Bilic's side a positive result will
be vital in front of the loyal Hammers supporters, but David Wagner's newly
promoted side will provide a tough test.
Former striker Dean Ashton has assessed the crucial elements of this
Monday's match:

'Ensure the players are properly prepared'

It's been a long time since West Ham United played against Huddersfield
Town. In fact, it's almost 20 years ago exactly since the two teams shared
the same pitch as the Hammers bested the Terriers 3-0 in a League Cup
contest in September 1997. You have to go back 45 years, to 1972, for when
the teams played each other last in league action. So it's fair to say that
Huddersfield pose somewhat of a new threat to Slaven Bilic's Irons.

Ashton believes that the West Ham squad will know what to expect from
Huddersfield, having watched them play in the last season or so under David
Wagner, but has put the onus on the coaching staff to ensure the players
know what they're coming up against on Monday evening. The former striker
explained to whufc.com: "When it's a new opponent it makes more of a
difference to the coaching staff and the management team. It's their job to
make sure they give the players as much information as they can. "Generally
players will have watched other teams anyway. Most players will have seen a
bit of Huddersfield Town – in the play-off final or even this season – and
taken an interest. But it's always difficult when you play someone you don't
know or haven't featured against before."

'Be wary of Huddersfield's momentum'

"Huddersfield have come up from the Championship and have performed really
well so far. West Ham are another example of a team that have done that
previously. From my point of view the team I joined in January 2006 was on a
high after coming up in 2005 and I think they showed what a newly promoted
team can be like," Ashton recalled. Huddersfield are back in the Premier
League for the first time since the 1970s, but West Ham's recent record
against promoted sides has been decent, particularly at home.

Since the Irons returned to the Premier League themselves in 2012 the club
have played 14 home games against promoted side, winning ten and losing just
two of them. The record bodes well for the Hammers heading into this fixture
but Ashton believes the statistic only matters as much as recent form.
Huddersfield are yet to concede a goal in the Premier League while West Ham
are without a win so far this campaign in the top flight. The former Hammer
reckons the Terriers, like the West Ham team he signed for in 2006, is still
riding the wave of their Championship success - and that could prove
dangerous for his former side.

"Generally, a team like Huddersfield can start well because they're
confident and riding off the back of last season's fantastic achievement,"
he added. "That's the big danger when you come up against these teams –
you're not quite sure what to expect and they're full of confidence and
ready to play. "West Ham generally have done well in these games but this is
a really tough game where all the pressure is on the home team."

'Utilise difference-maker Andy Carroll'

The Irons are set for a major boost ahead of the match against Huddersfield
Town, Andy Carroll has been back in full training with the first team and
could be in line for his first appearance of the season. If the striker is
available then it will be the first time since April that Carroll has played
in a Premier League match, when he featured in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
"Andy Carroll is extremely important to West Ham," Ashton said: "He offers
something completely different that not many strikers in the Premier League
bring. He gives you that focal point up front. The ball can go into him and
people can feed off him. The wide players can give him a real chance"

With Carroll set to return to the squad West Ham could have options up front
on Monday with summer signing Chicharito also in good form, with two Premier
League goals so far this season. And Ashton is excited by the prospect of
seeing Javier Hernandez and Carroll working together in the attacking line
for the Hammers. He added: "We all want to see him link up with Chicharito!
I put myself in Carroll's shoes. Chicharito is exactly the type of player
you want to play with.
"You know then that when the ball comes in, you can flick it on and he will
anticipate it. If you get it down on your chest he will be around you, ready
to receive it. He's given you an option. "There's nothing worse than
playing up front on your own and flicking it on to nobody. I think Carroll
will be delighted to have a chance to play alongside someone who will
anticipate his link play."

'Provide a solid base at the back'

Another player who could make a return to the squad and starting XI is
Winston Reid. The New Zealand International has missed the last two matches
after picking up an injury in the warm-up ahead of the contest with
Southampton last month. Reid signed a new six-year deal with the Irons just
prior to the set-back and will be eager to return to the field to help his
teammates against the Terriers. Ashton believes it's great that West Ham
have been able to retain Reid for so long, having joined the club in 2010,
hailing the centre-back as one of the division's finest defenders.
Last season only four other players in the Premier League bettered Reid when
it came to performing defensive actions, with the 29-year-old registering
364.
"Going off his performances for West Ham in the last few seasons he is very
important," Aston said. "He's been immense." "I think there was interest
from big clubs last season or the year before. It's great that the club has
kept him, with Reid signing a new deal. It's good that he wants to stay and
he feels a huge part of West Ham. "When he's on his game he's right up
there with some of the best defenders in the Premier League. Hopefully he
can get back to the form we know he can show."

With Reid set to be available again the former No9 has called on him and the
rest of the defence to keep a first league clean-sheet of the season this
Monday.
"I think it is important that he gets back in and he's an option for Slaven
Bilic but the defence in general, including Reid, needs to work to give the
team a base and not concede any goals. This will in turn give the forward
players a chance to nick a goal, put West Ham ahead and put the team in a
strong position."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Huddersfield Town
WHUFC.com

David Wagner labelled his Huddersfield Town side "the biggest underdog of
all time in the Premier League" before this season got underway. So few
would have predicted that, by the time West Ham played their first home in
September, their opponents would still be unbeaten and one of only two teams
yet to concede.
But the Terriers still have some way to go before proving that their obvious
limitations will stop their stay in the top flight from being a brief one.
Huddersfield were the second-lowest scorers in the top half of the
Championship last season, and, at the other end, let in nearly 50 per cent
more goals than either Newcastle or Brighton. That unconvincing record meant
they became the first team with a negative goal difference to even finish in
the play-offs, let alone be promoted to the Premier League. But, having won
four and drawn one of their six games against the three clubs to come up
from the Championship last season, West Ham should have no reason to fear
the new boys. Not that it will be easy.

Huddersfield may not have put many teams to the sword last year, but they
were rarely blown away, either, with 28 of their matches being decided by
just a single goal. A winning margin of one on Monday night, then, looks an
astute bet. And don't be surprised if the Hammers have to wait until the
second half for the breakthrough, given their visitors went in level at the
break in 25 of their matches in all competitions last year. One likely
candidate to get the decisive strike is last season's top scorer, Michail
Antonio. It was he who bagged the winner in a 1-0 win against Bournemouth in
West Ham's first ever league match at the London Stadium. Now fully fit and
firing, he is a tempting bet to get West Ham up and running in their
much-anticipated return.

Recommended bets:
Half-time/Full-time: Draw/West Ham – 15/4
Winning margin: 1 – 11/8
West Ham first goalscorer: Michail Antonio – 7/2

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MRF announced as West Ham United's first ever shirt sleeve sponsor
WHUFC.com

India's leading tyre brand MRF Ltd have become the first sleeve sponsor of
West Ham United ahead of the Club's first home game of the 2017/18 Premier
League season.

MRF's logo will feature on the left sleeve of the iconic claret and blue
shirt, with this season being the first where top flight clubs can create
brand partnerships to advertise on the sleeve of player shirts.

MRF join West Ham at an exciting time as they head into their second season
at London Stadium, with the east London Club having added Chicharito, Joe
Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Pablo Zabaleta to their squad this summer.

Founded in 1946, MRF are the largest manufacturer of tyres in India
employing over 15,000 staff. The publicly listed company produce rubber
goods including tyres, treads, tubes and conveyor belts, as well as toys and
paint.

MRF currently enjoy a suite of other partnerships in sport with current
endorsements of cricket stars Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers
and Sachin Tendulkar amongst others.

Karren Brady, Hammers Vice-Chairman, said: "On behalf of everyone at West
Ham United I'd like to welcome MRF to our family of partners. MRF join us at
an important time in our history as we embark on our second season at London
Stadium and look to grow as a club on and off the pitch. West Ham's shirt
sleeve provides an excellent opportunity for MRF to gain enormous exposure
in the most watched league in world football and we look forward to working
with them throughout the season"

Koshy K Varghese, Executive Vice President, Marketing, MRF Ltd, added:
"We're delighted to join West Ham United as their first ever sleeve partner.
They're one of the most historic teams in not only English football, but
world football and we're honoured to be part of their journey. From the
stadium to their loyal fanbase, we know everything about the Club is going
in the right direction. We look forward to the Premier League season ahead!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'The young Bobby Moore was an extraordinary talent'
WHUFC.com

Monday 8 September 1958 will forever be a special date in West Ham United
history. For it was on that day, now some 59 years ago, that a fresh-faced
17-year-old named Bobby Moore appeared on the Hammers' teamsheet for the
first time. Born in nearby Barking in February 1941, Moore had joined West
Ham at the age of 15 just two years previously, quickly impressing manager
Ted Fenton and the senior players with his ability and character. When
regular centre-half Malcolm Allison was struck down with tuberculosis, a
vacancy in the starting XI opened up alongside Ken Brown. In the opening
weeks of the 1958/59 season, Fenton selected the more experienced Bill
Landsowne, with encouraging initial results. Despite only winning promotion
the previous May, West Ham won their opening three matches, then drew with
reigning champions Wolverhampton Wanderers, to rise to second in the First
Division.

However, a 4-1 defeat at Luton Town saw Fenton reconsider his options. One
was to recall Allison, while another was to call-up the blond-haired lad who
had caught the eye in the reserves. Moore, and not his mentor, was handed
the No6 shirt, and played his part in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sir Matt
Busby's Red Devils at a sold-out Boleyn Ground. The man with the best view
in the stadium of the teenager's encouraging debut was Brown, who encouraged
his young teammate through the first 90 minutes of an illustrious,
immaculate and hugely successful career.

A teenage Bobby Moore"As one of the senior players at the club, I would like
to think a bit of my experience rubbed off on Bobby, but he was such an
extraordinary talent, there wasn't much he didn't possess," Brown told
author Tim Crane in the book They Played With Bobby Moore: The West Ham
Years. "His awareness was so much better than everyone else's." Moore and
Brown would partner one another at the heart of the West Ham defence much of
the 1960s – the most successful decade in the Hammers' history. The
defensive duo lifted the FA Cup in 1964 (pictured, above) and European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965, reached the League Cup final in 1966 and were both
voted Hammer of the Year by the Claret and Blue Army. "Walking out at
Wembley for that FA Cup final was a magnificent experience," Brown, now 83,
recalled. "The noise of the crowd hit me like an electric shock and it
didn't seem to stop throughout the entire game.
"It was a tremendous feeling and something I will never forget. I followed
Bobby up the Wembley steps that day and carried the base of the FA Cup for
him."

Some 59 years on from Moore's West Ham bow, and nearly 25 after his untimely
death at the hands of bowel cancer, Brown will never forget the impact his
young teammate had not only on him, but on the Club both served with such
class and distinction. "Bobby was just a great fella."

*They Played With Bobby Moore: The West Ham Years was written and published
by lifelong Hammer Tim Crane. Order your copy here.

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Win against Swansea will kick-start U18s' campaign - Mark Phillips
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Academy coach Mark Phillips believes the side are just one
win away from kick-starting their season. The Irons have suffered a
disappointing start to their Premier League U18s campaign with three losses
in their opening trio of matches, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to Arsenal
last time out. Mark Phillips and Steve Potts of the West Ham Academy
coaching teamA return to action against Swansea City this weekend, however,
will provide Steve Potts's side with an excellent chance to earn their first
victory of the season. And Phillips reckons three points against the Swans
in the 11am kick-off at Little Heath Sports Ground on Saturday will give the
team the confidence needed to achieve more wins in the coming weeks.
Phillips told whufc.com: "The spirit in the camp, despite a frustrating
start to the season, has been upbeat and positive. "We are all working hard
and I truly believe we are just one win away from kick-starting our campaign
and showing just how good a team we are. "The confidence that a victory will
provide will be invaluable in the weeks to come."

Saturday's contest at the Little Heath Sports Ground comes with free
admission and free parking, providing West Ham United supporters with an
excellent opportunity to see the Academy stars in action.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: Talking football, stopping the Terriers and Monday night football
WHUFC.com

Manager Slaven Bilic spoke to the media ahead of West Ham United's first
home game of the 2017/18 Premier League season. The Hammers host
newly-promoted Huddersfield Town on Monday evening desperate to pick up
their first points of a hitherto difficult campaign. Bilic was asked
repeatedly about recent headlines surrounding the Club's late summer
transfer activity, but insisted his own focus is 100 per cent on turning
things around on the pitch.

Here is what he had to say…

'I want to talk football'

After confirming team news for Monday's game, Slaven Bilic was quizzed
relentlessly about the story which has made headlines this week, namely
speculation over West Ham United's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon's Portugal
international midfielder William Carvalho. The manager responded patiently
to the line of questioning, but was eager to point out that it will be
future results, and not past transfer dealings, that he will be judged upon.
"I'm here to talk about everything, but first Monday's game," he said. "The
window is finished. I can understand you want to talk about that, but my job
is not to talk about that. If you want to ask others responsible, you can.
My job is to raise the performance. We didn't start well but Monday is a
good opportunity to start winning games and get on the right tracks.
"That's where my work and concentration is. The lads are training well after
the break. We have the weekend to train and I'd prefer to talk about that.
We can't do anything about the window now. I want to talk football."

'We need to stop Terriers' momentum'

Having insisted on talking about football, rather than other off-field
matters, Slaven Bilic was asked to assess Monday's visitors Huddersfield
Town. The Terriers have impressed many on their Premier League debut,
winning two and drawing the other of their opening three top-flight matches
without conceding a single goal.
Bilic has been among those whose eyebrows have been raised by David Wagner's
side, and he knows his players will need to up their own level of
performance if they are to stop the Terriers' momentum. "They have started
well, they didn't concede," he observed. "They have seven points. We have
seen before with teams that get promoted from the Championship, they keep
the momentum and they look good. Do they look dangerous and a good team?
Yes. Do they look fit and energetic? Yes, they do. "We have respect for them
and we will have to be on top of our form to beat them. They are a good
team. It's a squad that last year got promoted and have good memories of
last season. They've added to the squad with good players and their start
gave them a big boost. It's a probably a really positive atmosphere around
them, so we have to stop it."

Monday night football

In the light of West Ham United's recent troubles, Slaven Bilic welcomed
extra time to prepare his players for Monday's Premier League visit of
Huddersfield Town.
The Hammers play their belated first home game more than 48 hours after many
of their nearest rivals, giving Bilic more time to work with a squad
decimated by international absences over the past fortnight. The manager
also revealed that his squad will train at London Stadium twice over the
weekend, helping them to reacquaint themselves with surroundings they last
experienced nearly four months ago. "Firstly, it's good to play at home
again," he said. "We've played three away, now we're at home and it's been a
long time. We train at the stadium on Saturday and Sunday and to go into the
dressing room, to feel it more before.
"The Spurs game [which we won 1-0 in May] is a good memory… and we're
expecting a similar atmosphere. It's a Monday night game and it's our first
game there. "It helps we have those extra days. We had players who came back
today or yesterday, because we don't only have European players, but Africa
and South America and Mexico and they're long trips. I'm pleased we play
Monday, because it gives us a couple more training days."

A 'massive game' calls for massive support

Slaven Bilic and his West Ham United squad have found themselves under
pressure on a number of occasions during his two-plus seasons in charge. In
2015/16, the Hammers were chasing European football all season long, while
2016/17 saw them start slowly and need to win a succession of vital matches
against their rivals to steer clear of a relegation scrap. After losing
their opening three matches of the current campaign, the Hammers again find
themselves under pressure, but Bilic believes previous experiences will
stand them in good stead when they host Huddersfield Town on Monday evening.
"We have had a few [massive games]!" he smiled. "If you remember in the
first season, we had big games for different reasons. Second season,
suddenly they started to be crucial after fourth game of the season. Even
Watford at home was like the big game, that was the fourth game. "I don't
know why, but it was. The whole of last season was like that, so I'm used to
it. We've been there before and we showed that we can cope with it. We
showed in difficult moments we have the quality and the character – as
individuals and as a team – to get out of that situation. It means we can do
it again this season."

And if they are to 'do it again' when the chips are down, Bilic knows his
players will need the support of a capacity London Stadium crowd. "They're
always great for us," he observed. "During and after they might not be happy
on social media, but of course they're angry. I never felt that during the
game or before or in the beginning, they're always great. You feel them and
see them in numbers and then it's up to us to make them even more behind
us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Team news: Carroll and Reid available to face Huddersfield Town
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic welcomes Andy Carroll and Winston Reid
back into his matchday squad for Monday's Premier League fixture with
Huddersfield Town. The Terriers make their first-ever visit to London
Stadium with the Hammers eager to collect their first top-flight points of
the 2017/18 campaign. And Bilic has been boosted by the availability of
England centre forward Carroll and New Zealand defender Winston Reid, who
have returned to full training from hip and hamstring injuries respectively.

However, three players will absent from the Croatian's squad – the suspended
Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, who is still recovering from the knee
problem he suffered at Newcastle United a fortnight ago, and Edimilson
Fernandes, who suffered an ankle injury while on international duty with
Switzerland. "Carroll is OK," Bilic told reporters at his pre-match press
conference. "He's been training for almost four weeks with us and he looks
good. He will be in the squad definitely. We are playing Monday, but he's
back in the squad and will be for the game. "Manu has a similar injury as
the one he had before [in pre-season] but not the same level. He's not ready
for the game and he won't be ready for a couple of weeks, maybe three weeks,
but it's between two and three. "[He is] not [available] for Huddersfield
and let's be honest, it would be great if he came back for West Brom, but
maybe he will miss two [games]. It's nothing major. "Winston Reid is back,
so apart from Manu and Fernandes, who did his ankle when he was away with
the Swiss national team, all the others are back."

Joe Hart and Aaron Cresswell both returned fit and well from England duty,
as did Jose Fonte (Portugal), James Collins (Wales), Arthur Masuaku (DR
Congo), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland U21), Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal),
Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Chicharito (Mexico) and Andre Ayew (Ghana).

Pablo Zabaleta, Angelo Ogbonna, Sam Byram, Pedro Obiang, Mark Noble, Michail
Antonio and Diafra Sakho all remained at Rush Green over the international
break and are available for selection.

Huddersfield manager David Wagner will be without Slovenian midfielder Jon
Gorenc Stankovic (knee), Jonathan Hogg (ankle) and defender Martin Cranie
(knee), but German centre forward Collin Quaner is set to recover from a hip
problem in time for Monday's game.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE TIDES HAVE TURNED…..
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 8:46PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Written by Vince @lambeth_hammer

Eighteen months ago I considered myself in favour of the board. Six months
ago I considered myself neither for or against the board. Now I consider
myself against the board and I will explain why I feel that way and perhaps
finally 'saw the light'.

After a season of disappointment on and off the pitch I had lost some faith
in the board and considered this summer a 'make or break time' for them as
owners. Let's remember the whole reason we left the Boleyn and moved to the
OS was because it would take us to the next level. I accepted it wasn't
going to happen in a year but after the disappointment of the football
witnessed and the new stadium and its features (and I was more tolerant than
most) this summer's transfer window needed to be a success to demonstrate to
me their ambition and promises were not going to end up amounting to
nothing. It became clear early on Bilic was going to be kept on as manager
which I felt was a huge mistake and I wondered, are they really keeping him
on to avoid having to pay him off? Anyway I sat back and waited to see who
we would be bringing in.

On the day we signed Hernandez, I considered the window a success so far,
and why wouldn't I? We had signed four players who were all going to be
first teamers and in the meantime had flogged deadwood like Fletcher,
Nordtviet and Randolph. Three games later and with three loses on the board
it was clearly evident that the thinness of the squad had been exposed. Yes
Slaven and the players also had a lot to answer for but after the Newcastle
game not in a million years did I think we wouldn't strengthen the squad.
Especially given that we had so far only had a net spend of £14M which was
behind what some championship clubs were spending.



Even on deadline day when it was clear that Carvalho had become this year's
Carlos Bacca, I still had faith that we would strengthen. By now Snodgrass
had also left and we had two natural wingers in the squad. This combined
with the fact that Sakho had decided to orchestrate his own move meant that
if he was surely to leave we would only have two senior strikers and one
with an injury record that meant he was completely unreliable.

Deadline day came and went and whilst there were many rumours doing the
rounds as to what had actually happened we could only deal with the facts.
The facts were that after being completely embarrassed by a Newcastle side
on the ropes we had signed no further players! After Sakho had been his
usual petulant self he was bizarrely kept on despite an offer being on the
table and Bilic clearly not wanting him! William Carvalho had not signed!
And we had spent a grand total of £14M! Clubs like Brighton, Watford and
West Brom had spent three times the amount we had spent! Am I expected to
accept they are clubs who are going to be spending more money than us?!? If
so why the hell had we left our home to move to a stadium we were getting
for dirt cheap to spend a pittance in today's terms?

Then was the moment that finally made me realise what many people had said
all along and that I (along with many others) had refused to accept. I
realised how naïve, how blind and how downright fu***ng stupid I had been.
The board (and in particular Sullivan) were full of lies and empty promises.
I refer to the statement that Sullivan released giving his 'transfer window
verdict'. Firstly I'll start by mentioning what many have referred to as
'chucking Slav under the bus'. It was an absolute disgrace to try and shift
the blame all onto Slav. I called for the manager to go a few months ago but
nobody can deny that Slaven is a good man and it was disgusting for a
chairman to treat the manager like that. Now we move onto the scandalous lie
told by Sullivan where he claims Sporting made contact late Thursday night
to do the deal but it was too late. Show us some EVIDENCE of this claim. I'm
not talking evidence of a bid, we know there was a bid (derisory by all
accounts) but evidence of a representative from Sporting contacting west ham
football club trying to flog Carvalho. To then claim it was too late to do a
medical was an insult to the fans as the medical could have been done the
following morning. Don't pi$$ in our pockets and tell us it's raining David!

The final straw was suggesting Slaven was offered two excellent players but
turned them down. Are we really expected to believe Slav would turn down two
players of proven quality? The statement was so many lies rolled into one
and as I previously stated, made me realise how stupid I had been to
previously give them the benefit of the doubt and even suggest at one time
prior to the move that they were good for the club! It was at that point
that I asked myself are the owners (as alleged fans) acting with the clubs
best interests at heart and I was in no doubt that they weren't. Hence why
myself and plenty of others no longer give them any support and agree with
claims that they are not the owners to take us to the next level.

As the great Paul Weller once said "You chose your leaders and place your
trust, as their lies wash you down and their promises rust"

These views are not necessarily that of the website but of the individual
writer.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: I won't say who's to blame for William Carvalho saga... I'm
focused on first West Ham win
SLAVEN BILIC
ES Sport

Losing is never pleasant, but when it is your third Premier League defeat in
a row and comes before an international break, it is even worse. Over the
two weeks since we were deservedly beaten at Newcastle, there has been
plenty to fill the vacuum. First of all, I want to say that our performance
against Newcastle wasn't nearly good enough — I said it straight after the
game and I repeat it now. Three games, zero points — okay, all away from
home but, yes, a bad start.

The story is very simple, though. Okay, we have lost a little confidence but
we can only come back through hard work — and a win. Monday night's match
against Huddersfield is massive. We have to turn this bad start around and
start to win games. I admit I was down after Newcastle. It was a huge
disappointment and a surprise in a nasty way. Of course, we were not happy
with the first two defeats. Against Manchester United, I was unhappy because
we conceded two late goals, but against Southampton we showed a lot of
character to come back from 2-0 down with 10 men, only to lose to a late,
soft penalty. You are devastated, yes, after a defeat like that, but the
performance at Newcastle was a real downer and unacceptable. Was it the
lowest point since I have been at West Ham? To be fair, we've had a few like
that — and even in our first season I remember playing at Newcastle. It was
2-0 to them in the first half but it could have been five!

Now we have our first home game. It will be a special one and it is time to
do something. I understand that Danny Gabbidon — a former West Ham player —
wrote in an article that it looked as though I had "thrown in the towel"
after the match two weeks ago. I want to reply to that. I told the players
afterwards that, yes, this is West Ham and, yes, we will lose games. Not
like that, though. It was unacceptable. I am not throwing in the towel and
neither are the players. We will work hard to put this right — starting on
Monday night.
The other thing which has dominated the last week or so has been our attempt
to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon, an attempt that ultimately
failed.
There has been much said and written since. There is much I could say but I
don't want to, not because I am afraid to have my say but because that is
not my style. I haven't said anything before and I don't want to start now.
My job now isn't to say what is the truth or who is to blame. My job is to
raise the performance from what is a good squad of players which will get
even better when everyone is fit. I can talk about the facts and, yes, I
have talked to my friends and my staff about what has gone on and, of
course, I don't agree with many things. Am I going to go public, though? No,
that's not how I work. What is the benefit to anyone to moan about things
which have nothing to do with Monday?

We have a good squad. We ideally wanted another one or two and that's why we
offloaded some players, but it didn't happen and that is the reality.

It was disappointing that we didn't sign Carvalho because it looked as
though it was going to happen and that defensive midfield position was one I
have wanted to strengthen for some time. But it doesn't mean that, because
we didn't sign him, we haven't done good business this summer.

Although we will be without Manuel Lanzini, Edimilson Fernandes, who are
injured, and Marko Arnautovic, who is suspended, I am hoping that Andre
Ayew, who picked up a thigh injury playing for Ghana, will be fit for the
Huddersfield match. We are looking forward to playing again in the London
Stadium. As last season progressed — the first in our new home — we became
more comfortable there and I can remember matches where the atmosphere was
really something special.

In the second half of last season, we really improved, both with results and
performances. I can recall the matches against Tottenham, Swansea, Everton,
West Brom and even Leicester, when we lost, we felt at home. It was a good
feeling. We have thought long and hard in the last couple of weeks about
changing systems and we will see. We are going to train at the stadium
tomorrow and Sunday. Huddersfield have yet to concede a goal and they are on
a high. I am not going to say that they will go down, but they will level
off at some stage.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll 'his own worst enemy' over injuries, says West Ham medical
chief Gary Lewin
JAMES BENGE
ES Sport

Andy Carroll has been "his own worst enemy" in his attempts to overcome a
string of injuries, according to West Ham medical chief Gary Lewin. Carroll
is in line to make his return from a groin injury on Monday, when West Ham
host Huddersfield at the London Stadium, but doubts over his long-term
fitness continue to stalk the 28-year-old striker. Since joining West Ham in
five years ago, initially on loan before signing for £15million a year
later, Carroll has managed only 114 appearances for the Hammers. And Lewin,
who replaced Stijn Vandenbroucke as West Ham's head of medical services
earlier this summer, admitted Carroll's desire to get on the pitch had
exacerbated his fitness issues. "He is such a robust, physical player,"
Lewin told the Newham Recorder. "Coming in cold on what has happened to him
before, I think he was his own worst enemy. Once he could train he wants to
play and when he plays there is no holding back. "He does want to play, that
is all he wants to do. You hear a lot of nonsense about him not wanting to
play, seriously he just wants to play football. "Although that is a
strength, it is also a problem because we have to manage him, but it is a
good problem to have."
Carroll's most recent injury has kept him sidelined since mid-April but
Lewin is hopeful that the former England international will be available for
Slaven Bilic in Monday's crucial match, with pressure mounting on the
manager after defeat in his opening three league games of the season. "He
has been training for just over two weeks and with the international break
it will be even more by the time we get to Huddersfield, so he will be ready
to start playing," Lewin added. "When he does come back, it will be a
gradual thing, you can't just throw him in at the deep end."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic refuses to reveal reasons for West Ham's failed William
Carvalho deal
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 08/09/17 11:32am
SSN

Slaven Bilic insists he will not be going public on the reasons for why West
Ham failed to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho in the
summer. West Ham and Sporting have engaged in a war of words since the
summer transfer window closed after the clubs failed to agree terms on a
deal to take Carvalho to the London Stadium. The Hammers are currently
pursuing legal action against Sporting's communications director, Nuno
Saraiva, after he labelled Hammers co-owner David Sullivan a "liar" and a
"parasite" and claimed that the Premier League side made no offers for the
Portugal international.
Sky Sports News revealed on Wednesday two emails appearing to show Sullivan
offering just under £23m for Carvalho, before making a follow-up bid that
included a 10 per cent sell-on clause and additional add-ons based on West
Ham qualifying for the Champions League. Sky sources understand Sporting are
to report West Ham to FIFA for alleged "illegal approaches" made to the
25-year-old, but Bilic says he is hoping to draw a line under the saga and
has already turned his focus towards the crucial Monday Night Football clash
against Huddersfield. "The thing which has dominated the last week or so has
been our attempt to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon, an attempt
that ultimately failed," Bilic wrote in the London Evening Standard.
"There has been much said and written since. There is much I could say but I
don't want to, not because I am afraid to have my say but because that is
not my style. I haven't said anything before and I don't want to start now.
"My job now isn't to say what is the truth or who is to blame. My job is to
raise the performance from what is a good squad of players which will get
even better when everyone is fit. "I can talk about the facts and, yes, I
have talked to my friends and my staff about what has gone on and, of
course, I don't agree with many things. Am I going to go public, though? No,
that's not how I work. What is the benefit to anyone to moan about things
which have nothing to do with Monday? "We have a good squad. We ideally
wanted another one or two and that's why we offloaded some players, but it
didn't happen and that is the reality. "It was disappointing that we didn't
sign Carvalho because it looked as though it was going to happen and that
defensive midfield position was one I have wanted to strengthen for some
time. But it doesn't mean that, because we didn't sign him, we haven't done
good business this summer."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic rules out West Ham move for Bacary Sagna
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has ruled out a move for former Arsenal and
Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna. Reports have linked the under-fire
Hammers boss with a move for the Frenchman, however, in his Standard Sport
column the Croatian has stated there is no need for another right-back. He
wrote: "We have been linked with Bacary Sagna, who is out of contract and a
free agent. "Bacary is a fine player who has played at the highest
standard, but he is a full-back and this is not a position in which we need
strengthening."
The club had been desperate to strengthen their right-back options last
season, with Michail Antonio often filling the void, however the signing of
Sagna's former City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta supposedly solved their
problems. Bilic takes his side into their first home game of the season
against Huddersfield on Monday night, and will be desperate to secure three
points and bring a positive atmosphere to the London Stadium following a
disappointing start to the campaign

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic disputes claim he turned down Renato Sanches and Grzegorz
Krychowiak
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 08/09/17 3:20pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic has denied West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's claim that he
rejected the chance to sign Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak this
summer.
Bilic had hoped to bring Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho to the
London Stadium prior to the close of the summer transfer window, but the
Hammers were unable to agree a deal with their Portuguese counterparts.
Sullivan claimed last week that Sanches and Krychowiak were offered to Bilic
before their respective switches to Swansea and West Brom, only for the
Croatian to turn down the opportunity to sign either player. But when asked
about Sullivan's comments, Bilic said: "He likes to talk. It's his right,
but all I said is that I wanted a player and that is not exactly what
happened with those two players that you have mentioned. "I wanted Carvalho
and we were in the middle of talking about Carvalho, it looked very, very
likely that the deal would happen. "To be fair during my time at West Ham,
it is very, very common that when you talk about one player and it looks
like it's going to happen, suddenly two or three other names somebody throws
them in. "Normally that distracts you from the main target. That's what
happened there as well. It was very likely that we were going to get that
player. The other two players are very good players, of course they are."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: I laughed at 'dildo brothers' remark
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has said co-owner David Sullivan "likes to
talk" and had admitted that he found some of the comments involved in the
spat with Sporting Lisbon "funny". Bilic was responding after the Hammers
chief released a statement claiming that his manager turned down deals for
both Renato Sanches and Gregorz Krychowiak. The duo, who ended up with
Swansea City and West Brom respectively, were – Sullivan claimed – offered
to the Croatian but no deal materialised. Furthermore, the statement
claimed that a bid was accepted for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William
Carvalho but that it was too late to complete a medical, claims which the
Portuguese club refuted. Since the claims the two clubs have exchanged
accusations, with Sporting president calling David Gold and Sullivan 'Dildo
Brothers'. "David Sullivan, he likes to talk," Bilic said on the
co-chairman's statement. "That is not exactly what happened." When pressed
for his thoughts on the comments coming out of Portugal, he added: "It was
funny, it made me laugh. I thought about coming in with a lawyer today."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic admits he found Sporting Lisbon's crude David Gold and Sullivan
jibes funny
Ian Baker
8 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 3:14PM
Telegrpah.co.uk

Slaven Bilic is on a collision course with West Ham owners David Sullivan
and David Gold after admitting he found a jibe against them funny, and also
hit back at Sullivan for claiming he turned down Grzegorz Krychowiak and
Renato Sanches. Sporting Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho labelled the
Hammers' co-chairmen the "Dildo Brothers" in reference to their previous
occupation as soft porn entrepreneurs as the fallout following William
Carvalho's failed moved to East London continued. Now Bilic has risked the
wrath of his bosses by laughing at them and insisting Krychowiak and
Sanches, who joined West Brom and Swansea respectively, were never serious
options behind first choice Carvalho. "I thought about coming with a lawyer
today," he joked. "There have been issues "The 'Dildo Brothers' it's funny.
It made me laugh, but look – make no mistake – I don't like to talk about
some things. "David Sullivan likes to talk – it's his right to be able to.
I wanted the player [Carvalho] and that is not exactly what happened with
those two you mention. "I wanted Carvalho and it looked likely, and to be
fair, during my time at West Ham, it's very common that when it looks like a
player is going to happen, that two or three other names someone throws in
and that distracts you from the main target, and that's what happened.
"Those two other players are very good players, of course they are."

Bilic was very frustrated that a club record £24 million move for midfielder
Carvalho and believes finances held up the deal, a confession that is
further likely to incense Sullivan and Gold. He said: "Why didn't happen? I
think it was definitely money. I know I wanted the player but as far as I
know, we have been in talks with Sporting Lisbon. Official or not, I don't
know. I don't do these things. I suggested the player, I wanted the player
and we talked to them. It didn't happen because the money was too high. "To
be fair, I'm smiling, I'm laughing, I'm joking. I'm frustated because we
didn't get the player, of course. I've been trying to get him for a couple
of years."
Since the transfer window shut there have been a series of public comments
between West Ham and Sporting but the whole fallout from the issue adds
further difficulty for Bilic, severely under pressure after three straight
defeats at the start of the season. "I haven't been told my job is on the
line. But we have zero points after three games. We have to start winning.
"I think about it as a good job and where I have to put my energy is working
and talking with the lads."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newham deny grant write-off
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 8th September 2017
By: Staff Writer

Newham Council have denied reports that they are set to write off a
£40million cash injection as a result of poor returns from the Olympic
Stadium deal. Newham injected the vast sum of taxpayers' money into the
Olympic Stadium project in return for a share of the operating profits -
which have failed to materialise as a result of previously unforeseen
expenses and low profit margins. It was claimed on Wednesday that the
Council were planning to 'write-off' the loan by a local resident - a
suggestion rejected last night by a spokesman, who insisted that Newham
would continue to seek a return on the investment. "The loan is shown, for
accounting purposes, as currently 'impaired', or damaged, due to the current
financial performance of the stadium," said the spokesman. "It is not a
write-off of the loan." However that failed to assauge the concerns of
Councillor Rokhsana Fiaz, who admitted to being "alarmed" by the
£41.6million losses declared by Newham Legacy Investments Limited, a
subsiduary of the Council's. "I've already asked for further details as I
urgently want to know why this happened, whether that loan will ever be paid
back and if so, by when," said Fiaz. Meanwhile the current Mayor of Newham,
Robin Wales insisted that the Council would continue to seek better returns
from the arena - whilst suggesting that the stadium should be used to host
more musical events. "It was an honour to host the para-athletics and the
IAAF World Championships," he said. "But in future years large music
concerts are likely to raise more revenue."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic exclusive interview on West Ham's players and William Carvalho
frustration
Last Updated: 08/09/17 8:22pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic discusses his team's winless start to the
season and his confidence that things will change against Huddersfield on
Monday night.

Slaven Bilic has denied the suggestion he is too nice to drag West Ham out
of their losing run and up the Premier League table. West Ham have lost
their opening three Premier League matches of the season and the Croat held
a heart-to-heart meeting with his players following the 3-0 defeat to
Newcastle last time out.
And ahead of their first home game of the season - against Huddersfield on
Monday Night Football - he insisted he is tough with his players when he
needs to be.
"I don't see myself as an especially nice guy," he told Soccer Saturday when
it was suggested few people in football have a bad word to say about him. "I
also can lose my temper and I was doing that very recently - or last season.
When I feel it's needed, I do that. "I think I have it [a fear factor]. I am
motivated, I am hungry and the lads know if they don't perform they ain't
going to play and that is the biggest punishment for them. "You can't say
that no matter how the players are playing that they are playing. That's not
the case. A lot of players, if they don't perform well, they are losing
their place in the team. "That has always been and is always going to be the
biggest punishment for the players. "I'm demanding a lot from the players. I
don't want them to be afraid, of course, I want them to stay confident. I
don't see that as a problem. "If, for you, being hard or being a rocket
means I am going to slag the players here in front of the cameras then I'm
definitely not one of them - but then, I don't know who is like that in
football nowadays - and I don't want to be like that.
Bilic also admitted he was frustrated to miss out on the signing of Sporting
Lisbon's defensive midfielder William Carvalho before the transfer deadline.
He says he offloaded a number of players to raise funds to sign both
Carvalho and Andre Gomes from Barcelona and is frustrated his squad now
lacks depth as a result.
"I think with Carvalho it was a money issue," he added. "I really wanted the
player and it really looked like it was going to happen. I thought until the
last minute that he was going to come. Why am I disappointed? I'm
disappointed because we've been looking at that position for two years. "For
that crucial position for us he was ideal and it didn't happen. "One of the
reasons we were offloading so many players was to raise the funds to get the
budget for him and then when it didn't happen you are frustrated. For me, if
we tried everything that's all we could have done." He added: "I wanted
Carvalho. We all did. We are a bit thin and I took that risk deliberately.
"It wasn't only Carvalho, it was also Andre Gomes, who also looked done.
"It's a question of injuries now. If we stay away from injuries we have
enough players - and now, to be fair, we don't have many injuries so we are
okay in every department."
West Ham chairman David Sullivan recently made headlines when he suggested
that Bilic turned down both Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak this
summer. But the West Ham boss insists he still has a healthy relationship
with the club's owners. "The fact is I have my relationships with the
chairman for two-and-a-half years almost now and it's been good since the
first day of that season," he said. "We don't talk a lot, but we are in
contact and communicate through emails. Usually we talk after every game.
"He is very polite because he leaves you the day after the game and then you
talk a couple of days after. Maybe that's because he wants to gather more
information? "It's fine. It was always polite, always decent. When I don't
like something I tell him straight and it's been fine so far, to be fair."

See more from Salven Bilic on Soccer Saturday from midday on Sky Sports News
and tune in to West Ham v Huddersfield on Monday Night Football from 7pm on
Sky Sports Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Huddersfield preview: Monday Night Football at the London Stadium
Last Updated: 08/09/17 5:39pm
SSN

West Ham will finally play their first home game of the season as
Huddersfield travel to the London Stadium for Monday Night Football. The
Hammers, who were forced to play their first three matches of the season on
the road due to the Athletics World Championships last month, are yet to
pick up a point. "My job is to raise the performance," said West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic. "We didn't start well but Monday is a good opportunity to
start winning games and get on the right tracks." That's in huge contrast
to newly-promoted Huddersfield, who have seven points so far and are yet to
concede a goal. Their start to the season saw boss David Wagner named
Manager of the Month for August.

Team news

Andy Carroll is in the West Ham squad for the first time this season. The
striker has recovered from his latest injury lay-off, a thigh problem, and
is joined by fit-again defender Winston Reid (calf). But midfield duo Manuel
Lanzini (knee) and Edimilson Fernandes (ankle) are out injured while winger
Marko Arnautovic completes a three-match ban.

Huddersfield's latest signings Abdelhamid Sabiri and Florent Hadergjonaj are
both in contention to make their debuts in Monday night's game at West Ham.
Midfielder Sabiri and defender Hadergjonaj featured in Sunday's friendly win
against Altona 93 in Germany and are likely to be named in David Wagner's
squad.
Goalkeeper Rob Green, signed recently from Leeds, could also be included.
Striker Collin Quaner (knee) will be monitored, while all eight
internationals have returned in good health.

Opta stats

This will be the first league meeting between the teams since March 1972, a
game West Ham won 3-0 at Upton Park. The sides met more recently in the
League Cup in the 1997/98 campaign, with West Ham winning 3-1 on aggregate
in the second round, with John Hartson scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win in
the second leg.

This is only the second Premier League season that West Ham United have
started with three defeats. In the other; 2010-11, they ended bottom of the
league.

Huddersfield haven't won back to back away matches in the top-flight since
their final two away games of the 1955/56 campaign.

If Huddersfield win this match, they'll equal the 2017 Premier League points
tally of both Sunderland and Middlesbrough (10 points in 19 games).

Joe Hart has conceded as many goals in three Premier League games as a West
Ham player than he did in his final 10 appearances for Manchester City in
the competition (10).

Huddersfield's Jonas Lossl is looking to become only the fourth goalkeeper
in Premier League history to keep a clean sheet in each of his first four
appearances in the competition, after Pepe Reina, Alex Manninger and Anders
Lindegaard.

36.3% of Huddersfield's passes in the Premier League this season have been
in the attacking third of the pitch; a league-high.

West Ham United have allowed their opponents a league-high nine clear-cut
chances in front of goal this season, from which they have conceded eight
goals.

Merson's prediction

Slaven Bilic needs a win. It's West Ham's first home game of the season and
the fans will be turning up expecting the team to put on a show and beat
Huddersfield. I wouldn't want to be a West Ham player in the first 20
minutes of this match. If they don't score early doors it could be messy
because the frustration will build in the stands.

You wouldn't put a penny on West Ham but if they get an early goal it could
well turn into an easy night for them. However, if and Huddersfield keep
things tight, the more the game goes on the more difficult it becomes for
Bilic's men.

My heart is going with the Londoners, who have been there before and have
home advantage. But they are not playing well and they are up against an
in-form side in Huddersfield. I'm just going to go for West Ham but again, I
would not be surprised one bit if Huddersfield picked up all three points.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce lifts the lid on bizarre reason West Ham missed out on
Portuguese star Eder
HITC
Damien Lucas

Sam Allardyce has revealed he came close to signing Portugal striker Eder
for West Ham United and the bizarre reason it fell through. The former
Hammers boss was a guest on talkSPORT when he recalled receiving word of the
chance to sign the burly striker, famous for scoring Portugal's brilliant
extra-time winner in the European Championship final last summer. Allardyce
wanted back-up for the injury-prone Andy Carroll at the time and felt Eder
could 'do a job for us'. The opportunity came about to take the player on
loan and Big Sam wasted little time jetting out to Portugal with his chief
scout at the time to take a look at Eder in action and seal the deal.
Everything seemed to be going to plan and Allardyce was sufficiently
impressed by the player's performance.
Eder was keen too and had even packed ready for East London not long after
the final whistle. But when Allardyce met the player and club officials in a
hotel things took an unexpected twist. "At West Ham we were looking for a
centre forward and Eder popped up in Portugal at the time," Allardyce told
talkSPORT.
"We arranged to meet up in a hotel after the game ... with the president of
the club and the secretary of the club and the chief executive of the club,
the player came along, the English agent, myself and the chief scout sorted
out the loan deal. "The lad came with his bag to travel with us the day
after and I got a phone call from (former QPR player) Mick Walsh, who lives
in Portugal, and he said 'Have you got Eder there?' "I said 'Yea' and he
said 'Well are you dealing with his agent?' and I said 'Yea he's here' and
he said 'No that's not the right agent Sam'. I said 'Walshy it all seems
like it's done, it all seems ok'. "So we sat around the table and all of a
sudden we see Eder look up and his eyes started staring so we turn around
and there's three big guys at the door just waving to him, do you know what
I mean? "So Eder goes to meet these guys and that was the last we saw of
him, he'd gone.

"The owner of the club was going mad, we stayed up until about 3am, we
called the police, we called everybody and that was it, we got up the next
day with the agent, traveled all the way back to England and we never saw
hide nor hair of him again until he turned up at Swansea. I was just
relieved he was ok."
So there you have it West Ham fans, the man who netted the winner for
Portugal at Euro 2016 could have been wearing the claret and blue. An
ill-fated spell at Swansea did follow for the striker, who now plies his
trade in Russia. Eder isn't the only Portuguese star the Hammers have missed
out on signing, though.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have West Ham dropped a big hint Nathan Holland could make his debut against
Huddersfield?
Could the highly rated youngster be part of the manager's changes?
Football London
BYALASDAIR GOLD
06:30, 9 SEP 2017

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking to shake up his struggling side for
their Premier League match against Huddersfield on Monday and it might just
be that teenager Nathan Holland is part of the plan. The 19-year-old
midfielder signed from Everton in January, but is yet to make a senior
appearance for the Hammers since his arrival from the Toffees. Holland
appeared prominently during the Hammers' pre-season matches and has been
involved in some matchday squads, but is yet to be called upon to step on to
the pitch. The fans have been calling for the introduction of the youngster
into the line-up and the under-fire Bilic could just be set to make a
popular decision in order to help take some of the pressure off his
shoulders. The supporters have been speculating that Holland could appear
after this training video appeared on the club's official Twitter feed,
showing him training with the first team.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"We have priority" - West Ham play down fears of London Stadium fixture
disruption in 2022
The news broke on Wednesday led to more fears over who has priority at the
Hammers home
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:15, 8 SEP 2017

West Ham have made moves to calm and fears the club could face fixture
disruption at the start of the 2022/23 Premier League season if UK Athletics
decides to bid for the European Athletics Championships that year. As
reported by the Daily Mail on Wednesday, UK Athletics is planning to use the
London Stadium and West Ham's rented home as it's centrepiece for the bid as
their chief Niel de Vos revealed at the Sports Industry Breakfast to take
advantage of a clause in the Hammers contract. The clause allows UK
Athletics to host a major athletics tournament every five years and de Vos
revealed that it will "probably" be used for the 2022 European
Championships. the World Cup being held in Qatar in 2022 and that season
expected to star early to fit in the showpiece tournament in the December of
2022, the athletics is highly likely to clash with the football once again.
A West Ham United spokesperson told football.london: Under the terms of the
concession agreement, which is a public document, the 2017 IAAF World
Championships was the one and only even to take preference - agreed before
bidding for the stadium even began and embraced by West Ham United from the
very start. "Our fixtures have priority over any future sporting event."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham paying price for previous lack of faith in young talents Quina and
Samuelsen
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham face a tough selection decision this weekend. West Ham face a
selection dilemma this weekend with injuries and suspensions piling up ahead
of their clash with Huddersfield. Marko Arnautovic is unavailable while
Manuel Lanzini is also at risk of missing out. Andre Ayew's versatility is
certainly helpful, but looking deeper at the Hammers' attacking options,
they are light when it comes to proven replacements. Their potential options
could include young wingers Domingos Quina or Martin Samuelsen, but with
West Ham's current form poor, this is hardly an ideal game to throw them
into. Pressure is building on manager Slaven Bilic as well as the club's
owners, and selecting either Quina or Samuelsen could backfire on both
players. The club need proven options to step up, but right now Quina or
Samuelsen are neither. The fact they are not really valid options to step
into this uncertain moment for the club is a problem of their own making. To
date Bilic has been reluctant to hand either player an opportunity, and
could have done so previously when the club were not in crisis mode. Now
with injuries straining the squad, they do not have the options they needed
if they had showed faith earlier in Samuelsen or Quina. Putting both in now
could work, but it would also be a bit of a desperate move from a manager
hoping a pair of unproven teenagers can save his job.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHUISA UPDATE
By Dan Coker 8 Sep 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by WHUISA Committee

The newly-elected WHUISA Committee has been working hard on a number of
early-season issues on behalf of WHUISA members and all West Ham United
supporters. Here is an update of recent activity.

Cheltenham & 4 Away Games in 13 Days

In the light of four away games to start the season, and particularly the
switching of the Cheltenham home League Cup tie to an away fixture at
Whaddon Road, WHUISA sought a gesture from the club to repay the Claret &
Blue Army who had spent time and money in travelling to four away games in
13 days. WHUISA requested that the club considered a gesture towards the
travelling fans who went to Cheltenham, particularly seeing as Cheltenham
had been compensated in lost revenue through gate receipts.

Jake Heath, West Ham United's Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), told WHUISA
that the club could not make a gesture to those who travelled by coach as
this would not be fair on those that did not. WHUISA's initial request was
for a ticket refund which would have been fair to all fans.

WHUISA then sought a gesture from the club in any format to show that they
recognised and appreciated the extra effort our fans have made at the start
of the
season with four away matches. That gesture could have come in the form of a
reduction in cost of ticket, a 'pie and a pint' voucher or reduced coach
travel. It was not compensation but a gesture would have been welcomed. This
was also rejected by the club.

WHUISA remain disappointed at the club's stance but undeterred. In
extraordinary, and hopefully unique, circumstances our travelling fans have
got on with the job of supporting our team. WHUISA set out to get these
loyal supporters a little thank you from the club in the form of maybe a
(partial) refund of the ticket or indeed whatever the club could come up
with.

A number of our members and fans have noted how other clubs take time out to
respect and acknowledge their away fans' endeavours with gestures from time
to time during the season. We are sorry our club has not taken that
opportunity this time but are hopeful for the future.

Met Police Meeting

WHUISA was invited to, and attended, a meeting on 30th August at Lambeth HQ
with MPS (Met Police) prior to our upcoming match versus Tottenham.

In attendance was Sergeant Dave Hine along with three Dedicated Football
Officers (DFOs) – PC Andy Sheldon and PC Rob Glozier for West Ham and PC
Noel Deady for Tottenham (MPS Football Unit), Jake Heath (West Ham SLO),
David Sadler (Head of Safety & Security LS185), his deputy Graham Harris,
Katrina Law (Tottenham Supporters Trust), Kevin Fitzgerald (Tottenham
Supporters Trust), Paul Christmas (WHUISA), Mark Gower (WHUISA) and Bill
Edwards (WHUISA).

Discussions lasted just over two hours and were conducted openly and
frankly. WHUISA asked a number of questions put forward by our members. The
salient points from the meeting are detailed below.

Terrorism

A number of WHUISA members asked what measures the Police are taking. WHUISA
directly asked Sergeant Hine this question. He responded:

1. MPS take the threat of terrorism with the utmost seriousness.

2. An immense amount of work goes into policing major sporting events in
London and West Ham home matches are no exception.

3. Pre-match investigation/intelligence gathering is ongoing.

4. MPS work very closely with the Stadium operators.

5. Advice is given by MPS to all stakeholders involved in the London
Stadium.

6. All PCs will explain what and why they intend to do if you are stopped

7. All PCs are Counter Terrorism Aware.

8. CCTV will be in operation in/outside the stadium.

9. Stadium security has the ability to monitor outside beyond the ground.

10. Officers will be in Full Protective Kit.

11. Police dogs will be present.

12. Vehicles will be subject to checks and will be prohibited to move along
walkways where people are.

13. City of London Police will be assisting their colleagues from the MPS.

14. MPS will tweet any issues/concerns on the day before and on the morning
of the match. Please follow @MPSFootballUnit

Embed from Getty Images

Tottenham Home Match

1. This is a Category C match (code for a high-risk fixture).

2. Police will be present in full protective kit and the majority will have
body cams.

3. Gates at the stadium open at 11am.

4. Alcohol will be served in the ground to home fans.

5. No pubs in the surrounding areas have been asked by MPS to close – it is
up to individual licensees.

6. There will be controlled drinking areas in the streets around the pubs in
Stratford.

7. Westfield will be fully open pre-match, the gates will close from around
75 minutes before kick-off. The closure is carried out dynamically on the
day and could be nearer to kick-off time.

8. The gates will be closed at Westfield post-match.

9. West Ham will be operating up to 18 disability buses from Stratford and
Stratford International pre and post-match.

10. MPS will tweet any issues/concerns on the day before and on the morning
of the match. Please follow @MPSFootballUnit

11. People are advised to get to the ground as early as they can with a
provisional estimate that a 45-minute arrival prior to KO should see you
into the ground in good time.

12. Fans are advised to NOT bring bags unless essential as this slows down
the search process.

13. Tottenham fans will NOT be held back post-match as this is a very rare
occurrence. This will only change if there is a desperate escalation of
circumstances outside/in the ground. The MPS do not expect this to occur.

14. Post-match, West Ham fans will disperse through Bridge 1 and 5 as usual
to Stratford Station. Spurs fans will leave along the Loop Road to the
station. Sufficient Police Officers will be in position if/when opposing
fans eventually come together.

15. Ticket checking will go on in the stadium at any given place but more so
in the Lower and Upper Tier blocks nearest the away fans. If you are in
these sections please expect to produce your season card/ticket on more than
one occasion.

16. Tailgating at the turnstiles is high on the agenda – please do not have
two people go in on one ticket.

17. With body cams in operation please be polite to Police/Stewards as you
can expect to be filmed (MPS wouldn't expect the body cams to be used unless
the circumstances dictate i.e. Disorder or officers dealing with issues,
whereby the officer will activate them).

Over the first twelve months the stadium has been operating with West Ham as
tenant, the working relationships between all parties has grown and
strengthened. Sergeant Hine was happy to state that he had full confidence
in LS185.

Changes which the Stadium Management will be implementing this season

1. One gate shall remain open at each turnstile to allow latecomers to enter
their usual turnstile without having to go on a route march around the
ground as was the case last season.

2. The searching process has been refined and people are encouraged to NOT
bring bags to the match as this slows down entry procedure.

3. Further changes to searching are being planned and may be announced
shortly.

4. Stewarding has undergone a massive change and this is expected to be seen
from the first match.

5. Ticket checking and tailgating are in operation/being monitored.

6. The management of the Stadium has evolved and stadium sectorised with
each sector having its own manager.

7. Exit doors will be constantly monitored & controlled from the Event
Control Room in the stadium to monitor crowd activity. Additionally,
stewarding staff will man the gates. They have the ability to open gates
when directed to by appropriate management.

Contact

WHUISA is currently investigating a number of issues and concerns raised by
members on behalf of both our members and the wider support base. If you
have something that you would like WHUISA to look into, or any questions or
suggestions, please email enquiries@whuisa.org

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The change Slaven Bilic must make to turn West Ham around, but it could
upset Cheikhou Kouyate
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United have endured a torrid start to the season and Slaven Bilic
has to change something to turn their fortunes around. The Hammers sit
bottom of the Premier League after defeat in each of their opening three
games with a minus eight goal difference to boot. Bilic is under severe
pressure and speculation is rife he could be replaced by Rafa Benitez or
Roberto Mancini in the West Ham hot seat. Supporters are not happy and some
point the finger of blame at Bilic's tactics after a 4-0 defeat to
Manchester United was followed up by 3-2 reverse at Southampton and 3-0
drubbing at Newcastle. For West Ham fans, it is simply a continuation of
what they witnessed last term, one of the worst defenses in the top flight
leaking goals. In West Ham's last 51 league games under Bilic they have
shipped an astonishing 95 goals. Thirteen of those have been penalties but
the key statistic which makes damning reading for the former Croatia boss is
his failure to switch formation to make the team more solid. Setting up with
a back four from last season through to now the Hammers have played 25 games
in that formation winning just five, drawing five and losing 13 with a total
of 20 points. But in just 16 matches with the side adopting a back three the
Hammers won nearly half with seven victories, four draws and just five
defeats - a total of 25 points, five more than with a back four and from
eight less games. So the message is clear for all to see the Hammers must
revert to a 3-5-2 formation, be harder to beat and play to the team's
strengths to turn their season around. But to do that the under pressure
boss may have to make an unpopular decision to push star midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate into his back three as he has so often in the past.
And he could risk upsetting the Senegal ace who has made it clear in the
past he is willing to help the team but wants to play in his preferred
central midfield position. The truth is West Ham don't have the legs in
defence with injury prone Winston Reid in and out of the side and looking a
shadow of the player he was a couple of seasons ago. James Collins and Jose
Fonte both turn 34 this season while Pablo Zabaleta turns 33 and all of them
have already been badly exposed in the Premier League this season. In that
sweeper role Kouyate offers pace, aerial strength and composure with the
ability to carry the ball out of the back and launch attacks.

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Revealed: Joe Hart has one significant weak spot and opposition players are
starting to notice
Telegraph.co.uk
Alistair Tweedale
8 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 9:00AM

For far too long now there has been a weakness to Joe Hart's game that has
been all too apparent. Since his summer move to West Ham, that very problem
has reared its all too ugly head once again. The opening weekend defeat to
Manchester United gave Hart a chastening debut, and although the loss was a
result of an exceptional performance from the hosts and in particular two
other debutants in Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku, more could reasonably
have been expected of the England No 1.

It was when the game was already done and dusted that Paul Pogba put the
cherry on United's cake by making it 4-0. Hart's starting position as the
Frenchman lined up a shot from the edge of the box was poor, but his
attempted dive was almost laughable. He was slow to react to a shot that was
neither powerful nor in the corner of the goal, and didn't get down to his
left quickly enough. The shot went past him almost in line with the middle
of the goal. A keeper of Premier League quality should unquestionably have
done better.

It has been a testing introduction to life lower down the Premier League
table for him, and over the first three games of his time at West Ham, as
well as last season at Serie A side Torino, Hart has done little to prove
himself. While at Manchester City Hart will have had far less work to do, it
is becoming increasingly clear that his shot-stopping needs to improve,
particularly in a team where he is called into action more, particularly low
to his left. The percentage of shots that Hart saves down low to either side
is - as would be expected - significantly worse than up high.

Low to his left, however, Hart is notoriously weak, and as the above graph
shows, opposing teams have cottoned on. His save success rate down low to
his left has declined over the past six years, suggesting teams are
targeting that side of the goal more. He has faced seven shots low to his
left this season and only two to his right; at Torino last season he faced
44 low to his left and 25 to his right; the season before he faced 28 to his
left and 18 to his right.

He has not kept out anything approaching the 70 per cent of the shots on
target he has faced low to his left in any season since 2011/12, when City
won the title.

In his final campaign at City, in 2015/16, he saved just 46 per cent of
shots down low to his left; that rose slightly in his single season in
Italy, when he kept out 57 per cent of shots low to his left; in three games
for West Ham this season, Hart has conceded five goals from the seven shots
he has faced low to his left.

There is a genuine, noticeable and really quite worrying weakness at play
here, and one that opposition players will understandably target. Could it
have been that Gareth Bale knew exactly what he was doing when hitting a
speculative 35 yard free-kick at Hart's bottom-left corner at Euro 2016? In
a 4-1 defeat for Torino at Roma last season, Hart was beaten by four similar
shots, each low and to his left. Over the last two-and-a-bit seasons, Hart
has successfully stopped less than half the shots he has faced low to his
left. If teams can go into games knowing they will score one in every two
shots they place in the bottom-right corner of the goal, why wouldn't they
do so?

All this leads to the question of the England No 1 spot, and why the likes
of Jack Butland, Fraser Forster and Jordan Pickford are not being given more
of an opportunity by Gareth Southgate? The way Hart was beaten for
Slovakia's opener on Monday night only adds to the argument that it is time
for a change on the international scene.

Slaven Bilic was lauded for the coup in bringing Hart to the London Stadium
in the summer, but he still has a lot to prove in the West Ham goal, and his
left-hand side will come under increasing pressure as long as this record
goes on.

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Has Declan Rice saved West Ham £35million, is he the reason for club's
controversial decision?
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United have endured a torrid start to the new season but Declan
Rice has been a rare ray of light. The Hammers sit bottom of the Premier
League after losing their opening three games and with a minus eight goal
difference. The club seemed to be moving in the right direction this summer
by drastically improving their recruitment in signing Joe Hart, Pablo
Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez. However, as evidenced by
their performances this season, more was needed and the fallout from the
failed pursuit of William Carvalho has seen supporters turn on co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold. But it hasn't all been doom and gloom with
the emergence of young starlet Declan Rice a major plus. The former Chelsea
youth prospect has made a real impact and looked at home in the Premier
League, despite a mistake which cost his side a goal in the 3-0 defeat to
Newcastle last time out. Equally adept in central defence of central
midfield, Rice has slotted in seamlessly breaking up play and putting his
stamp on the game, unlike many of those around him. As far as Hammers fans
are concerned Rice should be one of the first names on the team sheet based
on performances and many were angry with Bilic for taking the youngster off
at half-time after his mistake. Rice is highly regarded at West Ham and the
club feel he could well be their answer to Tottenham Hotspur holding
midfield star Eric Dier. So could that be the real reason behind the club's
reluctance to push the boat out for Carvalho? Did they get cold feet after
witnessing Rice's fearless displays? Time will tell but one thing is for
certain, the Republic of Ireland under 21 star certainly deserves an
extended run in the team to prove his worth.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic says elbow on Manuel Lanzini 'was not even a foul'
Telegraph.co.uk
Luke Edwards
7 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 10:30PM

Aleksandar Mitrovic may have accepted an FA misconduct charge and a
three-game ban for elbowing West Ham's Manuel Lanzini, but the Newcastle
United striker insists he did nothing wrong and claimed his does not
understand why he has been punished. Mitrovic was punished retrospectively
after the referee did not see his elbow catching Lanzini in the face during
Newcastle's 3-0 win over the Hammers before the international break. The
incident was highlighted by pundits on BBC's Match of the Day and has helped
fuel a persecution complex on Tyneside, with some supporters suggesting
Mitrovic is harshly treated. The volatile Serbian did not contest the charge
and, as a result, will not play again for his club until October. However,
speaking after Serbia's crucial World Cup win over the Republic of Ireland,
Mitrovic said he is mystified by the charge and revealed he did not speak to
manager Rafa Benitez before accepting the punishment.

Although television replays looked pretty damning, Mitrovic argued he is
involved in similar tussles in every game and suggested the offence did not
even warrant a yellow card. "It is very frustrating for me, but I can't
change anything now," said Mitrovic, who has struggled to prove to Benitez
that he deserves to start games, largely because of his poor disciplinary
record. "These are the rules, but I didn't mean to do this, the things they
have accused me of. It wasn't even a foul in the game, but I have to accept
the rules and respect the decision that has been made. "I didn't mean it, it
wasn't even a foul, I have three or four incidents like this every match so
I don't understand it. If I say something more, though, they can punish me
even more. I just have to take this on the chin and make sure I stay as fit
as possible so that I can help the team when I return. "I don't know what
they said [on Match of the Day], I have no idea, but I've been banned for
three games and I was really surprised. "It has been really tough to get my
head around it. It was an accident. I spoke to Lanzini after the game and he
was fine.
"It is going to be very hard to miss these games, I had a good pre-season,
I've scored two goals already, it is very hard for my head to stay focused
and strong. That's life. That's football, I have to try and look forward."
On a more positive note, Mitrovic should be playing in his first World Cup
next summer after Serbia's win over Ireland stretched their lead at the top
of the qualification Group. "It was an unbelievable night for Serbian
football, a really good result for us," Mitrovic added. "It was a really
amazing game, but we have to stay focused and make sure we finish it off in
the next couple of games. "It is a huge thing for Serbia, it has been a long
time coming. I think it is very important for the Serbian people to see us
back at a World Cup. It is an unbelievable achievement, we have done it for
the Serbian people, for the whole country, we want to make them proud and I
hope we have done that."

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West Ham winger Dan Kemp exudes confidence on the ball... but he must start
to get stronger physically
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches every week
This week he has focused on West Ham United youngster Dan Kemp
Kemp has already impressed and is only expected to get better and better
Though the young winger must concentrate on building up physical strength
By The Secret Scout For The Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 7 September 2017 | UPDATED: 23:57, 7 September 2017

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching
for the next star. This week he has chosen to focus on West Ham United
youngster Dan Kemp. Kemp was selected for the Toulon Tournament earlier this
summer. Here is the latest lowdown on the 18-year-old...

Name: Dan Kemp
Age: 18
Club: West Ham United
Position: Right midfield
Value: £500,000
2017-18 appearances: Two

WHAT'S HE GOT?

Dan Kemp is one of several promising young players who West Ham have in the
background but, in their current position, they are unwilling to promote the
likes of Reece Oxford (now on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany),
Reece Burke and Nathan Holland. Young winger Kemp is a big-hearted,
diminutive, left-footed wide player who has the skill to take on more of a
central midfield role. While wide, his colleagues have enough confidence in
him to continually supply him with early passes, because they believe he can
unlock defensive barriers. When in possession he exudes calmness and
assurance on the ball, looking to make penetrative passes. He has a good
selection in his locker and I particularly like his vision to see the
reverse pass, giving his full back confidence to make forward runs. At close
quarters he is able to see the simple pass, and find the pass for the
return. Like all colleagues at this level, work-rate is a prerequisite and
that is no problem for this busy winger.

As a young player he was among a plethora of skilful boys at Chelsea but
joined West Ham in November 2015, believing his opportunities would be
greater. Although only being around 5ft 6in, he has an ability to go past
players at close quarters with his quick feet. He moves the ball well when
running at defenders and, when the tackler approaches, is clever enough to
get sideways on and drag the ball away from the defender with the movement
of his left foot. I also feel he has the footballing brain to be appreciated
alongside more senior players. I particularly like the way he made himself
available to receive the ball when his team were under the cosh.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

At present his use of the ball and seeing the purposeful pass is not in
doubt. However, he will need to strengthen up to resist the more physical
elements of the senior game. Kemp's pace is reasonable but he does not
frighten defenders with electric speed and that is why I see him as more of
a midfield schemer than a progressive wide man. It would be nice if he could
grow a couple of inches, but he should look at the qualities of the late,
great Alan Ball and realise that there is no need to feel inferior. Time
will tell whether he will get an opportunity at senior level. However, it
would be nice to think that West Ham will look to introduce some of their
younger players to assist the club in their current situation.

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After West Ham's struggle with similar terms, were Spurs lucky to see Andre
Gomes deal collapse?
HITC
Olly Dawes

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly missed out on a deadline day deal for Andre
Gomes. Tottenham Hotspur may have snapped up two new signings on deadline
day, but they also missed out on a third in Barcelona midfielder Andre
Gomes. Right back Serge Aurier and striker Fernando Llorente arrived from
Paris Saint-Germain and Swansea City respectively, taking Mauricio
Pochettino's summer intake to five new signings after the additions of Paulo
Gazzaniga, Juan Foyth, Davinson Sanchez. However, Tottenham did also attempt
to bring in a new central midfielder, though their deal for Andre Gomes fell
through, after Barcelona decided they couldn't let him go after all, having
failed to bring in a replacement. The Portugal international, 24, has failed
to live up to his billing since joining Barcelona from Valencia last summer,
and Tottenham had seemingly lined him up for a move to North London to try
and get his career back on track - but the terms of the deal were far from
perfect. The Daily Mail claimed on deadline day (17:00) that Gomes would
have been joining on loan, but if he played 60% of Tottenham's games, then
they would be forced to pay a huge £40million fee to sign him on a permanent
basis.
Such terms are similar to West Ham's deal for Simone Zaza in 2016, and it
got to the point where the Hammers had to leave Zaza out of their side,
despite their need for attacking players, to prevent him from reaching the
required number of games to trigger a permanent deal, given that they
realised he wasn't good enough. A move like that doesn't seem like something
Daniel Levy would be overly keen on; Tottenham may have soured on Gomes
given his lack of confidence and playing time at Barcelona, but unforeseen
circumstances can come into play over the course of a season. An injury or
suspension crisis could have forced Spurs to use Gomes even if they didn't
feel he was worthy of a £40million fee, and if they had left him out to
prevent him from reaching the required games played, they would still have
been paying considerable wages for a Barcelona and Portugal ace. West Ham
had problems with Zaza in a similar deal, and Spurs may in fact have been
lucky to have avoided terms where they would have lost a certain level of
control over Gomes, essentially putting themselves on the hook for a
£40million transfer without fully knowing just how good Gomes would be in
the Premier League.

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Zabaleta's message to the fans and Hammers' defensive issues - West Ham
quotes of the day
Here's what people are saying about West Ham today
Football London
BYROB GUEST
21:30, 7 SEP 2017

Pablo Zabaleta is looking forward to playing in front of West Ham home fans
for the first time "We are all looking forward to playing in front of our
supporters for the first time at home, of course. We will have more than
50,000 fans cheering us on and they will give us a massive boost when we
walk on to the pitch before kick-off," Zabaleta told the West Ham website.
"We have had great support at our away matches, but on Monday we will be at
London Stadium, on our turf, and we need to use our home advantage to get
the victory we need. "I played at London Stadium last season for Manchester
City and I know it is a fantastic arena. The atmosphere and sound created by
the fans are really loud and I can tell you that the players really feel it
on the pitch." "Winning your home matches is always very important. The
points you collect at your own stadium will go a long way to showing how
well you do in a season," he said on the club website. "When we won the
title twice with Manchester City, both times our home form was the reason we
won the Premier League. We won 18 out of 19 home games in 2012, and lost
just once in 2014. "Obviously, we are not going to match those records, but
we do need to win more home games than we did last season if we are to
achieve our targets this year." "Their defence is their biggest problem. The
whole team looks very open at times, very easy to play against," Gabbidon
said. "They've got some really good attacking players and I don't think
they'll have too many problems scoring goals, but the amount of goals
they've been conceding…it's one of their main problems which Bilic hasn't
been able to solve." "I am really looking forward to it. I have been over
there many times to watch games and I know at times it has been difficult,"
Lewin said to the Newham Recorder. "But I was there for the Tottenham game –
what an atmosphere. That was like a cup final and that is what we have to
create this season."

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Sky Sports pundit Craig Bellamy worried about West Ham, Sam Allardyce
highlights a possible turning point
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United have lost three from three in the Premier League this
season. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is seen during the Premier
League match between Burnley and West Ham United at Turf Moor on May 21,
2017 in Burnley, England. Pundit Craig Bellamy has told Sky Sports' The
Debate that he is worried about the lack of intensity in West Ham's play,
whilst former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is hoping that a return to the
London Stadium can spark some form.
The Hammers went into the season with some optimism having landed proven
Premier League players such as Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic
and Javier Hernandez, but that feel-good feeling has quickly evaporated.
Having lost 4-0 to Manchester United, 3-2 to Southampton and 3-0 to
Newcastle United, West Ham have suffered defeat in each of their three
Premier League games, piling the pressure
General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between
West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on May 14, 2017 in
Stratford, England. Bilic only just managed to cling onto his job over the
summer after a disappointing campaign last season, and fans are already
wondering just how long the Croatian has got to turn things around. On
Monday night, Bilic faces one of his biggest games since taking charge of
West Ham in 2015, as the visit of Huddersfield Town could define his future
in East London, with a fourth defeat in a row potentially seeing him face
the axe. Ahead of Monday's game, ex-West Ham striker Craig Bellamy and
former Hammers manager Sam Allardyce have both spoken to Sky Sports' The
Debate, as they commented on West Ham's recent struggles.
Bellamy admitted that he is worried about West Ham after their lack of
intensity against Newcastle, suggesting that the Magpies were first to
almost every ball in their 3-0 win over the Hammers, which should be a major
concern for Bilic. Former boss Allardyce added that he thinks Monday's game
could be a turning point given that the fixture is at the London Stadium, a
welcome return to East London after three away games - even if West Ham
didn't exactly impress in their new home last season. "I am worried," said
Bellamy. "The intensity in their play concerns me, especially against
Newcastle. Newcastle played with very good quality, but they ran them off
the park, and that would worry me. They were first to everything, if they
didn't win the first ball, they won the second ball. West Ham have always
had talented players, always will do - it's part of their make-up - but you
have to compete." "For Slaven, hopefully playing at home, when he gets the
chance to play at home, because he's had to play all his games away, that
could be important. It seemed to be a problem last season, the new stadium,
but they've had a year there, they're familiar with it now, it is their home
and they'll get the opportunity to play at home and turn the corner against
Huddersfield," added Allardyce.

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West Ham's owners must rein in the running commentary or the Hammers will
never make the progress they desire
West Ham have taken offence to Sporting's misleading comments - but what
about how they misled over their departed Frenchman, Dimitri Payet?
The Mirror
BYANDY DUNN
20:30, 7 SEP 2017

It seems West Ham have taken offence at what they consider to be some
misleading comments from a Sporting Lisbon executive. The Portuguese club
says there was no bid for William Carvalho, West Ham say there was.

Who cares?

Misleading ­comments on transfer business are the norm. Try this pearler
from none other than David Sullivan ­midway through the January transfer
window. "The board's position is that we do not want to sell Dimitri, we do
not need to sell Dimitri for financial or any other reasons and we will NOT
sell Dimitri in the ­January transfer window."

If you don't ­believe me, have some capital letters, no less. A couple of
weeks later and it was au revoir, Dimitri. Turns out Slaven Bilic was the
one who ­decided Payet was no longer needed, according to Sullivan,
wriggling off the hook. Since Payet left, West Ham have won six of 21
Premier League matches.

The idea you cannot keep an ­unhappy professional footballer was blown out
of the water by Liverpool and Southampton this summer. How Philippe Coutinho
and Virgil van Dijk now react remains to be seen, but at least they are at
the ­disposal of Jurgen Klopp and ­Mauricio Pellegrino. Payet was West Ham's
best player by some ­distance and his ­absence has been sorely felt. He had
a mercurial talent that someone such as Renato Sanches might ­possess, but
Bilic did not fancy him, ­Sullivan, for some ­reason, told us. "Grzegorz
Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager ­before their
switches ­elsewhere," he said.

Whether Sanches and his agent Jorge Mendes would have chosen Bilic and West
Ham over Paul Clement, a familiar coach, and ­Swansea is highly debatable,
but, ­anyway, there is no point in talking about players who are not there.
Just as there was no point in telling the yarn in the summer of 2016 of how
Carlos Tevez apparently resisted the temptation to leave Boca Juniors and
return to the East End. Unless, of course, you are on the permanent hunt for
supporters' ­approval and throwing your manager under a bus is not a
problem. If Sanches is a star at Swansea, Bilic looks an idiot.

Sullivan has also been at pains to point out how the manager's top ­targets
were delivered, unsubtly putting more pressure on a manager who has had a
noose resting on his shoulders, waiting to be hoisted, since being allowed
to go into the final year of his deal without the offer of a new contract.
On one level, of course, it is good for the people in charge to communicate
with supporters, but for owners ­renowned as loyal, they certainly do some
undermining. Bilic has to take full responsibility for West Ham's poor start
to the ­season, no question, but he still has enough coaching credit in the
bank to walk away, knowing decent job offers would soon follow. Considering
the running ­commentary from the boardroom, you would not blame him.

If he doesn't, results clearly need to improve. To their credit, Sullivan
and David Gold tend to stand by their ­manager, but they will surely act
sooner rather than later if form does not pick up. Bookies ­already have
odds on his successor. Favourite? Rafa Benitez. Yes, Rafa, with his
legendary tolerance of owners' ­interference, must consider West Ham his
dream job. What a combination that would be. In many ways, West Ham have
good owners, but if Bilic's days are ­numbered and they envisage an elite
successor, it is time to rein in the ­running commentary. It does nobody any
favours.

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