Daily WHUFC News - 28th January 2018

Joao Mario: I really wanted to come to West Ham
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's first January signing Joao Mario completed his loan move to east London from Italian club Inter Milan on Friday morning. The Portugal star trained with his new teammates before travelling with David Moyes' squad to Greater Manchester for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie with Wigan Athletic. But before he departed Rush Green, the No18 sat down to talk about his move, his hopes for his career in Claret and Blue and dreams of playing at his first FIFA World Cup finals…

Welcome to West Ham United. How does it feel to be here?

"Thank you so much. I am really happy to be here. It's an amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here."

The move happened very quickly?

"It was a fast move. I am really happy to be here. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League.

I understand you spoke to David Moyes and also Jose Fonte many times, so what attracted you to the Club?

"Jose tried to explain to me everything about the Club and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham. I also spoke with the coach once and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also."

You signed your contract and trained with your teammates for the first time this morning. What were your first impressions?

"It was amazing to train with the team already. Everything passed quickly and I guess it's important for me to train with them and I hope I can also play some minutes tomorrow."

Are you looking forward to playing in the Premier League?

"I guess the Premier League is something different, that's why I really wanted to come to West Ham, to play in the Premier League. I guess it's a different competition with a different rhythm and things, so I'm really happy to be here and finally I can play in the Premier League."

What do you know about West Ham United?

"It's a really historic Club with an amazing stadium and amazing players have been here through the years. Jose also tried to explain to me a little more about the Club and also the song that we have, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles! I am just trying to know a little bit more about the Club every day and now I have some time to know more."

What qualities will you bring to West Ham?

"I'm a team player. Of course, I have some individual capacities, but I prefer to show them than to speak about them. I hope I can show all my qualities to the West Ham fans."

It's a big period for you and Portugal, preparing to go to the World Cup finals as European champions…

"It was one of the reasons I wanted to come to West Ham, first to show my quality in the Premier League and play for a big club, and also to have the opportunity to be at the World Cup with my national team and Jose. So I just hope everything goes well and we can play for Portugal."

Before then, you have a job to do for West Ham United!

"I know the moment of the Club. Of course, the Premier League is so competitive but we want to win games and to be closer to the first places, so we'll all try to improve and, as a team, we can get the three points against Crystal Palace on Tuesday."

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Nine things you didn't know about Joao Mario
WHUFC.com

Joao Mario has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Internazionale.
The 25-year-old becomes David Moyes's first signing at the Hammers and will wear the No18 shirt.
Here's nine things you may not have known about the midfielder.

1. His full name

Joao Mario, like most Portuguese footballers, uses a shortened name. West Ham's latest signing's full name is João Mário Naval da Costa Eduard.

2. Youthful recognition

Portugal did not perform particularly well at the 2010 UEFA European U17 Championships, with the young international side being knocked out of the tournament in the group stages. That didn't stop an impressive Joao Mario from being recognised though, with the then-17-year-old being named in the overall Team of the Tournament.

3. The breakthrough

At 19, Joao Mario became the star for Sporting's B side in the Portuguese second tier. The 2012/13 campaign saw the midfielder register eleven assists in his 31 appearances.

4. The international scene

In October 2014, at 21-years-old, Joao Mario made his senior Portugal debut. He came on as a second half substitute for none other than Cristiano Ronaldo in a 2-1 friendly defeat by France in Paris.

5. Medals for Mario

The year 2015 was one of Mario's best in football, at least with his club team. The midfielder was a part of the Sporting CP side that claimed both the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup - his two title wins in club Football so far.

6. A run with the U21s

Joao Mario helped Portugal finish as runners-up at the 2015 UEFA European U21 Championship, scoring in their group-stage win over England and their semi-final victory over Germany. He also netted a spot-kick in the penalty shootout in the final against Sweden, but Portugal were ultimately defeated.

7. Assist-king

When it comes to making goals, Joao Mario is simply excellent. He has chalked up more than 50 assists during his career already, including a career-high 12 for Sporting Clube de Portugal in 2015/16.

8. International glory

Joao Mario has proven himself at the highest level of football, playing in all seven games for Portugal as the nation won UEFA Euro 2016. That included the full 120 minutes of their extra-time victory over hosts France in the final.

9. It runs in the family

The midfielder's older brother Wilson Eduardo is a forward with Portuguese club Braga, and was also capped by his country at U21 level.

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West Ham United sign Portugal star Joao Mario on loan
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Portugal international Joao Mario on loan until the end of the season. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who arrives in east London from Italian Serie A club Inter Milan, is a talented and skilful player capable of creating and scoring goals. Having received international clearance on Friday, he trained with his new teammates and has been named in David Moyes' squad for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Wigan Athletic. Capped 31 times, Joao Mario appeared in all seven matches as Portugal won UEFA Euro 2016, and the Porto-born star cannot wait to show his worth in a Claret and Blue shirt. "I am really happy to be here," said the new No18. "It's a really amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here. "It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League. I spoke with the coach and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also."

The Hammers' first January signing revealed that Portugal teammate Jose Fonte had phoned and texted him on more than one occasion, encouraging him to swap Milan for London. "Jose explained to me a little more about the Club and also the song we have, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham! "It's a really historic Club with an amazing stadium and amazing players. I am just trying to know a little bit more about the Club every day and now I have some time to know more."

Born in Porto, Joao Mario was just eleven when he moved to Lisbon to join Sporting Lisbon, making his first-team debut in a UEFA Europa League tie against Lazio at 18 in December 2011. After a season on loan at Vitoria Setubal and another in Sporting's B team, the midfielder established himself in the first team for the 2014/15 campaign, scoring seven goals and assisting five more in 44 appearances and playing against the likes of Chelsea and Schalke 04 in the UEFA Champions League. A senior international debut arrived in France in October 2014, followed by a competitive debut in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Denmark later the same month.
Joao Mario's 2015/16 season was even more impressive, as he chalked up eleven assists and six goals as Sporting went within two points of winning their first Portuguese championship since 2002. November 2015 also saw him become a regular for Portugal, featuring in all seven Euro 2016 warm-up matches. He then started six of his country's seven games at the tournament, playing all 120 minutes of the historic victory over France in the final. Those performances saw Inter Milan pay a reported £38.4m to take him to Milan, making him the most expensive Portuguese player ever sold by a Portuguese club. After featuring 33 times last season, Joao Mario has featured 14 times in Serie A this season, recording five assists, and will now bring his creative flair to the Premier League.

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'Special players' need to perform against Cardiff - Ray
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies General Manager Karen Ray has called on the side's 'special players' to stand up and be counted in this weekend's clash with Cardiff.
The Hammers return to league action on Sunday with a difficult test away to the south Wales side, but head into the game on the back of a 6-0 Cup win away to Brislington Ladies. In their last league outing West Ham could only collect a draw at home to Gillingham, and Ray wants to see more from the Club's top stars, suggesting that competition for places in her team is at its highest ever standard. "Cardiff is going to be a difficult place to travel to, they have strengthened their squad and we will have to be at our best to get a result," Ray told whufc.com. "There is no denying we have some special players, and we need them to produce for us on Sunday. "We probably have the most competitive squad we've ever had at the moment, and our own standards have improved substantially." Ray wants her side to show tenacity and passion in this weekend's match, having previously called for her team to offer more on the offensive. High energy will be crucial, according to the interim head coach, in order to get the three points. Ray continued: "After a great week of training and a convincing win at Brislington I am confident if the players apply themselves on the day we can pick up points. Dominating the ball, being creative in the final third and performing well will breed wins for us, it is key we show energy and pride in our performance against a heavily improved Cardiff." The General Manager has also expressed her delight at the development of a number of the Club's Academy prospects, hinting that some younger players are now knocking on the door of the first team. "There is a fresh buzz around the Club at the moment, development squad players are really starting to fight for a spot in the first team and it is reflected in the intensity of training this week. I'm really proud of the players, it is difficult to go through a change in the middle of the season but they have shown fantastic mentality and character."

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Wigan Athletic v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham's FA Cup journey continues this weekend with a trip to Wigan Athletic in the Fourth Round.

Read on for all you need to know about this fixture!

Where and when?

West Ham United will take on Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 27th January at 3pm.

The contest will be played at the DW Stadium.

How to follow:

Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off, this match is not available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.

Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.

You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.

You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.

Team news:

David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press-conference that Michail Antonio and Jose Fonte are back training, but neither will be fit enough for this weekend's contest. The Hammers are without a number of first team talents due to injury, meaning Academy and U23 players may get the chance to play again.

What they say:
I have watched a few Wigan Athletic games and will watch some more between now and Saturday afternoon as well. I hope everyone realises that Wigan are a good side and they're playing good football as well.
David Moyes
Match Officials:

Referee: Christopher Kavanagh
Assistant Referees: Scott Ledger and Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth Official: Tony Harrington

How to get there:

Trains are departing London Euston every hour at half-past, and take less than two hours to reach Wigan North Western. The Stadium is less than a 15 minute walk from the station.

By Train
Take the M1 and join the M6 at Junction 19. Follow to the A49 and then exit the M6 on Junction 25. Follow Warrington Road/A49 and turn right onto Robin Park Road.

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Cresswell: I want to Power through to FA Cup fifth round
WHUFC.com

Old friendships will mean nothing when Aaron Cresswell steps on to the DW Stadium pitch for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie with Wigan Athletic.
The West Ham United defender will come up against two very familiar faces in the game in Latics midfielders Max Power and Gary Roberts, but says there will be no room for sentiment with a place in the last 16 at stake. With Wigan sitting top of EFL League One and having beaten Premier League AFC Bournemouth in the third round, though, Cresswell is well aware of the threat his pals will pose. "Wigan have got some really good players and I know Max and Gary really well, as both of them are from where I grew up in Merseyside," the No3 explained. "I played alongside Max at Tranmere. He was two years younger than me coming through the youth ranks, but he was always playing a year ahead of himself as he was a big lad and had great ability and he's done really well since then. He's been with Wigan for a while now and is a really good, strong midfield player in a good squad of players who look like they are going to take the club back up into the Championship this year. "A few of my mates know Gary well, as he grew up not too far from me and I also played against him a few times when I was at Tranmere and he was at Huddersfield and stuff like that."

Cresswell and his West Ham teammates have already overcome one promotion-chasing League One side in Shrewsbury Town, but it took a replay and extra-time to overcome the Shropshire club. And the England international says the injury-hit Hammers will need to be at their very best if they are to send the 4,500 travelling supporters back to east London with smiles on their faces. "This tie is potentially going to be even tougher than the third round, when we took two games to get past Shrewsbury. "People might think games against lower-league opposition are easier, but they're not, especially against a team like Wigan, who are flying this season and haven't lost many games. "They beat Bournemouth in the last round, so we know going there is going to be a tough test. It's not so long ago that Wigan actually won the FA Cup, so we know this is going to be a tough game, but it's one we want to win."

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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Wigan Athletic
WHUFC.com

West Ham's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last weekend extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions, though this fixture won't prove quite as easy as the two-division gap suggests. The Irons have recent experience of taking on League One promotion chasers, having knocked third-place Shrewsbury out of the FA Cup in the previous round. But they didn't have it all their own way having had to wait until the 112th minute of the replay to score the only goal of the tie And West Ham could be in for a similarly testing afternoon against Wigan, who lead the way at the top of the third tier. The Latics have already knocked Bournemouth out at the second time of asking after the Premier League side came from two goals down at home to force a replay. Paul Cook's side hammered the Cherries 3-0 at the DW Stadium and have now gone seven games without defeat on home soil. But don't expect a goal-fest on Saturday, given that three of Wigan's last four at home have ended 0-0. The Latics have the meanest defence in the Football League having conceded just 13 times in 27 matches – seven fewer than any other side. West Ham have also managed clean sheets in each of their four matches against lower-league opposition this season, so a low-scoring affair looks likely. Having won three and drawn one of those cup games, though, David Moyes' side should force at least a replay even if things don't go entirely to plan. Andre Ayew has started all six of the Hammers' cup games this season, bagging three goals along the way, and should do so again. Without the injured Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini, the Ghanaian forward looks to be their likeliest threat.

Recommended bets
West Ham double chance – 1/2
Under 2.5 goals – 13/20
Andre Ayew to score anytime – 11/5

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Wigan Athletic v West Ham United
SAT 27 JAN 2018FA CUP - FOURTH ROUND
15:00
Venue: DW Stadium
BBC.co.uk

TEAM NEWS
Winger Jamie Walker, who signed from Hearts earlier this month, is back in training for Wigan after a knee injury. Defender Craig Morgan could also make a comeback but midfielder Shaun MacDonald is still out with forward James Vaughan cup-tied.

Winger Michail Antonio (calf) and defender Jose Fonte (ankle) are not quite ready to make their West Ham returns. Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic are missing for the Hammers.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Wigan manager Paul Cook: "It'll be a good game, a good football match for people to view and I imagine there will be plenty of goals in the game. "Our lads have been playing well for a period of time now. We have little dips in form like everyone, but that's due to the high standards the players have set and it is difficult to keep reproducing that. "Once you have climbed Everest, it is always something you have done and for this club the FA Cup memories will never go away.
"For the majority of Wigan fans it will be the peak of their memories."

West Ham manager David Moyes: "I think I've always said our priority is the Premier League and we have to ensure we're a Premier League club. "There is nothing more I'd love to give the West Ham supporters a day out at Wembley in a final if I could. "Ask any club and they'd all say the same thing, that they'd like to win a trophy, but there is also a bigger picture which has to be looked at as well."

MATCH FACTS
The Hammers have won both of their FA Cup encounters with Wigan, winning 1-0 in 1984 and most recently 2-1 at the DW Stadium in a third-round match in 2004.
West Ham have progressed from each of their last four ties in the FA Cup fourth round - most recently against Liverpool in 2015-16.
Wigan have won six of their past eight FA Cup ties against Premier League opponents, with four of those wins coming when in the Championship or League One.
As a Premier League side, West Ham have progressed in 14 of their past 15 FA Cup ties against lower league opposition, with the only loss coming against Nottingham Forest in January 2014.
Wigan have already won more than twice as many competitive matches so far this season (23) as they did in the whole of 2016-17 (11).
Among sides in the top four tiers of England, only Manchester City (29) and Manchester United (24) have won more competitive games this season than Wigan Athletic (23).
West Ham United are now unbeaten in seven successive games in all competitions (W3 D4 L0).

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Mario completes loan switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Portuguese international Joao Mario. And the 25-year-old attacking midfielder will go straight into the squad travelling to Wigan Athletic tomorrow afternoon for the 4th round FA Cup tie with the League One side. Speaking to West Ham's website, Mario said that he was delighted to be continuing his football journey at West Ham, having struggled recently to secure a first team spot at Inter. "I am really happy to be here," he said. "It's a really amazing experience to join this team. I have spoken with everyone around the team and it will be exciting to play in the Premier League. I'm also really happy to be training for an amazing coach."
Mario, who will wear the vacant #18 shirt last worn by Morgan Amalfitano, also revealed that he had spoken with international team mate Jose Fonte ahead of the switch. "Jose explained to me a little more about the club and also the song we have, 'Forever Blowing Bubbles'. It's a historic club with an amazing stadium and amazing players. I am just trying to learn a little bit more about the club every day; now I have some time."

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Joao Mario: the inside track
KUMBcom
Filed: Friday, 26th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are set to announce the capture of attacking midfielder Joao Mario on loan from Inter imminently. The 25-year-old completed a medical yesterday afternoon ahead of a half-season loan move. But what do we know about our new Portuguese international? So we asked KUMB member SirWilliam, who's a fan of Sporting Lisbon, to give us the low down on David Moyes first signing... "There were three players in Sporting's squad (and later Portugal's as well) that came from our Academy," he writes. "That's William Carvalho (a former Hammers target), central midfielder Adrien Silva and Joao Mario. "Whilst Mario can play on the wing, he'll usually play more towards the penalty area than the sidelines, what we in Portugal call an interior direito (inside right midfielder). He's a complete player who might not excel in any one area but is very good in all aspects; pace, stamina, passing, shooting and defending. "Having failed to sign Carvalho last summer, it looks like you´re finally getting your second Euro 2016-winning. Portuguese international. It's a great move by your board, he's a very talented player, even if he isn't the holding midlfielder you desperately need."

And SirWilliam also offered his thoughts as to why Mario - despite costing Inter in the region of £35million - failed to secure a spot in the first team at the San Siro.
"Since he went to Italy in August 2016, Inter have had four different managers. He was brought in by Frank de Boer, who left in November 2016, then there was the interim manager Stefano Vecchi, Stefano Piolo and the current manager, Luciano Spalletti. "Last season, JM was considered by many as the best player in their midfield, and it was baffling to fans, journalists and pundits alike as to why he was left out or in the bench so often, when he was always instrumental when he was on the pitch. Some have speculated that, because of financial woes, Inter didn't want to trigger clauses that would have added to the €40million they'd already paid. That's been further fueled by Inter's interest this past summer in trying to recoup the investment they made in him. "When none of the big names (PSG and Man Utd were rumoured to be interested) stepped up, they again benched him more regularly, even when he performed well when he played. The team played better with him as well. It's no surprise that this uncertainty finally took it's toll and JM's game started to drop. "As it stands, a move is the best for everyone."
However with regards to the long-term, SirWilliam believes that Mario is unlikely to remain at the Olympic Stadium. "Mario will likely get a lot more game time, which will restore his morale and help him secure a place in the World Cup, which is without a doubt a major goal of his", he said. "West Ham get a very talented player on loan, who could help the team a great deal and provide more creativity up front. If things go well, the board might even decide to buy him, although I doubt Inter will sell him for a lot less than the €40million they paid, and I don't see the Sullivans splashing that kind of cash. "Inter gets some relief on they pay sheet, and if the player shines now, and/or in the World Cup, they might just get an offer they'll accept for him come the summer transfer window."

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Moyes has learnt from his mistakes, says former Hammer
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 26th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United and Wales central defender Danny Gabbidon believes that the Hammers have made a solid appointment with the capture of David Moyes. Gabbidon, now 38, spent six years at the Boleyn Ground between 2005 and 2011. And in an inteview with Betstars, he revealed that the new boss had his full backing - having hopefully learnt his lessons from past mistakes. "I was a little bit surprised at the appointment but the more time I had to think about it, it started to make more sense to me," said Gabbidon. "He's come in and done a really good job. "He was exactly what West Ham needed at the time - someone to come in and organise them, make them a lot more difficult to beat, get the players working hard for each other and come in and be authoritative and let the players know exactly what's required when they go out on the pitch. "All he can do is keep winning games of football. There's still a long way to go and a lot of points to play for but if he can get a good finish and possibly a good cup run then I think that will be enough to keep him in the job going forward. "It's great to see the positivity that he's shown since taking over the job because I think that was probably his biggest downfall in the Sunderland role. He was very negative and I think he has kind of learned from his mistakes."
Gabbidon also revealed that he felt Moyes' predecessor Slaven Bilic - who was fired last November following a string of poor performances and results - had been given plenty of opportunities to change the club's fortunes, adding that his dismissal was probably deserved. A change had to be made," he said. "You were looking at Slaven Bilic on the sideline and he looked like a broken man. He looked like someone who no longer had the answers to get results for his team. "I think he had plenty of time given to him by West Ham. It's unfortunate. The first season he came to the club I thought he did very well. The players were playing for him, they had a style of play which was exciting. But for whatever reason, the second and third season weren't as good. "He had a lot of off-the-field issues to deal with, problems with players but I think a lack of confidence from up above from the owners as well. I think that distracte d him a little bit from what his job was really – to manage the players, to keep on top of the players and make sure that they're performing week-in, week-out. "If you're not getting things right consistently then you're going to be shown the door and unfortunately that's what happened. They've moved on now and David Moyes is doing a decent job."

Returning to the current squad, and with regards to which particular areas of the team manager Moyes needs to strengthen during the next few days with the transfer window deadline rapidly approaching, Gabbidon maintains that the team is still desperately in need of a defensive shield. "They have a good squad already, but they need a defensive midfielder," he said. "You look at the midfielders in their squad and that is where there is an imbalance - they don't really have a strong player who can sit in front of the defence to do that kind of dirty work and put out fires, stop attacks occurring. "Also possibly another striker needs to come in with Andy Carroll now being injured for a period of time and Javier Hernandez not really playing in the first eleven. Marko Arnautovic has kind of being doing that job at the minute, but he's not an out-and-out striker even though he's doing it really well and scoring goals. "I was a little bit surprised to see Carroll's link with Chelsea - not because he's not a good player, more his injury issues really. I didn't really see him fitting Chelsea and how they like to play. Maybe Antonio Conte is looking for something totally different and to have a different option for maybe when games are not going how he wants them to.
"But with Carroll injured, I think it's important now to keep hold of Javier Hernandez. It's vitally important that they keep hold of their better players. He's a fantastic option to have from the bench."

Moving on to this weekend, and West Ham's FA Cup 4th round tie at Wigan, Gabbidon admits that he has some sympathy for David Moyes' plan to field a weakened side - even though he admits that one of his career highlights was featuring in the 2006 Final against Liverpool at Cardiff. I don't think Moyes is going to be able to field his strongest team because West Ham have a fair few injuries to their squad," he suggests. "I think the main reason David Moyes was brought to West Ham was to keep them in the Premier League. "Obviously, they were performing pretty badly under Bilic, so the league will take precedence. Yes, they would like to have a good cup run but if they were to go out I don't think it would be a disaster for West Ham because it is all about Premier League survival for them. "That said, my favourite season [at West Ham] was when I first signed for the club. We were able to get to an FA Cup Final and had a really good finish in the Premier League, via which we qualified for Europe."

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Latics fancy their chances, says Colclough
KUMBl.com
Filed: Friday, 26th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

League One side Wigan Athletic are confident they can overcome the challenge of Premier League West Ham United when the two sides meet at the DW Stadium tomorrow afternoon. David Moyes is expected to field an inexperienced team for tomorrow's tie at a sold-out DW Stadium, as a result of the Hammers first team squad being decimatd by a string of injuries to key personnel. And as such, Wigan's Ryan Colclough believes the Latics have a particularly good chance of upsetting the odds and proceeding to the next stage - at West Ham's expense.

"West Ham are in the Premier League for a reason, whether they've got injuries or not they'll come with strength in depth," he said in his interview for the Wigan match day programme. "We're not bothered if they've got a fully fit squad or if they're missing key players, our main task is to go into the game thinking exactly the way we did against Bournemouth, believing we can win the game. "The atmosphere amongst the boys is great, it's an unbelievable dressing room and the best since I've been at the club. There's a real togetherness and everybody wants to achieve the same thing, we want to win and going into this game everyone believes that we can."

Colclough admitted that he was looking forward to a great atmosphere at the 25,000-capacity venue, to which West Ham are expected to bring around 4,500 supporters. "The fans have been great this season and they'll be well up for the game," he insisted. "They'll bounce off the West Ham fans and it's going to be a great atmosphere."During the game you try to block out the chants, but the boys definitely feel the support and that was clear against Bournemouth and away at Plymouth last weekend. It's great when the fans get involved in the game. We play to excite them and hopefully we'll please them again on Saturday. The last time we played Bournemouth in the third round we went on to win the FA Cup, so I think we've got a lot to live up to."

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Tom Cairney wants to join West Ham but Fulham refusing to sell
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 26/01/18 7:18pm
SSN

Fulham captain Tom Cairney wants to move to West Ham but Fulham are refusing to sell their star man, Sky Sports News understands. The Hammers are ready to pay £15m for the 27-year-old but the Whites have not intended to sell any of their key players in the January transfer window. The west London club are also in a strong position after Cairney signed a contract extension just last summer until 2021, following interest from Newcastle United.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been at odds with the club's hierarchy again this month over transfers, accusing them of inaction in the market - but they signed Matt Targett on loan from Southampton this week. Another Premier League side - West Bromwich Albion - are also interested in signing Cairney, who has been one of the stand-out stars of the Championship in recent seasons Sky Sports News understands West Brom made an approach for Cairney earlier this month, but no formal bid has yet been made. The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage in 2015 after signing from Blackburn Rovers for £3m.

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West Ham confirm Joao Mario loan deal from Inter Milan
By Danny Gallagher
Last Updated: 26/01/18 8:17pm
SSN

West Ham have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan. The Portugal international has joined the east London club until the end of the season. Mario has been handed the No 18 upon his arrival at the London Stadium. I am really happy to be here," said the 25-year-old. "It's a really amazing experience to join this amazing team. "It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League. I spoke with the coach and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also."
The midfielder says that West Ham defender and fellow Portuguese Jose Fonte had also persuaded him to make the switch to the Premier League. "Jose explained to me a little more about the club and also the song we have, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham," said Mario. ario, who won the European Championship with his country in 2016, has featured 14 times in Serie A this season, recording five assists.

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David Moyes targets players who stay fit as West Ham prepare to face Wigan in FA Cup fourth round without five key players ruled out through injury
David Moyes is keen to add 'durable' players to his squad in the January window
Forwards Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are all out injured
West Ham face Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon
'You need players who can play 38 league games and a few cup games,' he said
By Jon West for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 26 January 2018 | UPDATED: 22:32, 26 January 2018

David Moyes is desperate to bring players to West Ham who can play two games a week without getting injured. Moyes is short of forwards for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at League One leaders Wigan, with Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll, Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho all out. His concerns should be eased by Thursday's loan signing of Joao Mario from Inter Milan. est Ham have paid £1million to take the attacking midfielder until the rest of the season, with a view to a £26m transfer in the summer.

For Saturday's tie, Moyes will field fringe men and youth products — plus England goalkeeper Joe Hart — as the Scot has one eye on Tuesday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace. hectic festive period has led Moyes to conclude that many of the players he inherited cannot cope with two games in one week. 'The players have put in such a great effort over two months but we need durable players,' he said. 'Leicester and Chelsea played all their Premier League games without too many changes — you need players who can play the 38 league games and quite a few cup games. 'I hope we can get durability and you do that through recruitment, the type of players you bring in.'

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