Daily WHUFC News - 20th May 2018

Arnautovic: I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything
WHUFC.com

A lot can happen over the duration of a football season, and that was
certainly the case for Marko Arnautovic. Back in August, the Austrian made
his West Ham United debut at Manchester United, cutting a frustrated figure
as he left the Old Trafford pitch after the Hammers' humbling 4-0 Premier
League defeat. On his next appearance, Arnautovic was sent-off as West Ham
fell 3-2 at Southampton, earning him a three-match ban and leading some
supporters to question why the Club had spent a record fee on bringing him
to east London. Two assists in an EFL Cup third-round win over Bolton
Wanderers aside, the No7 struggled to make an impact in his opening three
months in Claret and Blue. In December, however, everything has changed and
Arnautovic went gone from zero to hero in the minds of those same
supporters, who voted him Hammer of the Year at the recent Player Awards.
Put simply, without the 29-year-old's eleven goals and six assists, West Ham
would have celebrated their Premier League safety with two games to spare
and finished in the relative comfort of 13th place. "I remember my first
game for the club was at Old Trafford in August, we lost four-nil and it was
not a good experience for me or for the team," reflected Arnautovic, who
also scooped the Signing of the Season and Players' Player of the Year
trophies at last month's Player Awards. "A lot of things have changed since
then for me. The manager told me that if I didn't work, I wouldn't play, so
I have given everything every time I have been on the pitch and I am
thankful that I have scored so many goals and got some assists for the team.
"It was tough at the start for me, for sure, but I have worked hard and
found my form and I love being part of this Club and playing for these fans,
who have shown me so much love."

After signing-off the season with a goal and an assist in Sunday's 3-1 win
over Everton at London Stadium, Arnautovic told the supporters they too had
inspired his return to top form. "First of all, I want to apologise for the
first three months!" he said, with a smile. "I tried to work hard and give
everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything.
Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Arnautovic has done just that, jetting
off with his wife Sarah to sunnier climes, but he will soon be pulling on
his boots again, as Austria will provide pre-World Cup opposition for
Russia, Germany and Brazil over the next three weeks.

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Wheeler backs Ladies to bounce back in season finale
WHUFC.com

Hannah Wheeler says the West Ham United Ladies are determined to end the
season strongly and bounce back with three points against QPR this Sunday.
The Hammers saw a 13-game unbeaten run, started with the first match of
2018, come to an end in their last fixture after falling to a 2-1 home loss
to Lewes. The disappointment of that defeat is still raw for defender
Wheeler, but the centre-back is determined for that loss to serve as
motivation to return to winning ways in the season finale on Sunday. "It
hurt to lose that unbeaten run," Wheeler told whufc.com. "The atmosphere
after the game was very unpleasant. Everyone felt so disappointed, and for
me disappointment is the worst feeling. Up until that Lewes game, we had
worked really hard. I really do believe we should have won but it was our
fault that we didn't. "I feel though that we will bounce back this weekend.
We're training hard, everyone is putting in everything they've got, so
there's no reason we can't go out on Sunday and get three points to end the
campaign. "That defeat is in the past now and we leave it there. It's wiped,
we get a clean slate, and we go again! That first training session after
Lewes, we all knew we had to put our best foot forward and show why we
deserved to be in the squad for the last game of the season."

The Irons have played QPR twice already this season, coming out triumphant
in both contests. The first was a 3-1 home victory in the WPL Plate, before
the Ladies earned a sensational 10-0 away win last month in the league. For
Wheeler, however, those results cannot be considered when heading into this
weekend's contest, with the defender aware of the threat Rangers possess.
She continued: "You cannot underestimate QPR at all. When we played them
away they did have players missing from their team. They've scored some big
goals and got some good results this season. We know they hold a threat and
we cannot afford to be complacent. "If we can beat QPR it still equates to
an amazing 2018, despite the last result. We want to go out with a bang. We
have to work hard for each other and prove what we're about. We have to show
our run in 2018 wasn't a fluke and we are able to perform at the best
level."

Sunday's contest will also feature a celebration of West Ham Ladies'
achievements this campaign, with fans invited to join in the activities
pre-game at Rush Green.
With gates opening at 12pm, supporters can enjoy the company of club legend
Carlton Cole, take photos with the two trophies won this season, and also
make use of inflatable games and other activities. Wheeler is eager for the
team to show their appreciation to the excellent supporters with a
performance against QPR. "We know a lot of people are coming down for the
season finale and the activities before the game. Families and friends are
all going to be with us for the game, which will be amazing! "We've got to
perform and give everyone a reason to cheer and be happy for the final match
of the season. We can't wait to welcome everyone down for the game."

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Ray: Ladies have come so far in 12 months
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies General Manager Karen Ray reflects on a successful
season and looks ahead to a bright future...


Everyone at West Ham United has shown how invested they are in the Ladies,
they have been instrumental in our transition to becoming a self-sustaining
department.

In 12 months we have built an infrastructure that supersedes most; we want
to become part of the FA's strategy as they revolutionise Women's football
in England and lead the way as pioneers.

Being a fully-fledged part of the football club has afforded us the
opportunity to expand and align ourselves with the elite pathways from the
men's side as we strive to be 'The Academy of Football' for Ladies. We can
now offer a player pathway for girls aged eight through to 38, with
employability opportunities for those who have ambitions of working within
our realm.

Twelve months ago, West Ham United fans would have been forgiven for not
knowing that the Club had a Ladies team. We had only just been brought in
house, having been an independent set up, with no real future.

Now as the 2017/18 season comes to an end, optimism and excitement around
the progression of West Ham United Ladies is thriving. The implementation of
a solid infrastructure has afforded us the opportunity to apply for a
license in the reformed Women's Super League, setting our sights on an
ambitious journey to the top of the women's game.

In 2018 we have seen the capabilities of a club on the rise, not only have
we succeeded in building a solid infrastructure we have seen our results
flourish on the pitch. The biggest positive is the recognition the players
have rightly earned. Ultimately, they are the ones who show up to every
session with great intensity and work hard. Now, they get to see all of that
effort come to fruition.

Success is no easy feat in the FA Women's Premier League but we have shown
it is possible. A moment of quiet contentment over the past 12 months creeps
in as we stop and look at how far we have come during our small season
break.

Jack Sullivan's appointment as the Ladies Managing Director has been the
most prevalant change, his hard work and innovative ideas have allowed us to
build a professional environment, on which success is being achieved.

What a great year it has proven to be. I couldn't be prouder of the
achievements so far; the ladies have really turned their season around and
we don't have any plans to take our foot of the pedal any time soon. This
group of players and staff are all willing to fight for each other, we are
determined and resilient in all areas of the pitch, as the coach I can't ask
for anything more. We hope you will join us in our season finale as we take
on London rivals QPR at Rush Green on Sunday 20 May.

Winning is developed in the most difficult moments, there is certainly no
denying we had a difficult 2017 but everyone came together and decided we
had to be accountable and prove we were winners. We are almost there. Of
course, I want the player to cherish the memories of our current victories,
but we won't settle there. We are more games to win and most history to
make. This takes character, something we have in abundance with this group.

There is something very unique about our players, they challenge me every
day to keep raising my standards and expectations. The professionalism that
every member of the first team is adhering too is inspiring, they all hold
each other accountable which makes my job easier. Playing at such high
intensity is no easy feat, but no one is willing to let 90 minutes of the
gruelling physical demands beat them. Before we leave the changing room I
always say, "empty the tank", I am yet to discover someone who hasn't.

Lastly, a huge thank you to my staff; Myles, Neo and Dan. I wouldn't want to
be on this journey with anyone else and I look forward to another chapter in
the Ladies' book.

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SWANSEA BUY OR AVOID
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 8:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Bobstonian

Swansea were eliminated on Championship Sunday. Below is a list of players
that the club should or should not pursue in the transfer window. I have
included my thoughts under each player's name. I have excluded Britton,
Rangel, and Routledge based on their age. Britton, Rangel, Ki and Gorre are
out of contract in the summer. I have also excluded the Ayew brothers as I
do not believe they would join/rejoin the club after Andre's sale in
January.

BUY:
Fabianski

"There is only one Flappy Hand-ski" – Me. He saved the most penalties, and
recorded the 2nd most saves in the league. Lack of attack was the reason
behind Swansea's demise, as they finished tied for the 11th best defensive
record in the league. Fabianski was a big reason more shots didn't find
their way into the back of the net. His wages are reasonable, and this
calibre of keeper should be playing in the top division.

Either Mawson or van der Horn

No one can argue that our defence was any better than Swansea's, and these
center-halves performed admirably in a losing campaign. Mawson played every
minute this season, but just underwent knee surgery. He represents somewhat
of a riskier option here. The club should wait to see how he recovers from
his recent operation. Mawson is the better in the air. Van der Horn averaged
more successful tackles per game, and Mawson has the reputation of a
relatively poor tackler. If available, van der Horn could be a cheap
addition to the back line. He is versatile enough to play on the right side
of defense.

Narsingh

I consider him a cheap reclamation project. He is a Dutch champion, and a
threat on the right side. He produced numerous goals and assists in the
Eredivisie, and has scored goals in both European club competitions. I hope
the club at least consider enquiring about him.

AVOID:

Bony

Bony's best days are behind him. Unfortunately, he has not been the same
goal threat since leaving Swansea the first time around. He is one of the
most expensive players on the squad, and is approaching 30 years of age.

Fernandes

Fernandes completed a higher percentage of his passes than Mawson and van
der Horn. However, for his size (180cm) he loses too many aerial duals. He
is older, and receives a higher wage than the other two center-halves that I
want the club to consider.

Ki

I went back and forth on Ki while writing this article. He will be leaving
the club in the Summer on a free, and plays in a position of need for the
club. When he is healthy, his manager usually selects him. However, except
for a successful run of games in February/March he was kept off the
scoresheet completely. His stats at Celtic are far superior to his record in
the Premier League.

Clucas

The left-side of the field is already congested, and Swansea paid an
outrageous fee for this player last summer.

Naughton

Similar to Craig Dawson, he represents a cheap alternative and plays in a
position of need for the club. However, just like Dawson, I question his
ability to play farther outsides as a wingback.

Carroll

He is cheap, relatively young and English, but he is more of a box-to-box
midfielder. I do not rate him highly.

Fer

Suffered an Achilles injury in the middle of the season. He is 28, and has
already been relegated from the premier league three times.

Olsson

He is a versatile defender and Swedish International, but he would be a
surplus if Masuaku and Creswell were to stay at the club.

Dyer

No goals in 20 apps. Stay away.

I do not want the club to pursue any midfielders from the Swans. There are
some options in the back for the club to consider, and there is always a
chance that Narsingh pans out on the right wing if given a chance.

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SILLY SEASON: A WORD TO THE WISE.
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 9:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by an anonymous writ

Another torrid campaign is finally over. There have been highs, there have
been lows, but there have been enough lows that it's clear how badly we need
change. I think Mark Noble spoke for everyone when he said 'I don't want
another season like that'. We need a restructure from top to bottom. How
much of this restructure will we see come August? Who knows. As much a
possible I hope. Which leads me nicely onto talking about managing this
silly season. This isn't an article bemoaning the board, Karren Brady or
player choices. There'll be plenty of time for that. It's about managing
ourselves during this time.

I have/had an addiction. In the intentionally misguided humour of Russell
Brand, it's not a 'cool addiction'. I had an addiction to visiting/talking
to psychics. Now, say what you like about that world, you're entitled to. I
spent horrendous amounts of money on this pastime and the bottom line is- I
wasn't in control. Of my life, my actions, my self-esteem etc etc. It boiled
down to feeling like I couldn't take decisive action for myself. This is
because life wasn't going so well. Now life is going well, I have no need to
do this. Hurrah!

So why am I telling you this? Nice story, but what's the point? Well, when I
spoke to these people on such a regular basis, about anything really,
something became very, very clear. Things change. Your mate Bob, last time
you spoke to him, he was going to Marbella. Now he and the family are going
caravanning in Shropshire because his missus' mum isn't doing so well and
she needs to be able to get back easily if she's needed. Does that make Bob
a f****** liar? No. Things changed. I spoke to these people so much that I
became deeply unhappy because life kept changing in very small ways and I
had to accept that I couldn't control everything. This is what will happen
this window

We of the West Ham Way following are in a very privileged position. We get
told things that nobody else would ever hear about the club. We get up to
the minute news about anything and everything we ask- for free too! It's a
lovely little position we've got ourselves in. So, without sounding preachy,
because I'm firmly in this boat too, we sometimes require a little bit of
blind faith and also the acceptance that things can change. If they do,
let's not get angry at those who give the information- we know the guys I'm
talking about and we know that they're 100% right at the time of giving the
information. I didn't get angry, in my case, because I knew it was very much
up to me to stop. Like those gambling ads, 'When the fun stops, stop'. If
it's getting frustrating, have a breather. Yes, we care, but let's not turn
into the wrong type of keyboard warriors and malcontents. Sorry, couldn't
resist.

If we are linked with a player/manager and it takes three weeks to get over
the line, then we know it's complicated. It might turn out okay. But we also
must know that it can change. Speaking of a situation that happened last
night, which got me very riled up (and no doubt 99% of the west ham twitter
world); I tweeted left, right and centre and (in good faith) asked those in
the know what on earth was going on! When the mist had cleared a little, I
realised that if anything had drastically changed, our West Ham Way pals
would've told us. No news is good news. So, let's wait for the show to hear
about that one.

Whilst I pack away the chairs in the church hall and tell people to take a
slice of cake and a few sausage rolls (I'm not taking them all home!), I
just want to thank you all for listening with an open mind. Addiction can
affect anyone. Even top footballers like our friend and hero Matty
Etherington has had his troubles but come through. I hope you all can kind
of see what I'm getting at when I share my experiences and apply them to
this situation. West Ham isn't an addiction, it's a bloody life sentence!
So, let's make this lifetime of support all the more manageable. COYI.

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Hebei confirm Pellegrini departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 19th May 2018
By: Staff Writer

Manuel Pellegrini has parted company with Chinese Super League club Hebei
Fortune - opening the door for a move to West Ham. KUMB revealed on Friday
how the Chilean manager was being lined up to succeed David Moyes, with an
announcement confirming the 64-year-old's appointment expected early next
week.
And this afternoon the Chinese Super League club confirmed that they had
parted company with Pellegrini, who has been working for Hebei since 2016.
"From May 20, 2018, Mr. Pellegrini will no longer serve as team manager of
Hebei Football Club," read a brief statement. "The club would like to
express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Pellegrini for his contribution to the
team's success."
The announcement was made shortly after Fortune beat Chongqing Lifan in
their final match ahead of a two-month break for the World Cup Finals. West
Ham will have to pay Pellegrini's current club circa £6million to free the
manager from his contract, which was due to expire in the summer of 2019. He
is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Hammers, tying him to the
club until 2021.

We'll bring you more on this story as it happens...

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Manuel Pellegrini close to agreeing deal to take over at West Ham
Hebei China Fortune have announced that Pellegrini will leave his position
as their manager on Sunday.
By Sky Sports News
SSN

West Ham are close to agreeing a deal with Manuel Pellegrini to become their
new manager, according to Sky sources. The former Manchester City boss is on
his way to London and will hold talks with co-owner David Sullivan on
Monday. Current club Hebei China Fortune announced the Chilean's departure
as their manager on Saturday, expressing their "sincere gratitude" for his
contributions to the team. However, West Ham are also still seeking to speak
with Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez this weekend. The Hammers are looking
for a replacement for David Moyes, who left the club earlier in the week
after completing a six-month contract, and the 64-year-old Premier League
title-winner Pellegrini has emerged as the leading candidate. He guided
Manchester City to the title in 2013-14, having began his managerial career
in South America and winning national leagues in four different countries.
Prior to joining City, he had spells with Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga
in Spain. Benitez has been a long-term candidate for the West Ham job but is
currently in charge at Newcastle and remains a very popular figure at St
James' Park, after guiding the Magpies to a 10th-place Premier League
finish.

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West Ham favourite Manuel Pellegrini leaves Hebei China Fortune paving way
for London Stadium move
STANDARD SPORT
3 hours ago

Manuel Pellegrini's path to West Ham appears clearer after he was released
by Hebei China Fortune on Saturday. The 64-year-old former Manchester City
boss is the frontrunner to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. West
Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said the club needed to move in a
"different direction" with a "high-calibre figure". There has already been
contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a
face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the coming
days. Despite being under contract at Hebei through to the end of 2018 and
with a reported £5.3m release clause, the CSL club confirmed on Saturday
Pellegrini was no longer in his role. And, in a statement on their Weibo
account on Saturday, Hebei China Fortune said: "We have reached an agreement
with Manuel Pellegrini that he will no longer serve as team manager. "Here,
the club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr Pellegrini for
his contributions and we wish him well in his future work life. Pellegrini
coached at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain before taking charge
of Manchester City in 2013, going on to win the 2013/14 Premier League title
as well as the League Cup twice before his departure. The 64-year-old
Chilean left the Ethiad Stadium in June 2016, where he was succeeded by Pep
Guardiola, but was soon back in work at Hebei.

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WEST HAM TARGETING HUSILLOSFeatured Image
Date: 19th May 2018 at 4:16pm
Written by: Guy Giles
ForeveWestHam

West Ham are looking to appoint Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos
alongside touted new boss Manuel Pellegrini, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that the Hammers are hopeful of announcing Pellegrini as
their new manager next week, with talks between the two parties at an
advanced stage. The Mail report that the club are also looking to reunite
the Chilean with Husillos, 59, whose position at Malaga is not clear after
their relegation from La Liga. This would be an interesting move from West
Ham, with Husillos not a well-known figure at all on these shores.
Pellegrini and the Argentine did have a highly successful spell together at
Malaga though, and the club are likely looking to replicate that at the
London Stadium next season. Pellegrini led Malaga to the knockout stages of
the Champions League before he left for Manchester City in 2013, and Hammers
fans can only dream of achieving such success. Pellegrini had actually
looked like a plan B for Hammers bosses, with Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
seemingly their first choice, but in truth this should be a great
appointment for the club. The Chilean will bring the stability that is
needed for the club to push on from a disappointing season, and also the
know-how to climb the table next season. If the club also bring in
Husillos, then expect a very busy summer in the transfer market, with the
Irons sure to bring in some real talents.

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talkSPORT sources: James Collins told he has been released by West Ham after
11 years of service... VIA EMAIL
James Collins has left West Ham after being told of his release via email
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Saturday, May 19, 2018

West Ham defender James Collins was unceremoniously released by the club
after 11 years of service VIA EMAIL, talkSPORT understands. The 34-year-old
Welshman is a popular figure at the club and a fan-favourite after spending
11 years, split across two spells, with the Hammers. The centre-back
re-joined West Ham in 2012 after a spell with Aston Villa, but he has now
left the club without ceremony or tribute. According to talkSPORT sources,
Collins - who has made over 200 Hammers appearances - was told by email that
his contract will not be renewed this summer. The 51-cap Wales international
was in tears after West Ham's final game of the season against Everton - his
last outing in a claret and blue shirt. West Ham have a different opinion of
the chain of events. A West Ham spokesperson told talkSPORT the club did
speak to Collins to make him aware of the situation before sending
confirmation that his time at West Ham had come to an end. But talkSPORT
believe Collins, one of West Ham's longest-serving players, is disappointed
by the nature of how his Hammers career has concluded. It's another PR
disaster for West Ham and unpopular co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan,
with supporters reacting with anger and outrage to the news on social media.
And some are even fighting for the club to hold a testimonial match for the
centre-back after over a decade of loyal service.

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