Daily WHUFC News -

Bilic blown away by Boleyn welcome
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has praised the 35,000 West Ham United fans for their spine-tingling welcome as he was introduced as the Boleyn Ground as the Club's new manager before Thursday night's UEFA Europa League qualifier with FC Lusitans. Bilic was presented to the sell-out crowd just before kick-off in the 3-0 win and confessed he was blown away by the reception he received. He added that vocal backing and a boisterous rendition of Bubbles simply served to further whet his appetite for the upcoming final season in West Ham's home of more than 110 years. "I would like to start by saying congratulations to Terry Westley and the team of course," Bilic said. "I thought they played very well. It was a good game and a terrific atmosphere. "I would also like to thank the fans for the wonderful reception I received. It was amazing. It was an incredible moment and I can't wait to be playing in Upton Park this year."

Bilic flew in from Ireland following the conclusion of first-team training on Thursday to take his seat in the Director's Box alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. After watching an intriguing mix of familiar first-teamers and the most promising youngsters overcome the Andorran side courtesy of a brace from Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins, Bilic will catch a few hours' sleep before jetting back out to Ireland on Friday morning to join up with the training party once more. "I will now go back to Ireland on Friday morning to meet back up with the first-team group. To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra."

Perhaps without all the facts to hand, FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura chose to use his post-match press conference to question why the new West Ham manager was not in the dugout for the match, despite the fact that Academy manager Terry Westley had trained the squad for the past few weeks and knew the Under-21s involved well. For the former Croatia international, though, the reasoning and rationale was clear. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland. I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this.
"Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals. The second half was much more fluid. "The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."

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Sakho pleased with first game brace
WHUFC.com

Diafra Sakho was pleased to chalk up the first two goals towards his target of 20 as West Ham United gained a 3-0 first leg advantage against FC Lusitans on Thursday. The Senegal striker got the Hammers up and running with his brace in the five minutes before half time, before James Tomkins added a third in the second period. Sakho was happy with a professional job done, but warned that more work will be needed in Andorra next week. "Two down, now 18 more for the 20!" he said. "It's important to win the first game at home. Every fan came to see the team play, and the young players did well for us today. "It's difficult to play against a team who every time play back, and so it was important for me to score the first goal. Every player is happy with the result, but we're not finished because we also need to win next Thursday. "We need to stay focused and go away to win at Lusitans. All the qualifying rounds are important - we want to have six games in this competition before the league starts, and now we have five more to win. "Lusitans were strong in their play and every player had respect for them.
"Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me. Today I'm happy that Mauro was back and it's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them."

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'It was very close to a perfect night'
WHUFC.com

Terry Westley said Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg win over FC Lusitans represented a hugely positive night for West Ham United. A sold-out Boleyn Ground witnessed a comfortable victory, attractive passing football, five debuts, seven Academy graduates, a youngest-ever player in Reece Oxford, two goals for Diafra Sakho and a rapturous welcome for new manager Slaven Bilic. With Bilic watching on intently from the stands – but not before presenting Oxford and Lewis Page with their debut match shirts – Academy Manager Westley was a happy man when he spoke to West Ham TV. "The crowd, the game, playing some young players, the senior players scoring goals and no real major injuries made for a positive night," he began. "Sakho scored two goals and if we had got one more goal it would have been the perfect score. "We had senior players who came through the game and ended up getting seven Academy players on the pitch, including James Tomkins, so it was very close to a perfect night. "We have had ten days to prepare and nobody has gone through the motions. Everyone has been professional, the manager came to Cork and flew over today and came in the dressing room and presented shirts to the two players making their debuts. "He was there again at half-time and came down again after the game and you can't ask for much more than that from the new manager with his busy schedule. It was a real positive for everyone to play in front of the new manager.
"James led the team and was terrific and Diaf's goals will really boost his confidence. We got 70 minutes out of him, so they're all positives. "I looked at Burke and he looked good again and is starting to get established and Josh Cullen came on in the second half and had a real spring in his step. He gave us some real purpose going forward and Diego Poyet kept the ball ticking over for us. "There were so many positives and not really a negative for me. Everything was on the front foot and I'm well-pleased."

For Westley, it was a real feather in the Academy Manager's cap to have given the England U18 captain Oxford his debut at the age of 16 years 198 days – breaking a 93-year-old club record.
"He has done well and it gets that out of the way. It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."

With a three-goal advantage to take to Andorra next week, Westley said the Hammers will take a similarly-composed squad to the Pyrenees. "I think it'll be the same squad, barring any injuries. Mauro Zarate got a slight groin and if he isn't fit, we'll bring someone else in. "We'll show respect to the Andorran team and also to the opposition. If we can score some goals, keep a clean sheet and get some more minutes out of the senior players again, that's what we're after."

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Fixture changes announced
WHUFC.com

Three of West United's early season Barclays Premier League fixtures have new dates or kick-off times.

The Hammers will now start the new campaign at Arsenal on Sunday 9 August, with a 1.30pm kick-off.

September's home game with Newcastle United will now be played on Monday 14 September at 8pm.

Finally, the trip to Manchester City is set for 5.30pm on Saturday 19 September. However, this fixture is subject to change should the Hammers qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage.

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Noble and Collins enjoy Hurling
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble and James Collins wasted no time getting into the swing of things in Ireland and mixed in with the local fans as they took part in a game of Hurling after training. Both players were keen to take part in one of the world's oldest field games and relished the chance to pick up the shorter stick and strike the ball to one another. The West Ham United players are currently undergoing intensive fitness work ahead of the new season and are making the most of their trip to Cork.

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FC Lusitans ticket update
WHUFC.com

Updated Friday 3 July 2015, 3pm

West Ham United can issue an update on the allocation of tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie with FC Lusitans in Andorra on Thursday 9 July at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time). Every Season Ticket Holder who applied via the Priority Points system has been successful with their request. A very limited number of tickets remaining from the Club's allocation of 450 unreserved seats will go on General Sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Saturday 4 July. The remaining tickets are priced at €45 (£32) per person, with no concessions. In the very unlikely event these remain unsold, any remaining tickets will go on sale to Members from 9am on Monday 6 July. West Ham were allocated approximately 450 tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie in Andorra. The Hammers will tackle Primera Divisio runners-up FC Lusitans at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time) on Thursday 9 July. A no duplicate policy will be in operation, so all tickets will need to be sent via Special Delivery, which means a £6.95 postal fee will be added to all transactions. Fans applying for tickets will also be required to provide their mode and route of travel to Andorra. The Club will not be running an official trip to this fixture. Further information, including local transport advice and information about activities for fans to enjoy in Andorra applicable to those travelling to the game, will be provided.

*Supporters should also note that, should the Hammers go through and Maltese clubs FC Birkirkara and Valetta both emerge victorious from their own UEFA Europa League first qualifying round ties, West Ham's visit to the Mediterranean island would be reversed. Should Birkirkara overcome Ulisses FC of Armenia and Valetta defeat Newtown of Wales, West Ham will travel to Malta for the first leg on Thursday 16 July, with the return game at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday 23 July. If Birkirkara win, but Valetta lose, the fixture will remain as per the original draw, with the first leg in east London and the second leg taking place in Malta. Birkirkara and FC Ulisses drew 0-0 in Malta in their first leg, while Valetta lost 2-1 at Newtown in the first meeting.

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Darren's delight at clean sheet on debut
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph had a huge smile on his face following a victorious debut in front of a packed Boleyn Ground crowd on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper who arrived at West Ham United at the start of the summer, was delighted to have a clean sheet on his first full game for the Hammers in the Europa League first round qualifier against FC Lusitans. Randolph had a quiet night as the Hammers won convincingly 3-0 against their Andorran counterparts but was thrilled to play in front of a sell-out crowd who had earlier given a rousing welcome to new manager Slaven Bilic.

Although Randolph acknowledged he didn't have that much to do on the night, he was never the less happy to have played a part and got a taste of action in the game, which saw a brace by Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins seal the victory. "It was quieter for me in front of goal but it was a clean sheet in a European qualifying game and that is a main thing on a debut, in any match you play so I was very pleased at that. "The atmosphere was great. It could have been more of a nerve-racking debut because of being in front of a full house but it was a good night to make a debut and I will take that all day long!"

With the Hammers only just returned to pre-season, earlier than normal in order to prepare for the Europa League matches, the players have had a relatively short space of time to train and with hitting the ground running against opposition that is not over familiar to them. But Randolph said everyone is in good shape. "We are feeling good, but we have only had nine days or so training, so not too much building up to this game. There is only so much fitness work you can do in nine days but playing in such a competitive game so early can get the sharpness you want pretty quickly. I don't think you can be too critical after only a few days training and going straight into a competitive match.

"I have played in these early rounds before, with Motherwell. You don't really know the opposition, you might get a few clips on them so it is a case of preparing as best you can. We had some other good chances, but this is not just any pre-season friendly, we created chances in a competitive game and that is a good thing."

With that in mind and with the opposition perhaps not being as familiar to them as would normally, Randolph said the 3-0 win reflected a solid start and was a great experience for the younger members of the squad who he said, stepped up their responsibilities very well.

"It is a great experience for these lads, playing at home, in front of sold-out stadium and European competition. It gives everyone a taste of what to expect week in week out and gives the young lads something to chase, something to work towards.

"I was very impressed with all who made their debuts, played the game. Reece [Oxford] has been very impressive all week in training. He doesn't look like a 16 year-old, he's bigger than me!

He is very strong and was not fazed by anything. If he keeps his head down and keeps working, there is no reason why he can't go on to have a big future. Lewis [Page], Josh [Cullen], there's some good young lads here and that is good for the club."

Randolph is settling in well at the Hammers and says while it could be a long season ahead, it is all positive. He is also looking forward to working alongside fellow keeper Adrian.

"I would like to think I can push him [Adrian]. Even if I don't get to start as long as I am keeping him on his toes, which I think he would expect me to do. If he is playing well and the team are doing well, I will be happy.

"It could be a long season but hopefully a good one and we're all looking forward to it."

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Collins - We are all looking to impress
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender James Collins admits the whole squad is looking sharp as they look to impress new manager Slaven Bilic at the training camp in Ireland.

Bilic has wasted no time settling into familiar surroundings and is working hard with the players as they undergo intensive fitness work at the Club's training base in Cork.

With the Club already playing their first game in the Europa League on Thursday night, Collins knows these are exciting times for the Hammers and hopes to play his part in a memorable last season at the Boleyn Ground.

Bilic has already brought in Chris Woods as the new Goalkeeping Coach and fans favourite Julian Dicks as Coaching Assistant and the players are certainly responding to the new management structure.

Collins said: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players.

"Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp and everyone looks good.

"Julian has come in and is a legend around the Club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well.

"We played well in the Europa League. People said we would win eight or nine but that is not the case and I have seen that at international level. It was a tough game and the lads played really well.

"European football is a must for a size of the club like West Ham and with the quality of players we have got."

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Debut delight for Academy duo
WHUFC.com

For Academy graduates Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over FC Lusitans was anything but routine, with senior debuts under the lights at a sold-out Boleyn Ground to savour.

At 16 years and 198 days, England U17s skipper Oxford became the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers, doing so in a slightly unfamiliar midfield berth.

Though tougher tests await, no doubt, the young duo had plenty to smile about on the night, having earlier been presented with their match shirts by new manager Slaven Bilic.

"It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck," Bilic explained. "I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well.

"They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever."

A special gesture appreciated by full-back Page, who certainly enjoyed his evening's work with Matt Jarvis down the left-hand side.

"We didn't expect it until a couple of minutes before we were told, and then it was just a bit of a surprise. It just made you feel confident to go into the game, so that was really nice of him."

For record-breaker Oxford, it comes as something of a relief to have got his senior bow out of the way, in the hope that he can now make an impression on a first team.

"It's a privilege to be the youngest player to have played since 1922, I think, so hopefully I can just progress now and stay in the team.

"It was tough to begin with and then I started to find my way into the game, started getting a few passes off and feeling more comfortable.

"There had been a lot of talk about when I was going to come on, but now that I've come on hopefully I can stay in the team, or on the bench."

It was a similarly proud moment for 19-year-old Page, who will long remember the first time he stepped out in front a full house for West Ham.

"It was a great experience," he added. "I had goosebumps walking out, that's what I've been dreaming of since I was ten when I joined here and just to play was amazing.

"I think we handled it all right, we had the game under control and we won quite comfortably.

"I love playing with Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] because he's a nice man as well, so I just gave him the ball and we just worked together really. He really helps me out defensively as well.

Against a physical Andorran outfit, the Hammers duo certainly had to be on their toes, but were not about to be fazed by a strong challenge or two.

"Physically I had to be on point," Oxford explained. "When I gave a foul away in the first ten minutes I got a yellow and I just knew not to go flying in because they were rolling about a bit, but they were physical on the ball and off it."

As for the return leg in a week's time, Page is understandably keen to repeat the feat at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella.

"It's another game under your belt, another 90 minutes in the first team, that's all you want to do really, keep playing in the first team and hopefully get your chance again."

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Harrison joins Hendon at Orient
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Academy goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison has joined Sky Bet League Two side Leyton Orient as their first team goalkeeper coach.

Harrison links up with former Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon, who took over the reins at Brisbane Road after departed West Ham this summer.

The 43-year-old played alongside Hendon at Barnet and later featured under his management at Underhill before moving into coaching himself.

He joined West Ham from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2014 and will now work with Academy products Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum, who both signed for the O's this summer.

The Club would like to thank Lee for his services and wishes him well in his future career.

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Alex Song spotted at the Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Alex Song was at the Boleyn Ground last night to watch West Ham beat Lusitanos in their Europa League qualifying tie. The Barcelona midfielder was in the stands as Terry Westley's young side beat the Andorrans 3-0, ahead of a return to the club on a permanent basis according to reports. The 27-year-old midfielder proved a stunning success at the Boleyn initially last season before going off the boil in the second half of the season (although that applied to many more than just the former Cameroon international). Further speculation tonight suggests that the Hammers have landed their man on a free transfer, despite Barcelona having set his sale price at circa £5million. Despite interest from other major European clubs, Song is happy in London and has expressed a preference for remaining in the capital - apparently swaying Barce to comply with West Ham's - and Song's - wishes.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic accused of lacking respect
Last Updated: 03/07/15 6:52am
SSN

New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic watched his new side ease to victory in their Europa League first qualifying round clash with FC Lusitans - but was then accused of disrespecting the Andorran team. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins headed home to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Hammers, who will now head to Andorra next Thursday all-but guaranteed of advancing into the next qualifying phase. Bilic, presented to a packed Upton Park before the contest, left academy director Terry Westley in charge as he decided to watch from the stands after returned from a training camp in Ireland earlier in the day. The decision not to be involved annoyed Lusitans coach Xavi Roura who was angry with the Croatian for sitting out of the contest.
"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that the club like West Ham - this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One' should come to Andorra."

Despite Roura's plea for Bilic to turn up in the principality, Westley - addressing the media as he had in the build-up to the tie - admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, he can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch. Not every manager sits in the dug out. "The manager has flown back from a training camp, got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players.
"He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."

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Hammers star at centre of £8m bid claim
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

New reports linking Middlesborough with a £8 million offer for Stewart Downing have been circulating in the north east over the past few hours and quite frankly seem way off the wall. A couple of media outlets claim that the Championship club has hit the Irons with the an offer despite us turning down similar bids from Sunderland and Leicester City. The mathematics involved are mind boggling for a Championship outfit which, if they are believed demand that we accept the Riverside club will commit to a £7 million transfer fee and £1o million plus in wages over a three year deal. And for a player aged 30 that really does take a bit of swallowing. A key club insider told ClaretandHugh this week that that we have indeed received several bids but that the player is simply not for sale. We never rule anything out entirely however, although if this one were to be true we would find it perhaps one of the most bizarre and perhaps ill considered deals in a long time.

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Report: Irons "one step away" from top defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are tonight reported to be close to signing Juventus defender Angel Ogbonna although Everton are still in the race for the Italian international. However, according to the Turn based daily newspaper Tuttosport the Hammers are" just one step away" from signing the defender. The report adds that Juventus are expected to let the player depart for the Boleyn for €10m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments. Ogbonna has found commanding a regular first team spot at Juventus to be tough and will be aiming for more minutes of game time in England. ClaretandHugh has already reported sources close to boss Slaven Bilic as saying he expects to get his Number One priority player – a top central defender – over the next seven days and if Tuttosport is to be believed Ogbonna is that man.

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Sakho happy to see Zarate back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Diafra Sakho and David Gold are both very happy to see Mauro Zarate back at Upton Park. The skilful front man had a tough first season under Sam Allardyce and was farmed out to Queens Park Rangers in January where he was 'branded' unfit and placed on special fitness regime. But he looked in great nick last night as the team cruised past Lusitans and Sakho said: "Today I'm happy that Mauro was back."
And he is pleased that Morgan Amalfitano was involved too adding: "It's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them." He added: "Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me."

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DG: 'Fans are smiling again after tough times'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has warned fans to not be unduly carried away by the Europa Cup qualifying victory over Lusians but declared: "You have to hand it to Diafra Sakho – goalscoring is an art whoever you score against." The two co chairmen flew out to a well earned break in the south of France earlier today where more transfer business will almost certainly be on the agenda. But before boarding his private jet, DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: The opposition wasn't strong but whatever team you are playing, putting the ball in the back of the net is hard and 'Sak' again showed his quality. "You would expect good players to go past players of a certain level but good crosses and goals always count whatever the opposition."

And he added: Had we been further into the summer training programme I think we would haver won by more but it was frustrating over the last 20 minutes not to score again when the opposition were clearly tiring. "However, we have to be happy because the fans have smiles on their faces again. They have been through a difficult period. They have seen the club relegated and squeeze back into the Premier League.
We have now established ourselves and Sam Allardyce, players and owners all take credit for that although there's not been an awful lot to get excited about. "Now we are looking at a new era a new stadium, a new manager and a new way of playing. To see those smiles on faces was great."

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Palace join hunt for Hammers 33 goal trialist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

AFC Wimbledon striker Daniel Agyei – having been on trial at the Irons all week – has now been handed a trial with Crystal Palace.
Burnley have also made him the same offer as the 17 year old weighs his options after the 17 year old grabbed 35 goals for the Dons' Under 18 and Under 21 sides. The Irons may hold a big edge given the number of Development Squad players who were offered their chances against Lusiens in last last night's Europa Cup qualifier. They will hope the lad realises that under new manager Slaven Bilic youth is about to be given its chance wherever and whenever possible. Young striker Daniel Agyei enjoyed a prolific campaign for AFC Wimbledon Under 18s last season The striker was expected to make the step up into AFC Wimbledon's senior side next season but it will be a miracle if they can hold onto him in the light of this week's developments.

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Irons Jenks hopes dashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's hopes of signing Karl Jenkinson permanently have been dashed. The Hammers would love to sign the Arsenal right back to a long term deal but Arsenal flatly refuse to entertain the idea. Speculation that we would try to do a permanent deal started back in the January and has resurfaced over recent days. And although the club's negotiators attempted to get talks underway, the Emirates board made it clear that wasn't on. However, there is now a big chance of the Gunners England under 21 rejoining us on loan for the new season but unless there is a dramatic change of heart a permanent switch won't happen. A high level Upton Park source said after we posed the question: "No, Arsenal 100 per cent won't do a permanent deal."

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Gold hits back at 'ill informed' Lusiens boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers#
C AND H

David Gold has hit back at Lusians boss Xavi Roura describing his blast at Hammers boss Slaven Bilic as 'ill informed.' The manager of the Andorran minnows had objected to Bilic not being in the dug-out for last night match saying:"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect for not taking his place on the bench. I am disappointed with with him and I feel a club from home of football and fair play should have insisted he sat there," said Roura. I know he has won a lot of titles but not sitting on the bench ; who does he think he is ? The Special One ?"

However, Gold has rushed to his manager's defence declaring: "Slaven is a hugely respectful man and that's precisely why he WASN'T in the dug out. He was showing his respect to Terry Westley who had worked with the squad . Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh DG added: "He could have waltzed in like some film star and taken all the credit from a victory but instead, after working with the first team squad in Ireland, he allowed the obvious man to take control. That shows character. "I am sure that when Xavi understands the full position he will offer an apology to Slaven for his ill informed remarks."

Gold was delighted with the victory and said: "I heard it said there were no long balls but that appears sometimes when you are under pressure. We weren't last night and there was a real determination to pass the ball. It was encouraging and there was not one youngster out there who didn't do well. That was very pleasing. "But let's pay credit to Andorra. It's a country of 78,000 people – nothing like as big even as the the Isle of Wight. Yet they came and gave it everything they had which we saw in the last 20 minutes when as part-timers they were going down like ninepins. "Having said that, there was a lot to enjoy and I think we are now on the edge of some really good times with a style of football the crowd will enjoy."

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Fans the big factor in Sam's departure
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce's West Ham departure was driven by the fans who brought his reign to an "inevitable conclusion." Since the 60 year old's final appearance at the club, the atmosphere around Upton Park has lifted to the point where a sell-out crowd was ready to turn out in the middle of the season to watch a match against a team of part timers last night. And the fact that by and large the Irons team was always going to be made up largely of Development Squad players makes that even more impressive. However, the decision to allow Allardyce to walk away was clearly a big reason as fans hero, Slaven Bilic made his first appearance in front of the Claret and Blue Army. One wonders how many would have been inside the ground had the former manager still been in charge. In a TalkSport interview earlier this week co chairman David Gold had claimed that the board and former manager had felt that four years was long enough for both sides but explained nothing further.
H
owever, insiders have made it clear to ClaretandHughthat the two central reasons were:

O the increasingly impossible relationship with the majority of the fans

O and the knowledge that nothing much was ever going to change in the style of play

We were told: "Certainly everybody finally agreed that four years was long enough as the tensions between Sam and the fan base increased. "He was finding life more and more difficult and the reaction from the terraces following the previous season drove things to an inevitable conclusion. "However both the style of play and tensions in the transfer market were also hindering relationships and in the end both sides agreed that a parting of the ways was the only answer." "There will always be plenty of goodwill and gratitude towards him for establishing this club back where it belonged but there is relief that period is now part of our history."

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Leader Slav recalls our greats to inspire the kids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H

Every true blood Hammers fan bows his head in respect when the names Moore, Hurst, Peters and Ferdinand are mentioned…which makes Slaven Bilic a true blood Iron! For his first job in terms of dressing room man management he presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page with their first team debut shirts and immediately reminded them of the club's great players and ambassadors before telling them to go and make their "own legacy." In footballing terms that's Churchillian stuff and a fine reminder of this man's many qualities. As the words appeared in my inbox for sub editing from ClaretandHugh's Rob Shepherd ,who was reporting the game for us, I admit to a puff of pride. Slaven Bilic has yet to put a foot wrong as our new boss and personally I think it's very unlikely. The words he addressed to the young Hammers will inspire the Development Squad players to follow them. To mention such names to young players in the same breath as the club legends tells you everything you need to now about our new manager – he may have only had a season here as a player but he's an Iron to his backbone and is a LEADER. His decision to take a back seat last night – as detailed by David Gold in another story on the site today – was class and unlike some before him shows he's no glory seeker and egotist. Everyone gets credit and opportunity in Slav's world and last night it was Terry Westley's turn to take centre stage. Slav made sure it happened. However, a body language expert would have had a field day watching the Croatian in the directors' box as he leaned forward eagle eyed and chattering non stop to Karren Brady about what was going on down on the field of play. West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy – a real joy to be part of it all. I wonder whether arch high Tory Karren knows that our manager is a died in the wool Socialist?
You know what, I don't reckon it would make a jot of difference – something new, great, tolerant and massively enjoyable is happening at our beloved club!

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O'Brien: Oxford will find it hard
BT Sport
Last updated: 03 July 2015, 15:03 BST Print this story

Joey O'Brien knows fellow defender Reece Oxford will have to put up with comparisons to former West Ham academy products having become the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers.
The 16-year-old broke a 93-year record when he lined up against FC Lusitans in the Europa League first qualifying round fixture against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Oxford, captain of England's Under-17 side, usually plays in defence but operated in midfield as West Ham recorded a 3-0 victory over their Andorran opponents - with academy director Terry Westley in charge of the side. O'Brien was one of five first-team regulars to start the game and, after Westley revealed Oxford and fellow debutant Lewis Page had been given a speech by new boss Slaven Bilic telling them to make their own destiny despite comparisons with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, the Republic of Ireland international says those kinds of pressures will have to be dealt with. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," O'Brien replied when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand were likely. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through."

Oxford penned a long-term deal at Upton Park earlier in the year having attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United whilst playing in the youth teams at West Ham.
Westley was pleased with Oxford's outing but knows he still has work to do and is far from the finished article, and O'Brien agreed that there is a long way between exciting prospect and first-team regular. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home," he added. "It is fantastic for him and the academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him.
"But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."

Westley selected the team for the tie and was also in the dug-out as new boss Bilic opted to sit out what would have been his first game in charge. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused the Croatian of showing a lack of respect for his side by not being at the helm. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who flew in from a first-team training base in Ireland to be presented to the crowd before kick-off, was quick to explain his reasoning after seeing a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header wrap up a comfortable win ''I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland,'' he said. ''I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time.
''I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. ''I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this." It is unlikely Bilic will travel with Westley and the matchday squad for the second leg in Andorra as he continues to split his time between his two groups of players.

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Why giving Zarate another chance could prove a West Ham masterstroke
HITC
Tim Poole

The 28-year-old already looks a different player for the Hammers. During Mauro Zarate's first-season struggles at West Ham United, some lost patience with the Argentine - but many felt he deserved more of a chance. Indeed, the forward was rarely used and, when he was, was played out of position. It is no coincidence that Sam Allardyce since left the club, with Zarate staying put at Upton Park. The West Ham owners have made their allegiance very clear and, interestingly, the 28-year-old looks as though he could be repaying their faith already. Last term, Zarate showed flashes for the Hammers before seriously fading away. When he was loaned to Queens Park Rangers, he made no impact whatsoever and his fitness levels were dire. Observe him against Lusitanos, however, and you have a different player altogether. The Argentine assisted Diafra Sakho and was a lively, energetic presence. This was only a Europa League qualifier against an Andorran side, of course, but it showed two things. One: There is a player in there. Two: Zarate has used pre-season to get some sort of fitness back - already a huge step. Could giving the Argentine a second chance prove a West Ham masterstroke?

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Tottenham rejected chance to sign West Ham record breaker Reece Oxford after failing to find his best position
Reece Oxford became West Ham's youngest ever player when he started the Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitans on Thursday
Tottenham released the youngster when he was 12-13 years-old after playing the defender as a forward
The Hammers teenager has been tipped as a future England captain
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 12:18, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 12:22, 3 July 2015

Tottenham rejected the chance to sign West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford, Sportsmail can reveal. The 16-year-old became the Hammers' youngest ever player on Thursday night, starting in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Lusitans. Despite his tender age, Oxford, who plays for England Under-17, is being tipped as a future England captain such is his huge potential. But the teenager could easily have been turning out for West Ham's deadly rivals Tottenham. Oxford, who grew up a stone's throw away from White Hart Lane in Edmonton, was on Spurs' books during his pre-teen years, playing for the club as a forward. But Tottenham released Oxford, informing the youngster he didn't have a future at the club when he was 12-13 years old.
His departure opened the door for Oxford's move to West Ham, and the rest is history. Arriving at Upton Park as a forward, Hammers staff believed Oxford would be better suited to a defensive position and began moulding him into a centre-back. The positional change has turned out to be masterstroke; with the youngster now widely recognised as one of the best emerging central defenders in Europe. Oxford has attracted interest from all of the Premier League's elite; Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all tried to lure the defender away from Upton Park. But Oxford ended speculation regarding his future by signing his first professional deal earlier this year. That, however, is unlikely to stop England's top club's from trailing Oxford, who is expected to have a role in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans next season.

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Reece Oxford stole the headlines on his West Ham debut but Diego Poyet was the standout performer in front of Slaven Bilic
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:59, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 11:59, 3 July 2015

Reece Oxford, take a bow, son. Now we know what all the fuss was about. On Thursday night, the England Under 17 captain made his long-awaited West Ham debut. He's 16. Breaking Billy Williams' 93-year-old record, Oxford looked like he'd been around for years. In fact, he wasn't even born when Slaven Bilic last played at Upton Park. Deployed in the middle of the park, the boy who has previously attracted the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, eventually slotted in to his familiar role at centre-half. Throughout he displayed incredible maturity that belied his youth. In the air, he was formidable. There was a terrific tenacity in his tackling. And he wasn't afraid to have a go either, desperately unlucky not to score with a rasping effort from 30 yards. Even when the FC Lusitans players ludicrously got him booked, Oxford refused to rise to the bait, when most youngsters his age would have found the temptation too difficult to resist in front of a crowd of 35,000 fans spurring them on. 'This kid will go right to the top. The very top.' Remember when Harry Redknapp famously told supporters that about a young Frank Lampard? The same can be said about Oxford. While he deserves all the plaudits he is getting, perspective is needed. Indeed, the hard work really does begin now. Can he establish himself as a first-team regular? That is the question. To get to the very top - like Lampard, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League - there can be no room for complacency. You have to be determined to beat the best, to be the best. I've no doubt that Oxford has those qualities but this is only the beginning for the extremely talented teenager.
That leads me nicely to Diego Poyet, who won't steal the headlines as such yet he deserves high praise indeed. By his own admission, his first season at Upton Park was 'tough'. To prove himself he went out on loan to Huddersfield Town for a short stint. On June 11, he was part of the Uruguay side who lost on penalties to Brazil at the Under 20s World Cup in New Zealand.
A week later he was back at Chadwell Heath, desperate to show new manager Bilic his desire to break through into the first team this season. How can you not be impressed by that? Poyet has a tremendous work ethic and impeccable attitude on the field. Off it, he's a bright, intelligent, multi-lingual lad. He's 20. Most 20-year-olds are probably clubbing in Magaluf this time of year. Few would have turned an eye had Poyet joined them after his international exploits. Instead he put his fledgling career first in order to make a name for himself at Upton Park, in this historic farewell season. Total professionalism. For me, he was Thursday night's standout performer. Not Oxford. Not match-winner Diafro Sakho. It was Poyet. He wanted to be on the ball at every opportunity. I love that. Sure, he was raw in places and misplaced a couple of passes when he could have perhaps carried the ball a little longer. But it was an assured display and one that would have caught the eye of his watching new manager in the stands. Cool and composed, with an elegant touch to fit his long-flowing looks, Poyet instigated many attacking moves by getting the ball moving. By definition, he embodied the West Ham way. The trouble is, West Ham's midfield is already uber-competitive. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Kevin Nolan and Chiekhou Kouyate are among those still to slot in. Alex Song too. Poyet, however, didn't do his chances any harm at all. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. Even with a surname like his, young Diego knows he hasn't made it yet. But with a gutsy character and with that hunger and that determination, he surely will. I just hope it's with West Ham.

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IRONS BID €20M FOR MANCHESTER UNITED & JUVENTUS TARGET
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign highly-rated AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.
The Hammers have edged ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the Tunisian.
Michael Oliver
ironscircle

West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour, claims L'Equipe. The Tunisian defender has been heavily linked with a move away from France this summer, with several of Europe's biggest clubs queueing up for his services. Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking the player, with AC Milan and Juventus both keen, and have submitted undisclosed bids for the player this month, both of which have been rejected. It was reported that West Ham were willing to meet Monaco's €20m asking price for the 25-year-old, but due to the increased interest in their star defender, they have upped their demands to €25m. It's now being reported that West Ham have made the largest bid to date for Abdennour – a €20m offer to test Monaco's resolve, who are still holding out for a slightly larger offer from the East London club. Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the centre-back. Diego Simeone has just sold Miranda to Inter Milan for €15m, and has lined up Abdennour as a potential replacement.

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Report: West Ham linked with Manuel Lanzini; perfect man to help Zarate?
HITC
Tim Poole

West Ham have reportedly made a move for the 22-year-old Argentine. West Ham United have made a move for Al Jazira Club and former River Plate playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are said to want the Argentine on loan with an option to buy, with his superior dribbling ability perfect for how Slaven Bilic wants the east London side to play.
The Mirror say West Ham rate the 22-year-old - no doubt previously unheard of to many - very highly.

A helping hand for Zarate?

Should any interest be genuine, Lanzini could be brought to Upton Park with a view to getting the best out of Mauro Zarate. Zarate, also from Argentina, failed to impress during his first season with West Ham but has been given a second chance ahead of this term. And the 28-year-old could already be paying the club back after a promising performance against Lusitanos in the Europa League. Lanzini, then, could further aid the forward, simply as they are countrymen but also both creative, flair players. Dimitri Payet, already signed by West Ham this summer, will also add a creative element to the Hammers.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies disrespecting Europa League opponents by watching match from the stands
Evening Standard
JAMES BENGE
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 10:16, 03 July 2015

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied disrespecting his Andorran opponents by spending last night's Europa League qualifying tie in the stands. The new manager handed over coaching duties to academy director Terry Westley in what should have been his first game at the helm of the club. Westley was entrusted with selecting the team and sat in the dugout, a move that FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura said "showed a lack of respect". Roura also said that the new coach "thought he was the 'Special One'" by choosing to watch his players from the Boleyn Ground stands. However Bilic has defended himself against such accusations, saying that he wanted to support his academy director, who has been training the squad for a number of weeks and has extensive experience working with the youngsters who were promoted to the squad. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," the manager told the club website. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."

Bilic will now return to Ireland, where those not involved in last night's match are taking part in a pre-season training camp. He said: "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra." The 3-0 victory leaves the Hammers well-poised to advance to the next stage of the qualifying rounds and Bilic was pleased with a confident display early in pre-season. "Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals," he said. "The second half was much more fluid. The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."

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Terry Westley raves about Reece Oxford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Reece Oxford made his debut for West Ham United in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday. West Ham United Academy manager Terry Westley has been singing the praises of Reece Oxford on the club's official website. Oxford made his debut for the Hammers during the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round against FC Lusitans on Thursday evening. The 16-year-old defender played well against the Andorran side and was impressive during the 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground. The England Under-18 international captain normally plays as a centre-back, but on Thursday he featured as a midfielder. Oxford became the youngster ever player to play for West Ham, breaking Billy Williams' 93-year record in the process. Westley was impressed with the performance of the teenager on his debut and was full of praise for him after the match. "He has done well and it gets that out of the way," Westley told West Ham's official website. "It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. "Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."

Good performance

It was a memorable debut performance from Oxford, who showed that he can be effective in midfield. The youngster looked calm and confident when he had the ball at his feet, and also tried an ambitious effort on goal from 30 yards.

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Bilic: I respect FC Lusitans
Last Updated: July 3 2015, 9:56 BST
Sporting Life

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has "big time" respect for FC Lusitans after he was criticised for sitting out the Europa League qualifying fixture on Thursday evening. Having been appointing on June 9, Bilic watched from the stands with academy director Terry Westley overseeing a 3-0 first-leg victory as the Hammers got their season under way just 39 days after the end of the last campaign. Bilic, 46, was presented to a sold-out Upton Park before the game before moving to the directors' box having flown over from a training camp in Ireland with those senior players not involved in the Europa League fixture. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura was not happy with Bilic's decision not to take charge of West Ham - saying he was saddened that his counterpart was not on the bench - claiming the Croatian thought he was the 'Special One' and that Lusitans were "not important enough" for Bilic. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who is yet to address the media since replacing Sam Allardyce, told West Ham's official website it was more about splitting his time between two groups of players rather than disrespecting both opponent and competition on Thursday. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," he said. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. "I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Roura hopes to see Bilic in Andorra for the second leg next Thursday but Westley said he would not expect the manager to make the trip - with Bilic still looking to spread his time.
"I will now go back to Ireland on Friday to meet back up with the first-team group," he added. "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week." Diafra Sakho scored twice with James Tomkins adding the third against Lusitans on Thursday and, if the Hammers can safely navigate the return leg, they will still face two more qualifying rounds and a play-off to reach the Europa League group stages.

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How West Ham's Payet signing proves McClaren's Newcastle comments very wrong
HITC
Tim Poole

The Newcastle United boss has defended his club's lack of transfer activity. But West Ham have already proven him very wrong. According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has emailed fans asking for patience and explaining that he needs time to acquire the 'right' players for the Magpies. But, just days into the job, McClaren is making basic mistakes and offering poor excuses for a club that simply aren't pulling their weight in the transfer market. Indeed, the Magpies boss is already singing from a different hymnsheet than the one when he took the job. Back then, he boldly stated that Newcastle will spend plenty and sign plenty. McClaren claimed he was convinced of that by Mike Ashley's Sky Sports interview saying the same last season. Well, if the Newcastle coach really did fall for a PR stunt like that, his reasoning for there being no signings in place by July isn't really good enough for a club of the Magpies' stature.

For McClaren only need look south to West Ham United, whose capture of Dimitry Payet proves his comments very wrong. You don't need too long to identify the 'right' players if your club is pulling together in the right direction. Payet was signed by West Ham just days after Slaven Bilic was appointed. Newcastle, meanwhile, finished lower than the Hammers last season and only appointed McClaren a day after the Croat was put in place. In short, it may not be the 54-year-old's fault that his club are yet to sign anyone - but his excuses are lame at best. Newcastle simply haven't been doing enough in the transfer market and that is inexcusable. West Ham, by contrast, have. And their signings so far - capped off by the Payet capture - show just what a club can have done by now with a little bit of cohesion and effort.

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand, says team mate
Evening Standard
JULIAN BENNETTS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 09:29, 03 July 2015

Joey O'Brien has told Reece Oxford he will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand after the 16-year-old became West Ham's youngest ever player last night. Aged just 16 years and 198 days Oxford played the full 90 minutes in a comfortable 3-0 win over Lusitans of Andorra as he beat the club record set by Billy Williams in 1922. But O'Brien has warned the centre-back he has achieved nothing yet and says the England Under-17 captain needs to ignore the hype as he looks to establish himself in the Premier League under new boss Slaven Bilic.
And O'Brien also believes Oxford will have to get used to regular comparisons with Ferdinand, who came through the ranks at Upton Park before enjoying a stellar career with Manchester United and England. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," said O'Brien when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand are inevitable. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through. "It's unbelievable, it is top-end stuff doing that at that young age. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home. It is fantastic for him and the Academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be sacked with no pay-off if Hammers go down - and needs top-eight finish to land bonus "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him. "But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
And O'Brien revealed Bilic came into the dressing room to thank the players after this comfortable win, which was secured by a Diafra Sakho double and James Tomkins' header. The Croat watched from the stands as academy manager Terry Westley took charge, leading Lusitans manager Xavi Roura to accuse him of thinking he was 'a Special One' and showing a lack of respect – a charge he is unlikely to revise with Bilic thought unlikely to travel to the second leg. But O'Brien says Sam Allardyce's replacement has made a positive impression. "He came in after the game and thanked us all," said the Irishman. "In Ireland (at the team's training camp) he came over, looked at us, spoke to a few of the lads and came across really well. "This is a chance for everyone – young lads, old lads, lads who haven't been playing. The manager comes in and it is a new start for everyone."

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'Slaven Bilic thinks he is the Special One' - West Ham boss accused of disrespecting Europa League opponents
Evening Standard
MARK BRYANS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 06:52, 03 July 2015

West Ham were left red-faced on Thursday night as their Europa League victory over FC Lusitans was over-shadowed by claims of a lack of respect from new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian, who replaced Sam Allardyce at Upton Park, was expected to take charge of his first game since his appointment on June 9. Instead it was academy director Terry Westley who selected the side and was in the dug-out for the 3-0 win whilst Bilic, who was presented to the sold-out crowd before the first-round qualifying clash, watched from the stands as a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header sealed a routine victory. And Westley was left defending the former Besiktas boss after Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused him of disrespecting his side. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch," Westley said. "Not every manager sits in the dug-out. The manager has flown back from a training camp (in Ireland), got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players. "He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."

But Roura, whose side welcome West Ham to Andorra for the return leg next Thursday, saw things differently and was upset by Bilic's no-show in the dugout. "Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. "It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented, that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One', should come to Andorra." Despite Roura's plea for Bilic, who has yet to face the media since landing the job, to turn up next week, Westley admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, with all that he's got going on. He can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg.

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Crystal Palace told to up Yohan Cabaye bid in order to fend off rivals
London 24
07:00 03 July 2015 Brad Pinard

Crystal Palace have been told to cough up £12million to sign midfielder Yohan Cabaye from PSG this summer. French reports claim the Eagles have lodged a £9million bid (€12.5million) but the French champions are not looking for a quick sale and so will it could take some serious negotiations to get the deal done. Palace are by far and away the favourites to sign Cabaye, who was linked with the likes of Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton last month. However, a number of those clubs have cooled their interest, with West Ham and Southampton still seeing Cabaye as a back up option. Alan Pardew is desperate to be reunited with his former Toon playmaker and is hoping to make him the Eagles' main summer buy.

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Daily WHUFC News - 3rd July 2015

Hammers secure first leg advantage
WHUFC.com

A brace from man-of-the-match Diafra Sakho and a James Tomkins header
rounded off a convincing, if unspectacular match. On a humid evening in
east London the Hammers were well in control for the majority of the game,
however it took 40 minutes to convert their dominance into goals. In fact,
it was visitors, FC Lusitans, which had the first chance of the game as Jose
Romero tried his luck from the edge of the box.

In a rather sluggish opening, the Hammers best chances came down the left
through Matt Jarvis, whose pace and direct running led to several half
chances.

In Slaven Bilic's first game as West Ham manager, the Hammers named three
debutants. New signing Darren Randolph started in goal and was largely
untroubled, while Academy graduates Lewis Page and Reece Oxford made the
step up from the Development Squad to make their senior debuts.

At just 16 years and 198 days, Oxford became the youngest West Ham player
ever, playing in central midfield alongside Diego Poyet. After a few initial
nervous touches, the England U17 captain grew into the game.

As the temperature began to finally cool down, the match heated up as hefty
challenges flew in. Into the book went young Oxford, although it appeared as
though the Andorrans were making the most of it.

The Irons continued to pile on the pressure, launching a series of balls
into the box yet they struggled to find either Diafra Sakho or Mauro Zarate.


The deadlock was eventually breached five minutes from the break as Mauro
Zarate, the Hammers brightest player in the first half, burst forward,
beating two men before chipping an inviting cross for Diafra Sakho to head
home from close range.

A full house at the Boleyn Ground cheered with a mixture of delight and
relief as the first chorus of 'Diafra Sakho, he scores when he wants!' rang
around the stadium.

No sooner had two additional minutes been added when the Hammers doubled
their lead through last season's top goalscorer.

Morgan Amalfitano combined with livewire Zarate with a delicate one-two to
give the Frenchmen the freedom of the penalty area. He could have shot
himself, yet he unselfishly pulled it back for Sakho who rolled it home with
consummate ease.

The half time whistle was greeted with a rousing cheer as the Hammers were
in firm control of the tie. A minutes' applause to mark a year since former
Ladies' player Katie Sheppard tragically died was impeccably observed.

Knowing they had to change things round to keep their dream of progressing
alive, Lusitans made two changes, Alfi Conteh and Edu Moya came on in place
of San Nicolas and Aguilar.

Yet the Hammers kept the pressure up as Lewis Page swung in a wonderful
cross which Sakho could not quite connect to. Seconds later Amaliftano went
close to sealing the victory, first seeing an effort saved well by
goalkeeper Geraldo Rubio before trying his luck from 40 yards out. Rubio
again was on hand to tip the midfielder's effort over.

The chances kept falling for the hosts, Oxford drilled a thirty effort that
fell agonizingly wide of the post.

The Hammers third came courtesy of captain James Tomkins. On his first start
since recovering from injury, the 26-year-old nodded home Jarvis's dinked
cross.

With a comfortable cushion established, Westley brought on Josh Cullen who
crashed a shot against the bar, making his senior debut, while Elliot Lee
replaced Sakho. Both substitutes went close to extending the lead however
Rubio was doing his best, single-handedly at time, to limit the damage.

Westley's final change of the evening was to award Djair Parfitt-Williams,
another highly rated Academy prospect, his debut, replacing Zarate who
departed to a standing ovation.

In the final exchanges, the Hammers could, and really should, have extended
their lead. Tomkins and Burke both went close from set pieces while Elliot
Lee twisted and turned majestically, almost teeing up Parfitt-Williams for
what would have been a dream debut. However the tally stuck at three.

West Ham United: Randolph, Tomkins ©, Jarvis, Zarate (Parfitt-Williams 73),
Sakho (Lee 62), O'Brien (Cullen 60), Amalfitano, Poyet, Burke, Oxford, Page
Substitutes: Spiegel (GK), Westley, Knoyle, Nasha

Goals: Sakho 40, 45, Tomkins 57

Bookings: Oxford

FC Lusitans: Rubio, Crespo, Moi, Peter, Romero, Reis (c), Aguilar (Conteh
45), Molina, Nicolas (Moya 45), Franclim (Sonajee 54), Maciel
Substitutes: Pires, Lima, Fernandes, Benitez (GK)

Bookings: Franclim, Aguilar, Sonajee

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players surprise Murphy
WHUFC.com

It was a 60th birthday to remember for lifelong fan Kieran Murphy who was
given the ultimate surprise when he met his Hammers heroes at the Club's
training camp in Cork.

Murphy was under the impression he was being taken out for the day, but was
shocked to discover that he was actually going to meet a number of
first-team players including Hammer of the Year Aaron Cresswell, James
Collins and Mark Noble.

There is a strong West Ham United connection in the Murphy household as
Kieran's Uncle Tommy Moroney played for the Hammers back in the 1940's and
made over 150 appearances for the Club.

Murphy says this will be a day he will never forget and cannot thank the
players enough for the warm welcome they showed him after training.

Murphy said: "This is not a bad way for me to celebrate my birthday. I
cannot thank them enough for looking after me on my 60th birthday and this
is a great surprise.

"I watch them on television and to now meet them in person, they are a great
bunch of lads. I met Mark Noble when he was playing for the England
Under-21s against Ireland about six seasons ago.

"My Uncle played over 150 games for West Ham in the famous number six shirt.
The Boleyn Ground holds a lot of special memories and hopefully we will be
able to get over for the final season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Lusitanos 0
2 July 2015
Last updated at 21:53
BBC.co.uk

West Ham began their long journey towards the Europa League group stage with
a comfortable first-leg victory over Andorran side Lusitanos.
Striker Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins added a third to put the
Hammers in control of the first qualifying-round tie. They were watched by a
capacity crowd of about 35,000, as well as new manager Slaven Bilic, who was
in the stands but not in charge.The second leg takes place on 9 July. The
Hammers qualified for the Europa League via the Fair Play League and their
reward was a first match of the 2015-16 season 40 days after the final
Premier League match of the 2014-15 campaign. But despite the lack of a
significant summer break, there was an upbeat atmosphere at Upton Park, with
Bilic receiving a rousing reception when he was presented to the crowd
before kick-off.
With the 46-year-old Croat assuming a watching brief, academy manager Terry
Westley took charge, and he had to endure a frustrating wait before seeing
his side make the breakthrough. Despite their dominance, it took until the
40th minute for the Hammers to take the lead, Senegal striker Sakho heading
in from six yards after Mauro Zarate's cross from the right. They doubled
their advantage just before half-time when Sakho converted Morgan
Amalfitano's cutback from close range. Sakho and Zarate were two of the more
senior players in a line-up which mixed experience and youth. Midfielder
Reece Oxford was given his debut and, in the process, the 16-year-old became
the youngest player to represent the club. But it was experience which made
the difference, Tomkins adding the third goal from a Matt Jarvis cross just
before the hour mark with a close-range header to put West Ham in control of
the tie.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-0 FC Lusitanas: Diafra Sakho at the double
Last Updated: 02/07/15 10:11pm
SSN

Diafra Sakho scored twice as West Ham eased past FC Lusitans 3-0 in the
first-leg of the first qualifying round of the Europa League.
New West Ham manager Slaven Billic was introduced before the game to a
sell-out crowd, who were lapping up the sunshine at this unusual time of the
year for a competitive fixture. The Hammers had academy manager Terry
Westley in temporary charge for the visit of the Andorrans and Sakho grabbed
two first-half goals before James Tomkins headed home a third on 59 minutes.
Westley decided to play a youthful side that included Reece Oxford, who
became West Ham's youngest-ever first-team player at just 16 years and 198
days old.
The central midfielder was thrust straight into the action and found himself
in the referee's book after 15 minutes as he was a little bit too eager to
impress and left his studs in on Pablo Aguilar. One of the more experience
heads in the side was Sakho and he should have given his side the lead on 30
minutes but he could only head over the crossbar from six yards after some
good work down the right by Joey O'Brien. The home fans would have been
starting to sweat a little more profusely as the half wore on as their side
struggled to break down the dogged visitors – but the opening goal did
eventually come on 37 minutes. Sakho was the man on the scoresheet, meeting
a Mauro Zarate cross from the right with a powerful header. That goal was
just the start for the hosts, who doubled their lead right on half-time.
Sakho again finished off a delivery from the right after some quick build up
by play from O'Brien and Zarate. Things slowed to pre-season pace in the
second-period but West Ham were always in the ascendancy and Tomkins headed
home 14 minutes into the half after some nice work by Matt Jarvis. Westley
rang the changes in the last 25 minutes with Josh Cullen putting in an
impressive cameo that deserved a goal. He went close with five minutes
remaining but his cultured shot from the edge of the box cannoned back off
the crossbar. The teams meet again in Andorra for the second leg on Thursday
9 July.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-0 Lusitans: Slaven Bilic receives Upton Park welcome
By Adam Bate at Upton Park
Last Updated: 02/07/15 10:13pm
SSN

The Slaven Bilic era kicked off with a 3-0 win over Lusitans in the first
round of Europa League qualifying on Thursday night, reports Adam Bate.
There was optimism in the air as well as the bubbles at Upton Park as the
Slaven Bilic era began in relative style with a convincing 3-0 win over
Andorran side Lusitans. Smart pricing had ensured that it was a sell-out of
34,966 to kick off the club's emotional final season at the Boleyn Ground
and the fans were in the mood to enjoy themselves in the summer sun. On the
face of it, there wasn't too much to get excited about in the Hammers
line-up. After all, reserve goalkeeper Darren Randolph was the only new
arrival among the starters. It was all more Diego Poyet than Dimitri Payet,
but the supporters were soon on the feet when Bilic was introduced to the
crowd. His 18 months here as a player have clearly not been forgotten. "We
know he understands what the supporters want and will bring exciting,
attacking football this season," claimed West Ham's co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold in their programme notes. "He certainly knows the West Ham
way." There was no mention of Sam Allardyce but the perceived functionality
of his Hammers side provides the context for this fan-friendly appointment.
We know he understands what the supporters want and will bring exciting,
attacking football this season. He certainly knows the West Ham way.

Bilic used his own address to set out his aim "to play good football and to
win matches" for West Ham. The Croat didn't specify an order of priority but
Hammers fans might be encouraged enough that they were mentioned in the same
breath. Whatever the plans for the future, Bilic took up his place in the
stands and left this Europa League first-round clash to academy manager
Terry Westley. This was pre-season with a twist and it didn't take the West
Ham fans long to realise that Lusitans were planning to rely heavily on
tactical fouling in order to limit the damage. Some of the robust tackles
did serve the purpose of reminding the home side that this was no friendly
and ensured that the large crowd was nothing but patient even when the
breakthrough goal took time to come. Come it did. Morgan Amalfitano and Matt
Jarvis had far too much quality on the flanks and while Diafra Sakho headed
one clear opportunity over the bar, it always felt as if time was on their
side. Sakho's first came five minutes before half-time when he headed in
from close range and the Senegal striker then capitalised on unselfish play
by Amalfitano to add a second in first-half stoppage time.

Amalfitano was in playful mood after the break, trying tricks, flicks and
40-yard shots but it was Jarvis who wriggled free in the box to cross for
James Tomkins to head home a third, just after Reece Oxford had flashed a
shot wide from distance just minutes earlier. There was a real sense of fun
to proceedings and a lightening of the mood that was a welcome accompaniment
to all the nostalgia.

From the retro shirts to the old-style programme, everything about West Ham
this season seems to be about looking both backwards and forwards – tying
the old to the new. That requires a manager who will embrace rather rail
against those emotions and in that sense at least, it seems they have the
right man. Bilic is unlikely to shy away from talking up his bond with the
club.

After this three-goal win, the next job for Bilic is the routine matter of
seeing off Lusitans in the return leg and then it's either Birkirkara of
Malta or Armenian side Ulisses in the second qualifying round. There'll be
23 games for West Ham to negotiate if they are to win this competition,
qualify for the Champions League and really make a mockery of the theory
that this is a mere distraction.

But in the meantime they might just dish out enough feel-good hammerings to
gather some momentum ahead of a Premier League season in which they dare not
fail with the Olympic Stadium switch looming. Judging by the atmosphere at
Upton Park on Thursday, fear of failure doesn't seem to be on the West Ham
agenda for 2015/16 just yet.

Player ratings

West Ham (4-4-2): Randolph (6); O'Brien (7), Tomkins (7), Burke (7), Page
(6); Amalfitano (8), Oxford (7), Poyet (6), Jarvis (7); Zarate (7), Sakho
(8). Subs: Cullen (7), Lee (6), Parfitt-Williams (6).

Man of the match: Diafra Sakho. West Ham's top scorer from 2014/15 finished
two chances well and might have had an assist after the break too. Surely
denied a hat-trick only by his substitution.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH REPORT: WEST HAM 3 FC LUSITANS 0
By Iain Dale 2 Jul 2015 at 22:41
West Ham Till I Die

It was almost a perfect night. Had we scored three more goals it would have
been, and it would have been no less than we deserved. This was a strolling
performance by West Ham and one which saw the Allardyce style of football
consigned to the dustbin. We passed the ball like we haven't for four years.
There wasn't a single long ball played out from the back. OK, the opposition
wasn't exactly top quality but it took quite some time to break them down.
Indeed, they were a nasty little team of divers and cheats. Luckily we
didn't rise to the bait very often.

Darren Randolph, making his debut in goal, didn't have a save to make. He
slightly mishandled one back pass, but apart from that was as safe as
houses. The back four barely had a tackle to make. I was especially
impressed by Lewis Page at left back. In the middle of the first half he
made a mazy run down the right beating three players and that gave him a lot
of confidence. Reece Burke was again imperious alongside captain for the
night James Tomkins, while Joey O'Brien delighted in getting a lot further
forward than normal.


In midfield I suspect the watching Slaven Bilic will have been especially
impressed by Diego Poyet, who played quite deep and picked the ball up the
defenders before spraying it around. He's clearly learned a lot from Alex
Song and although not all his passes came off, he will have learnt a lot.
Similarly, Reece Oxford made a huge impression making his full debut at
Upton Park at the age of 16. He has a wise old head on very young shoulders.
His beanpole like physique will soon fill out, but at times it was like
watching a young Rio Ferdinand. He seems to have all the time in the world,
and he was unlucky to score, once with a header, and once with a rasping
shot which just went over the crossbar. Matt Jarvis had his best game for a
long time, especially in the first half, constantly beating his man and
getting in cross after cross.

Up front Diafra Sakho bagged his first two goals of the season and hardly
broke a sweat in the process. he could easily have had a couple more. But
for me, the standout player on the pitch tonight was Mauro Zarate. He made
Sakho's second with an exquisite pull back and was consistently inventive.
At times it was like watching Eyal Berkovic. He must have played himself
into Bilic's first team plans with this performance.

Of the three subs, Josh Cullen impressed most. He looked very confident and
was unlucky not to score after running half way up the pitch with the ball.
Elliot Lee was industrious and also had a good chance to hit the net, but
hit the ball straight at the keeper. I'd never heard of Number 64 Djair
Parfitt-Williams before tonight. He showed some nice touches and can go down
in Hammers history as the player with the highest number on his shirt ever
to play for the Hammers. Unless, of course, you know different.

A three goal margin is safe enough and I would be surprised to see any
prominent first team players making the trip to Andorra next week. Or would
that be a sign of massive ovr confidence? We will soon see.

All in all, nothing to complain about, and a job done very professionally.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3-0 Lusitans: Diafra Sakho brace ensures Hammers kick off Slaven
Bilic era with win
22:06, 2 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Fit-again striker Sakho netted twice in the first-half, with James Tomkins
adding a third to ensure there was now Europa League slip-up against the
side from Andorra
The Mirror

He was in the stands but the Slaven Bilic era kicked off with a win that
maintained the ­feelgood factor at West Ham. Diafra Sakho scored twice,
James Tomkins grabbed the other Hammers goal and Reece Oxford became the
club's youngest ever player as Lusitans were put to the sword with the
minimum of fuss. This fixture may have come a week before the Ashes and with
Wimbledon in full swing, but West Ham fans will not mind shelling out for a
few more Europa League nights like this. Following the £14million capture of
Dimitri Payet, West Ham supporters will be keeping an eye out for other
signings as the Bilic reign gets under way. The Croat was introduced to a
35,000 sell-out crowd shortly before kick-off. The Croat had been into the
dressing room to inspire the side.

As agreed previously, he remained in the stands, with academy manager Terry
Westley taking charge. The idea at Upton Park is to use the early rounds of
the Europa League to give the youngsters a taste of the first team and for
the senior players to use them as part of their pre-season. Reece Oxford, at
16 years and 198 days the youngest player to appear for West Ham,coped well
in midfield. Nineteen year-old left-back Lewis Page enjoyed a sound debut
and centre-half Reece Burke, 18, had an effort cleared off the Lusitans line
11 minutes before half time.

In the build-up to this first qualifying tie the entire Hammers squad went
to Ireland but in separate training camps – one focusing on this
competition, the other on the Premier League. Despite such an early start to
their new campaign, the players appeared keen to catch the eye of their new
boss and dominated possession. The blew a string of chances, however, the
worst of which saw both Sakho and Mauro Zarate fail to make contact in front
of goal eight minutes in. Just after the half-hour, ring-rusty Sakho headed
over the bar with the goal at his mercy from point-blank range. But, five
minutes before the break he was back in the groove that saw him smash 12
goals in his first season at the club before injuries cut short his
campaign. Zarate sent in a precise cross from the right, Sakho stole into
space on the back post and the keeper was left with no chance. A minute into
injury time, the Senegal marksman was at it again, curling the ball low past
Lusitans keeper Jose Manuel Romero after being teed up by Morgan Amalfitano.
This season marks Lusitans' third attempt at the Europa League third
qualifying round. Even by half time it was becoming clear that they would
have to wait another 12 months.

The Andorran club formed just 16 years was taking on English opposition for
the very first time here. They won six of their seven home league games last
season and may well be better at their own place in a couple of weeks. They
can't possibly be much worse. The second half went much the same way as the
first. Four minutes in Romero saved three times in as many minutes, with one
of his stops from an
outrageous Amalfitano attempted lob. He had no chance, however, when the
Frenchman crossed inside the box for James Tomkins to power a header home.

Darren Lewis' player ratings:
Randolph 7, O'Brien 7 (Cullen 60), Tomkins 7, Burke 7, Page 7, Amalfitano 8,
Poyet 7, Oxford 7, Jarvis 7, Sakho 9 (Lee 62), Zarate 8 (Parfitt-Williams
75)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye transfer of Manuel Lanzini to be playmaker for Slaven Bilic's
new-look side
22:30, 2 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 22-year-old former River Plate midfielder could join from the UAE's Al
Jazira on loan with a view to buy PLUS: Latest on Hammers' defender search
The Mirror

West Ham have made a move for exciting Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini.
The 22-year-old plays for the Al Jazira club in the United Arab Emirates.
The Hammers are seeking a loan deal for next season with an option to buy
him if he impresses at Upton Park. West Ham want former River Plate man
Lanzini, who has impressed them with his dribbling ability, to give them
depth in their squad and fit in with the style of play that new manager
Slaven Bilic is hoping to bring to the Boleyn. Meanwhile, another Hammers
target, Aleksandar Dragovic, has admitted he is "ready for the next step" in
his career. The 24-year-old Dynamo Kiev defender, said: "I had a very good
year this year with Kiev, with many successes. I have developed myself again
and dare to say that I'm ready for the next step." West Ham have lined up
Dragovic as they have already been challenged by a number of clubs for the
services of Monaco centre-back Aymen Abdennour. Boss Bilic has also asked
his new employers to pursue another striker and the Hammers are in talks
with Roma over a loan deal for Mattia Destro.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dazzler Zarate shines as new Irons impress
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
Half time: Irons 2 Lusiantos 0

C AND H

Mauro Zarate, Reece Oxford and Matt Jarvis were the stand out performers as
the Irons went back to the West Ham Way to hold a 2-0 half time lead.

On a warm and hid night with the players barely back into the old routine,
the team were pushing the ball around on the deck from the start and looking
a million miles from the lump it and hump it we have seen for so long.

Zarate's jinking runs took him past players at will and he was regularly
fouled by a Lusiantos team with little to offer than a "bus " they parked at
the back.

Oxford, meanwhile was entirely composed and did indeed look like a younger
Rio Ferdinand as he sprayed simple balls left and right and took up god
defensive position.

Matt Jarvis on the left flank also went past men with ease and set up a
series of decent crosses before Sakho headed home in the 40th minute and
drilled home a second on half time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Oxford Watch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The youngest ever player to wear the Hammers first team shirt looked
everything we've been told about him. He was conned into a rash tackle early
on and earned himself a yellow in the process. Good lesson – he'll learn
from that! For the remainder of his time on the pitch he defied his 16 years
with an imperious performance which always saw him in time and space. Reece
tended to play the simple ball but already shows that he has a great
awareness of time and space. Anyone who was watching inside the ground or on
a stream could see this kid is going to be very big. He also found the time
to stride forward in the second half and fire a fine shot inches wide as he
grew more and more into the game. It's very easy indeed to see why the board
were determined to give him a massive deal to keep him out of the clutches
of Arsenal, Chelsea and the two Manchester sides. The lad looked a terrific
player in the making and there were moments when I thought I was watching
the the young Rio. Tomorrow morning the new kid on the block will take a
reality check on his surroundings as he makes his way back to school!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho grabs two in Irons stroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
Rob Shepherd
reporting from
Upton Park
C AND H

West Ham 3 FC Lusitans 0
The Slaven Bilic era at West Ham got off to a predictable winning start as
stiker Diafra Sakho sharpened his sword for the new season with two first
half goals.
It was never going to a mountain to climb against FC Lusitans of Andorra in
this first qualifying round of the Europa Cup. So it proved.
diafra-sakho-542296The second leg next week will rubber stamp West Ham's
place in the next phase of this gruelling process to make the Europa League
proper.
It could, should have been a bigger margin , but it was a decent display by
the Hammers considering most English teams only just started pre- season
training yet.
Certainly Slaven Bilic must have been satisfied with the attitude his
players showed. Without sweating it out on a sultry, humid night, they
applied themselves well against opponents who initially showed a a head of
steam but then run out of it.
Just before the kick off Bilic, with Hammers scarf draped around his
shoulder, was presented to the fans.
As the big man took a few strides onto the pitch the applause and cheers
were resounding. Rafa Benitez might well have been the board's number one
choice before Real Madrid came in but one gets the feeling that Bilic was
the choice of hardcore fans.
And how they tuned out in their numbers the Boleyn Ground in this its last
year before the move to Olympic Stadium . A full house was a fantastic
turn out considering the time of the year and the early stage of this
potentially marathon and oft maligned competition.
As promised Bilic after milking the acclaim with a broad smile and clapping
the crowd, took a seat in the stand so he could assess the mixture of first
teamers on their way back from injury and youngsters, while development
coach held the fort in the dug out.
A sensible move as Bilic, who flew back from the first team training camp in
Cork, seeks over the coming four weeks to assess as many players as he can
before the PL season kicks off at Arsenal on August.
In that respect this soon turned out to be a better test than had been
expected well in the first half at least.
FC Lusistans are a part time outfit from the tiny principality in the
Catalan region of Spain, but far from being a Sunday morning outfit they
looked sharp , well organized , and from time to time prepared to put their
foot in in the opening phase .
At times cynical too as young Reece Oxford …at 16 becoming the youngest
ever Hammer to appear in a competitive for the club…found out in the 26th
minute when he was suckered into a rash challenge by Aguilar who then made a
meal of it.
Oxford was shown the yellow card. Welcome the men's football sunshine. But
after a nervy start the England under 17 skipper playing as one of two deep
lying midfielders along side Diego Poyet gradually started to show flashes
of his ability to pull the strings.
It was Poyet though who was the more impressive and even if the club are on
the verge of signing Alex Song on a permanent deal, Gus Poyet's son, looks
to be ready to be in contention for a place in the first team on this
evidence.
After a difficult opening first half and hour it was Poyet who carved out
the first real opening when he showed the vision to spray the ball wide to
Morgan Amalfatino, who crossed first time but from close range Sakho headed
over.
But Sakho who missed much of the second half of the season with injury found
his range in the 40th minute when Mauro Zarate, back at the club after
former manager Sam Allardyce ignored him them farmed him out to QPR last
season, out to impress Bilic , showed good skill then put over an excellent
deep cross which Sakho did well to reach with his head and hammer into the
top corner.
Then just before the half time whistle Zarate showed more fine footwork to
release Amalfatino who crossed for Sakho to sweep home.
That will have boosted the club's top scorer with 10 last season he is over
his injury woes.
That broke the resistance of Lusitans and in the 55th minute James Tomkins
headed home from close range.
That gave Westley the chance to try out some more experiments from the bench
and look at Oxford at centre back.
In the end it became a bit of stroll but what more could anyone , even
Bilic, expect at this rudely early stage of the new season ?
It was a job well done if not the goalfest many of the Hammers fans who had
come out en masse had hope for. Perhaps in a way that was a good thing for
Bilic. There's no point in expectations reaching fever pitch in mid summer
heat. It's where West Ham under him will be mid season which will be more
relevant.
Teams ( 4-2-2-1-1) Randolph 6 O'Brien 6 Tomkins 7 Burke 6 ( Cullen 58 6 )
Page 7 : Poyet 7 Oxford 6 : Amalafitano 7 Jarvis 5 : Zarate 7
(Parfitt-Williams 6 ) : Sakho 8( Lee 61 …6)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav takes back seat and proves he's a BIG man
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has shown himself to be a very big man by taking a back seat
for tonight's game. He has decided to leave Terry Westley – who knows the
players who take on Lusiantos well – to run the dug out and it really does
take a big man to do such a thing. I'll be honest, had I taken over I'd have
wanted to be in charge and take any credit coming but that's obviously not
Slav's way. He's proving himself a top bloke from the start but it makes
perfect sense to allow the man who knows each of the players so well to take
charge.

It wasn't without significance for me that Slav appointed Julian Dicks to
his coaching staff. Everybody knows Dicksie will say what he thinks and
doesn't suck up to anyone. That Slav wants him alongside him shows he
doesn't surround himself with 'yes men.'

Everything that's happening feels really West Ham and it's brilliant that so
many kids are being given their chance. The manager will be in the stands
getting a much better view of them than he would from the dug out. Those
kids will have so much going for them tonight and I hope they don't freeze.
I don't expect them to and I expect us to win well. There will be a lot of
attention on Reece Oxford and we will all be hoping and praying the boy does
the business. He's a massive prospect but tonight it will all be about his
temperament. This is a wonderful start to a long campaign and I expect the
old stadium to be rocking tonight. There's no better place to be on any
night of the week – there's no atmosphere like itat any other ground in the
country and the excitement generated this summer is about to explode.

COYI.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: 'Slaven will bring back the 'West Ham Way'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has revealed exactly why the club finally settled on Slaven Bilic
as their manager. And he explained that although statistics associated with
such as Rafael Benitez and other top managers impress – the new manager's
passion and ability to bring back the West Ham Way were major influences in
their decision. He said: "Slaven ticked two important boxes. He is an ex
West Ham player. He as an amazing passionfor the club and knows the kind of
football that's required. The second very important tick as that Slaven was
the fans favourite for the job."

He told TalkSport: "It was clear when we interviewed him that he had this
passion. You can look at manager statistics but as a West Ham man there is a
determination for the club and a will to win in him which is incredibly
important."

DG added: He understands the West Ham Way which is actually a bit of
history. It's about Trevor Brooking or Alan Devonshire carrying the ball
from their own half and passing it through midfield rather than lumping it
upfield! "That's what the fans want to see again and that's what we believe
Slaven will bring to them."

On Sam Allardyce's departure he commented: "Sam did a great job – and he
achieved all we asked of him but I think four years was probably long enough
and if you ask him I think he will agree with that."

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Bilic blasted by Lusiens boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic was delighted with West Ham winning his first game in charge
but was blasted by opposite number Xavi Roura (right) after the Hammers ran
out 3-0 winners over Andorran minnows FC Lusitans. Roura claimed Bilic
showed " a lack of respect " for not taking a seat in the dug out preferring
instead to watch from the stands. Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect for
not taking his place on the bench. I am disappointed with with him and I
feel a club from home of football and fair play should have insisted he sat
there," said Roura. "I know he has won a lot of titles but not sitting on
the bench ; who does he think he is ? The Special One ? "Would I expect him
to sit on the bench in the game in Andorra next week. Yes he is the Wrest
Ham coach." Terry Westley, the Hammers development manager, who was on the
touchline instead laughed off Roura's blast and revealed Bilic, who flies
back to the Cork training camp on Friday morning, would NOT make the trip to
Andorra for the second leg next week. He said: "He can't be at two places at
once. He has alot of work to do with the first team squad .No he won't be
in Andorra. At this stage of the Europa Cup the Hammers are using a blend of
first team players on their way back to fitness and emerging young players.
Westley added: "It was always going to be this way. He only flew in from
Cork in the morning having been with the first team but Slaven was in the
dressing room before the game and gave a team talk. "He also presented Page
and Oxford with their debut shirt and made a little speech that they were
now following in the footsteps of men like Moore and Hurst, Lampard and
Ferdinand and told them now it was down to them to build their own legacy.
"After the game he was pleased with the outcome. His experience as national
coach of Croatia means he knows how tough teams from Andorra can be. "Look
how long they held England 0-0 a couple of years back and recently Wales
only beat them 2-1."

Westley insisted he was happy with the outcome saying: "I guess 4-0 with no
injuries would have been ideal, but 3-0 with no serious injuries …Zarate
had a slight knock …was good and the chance to bring one some more Acadamy
players from the bench which we were able to do. So it went pretty much to
plan." And Westley's verdict on 16 year old Reece Oxford : "He did ok. But
no more than ok. Early on he got caught on the ball and he was passing too
much across people but this is what he needs – a bit of toughening up. Of
Diego Poyet, Westley added : "He showed some composure and good positional
sense but he needed to make more killer passes, to find the wide men with
one sweeping pass rather than it take two or three passes with other for
him to get it there."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JUST WHO IS THIS WEST HAM-LINKED AFC WIMBLEDON TEEN ACE?
Date: 2nd July 2015 at 8:01 pm
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)
footballfancast.com

This report from the Daily Mail may have slipped a little under the radar.
The Hammers' potential move for Carl Jenkinson is not exactly a
ground-breaking story, but tapped on the end is talk of a trial for a
highly-rated youngster who goes by the name of Daniel Agyei. The 17-year-old
has been earning rave reviews for his showings in AFC Wimbledon's youth
ranks, where his talent has been becoming more and more obvious as the
months pass.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United have reportedly been quoted an asking price of £20 million
for Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic
Guardian

West Ham United have been halted in their pursuit of defender Aleksandar
Dragovic, as Dynamo Kiev say he will cost more than £20 million.
Dragovic, 24, joined Kiev from FC Basel in the summer of 2013 for just over
£6 million. But after an impressive two seasons in Ukraine, which saw him
start 45 games, Kiev believe his market value has more than trebled. This
has proved a setback for new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who is searching
for a top-class centre-back ahead of the new season and requested the
Hammers made an enquiry for Dragovic - according to the Daily Telegraph.
West Ham's options for a central defender now seem to be diminishing, as
they were recently quoted a similar price for Monaco's Aymen Abdennour.
However, the Hammers may now switch their attentions to a move for long-term
target Angelo Ogbonna of Juventus.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough to make staggering Downing offer
2 Jul 2015 18:20:00
Goal.com
By Graeme Bailey

Middlesbrough are putting together a staggering £70,000-a-week wage offer
over five years in a bid to tempt Stewart Downing away from West Ham, Goal
understands. It is thought that new Hammers manager Slaven Bilic would be
willing to consider Downing's sale at the right price - though the club's
hierarchy will not consider a sale unless an offer too good to turn down is
made. Sunderland - where Downing spent six weeks on loan in 2003 - are
monitoring the situation, while Leicester City are also putting a package
together in a bid to lure the 30-year-old to the King Power Stadium.
However, Middlesbrough are confident they can bring Downing back to his home
town club with an offer that would make him the highest-paid player in the
Championship. A source told Goal: "The offer is huge, they are very much in
contention now. The player has a big decision to make." Boro manager Aitor
Karanka wants Downing on board as the Championship club aims to overcome
last season's play-off final heartbreak and earn promotion to the top
flight. Downing, who turns 31 later in July, has not been included in the
starting line-up for Thursday night's Europa League qualifier against FC
Lusitans.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - West Ham United V FC Lusitans

Match preview - FC Lusitans
WHUFC.com

The background

West Ham United take their first steps into European competition for nine
years on Thursday when they welcome Andorran side FC Lusitans to the Boleyn
Ground for a UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie.

The Hammers last featured at continental level in a short-lived UEFA Cup
campaign in 2006/07, when Italian side Palermo triumphed 4-0 on aggregate
against the east Londoners at the first round stage.

On that occasion West Ham qualified for the competition by finishing as FA
Cup runners-up, while this time around their position at the head of the
Barclays Premier League's Fair Play League was enough to gain entry to the
Europa League at this early stage.

Slaven Bilic's men are among 102 sides who debut in this round, with West
Ham the top seeds. Their opponents qualified by virtue of finishing second
in the Andorra Primera Divisao and are searching for their first win in
Europe.

They were defeated 7-3 on aggregate by Faroese side EB/Streymur in their
last European tie – a 2013/14 UEFA Champions League first qualifying round
match – while eight European fixtures have brought them seven defeats and a
draw.

The history

West Ham are emarking on their seventh European campaign this year, having
competed four times in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and twice in the UEFA Cup
previously.

Their glory days in Europe have come in the Cup Winners' Cup, with a title
to the Club's name in 1964/65, as well as an appearance in the 1975/76 final
and 1965/66 semi-finals.

More recently, the battled through three rounds of the UEFA Intertoto Cup to
earn a spot in the UEFA Cup, where they defeated Croatian outfit Osijek
before the run was ended by Steaua Bucharest.

Lusitans' European pedigree is more limited. Founded in 1999, they soon
progressed to the top of Andorran football and won the title in both 2011/12
and 2012/13, They have appeared in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA
Champions League twice before, exiting in the first qualifying round on all
four occasions.

Team news

West Ham United

Academy Manager Terry Westley, who will be in the dugout for this fixture,
has already named his team, with Darren Randolph debuting in goal. Joey
O'Brien, James Tomkins, Reece Burke and Lewis Page will play across the
back, with Matt Jarvis, Diego Poyet, Reece Oxford and Morgan Amalfitano in
front of them. Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate will lead the line up front.

That means first team debuts for Page and Oxford, who at 16 years and 198
days old will become the Club's youngest ever players. There is also a
return for Mauro Zarate following his loan at Queens Park Rangers, while
James Tomkins captains the team.

FC Lusitans

The Andorrans' squad contains their country's most experienced international
in Oscar Sonejee, who possesses 101 caps. Other notable players include
defender Edu Moya, who played in the Spanish top flight for Recreativo de
Huelva between 2006-08, and Sierra Leone international Alfi Conteh-Lacalle,
who came through the Barcelona academy. His manager Xavi Roura was also a
product of Barca.

Match facts

The match officials for Thursday's game are all from Latvia. Vadims
Direktorenko, 34, is the man with the whistle.
Three West Ham United players will make their debuts for the Club on
Thursday – Darren Randolph, Lewis Page and Reece Oxford.
Lusitans have conceded 33 goals in their eight matches in European
competition, hitting the net four times themselves.
Three of those four goals came in their last tie, a 7-3 aggregate defeat to
EB/Streymur in which they held a 2-0 lead at one point.
They won twelve of their 20 league games last season, scoring an impressive
53 goals in the process.
Betting

The Club's Principal Partner Betway have over 100 markets on the game. Check
out their betting preview here.
Tickets, Travel, Weather & TV Coverage

Standard tickets for this game have SOLD OUT. However, a limited number of
hospitality packages remain. Click here for full details.
whufc.com will be streaming the game exclusively live and free! Full details
can be found here.
No closures are planned on the Underground lines serving Upton Park. At
present, a good service is also anticipated on Greater Anglia and c2c
services.
Sunny intervals are expected around time of kick-off, with temperatures of
23C/73F
Please be aware that alcohol will not be sold at the concourse concessions
in accordance with UEFA regulations.

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Westley to play key role in Europa League opener
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Academy Manager & Head of Coaching and Player Development
Terry Westley is set to play a key role in Thursday's UEFA Europa League
first qualifying round first leg against FC Lusitans of Andorra. Westley
took training as a mixture of senior professionals and Development Squad
players prepared for the season opener on a week-long training camp in
Ireland, with new manager Slaven Bilic linking up with the squad last
Friday. The squad of players for Thursday's game returned to Chadwell Heath
on Monday while Bilic has remained in Cork as the remaining senior players
arrive for their own start to pre-season.

Westley will be in the dugout on Thursday but Bilic will fly back to London
to watch on as his team begin their European adventure at the Boleyn Ground.
Westley explained: "First of all I'd like to welcome the new manager and his
staff to the Club. When there was a change in management at the end of last
season and we knew that we had qualified for Europe, we couldn't just sit
back and not do anything. We had to put plans in place. "With the other
senior staff, we've done that looking towards the European fixture so early,
and great credit to those staff. It will be a privilege and an honour to
play a role on Thursday, and when you think the game will be a sell-out it
shows that it has caught the imagination of everyone. "I see my role as
helping Slaven integrate with the group and the team, making that
transition as smooth as possible and he will come back for the game on
Thursday. He's the manager. "He's very interested in seeing some of the
younger players and he's also got some senior players in this team, who will
be part of his squad that he'll want to keep a close eye on. He will be
with the team and in the dressing room and a big part of what we're trying
to do on Thursday. "We're doing all we can to support him and our job is to
get over the first qualifying round. With the manager integrating his staff
and senior players who are in Ireland, that's a win-win. We need to make the
integration as seamless as possible."

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Tomkins hails Boleyn sell-out
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins cannot wait to lead West Ham United out into a sold-out Boleyn
Ground on Thursday evening. The Academy graduate has been granted the honour
of captaining the side in their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
first leg clash with FC Lusitans. With not a seat to be had, the centre-back
says the Hammers' return to continental competition at the start of the
historic Farewell Boleyn season will be a memorable occasion. "I'm hugely
excited, as playing in Europe is massive," the No5 confirmed. "We all want
to play on the top stage, playing against teams from different countries,
different cultures, it can only improve you as a player and develop you, so
we are all really excited, for the youngster it's an opportunity. "There are
35,000 people coming to the match. Not many other teams would sell that many
tickets for a Europa League game. "It's a cliché but we are taking each game
as it comes. This is the Europa League and is a competition we want to do
well in. We are looking forward to Thursday, to starting the season well
"This is the last season at Upton Park, so we want to send it off in the
best way possible and the Europa League is the start of it."

Tomkins dismissed any suggestion that returning to action just 39 days after
the end of the 2014/15 season will place added pressure on the West Ham
squad. Instead, the Essex-born player says he and his teammates are
relishing competition football at a time of year when they would normally be
flying to far-flung destinations for pre-season training camps and friendly
matches. The defender will lead a team that includes a smattering of senior
stars, including Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate, alongside a number of the
Club's outstanding young professionals. "It's definitely a bonus to be
getting that competitiveness so early in year," he confirmed. "To have a
team which is a mix between seniors and youngsters is brilliant for the
lads. "For the youngsters to play in such a big game is massive for their
development. Us seniors will try to help them along, as it's brilliant to
play in these kind of matches."

New manager Slaven Bilic will be observing from the stand as Tomkins and the
Europa League first qualifying round squad concentrate on beating the
Andorran Primera Divisio runners-up. The Croatian has asked Academy Manager
Terry Westley to take the team on Thursday, but the defender knows the new
boss will be watching proceedings carefully. "At the minute, the Gaffer is
training with the other group in Cork and the lads are saying how good
training is," Tomkins confirmed. "All good managers have that presence. As
soon as they come into the room you can hear a pin drop at times and that is
the kind of presence he has got. "I have met him myself briefly and he's
really excited to be involved with us this year, he has stated that in the
press. I'm looking forward to working with him. "The manager is someone who
has made a great name for himself here. The fans loved him and he will be
warmly introduced to everyone on Thursday. "We are all looking forward to
working with him."

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Europa League live on whufc.com!
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Thursday's UEFA Europa League
clash with FC Lusitans will be streamed live on whufc.com!
Supporters all over the world will be able to enjoy exclusive coverage of
the Hammers' first European match in nine years, completely FREE of charge
on the Official Website, brought to you by the Club's principal partners
Betway. The broadcast of the first qualifying round first leg meeting with
the Andorran club will begin at 7.30pm, enabling fans everywhere to enjoy
the build-up at a sold-out Boleyn Ground. With new manager Slaven Bilic also
set to be introduced to the crowd shortly before kick-off, the worldwide
Claret and Blue Army will be able to be part of the start of the historic
Farewell Boleyn season. Commentary will be provided by experienced UEFA
commentator Rob Daly, with expert analysis from former Hammers winger Stuart
Slater.

West Ham United Managing Director Angus Kinnear said he was delighted that
the Club's wider fanbase would be able to join 35,000 fans inside the
stadium in embarking on what will be a memorable 2015/16 campaign. "Everyone
at the Club has been bowled over by the amazing interest and enthusiasm
shown by supporters for what promises to be an emotional, unforgettable
season, starting with our UEFA Europa League visit of FC Lusitans" said
Kinnear. "Ever since the draw was made, we have been inundated with
enquiries about tickets from fans all over the world, and to completely sell
out the Boleyn Ground just shows what a special group our supporters are.
"For those unable to attend in person, we were determined to make sure our
fans were able to enjoy the game and, thanks to the backing of our principal
partner Betway, they will be able to do so on whufc.com, completely free of
charge. "A year from now we will be moving to our new Stadium and the
support for this fixture only reconfirms our confidence that we will be
roared on by 54,000 fans when we get there."

The Club's new digital platform was re-launched in February 2015, providing
users with a modern, fully-responsive website fit for a leading Barclays
Premier League club. By visiting whufc.com regularly, fans can enjoy
breaking news, views and the very latest exclusive behind-the-scenes
content, including free West Ham TV for all.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley reveals Europa League line-up
WHUFC.com

The past, present and future will all be evident as West Ham United return
to European football at a sold-out Boleyn Ground on Thursday evening. The
Hammers kick-off the final season at their historic home by hosting Andorran
side FC Lusitans in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round – the
Club's first European tie in nine years. Westley – taking the team on the
night at the request of new manager Slaven Bilic, who will watch from the
stands – revealed that 16-year-old Reece Oxford, 18-year-old Lewis Page and
summer signing Darren Randolph will be handed first-team debuts alongside
captain James Tomkins and fellow first-team stars Diafra Sakho, Morgan
Amalfitano, Matt Jarvis, Joey O'Brien and Mauro Zarate. Centre-back Reece
Burke and midfielder Diego Poyet will also be involved as West Ham embark on
an eleven-month Farewell Boleyn season in front of 35,000 fans, and Westley
says his players are relishing the experience. "This match is a vital
ingredient for their progression and that's all they crave – an opportunity
to play in this sort of match," Westley explained. "The team will be Darren
Randolph in goal, Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins as captain, Reece Burke who
has played the last five games in the Premier League, and a young Under-21
left-back Lewis Page, who we like. "In front of them will be Morgan
Amalfitano, Matt Jarvis, Diego Poyet and Reece Oxford at 16 years of age,
and up front Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho.

West Ham return to action just 39 days after the 2014/15 season ended at
Newcastle United, but Westley insists the Hammers are fresh, fit and
prepared for the challenge of facing a virtually unknown opponent in the
Andorran Primera Divisio runners-up. "The Club has been very pro-active and
the senior management team and myself as a coach have put the plans in place
for Europe and decided which players came back earlier and which ones
didn't," he explained. "We looked at players who have had injuries and
hadn't taken part in the latter part of last season and those who hadn't
played 15 first-team games and put a group together to report back on 22
June. "We had ten days to prepare for the game, while the work they were
sent home with for the summer was meant to keep them fit, so it was all put
in place to make it an easier transition when a new manager was put in
place. "We had a training camp and pre-season organised and it's worked
well. A group went over to Cork to prepare for this game and has flown back,
while the rest of the senior players have gone away with Slaven to prepare
for the start of the Premier League season."

While Westley will sit in the dugout, Bilic has been involved in the
planning for the Europa League opener since his return to east London three
weeks ago, and the Academy Manager expects the new boss to receive a
terrific welcome when he is introduced to the crowd on Thursday. "We've got
a match in front of 35,000 people who cannot wait to see the team, have not
seen European football for nearly ten years and cannot wait to see Slaven,"
he confirmed. "Slaven will be here, he has been with the team in Cork so he
knows the players and we have spoken about the team, so it's very much his
first game too. "There will be a full house and I think the reception Slaven
will get will be huge, even bigger than the one he or anyone else expects.
There is a really good atmosphere around the Club at the moment and I think
the place will be jumping."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Slaven Bilic to watch Lusitans Europa tie from stand
BBC.co.uk
Europa League first qualifying round: West Ham v Lusitans
Venue: Upton Park Date: Thursday, 2 July
Kick-off: 19:45 BST Coverage: Live radio commentary (UK only) on BBC London
94.9 and report on BBC Sport website

New West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic will not be in charge of the team
for Thursday's Europa League qualifier, with academy boss Terry Westley
naming the team to face Andorra's Lusitans. Bilic replaced Sam Allardyce
last month but will only be in the stands for the sell-out game at Upton
Park. The 46-year-old Croat will be introduced to the crowd on the pitch.
Westley has already named his team for the first leg, 40 days after the end
of the 2014-15 Premier League season. Several first-team regulars including
defender James Tomkins, midfielders Morgan Amalfitano and Matt Jarvis and
striker Diafra Sakho will start. West Ham, who finished 12th in the Premier
League under Allardyce last season, reached Europe through the Fair Play
League. They were awarded a place in the first qualifying round before
former Hammers defender Bilic was appointed. Former Luton and Derby manager
Westley said plans were put in place for the first qualifying round tie
before Bilic's arrival. "You find you're in Europe so someone has to put a
plan together," Westley, 55, added. "We've had to be proactive to put a plan
together very quickly as we didn't know whether we would be in Europe until
after the last game. 'We knew what the group would consist of. "It was to
make a smooth transition for when the manager was put in place."

Westley has been working with the squad available for Thursday's game for
the past 10 days. Highly-rated youngsters Reece Burke, Reece Oxford and
Lewis Page joined up with some senior players who missed the end of the
campaign through injury. The return leg against Lusitans, who finished
second in Andorra's top flight last season, takes place on 9 July. Lusitans,
founded in 1999, have competed in qualifying for the Champions League and
Europa League but have yet to win a European game.

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West Ham v Lusitanos preview: Hammers begin Europa League qualifying
campaign
Last Updated: 01/07/15 7:16pm
SSN

West Ham begin their 2015/16 campaign on Thursday evening when they host FC
Lusitanos in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier.
The Hammers enter in the first qualifying round by virtue of topping the
Fair Play League, and host the Andorran side in their first European tie in
nine years. New boss Slaven Bilic will not be taking the reins for the first
time, but will watch from the stands as academy manager Terry Westley takes
charge on Thursday. West Ham face a long road to reach the group stage of
the competition – if they see off Lusitanos over two legs they'll face two
more qualifying rounds before a final play-off to enter the competition
proper.

Team news

Westley has already revealed his team for Thursday evening's encounter, and
the Hammers have a mixture of youth and experience in their starting XI. New
signing Darren Randolph makes his debut in goal for the hosts, with
youngsters Lewis Page and Reece Oxford also handed first-team debuts. Diafra
Sakho and Mauro Zarate lead a strong attack, while James Tomkins will
captain the side from the centre of defence.

Opta facts

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between an English and an
Andorran side.
West Ham are making their first foray in to Europe since 2006-07, when they
got knocked out of the UEFA Cup at the first round stage against Palermo.
West Ham have failed to find the net in each of their last four European
matches.
FC Lusitanos' previous record in European qualifiers is W0 D1 L7; scoring
just four goals and conceding 33.
Lusitanos have conceded at least five goals in all four of their previous
European qualifiers away from home.
Just one of the 46 European qualifying matches played by an Andorran side
since 2008/09 has seen them pick up a victory.

Betting

West Ham are just 1/100 to kick off their Europa League campaign with a
victory over rank outsiders FC Lusitanos. 4-0 and 5-0 are consider the most
likely scorelines in favour of the Hammers, who are considered 50/1 chances
to win the competition, the same price as their Andorran visitors are just
to win on the night. Diafra Sakho is the 9/4 favourite in the first
goalscorer market followed by Mauro Zarate at 5/2, while Alfi Conteh is
rated the visitors' biggest threat at 18/1 to net first.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks to lead young West Ham side into Europe
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins will lead West Ham United as captain for the first time when
FC Lusitanos visit Upton Park on Thursday evening. The 25-year-old central
defender has been handed the role ahead of West Ham's first sojourn into
European competition for the first time in eight years. Tomkins will lead an
extremely young team against the Andorran side, in front of a capacity crowd
at the Boleyn Ground. Howver a number of established first first team
players - including Diafra Sakho, Matt Jarvis and Joey O'Brien - will also
be involved.
Although Slaven Bilic will be present at the ground the team will be led by
new Academy director Terry Westley, who recently ousted club legend Tony
Carr from the post. Speaking this morning, Westley admitted that his team
had been put together fairly hastily. "We've had to be proactive to put a
plan together very quickly as we didn't know whether we would be in Europe
until after the last game," he said. "Our preparations in Cork have gone
very well. We've got some very exciting young players coming through. Lewis
Page and Reece Oxford will get their opportunities tomorrow. "Blooding young
players is crucial. Lewis and Reece haven't played for the first team yet.
We've got other players on the bench too."

The confirmed starting XI for tomorrow night's game is as follows: Darren
Randolph; Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins, Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Lewis
Page; Morgan Amalfitano, Diego Poyet, Matt Jarvis; Diafra Sakho, Mauro
Zarate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Tomkins hails 'huge honour'
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st July 2015
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins says that to captain West Ham for the first time against FC
Lusitanos tomorrow night will be "a huge honour". The 26-year-old defender
has been named skipper for the first leg of the Europa League first round
qualifying tie against FC Lusitanos of Andorra. And despite giving up his
annual holiday to do so, Tomkins admits that captaining the club in front of
a packed Boleyn crowd makes it all worthwhile. "I'm very excited to play in
Europe. It's my first time, and to be captain is obviously a huge honour,"
he told the media this morning. "Not many teams can sell out a Europa League
fixture, but we have and that's excellent. It shows the passion our fans
have for Europe. Normally I'd be on holiday, but I'd much rather be playing.

"I can't wait to get going again. As this is the last season at Upton Park
we want to make it as special as possible and the Europa League is a great
way of doing that."

Tomkins - who has been with West Ham since being spotted at the age of seven
- also revealed that he was pleased by the new managerial appointment - even
if Slaven Bilic will merely be an interested onlooker tomorrow night. "He's
obviously a very popular figure here at West Ham," said Tomkins, "and I'm
looking forward to working with him."

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Hammers to stream tomorrow's game on WHTV
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 1, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

UEFA LEagueThe club has confirmed that tomorrow night's game against FC
Lusitans will be streamed live on whufc.com!

The broadcast of the first qualifying round first leg meeting with the
Andorran club will begin at 7.30pm, enabling fans everywhere to enjoy the
build-up.

Commentary will be provided by experienced UEFA commentator Rob Daly, with
expert analysis from former Hammers winger Stuart Slater.

West Ham United Managing Director Angus Kinnear said he was delighted that
the Club's wider fanbase would be able to join 35,000 fans inside the
stadium in embarking on what will be a memorable 2015/16 campaign.

"Everyone at the Club has been bowled over by the amazing interest and
enthusiasm shown by supporters for what promises to be an emotional,
unforgettable season, starting with our UEFA Europa League visit of FC
Lusitans" said Kinnear.

"Ever since the draw was made, we have been inundated with enquiries about
tickets from fans all over the world, and to completely sell out the Boleyn
Ground just shows what a special group our supporters are.

"For those unable to attend in person, we were determined to make sure our
fans were able to enjoy the game and, thanks to the backing of our principal
partner Betway, they will be able to do so on whufc.com, completely free of
charge.

"A year from now we will be moving to our new Stadium and the support for
this fixture only reconfirms our confidence that we will be roared on by
54,000 fans when we get there."

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Europa league game could yet be screened live
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Negotiations are said to ongoing whether Thursday night's Europa League game
against will be televised LIVE on TV. West Ham Media officer Rob Pritchard
was asked on social media on Tuesday night whether Thursday's game will be
broadcast LIVE on TV he replied: "Discussions are ongoing. We will announce
as soon as confirmed on official platforms" BT Sport won the UK TV rights
for both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League football, following a
tender process in which BT won the exclusive live broadcast rights after
paying £897 million to televise all 351 matches from both tournaments. The
rights run for three seasons from 2015/16. The match sold out today to
35,000 West Ham fans but many more are desperate to watch the Hammers first
game in Europe for nine years.

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Slaven in stands for Lusitans!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 1, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Academy manager Terry Westley (right) will take charge of the team for
tomorrow night's Europa Cup clash against Lusitans. Slave Bilic was expected
to take the team against the Andorran league runners-up in the first leg of
the first qualifying round but he is currently in Ireland, where he is
overseeing a training camp with some of the club's first-team players.
But according to national reports he will return for the tie at Upton Park
but it will be Westley who is in charge in the dugout. The lineup will be
made up of a mixture of first-team players and under-21s. Bilic is expected
to watch from the stands. Westley said: "When there was a change in
management at the end of last season and we knew that we had qualified for
Europe [via the Fair Play League], we couldn't just sit back and not do
anything. We had to put plans in place. " It will be a privilege and an
honour to play a role on Thursday and when you think the game will be a
sellout, it shows that it has caught the imagination of everyone. "I see my
role as helping Slaven integrate with the group and the team, making that
transition as smooth as possible and he will come back for the game on
Thursday. He's the manager. "He's very interested in seeing some of the
younger players and he's also got some senior players in this team, who will
be part of his squad that he'll want to keep a close eye on. He will be with
the team and in the dressing room and a big part of what we're trying to do
on Thursday. "We're doing all we can to support him and our job is to get
over the first qualifying round. With the manager integrating his staff

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DG: "This is a fantastic moment for everybody"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 1, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has hailed tomorrow evening (Thurs) as a massive moment for the
co owners and fans – particularly those who have never enjoyed a European
night under the Boleyn lights.
And although Lusiantos are hardly the strongest opposition in the world he
believes a sell-out crowd is a triumph of hope and optimism for the West Ham
faithful. He said:"It's a fantastic moment particularly for all of those
youngsters and other fans who have never been here before. It's a special
moment for David and myself as we have never been involved in European
football. It will be a special night for us both. "The fans have clearly
made this an even by snapping up every ticket. There really is a new air
around the club and we are looking to get a big result."Although Lusiantos
are hardly a world power we will treat them with respect as they will want
to make an impression on what they will see as very big opposition." Looking
ahead to the Premier League campaign he said:"I believe West Ham are at the
start of something very big – we want the big five looking over their
shoulders and saying: "Watch it West Ham are coming for us."

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Oxford to break Hammers 93 year old record
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 1, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Young Hammer Reece Oxford will enter the West Ham record books as the
youngest ever first team player at 16 years and 198 days when he takes to
the field tomorrow in the Europa League first leg tie. Oxford will beat the
previously record set 93 years ago when Billy Williams debuted against
Blackpool on 6th May 1922. Oxford signed his first professional contract
earlier this season, snubbing interest from many of the Premier League's big
names. The central defender has been likened to Rio Ferdinand and has been
tipped to be a future England international.

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Slaven Bilic's decision to watch West Ham's Europa League opener from stands
defended by academy boss
Evening STandard
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Published: 01 July 2015 Updated: 14:14, 01 July 2015

New West Ham coach Slaven Bilic will watch the club's opening Europa League
game against Andorran side FC Lusitans from the stands, a decision that has
been defended by academy manager Terry Westley. The Hammers will play
Lusitans in the first-leg of their first qualifying round tie at the Boleyn
Ground on Thursday after being awarded a place in the Europa League for
topping the Premier League Fair Play table last season. Bilic - who was
confirmed as the east London side's new manager in early June - has spent
the past week in Ireland overseeing a training camp with the squad. Players
involved in the game against Lusitans returned to London on Tuesday while
Bilic stayed behind to continue working with senior members of the squad,
although he is expected to fly back to watch the team's Europa League
opener. With Westley filling in on Bilic's behalf, the academy manager has
defended the former Croatia coach's decision to delay taking charge of his
first game at Upton Park despite a sell-out crowd expected on Thursday. "You
find you're in Europe so someone has to put a plan together," he said.
"We've had to be proactive to put a plan together very quickly as we didn't
know whether we would be in Europe until after the last game "We knew what
the group would consist of. It was to make a smooth transition for when the
manager was put in place." Although he will not be in the dugout for the
game against Lusitans, Bilic revealed he wanted the team to do well in the
Europa League. However, the 46-year-old admitted he would not risk the club
having a poor start to the Premier League season as a result of their
European commitments.

The Hammers will play Arsenal in their opening match of the new domestic
campaign at the Emirates Stadium on August 8

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: We are hungry for Europa League despite early
start
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 01 July 2015 Updated: 11:40, 01 July 2015

Shirley Austin has seen 10 managers come and go at West Ham during 35 years
working in the players' restaurant. So what does she think about manager
No11 — Slaven Bilic "I liked him when he was a player here," says Shirley.
"He was popular, considerate. He even gave me one of his Croatia shirts — I
still have it somewhere." Time will tell if Bilic, a West Ham centre-half
from 1996-97, will be as popular this time. The 46-year-old has little time
to make sure his feet are comfortably under the table. Bilic's first match
in charge is tomorrow, when West Ham host Andorran side FC Lusitans in the
first qualifying round of the Europa League — and he is excited about the
challenges ahead. "We will treat the Europa League with respect," says
Bilic. "It's great for the club, great for the fans, great for the players —
everybody. "We have to start very early, though, and we won't jeopardise our
preparation for the start of the Premier League on August 8. We have to be
careful. We are favourites against Lusitans and it will be a good chance for
some who do not play regularly — and some youngsters. "We are hungry for
European nights, especially at Upton Park, but we must be very careful not
to call upon players who played so many games last season. It would maybe be
good at the start of the season but by the end it would be totally negative.
We are going to find the balance."

Bilic spent the weekend assessing part of his squad during a camp in Ireland
which involved a mixture of development and senior players. Most of the rest
of the squad resumed training this week and Bilic expects all to be at peak
fitness in time for the opening match in the Premier League, at Arsenal.
The FA Cup holders strengthened this week by signing goalkeeper Petr Cech
from Chelsea and more arrivals will follow before the season kicks off.
"It's a very difficult start but, on the other hand, it is good," says
Bilic. "This League is well known for the fact that there are no easy games
here. "Our first three away games are Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester
City. Our first three home games are Leicester, Bournemouth and Newcastle
which are also difficult — but perhaps promising. "I'm happy. We have a
great game with which to start — Arsenal away — and history says it is
better to play them now than November. "It is not extremely difficult, it is
not extremely light. It could be better but this is the Premier League and
sooner or later we have to play all the teams twice." Since retiring as a
player, Bilic is best known for leading Croatia to the quarter-finals of
Euro 2008 and he has also managed three clubs, Besiktas in Turkey being his
last.

Bilic is a manager who embraces the modern game yet you sense it is
tradition and history which really matter to him. "It brought back good
memories, coming back to Chadwell Heath after all that time," says Bilic
(right). "Shirley is still here — unbelievable! It is a lot different to 20
years ago. It is good — very traditional, it's got something and I like
that.
"You have to find the balance between the stuff you need in modern football
like sports science but also it is important not to lose touch with football
— the smell of the pitch, even the canteen. "My over-riding emotion now is
excitement. This is a great League and this is my club, a great club. Don't
get me wrong. I enjoyed my two years in Turkey immensely — I can only
imagine that this will be like it was there. "After Besiktas, though, this
is the place I wanted to be and I'm so glad, so proud — I can't wait."

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TV / Live stream update - West Ham vs FC Lusitans
by WHUFCTV.com on July 1st, 2015

West Ham may only be playing little known Andorran side FC Lusitans on
Thursday night, but the match at Upton Park is already a sell-out The
impressive ticket sales along with thousands of fans asking the club (and
us) if the game is being show live, has caused some late panic at Upton Park
as the club attempt to get the game shown live to fans who can't make it to
Upton Park on Thursday evening. Reports emerged late last night that claim
talks are ongoing between the club and a television broadcaster and
television broadcaster BT Sport, to try and get the game shown live on tele.
But WHUFCTV.com understands that although BT Sport now own the rights to
televise all 351 matches from both the Europa League and Champions League
competitions ?from 2015/16, the rights to the first qualifying round belong
to the home side.

Also, the ever reliable @ExWHUemployee has revealed to us that the club are
attempting to have Thursday's game against ?FC Lusitans broadcast live on
the club's official website. Ex confirmed that there has been discussions at
the club to have the game show on TV, but this is now believed to be
unlikely unless a TV broadcaster realises that the demand for the game is
extremely high.

An announcement either way is expected from the club today (Wednesday) to
let fans who can't make it to The Boleyn Ground on Thursday night know if
they will be able to watch the game.

If all else fails, you can listen to the game live on BBC London 94.9.

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