Daily WHUFC News - 19th July 2015

Peerless Payet peels Shrimpers
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet was the undoubted star of the show as West Ham United scored
an entertaining 3-2 pre-season win at Southend United on Saturday. The
France international scored two outstanding goals to cap a virtuoso
performance at Roots Hall, the first an unstoppable free-kick and the second
an accurate finish into the bottom corner. Payet also played a central role
in the winner, too, collecting the ball inside the penalty area, beating his
man, crossing and forcing Luke Prosser to put the ball into his own net. The
opening half was a thrill-a-minute affair. West Ham controlled the early
part of the match, with full debutant Stephen Hendrie going closest when he
stabbed Payet's through-ball a yard past the far post. Having survived a
flurry of Hammers corners, Southend took an unexpected lead on 20 minutes
when Darren Randolph failed to gather a deep John White cross and Kevan
Hurst fired home via a slight deflection. Payet then took centre-stage,
stepping up to curl in an unstoppable 25-yard free-kick into the top corner
after White had brought down the lively Martin Samuelsen. For minutes later,
the No10 was at it again, slotting a superb finish inside the left upright
after Samuelsen's initial shot had been blocked. Roared on by 1,500-plus
fans packed into the old North Bank, West Ham looked set to take total
control of the game, only for Southend to get back on level terms four
minutes before half-time.

A cross was allowed to travel all the way over Randolph to the far post and
Anthony Wordsworth, who controlled and centred for Jack Payne, who headed
into the unguarded net. Into the second half and West Ham went ahead for a
second time on 56 minutes, with Payet the architect, dropping his shoulder
and firing in a low cross which Prosser could only stab past Play-Off final
hero Daniel Bentley and into his own net. To complete an outstanding debut,
the former Marseille man played in Cheikhou Koyuyate – making his first
appearance of the pre-season – but the big Senegal midfielder saw his low
shot well saved by Bentley. A short time later Payet, fellow debutant Angelo
Ogbonna, the returning Kouyate, Samuelsen and Stephen Hendrie were among six
players replaced, with youngsters Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen and Friday night
Development Squad scorer Nathan Mavila among those to come on.

Southend manager Phil Brown also chopped and changed his lineup and with so
many substitutions, the game lost its flow and pattern to a great extent.
Sakho and Maiga combined twice late on, but the former shot into the side
netting before sending a looping header onto the roof of the net. To be fair
to them Southend kept going until the final whistle and fired a couple of
efforts of their own over Randolph's crossbar, but it was the Hammers who
held on comfortably to secure their first pre-season success. The Hammers
will return to action as soon as Tuesday evening, when Bilic will take his
squad up the A12 to face another Essex-based League One side in Colchester
United. Kick-off at the Weston Homes Community Stadium is at 7.45pm.

West Ham United: Randolph, Pike, Collins (c), Ogbonna (Oxford 60), Hendrie
(Page 60), Poyet, Kouyate (Nasha 60), Payet (Cullen 60), Parfitt-Williams
(Mavila 60), Samuelsen (Maiga 60), Sakho
Sub not used: Spiegel

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Payet delighted with debut brace
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet said he was delighted with a brace on his
Hammers debut. The Frenchman was in sparking form by the seaside as he
capped an impressive debut off with two excellent goals against Southend
United. Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old said: "I'm very happy to
score two goals on my debut. "It's important for me because it's my first
game in England and I want to make a good first impression." Payet's brace
helped the Irons to a deserved 3-2 win over League One outfit Southend
United, although the Claret and Blues were made to work hard as they fell
behind in the early exchanges. The creative midfielder's first goal came
after superb work by youngster Martin Samuelsen, who beat two men before
being fouled on the edge of the box, up-stepped the man of the moment to
dispatch the free-kick inside the left-hand post. His second goal of the
game came shortly after from a similar distance, he pounced on a loose ball
on the edge of the box and guided it past Dan Bentley. The travelling
Hammers supporters gleefully sang 'Dimitri Payet, he scores when he wants!'
He continued by saying: "My first goal was a free-kick. Martin did very
well. I got an opportunity, I knew where I was going to put it and it worked
for me. "For the second goal, the ball came to me, I had a little bit of
time and space, so I thought 'Why not?'"

On a positive day all round for the Hammers, which saw a number of
impressive performances, Payet said he hoped this was just the start of a
prosperous relationship with his fellow attackers. "I enjoyed playing with
Diafra and all my new teammates. We are not as sharp as we can be, but we
will improve. I think we can be very good. "I don't think I'm far away from
being fully fit but it depends on how many games I play. I want to play as
much as possible. "Hopefully today was just the first two goals of many for
West Ham."

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Woods - 'Dimitri played exceptionally well'
WHUFC.com

Chris Woods says the West Ham United coaching staff cannot help but be
excited by the way the Hammers are playing in pre-season. The goalkeeping
coach spoke to West Ham TV following Saturday's thrilling 3-2 pre-season
victory at Southend United – a game in which debutant Dimitri Payet scored
two spectacular goals and set up the Hammers' own-goal winner. Woods
admitted the Hammers would still need to work on their defending ahead of
the start of the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign, but said the
overall feeling among the backroom team was one of real optimism. "It was
definitely an entertaining game," said the former England goalkeeper. "When
you play teams like Southend, they make it difficult for you and they want
to come out and prove something. "We just had to come out and do the
professional thing and we obviously went a goal behind, but Dimitri played
exceptionally well, played a number of really telling passes and scored two
great goals."

With six goals scored in their opening two pre-season matches, Woods said
manager Slaven Bilic and his staff were pleased with the number of
opportunities the players are creating. "I think that's what it is all
about, creating chances, and everybody says that if you are creating chances
you are in the right place on the pitch," he continued. "With somebody who
can see a pass like Dimitri did, that's a forward's delight. It's the first
time we have really seen him on the pitch and if the forwards can make the
runs, they will love that and it's really good to see."

After two weeks when one half of the squad was based in Ireland and the
other was concentrating on UEFA Europa League football, the group came
together in full on Monday. "It has been a little bit different but it is
what it is and we have to do the best that we possibly can. Everybody has
bonded together and made the most of an awkward situation at times."

With all the players now working under the eye of Bilic and his staff, Woods
says the coaches can start working out exactly what areas need improving and
the strengths that already exist. "Obviously we are looking to improve all
the time and we will use this period of the pre-season to iron a few things
out," he added. "The manager needs to explain what he is looking for and
that takes some time, as well.
"From a defensive point of view, it's nice to keep clean sheets but at the
same time it's nice for the defence and goalkeeper to get some work in in
these sorts of games. "I think clean sheets and saves build confidence and
they are what we are working towards."

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Inverness or FC Astra await in third qualifying round
WHUFC.com

West Ham United or Birkirkara have been drawn to face the winners of the
second qualifying round tie between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and FC
Astra of Romania in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Friday's
draw in Nyon set up the potential all-Britain tie, although the Scottish Cup
winners face a tough task to turn their match around having been defeated
1-0 by Astra in Inverness on Thursday.
The Hammers, meanwhile, will take a 1-0 advantage to Malta in their second
leg as they aim to take another step towards the group stages.
Should West Ham progress, they have been drawn to play the first leg at home
on Thursday 30 July, with the return leg coming seven days later, subject to
any reversal of the tie. Inverness Caledonian Thistle are in their first
ever European campaign, having qualified by lifting the Cup last season.
Their Caledonian Stadium holds 7,800 and Kenny Cameron's men will be aiming
for another strong season having finished third last term. Astra, meanwhile,
are based in Giurgiu, southern Romania and earned their place in the
competition by finishing fourth domestically last term. They were known as
Astra Ploiesti before moving to Giurgiu three years ago and enjoyed their
best season in 2013/14, when they were Romanian runners up.

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Adrian relishing European adventure
WHUFC.com

Fan-favourite Adrian enjoyed his return to action at the Boleyn Ground
during the Hammers' 1-0 win over Birkirkara FC. James Tomkins' last minute
goal means the Irons will take a slender lead into the second leg in Malta
next week. Despite the narrow score line, in truth, the hosts were in full
control and the Spaniard was rarely tested. Aside from one nervous moment
when forward Liliu flashed a drive just wide, the No13 was by and large a
spectator, along with 33,000 other West Ham fans. Speaking after the first
leg, Adrian insisted that 1-0 was a good result for the Hammers: "It was a
difficult game, we were playing against eleven men sitting in front of the
goal. We passed it side to side but we couldn't find a goal. We kept on
going and eventually we got what we deserved."

Despite the early return and a busy pre-season schedule, the No13 continued
to explain his belief that it would help him and his teammates in the
long-term. "It's a good pre-season training for us and helps us get ready
for the season. We know it'll be a long season but we are prepared for that.
"It's always good to be tested because you need to be at your best in the
Premier League, every week. Official games helped you to get to that level.
"A lot of things have changed since last season. The new manager has got a
different passing style and we need time to adapt to it. This is why we need
more games before the Premier League starts."

While in some quarters, involvement in the Europa League is considered
undesirable, Adrian stressed that that is not the case inside the Claret and
Blue dressing room. The two-time Hammer of the Year runner up insisted
that the return of European football to east London could only be seen as a
good thing. "We want to go as far as we can in Europe. It's an important
competition for us, it's a test but as a player, you want these games. "We
need to be strong and be ready for a big season. It's the final season here
at the Boleyn, so it's an emotional season for the fans and an important one
for everyone at the Club. "We want to finish as high in the league as
possible for our final season."

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Brown double downs Clarets
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Development Squad kicked-off their preparations for the
2015/16 Barclays U21 Premier League season with a comprehensive 4-0 victory
at Chelmsford City. On a sunny evening in Essex, Nathan Mavila's well-struck
first-half effort set Terry Westley's young Hammers on their way at
Melbourne Stadium, before Jordan Brown's quickfire second-half double and
Jaanai Gordon's late goal put a gloss on proceedings. Despite the Club
having UEFA Europa League and first-team pre-season commitments to fulfil,
Westley named a fairly experienced side for the trip to National League
South side Chelmsford, with two trialists sprinkled in among Development
Squad regulars Amos Nasha, Brown and former City loanee Gordon. Also on
show were Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen, fresh from making their senior
debuts for the Hammers in the recent Europa League first qualifying round
win over Andorran outfit FC Lusitans. The first half was a cagey affair,
with the home side arguably creating the better of the chances without
finding a way to goal. The Clarets' best chance fell to floppy-haired
forward Hugo Skepelhorn, but West Ham's on-trial goalkeeper was out in a
flash to deny the striker with his body. At the other end, left-back Sam
Westley almost became an unlikely first scorer on the night, but his
snap-shot from Mavila's lay-off was acrobatically tipped over by home
stopper Ashley Timms. Shots flew over the crossbar at both ends, while the
corner count rose regularly, but true goalmouth action was largely at a
premium until Mavila struck in spectacular style seven minutes before the
break. The left-sided midfielder collected a short corner, exchanged passes
with Cullen before weighing up his options and lashing inside the far post
from 18 yards with his weaker right foot. The second half was a slow burner,
with only a long-range effort from Bricknell to show for the opening 15
minutes. Westley opted to make five substitutions on the hour-mark and one
of the replacements, Marcus Browne, turned provider a short time later when
he laid on a pass for Brown, who slotted neatly under the onrushing
goalkeeper. Two minutes later it was 3-0 to the visitors as Brown collected
a loose ball 25 yards out, beat his marker using pace and power and slammed
a shot through Timms and into the net to complete a very satisfactory
night's work. There was still time for Gordon to head substitute Jahmal
Hector-Ingram's cross against the post before converting the same player's
low centre with six minutes remaining.

Development Squad: Trialist, Knoyle (Page 60), Oxford (Onariase 46), Pask
(Akinola 60), Westley, Trialist (Browne 60), Cullen (Makasi 46), Nasha
(Dobson 46), Mavila (Neufville 60), Brown (Hector-Ingram 73), Gordon

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Southend Utd 2-3 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Debutant Dimitri Payet gave Hammers fans a tantalising glimps of what is to
come when he scored twice before setting up West Ham's winner at Roots Hall
this afternoon. The new signing, making his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt today equalised for West Ham with a stunning free kick after Kevan
Hurst had given the hosts a 20th-minute lead. He then added a second on the
half hour mark to put the Hammers 2-1 ahead with a wonderful curling effort
from the edge of the penalty area that gave Southend's highly-rated 'keeper
Dan Bentley no chance. And as if that wasn't enough, Payet then created West
Ham's winning goal - after Jack Payne had drawn the Shrimpers level - 11
minutes after the restart, when his cross was turned into his own net from
no more than a yard our by Luke Prosser.

We'll have more reaction and reports for you on this story later...

West Ham United: Randolph, Pike, Collins (c), Ogbonna (Oxford 60), Hendrie
(Page 60), Poyet, Kouyate (Nasha 60), Payet (Cullen 60), Parfitt-Williams
(Mavila 60), Samuelsen (Maiga 60), Sakho.

Sub not used: Spiegel.

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A Star is born – welcome Dimitri Payet
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

A new Hammers star was born during this afternoon's 3- 2 defeat of Southend
at Roots Hall – Dimitri Payet! It was easy to see why the Hammers spent so
much time chasing the 27 year old before eventually landing the playmaker
for around £10 million. OK, it was Southend and a pre-season friendly but
the man looked a class apart scoring a couple of fabulous goals – the first
an tremendous free kick before completing the brace with a fine finish into
the bottom corner. He was also responsible for the cross which led to
Shrimpers defender Luke Prosser putting through his own net to cap a magical
entry into the claret and blue. With Martin Samuelsen growing and growing as
a first team prospect and Payet pulling every string in a fine Irons display
we can begin to see the return of the West Ham Way after so many years.

Southend led on 20 minutes when Darren Randolph failed to gather John
White's cross and Kevin Hurst fired home. Payet equalised when curling a
25-yard free-kick into the top corner after Martin Samuelsen has been
brought down before Payet gave us the lead when slotting home a brilliant
finish inside the upright after Samuelsen's effort on goal was blocked. The
Shrimpers were back on terms when a cross found Anthony Wordsworth, who
centred for Jack Payne to head home. Payet though created the winner,
crossing a low ball which Prosser stabbed past Daniel Bentley for an own
goal.

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Moyes moves in on Irons "target"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Moyes is being reported as keen to open negotiations with Fabio Borini
who has been linked with the Irons. According to TMW the former Everton boss
David Moyes has now formalised his interest in the player on behalf of his
new club Real Soceiedad and has 'initiated contact with the relevant
parties'. The Italian made just 15 appearances for the Reds last season – of
which only four were starts – and managed just one goal in the process.

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Dimitri Payet dazzles on dream debut for West Ham
Evening Standard
SAM LONG
Published: 18 July 2015 Updated: 17:09, 18 July 2015

£10.7 million summer signing Dimitri Payet didn't disappoint on his debut
for West Ham United in a pre-season friendly against Southend at Roots Hall
on Saturday afternoon. The France international's arrival from Marseille
has, arguably, been the Hammers' best piece of business this summer and the
winger got off to a flyer in English football. Kevan Hurst put the hosts in
front against the run of play, but Payet son stepped up and curled a
delicious free kick past highly-rated goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. The
Frenchman was clearly in the mood and added a second to his tally less than
a minute later with a smart finish to put his side back in control. However,
the League One outfit levelled matters through Jack Payne. The first half
had been all about Payet, but fellow new boy Angelo Ogbonna, a recent
arrival from Juventus, also impressed during his first appearance for the
east Londoners.

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Dimitri Payet warns there is more to come from West Ham after two-goal debut
Evening Standard
SAM LONG
Published: 18 July 2015 Updated: 19:12, 18 July 2015

Dimitri Payet hopes that there will be "many" more goals to come during his
West Ham United career after netting a superb brace on his debut for the
east Londoners on Saturday afternoon. The 28-year-old, who joined the
Hammers from Marseiille for a reported fee of £10.7 million earlier in the
summer, has been eased into action by manager Slaven Bilic and failed to
feature in any of the club's recent Europa League exploits. However, his
career in England started with a bang as he stole the show against League
One outfit Southend at Roots Hall.
Payet curled home a delightful free kick before adding a second with a
clinical finish prior to the break. The France international wasn't done
there and went on to grab an assist for his side's third goal before his
withdrawal on the hour mark. The creative midfielder was thrilled to have
enjoyed such an impressive first appearance in claret and blue: "I'm very
happy to score two goals on my debut. It's important for me because it's my
first game in England and I want to make a good first impression. "My first
goal was a free-kick. Martin [Samuelsen] did very well. I got an
opportunity, I knew where I was going to put it and it worked for me. For
the second goal, the ball came to me, I had a little bit of time and space,
so I thought 'Why not?'" he told the club's official website. However,
despite such a promising start, the Frenchman is adamant that there is more
to come from both him and his team mates as their fitness improves.
"We are not as sharp as we can be, but we will improve. I think we can be
very good. I don't think I'm far away from being fully fit but it depends
on how many games I play. I want to play as much as possible. "Hopefully
today was just the first two goals of many for West Ham," he insisted.

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David Gold 'confident' West Ham teenager Martin Samuelsen is destined for
first-team success
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham's Martin Samuelsen is catching the eye during pre-season. West Ham
United co-chairman David Gold has taken to Twitter to praise teenage forward
Martin Samuelsen after the 3-2 win over Southend United. Samuelsen, 18,
joined the Hammers on a two-year contract from Manchester City earlier this
summer, and was widely expected to be one for the future. However, the
Norwegian teenager is now turning heads in claret and blue, having starred
against Peterborough United last weekend, as well as in the 3-2 win over
Southend United earlier today. Many are now wondering whether Samuelsen
could make an impact in the first team, having been so impressive during
pre-season under new manager Slaven Bilic. Now, co-chairman David Gold says
that he is 'confident' Samuelsen will get a chance to shine in the first
team in the near future. The Hammers have had something of a dry spell in
terms of developing their own stars, but Samuelsen now presents them with
the ideal chance to bring a young talent through into the first team. The
young forward has shown in pre-season games that he has the quality to make
an impact both now and in the future, and Bilic so far seems to be very
impressed with his displays. With the likes of Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho
and Enner Valencia in contention, Samuelsen is unlikely to land a starting
role soon, but as an impact substitute, he could well be in and around the
first team next season - despite the teenager only arriving earlier this
summer.

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West Ham fans react on Twitter to Ogbonna's performance against Southend
HITC
Vincent Ralph

West Ham United defeated Southend United 3-2 on Saturday but what did
Hammers fans think of Angelo Ogbonna's performance? West Ham United have
already played a lot of football this summer, with their pre-season
friendlies intermingled with their Europa League qualifying matches. The
Hammers have played three of the latter to date and are still looking on
course to reach the group stage of the competition later this year, but they
must also prepare for their return to domestic matters. As a result, West
Ham manager Slaven Bilic sent out a strong team to face Southend on
Saturday, and the Hammers ultimately won 3-2. Summer signing Dimitri Payet
stole the show with a brace, while an own-goal from Southend's Luke Prosser
ensured a victory for the visitors. But while Payet was clearly man-of
the-match, West Ham fans will have also been paying close attention to their
new defender Angelo Ogbonna. The 27-year-old arrived from Italian club
Juventus for a fee in the region of £10million and he is now tasked with
ensuring Bilic has a sturdy defence heading into the new campaign. In truth
Ogbonna has some work to do before he will be seen in the same light as
Payet, but his performance this weekend was steady.

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Lassana Diarra free to sign
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Lassana Diarra could be set for a return to the Premier League after FIFA
finally cleared him to join a new club according to ESPN claims.
Diarra who trained with West Ham for many months under Allardyce's reign has
been left in limbo after leaving Lokomotiv Moscow last August as he was not
able to join another club because of a contract dispute with the Russian
club. The France international claims he was fired by Lokomotiv which left
him as a free agent, but administrative issues have prevented Diarra from
playing for a new club. It is claimed Diarra has already rejected an offer
from Monaco this summer as he holds out for a Premier League club. Whether
Slaven Bilic revives West Ham interest in the 30 year old remains to be
seen.

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Payet, Ogbonna & Kouyate to feature at Southend
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's hectic pre-season continues with their second game in less than
48 hours with a short trip to Southend United this afternoon.
The Shrimpers gained promotion back to League One via a sudden-death
penalty shootout at Wembley in May. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic will name
a squad mixed of new arrivals and highly rated youth prospects. Both Dimitri
Payet and Angelo Ogbonna are in line to make their Hammers debuts, while
Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, who missed Thursday night's victory over
Birkirkara FC will both return to action confirms WHUFC.com in their
preview.

Tickets purchased on matchday at Rootshall are priced at £12 Adults and £6
for Over-65 and Under-21s.

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Allardyce gives it large ….. AGAIN!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce has been opening it again – this time on the matter 0f Alex
Song whom he reckons will have a better season if he re-joins the Hammers.
Mind you Allerdici may be overlooking the minor issue of an injury requiring
surgery which has put the switch very much in the balance anyway – that's
the problem as you age! Gets easier to forget such issues.

The former boss – who was never going to stay schtuum on things Irons for
long – claims the real challenge for Slaven Bilic and the club is whether
the new signings will have the same impact as the new faces he brought to
the club in his final campaign with the side. Oh dear!

On Song he said: "I expect it to be, if he does sign, a lot, lot better this
season because I think the pace of the Premier League caught up with him."
Patronising at best ! He added: "They (the Hammers) seem to be spending a
lot of money abroad again and whether they settle in this country like they
did last year, will be another defining factor for Slaven,"

Quite why Sam believes what's happening at Upton Park has anything to do
with him isn't made clear of course although the need to give it large
appears to be as important to him as ever."

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Irons in Inter link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are tonight being linked with a move for Inter defender Andrea
Ranocchia The 27 year old defender only recently signed a contract extension
but is being named as a candidate for a clear out as the club looks to raise
funds for new squad additions. Tuttomercatoweb claim the Hammers and Crystal
Palace have both shown interest in signing the 27-year-old Italian. And in a
[piece of speculation which looks somewhat bizarre given that a striker is
the main requirement claim that he could become part of an all central
defensive pairing by moving for the Inter captain. However, a Hammers source
told ClaretandHugh: "That looks an inspired piece of creative writing – we
are now sorted at the heart of defence."

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Bookies price up Irons striker targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sky Bet have made Fabio Borini a 4/5 favourite to join the Hammers this
summer with Javier Hernandez priced at 6/4 and Kevin Miralles 7/4.

Hernandez is still at the head of the Hammers preferences and Sky Bet are
seemingly unimpressed by his reported Old Trafford chances pushing him out
only very slightly in the betting behind Borini and just in front of Kevin
Miralles at 7/4.

Mario Balotelli is still in the running with the bookies to complete a move
to Upton Park being priced up at 4/1 although Palace are odds-on favourites
to land the controversial character at 5/6.

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Lanzini's paperwork holds up loan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Darren Lewis in the Mirror claims Manuel Lanzini is continuing to wait for
international clearance for his move to West Ham. The 22 year old play maker
is claimed to have already agreed a loan deal with a view to a permanent
move to replace Stewart Downing but Lanzini's transfer, expected to have
been completed by Thursday, is being held up by paperwork.

He hit eight goals in 24 appearances to help Al Jazira Club in the UAE
finish second in the Arabian Gulf League last season.

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Nene: "I was at centre of a West Ham conflict."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Nene has spoken out on the conflict between Sam Allardyce and David Sullivan
which led to his departure from the club. The Brazilian was brought in by
Sullivan to ease a striking crisis but was barely used by the former boss
and in an interview with L'Equipe appears to still be carrying the scars. He
explained "Today I look more towards Brazil and France. There's West Ham who
want me back, but the experience that I lived there last year I did not
like. I would prefer to return to France. "Many people think that I was not
well physically, but it's not that at all. At first, I had to adapt because
the intensity is not the same as in Qatar, but after it was fine.
"In terms of stats, KMs traveled, I was very good and even better than other
players. The problem is that I have been at the centre of a conflict between
the president, who had sent for me, and the coach." L'Equipe asked whether
with the former manager gone things could be different under Slaven Bilic,
but he said: "Yes, but I am afraid that the same thing happens. I left
Qatar to be in a team that plays football well and to have fun."

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Former Hammers upstage Steven Gerrard
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 18, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C AND H

Steven Gerrard scored on his Major League Soccer debut as LA Galaxy beat San
Jose Earthquakes 5-2 yesterday but it is former Hammer 22 year old Sebastian
Lletget who continues to grab the headlines state side as he scored another
goal late in injury time to seal the win for LA Galaxy and make it five
goals in five games for the MLS side. Another former Hammer Robbie Keane
scored a hat trick.

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Sinclair hoping for a top eight finish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Former Hammer turned BBC pundit Trevor Sinclair is hoping for a top eight
finish for West Ham under Slaven Bilic this season. Speaking late last night
on twitter Sinclair said 'Hoping for a top 8 finish to be honest. Think
that's what is expected if we are to move forward again' Sinclair moved to
West Ham in 1998 for a combined fee of £2.7 million; £2.3 million plus West
Ham players Iain Dowie and Keith Rowland moving to Q.P.R as part of the
deal. He scored seven goals in the remaining 14 games to help West Ham
achieve an eighth-place finish in the Premier League that season. He was a
regular over the next two seasons, but a serious knee injury ruled him out
of the final four months. In 2003 following relegation West Ham were forced
to accept a £3.3m bid for the player from Manchester City.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 18th July 2015

Match-winner Tomkins glad to chip in
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins was pleased to end a frustrating night on the winning side after his late goal gave West Ham United a first leg advantage over Birkirkara in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. Despite enjoying 74 percent possession and unleashing 14 attempts on goal to the visitors' one, it looked as though the Hammers would be heading the Malta with the tie in the balance as a mixture of goalkeeper Justin Haber and the woodwork kept them at bay. But just as the clock ticked towards 90, Mauro Zarate swung over a corner for Tomkins to knock home from close range, much to the relief of the majority of the 33,048 in attendance. "They frustrated us," he admitted. "They worked really hard and sat back deep. To be honest it was all us possession-wise and we knew the goal would come. We had a couple of chances early and played pretty well in the first half. The second half sort of died down a little bit, but we managed to get the goal at the end. "It was a long time coming, but we got there in the end. They made it hard for it and it's going to be hard over there as well."

Tomkins' goal was his second in three Europa League games and he hopes that is a sign of things to come. He explained: "I saw the flight of the ball all the way and I felt it was going over the keeper, so then it was a decision over whether to head it or chest it. "I thought I'd chest it just in case the header flies over, so I made it easy for myself. It was a great ball by Mauro. I don't think it was going in itself, but it was a great ball and the first one that really came in my area. I only had to touch it in - a proper centre forward's goal!
"It's nice to get a couple of goals already. I only had one last year, which is something I wanted to add to my game. "I've started to do that, and if I can do that for the team then all the better. We did need that goal tonight and luckily we got it."

Three competitive games into the campaign, the Hammers are all together as a squad for the first time following staggered training camps and Tomkins can see the cohesion coming already.
He added: "The Gaffer's impressing on us how he wants to play – pass and move, and press and defend. It's the whole rotating system that we need to get used to and it takes a bit of time.
"For a lot of the boys it was their first 90 minutes tonight so you can't be too harsh on us. I think we played really well – Adrian didn't have a shot to deal with, so that's another positive."

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Zarate wants to show his best form
WHUFC.com

West Ham United forward Mauro Zarate says he is keen to show his best form for the Club this season and hopes his man of the match display will improve his chances of securing a first-team place. Zarate was outstanding against FC Lusitans in the first qualifying round of the Europa League and continued his impressive start to the pre-season campaign with another fine display as James Tomkins scored a 90th-minute winner against Birkirkara at the Boleyn Ground. The Argentine striker is keen to make an impact under new manager Slaven Bilic and hopes the European campaign will give him the ideal opportunity to show he should be a regular member in the squad. Zarate said: "Everyone has to do their best for the team and pre-season is very important for all the players. I hope to have a big season. "It was a hard game and it was difficult to play against them. We have to go there and get a good result. We are confident going into the second leg."

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Samuelsen - Fans inspired me
WHUFC.com

Martin Samuelsen will never forget the experience of making his competitive debut at the Boleyn Ground and hopes this is the start of a memorable career for West Ham United. The Norwegian 18-year-old was introduced as a second half substitute during the 1-0 win over Birkirkara in the Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday night and received one of the biggest cheers of the night when he entered the action. Samuelsen arrived from Manchester City during the summer and has already caught the eye of new manager Slaven Bilic and showed his potential with an impressive display against Peterborough last Saturday. The talented forward is now hoping he can cement his place in the first-team squad and show he is good enough to compete at the highest level. Samuelsen said: "It felt amazing to play at the Boleyn Ground and it was a really good feeling. "I was very nervous when Slaven first called me to go on but I wanted to enjoy the moment. The fans are amazing and I heard them supporting me. They made it easy for me to go on. "It was important that we got the victory. We worked hard until the final minutes and thought we played well in the final stages of the game. Overall we had a good performance. I am confident we can make it through to the next round. "

Samuelsen had special praise for Mauro Zarate who produced another impressive display and was voted man of the match. Zarate certainly has a point to prove on his return to the Club and Samuelsen knew he was going to be one of the star performers on show. He added: "I told Mauro Zarate before the game that he was going to be man of the match. He is a fantastic player and can create stuff on his own and he is really important for us."

With the pre-season campaign continuing against Southend on Saturday and Colchester on Tuesday night, Samuelsen is relishing the chance to play in so many games ahead of the new season.
"It is good to have these amount of games to build up our fitness before the big games begin and I think we should do well in those games."

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Dev Squad head for Chelmsford
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's busy pre-season continues as the Development Squad pay a visit to Chelmsford City on Friday evening. Fresh from leading the first team through the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round, Academy Director Terry Westley will take a squad of young professionals and scholars to Essex's county town for a 7.30pm kick-off. A number of the players who featured against FC Lusitans – Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen, Lewis Page and Djair Parfitt-Williams – are in the squad, alongside a host of other promising Academy prospects. "We're looking to the game because some of them have been back in since 22 June and the training and the camp with the first-team players was very encouraging, so now to see them perform on their own will be of big interest to us," Westley began. "The likes of Kyle Knoyle, Sam Westley, Josh Pask, Amos Nasha and Jordan Brown need a game so we're looking forward to getting that group all together to play that game. "It's a chance to impress the new staff and to push for places against Colchester, Charlton and Norwich. The players who have played in the Europa League have laid down the gauntlet and said 'We are good enough to do that'. All of our questions, we hope, will be answered."

Westley believes Chelmsford will provide his young squad with a test they need to rise to if they are going to make their mark in senior football. "We had a bit of a link with Chelmsford last year as we sent Jaanai Gordon there on loan and took one of their youngsters, Joe Ward, on trial," Westley confirmed. "At that age, our players have got to be able to play at that level so it's a test for them and a case of finding out if we can go there and play at that level. "What has encouraged me in pre-season with the Cork trip and integration with our senior players is that they have really shown what they are capable of. Now it's about producing that on the pitch and the first opportunity to do that is against Chelmsford, who are a decent side. "Our players have got to be able to handle that level and playing against men."

Admission prices are £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £3 U16s. Please note that Chelmsford City can only accept cash on the turnstiles. Cards cannot be accepted.

Following Friday's game, the Academy host Dagenham & Redbridge at Rush Green on Saturday morning, when Westley and his coaching staff will give the younger scholars and older schoolboys their first pre-season experience. "We're playing against Dagenham and we took the fixture knowing it would be an Under-16 and 17 game for us," Westley continued. "In the last 12 months we have encouraged that by boys playing up age-groups and that is the start of their journey for this season."

One player who could feature against the Daggers is defender Tunji Akinola, who has signed his scholarship this week after completing no fewer than 12 GCSE examinations. Akinola becomes the seventh schoolboy to commit his future to the Club, much to the delight of Westley and his staff. "To get 100 per cent retention from that group was a challenge in the first 12 months, but we are delighted that Oxford, Scully, Neufville, Hector-Ingram, Rice, Powell and now Akinola have committed their future to the Club," Westley enthused. "To be fair, it was never really a doubt with Tunji, but he was concentrating on doing 12 GCSEs as he is an A-grade student, so we left him to do his school work and take time off from football, because we knew how important it was to him. "We're delighted to get all of those on board and now the next step is 18s, 21s and first-team football."

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Celtic, West Ham, Aberdeen & Inverness learn Euro draws
BBC.co.uk

Celtic will play Qarabag or Rudar Pljevlja in Champions League qualifying if they progress past Stjarnan. The winner of the second qualifying round tie which Celtic lead 2-0 will be at home against Azerbaijan's Qarabag or Montenegro's Rudar Pljevlja.

West Ham could face Inverness CT or Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League third qualifying round. And, in the same competition, Aberdeen or HNK Rijeka will take on Alashkert of Armenia or FC Kairat from Kazakhstan.

West Ham and Aberdeen lead their respective ties against Malta's Birkirkara (1-0) and Croatia's Rijeka (3-0). The Hammers are away for Thursday's return leg while the Dons will be at home and look well placed to progress. Inverness, who are playing in Europe for the first time, trail 1-0 to Romania's Astra, who have an away goal as well as a lead to protect on Thursday.

Europa League third qualifying round first and second qualifying dates are 30 July and 6 August, respectively.

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Europa League third round draw
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 17th July 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will face Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League's third qualifying round - IF they overcome Maltese side Birkirkara in the second round return leg next week.

The Hammers' reward for beating the Maltese outsiders will be a tie against either the Scots or Romanians, with the first leg being played at the Boleyn Ground on 30 July.

West Ham and 32 other clubs were joined in the draw by 25 seeded clubs, who were given a bye in the previous two qualifying rounds. The only other English club in the draw, Southampton, drew a tricky tie against Dutch side Vitesse.

The full draw was as follows:

Zürich (SUI) v Cherno More Varna (BUL) or Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
Kairat Almaty (KAZ) or Alashkert (ARM) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) or Aberdeen (SCO)
Dacia Chisinau (MDA) or MŠK Žilina (SVK) v Vorksla Poltava (UKR)
AZ Alkmaar (NED) v İstanbul Başakşehir (TUR)

Bordeaux (FRA) v AEK Larnaca (CYP)
Lokomotiva Zagreb (CRO) or PAOK (GRE) v Spartak Trnava (SVK) or Linfield (NIR)
UC Sampdoria (ITA) v FK Vojvodina (SRB) or FK Spartaks Jūrmala (LVA)
Slovan Liberec (CZE) v Hapoel Kiryat Shmona (ISR)

Athletico (ESP) v Hafnarfjördur (ISL) or İnter Bakı PİK (AZE)
Târgu Mureş (ROU) v Saint-Étienne (FRA)
Kukësi (ALB) or Mladost Podgorica (MNE) v Legia Warszawa (POL) or Botoşani (ROU)
Čukarički (SRB) or Qäbälä (AZE) v Apollon Limassol (CYP) or Trakai (LTU)

Jelgava (LVA) or Rabotnicki (MKD) v Trabzonspor (TUR) or Differdange 03 (LUX)
Skonto (LVA) or Debreceni VSC (HUN) v Reykjavík (ISL) or Rosenborg (NOR)
Charleroi (BEL) or Beitar Jerusalem (ISL) v Zorya Luhansk (UKR)
Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) or Wolfsberger (AUT) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Beroe Stara Zagora (BUL) or Brøndby (DEN) v Jagiellonia Białystok (POL) or Omonia (CYP)
Jablonec (CZE) v København (DEN) or Newtown (WAL)
Sturm Graz (AUT) v Rubin Kazan (RUS)
AIK Solna (SWE) or Shirak (ARM) v Atromitos (GRE)

Altach (AUT) v Vitória (POR)
Hapoel Beer Sheva (ISR) or Thun (SUI) v Vaduz (LIE) or Nõmme Kalju (EST)
Randers (DEN) or Elfsborg (SWE) v Shamrock Rovers (IRL) or Odds (NOR)
Standard Liège (BEL) v Ferencvárosi (HUN) or Željezničar (BIH)

Koper (SVN) or Hajduk Split (CRO) v Mladá Boleslav (CZE) or Strømsgodset (NOR)
Belenenses (POR) v Śląsk Wrocław (POL) or Göteborg (SWE)
Southampton (ENG) v Vitesse (NED)
West Ham Utd (ENG) or Birkirkara (MLT) v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (SCO) or Astra Giurgiu (ROU)
Krasnodar (RUS) v Slovan Bratislava (SVK) or University College Dublin (IRL)

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The Bilic interview exclusive...
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th July 2015
By: Craig Climpson

Ever wondered what Slaven Bilic said to convince the West Ham owners he was the right man for the job?

Well luckily for you (debatably enough), I have obtained the transcript of the original meeting between the parties at MDF towers on that sunny May Day in 2015...

Slaven Bilic is played by Javier Bardem
Ian McDiarmid (in Sith mode) is David Sullivan
Alan Sugar is David Gold
Jessica Rabbit is Baroness Brady
And Paul Peschisolido plays himself, albeit dressed like Roger Rabbit.

THE OWNERS ARE SITTING SIDE BY SIDE AT A DESK WITH SLAVEN BILIC SITTING OPPOSITE, ALONE. BRADY AND PESCHISOLIDO ARE SITTING FACING EACH OTHER TO THE SIDE OF THE TRIO – THEY ARE PLAYING "PATTER-CAKE".

SULLIVAN: I feel a great disturbance in The Force, Mr.Bilic. Explain to me how you would deal with this should we employ you.

BILIC: I deal with these things no problems. I hunt enemies, I catch enemies, I kill enemies and I DRINK WINE FROM THEIR SKULLS!!!

BILIC SNAPS OUT OF RAGE.

Gold: Bloody hell! Ee's a fruitcake, this one!

BILIC: You call me cake? YOU CALL ME CAKE? I will kill you and DRINK WINE FROM YOUR SKULL!

BILIC SNAPS OUT OF RAGE.

BRADY AND PESCHI: (IN THE BACKGROUND) Patter –cake, patter-cake, patter-cake.....

SULLIVAN: The Force is strong with him, Gold.

GOLD: Well all I've heard from him is a lot of hot air, so in the interests of climate change, YOU'RE FIR....

SULLIVAN: (INTERRUPTS) Let's not be hasty my Apprentice friend....

GOLD: I'm The Apprentice? I thought you were The Apprentice?

SULLIVAN: No, I'm the Sith.

GOLD: Can't we both be a Sith?

SULLIVAN: NO, GOLD! I've told you before! There's only ever one Sith at a time. Never two! I don't know why because they never explained it properly in the films, but it's still Sith law, ok?

BILIC: (TO SULLIVAN) You want me to kill him?

BRADY AND PESCHI: (IN BACKGROUND) Patter-cake, patter-cake, patter-cake.....

SULLIVAN: No, no. I do like the way the anger flows through you, but for now just tell us how you'd beat the other teams – how you'd deal with the rebellion that is the other managers?

BILIC: I deal with other manager no problems. I hunt, I catch, I kill. Take Wenger: I put child under big net, when Wenger tries to take child, net fall on him, I kill with gas bolt and I DRINK WINE FROM HIS SKULL! Brendan Rodgers: I dress in Southampton FC kit – when Brendan Rodgers chase me I hide round corner until Brendan Rodgers arrive and I kill with gas bolt before DRINKING WINE FROM HIS SKULL! Then if Big Sam get new job I trap him by putting Manager of the Month trophy under big box held up by stick. I tie rope to stick and when Big Sam is drawn to trophy I pull rope, containing him in box to kill with gas bolt and DRINK WI......

BILIC NOTICES BRADY AND PESCHI HAVE STOPPED PLAYING PATTER-CAKE AND ARE GLARING AT HIM.

BRADY: You can't do that to Our Sam! That's just not on. Tell him, David. Tell him he can't do that to Our Sam...

BILIC: (INTERRUPTS) Mr. Sullivan, I have special death for her with tub of green acid Dip! Shall I?

SULLIVAN SMILES AND NODS CAUSING BRADY AND PESCHI TO REACT IN PANIC.

BRADY: Oh my God IT'S DIP!!!

BILIC THROWS THE DIP AT THEM AND THEY MELT AWAY.

GOLD: Ee's gone too far! That's bang out of order that, Dave!!

SULLIVAN: She knew too much, Gold. You know this to be true.

GOLD: (SHRUGS SHOULDERS FLIPPANTLY) Yeah.

BILIC: It is fair I now have job.

GOLD: Fair? The only fair you're gonna get sunshine is your bus fare home. YOU'RE FIR.....

BILIC APPEARS BEHIND GOLD AND KILLS HIM WITH A GAS BOLT.

BILIC: He was getting on my tits.

SULLIVAN: Mine too. Congratulations, you're my new Apprentice.

BILIC: Thank you. Before I leave, how much wine I need to fit in Wenger's skull?

SULLIVAN: He has got quite a big head. I'd get a large bottle for him.

BILIC NODS AND MAKES TO LEAVE THE ROOM.

SULLIVAN: Slaven? Best make it a case for Mourinho.

BILIC SMILES AND LEAVES. SULLIVAN TURNS TO HIS MURDERED COLLEAGUES AND GRINS.

SULLIVAN: We shall watch his career with great interest.

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Slaven Bilic did not want Stewart Downing to leave West Ham
Last Updated: 17/07/15 8:01am
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has insisted he did not want Stewart Downing to leave the club. Downing completed his move back to his hometown club Middlesbrough from the Hammers after signing a four-year contract on Thursday. The 30-year-old winger, capped 35 times by England, will cost Boro £5.5m, although that could rise to £7m if they are promoted from the Championship. Bilic says he would rather have kept Downing in his squad, but did not want to prevent him from returning home. "I didn't want him to go, he's a quality English player and I know how hard it is to get the quality ones," said former Croatia boss Bilic. "Of course I rate him, I tried to persuade him to stay with us. "I know him from the national team when we played England, and he was brilliant in the first half of last season. I was counting on him big time, but he told me that he wanted to go home. "He said, 'I like you and everything, but I want to go home. If it was any other club, I would stay here'. "Maybe I could have stopped him, and all that, however it is not what we wanted to do, but he wanted to leave."

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Slaven Bilic wary of West Ham's Europa League campaign
Last Updated: 17/07/15 3:44pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic believes West Ham's Europa League adventure would be exciting but draining, were they to progress through qualifying and reach the group stages. The Hammers beat Maltese club Birkirkara 1-0 with a scrappy 90th-minute goal from defender James Tomkins at Upton Park on Thursday night.
If the Irons secure an aggregate victory after the second leg next week at the Ta'Qali National Stadium, they will play either Inverness Caledonian Thistle or FC Astra of Romania in the third qualifying round. Having managed Turkish side Besiktas in the competition last season, Bilic understands all too well the demands which will be placed on West Ham's squad should they progress. He said: "The Europa League is great for the club, you could see with the spectators, they are enjoying it, against people from Andorra and Malta, they all love to come for a European night. "It is great for a team, it gains not only confidence, but they are different types of games, so it is good for us and for me - but on the other hand, it drains you. "I did it a few times last season, when it was great for Besiktas, but it was also very difficult to play on Thursday in Liverpool, then on the Sunday you have an away game in Turkey. "It was the same for Tottenham to come to Istanbul, to play on a Thursday night following a three-and-a-half hour flight. They lost the game, and then on Sunday they had to play at Swansea. "That is shocking, for clubs like Borussia Dortmund, they had six games in the group stages of the Champions League, and afterwards they lost nearly all of their league games, and they were down (the table)."

Despite the demanding schedule European football can provide, Bilic insists he enjoys competing in continental competitions. He said: "It has got a lot of positive things, but also a lot of negative things. "But if you ask me, 'do I like to play in Europe?' Yes, I like it, it is good for the guys, but still we have to do a lot to qualify."

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THURSDAY SNIPPETS
By Iain Dale 17 Jul 2015 at 15:39
West Ham Till I Die

So, we're drawn against Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Romanian side Astra Giorgio.

*West Ham Ladies have announced Dagenham & Redbridge Academy coach Marc Nurse as their new manager, after Julian Dicks joined the Upton Park first team coaching setup.

Mattia Destro is likely to join Fiorentina.

West Ham will need to bide their time and wait for Javier Hernandez, who will only be allowed to leave Man U if they sign a replacement.

Newcastle United are said to have made a renewed bid for Charlie Austin.

Stewart Downing has completed his move to Middlesbrough. The fee could amount to £7 million with addons.

Nene says he won't be returning to West Ham. Strange. I didn't realise he was wanted back!

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Player exchange hinted to land striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The club's own ITK has all but confirmed the club's interest in Javier Hernandez this afternoon despite Slaven Bilic willing to be drawn into speculation. The Boleyn Insider told the club website: "My understanding is that the Club are looking to make a move for one of the top strikers at a big club in England and hope a move can be finalised in the near future."

That top striker is believed to be Javier Hernandez and that big club is Manchester United. He adds 'There have also been stories suggesting the Club could be considering other options as they look to land another target. I have been told that the Club would be open to a possible player-exchange deal if they could get the striker they wanted.' 'With six new arrivals already this summer, I believe the fans can look forward to more new signings before the new Premier League season gets underway"

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Ladies announce new manager
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham Ladies have announced Dagenham & Redbridge Academy coach Marc Nurse as the club's new first team manager following the depature of Julian Dicks to Slaven Bilic's backroom team.

Marc holds a UEFA B licence & is currently working towards UEFA A license meaning Marc has the qualifications, experience and ambition that the ladies say they were after in a manager.

Marc takes the reigns after Julian Dicks left and will now help to finalise the rest of his coaching set-up.

Yesterday the Ladies officially launched their own Season Tickets for the 2015/16 FA Women's Premier League South season, which kicks off on Sunday 16th August.

Costing just £55, fans will be able to attend all of the Ladies home fixtures at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue next season, along with any home cup matches that the Hammers may be drawn in.

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Let's take a step back…look at bigger picture
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

ClaretandHugh blogger Steve Knightley looks back at last night's game and pleads for patience saying: "The manager can only work with the players he has at hand right now"

Last night I was at Birkirkara game and at half time I was frustrated. I couldn't understand why Nolan had started, I didn't even notice Jarvis was playing and Maiga looked like he was a fan that accidentally walked on to the pitch and was now desperately trying to find his seat.

Come full time I was furious. I couldn't understand why Nolan lasted as long as he did and why Jarvis was playing in flip-flops. I was glad that Maiga found his seat though… on the bench!

The game of 'Pong' between left and right became incredibly tiresome and predictable, like listening to an annoying children's song at a party stuck on repeat. You could feel the tension building in the stands. I heard whispers of 'nothing has changed' or 'same old West Ham'. I must admit, I was drafting this blog in my head during the last 20 minutes and the title I was going to use was 'The Bubble Has Burst Already'.

It seemed that the excitement and passion felt only two weeks ago was long gone.

A game of football is only as good as what you can see from your seat. Even in the greatest state of the art stadia there will be times when what you see is not the same asothers the same arena. How many times do 35,000 plus people see a handball or a penalty claim the official doesn't because their view is different to ours?

In situations like this, I have had time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and think for a moment before airing a negative opinion.

We ALL have to remember we are going through an enormous change right now. A new manager is always a risk, no matter how much they love the club and want to be there. Passion does not guarantee success. A new manager also inherits a squad that they did not choose. This means the legacy of the previous dictatorship will be evident in the new regime. You can only work with the tools that at hand.

The club have already made finances available so Slaven can start to build his own squad as soon as possible. We have already seen more youth players in the past four games than we did all last season. Okay, some might argue that there was no choice but to use them. Fair point. That wasn't the case last night though, even if we had to wait until the final 30 minutes to see them.

So, let's go back and think about last night again, starting with Maiga. Of course he struggled. He had nobody there to provide for him. He watched the ball fly over his head from left to right all night long. I would like to see a heat map from last night. I am certain it would show that almost nothing came through the centre at all. Certainly not the worthwhile delivery that he was craving.

Jarvis too was also significantly better once Samuelson came on. Better, not great.

Zarate was a standout performer. He showed real passion and had moments of absolute brilliance. He has to be extremely careful though. Many times he spent too long trying to create or showboat when he had more than enough time to feed someone else.

Equally, Birkirkara's keeper, Justin Haber had a very good game. Their defender, Mauricio Mazzetti had an even better game. Without them we almost certainly would have scored more than one goal.

And then there is Nolan. Even now I can't find anything constructive to say. His touches and position was poor. His attitude and temper was even worse. I really hoped that by this morning I could find something good to say about a loyal servant to the club but I can't. I think the crowd reaction to him being substituted after 79 agonising minutes sums the feeling up better than I could ever put in words.

There are positives to take from last night but we do still have to be patient. The games we are playing before the season starts are the perfect opportunity to get the team right. Sometimes it will work, sometimes it won't, and we have to be realistic. We also have to remember that our focus isn't European glory just yet. It is, ideally, at least a top ten finish in the Premier League.

As I said in my last blog, we have our club back. We got what we wanted. So now, more than ever, we need to get behind our club and support it like we are world famous for!

COYI!!!

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Irons keeping eye on Hernandez events
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Manchester United are sticking to the 'not for sale' line on Javier Hernandez…for now! The Mexican striker has been a big target for West Ham over the past few days but manager Louis van Gaal is set to give the striker a chance – at least until he has brought in reinforcements. A West Ham source told ClaretandHugh: "We haven't entirely given up as it's pretty clear new strikers are likely to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. "And when they do Javier could well find himself back in a familiar position and with just a year left on his contract a deal could be on if United want to get a fee for him. "For now though we've been told he won't be sold and whilst there are other strikers on our list, we will be keeping a careful eye on events in Manchester!"

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A trip to Scotland or Romania in next round
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham drew Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC or FC Astra Giurgiu in the 12pm third round UEFA draw in Nyon, Switzerland assuming they succeed in progressing to the next round of the Europa League after Thursday night in Malta against Birkirkara FC following last night's narrow 1-0 win.

FC Astra Giurgiu is a Romanian team is from Giurgiu, Romania. They were founded in 1921, in Ploiesti and spent their vast majority in the lower leagues.

Caledonian Thistle F.C. were formed in August 1994 following the merger of Caledonian and Inverness Thistle, The new club was formed with their target being an application for one of the two vacancies in the Scottish football league, created when the league restructured in 1994 to four divisions of ten teams each. They were successful and were elected to the Scottish third division. The club's name was amended to Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. in 1996 at the request of Inverness District Council.

Inverness are losing 1-0 to Astra after the first leg of the second round of the Europa League.

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Dicks on Kouyate absence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Honest Julian Dicks has made it clear Cheik Kouyate was unfit to face Birkirkara last night. In a response to a Twitter follower, The Terminator used three words to answer a question on why the Senegalese midfielder was missing from last night's squad He declared:"Fitness reasons Jason." Kouyate made a big impression last season cementing a central midfield berth filling in at centre back on occasion but has failed to make an appearance this far. Meanwhile we have learned that Enner Valencia is back in "light training" and could be available for the secon leg of the match next week.

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Zarate: "We are confident for Malta trip"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Man of the match against Birkirkara Mauro Zarate is totally confident of the team getting a result in Malta. He admits that last night's match wasn't easy but is determined to show himself asworthy of a regular place which can lift the team over the forthcoming game given the player's skill levels. He said: "Everyone has to do their best for the team and pre-season is very important for all the players. I hope to have a big season. "It was a hard game and it was difficult to play against them. We have to go there and get a good result. We are confident going into the second leg."

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Julian Dicks says Dimitri Payet looks 'very, very good' in training
HITC
Tim Poole

The West Ham coach also gave his verdict on Stewart Downing's departure. West Ham United coach Julian Dicks says Dimitri Payet looks 'very very good' in pre-season training. Indeed, Dicks, who has been appointed to Slaven Bilic's backroom staff, was full of praise for the Frenchman when asked how he is looking in training on Twitter. Payet arrived at Upton Park for a £10.7 million fee this summer, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, Dicks also gave his verdict on Stewart Downing's West Ham departure when asked by a follower. The winger has left West Ham for Middlesbrough, with the deal being confirmed on Thursday night, and Dicks feels the 30-year-old will be a loss due to his ability and work-rate. When a player wants to go, however, the Hammers coach feels there is little you can do.


As much as Downing's form had tailed halfway through last season, he was still West Ham's most creative player - and one of the Premier League's - but Payet's creativity in Ligue 1 has been well documented. For a fee as high as £10.7m, Hammers fans will no doubt hope the Frenchman can more than compensate for Downing's departure.

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Allardyce explains what he always said to David Sullivan about Carl Jenkinson
HITC
Lewis Doe

Former West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce feels his old side have made a good signing in the form of Carl Jenkinson. Former West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT, that he always told the club's co-owner, David Sullivan, that Carl Jenkinson would be a good buy for the club. Allardyce has backed the right-back to be a success in his second season on loan with the Hammers, after he signed a new long term deal to commit his future to parent club Arsenal. "It's a shame for West Ham really, certainly from my point of view, I said to David Sullivan from a permanent point of view, he'd be a great acquisition – Him and Aaron Cresswell both had fantastic seasons last year – He'll slot in there no problem and I hope he'll get even better than last season," he told talkSPORT.

Why weren't West Ham able to do a permanent deal?

West Ham's failure in signing Jenkinson permanently could be down to any number of factors. Any fee was always going to be an issue because West Ham aren't in a position where they can bargain with top level clubs, throwing their weight around in the transfer market. The fact Jenkinson has signed a new deal also suggests that he's harbouring a desire to progress at Arsenal, eventually featuring in their first team. Therefore, he may have been reluctant to consider the idea of a permanent move to the Hammers if that conversation has taken place since the end of last season.

Could the situation change?

It certainly could in the future. Jenkinson's immediate priority will be to play as positively as possible this season to improve his chances of playing for Arsenal over the next few years.
He needs to show Arsene Wenger something, which suggests he's a better long term option than the likes of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers. If he can't do that then he'll be forced to reassess his position and West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium may give them a little extra weight in terms of finance.

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Stewart Downing says midtable West Ham did not excite him anymore after Middlesbrough approach
HITC
Damien Lucas

Departed West Ham United midfield star Stewart Downing says he left for Middlesbrough because he needed something to aim for above finishing midtable. Downing was one of West Ham's best players last season and even earned an England recall after shining at the tip of a central midfield diamond. But he has made something of a shock drop down to the Championship to return to hometown club Boro in a deal worth around £5 million, as reported by the Mirror. The 30-year-old has been moved on after the Hammers signed Marseille star playmaker Dimitri Payet for more than £10 million.

Premier League bores Downing

And the former Aston Villa and Liverpool man says it was time for a fresh challenge as he returns to his first club six years after leaving. "If I stayed at West Ham, the aim would be to try and push into the top half of the table," Downing was reported as saying in the Mirror. "Last season went pretty well for the club and we finished 12th, next season the aim will be to improve on that. "Had I gone to another Premier League club from West Ham, the targets would be similar, but at Boro there's a chance to achieve something really special."

Midfielder would have faced challenge to keep his place at West Ham

In truth Downing would have been under pressure to keep his place in the West Ham side under Slaven Bilic next season because the Hammers have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the summer transfer market spending nearly £25 million so far. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been true to their word by investing significant funds to strengthen new boss Bilic's squad. So far the East Londoners have brought in goalkeeper Darren Randolph on a free transfer, midfielders Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet for a combined total of around £15 million, defender Angelo Ogbonna for around £8 million and Carl Jenkinson in on loan again from Arsenal for a fee believed to be £2 million. The Irons had already signed left back Stephen Hendrie from Scottish side Hamilton back in January and he officially became a West Ham player on July 1st. Downing is the first player to be sold this summer by the Irons and represents a real coup for Boro who will be looking to challenge for promotion to the top flight again this season.

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West Ham coach confirms missing midfield man struggling for fitness
London 24
07:57 17 July 2015 Brad Pinard

West Ham coach Julian Dicks has confirmed midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is not up to scratch fitness wise at present. The impressive Senegal man made a big impression in his first season in England last term and made one of the central midfield spots his own, along with filling in at centre back on occasion. After a short summer break, the Hammers squad have been back in training for around a month already but Kouyate is yet to make an impact. A strong Hammers side beat Birkirkara 1-0 thanks to a last gasp James Tomkins goal last night but Kouyate didn't even make the bench as Slaven Bilic enjoyed a first win in the dugout. Dicks confirmed Kouyate was not in the squad for fitness reasons and his place in the team is seemingly up for grabs.

Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/west-ham/west_ham_coach_confirms_missing_midfield_man_struggling_for_fitness_1_4156774
Copyright © LONDON24
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West Ham transfer news: Slaven Bilic tried to convince Stewart Downing to stay at Upton Park
Evening Standard
TOM DUTTON
Published: 17 July 2015 Updated: 07:58, 17 July 2015

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed he tried in vain to convince Stewart Downing to remain at the club. The 30-year-old completed a £5million move to former club Middlesbrough on a four-year deal on Thursday, marking the end of a two-year spell at Upton Park. Downing made 66 Premier League starts during his time with the Hammers, scoring seven league goals, and Bilic has revealed he was counting on the England international 'big time' ahead of next season. "I didn't want him to go, he's a quality English player and I know how hard it is to get the quality ones," said the West Ham boss, speaking after his side's 1-0 victory over Birkirkara. "Of course I rate him, I tried to persuade him to stay with us."
The midfielder told Bilic he would have happily remained in east London had Boro not shown an interest, but the draw to return home for Middlesbrough-born Downing proved too strong
"I know him from the national team when we played England, and he was brilliant in the first half of last season," added former Croatia manager Bilic. "I was counting on him big time, but he told me that he wanted to go home. "He said 'I like you and everything, but I want to go home. If it was any other club, I would stay here'. "Maybe I could have stopped him, and all that, however it is not what we wanted to do, but he wanted to leave."

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West Ham fans react on Twitter to James Tomkins performance against Birkirkara
HITC
Lewis Doe

West Ham United grabbed a 1-0 lead in their Europa League qualifying tie against Birkirkara FC. West Ham United's Europa League journey continues to move along nicely following an important 1-0 win against Birkirkara FC. The Hammers needed a late goal from defender James Tomkins to get an advantage ahead of the second leg, as they continue to try and qualify for the group stage which increases the number of exciting possibilities facing the club this season. Tomkins is now one of the more experienced Premier League players in the team and someone who is going to be vital for the team over the next ten months, in Slaven Bilic's first season in charge at the club. The difficulty he's facing is that central defence is now one of the most competitive areas of the current squad. Bilic will have plenty of different central options to choose from with the likes of Reece Burke, James Collins and Winston Reid giving him options in the back four, along with new signing Angelo Ogbonna, who will be determined to make a positive impression. Tomkins does have a potential advantage in the respect that he's already up to match speed and also the fact that he's been handed a captaincy role, leading a young side through the club's early matches in the season. That shows a belief from Bilic in what Tomkins is capable of in terms of his mentality and responsibility. The defence was one area of the team which did cost West Ham some vital points last season and an area which must improve moving forward. Games against Tottenham and Manchester United in the last campaign, saw the club losing points from good position and that's something that Tomkins, Bilic and the rest of the Hammers defence can't allow to happen again. Here's what West Ham fans had to say about Tomkins' performance and goal on Twitter.

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Zarate sends message to West Ham fans, Obiang gets a bit carried away
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham stars commented after the club's slender Europa League win. West Ham made hard work of their latest Europa League game, needing a 90th minute goal to give them a 1-0 win over Maltese side Birkirkara. James Tomkins scored the winner, for an experimental Hammers side which included a recall for striker Modibo Maiga. The Frenchman struggled to make an impact, as did in fairness the rest of the attack, but Mauro Zarate was judged to be the best of a bad bunch, voted man of the match by fans. The attacker sent a message thanking supporters via Twitter, and promised a second leg victory.

Mauro Zarate ?@mau_zeta
Thanks to all the West Ham fans to choose me man of the match! It wasn't a great result,But we've won which is important.We'll win away too!
11:01 PM - 16 Jul 2015

Matt Jarvis ?@MrMattJarvis
Glad we got the win in the end! A hard fought game but a well deserved lead! #COYI
10:58 PM - 16 Jul 2015

Teammate Matt Jarvis also played all 90 minutes and also expressed similar sentiments on the result. New signing Pedro Obiang was rested, but got a little carried away, describing the slender win via his Instagram page: "A victory with the taste of glory." There was little for fans to really shout about during the win, and it even seemed false to celebrate the late winner after such a drab performance against the unfancied Maltese side who had given it their all. The leggy performance can be excused due to it being early season, but if West Ham are to progress in the competition they will have to begin hitting the back of the net more freely.

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Report: West Ham's bid to sign playmaker Manuel Lanzini hits stumbling block
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham's bid to sign Manuel Lanzini has reportedly stalled. According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham's bid to sign Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini has hit a stumbling block due to paperwork issues. West Ham had a busy Thursday, beating Maltese side Birkirkara 1-0 in the Europa League, before confirming that midfielder Stewart Downing had been sold back to former club Middlesbrough. That leaves West Ham with a hole to fill in their squad, and it has become clear in recent weeks that Argentine Lanzini is their top target. The 22-year-old, formerly of River Plate, is currently playing in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira, where he has scored eight goals in 24 games. The Daily Mail suggested earlier this week that Lanzini was scheduled to have a medical with West Ham ahead of a loan move to Upton Park - but reports are now emerging that the deal has hit a stumbling block. The Mirror state that the deal is stalling due to a paperwork issue, with Lanzini waiting for clearance to join the Hammers as Downing's replacement - something that is expected to be rectified in the near future.

Where would Lanzini play for West Ham?

The Argentine is a technically gifted playmaker who thrives in the No. 10 role - suggesting that new manager Slaven Bilic will be going with one of two formations. He could stick with the 4-4-2 diamond played by former boss Sam Allardyce last season, or he could work with a 4-2-3-1 system - as he did with former club Besiktas. Either formation would allow Lanzini to play in his favoured central attacking midfield role, where has made his name in Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.

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Pedro Obiang calls on Roma striker Mattia Destro to sign for West Ham
HITC
Dan Coombs

New West Ham signing Pedro Obiang wants Mattia Destro to join him. New West Ham signing Pedro Obiang has made a cheeky invitation for Mattia Destro to join him at the club. Obiang was speaking to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb when he was quizzed about the Roma striker. Ex-Sampdoria star Obiang is keen on Destro coming aboard, and has made his pitch to convince him to sign. He said: "He would be welcome. He could help us. In fact, you know that I do?". "I give you the title for my interview: Destro invitation to come and play at West Ham. "Yes, at West Ham would find a better reality than he imagines." Obiang went onto talk up new signing Angelo Ogbonna, and describe the project at the Hammers as 'beautiful'.

Could Destro happen?

24-year-old Destro is believed to be available from Roma at the right price. Talksport reported three days ago that the Hammers have contacted sporting director Walter Sabatini over a potential move. Destro is an Italian international and is currently on tour with Roma for pre-season. Italian outlet Calciomercato reported 24 hours ago that the player's preference is to remain in Italy, but that withstanging, there is competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, who could have money to spend from a Christian Benteke sale.

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Daily WHUFC News - Southend v West Ham United

Preview - Southend United
WHUFC.com

The Background

West Ham United's busy pre-season continues with their second game in less
than 48 hours with a trip to newly promoted Southend United.
The Shrimpers, under the stewardship of experienced manager Phil Brown,
gained promotion back to League One via a sudden-death penalty shootout at
Wembley in May.
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic is set to name a squad mixed of new arrivals
and highly rated youth prospects. Both Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna are
in line to make their Claret and Blue debuts, while Cheikhou Kouyate and
Diafra Sakho, who missed Thursday night's victory over Birkirkara FC through
suspension, will both return to action.

The history

Southend United were formed in May 1906, before joining the Football League
in 1920. The Essex club have competed mainly in the lower leagues of English
football, however they have enjoyed recent success winning the Football
League Trophy in 2012-13 before winning promotion back to League One last
season.

The Shrimpers play at Roots Hall Stadium, which has a capacity of just over
12,000 seats.

Team news

Southend United

Saturday's hosts have a near to full squad available. Captain John White and
David Worrall are both expected to feature as is highly rated goalkeeper
Daniel Bentley.

New signings David Mooney and Anthony Wordsworth will want to make a good
impression in front of their new home fans.

West Ham United

As the Hammers prepare for the second out of four games in a week, including
an imminent trip to Malta, Slaven Bilic will have to reshuffle his pack.

French international Dimitri Payet is in line to make his Hammers debut
after completing a summer move from Marseille. A lot has been made of the
creative midfielder's vision and technical ability, so fans of both teams
will be eagerly watching his every move.

Similarly Angelo Ogbonna is likely to get some minutes as the Italian
regains match fitness ahead of his first season in the Premier League.

Out of the youngsters available, Bilic could use Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen,
Lewis Page, Djair Parfitt-Williams and Amos Nasha, all of whom made their
senior competitive debuts against FC Lusitans.

The Hammers will be without Andy Carroll who is recovering from injury,
while Carl Jenkinson is still away and Enner Valencia only returned from
holiday this week following his participation in the Copa America.

Match facts

• The last time these two teams played competitively was back in August
2004 in the League Cup. West Ham ran out 2-0 winners at the Boleyn thanks to
a brace by Marlon Harewood. That game featured a very young Mark Noble.

• Southend were victorious the last time the two sides met at Roots Hall.
Just the one goal was enough to separate the sides in the old Division One
way back in the spring of 1993.

• Despite their relatively close vicinity, the two teams have only played
each other seven times competitively.

• Since his appointment as West Ham United manager, Slaven Bilic's men
are unbeaten in four games, scoring eight goals.

Tickets, Travel, Weather & TV Coverage

• Tickets purchased on matchday are priced at £12 Adults and £6 for
Over-65 and Under-21s.

• whufc.com will carry live updates throughout the match, with live text
commentary, photos, stats and reaction. The Club's official Twitter feed
will also have updates.

• At present, a good service is also anticipated on Greater Anglia and
c2c services out of Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street respectively. A
regular service will run throughout the day.

• A cloudy day with sunny intervals are expected around time of kick-off,
with temperatures of 16C/61F.
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Slaven's Hammers head for the seaside
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic is looking forward to seeing some of his new signings in action
when West Ham United head for the seaside on Saturday.
The Hammers travel to newly-promoted League One side Southend United, with
Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet both set to make their first appearances in
Claret and Blue. With fellow summer arrivals Darren Randolph and Stephen
Hendrie in the squad alongside Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate, James Collins
and Diego Poyet, there will be plenty of first-team players on show at Roots
Hall. With around 1,500 West Ham fans set to travel down the A127 and A13,
Bilic is excited about seeing what his team can do against Phil Brown's
Shrimpers. "We have a few games coming up and of course we have many games
overall because we didn't know we were going to be participating in the UEFA
Europa League," the manager explained. "It's still a little bit messy but we
will be a bit cautious. The guys who played on Thursday, especially those
who played 90 minutes, will not participate on Saturday. "Of course our main
concern is our game against Birkirkara in Malta and whether I field the same
team again or make changes I am not saying. It is a competitive game."

Reflecting further on Thursday's narrow 1-0 win over Birkirkara, Bilic said
the tie was never likely to be a walkover. Having suffered a Europa League
Play-Off round first-leg defeat by Norwegian side Tromso while in charge of
Turkish club Besiktas before turning the game around in the second leg, the
manager knows the perils of European football early in the season. "These
games can finish five or six-nil, but it's difficult. They can if you get a
couple of early goals and have a bit of luck. If you noticed, we scored in
the final minute and they lost their motivation a little bit, so if we had
scored ten or 15 minutes before or in the first half it would have changed a
little bit. "On the other hand, as long as the opponent has a result to
cling onto, they are gaining strength and that's what happened on Thursday."

Tickets for Saturday's trip to Southend United will be available through
cash turnstiles at Roots Hall, priced at £12 Adults and £6 for Over-60s and
Under-21s.

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Daily WHUFC News - 17th July 2015

Slaven satisfied with Birkirkara win
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was in honest mood after seeing his West Ham United team edge
past Birkirkara in his first competitive match in charge.
The Hammers needed a 90th-minute goal from James Tomkins to score a 1-0 UEFA
Europa League second qualifying round first leg victory over the Maltese FA
Trophy holders. A near-full Boleyn Ground was left frustrated as Giovanni
Tedesco's determined, well-organised side defended stoutly, only to be
undone when the No5 netted his second goal in successive home matches from
close-range. "We knew that it was going to be like this and we had to be on
one hand quick, and on the other hand patient because they were going to be
with the whole team behind the ball, they were going to waste time and they
were going to keep the ball when we gave it to them. "They have quality and
are totally different to the Andorran team [FC Lusitans] and, to be fair, I
was really pleased with the way we played in the first half. We were just
missing a little bit of quality up front and, when we hit the crossbar and
with a couple of other chances, a little bit of luck.
In the second half we lost our patience. I wanted the ball to go wide and
get around them and make them tired, create better crosses or go inside the
box with the ball. In the last 15 minutes we started to do it again and we
had a few chances, had a few shots and corners and in the end we scored the
goal we totally deserved to score. "We kept a clean sheet, which we were
expecting, but in these games you can lose your shape and conceded a goal.
Now, we have a good result, not a smashing result and I'm quite confident
we're going to go through."

When asked what aspects of West Ham's performance pleased him the most,
Bilic said it was clear his players had been working hard in the two weeks
since they returned for pre-season training. Many of those on show on
Thursday had completed just an hour of action at Peterborough United on
Saturday, but there were few signs of rustiness as the enjoyed 74%
possession and allowed Birkirkara just one shot on goal. "We are fit, not
totally fit and lacking a bit of freshness and organisation. We have not had
too much time to work on it, but we have watched a view video animations on
the wall and the guys are doing well. "Of course we are going to improve,
but we were compact at the back and the two centre-halves concentrated and
passed the ball and were really good. I'm pleased with the way we played.
"I'm not happy with the final third of the pitch and the result. If it was
2-0 or 3-0 it would have been good. We deserved more goals, but I am happy
with the way we played."

West Ham travel to Malta for the second leg next Thursday evening, with
kick-off at the Ta'Qali National Stadium set for 8.45pm local time (7.45pm
UK time).

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Downing departs
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that winger Stewart Downing has returned to
hometown club Middlesbrough on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Downing, who turns 31 next Wednesday, has moved back to his first club after
two seasons in east London. The midfielder made 74 appearances in Claret and
Blue, scoring seven goals. West Ham United would like to thank Stewart for
his hard work and commitment over the past two years and wish him all the
best in his future career.

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West Ham 1 Birkirkara FC 0
16 July 2015
Last updated at 22:18
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport

West Ham take slender lead to Malta
James Tomkins scores 90th minute winner
Second leg on 23 July

James Tomkins scored a 90th-minute winner to earn West Ham United a narrow
Europa League second qualifying round first leg lead over Malta's
Birkirkara. The Hammers dominated possession but failed to make it count
until defender Tomkins chested home from a corner.
In front of a crowd of 33,048, Modibo Maiga hit a post for the hosts, while
skipper Kevin Nolan went close with an acrobatic volley.
Birkirkara went closest through Liliu, the return leg taking place on 23
July.

"West Ham have won a game which looked like being 0-0 by nicking a goal at
the end. It will be a different game away from home. Birkirkara played like
it was a cup final for them. Can they work that hard again? If West Ham had
won 5-0 Slaven Bilic could have left his key men at home next week but now
they will all have to go to Malta."

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic's side will have to perform better in Malta if
they are to make sure of a place in the third qualifying round.
They made heavy weather of seeing off a team 318th in Uefa's club rankings -
200 places below West Ham. Bilic made seven changes to the side that won
against Lusitanos in Andorra last week, with experienced first-team players
Nolan, Aaron Creswell and Winston Reid all returning. But they lacked
cutting edge and when one second-half move resulted in the ball being played
back to goalkeeper Adrian, some sections of West Ham's support booed in
frustration. Mali forward Maiga could have had a hat-trick, the 27-year-old
going closest when goalkeeper Justin Haber palmed his 27th-minute effort
onto a post. Maltese Cup winners Birkirkara defended in numbers and were
minutes away from a memorable result when Tomkins struck. Mauro Zarate's
corner was missed by Haber, allowing Tomkins to chest over the line for his
second goal in Europa League appearances this season.

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Stewart Downing: Middlesbrough sign West Ham winger
BBC.co.uk

Winger Stewart Downing has rejoined hometown club Middlesbrough on a
four-year deal, stepping down a division from Premier League side West Ham.
The 30-year-old will join the club's Marbella training camp on Friday after
completing a deal worth £5.5m that could rise to £7m if Boro are promoted.
Downing, capped 35 times by England, left the Riverside for Aston Villa in
July 2009, before moving to Liverpool.
"Nobody expected him to come here," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka. "He wants
to be here and is completely committed to the club and the team. It's an
amazing signing for us. He's more than just a player." Downing, who joined
the Hammers in 2013 and made 37 league appearances last season, said there
were "other options on the table" but it was "great to be back home". He
added: "I always said I wanted to come back to this club. I didn't put a
time limit on it, but now the circumstances are right. "It would be the
biggest achievement of my career if I could help us get back into the
Premier League."

Downing said there was a chance of him joining Boro on loan from Liverpool
during his spell at Anfield Since making his professional debut for the
Teessiders in May 2002, he has made 493 appearances in all competitions,
scoring 50 goals. Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate, 35, has agreed a deal to
remain with Boro after considering retirement at the end of last season.
Karanka said: "He knows his role will be a bit different. He wants to come
here to help us get promotion." Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on the
Premier League last season as they were beaten by Norwich City in the
Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.

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West Ham 1-0 Birkirkara: James Tomkins rescues Hammers
Last Updated: 16/07/15 10:21pm
Ssn

West Ham scraped past Birkirkara 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League
second qualifying round tie, with James Tomkins netting a 90th-minute
winner. The Maltese minnows, who qualified for the Europa League by winning
the FA trophy in their homeland, frustrated the Premier League side until
Tomkins bundled home a corner late on. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic took charge
of his first game from the home dugout and named a strong senior side that
included Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Aaron Cresswell.

Modibo Maiga was twice denied in the first half by goalkeeper Justin Haber
but that pressure faded and a goal never looked likely in front of a
frustrated home crowd, until Tomkins struck. West Ham were expected to make
short work of their opposition, having seen off FC Lusitans of Andorra 4-0
on aggregate in the first round. Birkirkara headed to east London with
former Juventus striker Fabrizio Miccoli in their ranks but offered almost
nothing in forward areas early on. It was one-way traffic almost from the
kick-off, but without the killer finishing touch. Maiga headed over and then
Amalfitano curled the ball high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand from 12
yards out. On 20 minutes, Birkirkara goalkeeper Haber produced a brilliant
one-handed save to tip over a point-blank header from Maiga following a
free-kick into the penalty area. Maiga then angled a 20-yard shot that was
touched onto the far post by Haber. After a tactical reshuffle at the break,
Birkirkara were far more organised and crafted a rare break when Ellenton
Liliu scampered clear down the right but he dragged his cross-shot wide.
West Ham looked to have run out of ideas but Haber flapped at a left-wing
corner swept in by Zarate and Tomkins bundled the ball into the net,
enabling Bilic's men to take a narrow advantage to Malta for the second leg
next Thursday.

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West Ham transfers: Manuel Lanzini STILL awaiting clearance for proposed
loan move
22:30, 16 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Ex-River Plate midfielder has agreed to join from Al Jazira Club in the UAE
with a view to a permanent deal as a replacement for Stewart Downing
The Mirror

River Plate's midfielder Manuel LanziniMan on the move: Lanzini's switch to
Upton Park should be confirmed sooner rather than later
Manuel Lanzini is continuing to wait for clearance for his move to West Ham.
The 22-year-old playmaker has already agreed a loan deal with a view to a
permanent move, with Stewart Downing off to Middlesbrough for £5million. But
Lanzini's transfer, expected to have been completed by Thursday, is being
held up by paperwork. The attacking midfielder is highly rated at West Ham.
He hit eight goals in 24 appearances to help Al Jazira Club in the UAE
finish second in the Arabian Gulf League last season.

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West Ham 1-0 Birkirkara: Hammers leave it late to establish first-leg lead
in Europa League qualifier
21:53, 16 JULY 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The side from Malta looked to have claimed a fine away draw, only for James
Tomkins to win it for the Irons late on
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic was a relieved man after James Tomkins' earned him a Europa
League win in his first game in charge at Upton Park. Tomkins spared West
Ham's blushes with a last-minute winner against Birkirkara to give them a
narrow advantage to take to Malta for next week's second qualifying round
second leg. New Hammers boss Bilic said: "It was a relief. We deserved more
than 1-0 but it's a good result for us. "It is not job done but it wouldn't
be even if it was 2-0 or 3-1 so we have respect for our opponent." Bilic
picked a much stronger side of first-teamers, though none of his summer
signings played, to face the Maltese minnows last night. But as they toiled
he might have wondered if he was better off sticking with the kids who got
through the first round against FC Lusitans with ease. Birkirkara were a
step up from the Andorran part-timers though West Ham still should have had
more than enough to see them off comfortably. Instead they laboured and were
frustrated by dogged Birkirkara for most of the night and were even jeered
by their own fans during the second half in a throwback to the Sam Allardyce
era. Having seen West Ham squander a number of chances and Liliu almost nick
a shock away goal for Birkirkara for the visitors the boo-boys were no doubt
warming up to let rip at the final whistle. But Tomkins got them off the
hook when he touched in Mauro Zarate's 90th minute corner to give West Ham
the advantage going into the return.

WEST HAM: Adrian 6; O'Brien 5, Reid 6, Tomkins 7, Cresswell 7; Noble 6,
Nolan 5 (Poyet 79, 5); Jarvis 6, Zarate 6, Amalfitano 5 (Samuelsen 59, 6);
Maiga 6 (Lee 69, 5). Subs: Randolph, Collins, Hendrie, Pike.

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