Westley pleased with professionalism
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley hailed the professionalism of his youngsters as West Ham
United's Development Squad opened their pre-season schedule with a 4-0 win
at Chelmsford City. Jordan Brown scored twice, while winger Nathan Mavila
and former Chelmsford loanee Jaanai Gordon were also on target as the young
Hammers swept their National League South hosts aside at Melbourne Stadium.
Academy Manager Westley was delighted to see his players overcome a
difficult opening half-hour against older, more physically developed
opponents to go ahead before the break and go on to produce a sparkling
second half display capped with three well-taken goals. "For some of them
who came back on 22 June and were in the first Europa League squad, that was
their first real game," Westley observed. "They've been in training for a
while but they needed and match and to go to Chelmsford was a competitive
match and our players have got to be able to play to a certain standard.
"Where before I've looked at our team and thought we'd be in for a difficult
game, in the second half we showed some very talented young players who
moved the ball quickly and opened them up. The end result was a terrific
display from us. "It took a while and if we start like that as Premier
League footballers, as we want them to be, the game would have been dead
because we didn't start brightly enough or compete enough. As the game went
on, we grew into it and shifted the ball well and had too much for them in
the end."
The second half saw Westley hand opportunities to a number of his younger
charges, including winger Marcus Browne, England U17 striker Jahmal
Hector-Ingram and midfielder George Dobson, who has been training with the
club in recent weeks. "I was really pleased with some of the young ones who
came on and showed a real understanding of what we wanted and a little bit
of steel to go alongside that. "Reece Oxford, Josh Pask, Amos Nasha and Josh
Cullen were all involved on Saturday at Southend too in the senior group and
had to come off, so the younger group had a chance to come on and did well –
Marcus Browne, George Dobson who we hope to complete the signing of this
week, Sam Westley and Jahmal Hector-Ingram, while Jordan Brown took his
goals well."
Westley said many of his players had clearly benefitted from training
alongside the likes of Diafra Sakho, James Tomkins and Matt Jarvis during
the opening fortnight of pre-season, when they were part of the same group
in Cork and for the Europa League clashes with Andorran side FC Lusitans.
"That was the absolute pinnacle of integration and cohesion throughout the
whole Club, with our players and staff mixing with their first-team
counterparts," said Westley. "I've seen Sakho and Tomkins joining in with
the young lads, talking to them about the game and I think a real example of
the benefit of that was Lewis Page, who already looks like he is above this
level now, and it's happened in a month. "If you can continue that mixing in
together, that's how Southampton and Manchester United have done it. If you
mix young players in with the older, better players, you will see
improvement."
*A Hammers Under-17 side defeated Dagenham & Redbridge 4-0 in a pre-season
match at Little Heath on Saturday.
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Pike enjoying first team experience
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Alex Pike stated his ambition of staying involved with the
first team squad after impressing in pre-season friendlies against
Peterborough United and most recently Southend United. In a 3-2 victory
over the Shrimpers, the 18-year-old right-back looked composed on the ball
and solid in a defence which included new signing Angelo Ogbonna. Speaking
after the match in Essex, played in baking conditions, Pike said: "Hopefully
I can stay in and around the first team as much as possible. I just want to
keep on pushing."Fingers crossed the opportunities continue to come. We've
got a busy schedule, so hopefully I get another run out. Everyone needs to
continue to work hard and impress the manager in order to get the chances."
Another new player that impressed the travelling fans was undoubtedly
Dimitri Payet, who scored two excellent goals in a man-of-the-match
performance. The Frenchmen looked lively throughout his 70-minute debut,
creating a number of chances for his teammates. Pike, among many others,
was suitably impressed: "Dimitri is a brilliant player, he's probably the
best I've ever played with. He's unbelievable on the ball and he's going to
add a lot to our team this year."
As the Irons continue their busy pre-season schedule with three games next
week, including a trip to Malta, Pike explained that he believed the Hammers
will reap the benefits come the start of the season. "It was a tiring match,
it was pretty hot out there so you tire quicker. I was pleased with how I
started and I thought I was good on the ball. But I struggled a bit as the
game went on. "I think Saturday has helped massively with my fitness. I've
still got a bit to go, but the 70-odd minutes I got today really helped.
"At the end of the day, a win is always nice, even in a friendly. It's
obviously better than a draw or a defeat. Hopefully we can push on from
here."
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Poyet on Payet: 'what a player!'
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 19th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diego Poyet was full of praise for his new team mate Dimitri Payet yesterday
following the French international's match-winning debut at Roots Hall. The
club's most expensive signing of the summer (so far) chipped in with a
couple of goals and an assist to wow the travelling Hammers faithful at
sunny Southend on Saturday afternoon - as well as one or two of his team
mates. That included fellow midfielder Diego Poyet, who told KUMB after the
match that he believes Payet is going to set the Premier League alight this
season. "What a player!" he exclaimed, when asked about the £11million
signing. "Some of us have seen him play in the past and for others, the
first time they saw him was today. Now you've seen what he can do - he could
have had three or four assists. "He scored two goals and the third took a
massive deflection, but it was all down to him. So he's a great addition to
the team and the squad, and I'm sure he's going to create a lot of goals
this year."
As for his own performance in West Ham's 3-2 win, Poyet says he is just
happy to be playing at the moment having barely featured last season, his
first at the club since moving from Charlton the previous summer. "It was a
good day," he surmised. "It was a bit end to end but obviously players got
minutes in a good solid competitive game and we're happy to win at the end
of the day. "I love playing. It's either running in training or running
whilst playing a game - and I personally prefer playing for 90 minutes, so
I'm loving it. Every player wants to play games. "If you say to someone
would you rather run for an hour-and-a-half three or four times a week or
play a game, I'm sure every player would rather play a game. So we're really
happy.
"Everyone's getting minutes so it's good for the whole team. I think that
pretty much every player - apart from the few who have only just joined us -
have already got 90 minutes under their belt, so it's great for everyone."
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English players quota: yes or no?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 19th July 2015
By: Geoff Toates
His holiness, Greg Dyke, who to the best of my knowledge has never
previously been involved in football in either a playing, or administrative,
capacity has decided, demanded almost, that in order to save the English
national team from international oblivion Premier League clubs must adhere
to a quota, whereby a minimum number of players should be 'home grown'.
Now I don't know what anyone else thinks but I support West Ham, as do the
massive majority who use this website. I want to see the best players we can
afford playing for our club and I frankly don't give a damn what passport
they hold.
Like most others I would be delighted to see another Rio Ferdinand or Frank
Lampard emerge from our once-famed Academy, and nobody is going to tell me
that their talents would have been stifled by having to compete with
overseas signings. But if the talent isn't emerging, as sadly has been the
case in recent years, I expect the club to invest in the first team to
ensure we can compete.
Which leads us quite nicely into another issue. The over-inflated transfer
fees required to sign English qualified players. Our record signing is Andy
Carroll who cost a £15 million transfer fee and, by all accounts, a king's
ransom by way of a salary. Not too far behind comes Matt Jarvis who, if
memory serves, cost us around £7million when we bought him from Wolves.
I don't believe anyone, West Ham supporter or otherwise, would seriously
expect us to believe either of those signings can be compared, in terms of
value, to similar players signed either by us or other clubs at our level of
the game. It was widely reported in the press a while back that David
Sullivan would have preferred it had we signed Wilfred Bony instead of
Carroll but, and credit to him for doing so, he backed the then manager and
went with Allardyce's preference.
Bony was a cheaper option, in part because he is foreign. Similarly I
believe Jarvis' fee was inflated because of his nationality. So if there are
not only better, but cheaper, options to be found elsewhere can anyone blame
the clubs for looking away from these shores for their acquisitions?
Hopefully time will prove that we have been better served signing Dimitri
Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and Pedro Obiang than we would have had we shelled out
fees for English players currently being bandied about.
Is Raheem Sterling seriously worth approximately four times as much as
Payet? John Stones will supposedly cost Chelsea around £28million when they,
as they probably will, eventually land him. Is he really that much better
than Ogbonna? I would suggest not.
But the values of Sterling and Stones are, in part, influenced by the quota
rules and regulations. If something is in short supply it will cost more.
That has always been the case and always will be. And artificial quotas
won't change the laws of economics, they will simply reinforce them.
I believe if talent exists it will rise to the surface. Trevor Brooking, to
his credit, realised that, for example, it was bloody stupid expecting young
kids to play football on a pitch designed for adults. So young kids are now
playing on pitches designed for them. 9 and 10-year-old goalkeepers are no
longer expected to protect a full size goal.
Pitches are shorter and narrower to reflect the fact that the kids playing
on them are smaller. And the rule I particularly like is that when a goal
kick is taken in a kids game the opposition have to retreat behind the half
way line. The idea being that kids are encouraged to play and bring the ball
out, rather than hoof it upfield as far as possible.
In time those measures will, I believe, improve the quality of young English
players. Obviously ability and skill alone won't allow kids to reach the top
of the game. Hard work and dedication are also necessary. But at least
Brooking's measures should improve the quality of the raw material, and I
hope, the enjoyment kids get actually playing the game.
In my view the imposition of quotas will, if anything, reduce the quality
rather than increase it. Would Chelsea be, for example, looking at Stones,
presumably as John Terry's eventual replacement, if they were able to choose
any central defender without adhering to a quota? And in the long term would
it not be better for Stones, and Sterling, to continue playing regularly for
their clubs than becoming bit part players, which many reckon they will, at
Manchester City and Chelsea?
His holiness Mr Dyke maintains it is the large number of foreign imports
into the English game that are holding back the national squad. His holiness
was born in 1947 which means he is old enough to remember English
international football's finest moment. But he should also be able to
remember that England failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups and
that we have never really achieved anything of note in the European
Championships.
Many of those failures Mr Dyke were back in the time when the nearest thing
we saw to a 'foreign' player was the latest import from St Mirren or Dundee
United. Just as schools are, thankfully, moving away from the 'everyone must
win' philosophy I think that football should be looking for ongoing
improvement, not by lowering the overall standard but by encouraging
excellence.
We have made a start by introducing many of Trevor Brooking's measures. It
obviously won't happen overnight, but let's give it a chance to bear fruit.
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THE GEORDIE PATIENT - JUST BAD LUCK OR BAD BONES ?
By HamburgHammer 19 Jul 2015 at 08:08
West Ham till I Die
Some of you may remember an article I wrote around the beginning of the
previous season with the headline "Andy Carroll – we want you to play".
Another year on and that desire hasn't really changed for me. But just like
last season things aren't quite as simple as that (when have things ever
been straightforward at our club ?).
Recent news from the usually trustworthy Guardian claim that Carroll could
actually be out till mid-October after injuring a medial ligament in one
knee during the Southampton game, not being able to come off because all
substitutions had been made at that point.
That all happened quite a long time ago, February to be precise. I remember
this game so vividly as it was the last game I followed on an internet
stream, albeit with a rather absent mind, sitting literally three metres
away from my sick mom's bed, with her still being alive at that point only
to die just two days later on Friday the 13th.
While it obviously isn't a question for me personally what was the greater
tragedy of the two, of course for West Ham the latest in a long line of
Carroll injuries and niggles was a nightmare of epic proportions, especially
considering how much money has been spent on our top earner Carroll in terms
of transfer fee and wages and how little the club has received back in the
shape of minutes on the pitch and goals in the net.
Since he arrived on a permanent deal at West Ham he has appeared 27 times
for us, scoring seven goals. Needless to say that the ratio between outlay
from the club and output from Carroll has been quite atrocious. With Carroll
as a devoted fan at least you gain some insider knowledge in the field of
health and medicine.
Most of us didn't know before if plantar fasciitis was something to eat, a
rare kind of orchid or indeed a very nasty injury causing pain and
inflammation of a thick band of tissue located in the heel of your foot. At
the end of the day it doesn't really matter if it is heel, ankle, knee,
shoulder, hamstring or the groin.
What is important is that Carroll seems to be injury prone, not helped by
the way he tends to go into challenges at full pelt, no matter where on the
pitch or what phase of the game. If Carroll cannot change this approach, the
next injury is just lurking on the next corner.
Checking out injury data on Carroll on transfermarkt in his time at West Ham
alone the Geordie striker was out through injury for a total of 565 days
(loan period included), missing a total of 66 games. Talking of positive
things, I love Carroll when he actually plays, on his day the man is
unplayable and he has a lot more to his bow than just being a battering ram
useful for knocking down balls to teammates. Yes, he can do that, but he has
already scored some lovely goals with his feet, showing great skill and
technique.
The prospect of him striking up a partnership with Sakho, Zarate or a new
striker yet to be signed, the vision of him running onto throughballs or
converting crosses from Payet or Kouyate is mouthwatering.
All of which obviously will ony come to fruition if Carroll both gets
healthy and stays healthy for the majority of the season. The aforementioned
Guardian artcile mentioned that West Ham were taking a very cautious
approach with Carroll this time, giving him all the time to heal properly,
get in shape and match fit in his own time without rushing him back too
early or putting too much of a goalscoring burden on him too soon.
I am very hapy with that approach, no matter how frustrating it is to again
having to play the waiting game. This is not just about being a slow or fast
healer though.
West Ham and Carroll himself need to find a way to somewhat tame his bullish
effort and aggression on the pitch.
It goes without saying we want the new Carroll jogging about the pitch
lazily. But if it makes any sense, Carroll needs to be more economical with
his determination and effort.
I'm sure not only Bilic, but everybody at West Ham, including most fans,
would love to see what a healthy Carroll can do over the course of an entire
season or at least six or seven months in a row. I want to give Carroll the
benefit of the doubt again. Once again I hope this time the worst is behind
him and his next big injury, if any, is years away.
It's time to finally repay West Ham's patience with more games, more minutes
on the pitch overall, more goals.
West Ham appear to be doing all the right things with Carroll this time to
prevent another long-term injury from happening. Will Carroll be able to do
the same and do his bit ?
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West Ham transfers: Everton's Kevin Mirallas subject of £6m Hammers bid
22:30, 18 JULY 2015
BY NEIL MOXLEY
Spurs seemed to be leading the race for the Belgium international's
signature but now their neighbours are keen to press ahead with their own
deal
The Mirror
West Ham have tabled a bid of £6million with Everton for Kevin Mirallas,
writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People. The Hammers have moved into the
race to rival Spurs for the signature of the Belgium international.
Tottenham had hoped to use Aaron Lennon as a makeweight in any swap deal
involving the winger. But it appears new Irons boss Slaven Bilic is keen to
press ahead with a straight deal and has made the Toffees a cash offer.
Mirallas has just one year left on his deal and has fallen out of favour
with boss Roberto Martinez. However, Everton are unlikely to accept West
Ham's offer and are understood to be holding out for around £8m.
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Report: Irons offer £6m for Everton star
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have reportedly had a £6 million bid for Kevin Miralles turned down
with Everton looking for £8 million. The Irons are locked into a battle with
Spurs for the player and have apparently upped their interest since
Manchester United put an immediate block on Javier Hernandez leaving Old
Traford. A report in the Sunday People claims that Spurs had hoped to use
Aaron Lennon in any swap deal but that Slaven Bilic wants to press ahead
with a straight cash deal and that the club has made the Toffees an offer.
Mirallas has just one year left on his deal and has fallen out of favour
with boss Roberto Martinez.
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New signing is out injured
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
First team coach Julian Dicks has confirmed Pedro Obiang is out injured at
the moment with a knock. Asked why Obiang hadn't featured for the Hammers
yet, Dicks replied on twitter "He has featured but at moment he has a
injury" The 23 year old former Sampdoria midfielder signed for an
undisclosed fee believed to be around £4.5 million on a five year contract.
The defensive midfielder who scored three goals in 34 appearances for
seventh placed Sampdoria last season in Italy was due to play in last
Thursday's Europa League game against Birkirkara before being replaced by
Matt Jarvis due to an injury. He also failed to make the pre season friendly
squad against Southend on Saturday when fellow new signing Payet scored a
brace and Ogbonna made his debut.
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Adrian: New boss has changed a lot of things
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Adrian has declared things are changing and and that the Slaven Bilic style
is on the way in. The crowd favourite declared: "We have changed a lot of
things. Now, with this manager, we play a more passing style, (the ball)
quick to the side and to put the cross in, players going forwards, starting
with the defence to create our game. "It is a different style, so we need to
adapt to the new manager and the new manager needs to adapt to the team, to
get a strong squad and to be perfect when we start the Premier League."
Comapring Slav to the former manager he said: "They are different persons
and each person is different with different qualities – Sam Allardyce had
good qualities and now it is (Slaven) Bilic. "It is different — another
style to play and other things."
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Former Hammer scores for Chairboys
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammer Sean Maguire is on trial with Wycombe Wanderers and was one of
three trialists who accompanied Gareth Ainsworth's squad on their pre-season
tour to France.
The 21-year-old Irish international tapped in from a cross to score Blues'
solitary goal in a 2-1 defeat against the third tier French side on
Thursday.
The striker is available on a free transfer after his release from West Ham,
where he failed to make a single first team appearance after signing from
Waterford in January 2013.
Originally dubbed the Irish Messi by his former chairman at Waterford, the
Republic of Ireland under-21 international played 34 times for Accrington
Stanley last season, scoring eight times while on loan from West Ham.
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Former Leicester midfielder in talks with Irons
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former Leicester City midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has held talks with West
Ham, according to The Sun.
Cambiasso,34, is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at
Leicester City where he managed fve goals in 31 appearances.
The Sun on Sunday are today reporting that West Ham have held talks with the
player and suggest Bilic is keen to bring him to the Boleyn Ground.
Aston Villa are also said to be interested but have not held talks with the
player as yet.
Other reports say there is also interest from the MLS, the Indian Super
League and Turkish outfit Besiktas formally managed by Bilic. Leicester City
are hoping he decides to re-sign with them with 3 weeks remaining before the
Premier League season begins.
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Ravel injury blow for Lazio
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammer Ravel Morrison may be looking at a lengthy spell recovering
from an injury before Lazio's season even starts.
Morrison was involved in Lazio's friendly against Vicenza yesterday, but had
to be helped from the pitch by club physios after picking up an injury in
the 20th minute of the match.
According to Italian daily Il Messaggero, there is considerable fear in
Italy that Ravel has seriously damaged his ligaments.
If ligament fears are confirmed, the midfielder could be looking at a
lengthy spell out of action.
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Phil Brown asked Bilic to sub Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Dimtri Payet scored two goals on his debut against Southend, and Southend
Manager Phil Brown admitted he even asked Slaven Bilic to take the playmaker
off to make it a fairer contest. "I'm delighted for my chairman and for the
Club that West Ham played a strong squad," Brown told Southend's official
website. "There was one player – Dimitri Payet – who showed absolute quality
and I asked Slaven [Bilic] whether he was going to take him off, and make it
more of an even game!"
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Tomkins to Newcastle rumour recycled
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The James Tomkins to Newcastle rumour is becoming as predictable in the
transfer window as Harry Redknapp speaking through his car window in some
car park.
Today the Sunday People suggests that Newcastle are 'monitoring' James
Tomkins situation after the arrival of Angelo Ogbonna.
James Tomkins has scored twice in Europa League qualifiers including the
sole goal and winner in the 90th minute last Thursday against Birkirkara and
captaining the previous Europa match.
Back in February James Tomkins signed a new five a half year contract to
keep him a Hammer until the summer of 2020. Tomkins told the club's website
at the time:
"I think it's brilliant that the Club has shown faith in me and offered me
this deal and I'm delighted to sign it, I've been here since I was seven and
this is a long-term deal which is going to take me up until I'm in my
thirties, so it's nice to commit my future here."
"Being a West Ham fan, I want to spend my future here as it is exciting
times with the Olympic Stadium move coming up in 2016, The Club is going in
the direction I wanted it to go and I want to be involved in. It's exciting
all-round, for the Club and for me"
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Alex Song to Birmingham?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
It appears Prime Minister David Cameron is not the only person to get mixed
up between West Ham and Aston Villa.
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo says today that Alex Song looks likely to
be off to Birmingham, but then they also mentioned Slaven Bilic and his
desire for the player, and West Ham.
It seems the newspaper is mixed up over the Claret and Blue kits of Aston
Villa and West Ham believing the Irons to be located in Birmingham.
Maybe putting the words London on the West Ham crest from next season when
we move to the Olympic Stadium won't be such as a bad thing even as a simple
reminder of which city we actually play in.
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Report: Lanzini to fly to London on Monday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo claims Manuel Lanzini flies to
London on Monday to finalize details and sign a one year loan deal with West
Ham.
The 22 year old play maker is believed to to have already agreed a loan deal
in principle with an option for a permanent transfer after Stewart
Downing's move to Middlesbrough on Thursday.
He hit eight goals in 24 appearances to help Al Jazira Club in the UAE
finish second in the Arabian Gulf League last season.
He was previously linked with West Ham in the past but the former River
Plate star opted for a move to Al Jazira for a fee of around £5.25million.
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Sunday, July 19
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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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
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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Saturday, July 18
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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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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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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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