Daily WHUFC News - 10th November 2015

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic said his players must be happy with the start they've made to
their Premier League campaign. After 12 games played, just under a third of
the season, the Hammers have accumulated an impressive 21 points. The
manager said: "The international break has definitely come at a good time. I
said to the boys, 'Now, we have played a third of the season, we have to be
happy with the way we are playing. We may have a few more points, maybe a
few less, but we are in a good position.'" "We place high expectations of
ourselves, and we will keep that level of expectations high. This is the
last international break for a long time; we face a difficult time with the
winter coming. "I told them to be proud so far and I expect them to come
back hungry. We have a lot of games to do until the end of the season, we
want to maintain this level but also improve, we now we can still improve."

Looking ahead to the break in fixtures, the manager said he intends to
maximise the time by scrutinising every aspect of his side. While some
players will be away representing their countries, the manager will have the
majority of his squad to work with. He continued: "We are going to work on
and examine every area, tactics, physical side, medical things everything to
make sure we are as good as we can be. "We have shown that in parts so far,
but not consistent enough. We are going to win games, and we are going to
lose games. But if we keep our focus we will be a very hard team to beat."

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Noble - 'That was more like us'
WHUFc.com

Mark Noble felt the Hammers' performance against Everton on Saturday was a
cause for encouragement – even if all three points eluded them. On the back
of a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Watford, Noble wanted a reaction from his
team and that was certainly in evidence at the Boleyn Ground. Manuel
Lanzini's beautifully-placed effort gave the home side a 30th minute lead,
only for Romelu Lukaku to cancel it out just before the break. 1-1 was how
it remained, but Noble saw far more positives than negatives. He said: "We
are a little bit disappointed, not because of the result as Everton are a
top team, but at home I thought we played very well. "It was a completely
different performance to last week, which is encouraging. I think we
probably should have scored a couple more goals, but in the end probably
both teams were quite happy with a point. "Last week wasn't like us, I don't
know what happened there. Maybe it's credit to Watford because they played
well, I don't know. It wasn't us and we showed that on Saturday."

Lanzini's goal was his fourth of the season and Noble is impressed with the
way the Argentine has settled in to life with the Hammers. He continued:
"Manuel is great. He's learning English and he's a lovely kid. He's only 22
and he's got a manager who believes in him and lets him go out and play.
"He's a top player, and I YouTubed him before he came here and saw that he
had a lot of quality. He's showing that in the games."

As the Londoners head into the third international break of the season,
Noble is satisfied with the campaign to date, but knows his team cannot
afford to rest on their laurels.
He added: "We had this kind of start last year, but then only won a couple
of league games after Christmas. We want to keep this going, we're got back
to a good performance on Saturday and probably should have got the three
points."

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

We had to settle for a point on Saturday and overall I thought it was a
decent performance by the team considering the disappointing performance we
had against Watford. But unfortunately we had no luck on the day and were
unable to come away with the three points. It was a wonder goal from Manuel
Lanzini to put us into the lead and it was a fantastic strike. He knew
exactly where he wanted to put the ball and he gave Tim Howard no chance
with a perfectly executed strike which flew into the top corner. Manuel has
been outstanding for the Club since we signed him during the summer and
Slaven was determined to bring him to the Boleyn Ground. He tried to sign
him when he was at Besiktas last season but the move never materialised.
We are delighted that we were able to finalise a deal and he has taken no
time adjusting to Premier League football. He has shown he can compete
against the best teams in the country. He has so much to his game and showed
once again with his fourth goal of the campaign that he is going to be a
key player for us this season.

It was unfortunate that we were not able to hold onto the lead and Romelu
Lukaku scored against us once again. But apart from the goal, I thought the
defending from Winston Reid and James Tomkins was fantastic on Saturday. I
thought some of the tackling by Everton was strong and I was amazed it took
so long for them to get a yellow card. We've ended up with two badly injured
players. Some weeks the challenge on Payet would have been a red card and
his injury changed the game for us. We are still waiting for news on how
long both players will be ruled out of action and hope to have an update in
the next 24 hours. We now head into the international break and I want to
wish the best of luck to Darren Randolph who will be joining up with the
Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial play-off game against Bosnia &
Herzegovina.

I know that Slaven will be using the time to work on different areas with
the players and we will be fully ready for the big London derby against
Tottenham on November 22.

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Payet suffers ankle injury
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that midfielder Dimitri Payet suffered an injury
to his left ankle during Saturday's game with Everton. The France
international had a scan on Sunday and after a consultation with a
specialist on Monday, it is likely that he will be ruled out of action for
three months.
Payet picked up the injury following a challenge from Everton midfielder
James McCarthy and was forced to leave the field early in the second half.
Meanwhile, Enner Valencia's ankle injury will be assessed by a specialist
early next week and whufc.com will bring a further update on his fitness
then.

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Reece Burke's Bradford City were held to a 0-0 draw by Nathan Mavila's
Aldershot in the FA Cup First Round. The Bantams dominated the game with 63%
possession and 13 shots to the host's one. The replay will take place on
Tuesday 17 November. The young centre-back was nominated for October's
Player of the Month award.

Diego Poyet played the full game as MK Dons slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at
high flyers Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls got off to a great start
when Solly March netted after just five minutes before Jamie Murphy doubled
their lead. Nicky Maynard pulled a goal back shortly after with a long range
drive. The win sees Chris Houghton's men extend their unbeaten run to 17
games while MK Dons slip to 21st in the Championship.

Jordan Brown was unused substitute in Chelmsford City's 2-1 home defeat
Truro City. Hugo Skepelhorn opened the scoring after just five minutes for
Clarets however the visitors rallied through goals from Jamie Reid and Ryan
Brett.

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Commemorative Bricks update
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are pleased to announce that, following careful
consideration, the messages on the Commemorative Bricks currently outside
the Boleyn Ground are to be transferred to Champions Place on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Champions Place will become the new landmark outside West Ham's magnificent
new Stadium, and is also planned to be the home of the Champions Statue, as
well as a number of individual sections dedicated to other Club legends.

Around these sections will be laid thousands of granite stones inscribed
with messages by West Ham fans who have chosen to leave their permanent mark
in history as the Club prepares to start a new chapter at the world-famous,
54,000-seater Stadium next year.

In order to ensure that the memories of those individuals currently
remembered at the Boleyn Ground should be preserved at the Club's new
Stadium for generations to come, West Ham have decided that each message on
the Commemorative Bricks will be inscribed on a brand new Champions Place
Stone.

The Club believes that this landscaped area of the new Stadium – a place for
Hammers fans to meet and pay homage to their heroes – will be the most
appropriate location to leave a permanent, individual tribute, engraved in
granite, to all those loved ones.

The Club will take on all the costs of this process, as part of its on-going
commitment to ensure the new Stadium looks and feels, unmistakably, like the
home of West Ham United.

Inevitably, the Club's decision regarding the Commemorative Bricks will
reduce the number of Champions Place Stones available for other West Ham
fans to buy, but if you would like to secure your stone and make your mark
on history, please visit championsplace.whufc.com and place your order
today. For general enquiries and customer service-related queries, please
call 03333 442252.

In consultation with West Ham's Chaplain, Reverend Alan Bolding, the Club
are also planning to hold a special memorial service during the final season
at the Boleyn Ground for everyone who is currently remembered there or whose
ashes were scattered on the pitch, the terraces or the Memorial Garden in
the past.

West Ham will publicise this service widely in the local media, the matchday
programme, the Club's website and other social media channels, so that
everyone who may wish to attend has the opportunity to do so.

The answers to some FAQs about this process can be found below.

FAQs

Will we have to pay for a new stone to have our message transferred?
No, West Ham will take care of all the costs involved in full.

When will the new stones be laid?
The stones will be laid and unveiled before the first West Ham home fixture
of the 2016/17 season. Full information about that unveiling will be
published on whufc.com in due course.

How will we know where to find our new stone?
The Club holds contact details for all individuals or groups who purchased
Commemorative Bricks, and, in the first instance, those details will be used
to pass on information about the location of the new stones in Champions
Place.

If you know that those details are now out of date, or if you do not hear
from the Club prior to the opening of Champions Place, please contact
championsplace@westhamunited.co.uk with details of the message that was on
your Brick, and they will inform you where your new stone will be located.

Can we change the message that will go on our new stone?
Unfortunately not. The Club feel that it is fitting, both as a historical
record and for posterity, that the very same messages which have graced the
Boleyn Ground for many years join us at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park.

However, it is possible to purchase an additional Champions Place stone if
you wish to add a new message from the Champions Place online store here.

Why can't the bricks be transferred in their current form?
West Ham looked into that possibility, but given the age and condition of
the bricks, the process of dismantling and reassembling them would have
resulted in irreparable damage, in addition to which there would have been
no appropriate place to incorporate them in their current form into the new
Stadium or its surroundings.

Can we retrieve our individual brick as a memento?
Unfortunately, it would be impossible to extract individual bricks from the
group in their current form without damaging those around them, which,
clearly, would be disrespectful to other supporters.

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Dimitri Payet: West Ham midfielder ruled out for three months
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet has been ruled out for three months with
an ankle injury. The France international suffered the injury to his left
ankle after a challenge from James McCarthy in the first half of Saturday's
1-1 draw with Everton at Upton Park. He tried to play on but limped off five
minutes after the break. Payet, 28, has scored five goals in 14 appearances
since his £10.7m summer move from Marseille. West Ham, who are currently
sixth in the Premier League, say Enner Valencia's long-term ankle injury
will be assessed by a specialist early next week. The Ecuador striker, 26,
has been out since July after suffering the injury in a Europa League
qualifying match.

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Secret Footballer's West Ham 'racism' slur
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United supporters have reacted angrily to a suggestion that the
Boleyn Ground is a hotbed of racism. The claim, made in today's Telegraph by
an unnamed individual who hides behind the pseudonym 'Secret Footballer'
suggested that racism was a greater issue at West Ham than any other club.
"I meet supporters from clubs up and down the country and, for the most
part, I leave with something to think about. But not with West Ham fans,"
they wrote. "When you play against West Ham, you also notice the racism that
you don't hear at other clubs. The odd thing about it, though racism is
racism, is that you can sometimes hear it directed at West Ham players by
West Ham fans. Honestly, it is a bizarre experience. "I have a theory on
this that pertains to the cameras never picking it up on live broadcasts or
on highlights programmes. Yet if you were to make a TV show on racism at
West Ham, you'd have more than enough material in the first 20 minutes of
the match to fill a series." The writer, who some believe to be former
Reading striker and Tottenham supporter Dave Kitson, also claimed that
Hammers fans were, "without doubt the most deluded fans in the Premier
League".

Naturally the unknown individual's comments provoked an angry reaction from
Hammers fans, many of whom took to the KUMB Forum today to express their
disappointment at what some have perceived to be a cowardly and unprovoked
attack on the club's entire fanbase. "Being a member of an ethnic minority
and regularly attending home and away for several years now, I can say I've
never noticed anything that sticks in the memory," wrote ironsjh. That was a
view supported by hessa, who added: "In the last 15 years or so I've
encountered only one racist in the Bobby Moore Upper, who was abusing
Carlton Cole. "Pretty much everyone seemed appalled and challenged the
bloke; he got escorted out. The first time he got banned for a game or two
and the second time I assumed got banned for good, as I never saw him
again."

Meanwhile ClaretDave questioned the validity of the 'deluded' claim,
writing: "The average West Ham fan has seen far more disappointment than
success, never seen us lift a trophy and only wants a decent effort from the
team. "I have never met anyone who honestly believes we should be winning
everything."

The Secret Footballer also revealed in the column how he was "glad" to have
"ran up a $130,000 bill in one night at the Tao nightclub in Vegas" whilst
admitted to having "accidentally written off a Ferrari when playing a game
of chicken in Barcelona".

West Ham have thus far refrained from responding to the writer's comments,
which were published in Mark Bailey's column for the newspaper.

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Dimitri Payet still leading the way
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet is still leading the statistical
charts in the Premier League this season. We recently revealed how Payet was
once again Europe's most creative player in 2015/16 having delivered more
key passes than any other players in the continent's top five leagues so far
this season. And the French midfielder is also the Premier League's second
highest-rated player in terms of chances created - behind only Mesut Ozil of
Arsenal, who has been responsible for 54 goalscoring opportunities compared
to Payet's 47. The two London-based players are a country mile clear of
their closest rivals, they being Arsenal's Santi Cazorla (with 35 chances),
Dusan Tadic of Southampton (33) and Eden Hazard of relegation-threatened
Chelsea (32).
In terms of overall ratings, the former Olympique de Marseille star is
currently rated as the third best midfielder on the continent, behind
Barcelona's Neymar and Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez. Various factors
including goals scored, number of assists and 'take-ons' are used to assess
each player's value. Meanwhile Payet is currently rated as the fourth-best
player in the Premier League during 2015/16 with a total of 398 points.
according to Oulala. He currently trails Mahrez (426 points). Jamie Vardy -
also of Leicester (422) - and Jack Butland (415) of Stoke City.

And fellow stats site Squawka list Payet in fourth place in their Premier
League 'Performance Score' rankings for 2015/16, behind Arsenal's Alexis
Sanchez, Mahrez and fellow countryman Laurent Koscielny (also of Arsenal).

(We've got Payet), Dimitri Payet: 2015/16 stats

Games Played: 12
Total Minutes Played: 1,036
Passes Completed: 400
Pass Accuracy: 82% (61% of which were forward passes)
Shot Accuracy: 65%
Chances Created: 47
Goals Scored: 5
Assists: 3
Performance Score: 451 (fourth highest in the BPL)

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Five key questions regarding Dimitri Payet's injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

It was confirmed earlier this afternoon that Dimitri Payet will be out of
action until February 2016 at the earliest after sustaining damage to his
ankle ligaments during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton.

The 28-year-old was felled by a terrible first half challenge from behind by
Everton's James McCarthy and forced off the field just five minutes into the
second half as a result.

However questions are now inevitably being asked about the circumstances
behind the injury, the extent of which even manager Slaven Bilic appeared
unaware of during his post-match press conference on Saturday evening.

When questioned as to the nature of Payet's injury, Bilic told the assembled
media that he expected him to be back sooner rather than later - clearly
oblivious to the gravity of the French midfielder's condition.

"I've been in football long enough not to listen to those first opinions,"
he said. "Almost always they're totally different after the scans. So we
have to wait.

"Payet and Valencia's are both ankles," he continued. "I think the first one
[on Payet] was a bad challenge, to be fair. It doesn't look good, but I'm
hoping and I'm optimistic that they're going to be okay for the Spurs game."

So five key questions we believe West Ham United FC need to answer following
this afternoon's revelations are:

1. Why was Payet allowed to play/limp on until half time following
McCarthy's dreadful challenge?

2. Why was Payet told by the medical team at half time he could continue
after the break?

3. Why was Payet allowed to play for five further minutes before asking to
be substituted?

4. Why did Payet take his place in the dug-out after leaving the field of
play instead of receiving immediate treatment?

5. On whose advice was Slaven Bilic acting when stating that the injury may
not necessarily be serious?

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Dimitri Payet sidelined until 2016
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 9th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet could be sidelined for up to three months after sustaining a
knock in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton at the Boleyn Ground.

The French midfielder has been West Ham United's best player of the season
so far but is set to remain out of action until February 2016, having being
injured by a dreadful challenge from Everton's James McCarthy during
Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground.

The Everton midfielder was merely cautioned for the 'scissors' challenge on
Payet by rookie referee Paul Tierney - one that threatens to derail West
Ham's good start to the 2015/16 campaign.

The extend of the French midfielder's ankle injury was revealed by club
doctors on Monday. Payet has scored five goal already this season, creating
three assists and topping the European charts for key passes.

Questions will now inevitably be asked as to why Payet was allowed to return
for the second half of Saturday's match, in which he lasted just five
minutes before being replaced.

And news of his injury comes less than 72 hours after former Hammer Jack
Collison, currently at Peterborough effectively blamed West Ham United's
medical staff for damaging his career in an interview with the Independent.

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Dimitri Payet out for up to three months, West Ham confirm
Last Updated: 09/11/15 7:01pm
SSN

West Ham star Dimitri Payet is facing up to three months out with an ankle
injury suffered against Everton at the weekend. Earlier on Monday Jack
Sullivan, son of owner David Sullivan, had tweeted that the French star was
facing a spell on the sidelines and now the club have confirmed the extent
of the injury. The French midfielder has been an integral part of West Ham's
rise up the Premier League table this season but now faces the prospect of
being out until the new year after scans on Sunday confirmed the damage.
Payet suffered the ankle injury in the 50th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Everton after being tackled by James McCarthy who was booked following
the challenge. The 28-year-old joined from Marseille for £10.7m in the
summer, since when he has netted five times in 13 league appearances for the
East London club.

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West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet facing THREE MONTHS out after sustaining
an injury against Everton
16:58, 9 NOV 2015 UPDATED 17:23, 9 NOV 2015
BY JAMES WHALING
Payet was tackled by Toffees man James McCarthy during their 1-1 draw in the
Premier League at Upton Park on Saturday
The Mirror

West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet is facing three months out injured. The
Frenchman was tackled by Everton's James McCarthy in their 1-1 draw in the
Premier League at Upton Park on Saturday. McCarthy clattered into his
opponent from behind, leading to him being replaced shortly after half time
by Enner Valencia, who was also forced off after a tackle from Seamus
Coleman. Asked about the challenge on Payet, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
told Sky Sports: "I didn't see it but I was told it should have been red.
"I saw it was a foul from behind and they made a few of them. We had our
player injured and we don't know how bad it is, but it was bad enough for
him not to finish the game. "It is a big blow for us. Payet is our main
player with the ball and I am not happy with the injury. "Enner did really
well when he came on and we looked dangerous but then he got injured. Those
are the only things I am not happy about."

Fans are furious with the challenge with Payet having been a standout
performer for the Hammers this season.

One angry user tweeted: "Because once again the @FA rules are flawed,players
like @dimpayet17 not protected & thugs like @JMcCarthy_16 get away with it."

Another added: "Christ, even as an Everton fan how was that not a red.
#GotAwayWithIt

Others were similarly distraught: "No-one in the squad can do what payet can
do, let's be real hear," while another said: "He's our most important
player, he's vital for Sakho & Lanzini!"

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Payet faces the knife
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Exclusive

Dimitri Payet will be forced to go under the knife to "sort out" the ankle
injury which will see him out of action for the next three months.
ClaretandHugh has learned the brilliant French midfielder will be forced to
undergo surgery in the near future after the horror tackle by Everton's
James McCarthy.
Last night we were told by our best Hammers source the club were fearing the
worst outcome and the same insider has revealed to us tonight the surgery is
an urgent requirement. He said: "Dimi has damaged ankle ligaments and will
definitely need an operation to sort it out. It's a huge disappointment to
everybody." Chairman's son Jack Sullivan broke the news on Twitter earlier
tonight but this is the first time the specific details of the injury and
required treatment have been revealed. We were told: "The timetable for his
recovery is three months but if he's a quick healer it could be a little
earlier."

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Slaven's about to start earning his money
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

Let's get something straight right away – West Ham United is not a one man
team and sad though it is to lose Dimitri Payet I believe we are going to be
okay.

I predicted a possible eight weeks out for the Frenchman in a piece on here
earlier so it's reall depressing to learn it could be up to twelve. I'm no
doctor!

What happens now is that manager Slaven Bilic will start earning his money
as he looks to find another way in the absence of our main creative force.

I believe he will and it's wrong and misguided to start suggesting our
season is over. This is a quality manager who will have had a plan in his
mind for some time given how important a player Dimi has become.

Slaven has surprised everybody in the first third of the season and there's
no reason to believe he can't do it again, It's a blow but as I said earlier
I reckon the boy Lanzini can step up and make a real impact.

He's been absolutely terrific so far and had we had a player like him around
last season we'd have been well pleased. Now we have him and Payet plus a
much deeper squad. We are going to be okay

It's no good looking at the worst scenario – look for the best and the young
Argentinian is all set to start his growing up period and I think he will
and become a better player than he is now as a result of the added
responsibility.

We have players with creative ability beside him – Moses, Zarate and with
Song back there will be some creative guile of a different kind available.

I thought the character and quality we showed against Everton was brilliant
and the lads bounced back as I thought they would following the Watford
slump.

This is a squad with a great spirit and a team which must be taken very
seriously. Payet's injury is a massive blow but we'll be okay with this
manager in charge. I'm sure of it.

COYI

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Irons make Antonio position clear
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reports that Michail Antonio is wanted by Derby County are believable but
unlikely to become reality. West Ham are of course aware they were involved
in a race for the player with the Rams when snapping him up for £7 million
on deadline day. ClaretandHugh was told on the morning of the window's final
day that the board were waiting on the manager's decision regarding the
player. Once Slav had given the thumbs-up, the negotiations followed quickly
with the Hammers paying top price for the Nottingham Forest player, so there
seems 's no question the player isn't considered good enough for the Premier
League as is being suggested by some..
With Victor Moses already on board for a season's loan it has always been
considered that Antonio is a longer term prospect. Derby County are believed
to be ready to offer no more than £5 million – if indeed they make a move at
all – and David Gold and David Sullivan are not guys to take a £2 million
loss on any player so the thought of doing so on one who has had no chance
to show what he's got is craziness. The very best Rams boss Paul Clement can
hope for is a loan deal and this morning the Hammers updated the position
saying: "It's far too early to be talking about January anyway but we have
consistently said he's one for the future. We think that makes our position
clear."

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Irons fans hit out at Everton 'tactics'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hammers fans have been responding to the tactics adopted against us on
Saturday at the end of a game which left Dimi Payet and Enner Valencia
maimed.

Toby Cole I thought it was sad and disgusting that Everton clearly had
instructions to do our flair players. Had Payet stayed injury free on
Saturday there was a great chance for us to take all 3 points. The assault
on Enner was a red card all day long.

Rich Sprent The ref blows for the foul and Barry collects the ball, runs to
the ref and remonstrates with him saying McFilth 'won' the ball.
For them it was an outstanding challenge: McFilth gets away with assault
then, not long after, the injured Payet gives the ball away and they
score#jobdone

Brian Neil Gay It was only a matter of time before a team nobbled Payet.
Imagine if Slav had seen it real time?

Neil Abrey Less worried than normal as we have some depth. Still, I would
prefer them to be available.
Chris Denning We have the strongest squad I have known, but we don't have
another Payet

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Sunderland's renewed interest in Collins
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sunderland were once again linked with a January move for centre back James
Collins over the weekend by the Sun newspaper as Sam Allardyce looks to
shore up his defence to avoid relegation.
As we reported last month, West Ham are ready to allow James Collins to
leave either permanently or on loan should former boss Sam Allardyce move
for him in the January window. 'Ginge ' is out of contract at the end of the
season and having played a consistent role under Allardyce's management
could get a career-lengthening deal should the Black Cats boss move for him.
Collins made 30 Hammers appearances under the 60 year old in the 2014-15
season alone and with his defence a priority he could easily turn to a
player he knows and trusts. A Hammers source said: "It is of course the
manager's decision but a move for Collins would probably be one of those to
consider seriously as would any interest in Joey O'Brien whose contract ends
next summer."

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Devonshire's side forces FA Cup reply
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Non league side Maidenhead United scored a 94th-minute equaliser against
League One Port Vale to set up an FA Cup first round replay. Maidenhead are
managed by former Hammer Alan Devonshire who won the FA Cup with West Ham in
1980. His non league side forced a replay with an equaliser through James
Mulley's injury-time strike. Maidenhead sit 62 places and three leagues
below Port Vale. Maidenhead boss Alan Devonshire: "We got what we deserved
and I can't praise the lads highly enough. "We've got a young, part-time
side, but their spirit and character is unbelievable. They kept going right
to the end and got their just desserts. "Vale were trying to keep the ball
in the corners in the last 15 to 20 minutes and that showed how well our
lads were playing. I'm not singling anyone out because every one of them was
fantastic. "Football fans aren't stupid and we appreciated the reception we
got from the Vale supporters at the end. It was a nice gesture and of course
well deserved."

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Leroy predicts Payet lay-off period
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

ClaretandHugh's Leroy Rosenior was pleased to see Dimitri Payet walk off the
Boleyn pitch on Saturday afternoon and believes the surgical boot he is
wearing suggest an ankle ligament problem. And the former player and manager
he reckons this means he could be out for a minimum of two weeks or maximum
of eight. He said: "I was relieved when I saw the surgical boot because
better ankle ligaments than knee. They are a bit easier to deal with." But
he warned that those expecting to hear definite news on the injury to Dimi
and Enner Valencia situations today may be disappointed today adding: "If
there's a lot of bruising the scan may not show too much at this stage. "I
saw the pictures of Dimi on our site here last night and immediately
believed it's his ankle that's the problem but what was encouraging was that
he didn't look in great pain as he left the field of play. "There was some
discomfort showing but he looks to have perhaps escaped a serious problem.
His body language wasn't too bad."

Lee though was seriously encouraged by 'Manu' Lanzini's display after his
'mate' left the field and said: "He took responsibility for everything after
that and the upside is that he could grow and grow during Dimi's absence.
"In my job as a Premier League pundit I watched every game over the weekend
and without doubt the West Ham/Everton match was the one of real quality and
that's deeply encouraging for us."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav to examine absolutely everything
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 9, 2015 in News
C and H

Slaven Bilic is probably on his own on this one – he's glad to see the
international break! The manager though isn't discussing a couple of
injuries which have the rest of us sweating. Instead , wioth the first third
of the season gne it gives him a much needed opportunity to look at every
area of the team. He said: "The international break has definitely come at a
good time. I said to the boys, 'Now, we have played a third of the season,
we have to be happy with the way we are playing. We may have a few more
points, maybe a few less, but we are in a good position.'"
Speaking to www.whufc.com he declared: " This is the last international
break for a long time; we face a difficult time with the winter coming. "I
told them (the players) to be proud so far and I expect them to come back
hungry. We have a lot of games to do until the end of the season, we want to
maintain this level but also improve, we know we can still improve." He
continued: "We are going to work on and examine every area, tactics,
physical side, medical things everything to make sure we are as good as we
can be. "We have shown that in parts so far, but not consistent enough. We
are going to win games, and we are going to lose games. But if we keep our
focus we will be a very hard team to beat."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SCOUSE BRUTES VS. ARGENTINIAN GRACE
By HamburgHammer 9 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID

I hate moaning about referees. I really do. Yet this season for one reason
or another I cannot seem to stop. As of now we cannot be sure how long
Dmitri Payet, the heart, soul, brain and face of our team, may be out for
courtesy of Messrs. Scissor Tacklers of Everton. Rarely have I seen a team
kicking their opponents this consistently and deliberately from behind
without getting booked left, right and center for it. How that tackle
against Payet was not punished with a straight red and a lengthy ban to boot
will be a question I may have to take with me to my grave eventually. I
never minded Everton as a club, one of my former colleagues at Hapag was an
Everton fan. I liked their nickname The Toffees because, well, I like
toffees and I liked the story of them being named so because they used to
play or were founded near a toffee factory or shop. (Lucky for them then
that this shop didn't sell screwdrivers, they could easily have been known
as The Tools). I don't even blame them for resorting to fouling if that was
the only way for them to even snatch a point from us on Saturday. But you
can still foul players without taking a huge risk of injuring them badly
like with that scissor tackle against Payet.

In my view Everton have enough players in their team who actually can play a
bit, so I wouldn't have considered them as much of a team of bullies. But
that was before Saturday, now I hope that Everton will soon join Chelsea in
the nether regions of the league table and I'd also be happy if that referee
would hopefully soon be plying his trade at Conference level, thank you very
much!

Trying to ignore the nasty side of that game for a minute I thoroughly
enjoyed watching that game, our energy, our passing, our desire to win. And
that goal from Lanzini (yet another one, he's piling them up, not bad for a
loanee) was one of those you never tire to watch and admire, even if you
have seen it a hundred times and more.
I also love the new atmosphere between players and manager that seems to be
permeating throughout our club, there was a nice little moment between
Zarate and Bilic just before the substitution: Both were talking, then
smiling and even laughing (as if Bilic had just cracked a joke) and then
they did this kind of prison handshake you tend to see in American TV crime
series, both making a fist, then touching. I couldn't help but smile at
this.

Another thing I took from this game is that Carroll's days at our club may
unfortunately be numbered (sorry RoHammer, I know you just bought his
shirt).
At least if we continue to try and play him as isolated upfront as we did
(again) against Everton. He doesn't have the energy or pace to chase
defenders around and win the ball near the opposition box, both Sakho and
Valencia are much better at doing that.

He's also not the kind of trickster to win a header, knock the ball down for
himself, dribble around four or five opponents and finish off the move by
nutmegging the goalie.
He is an incredible header of the ball though, scoring from crosses,
freekicks and cornerkicks.
Then again: In Valencia, Sakho, Kouyate, Reid, Tomkins, Collins we have
other guys who can do that too.
In short: In my view Carroll is far too expensive wages wise compared to
what he can (and does) bring to the table. His best role would be as super
sub, but he is also far too expensive for that in reality.

I'm not sure if we can find another club taking a massive gamble and taking
Carroll and his massive wages on. Carroll has this massive potential, but so
far no club has managed to bring that potential out, for one reason or
another. Newcastle did the right thing selling him for the kind of money
they got from Liverpool.
Liverpool then did the right thing selling Carroll to us for the kind of
money West Ham were offering while making a loss considering how much they
had paid to sign carroll in the first place. We will be lucky if we now find
ANY club willing to pay a 5 million fee for him AND cover the remaining
wages of the long term contract he signed at West Ham.
But this is a question that will not be resolved until January, maybe even
not before next summer.

So, now for another International break. This time I am extremly grateful
for it, it may help us to mend some twisted ankles, torn ligaments, cuts and
bruises.
At this stage I'm still confident the injuries to Payet and Valencia will
turn out to be nowhere near as bad as initially feared. Song should finally
be ready to at least take his place on the bench. Obiang should be available
too and what a welcome addition to our options he could be.
Once Bilic has a full squad to choose from (minus the still suspended
Collins) things will get very interesting indeed.
Maybe the answer will be two strikers upfront, at least in home games. Maybe
Carroll will be one of them. Maybe we will get our first glimpse of young
Michail Antonio before Christmas. Maybe we will see a bit of proper squad
rotation.

Should Payet and Valencia be out for a while, I think we can cope. We may
drop some points, but we will be fine. With not even a third of the season
gone we already have 21 points and are still in touching distance near the
top of the league with just five points behind Man City and Arsenal. I
reckon a certain Mr.Mourinho would love to swap league position with West
Ham as of now (and the entire team too probably). I, however, wouldn't want
to swap this for the world, I love watching West Ham again, I love the
dynamics between our board, manager, squad and fans.
One group of bullies kicking up a fuss in our backyard on Saturday won't
change that.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why Michail Antonio could still be set for a significant role at West Ham
this season
HITC
Vincent Ralph

The West Ham United winger's campaign should not be written off just yet.
When West Ham United signed Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest in the
summer it was hailed as a real coup from those who had seen the winger score
15 goals and provide 14 assists for the Championship side last season. While
it was a significant step up, at first glance it seemed Antonio had all the
attributes to excel in the Premier League, but so far this season he has
made just one appearance for West Ham, playing for 30 minutes against
Manchester City back in September. Since then he has been nothing more than
an unused substitute and that has prompted the Mirror to suggest that Derby
County could attempt to sign the winger in January. A permanent move seems
highly unlikely, with a loan switch surely the best the Rams can hope for,
but there is another alternative that could see Antonio play a significant
role in the second half of the campaign.

After all, West Ham started their season far earlier than most due to their
Europa League qualifiers, and as clubs have discovered in the past, that has
a tendency to take its toll at the business end of the campaign. While the
Hammers played a young side for many of those games, some of their
first-team stars still featured while many are playing week in, week out at
this point as they seek to maintain their outstanding start under Slaven
Bilic. But injuries, suspensions and dips in form are all set to play a part
in time and a fresh Antonio could be exactly what West Ham need to ensure a
bright start does not ultimately fizzle out. The longer Antonio is seen as
the forgotten man of Upton Park, the more likely Bilic could use him as a
secret weapon exactly when he needs him the most.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham forward Andy Carroll will never be more than 'Plan B' under Slaven
Bilic... Diafra Sakho is crucial to the way we play
Andy Carroll started for West Ham during the draw against Everton
The striker struggled to make an impact before being substituted
Supporters don't feel that Carroll is good enough to be No 1 choice
Diafra Sakho is key to the way that Slaven Bilic plays football
By HUGH SOUTHON
PUBLISHED: 14:38, 9 November 2015 | UPDATED: 15:06, 9 November 2015

West Ham forward Andy Carroll had a game to forget against Everton after
struggling to get the better of John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori at Upton
Park. So here, Sportsmail asked Claret and Hugh founding editor Hugh Southon
to give his opinions on the former Newcastle striker's chances on becoming
first choice under Slaven Bilic. Not to put to fine a point on it, Carroll
has stepped into the shoes of his big mate and former West Ham skipper
skipper Kevin Nolan as the fans' 'Marmite Man' at Upton Park. You either do
or you don't and the big question regularly asked these days is whether the
club's £18million signing really does have a serious future at the club. The
answer is one that only he can provide because under the new fluid system
introduced by Bilic, the new lead striker Diafra Sakho is crucial and
provides a dimension which is simply not part of Carroll's game. Whilst it
has been the flair players Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini who have been
catching all the headlines, trust me it's Sakho who does the fierce running
which allows them both to flourish. He's the guy relentlessly running the
channels, moving defenders around to produce the holes and space in which
Payet and Lanzini can create their magic. It isn't a role suited to
Carroll's game and it's been very noticeable over the last two games against
Watford and Everton that the 'flair factor' has been missing. It's not
rocket science, it's all about Sakho's absence. Carroll – like the rest of
the team - had a poor day put at Vicarage Road and was firmly shackled by a
no-nonsense Everton defensive line up on Saturday – one even lacking Phil
Jagielka. But let's be honest we are a totally different team when Sakho's
up front, playing a brand of football we could only dream about this time
last year. Being brutal, Carroll really does look like 'Plan B' right now
and that hasn't been too effective thus far. The Hammers goal against
Everton was all about sublime touch and placement from Lanzini rather than
anything involving the big man's much discussed 'scary' presence in the box.
He has big value though as an impact sub which he demonstrated against
Chelsea with a fine headed goal and it was his presence – that word again –
in the box which was probably responsible for one at Selhurst Park. If that
was all there were to consider, it would be fine. Carroll as an impact sub
sounds ideal but only he can decide whether that's enough. He's the club's
highest paid player and having become used to automatic selection – when fit
– under Sam Allardyce, it seems doubtful that his new role as a squad player
will be enough. The manager has been talking him up – even addressing the
matter of his England future and declaring that big strikers are back in
fashion. One would expect nothing less from Bilic but Sakho really is the
man who matters in this system. Every club has one essential player. The
Senegal international is ours. Whether Carroll can come to terms with that
remains to be seen. I hope so, as he is the best at what he does but it
would be no surprise to see the issue raise its head in the summer.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble hails Manuel Lanzini's start to Upton Park
career
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Monday, November 9, 2015

West Ham captain Mark Noble knew Manuel Lanzini would be a hit for his side
after watching him on YouTube. Lanzini has been outstanding since moving to
Upton Park on loan in the summer from Al Jazira. The Argentine netted his
third Premier League goal of the season against Everton on Saturday and
fellow midfielder Noble says he always knew the 22-year-old would shine
after scouting him online. "Manuel is great. He's learning English and he's
a lovely kid," Noble told West Ham's official website. "He's only 22 and
he's got a manager who believes in him and lets him go out and play. "He's a
top player and I YouTubed him before he came here and saw that he had a lot
of quality. He's showing that in the games."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 9th November 2015

Moses - We are ready for Spurs
WHUFC.com

West Ham United forward Victor Moses feels his team-mates can take a lot of
positives from the 1-1 draw with Everton and says they are already looking
forward to the big London derby against Tottenham on November 22. Moses was
voted man of the match and produced an impressive display as the Hammers had
to settle for a point at the Boleyn Ground. After suffering a disappointing
2-0 defeat against Watford, Slaven Bilic wanted a response from his players
and they showed an immediate reaction. Manuel Lanzini fired the home side
into the lead in spectacular fashion midway through the first half, but
conceded just before half-time when Romelu Lukaku scored against the Hammers
once again. Despite failing to hold onto their lead, Moses says the players
were pleased with their performance and feels they will only grow stronger
over the international break as they prepare for the derby clash at White
Hart Lane in two-weeks time. Moses said: "We will all look forward to the
Spurs encounter and we know it is a big game. "We know collectively and as
individuals that we can compete against them and come away with the three
points. There are no easy games in the Premier League but we are looking
forward to it. "Our heads were held high in the dressing room and I thought
we had a great game. We knew Everton were a good side with the strikers they
have got, but we competed well against them. "It was a silly mistake that we
made for their goal and that cost us. Apart from that I thought we played
well and had a few chances that we could have converted."

Moses enjoyed seeing Lanzini get on the scoresheet once again and feels the
Argentine forward will only grow stronger as the season progresses.
Moses added: "Manuel Lanzini is a quality player and has been since the
start of the season. The fans have been behind him and has done a great job
for the Club. "He scored a great goal and his first touch was fantastic. For
him to do that in the Premier League, you can see the quality he has got.
"We are very pleased with him and hopefully he will keep on improving with
the more games he plays and the more experience he gets. Everyone is behind
him.
"We all know that Payet is a great player and in football you are going to
get injuries. We had to re-shape and Valencia also got injured. It was one
of those days but hopefully they will come back stronger."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham forgotten man Michael Antonio a January target for Derby manager
Paul Clement
18:52, 8 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:02, 8 NOV 2015
BY JOHN CROSS
The 25-year-old has barely featured since moving to Upton Park in the summer
and could leave the Hammers as early as January
The Mirror

Derby boss Paul Clement will go back with another bid for West Ham's
forgotten forward Michail Antonio in January. Promotion-chasing Derby had a
£5m bid turned down by bitter rivals Nottingham Forest in the summer and
their neighbours were reluctant to do business. Antonio, 25, ended up going
to West Ham for £7m but has barely played since moving to the Premier League
with big doubts whether he can make it in the top flight. West Ham chairman
David Gold was last week even caught up in a prank by a fan who duped him
into retweeting a missing person appeal - only for it to be Antonio. Derby
are still understood to be keen on the forward and the hope is now they
could get the done without Forest trying to block it. Forest did not want to
sell to Derby for fear of the fans' backlash but if he ends up going then it
will still cause a major stir. Clement has got his sights set on promotion
and wants to make reinforcements in January to bolster their results for the
rest of the campaign.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison accuses West Ham doctor of putting him at risk and ignoring
his injury problems
10:12, 8 NOV 2015 UPDATED 10:15, 8 NOV 2015
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
The 27-year-old, who now plays for Peterborough United, eventually had to
undergo surgery for the knee injury that kept him out of action for more
than a year.
The Mirror

Jack Collison has accused a West Ham doctor of failing to properly treat an
injury he suffered playing for the club - and says the medic purposefully
put him at risk to suit his own agenda. The 27-year-old, who now plays for
Peterborough United, eventually had to undergo surgery for the knee injury
that kept him out of action for more than a year. Collison suffered the
injury playing against Wigan in 2009. He claims that rather than treat him
properly, the unnamed doctor encouraged him to carry on playing to avoid
having to deal with a long term patient. "I knew it was a bad one straight
away, I gripped on to the grass trying to stop the intense pain shooting
through my leg but nothing would work," he wrote in a column for The
Independent. "I was disappointed the next day when I found out the club
doctor was content for me to fly to Spain on a team trip rather than to get
my knee sorted. "This was one of the first times I realised there was more
that went on behind the scenes. People were in it for themselves, and over
the next year I felt how little regard there was for me as a young
professional. I considered I had been put at risk by this doctor to avoid
him having a long-term injury on his hands. How disappointing was that?"

It is unclear whether the doctor in question is still at West Ham.

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Zarate says he's sorry
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Unhappy Mauro Zarate has apologised to the Irons supporters for his part in
yesterday's game against Everton. The Argentine came on 20 minutes from the
end after Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia had both been forced off through
injury. But he has made it clear he was far from content with his
contribution as the Hammers attempted to grab the three points and has made
a point of publicly saying sorry. It demonstrates the spirit within a squad
which is playing for each other like one rarely seen in recent years and
follows apologies frm Aaron Creswell and James Tomkins after mistakes .

Zarate declared: Mauro ZarateVerified account‏@mau_zeta
Really bad 20 minutes from me !! Sorry…

The appreciate fanbase have retweeted it 84 times and 234 have made it a
favourite.

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TC: Sakho is No 1 – he picks himself
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Boys of 86 hero Tony Cottee believes Diafro Sakho should get the nod over
Andy Carroll in West Ham's starting XI. In an interview as part of a special
edition of Blowing Bubbles Magazine that celebrates the 30th anniversary of
that fantastic third place finish by the Hammers, Cottee also spoke about
being sick and tired of seeing West Ham fail to win trophies. "Sakho is so
good that he picks himself,' Cottee said. "I like Valencia a lot. Jelavic I
see as being a squad player, third or fourth choice, and then there's the
matter of Carroll. "He's a great option to have, he gives you so much, but
I'm not sure at his age and this stage in his career that he's going to want
to just be a sub to be called upon as an option."

As for his frustrations at West Ham not winning a trophy for 35 years, he
added: "Since we last won a trophy, the likes of Birmingham, Swansea and
Wigan have won cups, and we haven't so clearly something is wrong." In his
column for the monthly magazine George Parris explained why Cottee's
partnership with McAvennie was so special. "They just had one of those
seasons where everything clicked. So much so they could've scored with their
backsides!", he wrote. "Every time we walked out to play, you just felt one
of them was going to score. Even if they only got one chance, you just knew
they'd take it." He later wrote: "I think it will be very tough for West
Ham to match our third place finish. Winning the FA Cup would be just as
good a feeling though."

Elsewhere in the November issue of the magazine, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood
reflects on her recent interview with Andy Carroll and how he has hailed the
Bilic factor as we all dare to think big. "The biggest thing I took away
from my interview with Andy was that whenever he spoke about Slaven, it was
clear that he really has this likeability factor about him," she wrote.. "He
said the players respect him and they did so instantly. He has this aura
about him and he is a manager they all look up to because of what he has
achieved."

Meanwhile, Blowing Bubbles has a moving piece by the Yellow Advertiser's
reporter Brian Jeeves on his father's West Ham passion. They've also got a
report from a Bradford City fan on how they've fallen in love with Reece
Burke and how great he has been for them this season. "Even at this
relatively early stage in the season, it's probably not hyperbolic to cast
him among the front-runners for the Player of the Year award, he's been that
good," Katie Whyatt writes. Blowing Bubbles' writers also give their views
on Amalfitano's exit, this summer's Saido Berahino sage ahead of our game
against West Brom, and ponder whether Big Sam can get Sunderland out of
relegation trouble.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll fears dismissed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Fears that Andy Carroll has taken another knock and may be heading back to
the treatment table have been dismissed by West Ham. Upton Park held its
collective breath towards the end of yesterday's 1-1 draw with Everton as
the striker appeared to have taken a knock in the closing stages of the
game before being subbed by Jelavic with two minutes left. In fact the
record signing had not been moving comfortably for some time prior to that
and given his previous injury record there was immediate speculation that he
had again found trouble. But the club made it clear to ClaretandHugh that
the striker is in good order saying: "It was a tactical substitution. Andy
is fine, there are no problems with him." Both Dimi Payet and Enner Valencia
are heading for scans tomorrow after suffering ankle injuries and at this
stage there is no further comment from inside the club on their positions.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet and Valencia left stadium on crutches
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimtri Payet was photographed leaving the Boleyn Ground on crutches wearing
a protective boot on Saturday evening by Hammers fans as this blurry photo
shows. Enner Valencia was also witnessed leaving the stadium on crutches.
Both face scans on Monday at West Ham's private hospital to find out the
extent of their injuries but the use of crutches for both players is not a
welcome sign to Hammers fans

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Video: Lunge on Payet worth red all day long!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

This freeze frame in time shows the two footed uncontrolled lunge which many
have argued including pundits on Match of the day should have seen James
McCarthy sent off. Dimtri Payet was injured from this challenge which meant
he had to come off in the second half and we await nervously for the results
of his scan on Monday. Slaven Bilic agrees "I didn't see the tackle, but
people told me it should have been a red card. I will have to look at it
again but our player has been injured. I don't know how bad it is, but it
was bad enough that he couldn't finish the game," West Ham Chairman David
Gold tweeted "It's hard to say how long Dimitri will be out until after the
scans on Monday but let's hope he's back for Spurs. dg"

https://vine.co/v/eLYDeKOlgnZ

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Farewell Boleyn: We honour our Irons fallen
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

It's Remembrance Day and during these special 24 hours we pay homage to
those Hammers who died in the two world wars. We brought you Part One
yesterday and here ClaretandHugh's historian and lifelong supporter Nigel
Khan brings you more of our fallen.

Sydney Hammond

Born in Woolwich, London 1883, Hammond joined the club as an amateur in
1904. His claret and blue career spanned four years in which he only managed
32 League and 2 FA Cup appearances for the club. Worked as a commercial
clerk and lived in Twickenham Road, Leytonstone and enlisted into the Royal
Field Artillery in Romford. When he died on October 18, 1917 Hammond was
recorded as being in C Battery 242nd Brigade who at the time were fighting
in the Passchendaele region. Sydney Hammond is buried in La Clytte
Cemetery, Belgium

Arthur Stallard

Born September 1892 in Hackney, by 1901 he was living with his family At 526
Barking Road E13, which is now occupied by a chemist shop, located just
past the old Castle public house at the Greengate junction. Stallard joined
West Ham from Chatham in 1913 and played for the Hammers in two Southern
League campaigns making 13 appearances and scoring eight goals before
hostilities stopped competitive competitions. Stallard competed in the War
time London Combination for the Hammers until the end of the 1916/17 season
in which he played 37 games scoring 25 goals with his last appearance being
a 2-0 loss to Millwall in April 1917. By late 1917 he was in the London
Regiment (London Scottish) 14th Battalion. During the battle of Cambrai
(north east France) which was an assault that lasted 17 Days, (20th November
– 7th December) The British made early gains but the Germans launched an
offensive on the November 28th, on the 30th the Germans are believed to have
exploded 16,000 shells over allied lines. And it was on that fateful day
that Arthur Stallard is listed as dying. He has no Grave but is commemorated
on the Cambrai Memorial. He is the only player registered with West Ham at
the time of his death.

Frederick Griffiths

Born 1876 in Presteigne in the county of Powys mid Wales, a Welsh
international keeper who played 52 times for West Ham United between 1902
and 1904. Served Stalybridge, Millwall, Preston North End and Tottenham
Hotspur before joining the Hammers. Moved on to New Brompton the forerunner
of Gillingham in the close season 1904. Worked as a coal miner in the
Midlands before enlisting in the Notts and Derbyshire (Sherwood Forest)
Regiment. His battalion found themselves just across the Belgium Border
south and east of Dunkirk; a diary entry from October 30, 1917 reads: "30:
4am: Very heavy artillery fire on ground immediately behind our front line.
6am: Our snipers hit several enemy seen running about in the wood east of
Marechal House. Our casualties today 1 officer and 4 OR killed, 1 officer
and 14 OR wounded." One of those killed that day was Frederick Griffiths who
is buried in Dozingham Cemetery in Belgium

William Jones

Born Penrhiweiber, Wales in 1876. William Jones became the first West Ham
United player to be capped for his country when he played for Wales v.
England in 1902. Moved from Aberdare to Kettering Town in September 1901.
Unable to settle with the aptly named Poppies, he was involved in a straight
swap for West Ham's Peter Kyle in December 1901. Jones made his West Ham
debut in the 2-1 victory over Swindon Town at the Memorial Grounds on the
14th December 1901, William went onto record another 14 Southern League
appearances at centre-half before returning to the valleys at the season's
end to join Aberamen whom he helped steer to the final of the Welsh Cup in
1903. He left Aberamen to join a club named Rogerstone in 1904 and stayed
until 1906. William joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers 11th Battalion in the
Balkans and was killed on the May 6, 1918 by Lake Doiran, Greece. An extract
from a War diary for 7th May 1918 records: "Patrol lead by Lt J. Tinniswood
and 12 OR,s proceeded to within a short distance of PILL BOX and found two
bodies which they were unable to bring in owing to bombs being thrown and
rifle fire opened and wounding two men seriously."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison: The story of one footballer's broken Premier League dreams
The image of a Premier League footballer is one of glamour and wealth. But
for some it can be more complicated and darker than that. Like millions, the
author of this article dreamt of playing a the top level. Unlike the vast
majority, he made it - only to have his career shattered by a series of
devastating injuries freom which he is still recovering. Here, at the age of
27, he tells his own story: one of ecstatic highs but also pain and sorrow -
and growing up
Jack Collison Saturday 7 November 20159 comments
The Independent


It's Saturday again and I'm not playing football.

I am 27 years old and I have tasted success, felt the hurt and experienced
loss, all thanks to the beautiful game that is football – a game that can
fill you with the highest, most joyous feelings, yet take them away with a
single action, leaving you in a dark, desperate place.

When three o'clock arrives the disappointment and sadness reaches its peak.
In happier times I would be strolling out on to the pitch in front of
thousands of fans ready to take on some of the most gifted players in the
world.

Instead I find myself searching. Searching for something to fill that void,
something to recreate the extraordinary emotional highs and lows you
experience during 90 minutes of kicking a ball around. It's hard to explain
that intense feeling of sheer joy to someone who hasn't experienced it. How
can you recreate that feeling of scoring a goal in front of a packed house
at Upton Park? It's impossible.

The rush is like a drug. You become addicted. You're part of an elite club,
a club I am no longer part of, a club that I long to be part of once more. I
am here today fighting against the odds. I want that feeling to return.
That's why I find myself pushing my body to the limits daily, going through
the pain barrier. And I am very pleased to say I am now in the position to
return to doing what I love doing most: playing football.

I grew up in south Harrow, in the west London suburbs, and even from an
early age I was obsessed with the game. I was the kid who always had a ball
by his side, often taking a smelly, dirty ball to bed with me at night. My
room was a shrine to the game, posters lining my walls, including a
full-size picture of David Beckham, the player I idolised.

The garden was my arena, the place I spent hours on end practising my
skills, re-enacting goals and more often than not dreaming of one day
playing in the Premier League.

My mum, Amanda, took care of the family while my dad, Ian, would go out to
work as a roofer. My mum was certainly the strong character, always in
control. My dad, on the other hand, was a bit of a cheeky chap. He was often
in trouble but he had a magnetic personality. Fortunately for me, he was
just as obsessed with football as I was, and this was where my love for the
game was embedded into my DNA. Chelsea were his team, and so they were mine
too: the likes of Dennis Wise and Franco Zola were my childhood heroes.

Whether it was in the playground with my friends, down the park, or playing
for my local team, Shefford Saints, I would dream of playing in the Premier
League. I was obsessed, and over time I began to realise I was starting to
become pretty good at the game. At the age of nine I was spotted and signed
for Peterborough United. We got treated like professionals even at a young
age and I loved the environment. I thrived on being written off when we
played the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Man United. This underdog spirit is
something that remained within me and was always backed up thanks to the
calming advice of our coach, Kit Carson. Kit really believed in me and
pushed me harder than anyone else.

It was then that I suffered what was to be the first of many setbacks in my
footballing life. Peterborough closed down their youth system. It was only a
short-term problem, however, because alongside Kit and many team-mates, I
made the switch to Cambridge United. I stayed with Cambridge until the age
of 16 – and then they closed down their youth system as well.

But I soon found out West Ham were interested and had to pinch myself
because that would give me the chance to work with Tony Carr, the man who
had helped shape the careers of some of my idols, such as Frank Lampard,
Michael Carrick and Joe Cole. West Ham was a real step up but I adapted and
got my head down and worked hard. From youth team captain to reserve team
captain and eventually training and travelling with the first team to games.
I was so close to my dream of Premier League football, first with Alan
Pardew in charge of the first team, and then under Alan Curbishley.

There were times when I wondered if it would happen – and then suddenly it
did. On New Year's Day 2008. An away game against Arsenal in the famous
claret and blue of West Ham (left). I entered the field as a replacement for
Freddie Ljungberg and played out the last 60 minutes in a 2-0 defeat by a
very good Arsenal side. Alan Curbishley's last words before I went on will
live with me for the rest of my life. "Try and get close to Fabregas," he
said. A near impossible task for the seasoned pros, let alone a lanky
19-year-old.

I remember warming up with James Tomkins and getting abuse for our shocking
haircuts. I watched on in awe of these wonderful players, thinking to myself
"I'm miles away from being as good as this lot". In truth I felt out of my
depth that day, but that little taste was all I needed to inspire me to work
even harder.

I struggled for opportunities after that with Curbishley in charge but
everything changed for me when Zola took over as manager.

I was amazed to find out that Zola the man was even more impressive than
this wonderful footballer I had watched from the terraces as a kid. He
captured our imagination with his very first meeting, as he spoke with his
soft voice. He didn't have to shout, as he instantly had the respect of the
entire squad. He created an excitement, a real buzz around the training
ground, something that had been missing for a while.

Though I was around the squad, in my mind I still wasn't a first-team
player. But that didn't matter to Zola, he took an interest in everyone and
the extra work we did at the end of training improved my game massively. I
felt I was ready but had to wait my chance. It eventually came in a cold
away trip to Old Trafford. I came on for the last half hour and, though I
say it myself, did really well.

The next game, Everton at home, I felt I would get an opportunity again.
Every game I had featured in previously was away from the Boleyn, but this
game had a different buzz. It was at home, in front of a full house. I
remember walking out to warm up and stopping for a second to take it all in.
the smell of the grass, the noise from the expectant crowd, the vibrant
colours.

For me this was heaven. Everything I had dreamt of – and more.

I entered the pitch early on as a substitute and got a huge roar from the
home faithful, which gave me a huge boost, and I set about my work trying to
impress. In a tight game I finally got the chance I longed for.

A long ball over the top to Scott Parker, he managed somehow to flick it
back into my path. I took a touch out of my feet and opened my body up…

At this moment everything stood still, the noise stopped, I looked down at
the ball and tried to make clean contact. The ball slowly sailed past Tim
Howard and into the top corner. All of a sudden the noise erupted, the
colours became even brighter. I had just scored my first goal in the Premier
League and this intense feeling shot through my body. Sheer excitement, joy
and disbelief all at the same time. Although we lost the game 3-1 that
feeling has always stayed with me, and I think that moment was the start of
my special bond with the West Ham fans.

Over the next few seasons we experienced plenty of highs and lows together.
I had a great run in the team under Zola, but just three days after scoring
a winner against Manchester City in March 2009 my footballing world fell
apart. On a cold, wet night at Wigan I tried to bring the ball down on my
chest and I felt my knee go as I tried to run in the opposite direction. I
knew it was a bad one straight away, I gripped on to the grass trying to
stop the intense pain shooting through my leg but nothing would work.

I couldn't quite believe what had just happened. I was disappointed the next
day when I found out the club doctor was content for me to fly to Spain on a
team trip rather than to get my knee sorted. This was one of the first times
I realised there was more that went on behind the scenes. People were in it
for themselves, and over the next year I felt how little regard there was
for me as a young professional. I considered I had been put at risk by this
doctor to avoid him having a long-term injury on his hands. How
disappointing was that?

I patched the knee up and made a return a couple of months later, but as
time wore on I knew it didn't feel right. It was a tough decision but
eventually I knew I had to have a big operation. I managed to play over half
the season, but we were struggling in the League and it got to the point
where I was hardly training and just playing games with the promise I could
see the best people in the world to make it right at the end of the season.

I didn't make it to the end of the season and had to go in myself and tell
the manager that I could no longer continue. He seemed shocked and I'm not
sure to what extent he knew of my situation with my knee. Once again I felt
the doctor's agenda was very different to mine and being naive and not
wanting to miss any football I went along with the plan, not realising the
lasting effects it could have on my career.

It was during this tricky time I also lost my dad. He was killed in a
motorcycle accident and I can remember the day as if it were yesterday.
Everything about it. Tottenham at home in the League, a game my dad would
have been at. I remember coming into the players lounge afterwards and
noticing my dad wasn't there. It wasn't strange for my dad to go missing,
but this felt different. I tried to call and text but there was no reply.

I headed home and remember settling down to watch highlights of the cricket.
Then my buzzer went. As I looked out of my flat window my heart sank. I
could see the police waiting to come in. "What's going on?" I thought, and
all the time in my head I was thinking: "It must be dad".

At first I thought he had got himself in a spot of bother. But as the
policeman spoke to me, I knew it was more. He had a sad look in his eyes and
struggled to make eye contact with me. And then he uttered the devastating
words: "Your dad has been involved in a fatal motorbike accident." I felt
numb. I felt empty. I was upset, annoyed and in a complete state of shock.

Emotion was running through me as I burst into tears. I couldn't control
them as I made the phone call to my mum to let her know what had happened. I
was 20.

It's hard to explain exactly how I felt, but I decided to play in a cup game
three days later and I knew it was the right thing to do. It was a massive
game against Millwall, our local rivals, and I knew my dad would have been
there cheering me on under the lights at Upton Park. It was such an
emotional night and one that I will never, ever forget. This was the night
the football family came together. My team-mates, the staff and the West Ham
fans carried me through what was the toughest game of football I have and
ever will play in.

The intense feelings were very different. It's hard to find anything that
can make you feel 10-feet tall when all you want to do is roll up into a
ball and cry and let the world swallow you up.
I battled on for much of that season despite my chronic injuries then
eventually had the operation. After that I worked day and night for 14
months alongside some of the best people I have ever met in the game. When
you talk about being tested, this period in my life was definitely the
toughest, but it was also the time when I learnt the most about myself as a
person. I grew up and had to become a man.

My first start after this was one of mixed emotions. Once again, we had
Wigan away. I had worked so hard to make it back and was desperate to try
and do my bit for the team. We were really struggling in the League, and I
was helpless throughout the whole season, kicking and heading every ball as
a fan, it really was torturous.

Strangely the day of my comeback – 15 May, 2011 – also turned out to be the
day that we got relegated. It's hard to explain, but I felt so grateful at
the time to be out on the pitch again that the disappointment of being
relegated took slightly longer to hit me then it did for some of the others.

Relegation meant the end for Avram Grant and in came Sam Allardyce. The
following season, under Big Sam, was possibly my most successful in a West
Ham shirt. I played 36 games and scored vital goals to help win promotion
back into the Premier League. And there were more of those ecstatic highs
when I scored twice in the play-off semi-final to help us on our way to
Wembley. This feeling was heightened when we beat Blackpool 2-1 on the big
day in front of a packed house.

On a personal level I struggled throughout the game with my shoulder and my
knee, but there was no way I was going to come off. It was a day you dream
of as a kid, and going up the stairs to collect my medal was a special
moment, one that fills me with pride when I think back on it.

But if that was an unforgettable high, there were plenty of lows to come in
the next two seasons as I battled against injury once again and struggled to
force my way into the team. Knee troubles were once more the root of the
problem and limited my playing time once again. Two short loan spells and
another injury were to follow.

By the end of the 2013-14 season I found myself without a club and out of
contract. Of course I was disappointed to be leaving West Ham. It was all
that I had known since I was 16. This was a club I had sweated, bled and
often played on injured for. It was also a club I had grown to love. In my
heart I knew my time was coming as I hadn't been playing, but it was very
difficult to let go.
Last season was another wasted one for me, a brief spell at Ipswich followed
by another injury left me once again in a very dark place and without a job.
It was at this point that I took the time to re-evaluate and made the
decision to have some time away from football. I felt I needed to let my
injuries heal and to give myself the best chance of a comeback.

It was a very difficult decision to make. It's hard when in your heart you
feel like you can play football but your body can't quite do what you want
it to.

I put my head down and worked hard, day and night to get my body right and
be able to go back to playing. I also used my spare time to set up the Jack
Collison Soccer School, start a university degree (in sports journalism) and
begin my coaching badges. All of the areas would be of value to me if I
didn't quite achieve my goal. But I did them all as a back-up, never once
doubting that I would make it back on to a football pitch.

During the darkest times I was very lucky to have strong people around me.
Having a daughter and a supportive fiancée helps when you really hit the
floor. Coming home after a tough day, it's nice to have to chase a crazy
two-year-old around. It really helped take my mind away from the bad stuff
and appreciate what I do have.

Finally in June I felt I was ready. I was fit and in shape, ready to train
and once again on the look-out for a new team. I eventually signed for
Peterborough United. It felt right, with the slightest hint of a fairytale
in that I was going back to where it had started all those years ago as an
energetic nine-year-old.

But even now my story is not over. I have played quite a few times for the
Posh this season but not as much as I would have liked. I'm still working
day and night to improve and get back to playing week in, week out.

The dream is still there but the reality of a footballer's life is not quite
what I imagined as a kid growing up. I am 27 now and looking back at my
football life, I have experienced a wide variety of feelings and challenges.
Some amazing, and so intense that they make me tingle when I think about
them. Others not so good, but which have helped me grow as a person.

I feel very thankful for everything I have and if you ever see me on the
pitch nowadays, more often than not I will have a huge smile on my face. I
treat every game, every training session and every moment on the grass as if
it will be my last. I try not to get too carried away with being
disappointed as it is an accomplishment in itself that I can call myself a
professional footballer.

I look back on it all as a great adventure, a story with plenty of ups and
downs. I feel blessed to say that this is my story and one that I hope still
has plenty in it. I am very thankful now when three o'clock on Saturday
arrives and even more so if I am playing.

Because there is one thing I know for sure. And that is that I am Jack
Collison… the footballer.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 8th November 2015

West Ham United 1-1 Everton
WHUFC.com

West Ham United maintained their sixth place position in the Premier League
table with a 1-1 draw with Everton. Argentine Manuel Lanzini opened the
scoring with an absolute peach of a finish, curling the ball majestically
into the top corner. However the Hammers were pegged back by perennial
thorn-in-the-side Romelu Lukaku who ran onto Gerard Deulofeu's through-ball
to round goalkeeper Adrian and slot home coolly. During an unseasonably mild
November day both sides approached the game in a positive manner. The first
chance of the game fell to the hosts as Dimitri Payet, not for the first
time this season, opened the defence up with seemingly little on. He burst
into the box and fed Victor Moses whose shot flew narrowly wide of Tim
Howard's near post. Moments later the Hammers again went close. A well
worked free-kick between Aaron Cresswell and that man Payet fashioned a
second chance for Moses, this time a leaping header skimmed the roof of the
net. West Ham's third chance came courtesy of the Frenchman yet again. His
deep free-kick found James Tomkins lurking at the back post, his effort was
hooked off the line setting up a counter attack for the Toffees. Arouna Kone
sprinted downfield and played in strike partner Romelu Lukaku, just as he
was about to pull the trigger, Manuel Lanzini put a foot in top stop the
powerful forward. The breakthrough came on the half-way mark and what a
sublime finish it was. Moses cutback caused havoc in the box which the
Blues' defence could only scramble into Manuel Lanzini's feet. The Argentine
drove forward and looked to have taken a touch too many however the
explosive winger showed unnervingly composure to pick out the top corner
through a crowd of players. How the Boleyn Ground faithful enjoyed it. With
two minutes remaining of the first half, one of football's most recent
cliché's – a Romelu Lukaku goal against West Ham – was yet again witnessed.
The Belgian ran on to Deulofeu's defence splitting pass and kept his
composure admirably to round Adrian and roll it home.

Everton started the stronger of the two halves in the second period and went
close to making their advantage count as Ross Barkley fired a free-kick
narrowly wide. The atmosphere was notably subdued when star man Payet had to
be replaced through injury. The Frenchmen took one knock too many and
received a standing ovation as Enner Valencia came in for him. The
Ecuadorean, making his first appearance at the Boleyn since suffering an
injury in July, quickly set about reminding the West Ham faithful what he
can do by beating Coleman before delivering an exquisite ball. Unfortunately
it whistled inches over Moses and Carroll. Even more unfortunate was when a
strong challenge ended with Valencia being carried off by a stretcher, Mauro
Zarate slotted in on the left. The Hammers came closest to scoring their
second of the afternoon through Winston Reid who climbed highest to connect
with Moses' arrowed corner, again the roof of the net bustled. Into the
final ten minutes and with a draw looking like the most likely of outcomes
two heart in mouths moments occurred. First, Jenkinson burst forward 60 odd
yards before shooting from the edge of the box. It would have been the most
the most exquisite of goals yet Howard was equal to it. The American
launched it forward and ball somehow found its way Lukaku who prodded just
wide from a tight angle. All in all, an exciting game of football which both
teams could take positives from.

West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble ©,
Kouyate, Payet (Valencia 49) (Zarate 65), Moses, Lanzini, Carroll (Jelavic
85)
Substitutes: Randolph, Ogbonna, Antonio, Cullen
Goals: Lanzini 30

Everton: Howard, Stones, Coleman, Funes Mori, Galloway, Barry ©, McCarthy,
Deulofeu (Lennon 79), Barkley, Lukaku, Kone (Mirallas 60)
Substitutes: Robles, Gibson, Naismith, Osman, Holgate
Bookings: McCarthy, Funes Mori
Goals: Lukaku 43

Referee: Paul Tierney

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid raving about Lanzini
WHUFC.com

Winston Reid reckons goalscorer Manuel Lanzini is right up there with West
Ham United's best performers this term, after bagging an absolute beauty
against Everton on Saturday. The Argentine brilliantly beat Tim Howard with
a deft, curling right-footed effort on the half-hour mark, his fourth
Barclays Premier League goal to date. And though Romelu Lukaku, scoring in
an uncanny seventh successive outing against the Hammers, denied the hosts
all three points, Reid was quick to shower praise on the 22-year-old loanee.
"He's been brilliant, he has been one of the players of the season so far
for us," Reid told West Ham TV. "He has been really good and he keeps on
improving. He's not just an attacker, he also defends and he can run from
box to box. He's very creative, so it's good. "He's only a young kid, there
are going to be some difficult games for him, but fortunately for us he's
having really, really good games at the moment. The main thing's that he
keeps developing and keeps playing well."

As for Lukaku, Reid could hardly be blamed for wishing the Belgian were
anywhere but the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as he unpicked the Hammers'
defence yet again. But, all in all, the New Zealander felt that honours even
was probably about right in the end. "I was hoping he [Lukaku] was
injured but he wasn't," Reid joked. "To be fair, we should have dealt with
it a little bit better, but they're a good team. "I think the fans saw two
open teams that wanted to go at it and play football. We tried to get the
three points but maybe we lacked a little bit of quality in the final third
and I guess a point was a fair result at the end of the day."

Making his first start since the trip to Sunderland back on 3 October, the
returning Reid slotted seamlessly back into the Hammers' rear-guard
following a hip injury and hailed the quality of the Club's four senior
centre-halves. He continued: "That's one of the things that the manager
wanted to address before the season, with Angelo [Ogbonna] coming in, and
he's been brilliant as well. "Unfortunately he got injured and Ginge is out
for a couple of weeks with his red card, so I stepped in and did a job.
"I'm feeling a good. Obviously I had a problem, so it's going to take a bit
of time to get up to 100 per cent. I'll work hard on the training pitches
and hope for the best. "For me personally, after the injury I had it's more
to assess where am I now and prepare myself in the best possible way for the
next game after the international break."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s lose unbeaten run
WHUFC.com

West Ham United fell to their first Barclays U18 Premier League defeat in
eight games on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur at Spurs' Training
Centre in Enfield.

After an impressive run of form which has seen the Hammers win six of their
last seven league fixtures prior to Saturday's London derby, the visitors
looked to be on their way to yet another win when Tunji Akinola headed home
past Spurs keeper Alfie Whiteman.

The hosts got themselves back in the game shortly after through Jon
Dinzeyi's headed finish, before Jaden Brown stole all three points midway
through the second half.

Former Arsenal Academy midfielder George Dobson came off the bench, but was
sent off in the closing stages of the game.

The Hammers made just two changes to the side that extended their unbeaten
run to seven games just a week ago at Little Heath against Fulham. Full back
Jake Eggleton returned from an injury to regain his spot in the West Ham
defence, meaning U16 defender Mason Barrett dropped to the bench, whilst Sam
Howes replaced Tim Brown between the sticks.

In the early moments, the visitors were playing some very entertaining
football, similar to the brand of football that has seen them pick up 19
points since their undefeated stream started. The Hammers were getting the
ball down on the floor well and playing some free-flowing attacking
football, with Grady Diangana again playing as the link man in the middle.

It was that style of football which saw them force the openings inside the
the Spurs penalty box which eventually resulted in Akinola's goal. First,
winger Joe Powell watched his shot palmed off the near post by Whiteman,
before Idris Kanu's scooped effort was denied by the opposite upright.

The breakthrough did come on 21 minutes though when Akinola latched onto a
stray ball inside the penalty area and looped his finish over Whiteman and
into the back of the net.

Just a few minutes later though, Spurs reacted in the best way by levelling
the scores. It was their defender, Dinzeyi, who rose highest from a Keanan
Bennetts cross to head past Hammers goalkeeper Howes.

In the lead up to the break though, it was still West Ham who were having
the better chances on goal, but neither Matty Carter nor Oscar Borg could
keep their efforts on target.

As the game continued into the second half, it was again the defenders who
looked like they were going to steal the show, with three of the Hammers
back four all having opportunities to again put them ahead. Eggleton,
Akinola and England U16 full back Vashon Neufville all failed to beat
Whiteman.

In the traditional way that many football games go though, Spurs punished
their guests in Enfield when Kazaiah Sterling broke through the Hammers back
line to run clear on goal at Howes, only for the England U19 goalkeeper to
deny him. Unfortunately for the visitors, Spurs left back Brown took the
opportunity to seal the points.

West Ham will look to return to winning ways on Saturday 14 November when
they face Leicester City U18 away at the Foxes Training Ground.

U18s: Howes, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Neufville, Carter, Sylvestre (c),
Borg, Diangana, Powell, Kanu. Subs: Dobson, Longelo, Alese, Barrett,
Metravic

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - We reacted strongly
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic felt his players showed a good reaction against Everton and
says he cannot be unhappy with only taking a point from the 1-1 draw at the
Boleyn Ground.

The West Ham United manager was determined to see his side bounce straight
back from their 2-0 defeat against Watford last weekend and felt they played
as a team for the full ninety minutes.

Manuel Lanzini scored a wonder goal on the half hour mark but the Hammers
failed to stop Romelu Lukaku getting on the scoresheet once again when he
grabbed an equaliser just before half-time.

There was more bad news in the second half when influential duo Dimitri
Payet and Enner Valencia were both forced to leave the field through injury,
but Bilic felt his side showed enough character to take something from the
game.

Bilic said: "It was a good performance from us and it was important after
the game against Watford to come back and show a good reaction in front of
our own fans. I cannot be unhappy with the way the team played.

"I thought for ninety minutes we looked as a team. We are never happy with a
point, especially when we play at home, but we tried and had chances.

"We played against a very good team and I have to praise the players.

"It was a cheap goal to give away. We lost the ball deep in their half and
at a time when we didn't need to lose it.

"But I thought our two central defenders played really well against him and
the other forwards."

Bilic had nothing but praise for Lanzini once again after the talented
forward produced a great piece of skill to direct the ball past Tim Howard
into the corner of the net.

Bilic added: "He has got it. Some of our players prefer to pass the ball
when they are in and around the box and we want them to shoot more.

"For his goal the ball went in exactly where he wanted it to go. He has that
skill and the power and he is a good player."

The worrying news for Bilic and the Hammers fans was the injuries sustained
by Payet and Valencia in the second half.

The West Ham manager says he will wait to see the results from their scans
before they can make an assessment on how long they will be ruled out of
action.

"I don't want to talk about the latest news until we see the scan. The
latest can be very different to what the real news is so I would prefer to
wait until we have the results of their scans.

"It doesn't look good. The first one on Dimitri was a bad challenge, the
second one was on Enner's ankle although he did get the ball.

"It was a big blow for us to lose both of them because we had been planning
to play both of them together at some stage in the game.

"But the two injuries stopped us a bit. We would have been more creative and
more dangerous.

"We can only hope they are going to be okay for the Spurs game but the
latest doesn't sound very good. I hope that is not the case."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Everton 1
7 November 2015
Last updated at 17:59
By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport

West Ham moved up to fifth in the Premier League despite having to settle
for a point at home to Everton. Manuel Lanzini put the Hammers ahead with a
superb curling finish after Victor Moses' shot was blocked. But Romelu
Lukaku ran on to Gerard Deulofeu's perfect pass to level and extend his run
of scoring against West Ham to seven successive games. Winston Reid headed
over for the Hammers and Lukaku went close late on but neither side could
force a winner. Lukaku's remarkable run against the Hammers started on 21
September 2013, when he scored his first goal for Everton, the winner in a
3-2 Toffees victory.

The £28m Belgium striker has scored the decisive goal on two further
occasions against the east London side and, on top of two goals in FA Cup
ties, this was the 11th point his strikes have helped secure for Everton in
this fixture. "That is my game, going in behind and trying to be clinical in
a one-on-one," Lukaku said afterwards. "It was a great ball from Gerard and
the finish was good. "I am happy but I play to win games and I am
disappointed not to win."

West Ham's average positions show that Victor Moses (20) was their most
advanced player and 43% of their attacks went down the right wing compared
to 29% down the left
West Ham had scored at least two goals in nine of their 11 league matches
going into Saturday's game but, as soon as Dimitri Payet hobbled off shortly
after half-time, they looked far less dangerous.
Payet tried to continue after he was hurt by a James McCarthy challenge
before the break, but his injured ankle lasted only five minutes of the
second half.
The French play-maker had fashioned three openings during his time on the
pitch, putting him level with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil as the players to have
created the most chances - 47 - in the Premier League this season.

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said afterwards: "We lost Payet because of a bad
tackle. We can only hope that he will be OK and it is not going to be
long-term, but we have to wait for the scan." Without Payet, the Hammers
struggled to break down the Everton defence, although Moses impressed down
the right flank. The threat Moses posed was as much to do with his pace and
industry as any silky skills, but he was behind his side's goal and also got
on the end of crosses when they were put in from the opposite flank. But
Andy Carroll was never able to make his presence felt in the box and, too
often, the Hammers' promising build-up play went to waste.

Man of the match - Everton's Gerard Deulofeu

It was Gerard Deulofeu's perfectly-weighted through ball that released
Romelu Lukaku to round Adrian and score Everton's equaliser, and the
Spaniard's skill and desire to run at defenders lit up the game

Manager reaction

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We are never happy with one point, especially
at home, but I was happy with the performance. "We needed that kind of
positive reaction after what happened last week at Watford. "Everton
deserved a point but in my opinion we were slightly better than them."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "Once we got to grips with the intensity
West Ham play with, I thought we were very strong, especially in the second
half. "Our concentration levels were very high once we had conceded, and we
worked very hard as a unit defensively. "We had quality going forward too
and it seemed the winning goal would come but we just could not find the
final pass."

What next?

After the international break, Everton host Aston Villa and West Ham make
the short trip to north London to play Tottenham.
The stats you need to know

Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals in seven games against West Ham for
Everton (five in the Premier League, two in the FA Cup).
Lukaku's goal equalled the most number of goals he has scored against a
single opponent in the Premier League; he has also scored five against
Newcastle and Liverpool.
Manuel Lanzini is the first West Ham player since Bobby Zamora in 2006-07 to
score against both Merseyside clubs in the same season.
Only David Silva (six) and Mesut Ozil (nine) have more Premier League
assists this season than Gerard Deulofeu (five).
The Hammers haven't beaten the Toffees in the league in 15 attempts (D5
L10), their last win coming in April 2007 courtesy of a Bobby Zamora goal.
Everton have lost just two of their last 10 Premier League away games (W4 D4
L2).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 1-1 Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th November 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's dismal home run against Everton continued at the Boleyn this
afternoon - although at least they managed to avoid defeat on this occasion.

In the last ten meetings between the two sides here, West Ham have beaten
the Toffees just twice - and it took a penalty shootout in the FA Cup third
round last season to secure one or those.

Given that unhappy sequence, the squad could be forgiven for being happy
with a draw. And in truth, it was the very least both sides deserved from a
game in which neither excelled, nor looked particularly poor.

A veteran soldier was joined by 35,000 fans in a minutes' silence to mark
Remembrance Day

West Ham drew first blood on the half hour mark with a goal of the month
contender from Manuel Lanzini. The little Argentinian picked up the ball on
the edge of the penalty box after a cross was only half cleared before
steering it expertly into Tim Howard's top right corner.

The Everton goalkeeper, who loosely resembled a giant Stabilo marker pen in
his all-fluorescent yellow kit had no chance with the perfectly placed
strike - but rarely came close to being beaten again thereafter.

If anything has proved to be West Ham's Achilles Heel this season, it is
their propensity to give away cheap goals by conceding possession cheaply.
Sadly, that was to be the case once again here today.

With less than two minutes of the first half remaining Dimitri Payet - who
had been moving gingerly since being upended by a dreadful challenge from
James McCarthy ten minutes previously - gave the ball away deep in
Evertonian territory.

Quick as a flash, the visitors broke and it was left to West Ham's nemesis
Romelu Lukaku to round goalkeeper Adrian and pass the ball into an empty
net, to score for the SEVENTH successive occasion against the Hammers.

Rookie referee Paul Tierney, who cautioned McCarthy for the aforementioned
challenge when many other referees may have viewed it as a more serious
offence did little to suggest he should be elevated to the Premier League
rota on a regular basis.

As well as showing extreme leniency to the hosts following a string of
'earthy' challenges, he ended the first half just as Andy Carroll was racing
through on a potential one-v-one situation - and then blew the final whistle
at an equally bizarre moment, just as West Ham were preparing to launch one
final attack from a dead ball situation.

Yet Tierney couldn't be blamed for West Ham's inability to open up an
understrength Everton defence, missing the likes of England internationals
Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka.

Minus the injured Payet, who was withdrawn just five minutes into the second
period the Hammers looked bereft of creativity and struggled to make inroads
in the opposition half after Everton had restored parity.

For their part, the Toffees only really threatened Adrian on one further
occasions, that being when Lukaku's effort slammed into the side netting
when it appeared easier for him to hit the target. Thankfully, he does
occasionally miss against West Ham too.

The point takes West Ham back above Tottenham into fifth place in the
Premier League, although Spurs have a game in hand. The two London rivals
are set to meet each other following the forthcoming international break, a
game that promises to be one of the most tightly-contested derbies for some
years.

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Slaven Bilic annoyed with injuries to West Ham's Dimitri Payet and Enner
Valencia
Last Updated: 07/11/15 6:51pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic was left frustrated after Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia went
off injured in West Ham's 1-1 draw with Everton. Payet, the Hammers' leading
scorer in the Premier League this season, was caught from behind by a
scissor tackle from James McCarthy in the first half. He went off shortly
after half-time and his replacement, Valencia, was also forced off following
a sliding tackle from Seamus Coleman. Asked about the tackle on Payet,
Hammers manager Bilic told Sky Sports: "I didn't see it but I was told it
should have been red. "I saw it was a foul from behind and they made a few
of them. We had our player injured and we don't know how bad it is, but it
was bad enough for him not to finish the game. "It is a big blow for us.
Payet is our main player with the ball and I am not happy with the injury.
"Enner did really well when he came on and we looked dangerous but then he
got injured. Those are the only things I am not happy about." "Until the
scans nobody knows long they will be out for, hopefully they will be okay
for Spurs and it's good we have the international break."

The Hammers have not beaten Everton in the Premier League since 2007 and
they were pegged back by Romelu Lukaku's equaliser after Manuel Lanzini's
30th-minute opener. While Bilic said Everton's goal was "cheap", he was
pleased with his side's reaction after their 2-0 defeat to Watford the
previous weekend. "It was important to put in a good performance in front of
our fans and we looked like a good team," he said. "We are not happy because
we didn't win, but they deserved a point too. We tried to get all three but
it wasn't the case."

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WEST HAM 1, EVERTON 1. A COSTLY POINT.
By David Hautzig 8 Nov 2015 at 03:40
WTID

The new Peanuts movie comes out over here this weekend. I assume Charles
Schulz classic comic strip was part of your childhood regardless of which
country you grew up in. One of the prevailing themes of Peanuts through the
years was Lucy consistently fooling Charlie Brown into believing that this
time he would actually be allowed to kick the (American) football while she
held it steady against the ground with her finger. I remember in one strip,
Lucy produced a signed document stating she wouldn't pull the ball away at
the last second and allow Charlie Brown to sail through the air and land
flat on his back. Charlie Brown read the document and concluded that Lucy
had to let him kick the ball this time since he had what he thought was a
legally binding contract. He walked away, began his charge, and of course
just as he was going to strike Lucy pulled the ball away and Charlie Brown
went flying. As he lay on his back for the umpteenth time, Lucy looked down
at him and reminded him the document wasn't "notarized", a term over here
used when a document has to be signed by not only the two parties involved
but a "notary public" as well who basically certifies the deal. Every time
we play Everton, we seem to be Charlie Brown staring at the sky and the role
of Lucy has been played recently by Romalu Lukaku. Today, we may not have
struck the ball well, but we made contact.

West Ham looked bright in the opening minutes, with Jenkinson attacking on
the right and feeding Noble for a cross to Carroll that the big man just
couldn't reach. Then Payet and Moses combined inside the Everton penalty
area that ended with a Moses strike hitting the side netting. A minute
later, Moses was back in business in the box trying to lay off for Carroll
before Stones stepped in to relieve the pressure. Everton responded with
Deulofeu sending a through ball to Kone on the right, who then tried to find
Lukaku in the box but Adrian came out to meet the pass and punch it clear.

Everton had their first serious chance to open the scoring in the 15th
minute when Galloway passed to Barkley near the top of the West Ham penalty
area. Barkley turned quickly and shot, but while it was low and with some
pace it was right at Adrian. West Ham responded with Cresswell whipping a
cross into the Everton area but Moses couldn't keep his header on target.

The middle section of the first half was a game of one side threatening to
create a real threat but not quite getting there, followed by a repeat
performance from the other side. Kone broke in on goal from a quick free
quick only to shoot wide with Lukaku available inside the West Ham area.
Then Tomkins somehow turned his leg into a gummy worm and kept a Payet free
kick in play but none of his teammates could get to the ball. Cresswell
tried a curling shot with the outside of his right foot that went over the
bar, and McCarthy one timed a pass to Deulofeu whose shot went off Adrian
and out for a corner.

I occasionally check the table in Argentina. One of my friends is from
Buenos Aires and supports Argentinos Juniors, the original team of some guy
named Maradona. They have become my adopted team from down there, and thus
mate in turn holds our Hammers in high esteem. When we first signed Lanzini,
this mate of mine told me we had a player on our hands. He was right. In the
30th minute, Moses got the ball on the right from Payet and fired a low
shot. It deflected off Stones and out to Lanzini at the top of the box. Like
a surgeon making a precise cut, The Jewel curled a shot past Howard and into
the top corner. Pace and power weren't required. The precision was that
good.

West Ham 1, Everton 0.

I've never thought of Martinez as the kind of manager that would either
encourage or allow his players to play the kind of football a supporter
would be ashamed of. But there was a lot of that today. In the 34th minute,
McCarthy took down Payet with a scissor tackle that Tony Gale said could
have been a straight red. Instead he saw yellow, but it wasn't the first
overly aggressive tackle of the day by an Everton player and it certainly
wasn't the last. More importantly, Payet wasn't himself the rest of the game
before he came out in the second half.

When Lanzini scored, I joked to myself that the score was actually 1-1
because it was a foregone conclusion that Lukaku would score. Furthermore,
with time running down in the first half the narrative was almost
predictable that Everton would get the late equalizer to make halftime an
annoying chore. As it turned out, the inevitable and the narrative combined
when Payet lost possession in midfield. Deulofeu then sent a through ball as
Lukaku split between Reid and Tomkins before rounding Adrian and sliding it
home.

West Ham 1, Everton 1.

In the 49th minute, the inevitable consequence of McCarthy's malicious
challenge on Payet was at hand and our new Talisman had to be replaced by
Enner Valencia. Within seconds Valencia's speed made Everton think twice
when Carroll sent Cresswell down the left. The West Ham left back whipped a
cross in that Valencia couldn't reach and Moses couldn't handle.

Within minutes, Barkley took down Noble and Lukaku took down Reid. Neither
saw yellow, and Bilic started to let Martinez know he wasn't happy. The
Everton boss gave the kind of obnoxious and flippant smile that made my
respect for both him and his club go down a notch. Maybe two. And in my
minds eye I could see Slaven putting a cigarette out in his eye and smashing
a guitar over his head. It didn't get better because in the 59th minute Mori
took down Moses and saw yellow. Even knowing the result because I watched
the game on DVR, I started to see red and wished for the good old days of
hard tackles that were met by a bit of retribution. The fact that Everton
finished with 11 players is testament both to how lucky they were and how
awful Tierney was. West Ham weren't able to get the perfect revenge when
their free kick amounted to little more than Howard punching the ball from
danger.

In the middle of the second half there was a lot of end-to-end action but
very little in the final third. In the 63rd, Lanzini earned West Ham a
corner with a low shot from 25 yards out. Two minutes later, Everton's WWE
clinic continued when Coleman took Valencia out on the left side of the
Everton box. I'm guessing there was a prize in the Toffee's changing room
for whoever could get the stretcher out and Coleman wanted to collect. The
replays showed Valencia's ankle buckle and bend in an unnatural way. He was
replaced by Zarate. Bilic gave him a fist bump and an encouraging smile as
he entered the game. That's probably all I want to say about Mauro's day.

In the 73rd minute, Moses got on the end of a long pass from Tomkins and won
a corner. With Payet out, Moses stepped up to take the set piece and he
almost connected with Reid, but his header went just over the bar and a
diving Howard. Ten minutes later Jenkinson went on a run that started in the
West Ham half and ended with him taking a right-footed shot from 20 yards
out but it was right at Howard.

In the 86th minute the sum of all of our fears came inches away when
Galloway slid a pass into the path of an on rushing Lukaku inside the West
Ham area. The Belgian Hammer Killer got a toe on it and it beat Adrian, but
it just went wide in what was the final chance of the assault….I mean match.

As I said at the beginning, to go into this game with pessimism and doubt
would not only have been understandable it would have been pragmatic. Paul
Tierney had as bad a game as an official has had in quite awhile, but to get
mad at an EPL referee for being lousy is like getting mad at a cold virus
for getting you sick. It's what they do. Add the injuries and the story of
another loss was set up on a silver platter. But it didn't happen that way.
The result was by and large fair, but we played the second half not just to
respect the point but to win.

For that alone, I not only respect the point but I'm kind of proud of it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TOFFEES HARD TO BREAK DOWN
By Zaman Siddiqui 8 Nov 2015 at 08:WTID

Of all Premier League teams, Everton certainly have a lot of young talent,
none more so than Romelu Lukaku. It is a good thing I didn't publish this
post at night, otherwise there would've been nightmares all around the
world! The 22 year old has now scored 7 in 7 appearances against us in all
competitions. In recent years, he has made a habit of scoring very late on
against us. The last win for us in the BPL against the Toffees came in April
2007 courtesy of a Bobby Zamora goal. Additionally, we have lost four of our
last five matches in the league against Everton at Upton Park. Moreover, we
have defied the odds quite a few times this season. We have done the
magnificent at Anfield, as well as against Arsenal, and the champions from
the last two seasons Chelsea, and Manchester City. It is evident that any
game we expect to lose is one we turn up for. It is great to see the players
not going through the bag of excuses.

With one fit lone striker capable of playing to a high level, I felt that
Bilic made the right call playing Carroll for the entirety of the match.
Playing Valencia would have been problematic, as he was not at full fitness.
The gaffer couldn't have let the Ecuadorian striker play for a whole match,
as he wouldn't have been productive throughout. We needed a statement of
intent after that blunder at Watford, so there wouldn't have been any point
in playing him if there is a good group of eleven fit players on the pitch.
Personally, I am a bit worried that we need another number nine with the
qualities of Sakho, namely pace, and a bit of strength with a high
work-rate. Jelavic is certainly not capable of playing at the Senegalese's
level. The other problem that arises is that Valencia and Zárate now play on
the wings more often. They have less practise as strikers. Mauro does best
on the wings, but I don't we have seen enough of Valencia to say the same.
Unfortunately, he has been injured for most of his West Ham career ever
since signing from CF Pachuca for a reported £12M.

This is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches excluding the top six.
Everton, like us, have a lot of talented players. The Academy of Football
and the School of Science have a reputation for playing at a high calibre,
as well as signing and keeping hold of big players. Namely, we bought Payet
in from Marseille, and Everton bought Lukaku for £28M from Chelsea, as well
as keeping ahold of John Stones. It is fair to say Barkley, Lukaku, and
Stones (who are 21, 22, 21 respectively) are not playing the best football
of their lives, but are not better than our three best players. According to
WhoScored this season, Payet is playing better than Barkley, Lanzini is
playing better than Lukaku, and Reid is outperforming Stones. This was one
of the key reasons I wasn't surprised why West Ham and Everton had scored
before any of the other 3 o'clockers yesterday afternoon: we have potential
that, I feel, hasn't been fully harnessed. Playing without Payet, Valencia,
and Sakho, I feel we did really well out there. In the days of Big Sam, an
injury would have meant we lost our shape completely. Now, we have players
that can play with more flexibility. And I am not only talking about
Cresswell, and Jenkinson. This transformation from the gaffer has been
phenomenal. As the season progresses, I am adamant we will all get used to
watching Lanzini and Moses giving it their all on the flanks. They have
added a new dimension to our game that have changed our options up front,
and more importantly, our attacking mentality.

Andy Carroll Minimalist Footy.
After that shambles at Vicarage Road, all I wanted to see was a good start –
I was not disappointed at all. Payet drifted away to create an early chance
for Moses who hit the side netting. Both sides had decent chances to score.
There were half-hearted appeals from Ramiro Funes Mori for a penalty for a
tackle from Reid. It goes without saying, it wasn't a pen. The goal came in
the 30th minute with a shot rebounded off of Moses with a touch from Lanzini
on the ball to the right and an ice cool finish right into the top corner of
the net over Tim Howard. Mr Freeze went into hiding again after that finish.
There was a handball from Gareth Barry, as he moved his hands away from his
body towards the ball. While the players appealed, the Jewel wasn't fazed at
all. There was a nasty scissor kick on Payet which should have gotten James
McCarthy a red card. It was a malicious challenge which saw the Frenchman
limping. He wasn't covering back in midfield like he does as usual, so
something was up. I felt Bilic should have taken him off. There was no
sudden danger, but when you see your best player limping, don't take any
chances. Just before the break, the Toffees got the equaliser in the 43rd
minute. A wonderful ball from former Barcelona winger Deulofeu for Lukaku
was exquisite. Lukaku beating the two CB's with his pace and Adrián with
skill was not my main concern. Also, the Belgian was just onside, and was
already moving before the ball was played, so I can't fault any of the CB's
or the goalkeeper. I was irate with Kouyaté's marking of Deulofeu. He was
just jogging back when Deulofeu had a lot of space with the ball in the
middle of the park. It was careless marking which cost us a goal.

It was only when Payet was down that the gaffer subbed the 28 year old off
for Valencia. Given that the striker hadn't played for a while, I thought he
had built up quite a bit of fitness. He was fairly energetic up front. The
tackle on Valencia was very unfortunate from Coleman. There was nothing
wrong with his tackle at all, but he did accidentally catch Enner's ankle.
It was a sad sight as the striker had to be stretchered off the pitch in the
69th minute. I thought that was game over. There was a good header from Reid
off a Moses corner which flew slightly over the bar on the top of the goal.
Everton lacked clear cut chances today, but Lukaku nearly scored yet another
late winner. Brendan Galloway slided a ball for the Belgian which, only just
slided past the post. The game ended with injuries to Payet and Valencia.
Carroll was the one who got away. On the whole, 1-1 was the right result for
both teams. Both played really well in attack.

Tottenham have Arsenal today, and will play us after the international
break. Many of our players should return, namely Sakho, Obiang, and maybe
Payet. Valencia could take a while, as could Song. Spurs have only lost to
Manchester United this PL season. They have more players in the England
squad, so ours ought to be fully rested.

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West Ham 1-1 Everton: 5 things we learned as Romelu Lukaku scores again
against Hammers
17:03, 7 NOV 2015 UPDATED 17:04, 7 NOV 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Belgian raced on to Gerard Deulofeu's fine through ball to level the
scores after Manuel Lanzini's delightful opener
The Mirror

Romelu Lukaku continued his remarkable record against West Ham to earn
Everton a point at Upton Park.

Lukaku scored for the seventh game running against the Hammers to become
only the second Everton player to score in seven successive games against
the same opponent. The Belgian striker equalled the Toffees record set by
Dixie Dean who managed the feat against Aston Villa, Bolton and Bury. Lukaku
levelled in the 43rd minute when he raced onto Gerard Deulofeu's pass and
rounded Adrian to score. Manuel Lanzini had put West Ham in front with a
brilliant curling finish on the half-hour. West Ham also suffered two injury
blows when Dimitri Payet and his replacement Enner Valencia were forced off
in the second half.

Here are five things we learned.

Battle of No.9s

Slaven Bilic reckons big No.9s are back in fashion thanks to Andy Carroll
and Romelu Lukaku but his was outshone by Everton's. Carroll is better in
the air but Lukaku has the better all-round game. And, at just 22, the
Belgian has plenty of time to get much better. He posed West Ham's defence
more problems than Carroll did Everton's and it was little surprise when he
got in to score just before half-time.

Payet is West Ham's star man

Payet is an absolute joy to watch. The Frenchman was involved in all West
Ham's best bits before going off injured and sprinkled in some
audacious skill for good measure. His nutmeg on Ross Barkley was brilliant
and if his no-look pass to Victor Moses had come off it would have been one
of the passes of the season. West Ham had a free run at signing Payet from
Marseille in the summer. With every performance that becomes harder and
harder to believe.

The hatchet man won

James McCarthy was getting frustrated watching Payet run rings around
Everton's midfield and eventually took matters into his own hands when he
wiped out the Hammers man with an ugly 33rd minute scissor tackle. Payet
hobbled on but eventually succumbed to the injury and was taken off in the
50th minute. For McCarthy it was job done. For the Hammers the hope will be
that Payet's injury is not serious. For the neutral it was a shame that the
most entertaining player was forced off in the way he was and the hatchet
man had got his way.

Bilic's Way will please Hammers

Slaven Bilic's take on the West Ham Way will certainly be welcomed by
Hammers fans. The Croatian encourages his team to pass the ball and keep
possession and it's noticeable how comfortable they are knocking the ball
about.

Playing Andy Carroll only emphasises the point.

With the target-man up top the temptation would be to hit the ball long at
every opportunity but the Hammers preferred to play through the likes of
playmakers Dimitri Payet and the impressive Manuel Lanzini. It surely
wouldn't have been that way under former boss Sam Allardyce.

Starring role for Stones

With Phil Jagielka out injured long term John Stones is now Everton's senior
central defender by virtue of his experience in English football rather than
age. Andy Carroll should have been a big test but Stones, 21, nullified him
and passed it comfortably in a mature display in which he showcased his
reading of the game and ability on the ball and in the air.

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Slav's hopes rise on injured duo
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic was left to curse one moment of Romelu Lukaku magic after the
Everton striker continued his remarkable scoring record against West Ham.
And boss Bilic said: "My centre-halves dealt with Lukaku well – apart from
for the goal. "But it was a good game and I am really happy with the way we
played, especially after losing to Watford last week, and because it was in
front of our home fans against good team. Valencia_3191610"On one hand I'm
never happy when we don't win, but we can't be unhappy with the way we
played. "Everton deserved something from the game, although I think we were
a bit closer to winning." Bilic faces an anxious wait to learn the extent of
ankle injuries to Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia saying: "We will have to
wait on the scans. I am not a doctor but I am optimistic they will both be
ready for the Tottenham game. "We have to be happy with our start to the
season. We need to use this international break to come back even hungrier."

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