Preview - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United kick-off 2016 with the opportunity to complete a first
league double over Liverpool since the 1963/64 season.
Having ended a 52-year wait for victory at Anfield in August, the Hammers
could make the perfect start to the New Year and overtake Jurgen Klopp's
Reds in the process.
Liverpool moved back ahead of the Hammers in the table with their 1-0 win
over Sunderland on Wednesday night, but only have a point more at the
halfway stage.
After a slow start to the season, Brendan Rodgers was replaced by Klopp, who
has led the Reds to the Capital One Cup semi-finals and to a position where
they are challenging for a top four slot.
West Ham ended 2015 in the perfect fashion, coming from behind to defeat
Southampton 2-1 thanks to goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll.
That ended an eight-game wait for victory, and at the same time extended the
Hammers' unbeaten run to six.
Three points on Saturday could lift West Ham into the top five of the
league, with the top half remaining congested.
The history
West Ham and Liverpool have met on 130 previous occasions, with the Hammers'
record against the Reds being a particularly poor one.
The east Londoners have tasted victory on just 26 occasions against their
Merseyside rivals, with Liverpool coming out on top 70 times.
However, three of those wins have come in the last eight meetings, with
Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho and Morgan Amalfitano all on target in a 3-1
Boleyn Ground victory last season.
Then, Manuel Lanzini, Noble and Sakho again all hit the net as West Ham
thumped the Reds 3-0 at Anfield earlier this term.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll returned from injury from the bench in
Monday's win against Southampton, so could be involved from the start on
Saturday.
Dimitri Payet will be back in the squad after overcoming his ankle problem,
but the game will likely come around too quickly for Winston Reid and Victor
Moses, who both have hamstring injuries.
Liverpool
The Reds were involved on Wednesday evening, defeating Sunderland 1-0.
Skipper Jordan Henderson was replaced after an hour, with boss Klopp
commenting on his fitness: "I don't really know – it's not perfect otherwise
we wouldn't have taken him off, but we had to. Now we have to wait. I cannot
say exactly [what the injury is] at this moment."
Match info
Saturday's match referee is Robert Madley, who will be assisted by Simon
Long and Simon Beck. The fourth official is Roger East.
Billy Bonds has made more appearances against Liverpool, 33, than any other
West Ham United player. The Reds' Ian Callaghan made a record 33 appearances
against the Hammers, scoring twice.
Vic Watson scored a record nine goals in 14 appearances against Liverpool.
Steven Gerrard scored nine times against the Hammers.
The largest crowd to attend a West Ham versus Liverpool fixture at the
Boleyn Ground was the 38,239 who saw Pat Holland score the only goal in a
1-0 Division One victory for the Hammers on 28 March 1970.
The Hammers and the Reds met in the 1981 League Cup final at Wembley,
drawing 1-1 after extra-time, with Ray Stewart scoring a late penalty.
Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners in the replay at Villa Park.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT. However, they may become available
online as Season Ticket Holders relist.
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are set to serve Upton Park
station as normal on Saturday. Click here for the latest news on TfL
services and here for National Rail.
Rain is expected at lunchtime on Saturday, with temperatures crawling up to
10C (50F).
If you are not heading to the game on Saturday, make sure you keep right up
to date on our digital channels. The whufc.com live match centre has audio
commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Remember you
can get involved with the conversation on social too using the hashtag
#WHULIV.
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Chadwell Chatter - Michail Antonio
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is enjoying the festive season, scoring my first ever
Premier League goal certainly made my Christmas! As a kid you always dream
of scoring in the Premier League so it really was a very special moment for
me. It was an unbelievable feeling, I didn't really know what to do with
myself, and hopefully it is the first of many. Obviously it wasn't the
cleanest of finishes, but I'll claim it all day long, every attacking player
would! More importantly, it helped us draw level with Southampton in a
difficult match, especially as it was our second game in three days. When I
joined the Club I knew I'd have to be patient and wait for my opportunity,
so now I've been playing more recently I'm delighted to be able to show
everyone what I can do. Hopefully this is just the start and I can push on
from here. I know I can still improve, I will continue to work hard and
provide the team with as many assists and goals as possible. On Saturday we
face a very difficult task against Liverpool, however we know as a squad
what we are capable of. Having beaten them once already gives us great
confidence but we are under no illusions.
They are playing well at the moment, and off the back of two wins, they'll
be up for it too. Throughout their squad they've got quality in every
position, particularly upfront, so we know we'll have to be at our best.
They have some great players; Adam Lallana and Christian Benteke are both
great players who can score from out of nothing. However, every team has
weaknesses so it'll be up to us to try and exploit them. With some of the
injured players returning to fitness, we've got a lot of different attacking
options ourselves. With Dimitri, Victor and Manu coming back, as well as
Mauro, Enner and myself, I feel each player we have brings something
different to the team and that is very important. We're now exactly half-way
through the season and in a healthy position not far from the Europa League
places. I'm not really the type of person to look at the table too much
really. We just have to focus on each game; we're only half way through the
season so there's a long way to go!
I'd just like to thank all the fans who have supported me since joining in
the summer, it really does mean a lot and I hope to repay the faith with
more goals and assists soon.
Happy New Year!
Michail
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Terzic - I am looking forward to seeing Klopp
WHUFC.com
West Ham United first-team coach Edin Terzic is relishing the chance to meet
up with his former manager Jurgen Klopp on Saturday and says he will never
forget the impact he had on his career. Terzic was handed his first big
breakthrough when he worked as a scout and coach under Klopp during the
German's memorable spell in charge of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund,
where the pair won back-to-back league titles and reached the 2013 UEFA
Champions League final. The 33-year-old says he will never forget the time
he spent working alongside Klopp and says it has given him a wealth of
knowledge as he later joined up with Slaven Bilic's backroom staff at
Besiktas before following him to West Ham United during the summer. But
despite his friendship with the Liverpool manager, Terzic says that will all
be put to one side when the Hammers play the Merseyside club on Saturday and
he hopes to be celebrating another famous victory at the Boleyn Ground.
Terzic said: "I had a good relationship with Jurgen and his backroom staff.
It was a great time for me and my first spell in professional football was
with Borussia Dortmund. "Jurgen was the boss of the miracle that happened in
Germany at that time. It was a great gift and a great honour for me to be
part of it. "Borussia Dortmund were the main team in Europe at that time and
everyone wanted to know what they were doing. I had the great opportunity to
be working inside the club and everyone was coming to visit us at the
training centre. "I listened to many things during that time and I feel I am
also a product of what took place there so I am very proud to have been part
of it. I was born not far from Dortmund so it is very special for me.
"Jurgen is brilliant for the fans and the media. He is very funny and
intelligent. Nearly every press conference he will say something that will
be remembered for a couple of weeks and it is great to have him close to us.
"I am looking forward to seeing him – but only after the game!"
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View on the Visitors - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Lifelong Liverpool fan Dom Quinn gives us the lowdown on Saturday's
visitors.
How would you summarise Jurgen Klopp's start to life as Liverpool manager?
"Right from the start I think Klopp has brought a lot of belief, optimism
and passion. We've had some incredible results but unfortunately our form in
the league, especially at home, remains inconsistent.
"He expects everything from every player all of the time and that's hard to
maintain over a season. I am definitely a Kloppite and I think most fans
share that view."
Are you expecting a busy transfer window? What positions, if any, need
filling?
"I don't think Klopp will try to sign anyone this January purely because
he's trying to put faith in the players he has at the moment. My personal
opinion is that we could do with another solid centre back or a goalkeeper,
as Jurgen says, it all starts from the back!"
Which players have stood out this term?
"Stand out players this season have been few and far between mainly because
of the amount of injuries. For me Nathaniel Clyne has been a constant
throughout the season and Emre Can always gives 100%.
"More recently Divock Origi has looked like an exciting young talent before
his injury. I think he will forge a really good partnership with Daniel
Sturridge, if they are ever both fit at the same time!"
We're exactly half way through the season, what is a realistic target for
the League and cup competitions?
"Realistically, we can win a domestic cup; however beating Stoke City over
two legs in the League Cup semi-final is looking more and more challenging.
"In the league, I think we may be able to make the Top Four since all our
games in the second half of the season against the more difficult teams are
at home. Unrealistically, we will win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup
and Europa League and Klopp will get a statue next to Bill Shankly by the
Anfield gates!"
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
"We've had some really tricky games against West Ham in recent years. Plus I
think Slaven Bilic has got the team working together really well. Saying
that, we have just got some players coming back from fitness for the game so
I think we may just knick it but it will be tough. I reckon it will be a 2-1
Liverpool win, Jordan Henderson and Christian Benteke with the goals!"
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I would to like wish all of our supporters a happy and healthy successful
New Year and I want to thank you for your amazing support.
2016 promises to be a year to remember for all West Ham fans and is going to
be the most exciting year in the club's history. I am sure you were just as
thrilled as I was following our important victory over Southampton last
Monday and that is one of the best feelings I have had after a game for a
long time. It is over a year since we last came from behind to win. The
decision by the manager to change things at half-time was both brave and
decisive. I take my hat off to Slaven as I thought his timings of the
substitutions and the switching of the full-backs made the difference. I
know we have been missing Winston Reid through injury but I am sure he is
thrilled with the way that James Collins is playing at the moment. He was
immense against Southampton.
The England manager was sitting behind me and he said 'wow, what a
performance'. He felt it was a dogged and never-say-die attitude from an old
pro. That is praise indeed from Roy. We have got trust in James and you can
see why. Before Winston got injured we also had injuries to Ogbonna and he
has covered that position and been outstanding. He has done a sterling job.
He has deserved his new contract and I am thrilled that he is going to be
with us for the next couple of years.
I was also delighted to see Michail Antonio have such a strong game and you
have got to say that he was rewarded for all his hard work. He scored the
equaliser and was also involved in the second goal when he struck the bar.
You would not have wanted the rebound to fall to anyone other than Andy
Carroll. It felt like Groundhog Day. The ball went in the same corner and
he scored in exactly the same minute like he did against Chelsea. I was
right in line as he headed the ball into the net.
You can see the value of having our best players back in the team. I have
been saying for a while that the reason we are not winning games is that six
of our best players have been injured. Interestingly we get Lanzini, Carroll
and Song back on the pitch and all of a sudden that run of eight games
without a victory is over. The victory has given everyone at the Club a big
lift and most of all it has given the belief back to the players. Let's hope
we can have a similar outcome against Liverpool on Saturday.
Who could forget our memorable victory at Anfield back in August. It was
early on in the season and we had brought a number of new players, but you
never know how quickly they are going to settle. But our convincing 3-0
victory proved that we had bought well and I am confident we will be a match
for Liverpool. I am hopeful that Dimitri Payet will play some part in the
game and that will be a major lift for everyone at the Club.
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Dev Squad go free this Monday!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Development Squad's first
game of 2016, a meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion, at Rush Green on Monday
4 January is FREE for all fans. This is the perfect opportunity to see the
Club's rising stars in action, following a hugely successful summer for the
Academy of Football. The young Hammers go into Monday's game in superb form,
currently six games unbeaten, winning five of those six. Last time out, a
phenomenal turnout of over 2,500 fans turned up to the Hammers' 1-1 draw
with Arsenal and Academy manager Terry Westley is hoping for a similar
turnout on Monday. "It is very important we get a crowd in on Monday night.
We have a very exciting group of young players coming through." Earlier in
the season, the Hammers beat Monday's opponents Brighton 2-1 away at the
Amex Stadium thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen. Should
the claret and blues complete the double over the Seagulls, they could climb
as high as fourth in the Barclays U21 Premier League Division Two table.
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm. Admission is FREE for all fans.
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Jenkinson ready to inflict more misery on Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is hoping to start 2016 with a bang and make the Boleyn
Ground a fortress again as we prepare for another big showdown clash against
Liverpool on Saturday. The Hammers finally got back on the winning trail
with a memorable 2-1 win over Southampton which ended a spell of eight games
without a victory. Second half goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll
helped the Hammers complete an impressive comeback and moved the team up to
eighth in the table. Jenkinson has nothing but praise for the way the West
Ham United fans played their part in helping the team get back into the game
and hopes the atmosphere will be just as good when Liverpool arrive in east
London. Jenkinson said: "The fans were on us during the first half against
Southampton but they react to how we play and in the second half they were
fantastic. "When we are playing well the atmosphere is unbelievable and we
hope to keep that going. "Liverpool will be a massive game at the weekend
and we are going to need them behind us. I am really looking forward to it."
Jenkinson has been forced to wait patiently for his chance in the first-team
in recent weeks but he showed his versatility when he was asked to start the
game at left back and then reverted to his normal position at right back in
the second half. The 23-year-old is now hoping to cement his place in the
first-team and help the Hammers complete the double over the Merseyside
Club, following the Hammers memorable 3-0 victory at Anfield back in August.
Jenkinson added: "Like everyone else I want to be playing. I have had a few
games coming off the bench which has been frustrating but I want to take my
chances when I get them and cement my place in the team. "Every player will
tell you they want to be playing and I am the same. "It is great that we
have got this Southampton win under our belt but we just need to take it one
game at a time at the moment. "It would be great if we could get a few wins
under our belts again and then we will be flying again. "It will be a tough
game against Liverpool on Saturday but we will be looking to take all three
points."
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Evans comes clean on West Ham transfer target
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Leeds United manager Steve Evans says he will continue to select West Ham
transfer target Sam Byram until he's told the player has been sold. The
£5million-rated full back has been linked with a January move to West Ham,
with this weekend's opponents Liverpool and their neighbours Everton also
said to be interested. However Evans has confirmed that until he receives a
call to say the 22-year-old has been sold, he will continue to select him
for the first team at Elland Road. "Until [Chairman] Massimo Cellino phones
me up and tells me that Sam is being sold, I'll continue to pick him," the
Leeds boss said. "I'm quite relaxed about the situation. The reason I'm
picking him is nothing to do with his contract or anything else. It's down
to his form. The reason he didn't play for a few weeks a while back was
because I wasn't seeing the performances in training I needed to see from
him. "But he's worked his game up and he's a fantastic professional. I take
a lot of interest in the stats and in two of the last three games he's
covered more distance than any other player by quite a distance. His
attitude is spot on and he's been big for us."
Byram is one of a number of players West Ham are tracking this month,
despite co-owner David Sullivan having claimed that the club are unlikely to
make any signings during the transfer window, which opens today.
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Not just a lucky man
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st December 2015
By: Paul Walker
The remarkable recovery against Southampton may well have been the watershed
moment, when Slaven Bilic felt that he had proved he could hack it in the
Premier League.
Make no mistake, the fastest, most competitive league in the world (not
necessarily the best) can make fools of even the very top names. Just look
at Louis Van Gaal for that, or even on occasions Jurgen Klopp. Even the
special one, Jose Mourinho spent the first half of this season making
himself look pretty foolish.
West Ham were 1-0 down. It could easily have been four or five at half time
against the Saints, so utterly outplayed had we been. Bilic knew he had to
do something to change a disaster into a triumph. Lose and it would have
been nine games without a win and nine points off the relegation zone. Lose
and it would have been six points from 27.
That would have opened the social media doors of hell, the abuse would have
rained down, every twitter twerp would have had a view.
The Premier League is a tough place to work for even the supposed best in
the world. You have to be quick-witted, smart and lucky.
I have been reticent to get involved in the seemingly weekly love-ins from
bloggers and fans' websites about our new manager, he had been labelled a
genius by some, a world -beater by others. Too much too soon there. It is
the sort of gibberish that he would not have wished on himself, because he
has known all along how hard it is to succeed in the English league.
He was a great choice as manager, he had the right image, background and
potential. And he knew what we were about, he 'gets' West Ham. The next bit,
though, was more difficult.
Take Van Gaal--please do, my Manchester United pals say. I have listened to
observers who insists he is trying everything he knows, his very best,
behind the scenes and on the pitch, to turn around United's season. And it's
not really working. So far he has avoided the axe, and I hope it stays that
way.
For one reason only, before you all start! Isn't it fun to listen to Man
United fans' on phone-ins ranting on about their "entitlement" because they
are so big and powerful?
The Dutchman is rated one of the best in the world, one of the elite group
of managers who don't get out of bed unless someone gives them £250m to
spend. But even with that, he has found his job hard beyond belief.
Now we have Klopp here on Saturday with Liverpool. He has won a reputation
as one of the cleverest free-thinkers in the game, he seems genuinely fun to
have around. But even he has walked into a few brick walls (pray there's
another one on Saturday) since taking over from Brendan Rodgers. He is
slowly changing things, but he still has Rodgers' players, and that's the
problem.
Bilic arrived at the Boleyn with only three seasons of serious club
management behind him, and as David Sullivan so kindly pointed
out--again--on that Sky interview this week, Klopp and Rafa Benitez were
ahead of Bilic, and plenty more it seems. He may even have been tenth
choice.
Sullivan, who was allowed to plug another Kray movie in the interview--have
Sky got no shame?--dragged up old stories and found them all over the papers
again on the day of a match. He really should know better than that and
handle his interviews with more thought.
Bilic would have brushed all that aside, though. A clever man, academically
as well as football-wise (there is a difference) and having sent out a team
with Carl Jenkinson at left-back, Alex Song in goggles and Mauro Zarate as
playmaker---all mistakes--he changed things.
The full-backs were switched, James Tomkins ending up at left-back and
showing just how mature and adaptable he has become. The defender seems to
have grown up before our very eyes these past months, boy to man, almost
from the day of his final court appearance following that rather unfortunate
night club incident.
Zarate, who was sloppy, clueless and constantly making wrong decisions to
concede the ball, was hooked. Along with Song.
Manuel Lanzini made a huge impact, a clever player who does not waste
possession and can carry the ball despite much physical attention. It would
be nice if referees protected him a little more..some hopes there! And on
came Andy Carroll, still much maligned in these parts, but not it seems with
Saints boss Ronald Koeman, who reckoned his side just couldn't cope with the
big Geordie. You hear this so often from rival managers, they should know,
and it's about time his repetitive detractors at the Boleyn realised the
same.
And no, I don't care how he has his hair done. It could be with pink and
blue bows in pigtails as long as he keeps scoring. But maybe the bows will
give his Essex fiancee ideas!
Bilic also gave a serious, pointed team talk about giving your opponents a
genuine game, at the least. It clearly appealed to the professional pride of
a few and the changes worked like a dream.
Was Bilic lucky, brave or astute? A bit of everything really. But we came
from behind to win a game for the first time in two years, so it was some
achievement.
Most of all it showed that Bilic can change a game at the very highest club
level. You look at some managers (my old mate Rodgers for example) and you
can see by just watching them on the line that the do not have a clue how to
make significant, impact changes. Bilic, we now know, can.
And he knows, and the team know. I called him lucky recently when he went
off on a rant about our training ground, because fortuitously, there was a
nearly ready-made alternative to turn to at Rush Green. Other West Ham
managers who have bitched about Chadwell Heath have not been so lucky with
alternatives.
Bilic's changes and positive thinking means we are now 11 points off the 40
point safety mark. Yes, I know I am always banging on about that, but
someone has to, there's more than enough rattling on about Champions League
football from our club hierarchy for our own good at times.
Bilic has always known he has to show he can work in this league. His
previous club management, if you ignore the years at Hadjuk Split where he
was a novice owner-manager in a small league, shows he has been learning on
the hoof.
A year at Locomotive Moscow didn't work. They finished ninth, their worse
since 1992. Mind you, I won't blame anyone for failing in the Russian
league. It is allegedly the most corrupt in Europe, referees, players,
management, officials have all been fingered at some point. And it's cold
there too!
Besiktas are the third biggest club in Istanbul, and the third in Turkey.
They are a sort of cult city club like ourselves. Smashing atmosphere,
fanatically loyal fans and a quirky old ground (sadly it's gone now and been
rebuilt on the same site by the Bosphorus).
But all Bilic had to do there was to finish third and deliver Champions
League football; Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are far bigger. And Slav
delivered third place, two seasons on the trot.
Now he has to show he can work here. The start was wonderful, great results
against big clubs where his confidence, newness and spirit were transmitted
the players.
Then in the recent tough spell with so many injuries, his luck has held.
Five successive draws have been a defensive operation of which the players
are rightly proud…the infantry holding the line until the fancy-dan lancers
arrive.
That could easily have gone badly wrong. Those draws drew plenty of stick,
much unfairly. Then along comes a result like Monday's when we
re-established ourselves as a top ten club, not a mid-table one looking over
our shoulders. And Bilic's performance will not be lost on the rest of the
league's managers and coaches, they will know now that the Croatian is
learning very, very quickly. He can cut it.
What he is showing is the attributes of an astute coach of a small national
side, which is what he was at his best with Croatia for six years. At that
level with lesser nations, you are presented with the best 20 players your
country can muster, and told to get on with turning them into a decent side.
Croatia were just that. They won 42 of 65 under Bilic. It paid to have Luka
Modric, sure, but Bilic instilled team spirit, effort and a collective
cause. That's what you can see coming through now with West Ham. The
performances of Tomkins, James Collins, Carroll and the big, strong, quick
but very unpredictable Michail Antonio underline that.
Bilic has more than just got away with it these past couple of months, he is
now undefeated in six--strange how statistics can be spun to prove almost
anything. But they have shown we have dug-in and scrambled some vital
points. Many managers would not have achieved that, certainly ones very new
to this league.
It shows also that you make your own luck. Antonio shows that. He has come
into the game via the non-league route and then Nottingham Forest, where
power and pace in the Championship was good enough.
But he knows he needs more than that now, a little more poise, calmness and
thought in possession. But from what we have seen these past few games, he
too is learning fast. He is a handful, confident and hungry, just like Bilic
probably feels.
It's Liverpool next, and with Dimitri Payet back and Lanzini that bit
fitter, anything can happen. Then the next couple of months see only
Manchester City--at the Boleyn on January 23--to really fear. Bournemouth,
Newcastle, Aston Villa, Southampton, Norwich and Sunderland take us to the
end of February.
Surely there are points there for us; we might even be safe by then!
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Slaven Billic urges West Ham to think big ahead of Liverpool clash
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 01/01/16 4:38pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham must starting thinking like a big club if
they are to become one - but admits it will take time. The Hammers welcome
Liverpool to Upton Park on Saturday lying just one point behind the
Merseysiders, in seventh, and sixth-placed Manchester United. Yet while
those two traditionally successful clubs are still considered to be in the
title race, lying nine points from top spot, no one expects West Ham to be
in the shake-up come May. The weight of history may be in Liverpool's favour
but, as the Hammers enter the year in which they will move into the Olympic
Stadium, Bilic knows that mentality has to change. "Manchester United or
Liverpool, who are one point ahead of us, they are thinking that way (about
the title)," said the Upton Park boss. "It's all psychological because it is
Liverpool. I mean they have been used to being in a title race. "Some people
would give more chance to Manchester United or Liverpool than to Leicester -
without any logical reasons about what is happening on the pitch because
Leicester is much better than those two clubs at the moment. "And I bet you
that many clubs who have more points than Chelsea are more afraid that, with
a bad run, they could get in more trouble than Chelsea. They are thinking
about the top six at least. "So it is psychological because we are used to
Liverpool to be there. That is normal. That is the mentality. That is the
structure of the club and that takes time to change. "To become a big club,
you need years of that, what Liverpool have; tradition, history, everything.
And that reflects on your daily work, no matter who the coach is. It's about
the jersey, it's the club. "Let's all say the smaller clubs, the clubs like
us, or Crystal Palace, we are all trying to move forward. Of course we want
to do it as quickly as possible. "But this is a good example of how it
doesn't go like that. Now, we will never say we have a chance to win the
league. Whereas for Liverpool it would be normal for them to say, 'yeah, we
are nine points off'. It's in the head. And it takes time to change that."
Bilic is able to welcome back French playmaker Dimitri Payet after two
months out with an ankle injury, and will hand a late fitness test to
full-back Aaron Cresswell.
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Karren Brady on how the Olympic Stadium is keeping the club's best players
Last Updated: 01/01/16 3:58pm
SSN
Vice-chairman Baroness Karren Brady says West Ham stars have turned down
moves away from the club to be part of a future that includes a sold-out
Olympic Stadium. The Hammers move into their new home this summer and Brady
has been talking to Sky Sports News HQ ahead of the stadium switch which she
feels will be a gamechanger for the club. Brady has revealed the venue will
be sold out for every match of next season while she has also spoken about
how the lure of an exciting future is keeping players at the club. "The
opportunity this represents for West Ham is huge," she said. "We have 35,000
season ticket sales and by mid-January season tickets will go on general
sale, firstly to the priority list. There are five times as many people on
the priority list as there are available season tickets. All of the
corporate hospitality facilities have already sold out. As the Boleyn Ground
enters its final year as West Ham's home, we look back at its storied
history. "We now find ourselves in a position where we have more season
ticket holders than we have ever had in our history. Every seat will be sold
for every match."
West Ham have won plaudits for their enterprising approach under manager
Slaven Bilic and Brady says some of the club's prize assets have rejected
advances from rival clubs. She said: "We want a team that is competing for
the top six in the Premier League. That is what we want to achieve by moving
to the stadium. "From our point of view, using the stadium and our brand to
attract new players is incredibly important. Lots of our players have
attracted attention from other Premier League clubs but none of them have
chosen to leave because they want to be part of the journey that we are on
and that makes it feel very special at the minute. "I don't think we will be
targeting marquee signings. What interests us is having the best West Ham
team that plays well together and entertains the fans."
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West Ham v Liverpool preview: Daniel Sturridge in line for return
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 01/01/16 4:59pm
SSN
Daniel Sturridge is not in Liverpool's squad for their trip to West Ham for
Saturday's early kick-off at Upton Park. The Reds go into this clash after
back-to-back 1-0 victories over the festive period, with boss Jurgen Klopp
dismissing early talk of a potential title tilt.
Inconsistency has plagued Liverpool's season to date, but should they muster
another three points at Upton Park on Saturday, they can certainly start to
aim high in such a unpredictable Premier League campaign.
The Hammers will be no pushovers though, with two wins in their last three
encounters with Liverpool, but injuries have derailed their fantastic start
to this campaign. Those injuries are showing signs of relenting, but after
one win in their last nine league matches, Slaven Bilic will know his side
need to rekindle their early season vigour to climb the table.
Team news
Dimitri Payet returns to the West Ham squad after two months out with an
ankle injury. Defender Winston Reid and winger Victor Moses (both hamstring)
are also back in training after spells out but Bilic says they are not match
fit and will probably return in the FA Cup against Wolves next weekend.
Left-back Aaron Cresswell missed Monday's 2-1 win over Southampton with a
tight hamstring and will be handed a late fitness test. Striker Diafra Sakho
(thigh) is still out.
Reds boss Klopp has been cautious over the fitness of Sturridge, who has
made only six appearances all season, and although his latest hamstring
problem is easing he is not in the squad. Fellow striker Divock Origi
(hamstring) and midfielder James Milner (calf) are out along with Jordan
Henderson (foot) while Klopp is waiting for news concerning Joe Allen
(illness).
Opta stats
West Ham have won as many Premier League games against Liverpool in their
last three meetings (2) as they did in their previous 22 combined.
Both teams have scored in each of the last five Premier League matches
between the two at the Boleyn Ground (21 in total).
Six of West Ham's last eight Premier League games have ended in a draw (W1
D6 L1).
Andy Carroll could make his 150th Premier League appearance in this game -
44 of his Premier League appearances came for Liverpool, where he netted
just six goals.
Liverpool mustered just one shot on target in their 3-0 defeat to the
Hammers at Anfield earlier this season.
West Ham have conceded the lowest percentage of second half goals in the top
flight this season (39%).
Paul Merson's prediction
I wasn't really impressed with Liverpool against Sunderland, they didn't
look great. They didn't keep the ball for more than about four or five
passes, and the goal was rather fortunate. The manager will be pleased with
the result, but Jurgen Klopp will know that if they carry on playing like
that they will not win many football matches. They gave away the ball so
cheaply. West Ham, if they get all their players back, are a threat. They
got a massive win against Southampton, especially going 1-0 down against a
club on a bit of a high.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Liverpool are Sky Bet's 11/10 favourites with West Ham 13/5 and the draw
trading at 23/10. Jurgen Klopp's men are 5/4 to secure a top-four finish,
while West Ham, who are unbeaten in their last six, are evens to finish in
the top half. The Hammers have won two and lost two of the last four
meetings at the Boleyn Ground and in all of those matches both teams have
scored on each occasion and it's 5/6 for that trend to continue. The hosts
can be backed at 6/1 to win with both teams scoring, while Liverpool are 7/2
shots.
Christian Benteke has scored the winner in back-to-back victories and is
available at 9/4 to score in an away win. Soccer Saturday pundit Phil
Thompson is backing the former Villa striker to net the winner in a 2-1
success at odds of 28/1 with Sky Bet. Get all the Sky Bet odds here.
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WEST HAM STRIKERS HALF TERM REPORT
By Iain Dale 1 Jan 2016 at 14:00
WTID
Andy Carroll 6
Only two goals to show so far in what has to be said has been a
disappointing season for the big man. Once again he has been plagued by
injury and has made only eleven appearances this season, many of them as a
substitute. He's shown flashes of form, though, and one has to hope that he
will improve as he gets more game time. Assuming he stays fit he has got
five or six games to cement a starting place before Diafra Sakho returns.
Diafra Sakho 7
Sakho hasn't quite hit the form he achieved last season, scoring just three
times in eleven appearances. His long term injury came just as he seemed to
be running into a vein of form, and it would have been nice to see him play
alongside Enner Valencia to see if they could replicate the understanding
they formed at the beginning of last season. So far in his West Ham career
Sakho has hit 17 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions, which is a
phenomenal record.
Enner Valencia 6
Having had a very impressive pre-season it was bad luck for Enner Valencia
that he got injured in our final Europa League match. Since his return
earlier this month he has looked much more impressive than he did in the
second half of last season. He seems to be coping with the pace of the
Premier League much better and has been unlucky not to hit the net. He needs
a good run in the side, but will he get it with Payet and Lanzini returning?
Nikica Jelavic 5
A total disappointment, although it has to be said he has had precious few
opportunities to show what he can do, with only one start (against Swansea).
But he has looked slow, leggy and totally off the pace. He has an impressive
goals to appearances ratio in his career so far, but that's looking unlikely
to improve during his sojourn at Upton Park.
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THE JAPANESE FASCINATION WITH BUBBLES
By Sean Whetstone 31 Dec 2015 at 19:00
WTID
Just before Christmas I did an interview for a major Japanese newspaper who
wanted to meet a West Ham fan. The paper had previously met West Ham
managing director Angus Kinnear the day before and they were keen to meet a
passionate West Ham to finish their article and the club had put them in
touch with me.
I expected the interview to be about West Ham expanding their football brand
to Asia and Japan, leaving the Boleyn ground and moving to the Olympic
Stadium but instead the majority of the interview bizarrely concentrated on
our famous Bubbles song and the bubbles machines used to create the tens of
thousands of bubbles used at each home game.
The Japanese journalists were absolutely fascinated about the history of the
Bubbles song, why the song has endured so long in West Ham hearts, what the
lyrics mean to Hammers fans. In relation to our move to Olympic Stadium they
wanted to know how many more Bubbles machines would be required to fill the
54,000 capacity with Bubbles to same density and the mechanics of doing
that.
To be honest, I hadn't thought very deeply about what Bubbles the song meant
to me before the interview so I thought I would share my answers.
Hopefully most of us know the history of the Bubbles song but those who
don't I will summerise it below from Hammers Historian John Helliar.
The feelings and sentiments expressed in "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" has
for most supporters over the decades captured their feelings and aspirations
in its words.
The song itself was originally written and composed around 1919 in America
by Jaan Kenbrovin and John William Kellette. The tune was a major hit in the
United States, before crossing the Atlantic to these shores, the song
likewise also became a hit with the British public in the music halls and
theatres that were the popular places of entertainment during the 1920s. One
particular artist, a Miss Dorothy Ward, was especially known for making it a
popular song at the time with her appearances on the stages around the
country.
It was not until around the mid-1920s that the tune was probably adopted by
West Ham supporters, but doubtless it had been heard at the Boleyn Ground in
one form or another since the beginning of that decade. The circumstances of
it being sung by the fans for the first time were somewhat unusual to say
the least.
At the time, schoolboy soccer was extremely popular and there were often
1,000 or more fans around the touchlines of pitches in the West Ham area
when matches took place on Saturday mornings between teams of 14-year-olds
(the school leaving age at the time). In the local Park School team there
was a fair-haired lad named W. (Billy) J. "Bubbles" Murray, so called
because of his distinct and almost uncanny resemblance to the boy in the
famous painting by Millais entitled "Bubbles".
The painting had become well-known to the public as it was used to advertise
Pears Soap which was popular at the time and for many years afterwards.
Bubbles Murray never played for the West Ham first team.Pears Soap Works was
based in Canning Town, there would have been a lot of Bubbles posters around
the ground at the time the song was popular. Therefore, the fans would
therefore have associated the song and the poster together.
The lyrics themselves discuss our dreams fading and dying and this is the
painful of most living West Ham fans with most seasons on one way or
another.
I understand that West Ham will be upscaling their Bubbles machines in the
former Olympic Stadium and the song and the bubbles will follow us to our
new stadium
The article will be published in Japan in the new year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must go through New Year's EVOLUTION to join big boys says Slaven
Bilic
22:30, 31 DEC 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Weekend visitors Liverpool have lost more league games this season than the
Hammers but are still seen as more likely to be top-four finishers
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic wants his West Ham players to start thinking even bigger for
their New Year resolution. The Hammers, who move into the Olympic Stadium
this summer, sit eighth in the table, a point behind Saturday's visitors
Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men have lost five times in the league this season
— once more than their weekend hosts. Yet, while Liverpool are considered
top-four contenders with an outside shot at the title, West Ham - who won
3-0 at Anfield in August and have also beaten Arsenal and Manchester City
away this season - are deemed a mid-table side. And boss Bilic, unbeaten in
his last six games, wants that all to change in 2016. He said: "It's all
very psychological, because it is Liverpool. They have been used to being
in a title race. "Some people would give more chance to Man United or
Liverpool than Leicester, without any logical reasons about what is
happening on the pitch, as Leicester is much better at the moment.
"That is normal. That is the mentality. That is the structure of our club
and that takes time to change. "To become a big club, you need years of
that, what Liverpool have – tradition, history, everything. "We are not
talking about the title. We are talking about moving forward."
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Lawro and Barnes predict Irons loss
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts a West Ham loss against the advice of the
BBC super computer called SAM.
Lawro says:
"West Ham beat Southampton on Monday after five successive draws. The goals
have dried up since the start for the season, but I think they have done
really well just to keep their ducks in a row amid injuries to attackers
Dmitri Payet and Diafra Sakho. "Liverpool look more of a threat away from
home at the moment. They are creating so many chances on the road but
Christian Benteke – who has scored the matchwinner in their last two games –
is a dilemma for Jurgen Klopp. "The Belgian is scoring goals, but I think
Klopp would prefer someone more mobile for his system.While he is their main
striker and putting the chances away though, what do you do?"
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
BBC MOTD presenter Steve Wilson: "I fancy a few goals at the Boleyn where
West Ham are unbeaten in seven games. The two extra days of rest that West
Ham have had may just swing the game in their favour, but I'm going to stay
on the fence and predict a draw."
Steve Wilson's prediction: 2-2
SAM's prediction (Sports Analytics Machine): 1-1
John Barnes has also predicted that Liverpool will win against West Ham this
weekend. "West Ham showed signs of improvement with a win in their last game
against Southampton, but prior to that they had been a little predictable in
terms of attacking," Barnes told Titanbet.co.uk. "I think Liverpool will
have too much for them with an away game suiting Klopp's team. Goalscorers –
Christian Benteke and Andy Carroll."
John Barnes prediction: 1-2
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Leeds right back move unlikely in January
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Journalist Matt Law claims that West Ham are targeting Leeds right back Sam
Byram in the Telegraph today. He adds that the Hammers will make a cut-price
January bid for the players whose contract expires at the end of the season.
The defender can play as a right-back or on the right side of midfield and
is one of the most highly-rated players outside the Premier League. He has
so far refused to extend his Leeds deal.
That has alerted a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool,
Arsenal, Everton and Crystal Palace but West Ham are aiming to jump to the
front of the queue for the 22-year-old. With the transfer window open in a
few hours time the move seems unlikely this month.
David Sullivan has repeated several times that we haven't got a penny to
spend on wages at this moment and time and that was said after Matt Jarvis
was sold to Norwich. Leeds are believed to want £8m for their young 22 year
old star.
Claret and Hugh understands that David Sullivan and Tony Henry will use this
January window to setup deals for this summer. If West Ham interested in the
22 year old right back it would make much more sense to wait until the
summer and attempt to persuade the player to join the Hammers on a free
transfer. As the player is under 24 Leeds would be due compensation but it
would far lower than the £8m being touted in the papers today.
After the Telegraph story today, Leeds Manager Steve Evans said:
"Until Massimo Cellino phones me up and tells me that Sam is being sold,
I'll continue to pick him, I'm quite relaxed about the situation.The reason
I'm picking him is nothing to do with his contract or anything else. It's
down to his form. The reason he didn't play for a few weeks a while back was
because I wasn't seeing the performances in training I needed to see from
him. But he's worked his game up and he's a fantastic professional. I take a
lot of interest in the Prozone stats and in two of the last three games he's
covered more distance than any other player by a quite distance. His
attitude's spot on and he's been big for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Klopp has injury woes for Irons clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 1, 2016 in Whispers
C and H
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been added to thelikely list of Kop
absentees at the Boleyn tomorrow. www.liverpoolnewsservice.com reports the
player has picked up a heel injury at the Stadium of Light and is
unavailable for the clash.. Manager Jurgen Klopp hasn't given up entirely
and is reported as saying: "We have to wait a little bit. It was something
with the heel but it could be good for him, that's what we all hope.
"Something like a final pain and then it goes in the other direction. In
other squad news, Joe Allen has shaken off an illness to make the trip to
east London, but James Milner is still to fully recover from his calf issue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy calls the Irons v Liverpool clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
What a fantastic game we've got to kick off the New Year – it couldn't be
better and let me say straight away that the Hammers have a fabulous chance
of scoring the double over Liverpool. The Scousers have seen their form
flatten recently and the brilliant turnaround against Southampton will have
done the Irons confidence an enormous amount of good. It couldn't be set up
any better and I fancy us to win 1-0.
With the big players on their way back you have to fancy the Hammers to
start picking up where they left off and none of us can wait to see Lanzini
and Payet link up again. Ok, Dimi may be a bit off the pace but his off the
pace isn't the same as other far lesser guys and his presence on the bench
alone lifts the squad by 20 per cent. On the pitch he will ensure that we
hold possession far better than we have done recently. We know full well
what he and Lanzini can do to team. Liverpool like to play on the break away
from home and will allow us plenty of the ball and try to restrict us to
areas where we don't hurt them. In Coutinho and Benteke they have a couple
of players who can hurt any team but I still believe we have enough and can
complete that double. It will be very important that we give nothing away
cheaply and I think we will be fine. We're on our way back from a lean spell
which we have handled very well and back to back wins will be great. I think
we will get it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers look for piece of history
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold is expectant believing the mighty Irons have an outstanding
chance of completing a famous double over Liverpool for the first time in 51
years. He explained that we could hardly be getting away to 2016 with every
top player now almost available with the exception of Diafra Sakho. And he
said: "I think we can win against Liverpool as I saw a team playing with
enormous self belief and skill in the second half of the game against
Southampton. It would be nice to get an historic double. "To come from
behind after that run of draws recently to beat Southampton showed precisely
what this team and squad is now about. They excite me and I am particularly
pleased for Michail Antonio. "He has shown exactly the right attitude and
has grabbed his chance very well indeed. To see him run 70 yeards at the end
of the game was extraordinary. "A I've said before, I don't fear any team
and I really am looking for a win tomorrow. There are so many hopes and
expectations again with Manu Lanzini and Dim Payet back. And let's not
forget Andy Carroll who is looking sharper and dharper and may have a point
to prove against his former team!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav settles on Liverpool pairing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna are set to again form the central defensive
partnership for the Irons when Liverpool come visiting tomorrow. Despite
Winston Reid having recovered from injury, the manager will risk neither him
or Victor Moses as the Irons go for an incredible double over the Reds. We
have not managed such a phenomenal achievement since the '63/'64 season when
Liverpool won the Title and we 'doubled' them and won the FA Cup. Tomorrow
the Irons look set to stick with the team which battled back so bravely in
the second half against Southampton with Andy Carroll ready to lead the line
from the start. Manu Lanzini is also set to start and both Reid and Moses
are booked to make their returns against Wolves in the 3rd round of the FA
Cup. Carl Jenkinson is likely to be included on the bench as the manager
attempts to help his recovery from a loss of confidence after an entirely
unconvincing start to the season.
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DG shrugs off 'porn baron' and 'sex queen' jibes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has welcomed the New Year in by wishing all fans the best for
2016 and speaking proudly of his newly honoured daughter Jacqueline. He
wasn't particularly shocked that she should have been vilified by the Daily
mail who referred to her as a sex queen and himself as a porn baron in
reporting the event declaring: " They've been doing it for years – they are
fixated. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said:"It doesn't annoy me
anymore but I agree it's cheap and lazy reporting. The fact is that
Jacqueline has inspired and lifted women. She has shown them what is
possible for them in the business world. And that is hugely honourable."
DG was regularly referred to as the "porn baron" by now retired former Mail
chef sports writer Patrick Collins and said: "I thought we may have got past
that tired old description with him now having put his feet up. "The
headlines including these descriptions were surprising simply because they
have used them so many times before. Every time we are a story they trot
them out. Ah well."
He added: "Obviously it's a proud moment for the family and particularly for
Jacquie. It's a lovely start to the New year and I would also like to take
the opportunity of wishing a great 12 months for our fabulous fans." Jacquie
said: "When you feel so passionately about what you do and what you believe
in, it's hard not to get emotional, so when I heard I didn't know whether to
laugh, cry or scream," she said. After more than 35 years in business, she
said she had seen many highs and a few challenges but always stayed true to
her beliefs and her ambition to create a business that empowered women."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SLAVEN BILIC: West Ham can beat any other side... the Premier League is the
NBA of football this season
By JOE BERNSTEIN FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 20:03, 1 January 2016 | UPDATED: 20:02, 1 January 2016
You may blame Slaven Bilic for the chaotic nature of the Premier League this
season. From the moment he played a 16-year-old Reece Oxford in the
opening-day win at Arsenal, all bets have been off. West Ham have
subsequently beaten Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Others like
Leicester City, Watford, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have followed their
lead and managers have become more expressive too, just like the Croatian.
Claudio Ranieri takes his team out for pizza, Jurgen Klopp choreographed a
post-match celebration in front of The Kop.
It will be fun watching Bilic and Klopp side-by-side at lunchtime on
Saturday as West Ham begin their final calendar year at Upton Park by
attempting to complete the double against Liverpool. Their 3-0 win at
Anfield contributed to Brendan Rodgers' dismissal. Bilic is not surprised by
the unusual pattern of results and thinks the trend is here to stay moving
forward. 'This season is kind of logical,' he argues. 'Every club in this
league can buy good players. Last season, Chelsea had Diego Costa and Eden
Hazard, but Crystal Palace didn't have Yohan Cabaye. 'Next year there is
going to be even more possibility other clubs can buy these players to close
the gap because of the TV money, sponsorship, investment from owners. It is
harder for big clubs to improve. They already have 15 good players, they
can't buy 30. There aren't enough Messis to go around.'
From the West Ham dressing-room, Bilic believes Dmitri Payet, Winston Reid
and Adrian would all do well in a top-four side. 'I say openly to my players
and staff there are not many players I wish I could have instead of the ones
I have got. We can win against any team,' he concurs. 'It means the Premier
League is definitely the place to be. This is the NBA of football.' Already
known to Barclays Premier League fans as a no-nonsense defender with West
Ham and Everton, Bilic was in charge of Croatia in 2007 when they beat
England 3-2 at Wembley in Euro 2008 qualifying. His passionate demeanour
contrasted with Steve McClaren hiding under an umbrella and he became
regarded as the rock and roll manager who seemed to be the players' mate.
Fast-forward and he's a more reflective character these days, even if you'd
need a taser to stop him hopping about and getting involved by the touchline
during matches. He dismisses the stereotype that managers like himself and
Klopp run on emotion. 'I know everything about tactics. Whoever comes in, I
will talk about tactics on the same level. You must have that knowledge
otherwise you have no chance,' he says. 'Short-term, if you are hugging the
player and he scores three goals, people think you're great. Long-term,
without knowledge you are dead. The players find this out.' Though he's a
capable musician, forget the idea Bilic spends all his time off the pitch
strumming a guitar to entertain his one-year-old daughter. 'Those managers
who say they don't feel pressure, probably they are lying,' he insists. 'You
find yourself having a normal conversation with family and friends but here
(taps head), there is another part thinking about the next game. 'There are
always ideas. I was speaking to my assistants 10 times a day before we
played Aston Villa about our system, their system. And that's a normal day,
I'm not talking about the transfer window, which is like "Ahhh". 'It is a
draining job but at the end of the day, I chose it and I like it.'
He laughs at the inner torture he and his fellow managers go through. 'A
basketball coach in Croatia asked me why players in other teams always seem
better than the ones you have,' he says. 'It's because as a manager you only
see things that are dangerous to your team. You feel protective.' Deep down,
he thinks the Premier League players are treated a little softly, that they
should train more, as they do in Germany's Bundesliga. There, players
regularly do double sessions while it's the English culture to have two days
off in a week. West Ham have had injuries this season to Payet, Andy
Carroll, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell and
Victor Moses. Whether they've been overworked or undercooked in terms of
preparation is an interesting debate. 'It is about the balance but you need
to train. My philosophy is to train,' said Bilic. 'But I have had to adapt
myself here in that way because there is no point changing everything, you
have to do it a little bit slowly, in instalments. 'I believe you have to
train to be fit. You can't only gain fitness from matches. The old English
school say you need two days off in the week. OK, I am more for the European
side. 'The team that doesn't train hard can be fresher for the first three
or four games. Then it has to hit you in November, December, January. That
is my opinion.
'Here, they pump in more games, particularly over Christmas, so maybe you
can't copy and paste the European way, but I am trying to do something in
between. 'I've also heard it said you can't train so hard because of the
intensity of the Premier League. But for me it is more a myth than a real
situation, by statistics, by whatever. 'You don't have a difference in
mileage, or running with high intensity, it is the same here as in all the
top leagues. So I say again, you have to train. You can't play the whole
season on freshness.'
Somewhere, you feel Jose Mourinho is nodding in agreement after Chelsea
badly misjudged their light pre-season preparations. But what do the West
Ham players feel about the new tough love after the relatively relaxed
regime under Sam Allardyce? 'If the results are good, nobody will moan. They
will even ask for more because they love to win games,' smiles Bilic. 'They
love to be popular, they like to be praised by TV pundits or the press, or
if they go to a restaurants, they are recognised with a thumbs-up or a well
done. 'They like winning so if your methods work for that, they will give it
a try even if it is different. It is all about the balance, if you
over-train of course you have problems. But if you train well, if you give a
little bit of gas, you are OK.' It's Bilic's natural instinct to put an arm
around the shoulder of a player who is dropped but he is careful not to
overdo it. 'If it happens regularly, you don't want it to come across as
apologising to them which you are basically not,' he stresses. In many ways,
football is more complicated than it has ever been but he thinks the best
managers are those that are able to communicate simply. 'I find it much
easier to talk to top coaches about the game than students or lower-level
managers. When I speak to a top coaches about a player, they will say 'He's
quick. He's fast.'
'In the Croatian Second Division, the manager will tell me 'His anaerobic
endurance is 1.2 cross metres squared in a second.' And then people on the
next table, the chairmen, say 'Oh, f****** hell, he's clever'. 'The whole
job is very complex but the top managers, they cut through it and talk like
fans.'
In West Ham's case, the margins have been particularly fine as far as
results are concerned. A midweek win against Southampton stretched their
unbeaten run to six matches. But as the previous five had been draws,
failure would have meant an even longer winless streak.
He thinks he and Klopp represent the new breed of manager, demonstrative and
eager to make the players feel they are not alone. 'Many of the managers are
like that now. Ten or 20 years ago, you found the ones with notebooks,
sitting and basically watching the game. I respect that totally, but in
England the benches are not far away from each other like in Europe. The one
at Liverpool is unbelievable. At Liverpool and Spurs you are basically
together! 'So most of them are standing. One of the reasons I stand is in
many matches, you don't see anything otherwise. You are totally low down so
I can't see the game! 'I found out the players sometimes need you, want you
to be there. And when you are there, you can't stop yourself. I never slag
the players off, I can only help them with the encouragement (slaps hands
together). 'Come on' or a little bit of tactics. Because they are also under
pressure and if they see someone, the coach, is there, he's with them,
taking the pressure for them, it can only help.'
Maybe that is where the motionless Louis van Gaal is going wrong at
Manchester United? Bilic cleverly deflects the point with humour. 'I can
understand it, because there (Old Trafford) to go from the bench to the
touchline takes five minutes!' Bilic, whose physicality is impressive
despite the legacy of playing injuries that includes a partially fractured
hip suffered shortly before the 1998 World Cup, will rely on his first-team
coach Edin Terzic today in getting the inside track on how Klopp will be
thinking. Terzic used to work under the German at Borussia Dortmund. It's an
international league these days with English managers in danger of being
left behind — Alan Pardew is the only 'native' in the top half of the
division. 'I don't know why that is. Managers always have a chat after games
and there isn't much difference in our approach, whatever the nationality,'
muses Bilic. 'I enjoy those chats, especially with the ones who try to have
the same face no matter what the result. That's good. I wasn't happy after
the 1-1 draw against West Brom because we wanted to win but I enjoyed my
talk with Tony Pulis. I respect, for example, Manuel Pellegrini when we won
2-1 at Manchester City. He wasn't happy but he's a gentleman. It's nice.'
This year will be a historic one for West Ham as they move to the Olympic
Stadium. Bilic has been kept in the loop about things that might affect him,
like the new dressing-rooms, but is reticent about predicting the club will
instantly leap into the Premier League elite.
'It's all a responsibility for me but there is also more motivation, more
buzz around the club,' he says. 'We have a little more chance to get players
because of the new stadium. West Ham is a good club, good enough to attract
players with their whole story. But in the end, if you are talking about
top, top players, you have to splash the money, to match wages and transfer
fees. 'It's going to take some time, I think. It's easy to say 'we are a
top-six club'. But we are not at this moment. I will give my everything to
try and achieve it but basically you can't become a top-six club unless you
have done it consistently over three, four, five years. That has never
happened at West Ham. 'What we have is a great plan but we need to do it.
I'm not saying it will take 20 years but first of all we have to believe and
we do believe, not only off the pitch but on the pitch.' As for worries the
claustrophobic atmosphere of The Boleyn will be diluted at the new 54,000
arena, Bilic was heartened by watching a match at the Rugby World Cup there.
'It will be bigger and better. There is a special atmosphere at Upton Park,
where the fans are close to the pitch, so it will be different but I'm very
positive. There was a great atmosphere at the rugby.'
Bilic was idolised during his 15 months as a West Ham player in the 1990s.
Harry Redknapp and Rio Ferdinand remain good friends to this day and he's
certain it's been to his advantage this season knowing the club so well.
'Deja vu,' he smiles. When the chance came to return, there was little
hesitation even though they do say 'never go back' and expectations from
owners David Sullivan and David Gold have never been higher. Bilic explains
in his own unique way. 'When you are buying a dog, there are always 10
reasons not to. Because you can't go out more, if you are travelling it's a
problem, he's going to pee here and there until he learns, he's going to
bite your cat, he's going to leave your place smelly. 'But there is one
reason that's good — he loves you. He gives you love every time you come
home, it's like it's the first time he's seen you. That's the way I approach
it, glass half-full even with the risks. 'Giovanni Trapattoni says there are
only two kinds of football manager; the ones who are sacked and the ones who
are going to be sacked. But that's no reason not to take a job. If you think
about a disease, you have more chances of getting it.' For the record, Bilic
has two dogs. And he loves West Ham.
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Karren Brady: West Ham will sell out the Olympic Stadium for every game
MARK MEADOWS 3 hours ago0 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham United will sell out the Olympic Stadium for every Premier League
match next season, vice chairwoman Karren Brady said on Friday.
The Hammers leave their 35,000-seater Upton Park venue at the end of this
campaign to set up home at the remodelled London 2012 Games arena that will
have a capacity of around 54,000. "The opportunity this represents for West
Ham is huge," Brady told Sky Sports News television. "There are five times
as many people on the priority list as there are available season tickets.
All of the corporate hospitality facilities have already sold out. Every
seat will be sold for every match."
Excitement over the Olympic Stadium move is also having an impact on the
pitch. West Ham are eighth this season under impressive new coach Slaven
Bilic, one point off the top six ahead of Saturday's home match with
seventh-placed Liverpool. "From our point of view, using the stadium and our
brand to attract new players is incredibly important," Brady said. "Lots of
our players have attracted attention from other Premier League clubs but
none of them have chosen to leave because they want to be part of the
journey that we are on and that makes it feel very special at the minute."
The deal to allow West Ham to play home matches at the Olympic Stadium has
drawn criticism from some who argue the Londoners will have an unfair
advantage given the relatively low cost of being a tenant. They will also
raise money from the sale of Upton Park to property developers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: I know I could ruin my legacy at West Ham, but it's worth the
risk for the club I love
Interview: Charismatic West Ham manager explains why he returned to West Ham
- and why it's a myth that the Premier League is 'more intense'
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt, Chief Football Correspondent
8:00PM GMT 01 Jan 2016
For Slaven Bilic becoming the manager of West Ham United was like buying a
dog. "When you are buying a dog you find like this – 10 reasons not to buy
it," he says. "Because you can't go out more, if you are travelling it's a
problem, he's going to pee there and there until he learns. He's going to
bite your cat, he's going to leave your place smelly."
Then there is a pause before Bilic proceeds. "But there is one reason that's
good – he loves you, he loves you," he says, with emphasis. "He gives you
love. Every time you come home it's like it's the first time he's seen you.
So it's only about the way you approach it. If you approach this life as if
it's half-empty, like this glass [tapping the glass of water in front of
him]. Then I can say it's half-full and look at it. Yes, it's half-full. So
like this with West Ham. There was, there still is, and it's always going to
be (a risk)."
He is an engaging, charismatic, hard-working character is Slaven Bilic – the
47-year-old Croat who arrived at West Ham as a player in 1996 and left such
an impression, and forged such a bond, that he gained a cult status despite
staying just 15 months and playing 58 games. His return as manager last
summer, to lead the club in its final campaign before it leaves Upton Park
after 112 years and makes the historic move to the Olympic Stadium, always
seemed like destiny. He really wanted the job.
Bilic's shaggy dog story is in response to a question as to whether he ever
feared that going back would ruin the legacy; the aura he had at the club he
"loves". "There is one player, and I like him, Shota Arveladze, he's from
Georgia," Bilic explains, expanding on another story for a man brimming with
anecdotes, ideas and life experiences. "Shota played for Trabzonspor, which
is a big Turkish club. At Trabzonspor he made a big name there and then he
went to Ajax, then Rangers. He was a really good striker. Then in my time at
Besiktas he was the coach of Kasimpasa which is a good club from Istanbul.
"Then Trabzanspor were always trying to make him come as a coach, as the
manager. But he said 'no'. For two years, I think, he said no. He said 'the
only club I ain't going to manage is Trabzanspor because I am a hero there
and I don't want to ruin it'. That is always the possibility. "Then at the
beginning of this season, he went there. He left after, I don't know, two
and a half months. I haven't spoken to him but probably he ruined a little
bit the legacy. So there's always that chance but it's like in everything.
With everything there is one per cent, five per cent, 50 per cent risk that
you ain't going to turn out that good."There is another pause. Then he adds:
"But that's no reason not to take a job. There is turbulence. But it is
basically a choice and I opted to make a choice and to make a choice to
enjoy.
To work hard, to work like crazy but to enjoy the Premier League. So try to
work every day to improve the team. But, at the same time, to enjoy. Why
should I think now about what will happen if something happens? No, I have a
game at Old Trafford and I want to enjoy that game. I want to enjoy that
game with West Ham because I deserve it, I love it and I want it as a good
memory and to try and win the game."
West Ham – a depleted West Ham – drew away to Manchester United but they
have won at Arsenal, at Manchester City and at Liverpool, who they host at
Upton Park tomorrow with Jurgen Klopp one of the few Premier League managers
who rivals Bilic in the big personality stakes.
Bilic knows all about the 'rock n'roll Slaven' image – an image that was
established long before Klopp's heavy metal football – but he is a serious,
diligent, analytical, confident football manager. As well as one with a
human touch, admitting dropping players is the hardest part of then job,
allied to a fierce work ethic. He can also say, without arrogance, that he
knows he is "good".
"That rock n'roll thing…" Bilic says. "There are lots of other things to
management, different things. I know everything about tactics. I can talk
about tactics with whoever. All I am saying is that a football manager's job
is not only tactics. It's not only that. Tactics, you have to have that
knowledge otherwise you have no chance. You are short-term if you are
hugging the player and he scores three goals. Long-term without that
knowledge you are dead, no chance. The players find this out."
And Bilic has impressed with his tactics. He can certainly organise and
motivate a team. Along with a string of famous wins and, despite injuries,
only Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City have lost fewer league matches
this season than West Ham's four. Still Bilic thinks there is a lot of
gobbledygook spouted by some coaches. "The more serious face you put in, the
more you look like a philosopher then the more of a tactician you are
(regarded as)," he says. "The more strange words you are using, the more
knowledge you have. I can talk all day. I also went to school. I also have,
with no disrespect to anybody, my education – whether a football one or out
of football – which is hard and difficult to match. I studied law at
university and I studied with Uefa for my licence, two years in Croatia, to
become a football manager.
"So I can use those scientific words every day and people will probably
think 'oh, yeah'. But I prefer to talk simply. Because for me football is a
very simple sport. But people are trying to, for some reason, and obviously
because there is so much money in it, make it like 'big-time complicated'.
"This job that I am doing is everything but simple – you have to be
tactician, you have to be father, you have to brother and it requires effort
and energy and knowledge. But it is still a very simple game.
"I found it that the more up you go on a level, the simpler it is when you
talk to people. For me, I find it much simpler to talk football with top,
top coaches in the world than I had it talking with some students or some
lower league coaches. When I speak to a top coach and ask him about his
methods he says to me 'look he's quick' 'or 'he gets up and down'. In
Croatia if I spoke with someone from the Croatian first league or second
league then they never say 'he's quick' or 'he's fast'. They say 'listen,
his anaerobic endurance is 1.2 cross metres squared in a second'. And then
people on the next table, the chairmen, say 'oh, he's clever'.' The higher
you go, okay, there are still metrics, but the higher you go the more simple
it is. They are talking like fans."
Bilic's approach is built on simple hard work. Demanding hard work. He
admits he sometimes does not have the head-space for normal life. "This job,
it drains you…I don't have time to go to Madame Tussaud's," he says
describing pressure as an "adrenalin". "I have time to go there – I can say
to my wife 'let's go' – but I don't have time in my memory. I don't have
time in my head for that. If the day was not 24 hours but 36 then maybe.
Bilic bemoans the fact that there are not enough hours in the day
"There are always ideas. I speak to my assistants 10 times a day. Nicola
(Jurcevic) 10 times a day, Edin (Terzic) 10 times a day…'How are we going to
do this? How are we going to play? Should I change the system? What do you
think of this?' and especially now when we have injuries."
His demanding work ethic can be a shock to players – especially,
interestingly, those in the Premier League with Bilic saying it is a "myth"
that it is physically "more intense" than other leagues.
"The only thing that is different in the English way is that they train less
than in Europe," Bilic says. "My philosophy is to train. I had to adapt
myself here in that way because there is no point in changing everything at
once from the start but here the problem was old-fashioned. The old English
school was that you had to have two days off in the week, while in Europe it
is one day off.
"You can't play the whole season on freshness. There is also an argument you
can gain fitness through games because they are the best training. Right,
that is also true, fresh, fresh, fresh, game, fresh, fresh, fresh, game. Ok,
but my opinion is to last long without injuries in the high-intensity this
league is, you have to train. "Here [claps his hands urgently] they don't
have (a winter) break, they pump in more games to be fair. So maybe you
can't copy and paste the European way but I am trying to do something in
between."
However Bilic, the former Croatian national team who has also worked in
Russia and Turkey, is in no doubt that the Premier League is the place to
be. "Ok, you still have Spain, the Bundesliga, but this Premier League is
the NBA," he says (and he is also a basketball fan). "This is the NBA of
football. Although the best teams are maybe not from England - you are
talking about Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich - but the actual league,
this is the league to be in. It is very competitive."
Competitive and, this season in particular, wildly unpredictable. West Ham
have acquired some big scalps. So have Leicester City, Crystal Palace and
others. There is a refreshing look to the table with Watford and Stoke City
also in the top 10.
Bilic has a theory. "This season is kind of logical. I will try to explain,"
he says. "Clubs like Leicester, Palace, West Brom, Stoke, West Ham, Watford,
all of them. Every single club is in a situation to buy good players. Good
enough players. And those clubs that already have (good players), the gap
was like this [hands apart]. Because in Chelsea you had Costa, Fabregas,
that one, that one, Hazard. But Crystal Palace didn't have Cabaye. Now with
this (television) money.
The Hammers have a good record against the big clubs this season
"And next year is going to be even more the possibility that these clubs can
buy these players to close the gap. And these clubs (the traditional big
ones) can't buy more of these. You can't buy Messis, there are not plenty of
them. They already have 15 good ones, they can't buy 30, there is no space.
What, they have to get rid of these to replace them with the new ones?
"Clubs likes us, you have some positions that were not so good, they were ok
let's say but the gap was big. Now with this (TV money) the gap is closer,
that is the conclusion. Of course they are still better - Arsenal, Man City
- but for me the chance in one competitive game between two teams, the
chance for the less quality one on the paper, doesn't depend on how good the
favourite is, it depends on more on how good the lesser one is. "We are good
enough that with a little bit of luck, a little bit of your mistake or bad
day, we have a chance. And that is exactly what is happening this year in
England. "We can lose against any team, like we can beat any team. But there
are not many, I would say I wish I could have them (instead of my players).
So it is competitive. This league it is unbelievable."
There is ambition at West Ham; ambition to be an established "top six" club,
which will be helped by the stadium move. It is ambition that Bilic shares,
encourages and embraces. "What we have is a great plan but we need to do
it," he says. "It's easy to say 'we are a top six club'. But we are not a
top six club. Not at this moment in time. I will give my everything to try
and achieve that but basically you can't become a top six club unless you
have done it for three, four, five years. "I'm not saying it will take 20
years to do it but first of all we have to do it. First of all, we have to
believe in it and we do believe in it not only off the pitch but on the
pitch.
"West Ham is a good club, good enough to attract the players, not only with
the money but the whole story about it. So we have a good chance."
With the interview done, there is just one final question: does he own a
dog? "Two dogs," Bilic says, flashing that smile.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 2
Friday, January 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st January 2016
**** HAPPY NEW YEAR - have a fantastic, prosperous and safe 2016 - all the
best PeterR ***
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Slaven Speaks - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Hammers first game of 2016, Slaven Bilic held his pre-match
press conference at Rush Green. During the briefing, the manager fielded a
range of questions from the all-important team news, facing Jurgen Klopp's
Liverpool and starting the New Year strongly.
Here's what the gaffer had to say…
Slaven, Happy New Year, is Dimitri Payet in contention to start at the
weekend?
"Yes, he has been training with us for a couple of days. It depends how he
trains today but I am expecting him to be in the squad. We'll have to see
how much he can participate but it is a great boost for us of course. I
think he'll be involved for the squad for Liverpool.
"Jelavic is back training with us, Winston Reid and Victor Moses are also
back so it's a good situation for us. They still need to get their fitness
up but it is good news."
Will Moses and Reid be available for the Liverpool game?
"Not for Liverpool, there is a small chance but I don't think so. They are
more likely to feature in the FA Cup game against Wolves."
It's News Years' Eve, what have you told your players about how they
celebrate?
"They can celebrate with their families of course, something quiet. They
know that, they are professional and we are training on Friday."
What have you made of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side?
"Well, they are Liverpool, they're a huge team. They've won their last two
games and kept clean sheets so they'll be confident. They've shown some
really good performances, but they are also vulnerable. We are expecting a
very tough game, they are full of energy, a way that they like to play.
It'll be a very tough game for us."
How much do you think the club will change by this time next year?
"Well we have a plan, and there's a lot happening in the coming months. Of
course, we have the new stadium which is very important. On the pitch, we
are progressing well, and we have two transfer windows coming up so, by this
time next year, a lot of things will be different."
Are you expecting to be busy in the January transfer window?
"With the injured players coming back, we are in a good way, I am happy with
the squad. If something exceptional comes up then maybe, but at the moment
we have a good team. Apart from Sakho we are all practically back, if we are
lucky he could be back by early February, overall our squad is good enough.
We did a very good job in the summer, particularly toward the end."
What are ambitions for the rest of the season?
"Same as it was at the start, we have to take each game as it happens, we
have to maintain the same intensity and if we do that we will do well. We
don't have a specific target; we want to win every game. Knowing that this
is the most difficult league in Europe, that'll be tough, but when we are at
are best, we are very good."
Jurgen Klopp is a real personality, what do you make of him so far?
"Having him in the Premier League is a real boost. He's the one who all the
big clubs wanted, he came to England which is good, he is one of the best
coaches in the league. The expectations on him are high of course, but it's
good to have him in the Premier League."
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Jonjo nets 'gong' at just 13
WHUFC.com
Schoolboy fundraiser extraordinaire Jonjo Heuerman, who has raised nearly a
quarter of a million pounds to help beat cancer, has scored a blinder – a
'gong' at just 13. Jonjo from Dartford, Kent, has been awarded the British
Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours list.
Jonjo, is the youngest person to receive the BEM in this year's awards and
one of the youngest ever to be given the honour. Jonjo, started his
football-themed fundraising walks five years ago and has raised £235,000 for
the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
He was inspired to start raising money after his beloved nan Lyn died of
bowel cancer in February 2009 aged just 60. As a passionate West Ham and
England fan, he was aware his footballing hero Bobby Moore had died of bowel
cancer and decided to do all his fundraising for in honour of Bobby and his
nan. His mum Donna said finding out he was to receive the honour was
'surreal'. "An award was mentioned ages ago and to know he was even being
considered was special in itself. But then we didn't hear much more until
the beginning of November when a very official-looking letter arrived from
the Cabinet Office. "We had a quick peek, realised what it was and were
pretty choked. When Jon got home from school, he looked at it but didn't
understand at first. And then the penny dropped. The first thing he said was
'Why?' "We're all incredibly proud of him but his nan, who was the
inspiration for all this, would have been so thrilled for him. She was a bit
of a matriarch like Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders – fiercely proud of her
family. She would have be doing cartwheels!"
Jonjo said: "I was really surprised and very proud to hear I was on the New
Year's Honours list. I didn't even know what a British Empire Medal was! I
never realised my fundraising would go this far. "I'm really hoping my medal
will help me raise more funds and awareness for The Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far."
Jonjo will receive his inscribed British Empire Medal during a ceremony from
the Lord Lieutenant of Kent later this year and will then be invited to
attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The BEM, which was reintroduced
in 2012, rewards sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact
work.
For more details about Jonjo's latest challenge, or to donate visit:
www.justgiving.com/fornannyandbobby or text CAPT66 £? to 70070
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Dimitri Payet back from ankle injury for West Ham v Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet is set to return to the squad for
Saturday's home league match with Liverpool. The 28-year-old France
international, was expected to be sidelined for three months with an ankle
injury sustained against Everton on 7 November. But Hammers boss Slaven
Bilic said: "He has been training with us for a couple of days. It is a
great boost for us and he will be involved in the game." Victor Moses and
Winston Reid may also face Liverpool following injuries. Moses, on loan from
Chelsea, and defender Reid have both been out since 5 December because of
hamstring injuries. "There is a small chance that Moses and Reid will be in
the squad but more likely for the FA Cup game against Wolves [on 9
January]," Bilic added. Bilic, who said he did not expect to see much
transfer activity at Upton Park "unless something exceptional comes along",
added that Senegal international striker Diafra Sakho was also nearing a
return, having been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury against West
Brom on 29 November. "If we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and
we are happy with the squad. We did a good job during the summer," the
Croatian said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Liverpool
KO 12:45
West Ham overwhelmed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in August, claiming their
biggest ever away win over the Reds
BBC.co.uk
31 December 2015
Last updated at 15:33
TEAM NEWS
Dimitri Payet has been named in West Ham's squad after two months out with
an ankle injury. Aaron Cresswell faces a fitness test on his hamstring,
while Nikica Jelavic, Winston Reid and Victor Moses are all back in training
but not ready to play.
Liverpool have injury-prone striker Daniel Sturridge available following a
recent hamstring problem. Jordan Henderson suffered a setback on his return
in midweek, while James Milner and Divock Origi are again out.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "Slaven Bilic had a great record against Liverpool under
Brendan Rodgers. "In August he guided West Ham to a first win at Anfield
since 1963, whilst his Besiktas side knocked Liverpool out of the Europa
League last season. "Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have put in some stunning
displays (Manchester City and Southampton), but also some desperately poor
ones (Newcastle and Watford): consistency is an issue. "Another issue is
Liverpool's defending of set-pieces, a fault Andy Carroll will hope to
exploit. "Still Liverpool's record signing, Carroll has two goals this
season - both scored as a substitute, both in the 79th minute and both in
2-1 home wins. Liverpool's German manager may not know the expression that
trouble comes in threes…"
Twitter: @stevewilson1967
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Liverpool are contenders to win the league,
like the other teams above them. If they have a good run, of course they can
win it. "Jurgen Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League. All the big
clubs wanted to take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on turning down West Ham last summer: "I'm a
lucky guy so there was a lot of interest from different clubs. If West Ham
will talk about this then they can do it. "In the summer I was not
available. I was sure I needed a few days for myself without thinking too
much about football. That's what I did. "It's a really good club but it was
the wrong time for all the clubs, so nothing to do with West Ham or what I
think about West Ham."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
"West Ham beat Southampton on Monday after five successive draws. I think
they have done really well just to keep their ducks in a row amid injuries
to attackers Dimitri Payet and Diafra Sakho. "Liverpool look more of a
threat away from home at the moment. They are creating so many chances on
the road but Christian Benteke - who has scored the matchwinner in their
last two games - is a dilemma for Jurgen Klopp."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won two of their last three meetings with Liverpool, including
the reverse fixture in August, which they won 3-0 at Anfield - their first
league win there since 1963.
The Hammers last did the double over Liverpool in the 1963-64 season.
Liverpool have won on seven of their last 10 visits to Upton Park, with the
Hammers winning the other three.
West Ham have scored inside the opening three minutes in two of the last
three meetings between the clubs.
West Ham
West Ham have drawn five of their last six league matches.
They are unbeaten in six, the joint-longest current such run in the top
flight.
West Ham lost their first two home league games but have not been beaten in
any of the subsequent seven (W3, D4).
Slaven Bilic's side have conceded only nine second half goals, the fewest in
the division.
Andy Carroll scored six goals in 44 Premier League appearances for
Liverpool.
The Hammers took 21 points and scored 23 goals from 12 games before Dmitri
Payet was injured, as opposed to just eight points and five goals in seven
games without him.
Liverpool
Liverpool have won each of their last two fixtures. They are yet to win
three successive Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp.
They have recorded five 1-0 league victories, a total only West Bromwich
Albion can match.
Liverpool have scored 11 goals and conceded 11 both home and away this
season.
The Reds have won just six of the 13 matches played against sides below them
in the table (D4, L3).
Liverpool are unbeaten in three matches played in London in 2015-16 (W1,
D2).
No goalkeeper kept more Premier League clean sheets in 2015 than Simon
Mignolet, who recorded 16.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet set for Liverpool return, confirms Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet is set to return to first team action against Liverpool this
weekend - less than two months after being sidelined by their Merseyside
rivals. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who was injured by Everton's
James McCarthy at the beginning of November is set to be named in West Ham's
18-man match day squad this weekend when Slaven Bilic's side take on a
resurgent Liverpool, who are currently one place and one point above the
Hammers in the table. And Bilic referred to his impending return to the team
as "a great boost" when addressing the media at this morning's pre-match
press conference. "He has been training with us for a couple of days," said
Bilic. "It depends how he trains today but I am expecting him to be in the
squad. "We'll have to see how much he can participate but it is a great
boost for us of course. I think he'll be involved for the squad for the
Liverpool game."
There was also some good news with view to some other missing first team
players, with Bilic confirming that Vic Moses and Winston Reid could feature
against Wolves in the FA Cup next weekend. However Diafra Sakho is unlikely
to return to first team action before early February, as initially
estimated. "It a good situation now for us," said Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's interest came at the wrong time, says Klopp
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager has confirmed that he was approached by West Ham during
the summer with view to replacing Sam Allardyce as manager.
Klopp, whose side face the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground this weekend
admitted that he was contacted by representatives of West Ham at the end of
last season - but opted not to enter talks as he was determined to take a
sabbatical from football following his decision to part company with former
club, Borussia Dortmund.
"I'm not sure that I should say too much about this but in the summer I was
not available," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference when
asked about the Hammers link. "I was sure that I needed a few days for
myself without thinking too much about football.
"That's what I did, but I'm a lucky guy so there was lots of interest from
different clubs. If West Ham want to talk about this then they can do - it's
a really good club but it was the wrong time for all the clubs that were
interested.
"It was nothing to do with West Ham or what I think about West Ham - it's
like it is, I was not available and so I didn't think too much about it."
Earlier this week West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan confirmed that
the club had sought talks with the German manager. "We tried Klopp but at
the time he wanted a break," he said. "We aimed very, very high and I'm
pleased with the manager we got."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Merson's Prediction
SSN
West Ham v Liverpool (Saturday, 12.45pm)
I wasn't really impressed with Liverpool against Sunderland, they didn't
look great. They didn't keep the ball for more than about four or five
passes, and the goal was rather fortunate. The manager will be pleased with
the result, but Jurgen Klopp will know that if they carry on playing like
that they will not win many football matches. They gave away the ball so
cheaply. West Ham, if they get all their players back, are a threat. They
got a massive win against Southampton, especially after going 1-0 down
against a club on a bit of a high.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic happy with West Ham squad as injuries ease
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 31/12/15 11:55am
SSN
West Ham's improving injury situation means they are unlikely to spend in
January, according to Slaven Bilic. Dimitri Payet is fit to return to the
squad for this weekend's home game with Liverpool after almost two months
out with an ankle injury. And with Victor Moses and Winston Reid outside
chances for Saturday, Bilic is almost back to the squad that started the
Premier League season with four straight away wins, including three at
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Only Diafra Sakho remains a
long-term absentee, and the forward is due back in early February. "The
situation with injuries looks very bright now," said Bilic, speaking at his
pre-match press conference. "When we have a full squad we have a really good
team and enough players. "I don't think we are going to be very active in
this transfer window unless something exceptional comes along. We are happy.
"If we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and we are happy with the
squad. We did a good job during the summer."
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan last week called Payet "a £30m player - the
best I've signed in 25 years", and Bilic said of the France midfielder's
return: "It is a great boost for us and he will be involved in the game."
West Ham's 3-0 win at Anfield at the end of August came during the tail-end
of Brendan Rodgers' reign, and Bilic expects big things from Rodgers'
successor Jurgen Klopp in the coming years.
"Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League," he said. "All the big clubs
wanted to take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high.
"Liverpool are contenders to win the league, like the other teams above
them. If they have a good run, of course they can win it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Boleyn Ground is entering its final year as West Ham's home
By Adam Bate
Last Updated: 28/12/15 2:25pm
SSN
The Boleyn Ground has been the home of West Ham for 112 years, but in 2016
the club will embark on a new adventure at the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers will move on but memories of one of English football's famous
grounds will remain. With the help of West Ham favourites from past and
present, Sky Sports looks back on what the Boleyn Ground means to people,
what makes it so special and some of the moments that both players and
supporters will always remember...
What does it mean to people?
"When you get to West Ham, the one thing I felt is that as you open every
door, the history of the place oozes out," says Dean Ashton, the club's top
scorer in the 2007/08 season. "It's just incredible when you see the fans
and what it means to them. It meant the same to me to be at West Ham. "You
feel the expectations from the history of the likes of Bobby Moore, Sir
Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking. You feel a sense of responsibility to
live up to that. I enjoyed that. I wanted to be a part of that club." Tony
Cottee, who made more than 300 appearances for West Ham over two spells,
feels that connection too. "It becomes part of your identity," says Cottee.
"When it comes time for me to move out of this world I will have 'Bubbles'
played. There are a lot of fans who'll associate with what I'm saying
because it becomes part of your life."
What made the atmosphere unique?
There have been many phases of the ground's development but those who recall
the famous 'chicken run' in the East Stand have fond memories of the
phenomenal atmosphere there. "It was the ultimate place," says Brooking, who
made 647 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1984. "It was the stage.
It was like in Rome where the gladiators came out. It was the perfect
showcase for a bigger football match."
While the nuances of the crowd have changed over the years, the tightness of
the ground has always had the effect of making players feel as though the
crowd was on top of them. "The fans are always in the game there, you can
sense that," says Ashton. Current boss Slaven Bilic also played for West Ham
for two seasons from 1996. "I remember us literally celebrating the goals
with the fans because they were two metres away," says Bilic. "That makes it
special. When you score a goal, a pass is made or they see some sort of
pressure in the middle of the park, they are delighted."
What were the most magical moments?
For Brooking, the 1976 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final against
Eintracht Frankfurt was a night to remember as West Ham turned around a
first-leg deficit to reach the final. "Right up until the last minute it was
in doubt, because we always knew that the second goal would cost us," says
Brooking. "The place, the bubbles, the importance of the evening, was one
that I'll remember forever."
Cottee has plenty of fond memories but few could compete with his first -
scoring on his debut against Tottenham on New Year's Day 1983. "I couldn't
ever replicate that feeling of a 17-year-old, as a fan, scoring for your
club against Tottenham," says Cottee. "It was just an incredible feeling."
In the 1985/86 season, Cottee was part of a side that enjoyed the club's
best-ever league finish. "It was a typical West Ham season," he says. "A
rollercoaster. You start the season thinking they're probably going to get
relegated. As it turned out, we nearly won the league."
In his second spell, Cottee's West Ham played the role of party poopers,
denying Manchester United the title on the final day of the 1994/95 season.
"The main thing I remember is Ludek Miklosko and he was fantastic," he says.
"He just made save after save after save. You kept thinking they were going
to score in a minute."
Much like Cottee, for Bilic it's the games against Tottenham that often
stand out. He believes a 4-3 win over Spurs in 1997 was particularly
significant. "That was a great game to watch," he says, "and it was the
turning point of the season because it made us stay up."
Even the disappointments against Tottenham could throw up unforgettable
scenes. West Ham captain Mark Noble scored his first goal for the club in a
2007 defeat. "We lost 4-3 and it was quite famous that I was crying on the
pitch, but the emotion of it was just too much," says Noble.
The skipper feels that it's those players capable of moments of "magic" who
really strike a chord. So it proved with Paolo Di Canio and his final home
game for the club in 2003. He scored a late winner against Chelsea, and
Brooking, then the caretaker manager, recalls the emotions. "There were
tears, the shirt was thrown into the crowd," says Brooking. "The place was
heaving. Those are the moments with West Ham, when it happens and it happens
well for them, there's no better place to celebrate and be."
Looking forward as well as back…
As the club enters its final year in residence at the Boleyn Ground, it's
understandable that the countdown will be tinged with sadness. However, the
opportunities that come with a larger stadium will be welcomed too. It's the
chance to make new memories. But only after a fond farewell…
"It's really important that we give it the right send off that it deserves
after 112 years," says Cottee. "We can all cry our eyes out and then we can
move and look forward to West Ham trying to get into that top mix of English
clubs, which is where they want to be."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav gives Payet the nod
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
ClaretandHugh was first off the mark with the news that Dimi Payet would
reappear against Liverpool on Saturday and Slaven Bilic has now confirmed
the details. We reported that the French maestro would appear for around 45
minutes – news that was greeted with probably the biggest wave of delight
among fans this season. And whilst the top medics at the club also declared
Dimi fit it's always important to get the boss' thoughts as Slaven is known
to be careful with returning players. However, this morning he is reported
as saying: ""Dimitri started to train with the team on Sunday. He looks
good, his ankle is very stable and the target is the game against Liverpool.
I am delighted he is going to be with us for that game."
So there you have it. The boss appears to be ready to launch the main man
into action and with Manu Lanzini also available I' have a 'score' which
says the Hammers at 3/1 the win are great value with Betfair. The draw is
12/5 and a Liverpool win 19/20.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet hands West Ham major boost by returning from injury for
Liverpool clash
13:23, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 13:30, 31 DEC 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Frenchman has been out of action since November and wasn't expected to
feature until February due to his ankle problem
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has revealed Dimitri Payet has given the West Ham squad a huge
boost with his return from injury in time for Saturday's game against
Liverpool. The £10.7million Frenchman, a summer signing from Marseille, was
not expected back until February at the earliest after injuring his ankle
against Everton at the start of November. He is set to play a part in
Saturday's showdown, however, as the eighth-placed Hammers look to push back
up the table. Speaking at the club's Rush Green HQ this morning, Bilic said:
"Yes he is back. "He has been training with us for a couple of days.
Depending on how he goes today, I expect him to be in the squad and
available for the game.
We will see how much he will participate in the game. He is back, it's great
boost for us, and he will be involved in squad for Liverpool."
Payet inspired West Ham to wins at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and
at home to Chelsea before his injury. Since then they have managed to win
just one of their seven games and slipped out of the top six. Morale is
high, however, following the returns from injury of Andy Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini for last week's win over Southampton, Bilic added: "We had good news
that Lanzini and Carroll were back for Southampton. Nikica Jelavic is
training today with us. "Also Victor Moses and Winston Reid are back. It's a
good situation for us. Still they are lacking fitness and all that. But at
least they are training with us. It means a lot to the club. "Three to four
weeks ago we had problems regarding to injuries, but it looks very bright
now as the players are coming back. "We have enough players to do what we
want to do throughout the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jurgen Klopp defends West Ham snub claiming approach came at the "wrong
time"
13:22, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 13:27, 31 DEC 2015
BY DAVID ANDERSON
The Liverpool boss was considered as a replacement for Sam Allardyce at the
Boleyn Ground before Slaven Bilic was appointed manager
The Mirror
Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to snub West Ham in the summer,
claiming they approached him at the wrong time. The Hammers have revealed
they offered Klopp their manager's job before appointing Slaven Bilic and
Klopp says he was not interested in joining any club back then. The German
had just quit Borussia Dortmund and was adamant he wanted a break from
football before he was tempted back into the game by Liverpool in October.
"I'm not so sure I should say too much about this," said the Reds boss. "In
the summer, I was sure I needed a few days for myself without thinking too
much about football. That's what I did. "I am a lucky guy and had a lot of
interest from many clubs. If West Ham want to talk about this they can do
that."It's a good club, but it was the wrong time for all the clubs who were
interested. That has nothing to do with West Ham, the Hammers! Everything is
OK with them."
Klopp also claimed it was too early to say if skipper Jordan Henderson would
miss Saturday's trip to Upton Park after he came off last night at
Sunderland with a recurrence of his heel problem. "No update now," he said.
"We have to wait a little bit. It was something with the heel. It could be
good for him, we hope. Something like that final pain and it goes in another
direction. "Everybody knows Hndo is a real tough guy. Yesterday he tried and
we saw it is not perfect. Now we have to wait a few hours more or maybe a
day or two and we will know more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye Juventus' Simone Zaza as Norwich and Watford ponder January
move
11:00, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 11:01, 31 DEC 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
West Ham need striking reinforcements with Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia
scoring only three goals between them this season and both injury prone
The Mirror
West Ham want to sign Italy and Juventus striker Simone Zaza. The Hammers
tried to bring in Zaza on loan in the summer when they did the deal for
Angelo Ogbonna. Now the East End club have gone back in for the 24-year-old
seeking a loan deal for the rest of the season with an agreement for a
permanent signing for £13.2m, according to Gazzetta dello Sport . West Ham
need striking reinforcements with Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia scoring
only three goals between them this season and both injury prone. Watford and
Norwich are also understood to be interested in Zaza who has scored five
goals in only 370 minutes on the pitch this season. Signed from Sassoulo for
£13.2m in the summer, the 24-year-old is fourth choice striker behind Alvaro
Morata, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic and will have to find regular
football to play at Euro 2016. Juventus will want £18m for Zaza and then
need to line up a replacement with former Southampton forward Dani Osvaldo,
now at Porto, among their options.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins deal: The finances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins has landed a deal which will earn the central defender around
£3 million over the two years of his new deal. The value that manager Slaven
Bilic has put on the 32 year old was happily agreed by the board when they
decided to rush through a new deal for the Hammers loyalist. Collins – who
has now been at the club for nearly seven years over two spells has lifted
himself from fourth choice central defender to be battling with Angelo
Ogbonna for the other shirt alongside Winston Reid when fit. His deal works
out at around £29,000 a week and is likely to keep him at the club until the
end or close to the end of his playing career. Reid is likely to return to
the side for the 3rd round FA Cup Tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers – a
game which should also see the return of Victor Moses.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JOB Done: He's off
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Joey O'Brien is unlikely to leave West Ham this January transfer window
because of continuing injury problems but he will be gone in June next year
when his contract expires ClaretandHugh understand. There was speculation he
could have been released early this winter with his old club Bolton rumoured
as a possible destination for him but his injury situation makes any move in
the last six months of contract extremely unlikely we have been told. Claret
and Hugh's most senior source told us this morning "Sadly Joey is injured,
who takes an injured player? He's on a quite high wage" In 2011 O'Brien was
released by Bolton and was snapped up by West Ham on a free transfer after
getting a trial with the Hammers. He penned an initial two year contract
under Allardyce. In January 2013 O'Brien signed a new contract with West Ham
which will end in the June 2016. He believed to be on around £20,000 per
week contract. The 29 year old right back has been 105 appearances in all
competitions for the Hammers scoring three goals. West Ham are already
scouting for a new right back in the summer as Carl Jenkinson is likely to
leave too at the end of his loan.
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Bilic: "Sakho will be back in early February"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has given his final press conference of the year this morning
ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick off against Liverpool.
He told assembled journalists: "Payet is back and has been training with us
for a couple of days. Depending on how he goes today he will be in the
squad. It is a great boost for us and he will be involved in the game.
Jelavic is training today and Victor Moses and Winston Reid are back."
There is a small chance that Moses and Reid will be in the squad but more
likely for the FA Cup game against Wolves. The players will celebrate New
Years Eve with their families. They will be professional and back in for
training on Friday." "Liverpool have won the last couple of games with some
good results. We are expecting a tough game. Klopp has a team full of
energy."They have kept two clean sheets and they are very confident, but we
are also very confident and are playing at home." "We have a plan. It
doesn't happen overnight. The Club have shown we are aiming to go forward.
We are progressing and are in a good way." The situation with injuries looks
very bright now. When we have a full squad we have a really good team and
enough players." "I don't think we are going to be very active in this
transfer window unless something exceptional comes along. We are happy." "If
we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and we are happy with the
squad. We did a good job during the summer. We want to keep playing good
football. We have shown we can play against any team in the Premier League.
We can finish very well. Our target is to pick up as many points as
possible. This is a very difficult league – the hardest one in Europe. But
we are good." "Liverpool are contenders to win the league, like the other
teams above them. If they have a good run, of course they can win it."
"Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League. All the big clubs wanted to
take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers ready to loan defender
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dundee FC have been linked with a January move for Hammers youngster Stephen
Hendrie. And ClaretandHugh's regular senior source told us exclusively:"
Hendrie needs games and might be loaned out, he is on a VERY low wage." The
20-year-old Scottish youth international left back is currently on West
Ham's books but has not been getting first-team football this season with
Aaron Cresswell the first choice left back. Last week both Carl Jenkinson
and James Tomkins filled in the left back role with Cresswell injured. A
move back north, either on loan or in a permanent deal, would meet his
desire to get back into proper competitive action again claims the Dundee
Evening Telegraph.
The left-back who can also play in midfield — played well over 100 games for
Hamliton before switching to the Hammers at the end of last January's
transfer Window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Ginge' gets massive boost
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins has been handed the ultimate compliment by former Irons
defensive hero Tony Gale. 'Galey '- 300 appearances in an Irons shirt
between 1984-1994 -reckons 'Ginge' is, and should remain, the first choice
partner for Winston Reid when everybody is fit. Despite the arrival in
summer of £8 million signing Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus, Tony believes
Collins is the natural partner for Reidy. He said: "With James Tomkins
likely to remain at right back it's Ginge for me. He's been brilliant and I
was thrilled for him when he got his new deal. "Ogbonna is a decent defender
but for me James is the man to partner Reidy at the back when everybody is
fit. He's been a brilliant servant for the club and has lots still to
offer." Galey likes the set up at the back with James Tomkins at right back
saying: "I like to see it solid down that side and JT has done really well
in there. "Carl Jenkinson has lost his confidence and I feel for him. Now
it's all about responding in the right way and I'm sure he will come
through."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
When Noble could take corners
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C abd G
On Tuesday West Ham Official twitter channel posted this video of a perfect
Mark Noble corner being met by Anton Ferdinand in 2007 to score against
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. One West Ham fan Dan James replied
"Remember when Mark Noble was able to cross a ball?" Another West Ham fan
Tommy said "A rare Noble corner beating the 1st man" Nick Friend added "A
Mark Noble corner beating the 1st man…Wow that is a collectors item now!
#COYI"
To be fair Mauro Zarate hasn't done any better in his corner taking
abilities recently. Last Saturday Lanzini took over the role in the second
after Zarate went off and he floated in two good corners one of which which
he was asked to re-take. With Payet featuring in some part of Saturday's
game against Liverpool our corner taking ability is about to return to a
whole different level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IN THE COURT OF THE CLARET AND BLUE KING
By Daniel Margrain 31 Dec 2015 at 07:00
WTID
For two years, England's world cup winning captain, West Ham United legend
and international football superstar, Bobby Moore, had a major accusation of
theft hanging over him. The weight must of been played heavily on Bobby's
shoulders and that of his family during an era when colour hit many of our
television screens for the first time.
As the world ushered in a new decade premised upon optimism and hope for a
bright future that colour television seemed to epitomize, professional
football had become elevated to the kind of media and entertainment
spectacle that we have all become accustomed to today. In many ways, the
changing face of football during this era became the defining feature of a
society in a state of flux that had finally shaken off its post-war shackles
of conformity and austerity.
For the first time, foreign travel was to become the mainstay of the many
not just for the 'exclusive' few. No aspiring jet setter could be seen
without the trappings that came with it. For many of the working class
beneficiaries of the post war boom who were fortunate enough to be in the
financial position of being able to enjoy a yearly foreign holiday, this was
a golden period.
It was the first time that I can remember excess being celebrated in such a
gregarious, if at times, ostentatious manner. The media jumped on the
bandwagon with their promotion of the 'exotic' lifestyles of the rich and
famous most notably on the travel documentary programme, 'Wicker's World'.
The sister travel guide show, 'Holiday', fronted by Cliff Michelmore was the
zeitgeist of the period in as much as it brought home to the masses that
foreign travel was now no longer the exclusive privilege of the rich, but
was something that ordinary people could engage in too.
No celebrity could be seen photographed without the accompanying and
obligatory 'bling' which captured the imagination of the public who also
aspired to the demands set by the new mass consumption environment.
For the first time in history, the profile of the top level professional
footballer was akin to the movie star – and the ordinary working class
garish man about town aspired for a piece of the action as well. Each
component part of the jigsaw shoehorned into one another fitting into place
as smoothly as the velvet glove on the hand of Audrey Hepburn.
Bobby Moore was very much the poster boy of his generation for this new
socially mobile working class in much the same way that David Beckham was
for his. It was perhaps fitting, then, that if anybody with such a high
profile as that of any footballing superstar in the world at that time was
to be fitted up for a crime, then it was the handsome and photogenic captain
of the world champions.
It was symptomatic of the times that Bobby Moore would be set up, not with
stealing a painting or cash, but with bling. Its somewhat ironic that the
last person most people would associate with bling is Bobby Moore who was so
self-deprecating a public figure; so humble and unconscious of his ability
and of his star status that he regularly met up with fans at the height of
his fame.
But here he was in a Bogota Jewelry shop located close to the foyer of the
plush Bogota Hotel in May 1970, the purpose of which was clearly to satisfy
the media hordes' need for a photo opportunity prior to the world's biggest
sporting event. Bobby was merely performing what he perceived was his role
as an ambassador for a sport which he loved and was the poster boy for. Set
against this was the bling which provided the backdrop for a scandal that
was whipped up by an obliging media circus.
The notion that one of the most famous and high profile footballer's in the
world at that time could be detained by the authorities for four days for
allegedly stealing a bracelet in the context of somebody who was about to
lead his county in the defence of the world cup is incomprehensible,
especially when viewed through the lens of a more enlightened social media
age.
But it's perhaps a sign of the times, that it WAS taken seriously so much so
that Bobby Moore, widely recognized as the most consummate professional in
the game – both on and off the pitch – was accused, and subsequently
arrested, for being a jewel thief.
Interest in the incident was stoked by the massive interest the media had in
Moore's wife Tina, who was shortly due to go out and watch England play in
Mexico. Reminiscent of the subsequent 'wag' fiasco, wherever Tina went the
media pack would follow.
What transcribed was an international media story on such a scale that it
was to provoke diplomatic intervention at the behest of Prime Minister,
Harold Wilson, who was so concerned by Moore's arrest that he requested
repeated lobbying of the Colombian government by the British embassy in
Bogota. It's no exaggeration to say that a major diplomatic incident could
easily have ensued.
Moore was kept under house arrest and although he was allowed to train to
maintain his fitness levels, he was constantly followed by armed police
guards. Within the high echelons of the football world, the accusations
against Moore were treated with more than a heavy dose of incredulity most
predictably perhaps by his manager Alf Ramsay.
But it was to be the Brazilian coaches proclamation of Moore's innocence
that arguably lent most weight particularly after he described a similar
incident that involved his team Botafogo. It's hard to believe that it got
to the stage that Moore was actually tried before a judge in Bogota, where a
re-enactment of the incident occurred but that's precisely what happened.
Needless to say, the case was thrown out due to the contradictory testimony
of the plaintiff. According to Jeff Dawson in his book 'Back Home: England
and the 1970 World Cup' (2002), cries of "Viva Bobby" could be heard from
the streets of Bogota.
Even harder to comprehend is the fact that the case wasn't formerly closed
until two years after the incident, following a hearing at Bow Street
Magistrates Court. Despite being cleared, the incident continued to dog
Moore, and it has been suggested it was a major reason why he was never
awarded a knighthood.
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WEST HAM DEFENDERS HALF TERM REPORT
By Iain Dale 31 Dec 2015 at 13:00
WTID
Adrian 8
Stormer of a season so far. Still makes me nervous at times but his shot
stopping is superb. Needs to do the simple things better sometimes. he must
surely be knocking on the door of the Spanish national team. He's become a
real crowd favourite and seems a thoroughly nice guy too.
Darren Randolph 7
Despite not playing much in the Premier League he has looked really good
whenever he's been called upon. In the three games he played when Adrian was
sent off he looked absolutely solid, and apart from one dodgy game in the
Europa League he did well when he played in that. Add that to his
performances for Ireland and he is a very able deputy indeed.
Aaron Cresswell 6
Compared to last season it's a bit after the Lord Mayor's show. Has had a
couple of dreadful games, including a shocker against Bournemouth. Has
improved of late and provided a couple of assists, but it's his defending
where the problems are.
Carl Jenkinson 4
A shadow the player he was last season and has deservedly lost his place to
James Tomkins. However, he is a much better attacker than James Tomkins will
ever be, but the stats don't lie. When Tomkins plays right back we don't
concede.
Winston Reid 7
If it weren't for his injuries Reid would be having a stormer of a season.
When he plays he often looks the best West Ham player on the pitch. Time
after time he saves the day. He always looks calm and collected and is
rarely fazed.
James Collins 8
He may not have played in the majority of games but since he has come back
into the team he's led by example. Time after time he heads the ball away.
In fact he's played so well that he's been rewarded with a two year contract
extension. Totally deserved.
James Tomkins 7
Tomkins is having a generally great and very consistent season. He's made
the odd mistake, but whether he's played at centreback alongside Reid or at
right back he's impressed with his tackling and distribution. Whenever he's
played at right back we haven't conceded a goal. Having said that, he's
certainly not an attacking right back and still seems to panic when he
crosses the half way line. I still think our best centre back pairing is
Reid & Tomkins, but it would be a cruel manager who took Collins out of the
first team at the moment.
Angelo Ogbonna 6
We haven't seen the best of Ogbonna yet, but he's improving all the time. He
had a difficult start and I think found the pace of the Premier League
difficult to cope with initially. And then he got injured and found it
difficult to get back into the team. But he's done well since he's returned
to the first eleven and I look forward to seeing more of him.
Reece Oxford 6
Hasn't really featured after his magnificent full debut against Arsenal and
a couple of matches afterwards. However, he's made a couple of substitute
appearances in the last week or two and if all goes well will soon become a
first team regular. It's incredible to think he has only just turned
seventeen. I'd love to think that in a couple of years' time we will see
Reece Burke and Reece Oxford as our first choice centre halves.
Reece Burke 8
Reece Burke has been loaned out to Bradford City where, by all accounts, he
has been extremely impressive. Many reckon he is their player of the season
so far. If his loan isn't extended I'd imagine he would make a few
appearances for the first team at Upton Park before the season ends.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
best PeterR ***
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Slaven Speaks - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Hammers first game of 2016, Slaven Bilic held his pre-match
press conference at Rush Green. During the briefing, the manager fielded a
range of questions from the all-important team news, facing Jurgen Klopp's
Liverpool and starting the New Year strongly.
Here's what the gaffer had to say…
Slaven, Happy New Year, is Dimitri Payet in contention to start at the
weekend?
"Yes, he has been training with us for a couple of days. It depends how he
trains today but I am expecting him to be in the squad. We'll have to see
how much he can participate but it is a great boost for us of course. I
think he'll be involved for the squad for Liverpool.
"Jelavic is back training with us, Winston Reid and Victor Moses are also
back so it's a good situation for us. They still need to get their fitness
up but it is good news."
Will Moses and Reid be available for the Liverpool game?
"Not for Liverpool, there is a small chance but I don't think so. They are
more likely to feature in the FA Cup game against Wolves."
It's News Years' Eve, what have you told your players about how they
celebrate?
"They can celebrate with their families of course, something quiet. They
know that, they are professional and we are training on Friday."
What have you made of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side?
"Well, they are Liverpool, they're a huge team. They've won their last two
games and kept clean sheets so they'll be confident. They've shown some
really good performances, but they are also vulnerable. We are expecting a
very tough game, they are full of energy, a way that they like to play.
It'll be a very tough game for us."
How much do you think the club will change by this time next year?
"Well we have a plan, and there's a lot happening in the coming months. Of
course, we have the new stadium which is very important. On the pitch, we
are progressing well, and we have two transfer windows coming up so, by this
time next year, a lot of things will be different."
Are you expecting to be busy in the January transfer window?
"With the injured players coming back, we are in a good way, I am happy with
the squad. If something exceptional comes up then maybe, but at the moment
we have a good team. Apart from Sakho we are all practically back, if we are
lucky he could be back by early February, overall our squad is good enough.
We did a very good job in the summer, particularly toward the end."
What are ambitions for the rest of the season?
"Same as it was at the start, we have to take each game as it happens, we
have to maintain the same intensity and if we do that we will do well. We
don't have a specific target; we want to win every game. Knowing that this
is the most difficult league in Europe, that'll be tough, but when we are at
are best, we are very good."
Jurgen Klopp is a real personality, what do you make of him so far?
"Having him in the Premier League is a real boost. He's the one who all the
big clubs wanted, he came to England which is good, he is one of the best
coaches in the league. The expectations on him are high of course, but it's
good to have him in the Premier League."
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Jonjo nets 'gong' at just 13
WHUFC.com
Schoolboy fundraiser extraordinaire Jonjo Heuerman, who has raised nearly a
quarter of a million pounds to help beat cancer, has scored a blinder – a
'gong' at just 13. Jonjo from Dartford, Kent, has been awarded the British
Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours list.
Jonjo, is the youngest person to receive the BEM in this year's awards and
one of the youngest ever to be given the honour. Jonjo, started his
football-themed fundraising walks five years ago and has raised £235,000 for
the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
He was inspired to start raising money after his beloved nan Lyn died of
bowel cancer in February 2009 aged just 60. As a passionate West Ham and
England fan, he was aware his footballing hero Bobby Moore had died of bowel
cancer and decided to do all his fundraising for in honour of Bobby and his
nan. His mum Donna said finding out he was to receive the honour was
'surreal'. "An award was mentioned ages ago and to know he was even being
considered was special in itself. But then we didn't hear much more until
the beginning of November when a very official-looking letter arrived from
the Cabinet Office. "We had a quick peek, realised what it was and were
pretty choked. When Jon got home from school, he looked at it but didn't
understand at first. And then the penny dropped. The first thing he said was
'Why?' "We're all incredibly proud of him but his nan, who was the
inspiration for all this, would have been so thrilled for him. She was a bit
of a matriarch like Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders – fiercely proud of her
family. She would have be doing cartwheels!"
Jonjo said: "I was really surprised and very proud to hear I was on the New
Year's Honours list. I didn't even know what a British Empire Medal was! I
never realised my fundraising would go this far. "I'm really hoping my medal
will help me raise more funds and awareness for The Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far."
Jonjo will receive his inscribed British Empire Medal during a ceremony from
the Lord Lieutenant of Kent later this year and will then be invited to
attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The BEM, which was reintroduced
in 2012, rewards sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact
work.
For more details about Jonjo's latest challenge, or to donate visit:
www.justgiving.com/fornannyandbobby or text CAPT66 £? to 70070
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet back from ankle injury for West Ham v Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet is set to return to the squad for
Saturday's home league match with Liverpool. The 28-year-old France
international, was expected to be sidelined for three months with an ankle
injury sustained against Everton on 7 November. But Hammers boss Slaven
Bilic said: "He has been training with us for a couple of days. It is a
great boost for us and he will be involved in the game." Victor Moses and
Winston Reid may also face Liverpool following injuries. Moses, on loan from
Chelsea, and defender Reid have both been out since 5 December because of
hamstring injuries. "There is a small chance that Moses and Reid will be in
the squad but more likely for the FA Cup game against Wolves [on 9
January]," Bilic added. Bilic, who said he did not expect to see much
transfer activity at Upton Park "unless something exceptional comes along",
added that Senegal international striker Diafra Sakho was also nearing a
return, having been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury against West
Brom on 29 November. "If we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and
we are happy with the squad. We did a good job during the summer," the
Croatian said.
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West Ham v Liverpool
KO 12:45
West Ham overwhelmed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in August, claiming their
biggest ever away win over the Reds
BBC.co.uk
31 December 2015
Last updated at 15:33
TEAM NEWS
Dimitri Payet has been named in West Ham's squad after two months out with
an ankle injury. Aaron Cresswell faces a fitness test on his hamstring,
while Nikica Jelavic, Winston Reid and Victor Moses are all back in training
but not ready to play.
Liverpool have injury-prone striker Daniel Sturridge available following a
recent hamstring problem. Jordan Henderson suffered a setback on his return
in midweek, while James Milner and Divock Origi are again out.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "Slaven Bilic had a great record against Liverpool under
Brendan Rodgers. "In August he guided West Ham to a first win at Anfield
since 1963, whilst his Besiktas side knocked Liverpool out of the Europa
League last season. "Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have put in some stunning
displays (Manchester City and Southampton), but also some desperately poor
ones (Newcastle and Watford): consistency is an issue. "Another issue is
Liverpool's defending of set-pieces, a fault Andy Carroll will hope to
exploit. "Still Liverpool's record signing, Carroll has two goals this
season - both scored as a substitute, both in the 79th minute and both in
2-1 home wins. Liverpool's German manager may not know the expression that
trouble comes in threes…"
Twitter: @stevewilson1967
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Liverpool are contenders to win the league,
like the other teams above them. If they have a good run, of course they can
win it. "Jurgen Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League. All the big
clubs wanted to take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on turning down West Ham last summer: "I'm a
lucky guy so there was a lot of interest from different clubs. If West Ham
will talk about this then they can do it. "In the summer I was not
available. I was sure I needed a few days for myself without thinking too
much about football. That's what I did. "It's a really good club but it was
the wrong time for all the clubs, so nothing to do with West Ham or what I
think about West Ham."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
"West Ham beat Southampton on Monday after five successive draws. I think
they have done really well just to keep their ducks in a row amid injuries
to attackers Dimitri Payet and Diafra Sakho. "Liverpool look more of a
threat away from home at the moment. They are creating so many chances on
the road but Christian Benteke - who has scored the matchwinner in their
last two games - is a dilemma for Jurgen Klopp."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won two of their last three meetings with Liverpool, including
the reverse fixture in August, which they won 3-0 at Anfield - their first
league win there since 1963.
The Hammers last did the double over Liverpool in the 1963-64 season.
Liverpool have won on seven of their last 10 visits to Upton Park, with the
Hammers winning the other three.
West Ham have scored inside the opening three minutes in two of the last
three meetings between the clubs.
West Ham
West Ham have drawn five of their last six league matches.
They are unbeaten in six, the joint-longest current such run in the top
flight.
West Ham lost their first two home league games but have not been beaten in
any of the subsequent seven (W3, D4).
Slaven Bilic's side have conceded only nine second half goals, the fewest in
the division.
Andy Carroll scored six goals in 44 Premier League appearances for
Liverpool.
The Hammers took 21 points and scored 23 goals from 12 games before Dmitri
Payet was injured, as opposed to just eight points and five goals in seven
games without him.
Liverpool
Liverpool have won each of their last two fixtures. They are yet to win
three successive Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp.
They have recorded five 1-0 league victories, a total only West Bromwich
Albion can match.
Liverpool have scored 11 goals and conceded 11 both home and away this
season.
The Reds have won just six of the 13 matches played against sides below them
in the table (D4, L3).
Liverpool are unbeaten in three matches played in London in 2015-16 (W1,
D2).
No goalkeeper kept more Premier League clean sheets in 2015 than Simon
Mignolet, who recorded 16.
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Payet set for Liverpool return, confirms Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet is set to return to first team action against Liverpool this
weekend - less than two months after being sidelined by their Merseyside
rivals. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who was injured by Everton's
James McCarthy at the beginning of November is set to be named in West Ham's
18-man match day squad this weekend when Slaven Bilic's side take on a
resurgent Liverpool, who are currently one place and one point above the
Hammers in the table. And Bilic referred to his impending return to the team
as "a great boost" when addressing the media at this morning's pre-match
press conference. "He has been training with us for a couple of days," said
Bilic. "It depends how he trains today but I am expecting him to be in the
squad. "We'll have to see how much he can participate but it is a great
boost for us of course. I think he'll be involved for the squad for the
Liverpool game."
There was also some good news with view to some other missing first team
players, with Bilic confirming that Vic Moses and Winston Reid could feature
against Wolves in the FA Cup next weekend. However Diafra Sakho is unlikely
to return to first team action before early February, as initially
estimated. "It a good situation now for us," said Bilic.
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West Ham's interest came at the wrong time, says Klopp
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager has confirmed that he was approached by West Ham during
the summer with view to replacing Sam Allardyce as manager.
Klopp, whose side face the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground this weekend
admitted that he was contacted by representatives of West Ham at the end of
last season - but opted not to enter talks as he was determined to take a
sabbatical from football following his decision to part company with former
club, Borussia Dortmund.
"I'm not sure that I should say too much about this but in the summer I was
not available," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference when
asked about the Hammers link. "I was sure that I needed a few days for
myself without thinking too much about football.
"That's what I did, but I'm a lucky guy so there was lots of interest from
different clubs. If West Ham want to talk about this then they can do - it's
a really good club but it was the wrong time for all the clubs that were
interested.
"It was nothing to do with West Ham or what I think about West Ham - it's
like it is, I was not available and so I didn't think too much about it."
Earlier this week West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan confirmed that
the club had sought talks with the German manager. "We tried Klopp but at
the time he wanted a break," he said. "We aimed very, very high and I'm
pleased with the manager we got."
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Merson's Prediction
SSN
West Ham v Liverpool (Saturday, 12.45pm)
I wasn't really impressed with Liverpool against Sunderland, they didn't
look great. They didn't keep the ball for more than about four or five
passes, and the goal was rather fortunate. The manager will be pleased with
the result, but Jurgen Klopp will know that if they carry on playing like
that they will not win many football matches. They gave away the ball so
cheaply. West Ham, if they get all their players back, are a threat. They
got a massive win against Southampton, especially after going 1-0 down
against a club on a bit of a high.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
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Slaven Bilic happy with West Ham squad as injuries ease
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 31/12/15 11:55am
SSN
West Ham's improving injury situation means they are unlikely to spend in
January, according to Slaven Bilic. Dimitri Payet is fit to return to the
squad for this weekend's home game with Liverpool after almost two months
out with an ankle injury. And with Victor Moses and Winston Reid outside
chances for Saturday, Bilic is almost back to the squad that started the
Premier League season with four straight away wins, including three at
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Only Diafra Sakho remains a
long-term absentee, and the forward is due back in early February. "The
situation with injuries looks very bright now," said Bilic, speaking at his
pre-match press conference. "When we have a full squad we have a really good
team and enough players. "I don't think we are going to be very active in
this transfer window unless something exceptional comes along. We are happy.
"If we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and we are happy with the
squad. We did a good job during the summer."
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan last week called Payet "a £30m player - the
best I've signed in 25 years", and Bilic said of the France midfielder's
return: "It is a great boost for us and he will be involved in the game."
West Ham's 3-0 win at Anfield at the end of August came during the tail-end
of Brendan Rodgers' reign, and Bilic expects big things from Rodgers'
successor Jurgen Klopp in the coming years.
"Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League," he said. "All the big clubs
wanted to take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high.
"Liverpool are contenders to win the league, like the other teams above
them. If they have a good run, of course they can win it."
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The Boleyn Ground is entering its final year as West Ham's home
By Adam Bate
Last Updated: 28/12/15 2:25pm
SSN
The Boleyn Ground has been the home of West Ham for 112 years, but in 2016
the club will embark on a new adventure at the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers will move on but memories of one of English football's famous
grounds will remain. With the help of West Ham favourites from past and
present, Sky Sports looks back on what the Boleyn Ground means to people,
what makes it so special and some of the moments that both players and
supporters will always remember...
What does it mean to people?
"When you get to West Ham, the one thing I felt is that as you open every
door, the history of the place oozes out," says Dean Ashton, the club's top
scorer in the 2007/08 season. "It's just incredible when you see the fans
and what it means to them. It meant the same to me to be at West Ham. "You
feel the expectations from the history of the likes of Bobby Moore, Sir
Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking. You feel a sense of responsibility to
live up to that. I enjoyed that. I wanted to be a part of that club." Tony
Cottee, who made more than 300 appearances for West Ham over two spells,
feels that connection too. "It becomes part of your identity," says Cottee.
"When it comes time for me to move out of this world I will have 'Bubbles'
played. There are a lot of fans who'll associate with what I'm saying
because it becomes part of your life."
What made the atmosphere unique?
There have been many phases of the ground's development but those who recall
the famous 'chicken run' in the East Stand have fond memories of the
phenomenal atmosphere there. "It was the ultimate place," says Brooking, who
made 647 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1984. "It was the stage.
It was like in Rome where the gladiators came out. It was the perfect
showcase for a bigger football match."
While the nuances of the crowd have changed over the years, the tightness of
the ground has always had the effect of making players feel as though the
crowd was on top of them. "The fans are always in the game there, you can
sense that," says Ashton. Current boss Slaven Bilic also played for West Ham
for two seasons from 1996. "I remember us literally celebrating the goals
with the fans because they were two metres away," says Bilic. "That makes it
special. When you score a goal, a pass is made or they see some sort of
pressure in the middle of the park, they are delighted."
What were the most magical moments?
For Brooking, the 1976 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final against
Eintracht Frankfurt was a night to remember as West Ham turned around a
first-leg deficit to reach the final. "Right up until the last minute it was
in doubt, because we always knew that the second goal would cost us," says
Brooking. "The place, the bubbles, the importance of the evening, was one
that I'll remember forever."
Cottee has plenty of fond memories but few could compete with his first -
scoring on his debut against Tottenham on New Year's Day 1983. "I couldn't
ever replicate that feeling of a 17-year-old, as a fan, scoring for your
club against Tottenham," says Cottee. "It was just an incredible feeling."
In the 1985/86 season, Cottee was part of a side that enjoyed the club's
best-ever league finish. "It was a typical West Ham season," he says. "A
rollercoaster. You start the season thinking they're probably going to get
relegated. As it turned out, we nearly won the league."
In his second spell, Cottee's West Ham played the role of party poopers,
denying Manchester United the title on the final day of the 1994/95 season.
"The main thing I remember is Ludek Miklosko and he was fantastic," he says.
"He just made save after save after save. You kept thinking they were going
to score in a minute."
Much like Cottee, for Bilic it's the games against Tottenham that often
stand out. He believes a 4-3 win over Spurs in 1997 was particularly
significant. "That was a great game to watch," he says, "and it was the
turning point of the season because it made us stay up."
Even the disappointments against Tottenham could throw up unforgettable
scenes. West Ham captain Mark Noble scored his first goal for the club in a
2007 defeat. "We lost 4-3 and it was quite famous that I was crying on the
pitch, but the emotion of it was just too much," says Noble.
The skipper feels that it's those players capable of moments of "magic" who
really strike a chord. So it proved with Paolo Di Canio and his final home
game for the club in 2003. He scored a late winner against Chelsea, and
Brooking, then the caretaker manager, recalls the emotions. "There were
tears, the shirt was thrown into the crowd," says Brooking. "The place was
heaving. Those are the moments with West Ham, when it happens and it happens
well for them, there's no better place to celebrate and be."
Looking forward as well as back…
As the club enters its final year in residence at the Boleyn Ground, it's
understandable that the countdown will be tinged with sadness. However, the
opportunities that come with a larger stadium will be welcomed too. It's the
chance to make new memories. But only after a fond farewell…
"It's really important that we give it the right send off that it deserves
after 112 years," says Cottee. "We can all cry our eyes out and then we can
move and look forward to West Ham trying to get into that top mix of English
clubs, which is where they want to be."
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Slav gives Payet the nod
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
ClaretandHugh was first off the mark with the news that Dimi Payet would
reappear against Liverpool on Saturday and Slaven Bilic has now confirmed
the details. We reported that the French maestro would appear for around 45
minutes – news that was greeted with probably the biggest wave of delight
among fans this season. And whilst the top medics at the club also declared
Dimi fit it's always important to get the boss' thoughts as Slaven is known
to be careful with returning players. However, this morning he is reported
as saying: ""Dimitri started to train with the team on Sunday. He looks
good, his ankle is very stable and the target is the game against Liverpool.
I am delighted he is going to be with us for that game."
So there you have it. The boss appears to be ready to launch the main man
into action and with Manu Lanzini also available I' have a 'score' which
says the Hammers at 3/1 the win are great value with Betfair. The draw is
12/5 and a Liverpool win 19/20.
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Dimitri Payet hands West Ham major boost by returning from injury for
Liverpool clash
13:23, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 13:30, 31 DEC 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Frenchman has been out of action since November and wasn't expected to
feature until February due to his ankle problem
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has revealed Dimitri Payet has given the West Ham squad a huge
boost with his return from injury in time for Saturday's game against
Liverpool. The £10.7million Frenchman, a summer signing from Marseille, was
not expected back until February at the earliest after injuring his ankle
against Everton at the start of November. He is set to play a part in
Saturday's showdown, however, as the eighth-placed Hammers look to push back
up the table. Speaking at the club's Rush Green HQ this morning, Bilic said:
"Yes he is back. "He has been training with us for a couple of days.
Depending on how he goes today, I expect him to be in the squad and
available for the game.
We will see how much he will participate in the game. He is back, it's great
boost for us, and he will be involved in squad for Liverpool."
Payet inspired West Ham to wins at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and
at home to Chelsea before his injury. Since then they have managed to win
just one of their seven games and slipped out of the top six. Morale is
high, however, following the returns from injury of Andy Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini for last week's win over Southampton, Bilic added: "We had good news
that Lanzini and Carroll were back for Southampton. Nikica Jelavic is
training today with us. "Also Victor Moses and Winston Reid are back. It's a
good situation for us. Still they are lacking fitness and all that. But at
least they are training with us. It means a lot to the club. "Three to four
weeks ago we had problems regarding to injuries, but it looks very bright
now as the players are coming back. "We have enough players to do what we
want to do throughout the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jurgen Klopp defends West Ham snub claiming approach came at the "wrong
time"
13:22, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 13:27, 31 DEC 2015
BY DAVID ANDERSON
The Liverpool boss was considered as a replacement for Sam Allardyce at the
Boleyn Ground before Slaven Bilic was appointed manager
The Mirror
Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to snub West Ham in the summer,
claiming they approached him at the wrong time. The Hammers have revealed
they offered Klopp their manager's job before appointing Slaven Bilic and
Klopp says he was not interested in joining any club back then. The German
had just quit Borussia Dortmund and was adamant he wanted a break from
football before he was tempted back into the game by Liverpool in October.
"I'm not so sure I should say too much about this," said the Reds boss. "In
the summer, I was sure I needed a few days for myself without thinking too
much about football. That's what I did. "I am a lucky guy and had a lot of
interest from many clubs. If West Ham want to talk about this they can do
that."It's a good club, but it was the wrong time for all the clubs who were
interested. That has nothing to do with West Ham, the Hammers! Everything is
OK with them."
Klopp also claimed it was too early to say if skipper Jordan Henderson would
miss Saturday's trip to Upton Park after he came off last night at
Sunderland with a recurrence of his heel problem. "No update now," he said.
"We have to wait a little bit. It was something with the heel. It could be
good for him, we hope. Something like that final pain and it goes in another
direction. "Everybody knows Hndo is a real tough guy. Yesterday he tried and
we saw it is not perfect. Now we have to wait a few hours more or maybe a
day or two and we will know more."
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West Ham eye Juventus' Simone Zaza as Norwich and Watford ponder January
move
11:00, 31 DEC 2015 UPDATED 11:01, 31 DEC 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
West Ham need striking reinforcements with Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia
scoring only three goals between them this season and both injury prone
The Mirror
West Ham want to sign Italy and Juventus striker Simone Zaza. The Hammers
tried to bring in Zaza on loan in the summer when they did the deal for
Angelo Ogbonna. Now the East End club have gone back in for the 24-year-old
seeking a loan deal for the rest of the season with an agreement for a
permanent signing for £13.2m, according to Gazzetta dello Sport . West Ham
need striking reinforcements with Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia scoring
only three goals between them this season and both injury prone. Watford and
Norwich are also understood to be interested in Zaza who has scored five
goals in only 370 minutes on the pitch this season. Signed from Sassoulo for
£13.2m in the summer, the 24-year-old is fourth choice striker behind Alvaro
Morata, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic and will have to find regular
football to play at Euro 2016. Juventus will want £18m for Zaza and then
need to line up a replacement with former Southampton forward Dani Osvaldo,
now at Porto, among their options.
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Collins deal: The finances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins has landed a deal which will earn the central defender around
£3 million over the two years of his new deal. The value that manager Slaven
Bilic has put on the 32 year old was happily agreed by the board when they
decided to rush through a new deal for the Hammers loyalist. Collins – who
has now been at the club for nearly seven years over two spells has lifted
himself from fourth choice central defender to be battling with Angelo
Ogbonna for the other shirt alongside Winston Reid when fit. His deal works
out at around £29,000 a week and is likely to keep him at the club until the
end or close to the end of his playing career. Reid is likely to return to
the side for the 3rd round FA Cup Tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers – a
game which should also see the return of Victor Moses.
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JOB Done: He's off
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Joey O'Brien is unlikely to leave West Ham this January transfer window
because of continuing injury problems but he will be gone in June next year
when his contract expires ClaretandHugh understand. There was speculation he
could have been released early this winter with his old club Bolton rumoured
as a possible destination for him but his injury situation makes any move in
the last six months of contract extremely unlikely we have been told. Claret
and Hugh's most senior source told us this morning "Sadly Joey is injured,
who takes an injured player? He's on a quite high wage" In 2011 O'Brien was
released by Bolton and was snapped up by West Ham on a free transfer after
getting a trial with the Hammers. He penned an initial two year contract
under Allardyce. In January 2013 O'Brien signed a new contract with West Ham
which will end in the June 2016. He believed to be on around £20,000 per
week contract. The 29 year old right back has been 105 appearances in all
competitions for the Hammers scoring three goals. West Ham are already
scouting for a new right back in the summer as Carl Jenkinson is likely to
leave too at the end of his loan.
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Bilic: "Sakho will be back in early February"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has given his final press conference of the year this morning
ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick off against Liverpool.
He told assembled journalists: "Payet is back and has been training with us
for a couple of days. Depending on how he goes today he will be in the
squad. It is a great boost for us and he will be involved in the game.
Jelavic is training today and Victor Moses and Winston Reid are back."
There is a small chance that Moses and Reid will be in the squad but more
likely for the FA Cup game against Wolves. The players will celebrate New
Years Eve with their families. They will be professional and back in for
training on Friday." "Liverpool have won the last couple of games with some
good results. We are expecting a tough game. Klopp has a team full of
energy."They have kept two clean sheets and they are very confident, but we
are also very confident and are playing at home." "We have a plan. It
doesn't happen overnight. The Club have shown we are aiming to go forward.
We are progressing and are in a good way." The situation with injuries looks
very bright now. When we have a full squad we have a really good team and
enough players." "I don't think we are going to be very active in this
transfer window unless something exceptional comes along. We are happy." "If
we are lucky Sakho will be back early February and we are happy with the
squad. We did a good job during the summer. We want to keep playing good
football. We have shown we can play against any team in the Premier League.
We can finish very well. Our target is to pick up as many points as
possible. This is a very difficult league – the hardest one in Europe. But
we are good." "Liverpool are contenders to win the league, like the other
teams above them. If they have a good run, of course they can win it."
"Klopp has been a boost for the Premier League. All the big clubs wanted to
take him. He is good for the league. Expectations are high."
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Hammers ready to loan defender
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dundee FC have been linked with a January move for Hammers youngster Stephen
Hendrie. And ClaretandHugh's regular senior source told us exclusively:"
Hendrie needs games and might be loaned out, he is on a VERY low wage." The
20-year-old Scottish youth international left back is currently on West
Ham's books but has not been getting first-team football this season with
Aaron Cresswell the first choice left back. Last week both Carl Jenkinson
and James Tomkins filled in the left back role with Cresswell injured. A
move back north, either on loan or in a permanent deal, would meet his
desire to get back into proper competitive action again claims the Dundee
Evening Telegraph.
The left-back who can also play in midfield — played well over 100 games for
Hamliton before switching to the Hammers at the end of last January's
transfer Window.
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'Ginge' gets massive boost
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins has been handed the ultimate compliment by former Irons
defensive hero Tony Gale. 'Galey '- 300 appearances in an Irons shirt
between 1984-1994 -reckons 'Ginge' is, and should remain, the first choice
partner for Winston Reid when everybody is fit. Despite the arrival in
summer of £8 million signing Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus, Tony believes
Collins is the natural partner for Reidy. He said: "With James Tomkins
likely to remain at right back it's Ginge for me. He's been brilliant and I
was thrilled for him when he got his new deal. "Ogbonna is a decent defender
but for me James is the man to partner Reidy at the back when everybody is
fit. He's been a brilliant servant for the club and has lots still to
offer." Galey likes the set up at the back with James Tomkins at right back
saying: "I like to see it solid down that side and JT has done really well
in there. "Carl Jenkinson has lost his confidence and I feel for him. Now
it's all about responding in the right way and I'm sure he will come
through."
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When Noble could take corners
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 31, 2015 in News, Whispers
C abd G
On Tuesday West Ham Official twitter channel posted this video of a perfect
Mark Noble corner being met by Anton Ferdinand in 2007 to score against
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. One West Ham fan Dan James replied
"Remember when Mark Noble was able to cross a ball?" Another West Ham fan
Tommy said "A rare Noble corner beating the 1st man" Nick Friend added "A
Mark Noble corner beating the 1st man…Wow that is a collectors item now!
#COYI"
To be fair Mauro Zarate hasn't done any better in his corner taking
abilities recently. Last Saturday Lanzini took over the role in the second
after Zarate went off and he floated in two good corners one of which which
he was asked to re-take. With Payet featuring in some part of Saturday's
game against Liverpool our corner taking ability is about to return to a
whole different level.
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IN THE COURT OF THE CLARET AND BLUE KING
By Daniel Margrain 31 Dec 2015 at 07:00
WTID
For two years, England's world cup winning captain, West Ham United legend
and international football superstar, Bobby Moore, had a major accusation of
theft hanging over him. The weight must of been played heavily on Bobby's
shoulders and that of his family during an era when colour hit many of our
television screens for the first time.
As the world ushered in a new decade premised upon optimism and hope for a
bright future that colour television seemed to epitomize, professional
football had become elevated to the kind of media and entertainment
spectacle that we have all become accustomed to today. In many ways, the
changing face of football during this era became the defining feature of a
society in a state of flux that had finally shaken off its post-war shackles
of conformity and austerity.
For the first time, foreign travel was to become the mainstay of the many
not just for the 'exclusive' few. No aspiring jet setter could be seen
without the trappings that came with it. For many of the working class
beneficiaries of the post war boom who were fortunate enough to be in the
financial position of being able to enjoy a yearly foreign holiday, this was
a golden period.
It was the first time that I can remember excess being celebrated in such a
gregarious, if at times, ostentatious manner. The media jumped on the
bandwagon with their promotion of the 'exotic' lifestyles of the rich and
famous most notably on the travel documentary programme, 'Wicker's World'.
The sister travel guide show, 'Holiday', fronted by Cliff Michelmore was the
zeitgeist of the period in as much as it brought home to the masses that
foreign travel was now no longer the exclusive privilege of the rich, but
was something that ordinary people could engage in too.
No celebrity could be seen photographed without the accompanying and
obligatory 'bling' which captured the imagination of the public who also
aspired to the demands set by the new mass consumption environment.
For the first time in history, the profile of the top level professional
footballer was akin to the movie star – and the ordinary working class
garish man about town aspired for a piece of the action as well. Each
component part of the jigsaw shoehorned into one another fitting into place
as smoothly as the velvet glove on the hand of Audrey Hepburn.
Bobby Moore was very much the poster boy of his generation for this new
socially mobile working class in much the same way that David Beckham was
for his. It was perhaps fitting, then, that if anybody with such a high
profile as that of any footballing superstar in the world at that time was
to be fitted up for a crime, then it was the handsome and photogenic captain
of the world champions.
It was symptomatic of the times that Bobby Moore would be set up, not with
stealing a painting or cash, but with bling. Its somewhat ironic that the
last person most people would associate with bling is Bobby Moore who was so
self-deprecating a public figure; so humble and unconscious of his ability
and of his star status that he regularly met up with fans at the height of
his fame.
But here he was in a Bogota Jewelry shop located close to the foyer of the
plush Bogota Hotel in May 1970, the purpose of which was clearly to satisfy
the media hordes' need for a photo opportunity prior to the world's biggest
sporting event. Bobby was merely performing what he perceived was his role
as an ambassador for a sport which he loved and was the poster boy for. Set
against this was the bling which provided the backdrop for a scandal that
was whipped up by an obliging media circus.
The notion that one of the most famous and high profile footballer's in the
world at that time could be detained by the authorities for four days for
allegedly stealing a bracelet in the context of somebody who was about to
lead his county in the defence of the world cup is incomprehensible,
especially when viewed through the lens of a more enlightened social media
age.
But it's perhaps a sign of the times, that it WAS taken seriously so much so
that Bobby Moore, widely recognized as the most consummate professional in
the game – both on and off the pitch – was accused, and subsequently
arrested, for being a jewel thief.
Interest in the incident was stoked by the massive interest the media had in
Moore's wife Tina, who was shortly due to go out and watch England play in
Mexico. Reminiscent of the subsequent 'wag' fiasco, wherever Tina went the
media pack would follow.
What transcribed was an international media story on such a scale that it
was to provoke diplomatic intervention at the behest of Prime Minister,
Harold Wilson, who was so concerned by Moore's arrest that he requested
repeated lobbying of the Colombian government by the British embassy in
Bogota. It's no exaggeration to say that a major diplomatic incident could
easily have ensued.
Moore was kept under house arrest and although he was allowed to train to
maintain his fitness levels, he was constantly followed by armed police
guards. Within the high echelons of the football world, the accusations
against Moore were treated with more than a heavy dose of incredulity most
predictably perhaps by his manager Alf Ramsay.
But it was to be the Brazilian coaches proclamation of Moore's innocence
that arguably lent most weight particularly after he described a similar
incident that involved his team Botafogo. It's hard to believe that it got
to the stage that Moore was actually tried before a judge in Bogota, where a
re-enactment of the incident occurred but that's precisely what happened.
Needless to say, the case was thrown out due to the contradictory testimony
of the plaintiff. According to Jeff Dawson in his book 'Back Home: England
and the 1970 World Cup' (2002), cries of "Viva Bobby" could be heard from
the streets of Bogota.
Even harder to comprehend is the fact that the case wasn't formerly closed
until two years after the incident, following a hearing at Bow Street
Magistrates Court. Despite being cleared, the incident continued to dog
Moore, and it has been suggested it was a major reason why he was never
awarded a knighthood.
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WEST HAM DEFENDERS HALF TERM REPORT
By Iain Dale 31 Dec 2015 at 13:00
WTID
Adrian 8
Stormer of a season so far. Still makes me nervous at times but his shot
stopping is superb. Needs to do the simple things better sometimes. he must
surely be knocking on the door of the Spanish national team. He's become a
real crowd favourite and seems a thoroughly nice guy too.
Darren Randolph 7
Despite not playing much in the Premier League he has looked really good
whenever he's been called upon. In the three games he played when Adrian was
sent off he looked absolutely solid, and apart from one dodgy game in the
Europa League he did well when he played in that. Add that to his
performances for Ireland and he is a very able deputy indeed.
Aaron Cresswell 6
Compared to last season it's a bit after the Lord Mayor's show. Has had a
couple of dreadful games, including a shocker against Bournemouth. Has
improved of late and provided a couple of assists, but it's his defending
where the problems are.
Carl Jenkinson 4
A shadow the player he was last season and has deservedly lost his place to
James Tomkins. However, he is a much better attacker than James Tomkins will
ever be, but the stats don't lie. When Tomkins plays right back we don't
concede.
Winston Reid 7
If it weren't for his injuries Reid would be having a stormer of a season.
When he plays he often looks the best West Ham player on the pitch. Time
after time he saves the day. He always looks calm and collected and is
rarely fazed.
James Collins 8
He may not have played in the majority of games but since he has come back
into the team he's led by example. Time after time he heads the ball away.
In fact he's played so well that he's been rewarded with a two year contract
extension. Totally deserved.
James Tomkins 7
Tomkins is having a generally great and very consistent season. He's made
the odd mistake, but whether he's played at centreback alongside Reid or at
right back he's impressed with his tackling and distribution. Whenever he's
played at right back we haven't conceded a goal. Having said that, he's
certainly not an attacking right back and still seems to panic when he
crosses the half way line. I still think our best centre back pairing is
Reid & Tomkins, but it would be a cruel manager who took Collins out of the
first team at the moment.
Angelo Ogbonna 6
We haven't seen the best of Ogbonna yet, but he's improving all the time. He
had a difficult start and I think found the pace of the Premier League
difficult to cope with initially. And then he got injured and found it
difficult to get back into the team. But he's done well since he's returned
to the first eleven and I look forward to seeing more of him.
Reece Oxford 6
Hasn't really featured after his magnificent full debut against Arsenal and
a couple of matches afterwards. However, he's made a couple of substitute
appearances in the last week or two and if all goes well will soon become a
first team regular. It's incredible to think he has only just turned
seventeen. I'd love to think that in a couple of years' time we will see
Reece Burke and Reece Oxford as our first choice centre halves.
Reece Burke 8
Reece Burke has been loaned out to Bradford City where, by all accounts, he
has been extremely impressive. Many reckon he is their player of the season
so far. If his loan isn't extended I'd imagine he would make a few
appearances for the first team at Upton Park before the season ends.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st December 2015
From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Monday's win over Southampton...
A disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa was followed just two days later with an excellent victory over Southampton, ending a run of nine games without a win. The festive period was always going to be a tough one in East London, as Slaven Bilic has had to deal with losing his best players to injury; Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, the list goes on. Despite Villa being rock bottom when we travelled to them on Boxing Day, it was almost a case of 'they have to win eventually,' and the players were fired up to kick-start their survival hopes. Aaron Cresswell fired in a wonderful shot from the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of half time, but the home side could and should have been ahead. Cross after cross was sent in but Rudy Gestede was kept quiet by the brilliant Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. The target man got his way in the second half however, winning a penalty for his side that levelled the score, although there was more than an ounce of controversy about it.
As the Villa striker closed in on goal, he pulled Ogbonna back by his arm to get in front of him, before crashing to the ground under his presence, fooling the referee. Jordan Ayew calmly slotted home, spoiling our Christmas. 28 December was a different story altogether however, and West Ham played with confidence and class in the second half, after a clumsy and scrappy showing from both sides in the first 45.
Ronald Koeman's Southampton were coming off the back of a resounding 4-0 win over Arsenal on Boxing Day, so were expected to be a real force. Both sides had their chances in the opening half, but it was a fortunate own goal that gave the visitors the lead. After a long ball forward, Saido Mane flicked it on with a wonderful back heel volley, which was then crossed in and turned home by Carl Jenkinson, who was sliding in towards goal. The equaliser wasn't any less lucky, as Michail Antonio cut in before falling over and somehow looping the ball over the Saint's goalkeeper and into the net. Andy Carroll, back from injury and sporting a new hair style came off the bench and gave Hammers fans their first taste of victory since 24 October. Antonio crashed a header off the bar, before Carroll leapt up and nodded home, making it two comeback goals against Chelsea and now Southampton.
Next up for Mark Noble and Co. is a visit of Liverpool, with the Hammers winning 3-0 at Anfield, not that we need any reminding of that day. Dimitri Payet could be back in action and has a great chance to get a full 90 minutes the following week against Wolves in the FA Cup, and David Sullivan has already stated that he wants to win a trophy.
Things are starting to look up for Bilic's claret and blue army, with players returning from injury and goals being scored again. The last two months have been tough, but if the second half against Southampton is anything to go by, perhaps we can find the form we showed at the beginning of the season, once again.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Lanzini's all smiles again
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini is fighting fit once more and was all smiles after his return coincided with West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League win in nine. The Argentine, who was sidelined for little over three weeks with a thigh problem, joined Andy Carroll in leaping off the bench at half-time in Monday's success over Southampton. The pair were instrumental in the second-half resurgence that followed and Lanzini insists it won't be long before he is back to his very best. "I'm very happy on a personal level to come back from injury, which was what I wanted," he told West Ham TV. "Physically I felt alright, I felt fit. I need more playing time now but I felt very well. "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game because they were coming here with high expectations after beating Arsenal. "The first half wasn't very good for us but thankfully in the second half we got our game going and we turned it around."
While victory was all important, in whatever form it arrived, Lanzini was pleased as punch for the two goalscorers on the day. He continued: "It was a bit of a strange goal but he [Michail] deserved it. After the equaliser he gave us power and the will to keep going forward. "I'm very happy for the second goal because Andy means a lot to this Club. Mainly, we're all happy that we got back to winning ways because that's what the whole group wanted."
With Liverpool set to visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, Lanzini can cast his mind back to the Hammers' unforgettable 3-0 win at Anfield in August. The midfield maestro needed just three minutes on debut to open his West Ham account in front of the Kop and hopes to a complete a famous double at the weekend. "We're going to try and do well again against Liverpool – the main thing is that it goes well for the group because that's all that matters."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room update of 2015!
All of the medical and sports science team were delighted with the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday, for many reasons. First, of course we were happy to get the three points; Second, we were pleased to see Andy Carroll and Manu Lanzini return to the pitch and not suffer any reactions, while James Tomkins did well to play after suffering a blow to his eye at Aston Villa; Third, we got through without picking up any new injuries.
This time of year is very challenging for the medical and sports science departments, as it is for all backroom staff at every football club. We saw a lot of muscle injuries in the Premier League in the last few games, and we should question ourselves as to why we play twice in 48 hours.
With so many matches in a short space of time, we use a number of methods to help the players to recover for the next game with a quick turnaround, including physiotherapy, soft tissue treatments, recovery gym work, cryotherapy chambers, ice baths and the traditional methods of good food and plenty of rest and recovery time.
The medical and sports science team deserves credit in this final week of the year.
Payet's injury is one where you would normally be out for ten to 12 weeks, but he is training after seven-and-a-half weeks. Lanzini's injury would normally rule a player out for four to six weeks, but he was playing in three-and-a-half weeks.
On the other hand it's not always about bringing the players back as soon as possible, but assessing the risks. Some players are out for longer than planned because they are not ready, but if we play two games in three days, we all push it to the limit and give the manager the best possible cards to win the game.
We win, lose, get injured and rehab as a team.
Dimitri Payet has recovered from his high ankle sprain and has been training with the team. Dimi will be available to play some part against Liverpool on Saturday.
The same is the case for Nikica Jelavic and Aaron Cresswell, who both have a good chance to be available for the weekend.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid will join training later this week and are working with the rehab fitness coach to get the necessarily fitness under their belts. Diafra Sakho will return to Rush Green on Thursday and begin the next stage of his rehab.
Happy New Year!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
By Bobby Shovels 30 Dec 2015 at 19:00
WTID
Well, what a relief. A game of two halves has never been more apt of a description. For most of the first half against Southampton, it was painful and depressing to watch. There was no fight, no imagination. Long balls were hit to the miniature Enner Valencia, who valiantly tried to win a header, but with little if not no success. "West Ham as bad as anything under Allardyce," wrote The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg on Twitter. It was hard not to disagree.
Credit to Bilic for changing things up – it was the only way any attacking opportunities were to come about. One fan next to me said at half time, "I just don't see where the goals are going to come from." It is still somewhat of a worry that we lack so much midfield creativity when Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are out, as well as a concern that we have been so lacking on goals. Yes, we have countless injuries, but too often we get into good positions and don't have a shot at goal. Ultimately, after all these weeks of injuries, certain players should have used the opportunity of regular first-team action to make an impact – and to challenge the first-team positions of those currently out on the injury table.
Many have argued that the team has stepped up and responded with great fight. I would contend that, yes, the defence has kept its relative cohesion while missing Winston Reid, but the attacking zeal and midfield imagination has been non-existent. Of course, I don't think that's a necessarily bad thing: we are not the complete package or that strong in depth yet to compete with the big boys. That will come with time.
Before focusing on the theme of "making the most of your opportunities", I have great hope for the team once our injured players return – and there is a run of fixtures in February that look encouraging, with maximum points possible in that month. However, and I know I am one to be negative, but there is a weight of expectation being placed on the team once these players return that has to be checked. The first half against Southampton was absolutely dire and we won't replicate that again I am sure. But there have been countless performances throughout the month, even when we have all our players fit, when we have failed to beat the opposition: Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford. All those matches had Payet. And while he didn't play against Tottenham, Lanzini, Sakho, Reid, Moses were all there. There is a problem in relying on one player too much, as well as a huge amount of expectation on these players getting results once they come back. I hope they can make the impact we all hope they will – we are only nine points off the top!
Anyway, for me, the game against Southampton was about – as mentioned before – players taking the opportunity to impress Bilic and the fans with their ability and performances while other notable individuals are out injured. Antonion has done so, Zarate has not.
Take Zarate. I noted the back article on Monday's programme lauded Zarate and had a go at Sam Allardyce for his evident lack of confidence in the Argentine. But many of us have criticised his selfishness before and his performance against Southampton left a lot to be desired. Not just selfish but sloppy and one gets the impression that he is just not a team player, with many of the squad seemingly not enjoying his commitment or output. For me, Zarate is all about himself, which is fine, but West Ham doesn't do big egos. We are based on the way the team gels, on being greater than the sum of your parts. Yes, his goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Brom will live long in the memory, but he has had an amazing opportunity in recent weeks to be THE creative playmaker who can step up to the whole left by Payet and Lanzini. And yet he has failed to impress and make the last few games make him a strong contender for a first-team place even when the injured are back. I don't personally dislike Zarate and feel overall this season he has genuinely impressed. But he has failed to make an impact in recent weeks to make me confident of him as a player who can step up to the plate when demanded.
On the other hand, what a performance from Antonio; a dedication, speed and willingness to fight for every ball that made him the easiest choice for man of the match. Indeed, his speed is something to behold and a genuine gap in recent times has been our lack of pace – and he is such an exciting prospect in that regard. At the moment, with the numerous injuries, his ability to chase down seemingly lost causes and power his way through defences is something that gives our squad an excitement – and much needed outlet at a time when we are lacking creativity. Antonio has used these recent weeks to slowly build himself into a dedicated player that is using these games to get some much-needed Premier League experience, as well as making a strong impact. Rather than wasting his opportunity, like Zarate, he has utilised these matches to mature and deliver a message to Bilic and the fans: I am an exciting Premier League prospect.
With that positive note, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am, rightly or wrongly, criticised for my negativity and my ability to always give the squad a hard time. But, I assure you, it comes from the bottom of a heart that bleeds claret and blue and seeps of a desire for greatness. It has been wonderful to write regularly and to get feedback that is never horrible or ill-informed but is a debate among people who ultimately share one thing: a love of West Ham and a wish for us to reach higher heights. 2016 offers so much promise, not just the second half of the season but what happens beyond too. Thanks to my mother, I can witness 2016 in the warm embrace of a West Ham dressing gown.
Up the Irons and see you in 2016 for the next, exciting chapter for this wonderful club.
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Lanzini's brother trains with West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Manuel Lanzini has been joined by his brother Thomas at Rush Green. Older brother Tomas Lanzini, 24, has been checking out the facilities at West Ham's Rush Green training ground during a break in his season with Chile's Deportivo Nublense for whom he plays as a midfielder. They both rose through the ranks of Argentine club River Plate together as youngsters.
22 year Manuel posted photos of him and his older brother training at Rush Green on his instagram account.
Earlier today Al-Jazira CEO, Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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Lanzini price tag confirmed by parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News
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The chief executive of Lanzini's parent club says West Ham must pay ten million Euros to conclude a deal for their on loan player, CEO Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m." "If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official." The 22 year has scored four goals from 13 appearances this season on loan from his parent club Al-Jazira.
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Exclusive: Payet Liverpool plan revealed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive
ClaretandHugh has this morning been told exclusively that Dimi Payet is set to play for half an hour or so in the Saturday lunch time match against Liverpool. Payet – ruthlessly hacked down by a member of the other Merseyside team, James McCarthy – has made a faster than expected recovery and is set to parade his mesmerising skills as the New Year gets off to the best possible start for the Irons.
And we have also been told that both James Collins and Enner Valencia – who were reported to be limping as they left Upton Park after the Southampton victory – are both fine and available. Payet's recovery is the best New Years news possible and he is set to renew his partnership with Manu Lanzini who will be joining the Irons permanently in February or March according to chairman David Sullivan. And both Winston Reid and Victor Moses are reported on schedule to join training in early January. A senior source told us: "Dimitri is recovered and the plan at the moment is that he will play 30-45 minutes."
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Bilic Antonio 'block' pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan is relieved that Slaven Bilic put the block on Michail Antonio going anywhere on loan earlier in the season. ClaretandHugh had revealed several weeks ago that five clubs had approached the Irons looking for a loan deal involving the player but Bilic had knocked them all back. http://www.claretandhugh.info/five-clubs-chase-unhappy-antonio/ . Now Sullivan has gone on the record confirming the story and clearly believes it shows how highly the boss rates the £7 million signing from Nottingham Forest. Sullivan said: "Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago.
And thank goodness we didn't as we need him," he added.
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Hammers hero loves Lanzini effect
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Jurgen Klopp will get a first hand look at the player he allegedly wanted to sign in January at the Boleyn this weekend – Manuel Lanzini.
The little Argentinian – who appeared to such effect after the break against Southampton – was regularly linked with an Anfield move a few weeks ago and until very recently. As we reported at the time it was never going to happen and chairman David Sullivan announced on Monday that he would be completing the signing of the midfielder in February or March. The Hammers have bought out his contract from Al Jaziera and will add a further four years to the two still remaining as part of the deal which will make him one of our prize assets.
Former Hammers central defender Tony Gale is delighted telling ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's terrific to see a ball carrying midfielder who can make things happen in the team and I hope he and Payet – if he gets the expected call-up for Liverpool – help give us the double over them. " It was really good to see the lad back against Saints. I was commenting on the game for one of the TV channels and he clearly made so much difference. "This is as good a group of players as we've had at the club for a long time and when they are all back and firing it could lead to a fantastic finish to our season. In the meantime the double over Liverpool would be just perfect."
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'Galey': Happy New Year on the way!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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I can see very good times ahead for West Ham this New Year. With players returning more rapidly than anyone could have expected we are setting ourselves up for top finish to the season.
It's been a great campaign and I am so enjoying watching Slaven Bilic's men with all the credit going to the boss – he's given us the football West Ham fans expect to see and some of the greatest results ever.
If I'm honest I was a bit surprised at the set up in the first half against Saints – a match we really did have to win. An out of confidence right back in Jenkinson at left back and Alex Song playing too high and Kouyate holding at the back struck me as very odd.
But Slav got it right at half time and that result could turn things around in a big way with Lanzini and Payet ready to link up again against Liverpool on Saturday.
Lanzini is a smashing player and Payet has shown real brilliance. On Saturday we will see them easing their way back into things but we need to keep the expectations down.
However, I'm hearing comparisons made between those two and some of heroes of the past and that needs to stop.
They have only been here a short while and are going to have a big impact but at the moment we need to let them get back on their game and help us towards a big end of season.
Slaven has been impressive at every level. The football apart – which has been great at times – he's a top bloke with a very honest approach to everything. He brings integrity and always tells the truth. In that respect he reminds me very much of Bill Bonds.
The squad – as individuals – is as strong as any we have seen at Upton Park in a lot of years and can get better and better. I'm pretty excited at what I'm seeing.
With everybody fit we are spoiled for choice but here's my first team in those circumstances:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Antonio, Payet, Sakho
I wish you all a very happy New Year!
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Sullivan "I don't get any money out of football"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Joint Chairman David Sullivan has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the release of the second Krays film he financed as executive producer. Sullivan insists he makes no money out of football so needs to earn money from somewhere to pay footballers although he did have a smile on his face as he said it.
"It's like my hobby really, just like a little vanity project but I also have to make a living because I don't get any money out of football so somewhere I have to try to earn some money to pay the footballers." said Sullivan on producing the second Krays film.
Asked why he chose the subject of the Krays for his first film project Sullivan replied:
"I was around when they were around or just after them, they are East End boys, they not saints, this is the real story of the Krays. They were nasty, horrible, violent people and both the rise of the Krays and the fall which comes out in a couple of days says exactly the kind of people they were"
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Olympic Stadium Stewarding Update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Claret and Hugh understand that the stewarding company who will take over responsibility for match day stewards is struggling to recruit enough experienced West Ham stewards to fill the match day event roles for next season. West Ham stewards, some of which have worked for the club for over 20 years were asked to re-apply for their jobs with the guarantee of an interview with the new company.
Claret and Hugh understands that not enough of the current workforce have taken up this offer with some saying that some terms and conditions and flexibility has changed within the new roles when they move to the former Olympic Stadium. Stewards that Claret and Hugh have spoken say they understand that the new stewarding company will be present at the Liverpool home game on 2nd January to speak to them to encourage them to join, although they say they have received nothing in writing to confirm this will happen and it only word of mouth amongst the stewards.
When we asked the club for an official comment on the subject we were told that recruitment of stewards for next season is a matter for the LLDC and E20 Stadium LLP and not themselves so they couldn't comment.
LLDC and Newham council who own the Stadium have created a company called E20 Stadium LLP who have contracted French firm Vinci to operate the stadium who have in turn sub contracted the match day stewarding to the former cleaning company called OCS.
A spokesperson for the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park told Claret and Hugh:
"We are in the process of recruiting stewards and with eight months still to go until West Ham United play their first match at the Stadium we have no doubt that we will have all the stewards in place by then. This summer the Stadium has hosted several major events at which a full complement of stewards welcomed 500,000 spectators."
A West Ham club source added: "I did see some familiar faces when I was there for Rugby World Cup (which was well stewarded for 50k people) so some have definitely already started working there."
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Hammers step up summer deals programme
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham will spend January lining up targets and attempting to get deals in place for the summer.
Club insiders continue to insist that any dealings in the winter transfer window are highly unlikely as the club enters the second phase of the season.
Instead the manager is looking at scouting reports and has identified the positions and, in some cases players, he wants to try nailing into contracts in the summer.
ClaretandHugh was told by a high level source: "Our position as far as January is concerned is well known. We have players on the way back now and we have no need to be making serious moves in this winter.
"However, the hard work of attempting to get deals in place for next season is continuing. We'll be trying to tie up deals now for the summer and anything is still possible.
"Of all the deals we've done in January Demba Ba was the only really good signing. If and when we get all our players back we do not need anybody until the summer."
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Sullivan: 'Bilic asked for £30m transfer kitty'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan has told Sky Sports that Slaven Bilic asked for a £30m transfer kitty when he interviewed him for the West Ham Manager role four or five years ago before he appointed Avram Grant.
Sullivan told Sky "I interviewed Slaven (Bilic), four or five years ago and he wouldn't come unless we gave him £30m to spend at the time. He was my first choice four or five years ago and we saw three or four people before we appointed Avram (Grant)"
bilicsmiles"He was my first choice then so I remembered that, this time around it's common knowledge we tried to get a very high level of managers with vast experience and one of them went to Real Madrid, he had agreed everything with us and Real Madrid came in. We therefore went to the best of the rest and Slaven was the best of the rest"
"We were two hours away from appointing Rafa but Real Madrid came in, everything was agreed, we had an agreed contract, I am big believer that what ever happens, happens. He is a top manager despite what anyone says and I think he would have done a wonderful job for us. We tried Klopp as well, he said at the time, he wouldn't come as he needed a break. it's wrong to name people really, we aimed very, very high but I am glad with the manager we have got"
David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.
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DS: "We don't have a penny to spend on wages"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan has told Sky Sports News "Unless someone leaves the club who is on the wage bill at this moment and time we don't have a penny to spend on wages. We would only let fringe players go or if someone made an offer we couldn't refuse. We are not going to selling players for £10m or £20m, we are a non selling club."
On the possibility of Andy Caroll leaving West Ham, Sullivan said "Andy is doing a great job, he is part of the club and part of the team and I think it is very unlikely he would want to go anywhere. Realistically he has got a fiance and baby in this area, whether he would go back to Newcastle, to go to his home, I don't there is any club he would go to other then Newcastle. If Sunderland or another club offered him more money I don't think he would go there, he would have no interest in going there."
Looking to the Summer transfer window Sullivan added: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."
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'HANG IN THERE' AND KEEP ACCUMULATING THE POINTS - A VERY UN-WEST HAM WAY!
By S J Chandos 30 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Whilst others have tended to look on the down side of recent results, I do not share their pre-occupation with the negative. I must admit that I have been absolutely delighted at the way in which a depleted squad have applied themselves and continued accumulating the points. After the hugely disappointing 4-1 capitulation at White Hart Lane, and the subsequent loss of further of a number of key attacking players, it would not have been unreasonable to have feared the worst for a bad run of defeats. Yet, that did not happen, quite the opposite, the squad dug in and delivered five consecutive draws. Yes, the quality of the performances were viable, ranging from a superb performance at Old Trafford to diametrically opposed ineffective display at Villa. But regardless of how well or badly they played they delivered the point on each occasion. For me that is significant and very unlike the 'West Ham Way' of going about things.
When we lost Payet to injury, I wrote that squad needed to apply itself and keep accumulating the points until his projected February return date. That way we would stay in the 'top six' frame and facilitate a strong finish to the season. Converting one or two draws in to victories (ie, vs WBA and Man United) would have been ideal, but regardless, the squad have stepped up and kept us in the frame with an unprecedented series of drawn results. Indeed, previous West Ham squads would have crumbled after losing so many key players, but not this time. This time, players like Collins, Tomkins, Antonio and Zarate stepped up to the plate and been instrumental in avoiding defeat and keeping the forward momentum going.
I always think that it is funny the way that the football media present everything in the worst possible light. Prior to the victory over Southampton, no article on the Hammers was complete without reference to the club's 8 match 'winless run.' Yet, they could just as legitimately referred have referenced West Ham's 'five match unbeaten run' (from the Spurs loss), but that would not have put the required negative, 'crisis,' spin on the situation! Regardless, we have been through a challenging situation and dealt with it admirably. Slaven Bilic and the squad are to be commended for the way in which they have navigated such rough waters and come through.
As I have stated, the recent performances have varied in quality. We should have easily beaten Manchester United and could also have suffered heavy defeats at Swansea and Villa. However, on both of the latter occasions, the squad dug in (rode their luck) and come away with the point. Even against Southampton, we could have easily been buried in the first half, but it did not happen and we turned the match around with a committed second half performance. Can we ask anything more of such a depleted side, other than expect their application and commitment to the cause. I think we have had that over recent weeks and it makes me proud of this squad and hopeful that Bilic's West Ham may well lose its soft under belly and reputation for inconsistency. We live in hope!
We have hung in there and the top six remains in clear striking distance. With Lanzini back, Payet nearly ready to return and Sakho back in February, there is every reason to believe that the momentum will soon swing back to us. If it does happen, and we make a strong top six finish, come May, we will naturally think about those brilliant victories against Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea. However, we should also give thanks to the tenacity and application shown in amassing those five points in the WBA to Villa sequence of matches. We will be able to look back, with justifiable pride, and conclude that was when we saved our season!
So, next up is Liverpool at Upton Park on Saturday. Liverpool, under Klopp, have been fairly inconsistent in their results so far. We certainly should not fear them and should expect to complete the double over them. It has all the ingredients of a classic match and I am looking for a narrow 2-1 win. There is also a chance that the match could see Payet named on the bench and making an early return to action. Now, that is something to celebrate!
Finally, I would like to wish all WHTID readers/contributors a very happy new year. 2016 could very well be the year in which everything changes for the better for the club. If it is, no set of fans deserves it more than the wonderful, loyal and committed Hammers support.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham eyeing return for £23m Serie A hitman
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham preparing to return for Juventus striker Simone Zaza in January, according to the Brentwood Gazette. The Hammers came close to bringing the Italian to east London in the summer but a deal fell through at the last minute after Juve decided to pull the plug on a season long loan deal worth £1.4m with an £11.5m option to buy. However, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic remains a huge admirer of the striker and is reportedly weighing up a move for the striker in January. Zaza's playing time at Juve has been limited this season and Brentwood Gazette claim he might be open to a loan move when the transfer window reopens next month, although they do say Zaza would prefer to stay in Serie A. However, the report claims West Ham will still try and convince him to move to the Premier League in January as they look to bolster their attacking options following a number of crippling injuries in recent months. Simone Zaza is valued at £7.7m by transfermarkt.co.uk, but the report says West Ham are lining up a £23m bid for his services.
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West Ham star thanks fans for loyal support in 2015
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
It's been a funny ol' year, hasn't it? The first half was terrible, but we've ended it very well and have a lot to look forward to. Much like 2014, right? One thing we've had to do is stick by the club throughout all the disappointment, mental injury crisis' and awful performances. The good times probably outweigh the bad, but during the bad it takes a lot for a football fan to continue parting with their hard earned cash to continue watching rubbish. As West Ham fans, we've had to do a lot of that over the years. But we still do it. Although recently it's been a pleasure. And one significant fan of West Ham has taken to Twitter to thank the rest of us for spending our hard earned money on the club over the festive period and throughout 2015. That fan is indeed our skipper, Mark Noble. He also labelled our win over Southampton as the biggest of the season so far, which is difficult to argue with given the run of form we were in…
MARK NOBLE ✔ @Noble16Mark
Team sprit and hard work, biggest win of the season so far, thank you for all the money you have spent over Christmas to support us!! #MN16
9:20 AM - 30 Dec 2015
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West Ham in the race for £18m Brazilian wonderkid
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham are one of four clubs currently targeting a move for Benfica forward Anderson Talisca, according to reports in Brazil. Brazilian website, O Dia, claim West Ham have been keeping close tabs on the Brazil U23 star, who has struggled for form this year having scored just two goals in 29 appearances. However, he rose to prominence in Portugal when he first signed for the club after scoring nine goals in his first 13 outings. That form alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who the Daily Mirror reported were considering activating his £18m release clause last year. However, after struggling for form this season, Benfica are reportedly willing to allow the 21-year-old to leave on loan in January, with West Ham supposedly interested in bringing him to east London until the end of the season. Talisca has previously been dubbed the 'next Rivaldo' and is undoubtedly going to have more suiters as the transfer window progresses. But West Ham are reportedly well in the mix for his signature, alongside Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Corinthians.
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Michail Antonio focused on kick-starting West Ham career after winger forgives David Gold for case of mistaken identity
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:29, 30 December 2015 | UPDATED: 15:40, 30 December 2015
West Ham winger Michail Antonio has forgiven David Gold for mistaking him for a 'missing person' last month. The West Ham co-owner infamously retweeted an appeal for a 'missing person' in November before realising it was his own £7million signing. Antonio had barely featured in his first three months at the club after joining from Nottingham Forest, but has started each of the past four games because of injuries and scored a freak equaliser in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday. The 25-year-old has frequently been reminded of Gold's gaffe by team-mates but is convinced his first goal for the club will spark a successful run. He said: 'I see it as banter and, if I am honest, for the first three months I was a missing person. I was sat on the bench, not playing.' He added: 'It was important to open my account in any way possible – this time the ball was smashed against my forehead by the defender and lobbed the goalkeeper. But I will take a bit of pain for a goal. I had played the previous few games and not got a goal but now I have. 'Normally with me when I open my account I get a couple more so let's see how it goes now. We play Liverpool Saturday so hopefully I can keep it going.' Andy Carroll returned from his groin injury on Monday and ultimately scored the second-half header which ended West Ham's eight-game winless run.
Antonio said: 'He is one person we are confident if he is on the pitch that he will get goals. Everyone has bad luck with injuries, like Jack Wilshere now – he is in and out, in and out. 'I had a bad run three years ago where I had three in a season. Everyone goes through a time where they have injuries and niggles but you always come out in the end and I feel AC might be coming out of it now.'
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Manuel Lanzini to seal permanent West Ham switch for £7.4m, says Al-Jazira chief executive
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, December 30, 2015
West Ham WILL buy on-loan Manuel Lanzini for just £7.4million, according to the chief executive of his parent club Al-Jazira. Lanzini has been one of the stars of Slaven Bilic's new-look Hammers since arriving on a season-long loan from the UAE Pro League side in the summer.
The 22-year-old has scored four Premier League goals in 13 appearances and talk has already turned to making his move permanent. And now Al-Jazira chief executive Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee of £7.4m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National: "If they decide before April 30 to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. "If they pay it we will take it. "There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it. "His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Monday's win over Southampton...
A disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa was followed just two days later with an excellent victory over Southampton, ending a run of nine games without a win. The festive period was always going to be a tough one in East London, as Slaven Bilic has had to deal with losing his best players to injury; Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, the list goes on. Despite Villa being rock bottom when we travelled to them on Boxing Day, it was almost a case of 'they have to win eventually,' and the players were fired up to kick-start their survival hopes. Aaron Cresswell fired in a wonderful shot from the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of half time, but the home side could and should have been ahead. Cross after cross was sent in but Rudy Gestede was kept quiet by the brilliant Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. The target man got his way in the second half however, winning a penalty for his side that levelled the score, although there was more than an ounce of controversy about it.
As the Villa striker closed in on goal, he pulled Ogbonna back by his arm to get in front of him, before crashing to the ground under his presence, fooling the referee. Jordan Ayew calmly slotted home, spoiling our Christmas. 28 December was a different story altogether however, and West Ham played with confidence and class in the second half, after a clumsy and scrappy showing from both sides in the first 45.
Ronald Koeman's Southampton were coming off the back of a resounding 4-0 win over Arsenal on Boxing Day, so were expected to be a real force. Both sides had their chances in the opening half, but it was a fortunate own goal that gave the visitors the lead. After a long ball forward, Saido Mane flicked it on with a wonderful back heel volley, which was then crossed in and turned home by Carl Jenkinson, who was sliding in towards goal. The equaliser wasn't any less lucky, as Michail Antonio cut in before falling over and somehow looping the ball over the Saint's goalkeeper and into the net. Andy Carroll, back from injury and sporting a new hair style came off the bench and gave Hammers fans their first taste of victory since 24 October. Antonio crashed a header off the bar, before Carroll leapt up and nodded home, making it two comeback goals against Chelsea and now Southampton.
Next up for Mark Noble and Co. is a visit of Liverpool, with the Hammers winning 3-0 at Anfield, not that we need any reminding of that day. Dimitri Payet could be back in action and has a great chance to get a full 90 minutes the following week against Wolves in the FA Cup, and David Sullivan has already stated that he wants to win a trophy.
Things are starting to look up for Bilic's claret and blue army, with players returning from injury and goals being scored again. The last two months have been tough, but if the second half against Southampton is anything to go by, perhaps we can find the form we showed at the beginning of the season, once again.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Lanzini's all smiles again
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini is fighting fit once more and was all smiles after his return coincided with West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League win in nine. The Argentine, who was sidelined for little over three weeks with a thigh problem, joined Andy Carroll in leaping off the bench at half-time in Monday's success over Southampton. The pair were instrumental in the second-half resurgence that followed and Lanzini insists it won't be long before he is back to his very best. "I'm very happy on a personal level to come back from injury, which was what I wanted," he told West Ham TV. "Physically I felt alright, I felt fit. I need more playing time now but I felt very well. "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game because they were coming here with high expectations after beating Arsenal. "The first half wasn't very good for us but thankfully in the second half we got our game going and we turned it around."
While victory was all important, in whatever form it arrived, Lanzini was pleased as punch for the two goalscorers on the day. He continued: "It was a bit of a strange goal but he [Michail] deserved it. After the equaliser he gave us power and the will to keep going forward. "I'm very happy for the second goal because Andy means a lot to this Club. Mainly, we're all happy that we got back to winning ways because that's what the whole group wanted."
With Liverpool set to visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, Lanzini can cast his mind back to the Hammers' unforgettable 3-0 win at Anfield in August. The midfield maestro needed just three minutes on debut to open his West Ham account in front of the Kop and hopes to a complete a famous double at the weekend. "We're going to try and do well again against Liverpool – the main thing is that it goes well for the group because that's all that matters."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room update of 2015!
All of the medical and sports science team were delighted with the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday, for many reasons. First, of course we were happy to get the three points; Second, we were pleased to see Andy Carroll and Manu Lanzini return to the pitch and not suffer any reactions, while James Tomkins did well to play after suffering a blow to his eye at Aston Villa; Third, we got through without picking up any new injuries.
This time of year is very challenging for the medical and sports science departments, as it is for all backroom staff at every football club. We saw a lot of muscle injuries in the Premier League in the last few games, and we should question ourselves as to why we play twice in 48 hours.
With so many matches in a short space of time, we use a number of methods to help the players to recover for the next game with a quick turnaround, including physiotherapy, soft tissue treatments, recovery gym work, cryotherapy chambers, ice baths and the traditional methods of good food and plenty of rest and recovery time.
The medical and sports science team deserves credit in this final week of the year.
Payet's injury is one where you would normally be out for ten to 12 weeks, but he is training after seven-and-a-half weeks. Lanzini's injury would normally rule a player out for four to six weeks, but he was playing in three-and-a-half weeks.
On the other hand it's not always about bringing the players back as soon as possible, but assessing the risks. Some players are out for longer than planned because they are not ready, but if we play two games in three days, we all push it to the limit and give the manager the best possible cards to win the game.
We win, lose, get injured and rehab as a team.
Dimitri Payet has recovered from his high ankle sprain and has been training with the team. Dimi will be available to play some part against Liverpool on Saturday.
The same is the case for Nikica Jelavic and Aaron Cresswell, who both have a good chance to be available for the weekend.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid will join training later this week and are working with the rehab fitness coach to get the necessarily fitness under their belts. Diafra Sakho will return to Rush Green on Thursday and begin the next stage of his rehab.
Happy New Year!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
By Bobby Shovels 30 Dec 2015 at 19:00
WTID
Well, what a relief. A game of two halves has never been more apt of a description. For most of the first half against Southampton, it was painful and depressing to watch. There was no fight, no imagination. Long balls were hit to the miniature Enner Valencia, who valiantly tried to win a header, but with little if not no success. "West Ham as bad as anything under Allardyce," wrote The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg on Twitter. It was hard not to disagree.
Credit to Bilic for changing things up – it was the only way any attacking opportunities were to come about. One fan next to me said at half time, "I just don't see where the goals are going to come from." It is still somewhat of a worry that we lack so much midfield creativity when Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are out, as well as a concern that we have been so lacking on goals. Yes, we have countless injuries, but too often we get into good positions and don't have a shot at goal. Ultimately, after all these weeks of injuries, certain players should have used the opportunity of regular first-team action to make an impact – and to challenge the first-team positions of those currently out on the injury table.
Many have argued that the team has stepped up and responded with great fight. I would contend that, yes, the defence has kept its relative cohesion while missing Winston Reid, but the attacking zeal and midfield imagination has been non-existent. Of course, I don't think that's a necessarily bad thing: we are not the complete package or that strong in depth yet to compete with the big boys. That will come with time.
Before focusing on the theme of "making the most of your opportunities", I have great hope for the team once our injured players return – and there is a run of fixtures in February that look encouraging, with maximum points possible in that month. However, and I know I am one to be negative, but there is a weight of expectation being placed on the team once these players return that has to be checked. The first half against Southampton was absolutely dire and we won't replicate that again I am sure. But there have been countless performances throughout the month, even when we have all our players fit, when we have failed to beat the opposition: Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford. All those matches had Payet. And while he didn't play against Tottenham, Lanzini, Sakho, Reid, Moses were all there. There is a problem in relying on one player too much, as well as a huge amount of expectation on these players getting results once they come back. I hope they can make the impact we all hope they will – we are only nine points off the top!
Anyway, for me, the game against Southampton was about – as mentioned before – players taking the opportunity to impress Bilic and the fans with their ability and performances while other notable individuals are out injured. Antonion has done so, Zarate has not.
Take Zarate. I noted the back article on Monday's programme lauded Zarate and had a go at Sam Allardyce for his evident lack of confidence in the Argentine. But many of us have criticised his selfishness before and his performance against Southampton left a lot to be desired. Not just selfish but sloppy and one gets the impression that he is just not a team player, with many of the squad seemingly not enjoying his commitment or output. For me, Zarate is all about himself, which is fine, but West Ham doesn't do big egos. We are based on the way the team gels, on being greater than the sum of your parts. Yes, his goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Brom will live long in the memory, but he has had an amazing opportunity in recent weeks to be THE creative playmaker who can step up to the whole left by Payet and Lanzini. And yet he has failed to impress and make the last few games make him a strong contender for a first-team place even when the injured are back. I don't personally dislike Zarate and feel overall this season he has genuinely impressed. But he has failed to make an impact in recent weeks to make me confident of him as a player who can step up to the plate when demanded.
On the other hand, what a performance from Antonio; a dedication, speed and willingness to fight for every ball that made him the easiest choice for man of the match. Indeed, his speed is something to behold and a genuine gap in recent times has been our lack of pace – and he is such an exciting prospect in that regard. At the moment, with the numerous injuries, his ability to chase down seemingly lost causes and power his way through defences is something that gives our squad an excitement – and much needed outlet at a time when we are lacking creativity. Antonio has used these recent weeks to slowly build himself into a dedicated player that is using these games to get some much-needed Premier League experience, as well as making a strong impact. Rather than wasting his opportunity, like Zarate, he has utilised these matches to mature and deliver a message to Bilic and the fans: I am an exciting Premier League prospect.
With that positive note, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am, rightly or wrongly, criticised for my negativity and my ability to always give the squad a hard time. But, I assure you, it comes from the bottom of a heart that bleeds claret and blue and seeps of a desire for greatness. It has been wonderful to write regularly and to get feedback that is never horrible or ill-informed but is a debate among people who ultimately share one thing: a love of West Ham and a wish for us to reach higher heights. 2016 offers so much promise, not just the second half of the season but what happens beyond too. Thanks to my mother, I can witness 2016 in the warm embrace of a West Ham dressing gown.
Up the Irons and see you in 2016 for the next, exciting chapter for this wonderful club.
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Lanzini's brother trains with West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Manuel Lanzini has been joined by his brother Thomas at Rush Green. Older brother Tomas Lanzini, 24, has been checking out the facilities at West Ham's Rush Green training ground during a break in his season with Chile's Deportivo Nublense for whom he plays as a midfielder. They both rose through the ranks of Argentine club River Plate together as youngsters.
22 year Manuel posted photos of him and his older brother training at Rush Green on his instagram account.
Earlier today Al-Jazira CEO, Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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Lanzini price tag confirmed by parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News
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The chief executive of Lanzini's parent club says West Ham must pay ten million Euros to conclude a deal for their on loan player, CEO Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m." "If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official." The 22 year has scored four goals from 13 appearances this season on loan from his parent club Al-Jazira.
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Exclusive: Payet Liverpool plan revealed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive
ClaretandHugh has this morning been told exclusively that Dimi Payet is set to play for half an hour or so in the Saturday lunch time match against Liverpool. Payet – ruthlessly hacked down by a member of the other Merseyside team, James McCarthy – has made a faster than expected recovery and is set to parade his mesmerising skills as the New Year gets off to the best possible start for the Irons.
And we have also been told that both James Collins and Enner Valencia – who were reported to be limping as they left Upton Park after the Southampton victory – are both fine and available. Payet's recovery is the best New Years news possible and he is set to renew his partnership with Manu Lanzini who will be joining the Irons permanently in February or March according to chairman David Sullivan. And both Winston Reid and Victor Moses are reported on schedule to join training in early January. A senior source told us: "Dimitri is recovered and the plan at the moment is that he will play 30-45 minutes."
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Bilic Antonio 'block' pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan is relieved that Slaven Bilic put the block on Michail Antonio going anywhere on loan earlier in the season. ClaretandHugh had revealed several weeks ago that five clubs had approached the Irons looking for a loan deal involving the player but Bilic had knocked them all back. http://www.claretandhugh.info/five-clubs-chase-unhappy-antonio/ . Now Sullivan has gone on the record confirming the story and clearly believes it shows how highly the boss rates the £7 million signing from Nottingham Forest. Sullivan said: "Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago.
And thank goodness we didn't as we need him," he added.
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Hammers hero loves Lanzini effect
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Jurgen Klopp will get a first hand look at the player he allegedly wanted to sign in January at the Boleyn this weekend – Manuel Lanzini.
The little Argentinian – who appeared to such effect after the break against Southampton – was regularly linked with an Anfield move a few weeks ago and until very recently. As we reported at the time it was never going to happen and chairman David Sullivan announced on Monday that he would be completing the signing of the midfielder in February or March. The Hammers have bought out his contract from Al Jaziera and will add a further four years to the two still remaining as part of the deal which will make him one of our prize assets.
Former Hammers central defender Tony Gale is delighted telling ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's terrific to see a ball carrying midfielder who can make things happen in the team and I hope he and Payet – if he gets the expected call-up for Liverpool – help give us the double over them. " It was really good to see the lad back against Saints. I was commenting on the game for one of the TV channels and he clearly made so much difference. "This is as good a group of players as we've had at the club for a long time and when they are all back and firing it could lead to a fantastic finish to our season. In the meantime the double over Liverpool would be just perfect."
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'Galey': Happy New Year on the way!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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I can see very good times ahead for West Ham this New Year. With players returning more rapidly than anyone could have expected we are setting ourselves up for top finish to the season.
It's been a great campaign and I am so enjoying watching Slaven Bilic's men with all the credit going to the boss – he's given us the football West Ham fans expect to see and some of the greatest results ever.
If I'm honest I was a bit surprised at the set up in the first half against Saints – a match we really did have to win. An out of confidence right back in Jenkinson at left back and Alex Song playing too high and Kouyate holding at the back struck me as very odd.
But Slav got it right at half time and that result could turn things around in a big way with Lanzini and Payet ready to link up again against Liverpool on Saturday.
Lanzini is a smashing player and Payet has shown real brilliance. On Saturday we will see them easing their way back into things but we need to keep the expectations down.
However, I'm hearing comparisons made between those two and some of heroes of the past and that needs to stop.
They have only been here a short while and are going to have a big impact but at the moment we need to let them get back on their game and help us towards a big end of season.
Slaven has been impressive at every level. The football apart – which has been great at times – he's a top bloke with a very honest approach to everything. He brings integrity and always tells the truth. In that respect he reminds me very much of Bill Bonds.
The squad – as individuals – is as strong as any we have seen at Upton Park in a lot of years and can get better and better. I'm pretty excited at what I'm seeing.
With everybody fit we are spoiled for choice but here's my first team in those circumstances:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Antonio, Payet, Sakho
I wish you all a very happy New Year!
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Sullivan "I don't get any money out of football"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Joint Chairman David Sullivan has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the release of the second Krays film he financed as executive producer. Sullivan insists he makes no money out of football so needs to earn money from somewhere to pay footballers although he did have a smile on his face as he said it.
"It's like my hobby really, just like a little vanity project but I also have to make a living because I don't get any money out of football so somewhere I have to try to earn some money to pay the footballers." said Sullivan on producing the second Krays film.
Asked why he chose the subject of the Krays for his first film project Sullivan replied:
"I was around when they were around or just after them, they are East End boys, they not saints, this is the real story of the Krays. They were nasty, horrible, violent people and both the rise of the Krays and the fall which comes out in a couple of days says exactly the kind of people they were"
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Olympic Stadium Stewarding Update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Claret and Hugh understand that the stewarding company who will take over responsibility for match day stewards is struggling to recruit enough experienced West Ham stewards to fill the match day event roles for next season. West Ham stewards, some of which have worked for the club for over 20 years were asked to re-apply for their jobs with the guarantee of an interview with the new company.
Claret and Hugh understands that not enough of the current workforce have taken up this offer with some saying that some terms and conditions and flexibility has changed within the new roles when they move to the former Olympic Stadium. Stewards that Claret and Hugh have spoken say they understand that the new stewarding company will be present at the Liverpool home game on 2nd January to speak to them to encourage them to join, although they say they have received nothing in writing to confirm this will happen and it only word of mouth amongst the stewards.
When we asked the club for an official comment on the subject we were told that recruitment of stewards for next season is a matter for the LLDC and E20 Stadium LLP and not themselves so they couldn't comment.
LLDC and Newham council who own the Stadium have created a company called E20 Stadium LLP who have contracted French firm Vinci to operate the stadium who have in turn sub contracted the match day stewarding to the former cleaning company called OCS.
A spokesperson for the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park told Claret and Hugh:
"We are in the process of recruiting stewards and with eight months still to go until West Ham United play their first match at the Stadium we have no doubt that we will have all the stewards in place by then. This summer the Stadium has hosted several major events at which a full complement of stewards welcomed 500,000 spectators."
A West Ham club source added: "I did see some familiar faces when I was there for Rugby World Cup (which was well stewarded for 50k people) so some have definitely already started working there."
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Hammers step up summer deals programme
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham will spend January lining up targets and attempting to get deals in place for the summer.
Club insiders continue to insist that any dealings in the winter transfer window are highly unlikely as the club enters the second phase of the season.
Instead the manager is looking at scouting reports and has identified the positions and, in some cases players, he wants to try nailing into contracts in the summer.
ClaretandHugh was told by a high level source: "Our position as far as January is concerned is well known. We have players on the way back now and we have no need to be making serious moves in this winter.
"However, the hard work of attempting to get deals in place for next season is continuing. We'll be trying to tie up deals now for the summer and anything is still possible.
"Of all the deals we've done in January Demba Ba was the only really good signing. If and when we get all our players back we do not need anybody until the summer."
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Sullivan: 'Bilic asked for £30m transfer kitty'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan has told Sky Sports that Slaven Bilic asked for a £30m transfer kitty when he interviewed him for the West Ham Manager role four or five years ago before he appointed Avram Grant.
Sullivan told Sky "I interviewed Slaven (Bilic), four or five years ago and he wouldn't come unless we gave him £30m to spend at the time. He was my first choice four or five years ago and we saw three or four people before we appointed Avram (Grant)"
bilicsmiles"He was my first choice then so I remembered that, this time around it's common knowledge we tried to get a very high level of managers with vast experience and one of them went to Real Madrid, he had agreed everything with us and Real Madrid came in. We therefore went to the best of the rest and Slaven was the best of the rest"
"We were two hours away from appointing Rafa but Real Madrid came in, everything was agreed, we had an agreed contract, I am big believer that what ever happens, happens. He is a top manager despite what anyone says and I think he would have done a wonderful job for us. We tried Klopp as well, he said at the time, he wouldn't come as he needed a break. it's wrong to name people really, we aimed very, very high but I am glad with the manager we have got"
David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.
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DS: "We don't have a penny to spend on wages"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan has told Sky Sports News "Unless someone leaves the club who is on the wage bill at this moment and time we don't have a penny to spend on wages. We would only let fringe players go or if someone made an offer we couldn't refuse. We are not going to selling players for £10m or £20m, we are a non selling club."
On the possibility of Andy Caroll leaving West Ham, Sullivan said "Andy is doing a great job, he is part of the club and part of the team and I think it is very unlikely he would want to go anywhere. Realistically he has got a fiance and baby in this area, whether he would go back to Newcastle, to go to his home, I don't there is any club he would go to other then Newcastle. If Sunderland or another club offered him more money I don't think he would go there, he would have no interest in going there."
Looking to the Summer transfer window Sullivan added: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."
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'HANG IN THERE' AND KEEP ACCUMULATING THE POINTS - A VERY UN-WEST HAM WAY!
By S J Chandos 30 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Whilst others have tended to look on the down side of recent results, I do not share their pre-occupation with the negative. I must admit that I have been absolutely delighted at the way in which a depleted squad have applied themselves and continued accumulating the points. After the hugely disappointing 4-1 capitulation at White Hart Lane, and the subsequent loss of further of a number of key attacking players, it would not have been unreasonable to have feared the worst for a bad run of defeats. Yet, that did not happen, quite the opposite, the squad dug in and delivered five consecutive draws. Yes, the quality of the performances were viable, ranging from a superb performance at Old Trafford to diametrically opposed ineffective display at Villa. But regardless of how well or badly they played they delivered the point on each occasion. For me that is significant and very unlike the 'West Ham Way' of going about things.
When we lost Payet to injury, I wrote that squad needed to apply itself and keep accumulating the points until his projected February return date. That way we would stay in the 'top six' frame and facilitate a strong finish to the season. Converting one or two draws in to victories (ie, vs WBA and Man United) would have been ideal, but regardless, the squad have stepped up and kept us in the frame with an unprecedented series of drawn results. Indeed, previous West Ham squads would have crumbled after losing so many key players, but not this time. This time, players like Collins, Tomkins, Antonio and Zarate stepped up to the plate and been instrumental in avoiding defeat and keeping the forward momentum going.
I always think that it is funny the way that the football media present everything in the worst possible light. Prior to the victory over Southampton, no article on the Hammers was complete without reference to the club's 8 match 'winless run.' Yet, they could just as legitimately referred have referenced West Ham's 'five match unbeaten run' (from the Spurs loss), but that would not have put the required negative, 'crisis,' spin on the situation! Regardless, we have been through a challenging situation and dealt with it admirably. Slaven Bilic and the squad are to be commended for the way in which they have navigated such rough waters and come through.
As I have stated, the recent performances have varied in quality. We should have easily beaten Manchester United and could also have suffered heavy defeats at Swansea and Villa. However, on both of the latter occasions, the squad dug in (rode their luck) and come away with the point. Even against Southampton, we could have easily been buried in the first half, but it did not happen and we turned the match around with a committed second half performance. Can we ask anything more of such a depleted side, other than expect their application and commitment to the cause. I think we have had that over recent weeks and it makes me proud of this squad and hopeful that Bilic's West Ham may well lose its soft under belly and reputation for inconsistency. We live in hope!
We have hung in there and the top six remains in clear striking distance. With Lanzini back, Payet nearly ready to return and Sakho back in February, there is every reason to believe that the momentum will soon swing back to us. If it does happen, and we make a strong top six finish, come May, we will naturally think about those brilliant victories against Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea. However, we should also give thanks to the tenacity and application shown in amassing those five points in the WBA to Villa sequence of matches. We will be able to look back, with justifiable pride, and conclude that was when we saved our season!
So, next up is Liverpool at Upton Park on Saturday. Liverpool, under Klopp, have been fairly inconsistent in their results so far. We certainly should not fear them and should expect to complete the double over them. It has all the ingredients of a classic match and I am looking for a narrow 2-1 win. There is also a chance that the match could see Payet named on the bench and making an early return to action. Now, that is something to celebrate!
Finally, I would like to wish all WHTID readers/contributors a very happy new year. 2016 could very well be the year in which everything changes for the better for the club. If it is, no set of fans deserves it more than the wonderful, loyal and committed Hammers support.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham eyeing return for £23m Serie A hitman
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham preparing to return for Juventus striker Simone Zaza in January, according to the Brentwood Gazette. The Hammers came close to bringing the Italian to east London in the summer but a deal fell through at the last minute after Juve decided to pull the plug on a season long loan deal worth £1.4m with an £11.5m option to buy. However, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic remains a huge admirer of the striker and is reportedly weighing up a move for the striker in January. Zaza's playing time at Juve has been limited this season and Brentwood Gazette claim he might be open to a loan move when the transfer window reopens next month, although they do say Zaza would prefer to stay in Serie A. However, the report claims West Ham will still try and convince him to move to the Premier League in January as they look to bolster their attacking options following a number of crippling injuries in recent months. Simone Zaza is valued at £7.7m by transfermarkt.co.uk, but the report says West Ham are lining up a £23m bid for his services.
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West Ham star thanks fans for loyal support in 2015
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
It's been a funny ol' year, hasn't it? The first half was terrible, but we've ended it very well and have a lot to look forward to. Much like 2014, right? One thing we've had to do is stick by the club throughout all the disappointment, mental injury crisis' and awful performances. The good times probably outweigh the bad, but during the bad it takes a lot for a football fan to continue parting with their hard earned cash to continue watching rubbish. As West Ham fans, we've had to do a lot of that over the years. But we still do it. Although recently it's been a pleasure. And one significant fan of West Ham has taken to Twitter to thank the rest of us for spending our hard earned money on the club over the festive period and throughout 2015. That fan is indeed our skipper, Mark Noble. He also labelled our win over Southampton as the biggest of the season so far, which is difficult to argue with given the run of form we were in…
MARK NOBLE ✔ @Noble16Mark
Team sprit and hard work, biggest win of the season so far, thank you for all the money you have spent over Christmas to support us!! #MN16
9:20 AM - 30 Dec 2015
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West Ham in the race for £18m Brazilian wonderkid
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham are one of four clubs currently targeting a move for Benfica forward Anderson Talisca, according to reports in Brazil. Brazilian website, O Dia, claim West Ham have been keeping close tabs on the Brazil U23 star, who has struggled for form this year having scored just two goals in 29 appearances. However, he rose to prominence in Portugal when he first signed for the club after scoring nine goals in his first 13 outings. That form alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who the Daily Mirror reported were considering activating his £18m release clause last year. However, after struggling for form this season, Benfica are reportedly willing to allow the 21-year-old to leave on loan in January, with West Ham supposedly interested in bringing him to east London until the end of the season. Talisca has previously been dubbed the 'next Rivaldo' and is undoubtedly going to have more suiters as the transfer window progresses. But West Ham are reportedly well in the mix for his signature, alongside Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Corinthians.
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Michail Antonio focused on kick-starting West Ham career after winger forgives David Gold for case of mistaken identity
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:29, 30 December 2015 | UPDATED: 15:40, 30 December 2015
West Ham winger Michail Antonio has forgiven David Gold for mistaking him for a 'missing person' last month. The West Ham co-owner infamously retweeted an appeal for a 'missing person' in November before realising it was his own £7million signing. Antonio had barely featured in his first three months at the club after joining from Nottingham Forest, but has started each of the past four games because of injuries and scored a freak equaliser in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday. The 25-year-old has frequently been reminded of Gold's gaffe by team-mates but is convinced his first goal for the club will spark a successful run. He said: 'I see it as banter and, if I am honest, for the first three months I was a missing person. I was sat on the bench, not playing.' He added: 'It was important to open my account in any way possible – this time the ball was smashed against my forehead by the defender and lobbed the goalkeeper. But I will take a bit of pain for a goal. I had played the previous few games and not got a goal but now I have. 'Normally with me when I open my account I get a couple more so let's see how it goes now. We play Liverpool Saturday so hopefully I can keep it going.' Andy Carroll returned from his groin injury on Monday and ultimately scored the second-half header which ended West Ham's eight-game winless run.
Antonio said: 'He is one person we are confident if he is on the pitch that he will get goals. Everyone has bad luck with injuries, like Jack Wilshere now – he is in and out, in and out. 'I had a bad run three years ago where I had three in a season. Everyone goes through a time where they have injuries and niggles but you always come out in the end and I feel AC might be coming out of it now.'
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Manuel Lanzini to seal permanent West Ham switch for £7.4m, says Al-Jazira chief executive
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, December 30, 2015
West Ham WILL buy on-loan Manuel Lanzini for just £7.4million, according to the chief executive of his parent club Al-Jazira. Lanzini has been one of the stars of Slaven Bilic's new-look Hammers since arriving on a season-long loan from the UAE Pro League side in the summer.
The 22-year-old has scored four Premier League goals in 13 appearances and talk has already turned to making his move permanent. And now Al-Jazira chief executive Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee of £7.4m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National: "If they decide before April 30 to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. "If they pay it we will take it. "There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it. "His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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