Hammers land Super Eagle Emenike
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Nigeria centre-forward Emmanuel Emenike on loan until the end of the season. The 28-year-old arrives at the Boleyn Ground from Turkish club Fenerbahce, with the Hammers having the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer. Capped 37 times, the powerfully-built striker has scored regularly throughout his career, netting more than 80 club goals, including seven this season during a loan spell at Arabian Gulf League side Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates. The 6'0 striker came through a successful medical at Spire Roding Hospital on Friday and, after putting pen to paper at the Boleyn Ground, described his joy at the prospect of linking up with Slaven Bilic, a manager he has known for some time. "I'm very, very happy and very, very excited that I'm here," Emenike told West Ham TV. "I have always known West Ham as a great Club. I've always been watching them. West Ham's a great Club and I'm happy to be here. "I've known him [Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we've known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him. "We've followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together."
Born in the town of Aguleri in south eastern Nigeria, Emenike began his career with Delta Force FC before moving to South African football with Mpumalanga Black Aces and FC Cape Town. In 2009, at the age of 22, the forward moved to Turkish football with Second Division club Karabukspor, where his 16 goals helped his side to the title and promotion to the top flight. After scoring on his Super Lig debut, Emenike ended his second season with Karabukspor with 14 league goals to his name – form that led to a reported €9m move Fenerbahce in May 2011. However, Emenike was on the move again two months later, when he made a switch to Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow. In just over two seasons, he netted 24 goals in 51 games for Spartak before returning to Istanbul for a second spell with Fenerbahce in 2013. That same year, the striker starred alongside Victor Moses as the Super Eagles of Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with four goals, as well as three assists, to his name. The success continued in the 2013/14 season, when Emenike helped Fenerbahce win the Turkish Super Lig title – ahead of Slaven Bilic's Besiktas in third place – and Super Cup. After appearing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals for his country, the centre forward was loaned to Al-Ain in summer 2015, netting seven goals in just eleven appearances.
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Joint-Chairman - It is a winnable tie
WHUFc.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan was in positive mood following the draw for the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round and feels the Hammers stand a good chance of progressing to the latter stages if they can beat Liverpool next week. The Hammers produced another spirited display to come away with a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Saturday and earned a replay against the Merseyside Club. Mr Sullivan knows it will be a tough encounter under the lights at the Boleyn Ground, but hopes home advantage will work in the Club's favour and they can look forward to a trip to Ewood Park.
He said: "The fifth round draw is a very winnable tie, but it is our eighth away draw in the last few years which is hard to accept. "Sadly the income from the game will be low, but it's a very winnable tie and that's more important. "Beating Liverpool first looks a tougher challenge, but you never know in football."
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FA Cup fifth-round draw details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United or Liverpool have been drawn to travel to Blackburn Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round. The Hammers and the Reds will contest a fourth-round replay at the Boleyn Ground in week commencing Monday 6 February, with the winners heading to Ewood Park in the last 16.
Fifth round ties will be played over the weekend 19-22 February 2016. The last time West Ham faced Blackburn in the FA Cup was in 2006, when the Hammers won 4-2 in the fourth round on their way to the final. The two clubs have met six times in the FA Cup in total, splitting three wins apiece. West Ham and Liverpool played out a goalless draw at Anfield on Saturday, where goalkeeper Darren Randolph was in top form and Pedro Obiang came closest to shooting Slaven Bilic's side through. Ticket details for the fourth-round replay can be found here.
Ticket details for the fifth round tie will be confirmed should the Hammers advance to the last 16 for the second season in succession.
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Emenike completes loan switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Nigerian international forward Emmanuel Emenike from Turkish club Fenerbahce. The 28-year-old goalscorer has joined West Ham for the remainder of the season after the two clubs finally agreed terms. News of Emenike's arrival was confirmed via twitter tonight by the youngest son of co-owner David Sullivan. He should be available to face Aston Villa at the Boleyn on Tuesday night.
Jack Sullivan @jsullivanwhu
EMENIKE loan is complete for the rest of the season... At last! #coyi
8:04 PM - 31 Jan 2016
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Blackburn Rovers await in round five
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face Championship side Blackburn in the next round of the FA Cup - if they manage to overcome Liverpool in next week's fourth round replay.
The ties were drawn by recent KUMB Podcast guest Mark Lawrenson and Ruud Gullit; the full draw is as follows:
Chelsea v Manchester City
Reading v West Bromwich Albion or Peterborough United
Watford v Leeds United
Shrewsbury Town v Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool or West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Hull City
AFC Bournemouth v Everton
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MY DAY OUT IN LIVERPOOL (AND A CHAT WITH ROY KEANE)
By Iain Dale 31 Jan 2016 at 18:00
WTID
BREAKING NEWS: If we beat Liverpool we will be away to Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup
Iain recounts a 600 mile round-trip to Anfield
It turned out we left Kent a bit early. 9am to be precise. I was travelling to the Anfield with a Liverpool supporting friend of mine, so we thought we'd make a day of it. Traffic was light and we arrived at just after 1pm. For a 5.30 kick off. Hmmm. Maybe not quite so wise. They're building a huge new main stand above the existing one at the moment so the place is a bit of a building site. We killed a bit of time by going to the Anfield museum, which charges £9 a ticket. Impressive it is not. But hey, it killed twenty minutes.
One thing you notice about Anfield is the stewards. There are dozens of them, and with one jobsworth exception they were all incredibly helpful and friendly. In a throwback to the 1970s they also have quite a few female stewards in the corporate entertainment section, all dressed up in ground length warm coats. They looked as if they could lead double lives as Virgin Atlantic flight attendants.
At 2.30 it started bucketing it down. Then it hailed. Then it showed. By this time we had taken refuge in one of the guest lounges. This turned out to be a giant marquee due to the main stand being built. For quite a time we were the only two people in there, so we gorged ourselves on the food on offer. Not a prawn sandwich in sight, since you ask. After an hour and a half we grew somewhat tired of watching LFC TV, extolling the glories of Herr Kopp and longed for the dulcet tones of Jeff Stelling. By that time the place had filled up a little and two men in flat caps came in and asked if they could sit at our table. "Sure," I said, inwardly groaning at the thought of making meaningless football banter with a couple of scousers who still reckon they support the greatest club in the world and would want to crow about 2006. They went to get some food and then came back. At that point, I realised we were actually in the company of Roy Keane! He's a lot smaller than I imagined but quickly learned that he is great company. Once I realised it was him I asked him if he was there to run an eye over Darren Randolph. He said yes and introduced us to his friend, Ireland's goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh.
Keane went on to praise West Ham and felt that we would beat Liverpool given our strong lineup and Liverpool playing with quite a lot of youngsters. I asked him if he thought Mark Noble might still play for the Republic of Ireland. I don't think I am breaching any confidence to reveal that he confirmed discussions had been had but Mark still harbours hope of getting an England cap. Roy and I agreed that as long as Roy Hodgson is there that doesn't look very likely. I have to say that Roy Keane proved to be a lovely man – totally different from what I might have imagined. He was chatty, entertaining and bloody good company – far from the dark, brooding loner than we have so often read about.
At around 5pm we ventured over to the ground and took our seats. We were bowled over to find ourselves in the front row of the Directors' Box. I was sat a few seats along from Ian Rush and Gary McAllister. There were several Hammers behind us and alongside, so I didn't feel too nervous about punching the air if West Ham had scored. Sadly I wasn't to be tested…
I had never been to Anfield before. Inside it was far smaller than I had imagines, and much more intimate. The singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was stirring stuff, only marred by our fans signing 'Sign on, Sign on' at the same time. Really? It was frankly quite embarrassing. However, the singing of the Payet song was brilliant and resounded at various points during the game. Sadly it didn't have any effect on Payet who put in one of his quieter performances. The Liverpool fans took until the second half to make any meaningful noise. At times Anfield sounded a bit like the Emirates on an even quieter day.
The dugouts at Anfield are very odd. There is only one technical area, which the two managers share, and it is about ten yards down from the half way line. Bilic and Klopp clearly get on and they exchanged quite a few friendly words during the game. Bilic even chatted to the crowd at one or two points.
The game was rather forgettable. I felt we shaded the first half but Liverpool were the better side in the second. I quite liked their two skilful, terrier-like central midfield players Texeira and Brannagan. Benteke never got in the game at all and he is clearly at rock bottom in confidence terms. Neither side really looked like scoring. The main bright spot from our point of view was the contrast between the two goalkeepers. Randolph pulled off some very good saves, including a triple save and commanded his area throughout. Mignolet, on the other hand, was dreadful. He made his defenders and the crowd incredibly nervous. I thought our back four performed well, with both Ogbonna and Reid putting in impressive performances. Bearing in mind this was Joey O'Brien's first game of the season, I thought he was outstanding, both defensively and going forward.
Having two players going off injured before half time could only happen to us. It didn't appear to unsettle us too much, but it did mean we had to change our formation. I did wonder why Bilic thought it a good idea to replace Kouyate with Jelavic. Surely Oxford or Cullen would have been a like for like replacement. Sort of. Having said that, Jelavic certainly put himself about a bit, but I still think he's way off the pace.
This was Victor Moses's chance to shine and to show why he should be given a starting place on Tuesday. He flunked it and was replaced by Antonio after 70 minutes. Just before he came on he took of his top to put his shirt on. He had his back to me. Talk about broad shoulders and a back rippling with muscle. He looked more like a gymnast than a footballer. He did more in twenty minutes than Moses had done in 70.
At half time I had another word with Roy Keane, who was buzzing about Darren Randolph, as well he might have been. I suspect he was glad he came.
At the end of the game, as I was leaving I heard someone in the crowd shout out "Oi, Iain you've put on a bit of timber." I looked round, but instead of addressing the point to me, the Liverpool supporter was talking to Ian Rush!
We managed to get away from the car park really quickly and I was home just after 11.30pm.
In some ways we ought to be disappointed not to have beaten a weakened Liverpool team. However, I'd never knock back a 0-0 draw at Anfield. The last time we did the double over Liverpool was in 1963-4. We went on to win the Cup. Let's hope than next Tuesday we can do the treble.
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Emenike? £8m Lanzini really would have excited
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
At last we can stop discussing whether the striker very few of us had ever heard of until a fortnight ago is going to join the club. According to Jack Sullivan the loan deal to make Emanuelle Emenike a Hammer – well for three months at least – is done and it's now presumably in the hands of the Nigerian to show us he can land the gig full time. The price being widely quoted for that is 8 million euros which by coincidence is the same as that for Manu Lanzini – so he'd better be a bit special. Personally, I'm not sure he will get the game time he requires to do that with both Andy Carroll and Doafr Sakho now within days of a return to action. And given that Manu has had to wait nearly an entire season and still hasn't been been signed (although I have no doubt he will be) I very much doubt that the EE man will have the time to persuade anyone of his worth. I found it hard to get excited about this deal from any other perspective than waving an indifferent goodbye to Mr Jelavic who will now head off to the Orient to trouser a shed load of Chinese Yuan Renminb. Eight million euros for EE? We'll see but I'll be a lot more excited when Manu signs at the same price!
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Enzo in safe hands of the great Adrian
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
OK so we don't usually do baby pictures on Claret and Hugh but we thought we would make an exception for Adrian. A few minutes ago Adrian tweeted "The most beautiful day of life…Enzo is here" The Club added their message tweeting "Congratulations Adrian #EnzoIsAHammer #WHUFC"
Chairman David Gold added "Congratulations Adrian to you and your lovely wife on this special day." I am sure you will join us in wishing Adrian and his wife, Tamara congratulations on the birth of his first child.
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Slav shows what 'respecting the point' really means
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Long time CandH Twitter follower, Facebook forum member and all round good guy Pete Ellis, makes his bow as our latest blogger by explaining how Slav has give that sad old expression 'Respect the Point' its real meaning.
No need for a CandH disclaimer – we agree with every word!
Respect the point !!!
If, like me, those three little words have made your teeth itch over recent seasons, read on.
We are all very familiar with the phrase, first uttered by the amazing Allardici, after another result where West Ham snatched a draw from the jaws of victory.
The irony is not lost on me that the 'respect the point' phrase, which caused such disharmony, upset and downright anger, has now been reclaimed by the current management team and been transformed into something which can actually be acknowledged and indeed of something to make us PROUD.
Although they've not said it, they would be perfectly justified in doing so.Under the previous manager, the phrase was yet another distraction technique. Another way of diverting any blame or accountability for what would normally be another underwhelming performance, and result.
Respecting a point at home against the cannon fodder of the league is not something to be celebrated.
In an extreme circumstance, such as an unjust red card, and having to battle through with 10 men to pick up a point, you could argue otherwise, but no. Under Big Sam,the respect the point tag was trotted out during games where the team, the tactics and the in game management, were way below what was expected, dare I say demanded of a West Ham manager.
Playing poorly at home, with a full squad (or certainly not one missing 5/6 first teamers at once) against the worst teams in the league, only to change things with the inspired 65th minute right back change of JOB on for Demel, was not something that the West Ham faithful would appreciate.
Expecting us to fall for a line such as this, only goes to show the lack of relationship and understanding Sam had with the Boleyn crowd. If we lost, the ref, lino, ball boy, tea lady, and his dry cleaner, would all have to shoulder some of the blame from Allardici, but the man himself was telfon.
In stark contrast to this, we have Mr Bilic.
The connection with the fans is common knowledge, so no need to dwell on that. What we should look at, is the autumn/winter period where we were decimated by injuries. Can anyone name a former West Ham manager that would have gone to Old Trafford, with so many players out, and be disappointed to come away with just a point?
Would a West Ham of old have secured points against a rejuvenated Stoke? (if you think they are still the Wimbledon of the north, I suggest you take a closer look at them) ? Would we have stayed strong in the face of a Tony Pulis side that rallied, after a freak own goal.
I think in past years, Stoke and West Brom may have caught us out in that situation, especially with the injuries. We could quite easily have felt sorry for ourselves, and invited pressure which would lead to the inevitable.
There were those who questioned Slaven's abilities in such circumstances with such questions as "What happens when we go through a bad patch. Injuries etc"
Well I think we have seen the answer.
There is no hiding after a bad result. There is no deflection of criticism, lack of ownership, or accountability. Instead we are treated to an honest assessment that we can accept, acknowledge and move on (such as Newcastle). We cant dig Bilic out for telling us what we've seen with our own eyes.
It's refreshing, and it gives his detractors (if there are any) ,nowhere to got in terms of attacking him. If we are good, he says it, if we are poor, he highlights it too. With that in mind, respecting the point during that run of draws pre Christmas, is very apt. Respecting a point when week in week out your attacking options and key personnel are dropping like flies, is very much a valid comment.
Apart from perhaps City and that west London club that was established 13 years ago by the KGB, I can see no other team that would cope with our injury crisis as well as Bilic has. Take Kane from Spurs, and they struggle, take Lukaka from Everton, and it's curtains, take Sanchez from Arsenal and they are not the force they were.
Yet here are little West Ham, crashing the top six party, despite having half the first X1 in the treatment room. I say again, I don't think any Irons manager, nor any other club apart for the two mentioned, would come through that period undefeated.
Unlike Martinez, who seems to play attack no matter what, or Big Sam and his bus, Bilic has shown already he can cope with an injury crisis, play the "West Ham Way" and also be solid when needs must with injuries.
We are versatile, can adapt, and make changes when its called for. Its alien to us to have a plan B or C after the last 4/5 years….what's going on ?
As soon as the reinforcements came back we saw the return to victories. Then we see a the game versus City. Seemed like a cup game to me. Both teams having a go from the off. Great spectacle and a game that has obviously made the league wake up to fact that West Ham, along with Leicester, are not going away.
Joe Hart was very graceful in his assessment that while a fair result, you could not argue if West Ham won, but you could if City sneaked a victory. Fair play, a clean scalp seemingly helps you speak common sense too.
On top of this, Slav himself said that if you are disappointed to just get a point versus City, you are a very good team.
I have to say, it's another example of the calm sensible man we have at the helm.
Respect the point is no longer a phrase to roll our eyes at. Its one to embrace and acknowledge, because this time, its valid.
Without wishing to sound to sycophantic, its looking good from Mr Bilic, and the added bonus of keeping Lawrenson and Keys in their box is just an added bonus.
Respect the point……………………..because now everyone is starting the repsect West Ham!
COYI !!!
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£1.2m bonus awaits West Ham in FA Cup replay
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Some West Ham fans moaned and groaned when we drew Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round draw and further still at the thought of having to replay them after yesterday's Nil-Nil bore draw, but we need to remember the financial rewards of playing Liverpool twice in the FA Cup are substantial!
West Ham earned £67,500 in prize money for beating Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup but £90,000 prize money awaits the winner of the fourth round between Liverpool and West Ham. Winning a FA Cup fifth round nets £180,000, Sixth Round £360,000, Semi-Final winners get £900,000 each with £1.8m going to the eventual winners of the FA Cup.
The gate money for all FA Cup ties is split 42.5% to each club with 10% to the FA Cup prize fund and 5% to the FA themselves.
Each club gets £144,000 in TV rights for LIVE games shown with £72,000 for LIVE replays and additional money for highlights and radio broadcast fees adding over £15,000 per FA Cup match. From the fifth round TV money goes up to £247,500 per LIVE game shown on the box.
Under FA rules the home club sets the price of the tickets. In the case of a third-round tie and onwards, the minimum price set by the FA is £15. The Anfield tie against Liverpool achieved an attendance of 44,000 at £30 per ticket netting us around £561,00 in gate money. As the game was also featured live on BT Sport we netted another £144,000 for a facility fee plus the highlights and Radio fees making a grand total of £720,000 income for the Hammers for yesterday's match.
We play the FA Cup replay on Wednesday evening 9th February with tickets priced between £20-£25 per ticket. That game should sell out and net each side around £350,000 in gate money, a likely £72,000 for the TV right plus £15,000 in highlights and radio fees. So a total income around £437,000 for the night.
If we can beat Liverpool a week on Tuesday then our fourth round revenue will top £1.247m, if we get beat by the Reds we will have still bagged £1.15m from the fourth round proper of the cup.
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Monday, February 1
Sunday, January 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st January 2016
Liverpool 0 West Ham United 0
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph was the West Ham United hero to help the Hammers earn an Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay after a 0-0 draw at Liverpool.
With Adrian returning to Seville as he awaits the birth of his first baby, Randolph once again showed why he is rated so highly at the Boleyn Ground with a superb display to keep his sixth clean sheet in eight Claret and Blue appearances. The Republic of Ireland international certainly enjoys playing at Anfield after he played his part in helping the Hammers come away with an emphatic 3-0 win in the league back in August.
And he was unbeatable once again as he made a number of impressive saves including a late triple stop from Christian Benteke and Joe Allen to ensure the Hammers will be in the hat for the fifth round draw on Sunday evening. West Ham also had their chances to win the tie and came the closest when Pedro Obiang fired a volley inches past the post early in the second period. The Hammers got off to a bright start and could have opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Dimitri Payet tried an audacious free-kick from outside the box which almost caught out Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.
The away side came even closer on 16 minutes following a great move which saw Aaron Cresswell break clear down the left-hand side. The Hammers full-back crossed the ball in for Enner Valencia who was unmarked inside the box but the presence of Steven Caulker meant the No11 took his eye off the ball and headed well off-target.
Liverpool also had chances to break the deadlock and came close on 22 minutes. A corner was curled in by impressive young midfielder Cameron Brannagan and a flicked header from Benteke was cleared off the line by Cresswell on the post.
James Tomkins was forced to leave the action after 34 minutes after he clashed heads with Joe Allen in an aerial challenge. Tomkins was replaced by Joey O'Brien who was making his first appearance since 30 July 2015, when the Hammers drew 2-2 with Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa League.
The Hammers suffered another injury blow on 37 minutes when Cheikhou Kouyate picked up a knock and was replaced by Nikica Jelavic. Bilic was forced to change the shape of the team with Payet switching flanks with Moses and Valencia playing up front with Jelavic in a 4-4-2 formation.
The changes did not affect West Ham initially and they created their best opening on the stroke of half-time when the ball fell to Obiang on the edge of the box and he fired a volley just past the post.
West Ham came close again on 50 minutes when Winston Reid flicked Payet's free-kick goalwards, but Jelavic just failed to slide the ball past Mignolet.
Replays showed that Steven Caulker may have handled the ball twice in the melee, but there was no action taken against the Liverpool defender.
The home side also had their chances and Allen had a good chance on the hour mark when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box but he fired a cross from Clyne high into the Kop.
Randolph then came to the Hammers rescue on 63 minutes when he made a fine save to parry Teixeira's half-volley around the right-hand post.
The keeper was at his best once again when he made a triple save to keep the Liverpool players at bay. Randolph first saved from Benteke, then kept out a shot from Allen and once again kept out a follow-up from Benteke as the Hammers held out.
There was late drama when Michail Antonio saw his header strike the post, but the referee blew his whistle for a push inside the box by the substitute on Jose Enrique.
Both teams had to settle for a replay which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February, unless the tie is selected for TV coverage the following night.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Caulker, Lovren, Smith, Stewart, Allen ©, Brannagan (Sinclair 86), Ibe (Ojo 79), Teixeira (Enrique 89), Benteke
Subs not used: Ward (GK), Ilori, Randall, Chirivella
Booking: Lovren
West Ham United: Randolph, Tomkins (O'Brien 34), Reid ©, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate (Jelavic 37), Moses (Antonio 69), Payet, Valencia
Subs not used: Howes (GK), Collins, Oxford, Cullen
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Bradford)
Attendance: 44,007
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Liverpool replay ticket details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that ticket prices have been reduced for the Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool.
The Hammers are set to host the Reds on Tuesday 9 February at 7.45pm for the right to progress to the last 16. Adult ticket prices for this mouth-watering FA Cup tie have been reduced to £20 for Season Ticket Holders and £25 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Over-65s and Under-21s ticket prices have been set at £10 for Season Ticket Holders and £15 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Under-16 Season Ticket Holders can secure a seat for just £5, while Under-16 non-Season Ticket Holder seats are priced at £10 each.
Tickets are on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 8pm on Saturday 30 January, with a priority window being open until 9am on Wednesday 3 February. Tickets will be on sale to Academy Members from 9am on Wednesday 3 February, with a General Sale starting from 9am on Thursday 4 February. The Hammers' Barclays Premier League trip to Southampton will now take place at St Mary's on Saturday 6 February at 5.30pm, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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Randolph - I enjoy playing at Anfield
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph has joked that he would love to play at Anfield every week after he produced another superb display to help the Hammers come away with a 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. The Republic of Ireland international produced a man of the match display as he made a number of fine saves including a superb triple save in the second half to stop Christian Benteke and Joe Allen getting on the scoresheet. Randolph certainly enjoys playing on Merseyside after he also played a crucial role in helping West Ham record an emphatic 3-0 over Liverpool back in August. The Hammers keeper showed his quality once again on Saturday and is confident the club can now secure a victory in the replay and have a good run in the competition this season. Randolph said: "We have had two decent results this season at Anfield. We have had two good performances from the team and I like coming here! "I am happy to play whenever I can. The manager told me at the start of the week that I was going to start as it was the FA Cup. I am just happy to play. "Every game is an opportunity for me. When I get the chance I need to show the manager what I can do. It would be nice to have a good cup run. "We are full of confidence going into the replay. We are in good form and want to keep winning. It builds confidence. We have already had two victories against Liverpool this season and we came here thinking we could get a result. "It is never easy playing at Anfield and they have a good squad. It was always going to be tough regardless of who was playing and they have a point to prove if they are not getting much game time."
Randolph says he will be keeping in close contact with fellow keeper Adrian over the weekend after the Spanish keeper flew back to Seville to be with his family ahead of the birth of their first baby. He added: "Adrian still travelled up with us but he had to leave first thing on Saturday. I told him to text me when something happens. "The first I knew about him leaving was at 5am in the morning when he sent me a text message saying he was on his way to the airport. "I told him to let me know if there are developments. I will keep in touch with him to see how he is going."
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Bilic - We deserved the replay
WHUFC.com
Speaking after the 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool away at Anfield, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said his side's defensive efforts had earned the FA Cup fourth round replay. The draw means both sides will do battle again under the lights at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February. Reflecting on the hard-fought result, Bilic said: "Overall, I am happy with the result and I congratulate my guys. Drawing at Anfield is tough; it is also tough to keep a clean sheet an Anfield. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. From my point of view there were a few moments when we were missed the final ball to put us in a great position."
Standout players for the Hammers included goalkeeper Darren Randolph who made a string of fine saves, including a fantastic triple save to keep his side in the tie. Winston Reid, captain in Mark Noble's absence, put in a typically dominant and courageous performance at the heart of the defence. Bilic continued: "Second half, yes they were better. They could run more; they were better on second balls and were starting to be a bit tired. "Nobody wants to play a replay because of the schedule, but we can live with that. It's much worse for them. We didn't deserve more than a replay tonight, but we also deserved it because we defended really well. We were dangerous at times but I would like us to be more dangerous more of the time."
As a result of the replay, the Hammers trip to the St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton has been brought forward to Saturday 6 February, kick off is 5.30pm.
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Young Hammers sink Swans
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Dan Kemp netted his third goal in as many games as the West Ham United U18's secured a 2-1 win over Swansea City at Little Heath.
The visitors went ahead early in the first half through Brandon Griffiths, before Kemp found the back of the net for the third game in a row to level the scores. Then, for the second week running, it was England U17 international Jahmal Hector-Ingram who fired the hosts to victory.
In this, their penultimate game of the regular season, Grady Diangana started his first Academy game for a month, while Swiss midfielder Noha Sylvestre was named on the bench after recovering from injury. In the opening ten minutes, chances were limited at both ends, although when they did come, both sides could've broke the deadlock. First, Swans star Matthew Blake was denied by the upright, before Hammers' centre-half Declan Rice headed narrowly over the bar from Kemp's corner.
The opening goal of the game came on 14 minutes when Griffiths latched onto a long ball allowing him to race through on goal, only for Rice to catch up and make a last ditch tackle that unfortunately put the ball past Rihards Matrevics, giving the visiting forward the opportunity to roll the ball into an empty net.
However, it only took just over ten minutes for the hosts to level. After a spell of possession where the Academy were pushing for the equaliser, the ball finally found Idris Kanu on the left hand side of the penalty area where he was tripped, allowing Kemp to step up and bury into the corner past Swans keeper Lewis Thomas.
After the break, West Ham appeared to be much the dominant side as they looked to come from behind for the second week in a row, with Hector-Ingram spurning several opportunities to score.
The hosts continued to push, but the young Hammers seemed to struggle to find the final pass.
That was until the 70th minute when Idris Kanu beat the offside trap, rounded Thomas and fired a low shot across the face of the goal which was finished off by Hector-Ingram at the back post.
Straight after that, West Ham went forward to attack the Swansea defence yet again, but Diangana, Hector-Ingram and Borg could not get enough on the ball to find the back of the net.
With just one minute left, Diangana had a golden opportunity to seal the points when he smashed a low shot off the base of the post from 12 yards, yet it did not matter too much as the hosts held on to win the match 2-1.
The win takes West Ham to fourth place in the Barclays U18 Premier League South with just one game left of the regular season, which is a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 6 February.
After all teams have played their 22 Southern fixtures, the North and South leagues will split into three four-team groups based on league position where Northern and Southern teams will compete against each other for their final 2015/16 league position.
U18: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Borg, Carter (c), Lewis (Sylvestre), Kanu, Diangana, Kemp, Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Coventry, Leonard, Henry, Hammam.
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
An inexperienced Liverpool side were frustrated by West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph as their FA Cup fourth-round tie ended in a goalless draw.
The Hammers had early chances but an unmarked Enner Valencia misjudged a header and Pedro Obiang volleyed wide. Randolph twice blocked powerful Joao Teixeira efforts and also saved shots from Cameron Brannagan, Joe Allen and Christian Benteke. But neither side could score and they will meet again in a replay in London.
The worst possible result for Liverpool?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp played a youthful side in the third-round match and subsequent replay against Exeter, but included a mixture of first-team players and youngsters for the visit of the Hammers. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, 27, was the oldest player in the Reds' starting line-up, which also included four players - Brad Smith, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira - who had never started a Premier League match. This was the ninth game that Liverpool had played in January, and they desperately did not want another match, but that is exactly what they got. It means their schedule in February will now include at least seven matches, including the League Cup final, two Europa League matches, three Premier League games and one, maybe two, FA Cup ties. Nevertheless, Klopp will feel his side should have won. A poor touch when only six yards out to waste a chance summed up another ineffective performance from an out-of-form Christian Benteke. Liverpool were the better team in the second half and created numerous chances, but stand-in captain Allen shot harmlessly over, and Brannagan, Teixeira and Benteke had shots saved by Randolph.
How did Liverpool's youngsters do?
Generally, they were very impressive. Brannagan, 19, who consistently impressed with his set-piece delivery, nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot from 20 yards out, but goalkeeper Randolph did well to push the ball around the post. Brad Smith, 21, produced an energetic performance at left-back, often getting forward to help his side's attacks, while handling the threat from the quick Victor Moses with maturity.
Kevin Stewart, 22, a tough-tackling central midfielder, worked hard, making six tackles and two interceptions, and 23-year-old Joao Teixeira, playing on the left side of Liverpool's front three, was twice denied by a diving Randolph.
A wasted opportunity for West Ham?
Three-time winners West Ham were aiming to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in the last eight seasons - and will have been buoyed when they saw the Liverpool line-up. They themselves made five changes, although fielded a team rich in Premier League experience apart from Randolph, who played because regular goalkeeper Adrian was back in his native Spain for family reasons. Yet the Hammers could not take full advantage. They kept trying to utilise Victor Moses' pace against Brad Smith down the right wing, but the defender often came out on top before Moses was withdrawn midway through the second half. Slaven Bilic will argue that West Ham should have had a penalty, when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the penalty area, but the Hammers took 50 minutes to have their solitary shot on target.
Man of the Match - Darren Randolph (West Ham)
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph made six saves to deny Liverpool
What the managers said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We had the bigger chances, but now we have to play again. West Ham have good quality in their team and play well in the league. We tried everything - you need a bit of luck. "I was pleased with the whole team. Steven Caulker played for the first time in his position in defence and did well, but I cannot fault anyone, they tried and gave all. We played much better than we did at West Ham [in the league], but we didn't score so it is not over. "The players we changed had the day off today so hopefully nothing happened to them."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said: "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. They were better in the second half - they could run more and were better at winning the second balls so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. Kouyate should be OK for Tuesday hopefully." Asked if they should have had a penalty for a Steven Caulker handball, Bilic said: "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment. I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
The stats you need to know
Liverpool have now not lost in their last seven FA Cup meetings with the Hammers (won four, drew three).
The Hammers have won just one of their last nine FA Cup games away from home (drew two, lost six).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 11 away matches (won two, drew five, lost four).
What next?
Both teams are next in Premier League action on Tuesday. Liverpool travel to Premier League leaders Leicester City, while West Ham welcome the division's bottom team Aston Villa to Upton Park.
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I didn't see hand ball incident, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic says that he "didn't see" the double hand ball by Liverpool's Steven Caulker that should have resulted in a penalty to West Ham during this evening goalless draw at Anfield. Bilic, whose team have now kept three clean sheets against Liverpool this season watched his under-strength side eke out a fourth round replay, despite failing to live up to recent performances. Yet many Hammers fans are convinced that West Ham should already be in the next round, believing that referee Martin Atkinson should have awarded Bilic's side a second half penalty when a Dimitri Payet free kick was handled by Caulker - twice - on the edge of the six-yard box. Bilic himself was rather more diplomatic when pressed about the decision during his post-match press conference, stating that he failed to see the incident. "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment," he said. "I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
Overall the Hammers boss felt his side deserved a second bite of the cherry - even if they were often second best against an equally-depleted Liverpool team. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments," he surmised. "They were better in the second half - they ran more and were better at winning the second balls, so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. But Kouyate should be ok for Tuesday hopefully."
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are in the hat for tomorrow afternoon's FA Cup fifth round draw after earning a goalless draw at Anfield this evening. The Boleyn Ground will see at least one more FA Cup tie after tonight's highly-anticipated clash ended 0-0, after both teams effectively cancelled each other out in a drab affair on Merseyside. However West Ham - minus the likes of goalkeeper Adrian, Mark Noble and new signing Sam Byram - could have been celebrating successive wins at Anfield had erroneous official Martin Atkinson spotted a blatant hand ball midway through the second half.
A tedious opening 45 minutes resulted in neither team creating more than the odd half chance, although Darren Randolph, deputising for regular number one Adrian - who is in Spain with his heavily pregnant wife - was forced to tip away a Brannagan effort ten minutes ahead of the interval.
Meanwhile the nearest West Ham came to scoring in the first half came from a Pedro Obiang effort, which missed its intended target by a matter of inches in the closing seconds of the half. In their defence, Slaven Bilic's side had already been (further) weakened by the enforced removal of James Tomkins (head wound) and Cheik Kouyate.
However the game's main talking point occurred just four minutes after the restart when a Dimitri Payet free kick was arrowed into the penalty box where it clearly struck the arm of defender Caulker's arm - not once, but twice. West Ham's players may not have appealed en masse, but quite how the errant Atkinson managed to miss it will be much debated tonight.
Overall Atkinson experienced an error-strewn evening, making a string of bad calls - including a blatant back pass by Smith to Mignolet that should have resulted in an indirect free kick to West Ham on the edge of the box and a shirt tug by Winston Reid that, had it been spotted, would have resulted in a penalty to the hosts.
Yet the referee's shortcomings aside, both teams struggled to make an impact in the final third although Liverpool did at least hit the target on six occasions, to West Ham's miserly single effort on target (from a total of seven efforts).
And the Hammers had Man of the Match Randolph to thank for ensuring Liverpool failed to breach United's defence on the rare occasion they fashioned a worthy effort on goal; the Irish international made two great blocks within 60 seconds in the final quarter-of-an-hour and also denied Teixeira from the game's best move on the hour mark.
The replay is scheduled for Tuesday, 9th February - tickets are already on sale to season ticket holders (priced £20 for adults and £10 for juniors).
West Ham Utd: Randolph, Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate, Moses, Payet, Valencia.
Subs: Howes, O'Brien, Collins, Oxford, Cullen, Antonio, Jelavic.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Caulker, Smith, Allen, Brannagan, Stewart, Ibe, Teixeira, Benteke.
Subs: Ward, Enrique, Ilori, Chrivella, Ojo, Sinclair, Randall.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).
Attendance: 44,057
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham: Hammers earn FA Cup replay
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 31/01/16 7:25am
SSN
A blunt Liverpool attack failed to break down West Ham in a goalless FA Cup fourth-round match at Anfield on Saturday evening. Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph denied Christian Benteke twice and Joe Allen once as the Reds pushed for a winner late on, but a much-changed Liverpool line-up lacked a cutting edge. Enner Valencia wasted West Ham's best opportunity after 16 minutes, the forward miscued his header when left unmarked in the Reds box. The away side were forced into two first-half changes as Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins were both forced off, and West Ham had a penalty appeal turned down when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the box midway through the second half. After hitting five past Norwich at Carrow Road, the Reds have now been held scoreless in back-to-back games while their struggles at Anfield continue. Klopp's side have managed 75 shots on goal in their last four home matches, but have scored just three times, all against League Two Exeter in their third-round replay.
Having played eight games in 2016 already, Klopp made 10 changes from the shoot-out victory over Stoke as only Simon Mignolet kept his place, and the Reds looked disjointed in a sluggish first half. Slaven Bilic made five changes himself, and his side started the brighter, carving out the first opportunity for Valencia. The West Ham striker found himself free seven yards out after Dejan Lovren was caught underneath the flight of Aaron Creswell's cross, but Valencia mistimed his jump. Liverpool were made to wait until the 21st minute for their first meaningful attempt on goal, as Christian Benteke's near-post flick was cleared off the line, although it looked to be drifting just wide. The Hammers had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down by referee Martin Atkinson midway through the half as Kouyate's header struck Brad Smith on the arm, before West Ham were hit by a double injury blow. Tomkins clashed heads with Joe Allen that required 12 stitches with ten minutes to play, before Kouyate limped off just three minutes later.
In between the two substitutions, Cameron Brannagan tested Randolph with a stinging shot from 25 yards that the goalkeeper, standing in for Adrian who returned to Spain to attend the birth of his first child, tipped around the post. Brannagan hit the wall with a free-kick on the edge of the Hammers box shortly after, but the visitors ended the half on top as Pedro Obiang guided a volley narrowly wide. And they had a stronger case for a penalty five minutes into the second half as Jelavic's header appeared to strike Caulker on the arm, but Liverpool survived to hack clear. Klopp's side improved as Allen and Benteke both squandered presentable opportunities, while Joao Teixeira kept Randolph involved, drawing a stop with a firm strike from just inside the box having been teed up by Jordon Ibe. The West Ham 'keeper then produced three smart saves in quick succession, first denying Benteke after the Liverpool striker was set through before reacting quickly to keep out Benteke again and Allen on the follow-up.
The Hammers responded to Liverpool's flurry and closed the game out on top as substitute Michail Antonio caused problems on the break. His long throw was poorly punched by Mignolet, but Valencia went down too easily under pressure from Brannagan. Antonio struck the post in stoppage time with a header, but referee Atkinson had already whistled for a push on Jose Enrique as both sides settled for the draw in the final stages, and the opportunity to do it all again at Upton Park. The replay, Liverpool's second in as many rounds, adds another game to an already crowded fixture list for both sides, with the Reds also set to contend with Europa League action and the Capital One Cup final next month.
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Slaven Bilic praises West Ham's No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph after draw at Liverpool
By Press Association
Last Updated: 30/01/16 9:12pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph for earning his side a replay after the goalless FA Cup fourth round draw at Liverpool. Liverpool dominated the game after West Ham lost James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate to injury in the first half and the visitors were indebted to back-up goalkeeper Randolph for a string of saves, who came in for No 1 Adrian with the Spaniard awaiting the birth of his child. Now Liverpool must travel to Upton Park for the replay, just as they did in the previous round against Exeter. "Adrian flew this morning to Seville. His wife's baby delivery is due tomorrow and we wish him luck and for that to go smooth but Randy would have been in goal anyway," said Bilic. "He was in goal against Wolves in the cup and we decided he would play against Liverpool and in the replay. "Randy is great and deserved to be in goal and proved again he deserves it. He is the Republic of Ireland No 1 and because of him Ireland are in the European Championships so we have a great goalkeeper."
With more injuries added to his list - Tomkins had 13 stitches in a head wound and Kouyate was taken off as a precaution because of a groin problem - Bilic was also not that enamoured with an extra game. "Nobody is crazy about the replays but we can live with that," he said. "We have injuries but make no mistake, we would have liked to be without the replay. "We got the clean sheet and deserve the replay and now it will be one of those historic FA Cup nights at Upton Park. "The first half it was a very even game, both clubs had some moments up front but not clear-cut chances, and in the second half until the last 10 minutes they were better than us. "Maybe some people did not expect this Liverpool team to be so good but it was not a surprise to me."
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TRANSFER NEW ROUND UP FINAL WEEK
By Sean Whetstone 30 Jan 2016 at 23:20
WTID
So this is my final weekly round-up before transfer deadline day on Monday which I am sure will be a quiet one for West Ham.
Galatasaray general secretary Fatih Ibecer has broken silence on Burak Yilmaz confirming that West Ham made a loan bid for him. "We were made a loan bid from West Ham but we are after a permanent transfer deal so the deal fell through,"Ibecer told reporters. The latest statement conflicts with Galatasaray's president Dursun Özbek claiming he knew nothing about West Ham interest and that no offer had been made. "I have received no offers Burak is our player and it really annoys me that these speculations have been made," Özbek told reporters in Istanbul.
West Ham have confirmed that they are holding a back-up interest in Sunderland striker Steve Fletcher should it prove impossible to complete a deal for Emmanuele Emenike. A top source told us "We have inquired about Steven and hold an interest in him.He is a possible back-up target if we can't sort out a deal for Emenike."
At the time of writing Emmanuelle Emenike was currently going through the second part of his West Ham medical but there are still problems in completing the deal. The striker passed through Phase One of his medical successfully Thursday and no problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the deal are apparently still not resolved.We have been told that should he make to move to the Boleyn by Deadline Day it will involve a loan fee of less than £1 million. We were told by a well placed source: "It remains quite complicated. The player wants to sign and his agents too of course but the two club syndrome is proving tricky. "We are working hard and hopefully will get it done by deadline day but yes it's fair to say there are a few issues to overcome."
Nikica Jelavic appears to be be moving closer to a West Ham exit with rumours he has agreed personal terms with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande the front runner to sign him. Another rumour suggests another as yet un-named chinese club has asked about his availability too. Slaven Bilic confirmed last Thursday that Jelavic could be China bound saying "We have Jelavic who might go to China, but they are in pre-season at the moment, so he is staying with us until he might sort the deal out."
On Thursday Reece Oxford's loan to Charlton has been cancelled by the Addicks' boss as the Belgian coach has no idea who the young defender come midfielder is. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga either.
Sligo Rovers have signed Jaanai Gordon on loan from West Ham ahead of the start of the 2016 SSE Airtricity League season. The 20-year-old striker has signed a short-term loan at the Showgrounds, which will see his initial period at the Bit O'Red last until August this year.
"I need to go and play games," Joey O'Brien told London24 Sport. "The Euros are in the summer. I need to be playing games to try and get into the next squad for the friendlies. Then we can see what happens from there but I need to be playing.Ireland hasn't been to many major championships, so this is a big deal. I will have to see what the manager thinks. If he sits me down and says he wants me to go out on loan then I will look at that. It is down to the manager, if he wants me to hang around here then that's what I will do. But if he wants me to go out on loan, then I will look at that."
West Ham admitted for the first time that Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi is their No 1 summer target. A top Irons source told us: "Yes, he's the one we want but we have not -as has been suggested – signed any pre contract arrangements. The truth is that half of Europe are after him. Obviously, the Payet factor could help – we hope so."
Alex Song will need to maintain the level of performance he displayed in his man of the match display against Manchester City on Saturday evening if he is to cash in with a permanent deal at the end of the season. One insider told us "One swallow doesn't make a summer does it? It's obvious the club would love to get him on a permanent deal if he can keep things going – he likes us. We like him. We have no reason to make a decision at this stage – we will watch him, assess him and make our decision in the summer."
And now for something completely different. A light hearted look at The Brentwood Gazette humourous headline section of the week.
West Ham and Spurs have moved into the lead to land West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino after reports the club are willing to listen to offers in the region of £20 million.
West Ham have entered the race for Southampton forward Sadio Mane and are confident of beating Manchester United to his signature.
West Ham could be set to make a £25 million summer move for Watford striker Odion Ighalo
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an approach for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
West Ham United's French star Dimitri Payet is being lined up Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise swoop
West Ham are in the race to sign Senegal striker Baye Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv.The 25-year-old could cost as much as £15 million
West Ham United have been joined by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race to sign Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder.
Keep taking those tablets Brentwood Gazette, the end of the transfer window is in sight we will miss your funny headlines.
As David Gold would say "Don't go to bed!"
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West Ham close on striker Emmanuel Emenike after Fenerbahce chairman reveals loan fee has been agreed
19:48, 30 JAN 2016 UPDATED 19:49, 30 JAN 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Hammers will pay £750,000 for the forward's services, with the option to buy him permanently for £8.5m, according to Aziz Yildirim
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike. The Turkish giants' chairman Aziz Yildirim revealed a loan fee of €1million has been agreed between the two clubs, and that the Hammers will have the option of buying the player for €11million [£8.5m] in the summer. Irons boss Slaven Bilic admitted talks were underway, but said they had reached a 'complicated situation'. Emenike is currently on loan at Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain from the 19-time champions of Turkey. "We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said. "They will give €1million to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for €11m. But the deal hasn't been completed yet." Injuries to Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll has left West Ham short of numbers up front.
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Hammers on Jelavic 'exit' and loan options
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nikica Jelavic's move to China remains "very much on" but may not happen until the end of February with the window remaining open until then in the country.
We were told this morning that there is no urgency over the player's departure from Upton Park for that reason although the club is still continuing to try finding a replacement before the Premier League's slams shut.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "There is still no conclusion to the Emanuelle Emenike situation other than thathe has come through his medical and unlike many loanees is 100 per cent fit and ready to start should it be completed.
"That may not happen until the very end of deadline day or it may not happen at all. The Steve Fletcher option is indeed correct and there are others we have looked at ."
However, despite the regular updates on the Emenike situation, the club remains entirely relaxed about the situation over maybe being unable to get a fourth striker.
Our source admitted: "We are not desperate for somebody to lift us from relegation trouble are we? It would be great to have a fourth striker to cover emergencies but we have Enner Valencia fit and both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho on the way back within two weeks.
"The Emenike deal is still dependent on arranging things with Fenerbache and if we get him in that's great as it will give us a real chance to have a good look at him.
"We are not in a desperate position and we are very relaxed about things however it pans out."
He added however, that Jelavic would "99 per cent certain be gone" adding: "It hasn't really worked out and it would be good to look at options."
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Nigerian 'Hazard' invited to West Ham for trials
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are clalimed to have invited 19 year old Nigerian forward Ezekiel Bassey for trials."Bassey has been invited for trials by West Ham," a report claims on the Africa Football website. Last year, Nigeria defender Azubuike Egwuekwe also trialed with 'The Hammers' but his club Warri Wolves later turned down a £1m bid for Egwuekwe. "We rejected a bid from West Ham because we had disagreement with the agent handling the issue," his club spokesman told the press. Bassey has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, when he made his debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in October in Port Harcourt. The left-sided player is claimed to have 'dazzling footwork and dribbling' which earned the nickname 'Hazard' after his first season at Nigerian champions Enyimba. But it is left to be seen if he could be granted a work permit should he impress trying out with the Hammers.
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Still in the hat but it was all a bit too friendly!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
First things first…if anyone had told me I'd have been unhappy coming away from Anfield with a draw before this season started I'd have laughed 'em out of the place. Having said that, but for a series of Darren Randolph saves we wouldn't have done – the bloke was superb – our clear man of the match who kept us in the FA Cup. Personally, I'd give him the replay on the 9th or 10th of February because but for him there wouldn't be one taking place at the Boleyn.
The other West Ham turned up at Anfield today. There was little attacking impetus in a match which at times felt far too friendly with both sides seemingly intent on giving each as much space as they needed to have a go. Yet we were never able to find that killer ball or penetrating ball and watched Liverpool pounce on most second balls. Thank God they were incredibly wasteful and Randolph was so impressive. Even the two managers were engaging in conversation which saw them erupting in laugher. Nothing wrong with that I guess but you began to wonder whether we might have been better off in the old Liverpool Empire theatre. It really was that kind of game.
Liverpool had the lion's share of it but saw the majority of their shots fly wide or well over the top despite testing Randolph into a triple save at one point from Benteke and Allen. And the No 2 – only playing because Adrian was allowed the weekend off to welcome his new baby – pulled off another couple from Teixeira. With Payet having rare off day and Valencia misfiring up front we rarely looked likely to get a win but as the old saying goes: If you can play badly and not get beat you ain't a bad team. Special words for Winston Reid and Michail Antonio who came on as a late sub and made things happen but this was another day Alex Song and Victor Moses will want to forget. The replay is actually set for February 9 unless it becomes a TV match in which case it will be played on Wednesday the 10th
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Slav happy to take them back to our place
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic congratulated his squad on a clean sheet and claimed they deserved the replay against Liverpool on the basis of their defensive display but was disappointed we lacked that killer edge in the final third.
The manager told BT Sport immediately after the game: "I have to be happy with a replay and I have congratulated the players. It's always tough to keep a clean sheet but we just needed a more penetrating ball at the other end."
He revealed that James Tomkins had had 13 stitches inserted into a head would after a collision with Joe Allen and admitted that the quick injuries to him and Cheik Kouyate had maybe disrupted the Irons .
He said: "Kouyate felt something and it got a little worse so we took him off as a precaution and believe he'll be ready for Tuesday night (Aston Villa)."
He added: "Nobody wanted a replay but we'll take it and get them back to Upton Park."
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Fenerbahce chairman reveals Emenike finances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim has explained how much the 28-year-old could cost West Ham if he joins."We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said."They will give £760,000 (€1million) to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for £8.3m (€11m)." "But the deal hasn't been completed yet." he added Emenike's current contract, officially confirmed by Fenerbahce shows he earns €2.5 million Euros per year in Turkey as well as a €12,500 per-match appearance bonus. West Ham would probably pick up 100% of his wages while on loan meaning around a bill of around £36,000 per week as well as a £9,500 per match appearance bonus. At a combined £45,000 per game, he would still be cheaper than the current contract enjoyed by Jelavic thought to add up to £55,000 per week.
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Exclusive: Bilic shortlisted for the Manager of the Month Award
January 27, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
We are delighted to announce that Slaven Bilic has been shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Month award for January. Slaven masterminded wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth, drew with Manchester City and lost to Newcastle during this month. The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.
Here are the nominees for the Manager of the Month Award:
Ronald Koeman-Southampton
Slaven Bilic-West Ham
Manuel Pellegrini-Manchester City
Mauricio Pochettino-Spurs
Here are the nominees for the Player of the Month Award:
Sergio Aguero-Manchester City
Roberto Firmino-Liverpool
Jermain Defoe-Sunderland
Dele Alli-Spurs
Kasper Schmeichel- Leicester City
Virgil Van Dijk-Southampton
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph was the West Ham United hero to help the Hammers earn an Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay after a 0-0 draw at Liverpool.
With Adrian returning to Seville as he awaits the birth of his first baby, Randolph once again showed why he is rated so highly at the Boleyn Ground with a superb display to keep his sixth clean sheet in eight Claret and Blue appearances. The Republic of Ireland international certainly enjoys playing at Anfield after he played his part in helping the Hammers come away with an emphatic 3-0 win in the league back in August.
And he was unbeatable once again as he made a number of impressive saves including a late triple stop from Christian Benteke and Joe Allen to ensure the Hammers will be in the hat for the fifth round draw on Sunday evening. West Ham also had their chances to win the tie and came the closest when Pedro Obiang fired a volley inches past the post early in the second period. The Hammers got off to a bright start and could have opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Dimitri Payet tried an audacious free-kick from outside the box which almost caught out Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.
The away side came even closer on 16 minutes following a great move which saw Aaron Cresswell break clear down the left-hand side. The Hammers full-back crossed the ball in for Enner Valencia who was unmarked inside the box but the presence of Steven Caulker meant the No11 took his eye off the ball and headed well off-target.
Liverpool also had chances to break the deadlock and came close on 22 minutes. A corner was curled in by impressive young midfielder Cameron Brannagan and a flicked header from Benteke was cleared off the line by Cresswell on the post.
James Tomkins was forced to leave the action after 34 minutes after he clashed heads with Joe Allen in an aerial challenge. Tomkins was replaced by Joey O'Brien who was making his first appearance since 30 July 2015, when the Hammers drew 2-2 with Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa League.
The Hammers suffered another injury blow on 37 minutes when Cheikhou Kouyate picked up a knock and was replaced by Nikica Jelavic. Bilic was forced to change the shape of the team with Payet switching flanks with Moses and Valencia playing up front with Jelavic in a 4-4-2 formation.
The changes did not affect West Ham initially and they created their best opening on the stroke of half-time when the ball fell to Obiang on the edge of the box and he fired a volley just past the post.
West Ham came close again on 50 minutes when Winston Reid flicked Payet's free-kick goalwards, but Jelavic just failed to slide the ball past Mignolet.
Replays showed that Steven Caulker may have handled the ball twice in the melee, but there was no action taken against the Liverpool defender.
The home side also had their chances and Allen had a good chance on the hour mark when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box but he fired a cross from Clyne high into the Kop.
Randolph then came to the Hammers rescue on 63 minutes when he made a fine save to parry Teixeira's half-volley around the right-hand post.
The keeper was at his best once again when he made a triple save to keep the Liverpool players at bay. Randolph first saved from Benteke, then kept out a shot from Allen and once again kept out a follow-up from Benteke as the Hammers held out.
There was late drama when Michail Antonio saw his header strike the post, but the referee blew his whistle for a push inside the box by the substitute on Jose Enrique.
Both teams had to settle for a replay which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February, unless the tie is selected for TV coverage the following night.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Caulker, Lovren, Smith, Stewart, Allen ©, Brannagan (Sinclair 86), Ibe (Ojo 79), Teixeira (Enrique 89), Benteke
Subs not used: Ward (GK), Ilori, Randall, Chirivella
Booking: Lovren
West Ham United: Randolph, Tomkins (O'Brien 34), Reid ©, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate (Jelavic 37), Moses (Antonio 69), Payet, Valencia
Subs not used: Howes (GK), Collins, Oxford, Cullen
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Bradford)
Attendance: 44,007
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Liverpool replay ticket details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that ticket prices have been reduced for the Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay against Liverpool.
The Hammers are set to host the Reds on Tuesday 9 February at 7.45pm for the right to progress to the last 16. Adult ticket prices for this mouth-watering FA Cup tie have been reduced to £20 for Season Ticket Holders and £25 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Over-65s and Under-21s ticket prices have been set at £10 for Season Ticket Holders and £15 for non-Season Ticket Holders in all Bands. Under-16 Season Ticket Holders can secure a seat for just £5, while Under-16 non-Season Ticket Holder seats are priced at £10 each.
Tickets are on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 8pm on Saturday 30 January, with a priority window being open until 9am on Wednesday 3 February. Tickets will be on sale to Academy Members from 9am on Wednesday 3 February, with a General Sale starting from 9am on Thursday 4 February. The Hammers' Barclays Premier League trip to Southampton will now take place at St Mary's on Saturday 6 February at 5.30pm, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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Randolph - I enjoy playing at Anfield
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph has joked that he would love to play at Anfield every week after he produced another superb display to help the Hammers come away with a 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. The Republic of Ireland international produced a man of the match display as he made a number of fine saves including a superb triple save in the second half to stop Christian Benteke and Joe Allen getting on the scoresheet. Randolph certainly enjoys playing on Merseyside after he also played a crucial role in helping West Ham record an emphatic 3-0 over Liverpool back in August. The Hammers keeper showed his quality once again on Saturday and is confident the club can now secure a victory in the replay and have a good run in the competition this season. Randolph said: "We have had two decent results this season at Anfield. We have had two good performances from the team and I like coming here! "I am happy to play whenever I can. The manager told me at the start of the week that I was going to start as it was the FA Cup. I am just happy to play. "Every game is an opportunity for me. When I get the chance I need to show the manager what I can do. It would be nice to have a good cup run. "We are full of confidence going into the replay. We are in good form and want to keep winning. It builds confidence. We have already had two victories against Liverpool this season and we came here thinking we could get a result. "It is never easy playing at Anfield and they have a good squad. It was always going to be tough regardless of who was playing and they have a point to prove if they are not getting much game time."
Randolph says he will be keeping in close contact with fellow keeper Adrian over the weekend after the Spanish keeper flew back to Seville to be with his family ahead of the birth of their first baby. He added: "Adrian still travelled up with us but he had to leave first thing on Saturday. I told him to text me when something happens. "The first I knew about him leaving was at 5am in the morning when he sent me a text message saying he was on his way to the airport. "I told him to let me know if there are developments. I will keep in touch with him to see how he is going."
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Bilic - We deserved the replay
WHUFC.com
Speaking after the 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool away at Anfield, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said his side's defensive efforts had earned the FA Cup fourth round replay. The draw means both sides will do battle again under the lights at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 9 February. Reflecting on the hard-fought result, Bilic said: "Overall, I am happy with the result and I congratulate my guys. Drawing at Anfield is tough; it is also tough to keep a clean sheet an Anfield. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. From my point of view there were a few moments when we were missed the final ball to put us in a great position."
Standout players for the Hammers included goalkeeper Darren Randolph who made a string of fine saves, including a fantastic triple save to keep his side in the tie. Winston Reid, captain in Mark Noble's absence, put in a typically dominant and courageous performance at the heart of the defence. Bilic continued: "Second half, yes they were better. They could run more; they were better on second balls and were starting to be a bit tired. "Nobody wants to play a replay because of the schedule, but we can live with that. It's much worse for them. We didn't deserve more than a replay tonight, but we also deserved it because we defended really well. We were dangerous at times but I would like us to be more dangerous more of the time."
As a result of the replay, the Hammers trip to the St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton has been brought forward to Saturday 6 February, kick off is 5.30pm.
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Young Hammers sink Swans
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Dan Kemp netted his third goal in as many games as the West Ham United U18's secured a 2-1 win over Swansea City at Little Heath.
The visitors went ahead early in the first half through Brandon Griffiths, before Kemp found the back of the net for the third game in a row to level the scores. Then, for the second week running, it was England U17 international Jahmal Hector-Ingram who fired the hosts to victory.
In this, their penultimate game of the regular season, Grady Diangana started his first Academy game for a month, while Swiss midfielder Noha Sylvestre was named on the bench after recovering from injury. In the opening ten minutes, chances were limited at both ends, although when they did come, both sides could've broke the deadlock. First, Swans star Matthew Blake was denied by the upright, before Hammers' centre-half Declan Rice headed narrowly over the bar from Kemp's corner.
The opening goal of the game came on 14 minutes when Griffiths latched onto a long ball allowing him to race through on goal, only for Rice to catch up and make a last ditch tackle that unfortunately put the ball past Rihards Matrevics, giving the visiting forward the opportunity to roll the ball into an empty net.
However, it only took just over ten minutes for the hosts to level. After a spell of possession where the Academy were pushing for the equaliser, the ball finally found Idris Kanu on the left hand side of the penalty area where he was tripped, allowing Kemp to step up and bury into the corner past Swans keeper Lewis Thomas.
After the break, West Ham appeared to be much the dominant side as they looked to come from behind for the second week in a row, with Hector-Ingram spurning several opportunities to score.
The hosts continued to push, but the young Hammers seemed to struggle to find the final pass.
That was until the 70th minute when Idris Kanu beat the offside trap, rounded Thomas and fired a low shot across the face of the goal which was finished off by Hector-Ingram at the back post.
Straight after that, West Ham went forward to attack the Swansea defence yet again, but Diangana, Hector-Ingram and Borg could not get enough on the ball to find the back of the net.
With just one minute left, Diangana had a golden opportunity to seal the points when he smashed a low shot off the base of the post from 12 yards, yet it did not matter too much as the hosts held on to win the match 2-1.
The win takes West Ham to fourth place in the Barclays U18 Premier League South with just one game left of the regular season, which is a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 6 February.
After all teams have played their 22 Southern fixtures, the North and South leagues will split into three four-team groups based on league position where Northern and Southern teams will compete against each other for their final 2015/16 league position.
U18: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Borg, Carter (c), Lewis (Sylvestre), Kanu, Diangana, Kemp, Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Coventry, Leonard, Henry, Hammam.
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport
An inexperienced Liverpool side were frustrated by West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph as their FA Cup fourth-round tie ended in a goalless draw.
The Hammers had early chances but an unmarked Enner Valencia misjudged a header and Pedro Obiang volleyed wide. Randolph twice blocked powerful Joao Teixeira efforts and also saved shots from Cameron Brannagan, Joe Allen and Christian Benteke. But neither side could score and they will meet again in a replay in London.
The worst possible result for Liverpool?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp played a youthful side in the third-round match and subsequent replay against Exeter, but included a mixture of first-team players and youngsters for the visit of the Hammers. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, 27, was the oldest player in the Reds' starting line-up, which also included four players - Brad Smith, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira - who had never started a Premier League match. This was the ninth game that Liverpool had played in January, and they desperately did not want another match, but that is exactly what they got. It means their schedule in February will now include at least seven matches, including the League Cup final, two Europa League matches, three Premier League games and one, maybe two, FA Cup ties. Nevertheless, Klopp will feel his side should have won. A poor touch when only six yards out to waste a chance summed up another ineffective performance from an out-of-form Christian Benteke. Liverpool were the better team in the second half and created numerous chances, but stand-in captain Allen shot harmlessly over, and Brannagan, Teixeira and Benteke had shots saved by Randolph.
How did Liverpool's youngsters do?
Generally, they were very impressive. Brannagan, 19, who consistently impressed with his set-piece delivery, nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot from 20 yards out, but goalkeeper Randolph did well to push the ball around the post. Brad Smith, 21, produced an energetic performance at left-back, often getting forward to help his side's attacks, while handling the threat from the quick Victor Moses with maturity.
Kevin Stewart, 22, a tough-tackling central midfielder, worked hard, making six tackles and two interceptions, and 23-year-old Joao Teixeira, playing on the left side of Liverpool's front three, was twice denied by a diving Randolph.
A wasted opportunity for West Ham?
Three-time winners West Ham were aiming to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in the last eight seasons - and will have been buoyed when they saw the Liverpool line-up. They themselves made five changes, although fielded a team rich in Premier League experience apart from Randolph, who played because regular goalkeeper Adrian was back in his native Spain for family reasons. Yet the Hammers could not take full advantage. They kept trying to utilise Victor Moses' pace against Brad Smith down the right wing, but the defender often came out on top before Moses was withdrawn midway through the second half. Slaven Bilic will argue that West Ham should have had a penalty, when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the penalty area, but the Hammers took 50 minutes to have their solitary shot on target.
Man of the Match - Darren Randolph (West Ham)
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph made six saves to deny Liverpool
What the managers said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We had the bigger chances, but now we have to play again. West Ham have good quality in their team and play well in the league. We tried everything - you need a bit of luck. "I was pleased with the whole team. Steven Caulker played for the first time in his position in defence and did well, but I cannot fault anyone, they tried and gave all. We played much better than we did at West Ham [in the league], but we didn't score so it is not over. "The players we changed had the day off today so hopefully nothing happened to them."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said: "They had a few moments, we had a few moments. They were better in the second half - they could run more and were better at winning the second balls so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. Kouyate should be OK for Tuesday hopefully." Asked if they should have had a penalty for a Steven Caulker handball, Bilic said: "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment. I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
The stats you need to know
Liverpool have now not lost in their last seven FA Cup meetings with the Hammers (won four, drew three).
The Hammers have won just one of their last nine FA Cup games away from home (drew two, lost six).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 11 away matches (won two, drew five, lost four).
What next?
Both teams are next in Premier League action on Tuesday. Liverpool travel to Premier League leaders Leicester City, while West Ham welcome the division's bottom team Aston Villa to Upton Park.
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I didn't see hand ball incident, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic says that he "didn't see" the double hand ball by Liverpool's Steven Caulker that should have resulted in a penalty to West Ham during this evening goalless draw at Anfield. Bilic, whose team have now kept three clean sheets against Liverpool this season watched his under-strength side eke out a fourth round replay, despite failing to live up to recent performances. Yet many Hammers fans are convinced that West Ham should already be in the next round, believing that referee Martin Atkinson should have awarded Bilic's side a second half penalty when a Dimitri Payet free kick was handled by Caulker - twice - on the edge of the six-yard box. Bilic himself was rather more diplomatic when pressed about the decision during his post-match press conference, stating that he failed to see the incident. "I didn't see the replays so I can't comment," he said. "I shouted a few times, they shouted a few times, the crowd shouted a few times, but that is part of the game."
Overall the Hammers boss felt his side deserved a second bite of the cherry - even if they were often second best against an equally-depleted Liverpool team. "They had a few moments, we had a few moments," he surmised. "They were better in the second half - they ran more and were better at winning the second balls, so it is a great result for us. "We lacked that kind of quality we normally have in the last third of the pitch, so overall I am happy with the result. "When you make two subs in the first half your hands are tied in the second half. It limited our options and we had to wait to make a third substitution. But Kouyate should be ok for Tuesday hopefully."
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are in the hat for tomorrow afternoon's FA Cup fifth round draw after earning a goalless draw at Anfield this evening. The Boleyn Ground will see at least one more FA Cup tie after tonight's highly-anticipated clash ended 0-0, after both teams effectively cancelled each other out in a drab affair on Merseyside. However West Ham - minus the likes of goalkeeper Adrian, Mark Noble and new signing Sam Byram - could have been celebrating successive wins at Anfield had erroneous official Martin Atkinson spotted a blatant hand ball midway through the second half.
A tedious opening 45 minutes resulted in neither team creating more than the odd half chance, although Darren Randolph, deputising for regular number one Adrian - who is in Spain with his heavily pregnant wife - was forced to tip away a Brannagan effort ten minutes ahead of the interval.
Meanwhile the nearest West Ham came to scoring in the first half came from a Pedro Obiang effort, which missed its intended target by a matter of inches in the closing seconds of the half. In their defence, Slaven Bilic's side had already been (further) weakened by the enforced removal of James Tomkins (head wound) and Cheik Kouyate.
However the game's main talking point occurred just four minutes after the restart when a Dimitri Payet free kick was arrowed into the penalty box where it clearly struck the arm of defender Caulker's arm - not once, but twice. West Ham's players may not have appealed en masse, but quite how the errant Atkinson managed to miss it will be much debated tonight.
Overall Atkinson experienced an error-strewn evening, making a string of bad calls - including a blatant back pass by Smith to Mignolet that should have resulted in an indirect free kick to West Ham on the edge of the box and a shirt tug by Winston Reid that, had it been spotted, would have resulted in a penalty to the hosts.
Yet the referee's shortcomings aside, both teams struggled to make an impact in the final third although Liverpool did at least hit the target on six occasions, to West Ham's miserly single effort on target (from a total of seven efforts).
And the Hammers had Man of the Match Randolph to thank for ensuring Liverpool failed to breach United's defence on the rare occasion they fashioned a worthy effort on goal; the Irish international made two great blocks within 60 seconds in the final quarter-of-an-hour and also denied Teixeira from the game's best move on the hour mark.
The replay is scheduled for Tuesday, 9th February - tickets are already on sale to season ticket holders (priced £20 for adults and £10 for juniors).
West Ham Utd: Randolph, Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Song, Kouyate, Moses, Payet, Valencia.
Subs: Howes, O'Brien, Collins, Oxford, Cullen, Antonio, Jelavic.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Caulker, Smith, Allen, Brannagan, Stewart, Ibe, Teixeira, Benteke.
Subs: Ward, Enrique, Ilori, Chrivella, Ojo, Sinclair, Randall.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).
Attendance: 44,057
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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham: Hammers earn FA Cup replay
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 31/01/16 7:25am
SSN
A blunt Liverpool attack failed to break down West Ham in a goalless FA Cup fourth-round match at Anfield on Saturday evening. Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph denied Christian Benteke twice and Joe Allen once as the Reds pushed for a winner late on, but a much-changed Liverpool line-up lacked a cutting edge. Enner Valencia wasted West Ham's best opportunity after 16 minutes, the forward miscued his header when left unmarked in the Reds box. The away side were forced into two first-half changes as Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins were both forced off, and West Ham had a penalty appeal turned down when Steven Caulker appeared to handle in the box midway through the second half. After hitting five past Norwich at Carrow Road, the Reds have now been held scoreless in back-to-back games while their struggles at Anfield continue. Klopp's side have managed 75 shots on goal in their last four home matches, but have scored just three times, all against League Two Exeter in their third-round replay.
Having played eight games in 2016 already, Klopp made 10 changes from the shoot-out victory over Stoke as only Simon Mignolet kept his place, and the Reds looked disjointed in a sluggish first half. Slaven Bilic made five changes himself, and his side started the brighter, carving out the first opportunity for Valencia. The West Ham striker found himself free seven yards out after Dejan Lovren was caught underneath the flight of Aaron Creswell's cross, but Valencia mistimed his jump. Liverpool were made to wait until the 21st minute for their first meaningful attempt on goal, as Christian Benteke's near-post flick was cleared off the line, although it looked to be drifting just wide. The Hammers had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down by referee Martin Atkinson midway through the half as Kouyate's header struck Brad Smith on the arm, before West Ham were hit by a double injury blow. Tomkins clashed heads with Joe Allen that required 12 stitches with ten minutes to play, before Kouyate limped off just three minutes later.
In between the two substitutions, Cameron Brannagan tested Randolph with a stinging shot from 25 yards that the goalkeeper, standing in for Adrian who returned to Spain to attend the birth of his first child, tipped around the post. Brannagan hit the wall with a free-kick on the edge of the Hammers box shortly after, but the visitors ended the half on top as Pedro Obiang guided a volley narrowly wide. And they had a stronger case for a penalty five minutes into the second half as Jelavic's header appeared to strike Caulker on the arm, but Liverpool survived to hack clear. Klopp's side improved as Allen and Benteke both squandered presentable opportunities, while Joao Teixeira kept Randolph involved, drawing a stop with a firm strike from just inside the box having been teed up by Jordon Ibe. The West Ham 'keeper then produced three smart saves in quick succession, first denying Benteke after the Liverpool striker was set through before reacting quickly to keep out Benteke again and Allen on the follow-up.
The Hammers responded to Liverpool's flurry and closed the game out on top as substitute Michail Antonio caused problems on the break. His long throw was poorly punched by Mignolet, but Valencia went down too easily under pressure from Brannagan. Antonio struck the post in stoppage time with a header, but referee Atkinson had already whistled for a push on Jose Enrique as both sides settled for the draw in the final stages, and the opportunity to do it all again at Upton Park. The replay, Liverpool's second in as many rounds, adds another game to an already crowded fixture list for both sides, with the Reds also set to contend with Europa League action and the Capital One Cup final next month.
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Slaven Bilic praises West Ham's No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph after draw at Liverpool
By Press Association
Last Updated: 30/01/16 9:12pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised No 2 goalkeeper Darren Randolph for earning his side a replay after the goalless FA Cup fourth round draw at Liverpool. Liverpool dominated the game after West Ham lost James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate to injury in the first half and the visitors were indebted to back-up goalkeeper Randolph for a string of saves, who came in for No 1 Adrian with the Spaniard awaiting the birth of his child. Now Liverpool must travel to Upton Park for the replay, just as they did in the previous round against Exeter. "Adrian flew this morning to Seville. His wife's baby delivery is due tomorrow and we wish him luck and for that to go smooth but Randy would have been in goal anyway," said Bilic. "He was in goal against Wolves in the cup and we decided he would play against Liverpool and in the replay. "Randy is great and deserved to be in goal and proved again he deserves it. He is the Republic of Ireland No 1 and because of him Ireland are in the European Championships so we have a great goalkeeper."
With more injuries added to his list - Tomkins had 13 stitches in a head wound and Kouyate was taken off as a precaution because of a groin problem - Bilic was also not that enamoured with an extra game. "Nobody is crazy about the replays but we can live with that," he said. "We have injuries but make no mistake, we would have liked to be without the replay. "We got the clean sheet and deserve the replay and now it will be one of those historic FA Cup nights at Upton Park. "The first half it was a very even game, both clubs had some moments up front but not clear-cut chances, and in the second half until the last 10 minutes they were better than us. "Maybe some people did not expect this Liverpool team to be so good but it was not a surprise to me."
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TRANSFER NEW ROUND UP FINAL WEEK
By Sean Whetstone 30 Jan 2016 at 23:20
WTID
So this is my final weekly round-up before transfer deadline day on Monday which I am sure will be a quiet one for West Ham.
Galatasaray general secretary Fatih Ibecer has broken silence on Burak Yilmaz confirming that West Ham made a loan bid for him. "We were made a loan bid from West Ham but we are after a permanent transfer deal so the deal fell through,"Ibecer told reporters. The latest statement conflicts with Galatasaray's president Dursun Özbek claiming he knew nothing about West Ham interest and that no offer had been made. "I have received no offers Burak is our player and it really annoys me that these speculations have been made," Özbek told reporters in Istanbul.
West Ham have confirmed that they are holding a back-up interest in Sunderland striker Steve Fletcher should it prove impossible to complete a deal for Emmanuele Emenike. A top source told us "We have inquired about Steven and hold an interest in him.He is a possible back-up target if we can't sort out a deal for Emenike."
At the time of writing Emmanuelle Emenike was currently going through the second part of his West Ham medical but there are still problems in completing the deal. The striker passed through Phase One of his medical successfully Thursday and no problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the deal are apparently still not resolved.We have been told that should he make to move to the Boleyn by Deadline Day it will involve a loan fee of less than £1 million. We were told by a well placed source: "It remains quite complicated. The player wants to sign and his agents too of course but the two club syndrome is proving tricky. "We are working hard and hopefully will get it done by deadline day but yes it's fair to say there are a few issues to overcome."
Nikica Jelavic appears to be be moving closer to a West Ham exit with rumours he has agreed personal terms with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande the front runner to sign him. Another rumour suggests another as yet un-named chinese club has asked about his availability too. Slaven Bilic confirmed last Thursday that Jelavic could be China bound saying "We have Jelavic who might go to China, but they are in pre-season at the moment, so he is staying with us until he might sort the deal out."
On Thursday Reece Oxford's loan to Charlton has been cancelled by the Addicks' boss as the Belgian coach has no idea who the young defender come midfielder is. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga either.
Sligo Rovers have signed Jaanai Gordon on loan from West Ham ahead of the start of the 2016 SSE Airtricity League season. The 20-year-old striker has signed a short-term loan at the Showgrounds, which will see his initial period at the Bit O'Red last until August this year.
"I need to go and play games," Joey O'Brien told London24 Sport. "The Euros are in the summer. I need to be playing games to try and get into the next squad for the friendlies. Then we can see what happens from there but I need to be playing.Ireland hasn't been to many major championships, so this is a big deal. I will have to see what the manager thinks. If he sits me down and says he wants me to go out on loan then I will look at that. It is down to the manager, if he wants me to hang around here then that's what I will do. But if he wants me to go out on loan, then I will look at that."
West Ham admitted for the first time that Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi is their No 1 summer target. A top Irons source told us: "Yes, he's the one we want but we have not -as has been suggested – signed any pre contract arrangements. The truth is that half of Europe are after him. Obviously, the Payet factor could help – we hope so."
Alex Song will need to maintain the level of performance he displayed in his man of the match display against Manchester City on Saturday evening if he is to cash in with a permanent deal at the end of the season. One insider told us "One swallow doesn't make a summer does it? It's obvious the club would love to get him on a permanent deal if he can keep things going – he likes us. We like him. We have no reason to make a decision at this stage – we will watch him, assess him and make our decision in the summer."
And now for something completely different. A light hearted look at The Brentwood Gazette humourous headline section of the week.
West Ham and Spurs have moved into the lead to land West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino after reports the club are willing to listen to offers in the region of £20 million.
West Ham have entered the race for Southampton forward Sadio Mane and are confident of beating Manchester United to his signature.
West Ham could be set to make a £25 million summer move for Watford striker Odion Ighalo
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an approach for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
West Ham United's French star Dimitri Payet is being lined up Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise swoop
West Ham are in the race to sign Senegal striker Baye Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv.The 25-year-old could cost as much as £15 million
West Ham United have been joined by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race to sign Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder.
Keep taking those tablets Brentwood Gazette, the end of the transfer window is in sight we will miss your funny headlines.
As David Gold would say "Don't go to bed!"
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West Ham close on striker Emmanuel Emenike after Fenerbahce chairman reveals loan fee has been agreed
19:48, 30 JAN 2016 UPDATED 19:49, 30 JAN 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Hammers will pay £750,000 for the forward's services, with the option to buy him permanently for £8.5m, according to Aziz Yildirim
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike. The Turkish giants' chairman Aziz Yildirim revealed a loan fee of €1million has been agreed between the two clubs, and that the Hammers will have the option of buying the player for €11million [£8.5m] in the summer. Irons boss Slaven Bilic admitted talks were underway, but said they had reached a 'complicated situation'. Emenike is currently on loan at Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain from the 19-time champions of Turkey. "We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said. "They will give €1million to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for €11m. But the deal hasn't been completed yet." Injuries to Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll has left West Ham short of numbers up front.
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Hammers on Jelavic 'exit' and loan options
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nikica Jelavic's move to China remains "very much on" but may not happen until the end of February with the window remaining open until then in the country.
We were told this morning that there is no urgency over the player's departure from Upton Park for that reason although the club is still continuing to try finding a replacement before the Premier League's slams shut.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "There is still no conclusion to the Emanuelle Emenike situation other than thathe has come through his medical and unlike many loanees is 100 per cent fit and ready to start should it be completed.
"That may not happen until the very end of deadline day or it may not happen at all. The Steve Fletcher option is indeed correct and there are others we have looked at ."
However, despite the regular updates on the Emenike situation, the club remains entirely relaxed about the situation over maybe being unable to get a fourth striker.
Our source admitted: "We are not desperate for somebody to lift us from relegation trouble are we? It would be great to have a fourth striker to cover emergencies but we have Enner Valencia fit and both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho on the way back within two weeks.
"The Emenike deal is still dependent on arranging things with Fenerbache and if we get him in that's great as it will give us a real chance to have a good look at him.
"We are not in a desperate position and we are very relaxed about things however it pans out."
He added however, that Jelavic would "99 per cent certain be gone" adding: "It hasn't really worked out and it would be good to look at options."
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Nigerian 'Hazard' invited to West Ham for trials
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are clalimed to have invited 19 year old Nigerian forward Ezekiel Bassey for trials."Bassey has been invited for trials by West Ham," a report claims on the Africa Football website. Last year, Nigeria defender Azubuike Egwuekwe also trialed with 'The Hammers' but his club Warri Wolves later turned down a £1m bid for Egwuekwe. "We rejected a bid from West Ham because we had disagreement with the agent handling the issue," his club spokesman told the press. Bassey has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria, when he made his debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in October in Port Harcourt. The left-sided player is claimed to have 'dazzling footwork and dribbling' which earned the nickname 'Hazard' after his first season at Nigerian champions Enyimba. But it is left to be seen if he could be granted a work permit should he impress trying out with the Hammers.
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Still in the hat but it was all a bit too friendly!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
First things first…if anyone had told me I'd have been unhappy coming away from Anfield with a draw before this season started I'd have laughed 'em out of the place. Having said that, but for a series of Darren Randolph saves we wouldn't have done – the bloke was superb – our clear man of the match who kept us in the FA Cup. Personally, I'd give him the replay on the 9th or 10th of February because but for him there wouldn't be one taking place at the Boleyn.
The other West Ham turned up at Anfield today. There was little attacking impetus in a match which at times felt far too friendly with both sides seemingly intent on giving each as much space as they needed to have a go. Yet we were never able to find that killer ball or penetrating ball and watched Liverpool pounce on most second balls. Thank God they were incredibly wasteful and Randolph was so impressive. Even the two managers were engaging in conversation which saw them erupting in laugher. Nothing wrong with that I guess but you began to wonder whether we might have been better off in the old Liverpool Empire theatre. It really was that kind of game.
Liverpool had the lion's share of it but saw the majority of their shots fly wide or well over the top despite testing Randolph into a triple save at one point from Benteke and Allen. And the No 2 – only playing because Adrian was allowed the weekend off to welcome his new baby – pulled off another couple from Teixeira. With Payet having rare off day and Valencia misfiring up front we rarely looked likely to get a win but as the old saying goes: If you can play badly and not get beat you ain't a bad team. Special words for Winston Reid and Michail Antonio who came on as a late sub and made things happen but this was another day Alex Song and Victor Moses will want to forget. The replay is actually set for February 9 unless it becomes a TV match in which case it will be played on Wednesday the 10th
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Slav happy to take them back to our place
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic congratulated his squad on a clean sheet and claimed they deserved the replay against Liverpool on the basis of their defensive display but was disappointed we lacked that killer edge in the final third.
The manager told BT Sport immediately after the game: "I have to be happy with a replay and I have congratulated the players. It's always tough to keep a clean sheet but we just needed a more penetrating ball at the other end."
He revealed that James Tomkins had had 13 stitches inserted into a head would after a collision with Joe Allen and admitted that the quick injuries to him and Cheik Kouyate had maybe disrupted the Irons .
He said: "Kouyate felt something and it got a little worse so we took him off as a precaution and believe he'll be ready for Tuesday night (Aston Villa)."
He added: "Nobody wanted a replay but we'll take it and get them back to Upton Park."
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Fenerbahce chairman reveals Emenike finances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim has explained how much the 28-year-old could cost West Ham if he joins."We're about to loan [Emenike] to West Ham United," Yildirim said."They will give £760,000 (€1million) to us for this agreement and they will have the option to purchase him for £8.3m (€11m)." "But the deal hasn't been completed yet." he added Emenike's current contract, officially confirmed by Fenerbahce shows he earns €2.5 million Euros per year in Turkey as well as a €12,500 per-match appearance bonus. West Ham would probably pick up 100% of his wages while on loan meaning around a bill of around £36,000 per week as well as a £9,500 per match appearance bonus. At a combined £45,000 per game, he would still be cheaper than the current contract enjoyed by Jelavic thought to add up to £55,000 per week.
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Exclusive: Bilic shortlisted for the Manager of the Month Award
January 27, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
We are delighted to announce that Slaven Bilic has been shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Month award for January. Slaven masterminded wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth, drew with Manchester City and lost to Newcastle during this month. The winner will be announced in the coming weeks.
Here are the nominees for the Manager of the Month Award:
Ronald Koeman-Southampton
Slaven Bilic-West Ham
Manuel Pellegrini-Manchester City
Mauricio Pochettino-Spurs
Here are the nominees for the Player of the Month Award:
Sergio Aguero-Manchester City
Roberto Firmino-Liverpool
Jermain Defoe-Sunderland
Dele Alli-Spurs
Kasper Schmeichel- Leicester City
Virgil Van Dijk-Southampton
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2016
Preview - Liverpool
WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United's Emirates FA Cup campaign resumes on Saturday when Slaven
Bilic's men travel to Liverpool for their fourth round tie. The Hammers are
looking to book a place in the competition's last 16 after seeing off
Championship outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round.
Liverpool needed a replay to defeat League Two side Exeter City, but have
already enjoyed plenty of cup success this term, having reached the Capital
One Cup final with a penalty shootout victory against Stoke City this week.
West Ham ended a 52-year wait for victory at Anfield by triumphing 3-0 on
Merseyside earlier this season, and completed a league double earlier this
month thanks to goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll.
The Hammers are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League, a place and
two points above the Reds, who have 34 points from their 23 games to date.
The history
West Ham's wait for success at Anfield was legendary in its length. 52 long
years had passed since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurts secured a 2-1 West Ham
win before Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho repeated the feat –
but by 3-0 this time.
West Ham completed a league double over Liverpool that term, and have
achieved that for the first time since this. Another good omen was that
double success over the Reds coincided with West Ham's first glorious FA Cup
campaign.
This will be the 132nd meeting between the Clubs, with Liverpool having won
70 of them, West Ham 27 and 34 ending in draws.
No Hammer will need reminding of the last FA Cup tie between the two, when
east London hearts were broken by the Reds in the 2006 final.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers welcome James Tomkins back into the fold after he sat out last
weekend's draw with Manchester City due to a minor injury.
However, right backs Carl Jenkinson and Sam Byram both sit out, the former
with a knee injury and the latter as he played in the FA Cup for Leeds
United this term prior to his transfer to the Hammers.
Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini remain sidelined by various
injuries, although the trio are all close to a return.
Liverpool
For Liverpool, Jon Flanagan made his first start in 20 months in the midweek
Capital One Cup victory against Stoke, but Nathaniel Clyne is in line to
return to the starting XI on Saturday following a minor problem.
This FA Cup tie will come too soon for Philippe Coutinho and Daniel
Sturridge, although the attacking duo are both thought to be close to a
return.
Match details
Saturday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. The Yorkshire official has
dished out 108 yellow cards but no reds in 30 appointments this term. His
last West Ham game was the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth earlier this month –
one of three Hammers matches in 2015/16. The assistant referees will be
Stuart Burt and Edward Smart. The fourth official is Geoff Eltringham.
West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for West Ham supporters for this match have SOLD OUT.
Click here for latest travel news by train, and here for news on the roads.
Please note that the final train back from Liverpool to London leaves at
1948 on Saturday.
A dry but cloudy day is expected on Merseyside, with temperature at kick-off
of 5C (41F).
If you are not heading to the game remember you can stay in touch with
proceedings on our digital channels. The whufc.com live match centre will
carry live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and
more. You can also get involved in the conversation on social using #LIVWHU
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Joint-Chairman - How I won the Cup
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is literally an FA Cup winner – at auction. Mr
Gold is the proud owner of the oldest surviving trophy presented to the
winners. "The Little Idol" was what the teams played for from 1872 until
1910 when it was replaced by the silverware we know and love today.
The actual original was stolen from a shoe shop window in Birmingham while
Aston Villa were holders - and never seen again. Mr Gold said: "For me, this
is a far classier trophy. They used to make them a lot better in the
Victorian times. "I bought the trophy at an auction at Christie's ten years
ago. It was purely to stop it going into foreign ownership. "It spends most
of its time at the Football Museum in Manchester but I do sometimes have the
trophy at home. It is a nice thing to have at the dinner table instead of a
vase of flowers! "But, seriously, I was surprised that the FA - and PFA -
did not step in to make sure that this fine piece of silverware stayed in
the country. "So I had to step in at the last minute because it was apparent
that it was heading to Germany. "At one stage, there was a mystery phone
bidder and we thought it might be Roman Abramovich - and, with him, at least
we knew the trophy would be staying in England. "But that bidder went by the
wayside - and I came in. "The guy doing the bidding for me at the auction
shouted to me on the phone, "We've won"! We were so happy - we'd just won
the FA Cup!"
Villa won the "Little Idol" four times and were actually fined £25 to pay
for the replacement trophy that Mr Gold owns today. The trophy was retired
in 1919 and presented to FA president Lord Kinnaird as a retirement gift. Mr
Gold said: "It was kept in the family's vault for nearly 100 years before
the family decided to sell it. "When you are holding this trophy, you can
feel the history … the first 39 winners are all listed on there."
The Wanderers - a team that comprised mostly of former leading public school
pupils - won the very first final in 1872 by beating Royal Engineers 1-0 at
Kennington Oval in front of 2,000 fans. Royal Engineers were pioneers of the
passing game. They encouraged team-mates to pass the ball to each other,
rather than just kick the ball forward and chase it. That certainly sounds
very much like the sort of game that is encouraged at our Academy of
Football
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Moses set for emotional return
WHUFC.com
Victor Moses is preparing for an emotional return to Anfield, but says he
will put all his friendships to one side as he hopes to help steer the
Hammers into the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round. Moses enjoyed a season-long
loan with Liverpool back in 2013/14 and having missed the trip to Merseyside
earlier in the season, the Nigerian international is now hoping to put one
over his former team-mates. The 25-year-old forged close relationships with
several of the first-team squad at Anfield and relished the chance to play
in front of the Kop every week. But he is now determined to help the Hammers
have a lengthy run in the competition and will be doing everything he can to
help them come away with a victory.
Moses said: "It will be nice for me to go back to Liverpool and it will be
my first time back at Anfield since my loan spell there. "When we played up
there earlier in the season, it was just before I signed for the club but it
was a great victory for the Club. "I have still got a lot of good friends up
there like Coutinho, Sakho, Sturridge but I will have to put that friendship
to one side when we face them. "After the game we can shake hands, but the
football comes first and we will be looking to reach the next round. "It is
not out of the question that we could win the FA Cup and finish in the top
four this season."
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FA Chief pleased with Hammers approach
WHUFC.com
FA Chief Executive Officer Martin Glenn is thrilled to see Slaven Bilic
taking the FA Cup seriously and hopes the competition will provide even more
excitement this season. Bilic would love the chance to steer the Hammers to
their first FA Cup Final since 2006 and knows it would be a fitting way for
the Club to finish the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground if they could
win the tournament. The West Ham manager recently stated how much it would
mean to him if he could see his players lift the prestigious trophy and will
be doing everything he can to help his side achieve that goal. Glenn said:
"I saw Slaven's piece and I thought it was great. The FA Cup is such a huge
international property and we sell the rights all across the world. People
want to see it and Slaven gets that intrinsically. "It is a day out at
Wembley and it is a real inspiration. It is the big match pressure which you
test young players in and develops real fan excitement. "Nothing quite
captures it. The intensity of the FA Cup is not matched anywhere else in
Europe."
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SAT, 30 JAN 2016FA CUP - FOURTH ROUND
17:30
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool v West Ham United
BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will not feature in the FA Cup fourth
round match against West Ham. Dejan Lovren could return to the Liverpool
line-up for the first time in six matches following a hamstring injury.
West Ham will be without three strikers, with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and
Manuel Lanzini all injured Slaven Bilic is hopeful that Mark Noble will be
fit despite missing training on Thursday with flu.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): "I don't want a replay - I would like to win
without a second game. Yes. It will be a different team, for sure. We have
to make a few changes. We will make them, but only because we want to win
the game."
Slaven Bilic (West Ham): "It is one of the most difficult games we could
have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the recent
memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a chance
of beating them again."
MATCH FACTS
Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.
However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (W2 D4 L4).
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, after going seven in a row without a goal prior to
the run.
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Brentford sign Emmanuel Onariase from West Ham for an undisclosed fee
Last Updated: 29/01/16 11:55pm
SSN
Brentford have announced the signing of young defender Emmanuel Onariase
from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old moves to Griffin Park
on an 18-month development squad contract. Brentford's head of football
operations Robert Rowan told the club's official website: "Emmanuel has been
on our radar since the summer and he recently impressed the development
squad staff during his trial period with the club last week.
"What particularly stood out was his ability and composure on the ball,
leadership skills and his physical condition."
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Slaven Bilic confident of third West Ham victory over Liverpool
By Becky Lancashire
Last Updated: 29/01/16 3:05pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is confident his his side can chalk up a third
victory of the season over Liverpool on Saturday. The Hammers, who travel to
Anfield for the FA Cup fourth round tie, have already completed their first
league double over their rivals since 1964, having scored five goals and
conceded none. Despite the victories, Bilic admits an away trip to Liverpool
was not the draw he was looking for after they booked their place in the hat
with a 1-0 win over Wolves in round three. "I was not happy with the draw,"
he said. "We were on the coach to Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't
think 'yes, we've beaten them twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one
of the most difficult games we could have got. But we are confident, we beat
them twice and have the recent memory of beating them, and we know what to
do in the game to have a chance of beating them again. "We are very
ambitious for the FA Cup and we are looking forward to the game." Liverpool
fielded a team of youngsters as they scraped through their third-round tie
against League Two Exeter after a replay. And Jurgen Klopp's side also had a
gruelling 120-minute battle with Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on
penalties to reach the Capital One Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the
Reds' midweek exertions will hand his side an advantage. "We will put a
very, very strong team out but we will make some changes. Some of the guys
who played in the last cup game against Wolves will play again," he said.
"We are going to do everything we can to beat them. Losing would be a blow
but it wouldn't be a shock - it is Liverpool at home. So make no mistake, we
are approaching the game full of respect for them. But we are confident and
we are hungry to progress in the FA Cup."
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Jack Sullivan's column: Byram had a great game
January 28, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan
Saturday was a great game, I think Bilic once again delivered some great
tactics and to get 4 points against City in two games is great. There were
some great performances again, with Enner getting two more goals and proving
himself as the number 9. Sam Byram also had a great game after coming on
for Jenko, doing some great passes and showing that we haven't wasted our
money. To come on against Man City and face great attacking players with
such confidence, shows great character. Other players like Song looked back
to their best and I really feel on our day we can beat anyone.
On the other hand, to go ahead twice and let the lead slip isn't great, but
Aguero fit is world class and almost unstoppable! At the same time we could
have won the game, with Payet's great free-kick and Kouyate's header in the
last minute, both are always very strong for us and almost never have a bad
game. Liverpool is a huge game for us as we could beat them twice at
Anfield, after not winning there in 52 years! I'm really looking forward to
it and can see us getting something.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: Liverpool are missing Steven Gerrard's
leadership
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
I would like to begin with a question. Has any team beaten Liverpool three
times in one season? Maybe it has happened but not too many times, I think.
Yet that is what we will achieve if we manage to defeat them in the FA Cup
tomorrow. We were on the team coach travelling to Bournemouth when I heard
the fourth-round draw and I admit I was not happy because it was one of the
toughest options for us. I know we have beaten them twice already but that
is in the past and this is Liverpool we are talking about — at Anfield! So
it is a tough draw. On the other hand, although we are not big headed, we
are optimistic because we deserved to beat them at Upton Park this month and
also at Anfield early in the season. Of course, they have played many games
recently. Their Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday night went to extra
time and must have taken a lot out of them. Had they lost to Stoke, they
would have been very, very tired and the players would have felt their
knocks a lot more. However, they won so can look forward to Wembley and it
is amazing what something like that does to give you a boost of energy and
optimism. I watched the game on TV. Stoke were better on the night and did a
job on Liverpool, although the goal was offside.
Tomorrow's match has also revived memories of what I am told was a great FA
Cup Final between the teams in 2006. I haven't seen the match but have been
told often enough how marvellous it was — the best final of modern times.
Steven Gerrard broke West Ham fans' hearts that day when he equalised in the
dying seconds of normal time. Steven is almost unique in modern-day football
— a one-club man in this country and an icon for Liverpool — one of the
greatest players to play for that club, perhaps the greatest. These days,
players move clubs all the time, perhaps seeking a new challenge or more
money. He showed great commitment to Liverpool because he could have gone
anywhere in the world. Whether it was right for a parting of the ways last
year I don't know because I am not working there. In the end it was done in
the right way, I think. The manager at that time had different ideas. They
are missing Gerrard's leadership, though. He was Mr Liverpool, as John Terry
is Mr Chelsea or Mark Noble is Mr West Ham.
It is impossible to find a new Steven Gerrard. You can find a new player of
great quality but that will not make him a new Gerrard. It is most important
to have someone like him, Terry or Mark. A player such as this is the
manager's right-hand man on the pitch. When everything is going well you
don't need him so much but there are parts in every game where you need one
of your players to lead, to not think about his own game so much as helping
the team. The best sides have several of those players, those who the others
look to when things are not going smoothly. Jurgen Klopp is finding out very
quickly, as I have done, about life in English football. As for many things
in life, you can prepare meticulously in theory but until it happens, you
don't really know. He will have been prepared for the intensity of the
Premier League and the heavy Christmas programme and thought, "I can cope
with this, it is similar to the Bundesliga". But there are many things which
can take you by surprise. Of course, he will adjust, he is an experienced
coach who is used to the top level with Borussia Dortmund. He will find a
way but I am sure some things have surprised him, particularly the different
training and difficult schedule. We go into this game with plenty of
confidence after our performance against Manchester City. To be disappointed
not to have beaten the team who, on paper, are definitely the best in
England is good. It tells you that your standards are high. We were a bit
disappointed but we were also proud of our performance. Had it not been for
Sergio Aguero, surely one of the top five strikers in the world, we would
have won.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says no money will tempt them to sell Dimitri
Payet
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 28/01/16 11:32pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic claims there is "no money in the world" that
would force the club to sell Dimitri Payet. French playmaker Payet has
impressed since joining the Hammers from Marseille in the summer for £10m.
That has led to speculation the 28-year-old, back in action after injury,
could leave Upton Park during the current transfer window but Bilic is
determined to hold onto such a prize asset. "From my point of view there is
no money in the world that we would let him go for," Bilic said ahead of
their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Liverpool on Sunday. "The things he
does on the pitch, he also does in training. He is great to have in the
squad and at the club. "In previous seasons we were like a selling club, but
we are moving stadium, we are talking and acting like we want to go up as a
club, and for me the most important thing regarding that is not to sell your
best players. "Dimitri Payet, for me, no way. He is our player and he is
staying. "At this club there have been big players, but I think the last
player who made such a big impact, in basically no time, is Paolo Di Canio."
Payet has scored six goals in 19 appearances since joining West Ham.
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Liverpool v West Ham United preview: Hammers striker Andy Carroll to miss
Anfield return
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 29/01/16 10:50am
SSN
Liverpool entertain West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday having
already tasted cup success this week. The Reds won a dramatic penalty
shoot-out against Stoke City that carried them through to a League Cup final
meeting with Manchester City next month. Although Liverpool's inconsistency
has seen them fall behind in the chase for a top-four Premier League finish,
and a place in the Champions League, their cup form suggests Jurgen Klopp
could make an immediate trophy-winning start to his career as the Merseyside
club's manager. Liverpool are still hampered by a long injury list although
Dejan Lovren could return to the heart of the defence in place of Kolo
Toure, while Nathaniel Clyne is expected to step in at right-back for Jon
Flanagan, who made his first start in 20 months against Stoke.
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will shuffle his pack, but promised
he would still field a strong side at Anfield. Former Liverpool forward Andy
Carroll will not feature, however, as he is not yet fully fit and new
signing Sam Byram is cup-tied. The Hammers have already beaten Liverpool
home and away in the league this season, with their Anfield success their
first victory there since 1963. But Bilic revealed he had been disappointed
to have been sent there again. "I was not happy with the draw because it was
one of the most difficult we could get," he said. "We have beaten them twice
but it's still Liverpool away. When I heard the draw I didn't think: 'We
beat them twice, come on!' I was like: 'Why Liverpool?' But we are confident
and we know what we have to do to have a chance to beat them again."
Paul Merson's prediction
I just can't see Liverpool winning this game. West Ham have done the double
over them and Liverpool have just played 120 mins plus penalties. I know
they won and that puts more air into your lungs, but West Ham are a very
good team. We saw that on Saturday Night Football against Manchester City.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Opta stats
Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.
However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all-Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline (W4 L3).
The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (D4 L4).
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.
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Slaven Bilic wary of Liverpool backlash after guiding West Ham to league
double already this season
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers head back to Anfield on Saturday having already won 3-0 there
this season but Bilic is taking nothing for granted
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic admits he fears a Liverpool backlash - but is sending a side to
Anfield good enough to cope with it. The West Ham boss has already guided
his men to their first league double over Liverpool since 1964, scoring five
goals and conceding none. But he admitted to not being pleased when he heard
the draw had sent the Hammers back to Anfield for their fourth-round tie. "I
was not happy with the draw," said Bilic. "We were on the coach to
Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't think 'yes, we've beaten them
twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one of the most difficult games
we could have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the
recent memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a
chance of beating them again. "We are very ambitious for the FA Cup and we
are looking forward to the game."
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side suffered a gruelling two-hour battle with
Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on penalties to reach the Capital One
Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the exertions will hand his side an
advantage. "They didn't feel that tiredness although they played 120 minutes
- the whole place will be buzzing." he said.
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Jurgen Klopp to turn to Liverpool youngsters again as exhausted Reds'
recover from Stoke exertions
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Liverpool's stars ran 156km in the midweek clash with Stoke and Klopp
explained he will have to give some of them a rest against West Ham
The Mirror
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will refuse to run his players into the
ground...because they're doing that themselves. The German coach revealed he
will pick a "young team" in the FA Cup against West Ham this evening,
because his exhausted players posted record numbers for distance covered in
an epic, intense cup semi this week. Klopp explained that in all his years
as manager, he's rarely come across any team running as far as the 156km the
Reds covered in the Capital One tie with Stoke, and because of that, he
insisted, he won't bury them. "I can't ignore the other games, I can't say
try it again. If they are injured we cannot use them and if we know about
the intensity of the last game and the short break to the next one I can't
say go again until you lay on the ground," he explained. "It will be a
different team, for sure, to the last game. We have no other choice. We ran
156 kilometres against Stoke and a few players that ran 17 kilometres in
this game, the highest speed ever and breaking all records for distance
covered. "Nobody forced them before the game – 'Please try to break all
records!' Stoke did only 3km less so it was intense, very intense. We have
no chance. "We wanted to go to the final and we had to fight for it. But now
we cannot say, 'Come on, it's West Ham, it's the FA Cup, it's the world
championship or whatever. And then again against Leicester and again against
the rest.' It doesn't work like this, so we have to make a changes."
Klopp does have senior players like Dejan Lovren, Joe Allen, Nathaniel Clyne
and Steven Caulker to call on, and he will use Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith who
have extensive first team experience. But he will also select youngsters
like Sheyi Ojo, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira, and he
insisted it won't be too much of a gamble pitching them in against the
physically testing West Ham. "We will play them but only because we want to
win the game – that's the only reason. They really try to win each game," he
added. "Maybe you cannot see it all the time, but inside they are always big
fighters and I love this attitude. "It was easy to be brave against Exeter
but sometimes you have to be brave in a moment when you really need it and
that's what we're doing now. I don't feel that I'm being too brave because I
trust these players. "If we could win the Capital One Cup it would be a cup
for the whole squad because we played different teams, against Bournemouth
it was a very young team, and if we go through in the FA Cup it will be the
same."
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QPR desperate to offload Rob Green with Crystal Palace and West Ham
enquiring as Sandro nears exit
17:16, 29 JAN 2016 UPDATED 17:23, 29 JAN 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Green will be handed an automatic 12-month contract extension if he plays
any more games for the Rs meaning bosses as keen to offload
The Mirror
QPR are desperately trying to offload former England keeper Rob Green before
Monday's deadline. They have agreed a deal with West Brom for Brazilian
midfielder Sandro who will move to the Hawthorns to get him off the books.
West Brom hope to have the deal completed after Sandro underwent a medical
on Friday and has agreed personal terms. Green, 36, could also go because he
is out of contract this summer and a new 12 month extension will kick in if
he plays more games. That is something QPR - anxious to cut costs - are
trying to avoid and they are hoping to strike a deal with several clubs
keen. Crystal Palace and West Ham have enquired for the keeper who has been
left out recently to stop the deal kicking in.
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How Slav embraces the spirit of our founder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
Scott A
C and H
Top ClaretandHugh blogger Scott Alsweiller is back with a piece to stir the
emotions of all Hammers. He casts his eye back to 1896 and the words of our
founder Arnold Hills before making it clear how the boys of 2016 have
resurrected the spirit of the man to whom we owe it all.
"…keep on the ball, play an unselfish game, pay heed to your captain, and
whatever the fortunes of the first half of the game, never despair of
winning, and never give up doing your very best to the last minute of the
match. That is the way to play football, and better still, that is the way
to make yourselves men."
–Arnold Hills, in a letter to his Thames Ironworks F.C. players, 1896.
There's a philosophy that stands as true today as it did when our founder
said it 120 years ago. It's also a philosophy that is obviously very dear
to the heart of one Slaven Bilic, and the hearts of Hammers around the
world. Are you looking for the West Ham Way? There it is at conception.
It's also a philosophy our current squad appear to have taken as their own.
Nobody will deny that we looked truly abysmal for the first half of the
Bournemouth game, only to come back energised and sharp as knives for the
second half. Never despair of winning, indeed. We looked unlucky not to have
completed the double over Manchester City last weekend. And now we get to
face Liverpool in the F.A. Cup.
We've already beaten them, soundly, twice this season. There is no reason to
think that we can't carry on that form and earn our spot in the next round.
Klopp looks to be bringing in a younger side, but make no mistake, those
'kids' can prove utterly deadly if we underestimate them.
Having said that, we should win this one. With Byram Cup-tied, and Jenkinson
injured (and the less said about his season the better at this point), we'll
see the return of Tomkins (who joined the Academy at age 7 and remains with
us to this day) to the fullback role he has worked very hard at this season.
Valencia is now oozing confidence and capability. We may not even have seen
him at his best yet – I suspect there is more to come as he continues to
grow in assurance. While we don't have our 'Jewel' back with us yet, we do
have his deadly midfield partner back at full strength – and of course, for
most of us, he's a man for whom there aren't superlatives enough.
Could we blow it? Of course we could. We've proven that already this season.
Some will say that's part of the West Ham Way. Traditionally, that's
correct. But let's change it up this time around. Let's make it a triple
defeat and really rub it in. Get out there – and Come on you Irons!
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Who is Jose Riga?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
RigaUntil yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga.
Yesterday, it was reported that Reece Oxford's loan to Charlton has been
cancelled by the Addicks' boss as the Belgian coach has no idea who the
young defender come midfielder is.
Has Mr Riga been living under a rock or something for the last few years?
Reece Oxford produced one of the most impressive debuts in Premier League
history earlier this season, starring in the West Ham midfield as the
Hammers won 2-0 at Arsenal on the opening day of the season. The youngster –
then 16 – was hailed for his maturity and composure in owning Mesut Ozil in
his pocket for most of the match. Oxford has made just 3 Premier League
appearances since that incredible debut, as Slaven Bilic opts for experience
over the raw talent of Oxford. In recent weeks he has been linked with
interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all of which
know exactly who he is and what he can do. In search of increased game time,
he was expected to complete a loan move to the Championship side but it
appears the manager threw his toys out his pram. Riga allegedly vetoed the
move after the deal in the 11th hour because the deal was agreed without his
consent. Talks are now under way to see if the loan deal can been salvaged
with Riga watching youtube clips of Oxford.
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Jelavic edges closer to Chinese exit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nikica Jelavic appears to be be moving closer to a West Ham exit with
rumours he has agreed personal terms with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande
the front runner to sign him. Another rumour suggests another as yet
un-named chinese club has asked about his availability too. Yesterday, West
Ham manager Slaven Bilic confirmed Jelavic could be Chian bound saying "We
have Jelavic who might go to China, but they are in pre-season at the
moment, so he is staying with us until he might sort the deal out."
West Ham completed the transfer of Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic from Hull
City on a two-year contract, with the option of a further two, for a
transfer fee believed to be £2.5m plus add ons worth another £300,000 back
in the Summer. The 30-year-old striker is thought to earn £55,000 per week
in a lucrative contract. Jelavic's goal scoring record shows him as having
netted 30 from 45 appearances at Rangers, 16 from 59 at Everton and 13 from
46 at Hull. Jelavic has scored three goals and made two assists for West Ham
from 13 appearances despite being in the starting line up just twice.
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memnike hints deal is done
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Emmanuel Emenike has hinted he is about to become a West Ham player. Posting
on his personal Instagram account from Westfield Shopping Centre in
Stratford yesterday he said "I'm happy West Ham London" the message was
accompanied with a photo of the West Ham Crest.
No problems have been reported with his medical and West Ham are understood
to be agreeing the finer details of the loan deal with Fenerbahce to bring
the 28 year old to West Ham for the remainder of the season with an option
to buy. The final obstacle is a work permit application but it is hoped this
is a just a formality. Emenike has spent this season on loan at Abu Dhabi
side Al Ain and has scored seven times in 11 games in the UAE but it emerged
they no longer have him registered as one of their three foreign players.
Emenike was the Golden Boot winner at the 2013 African Cup of nations.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons battle to overcome Emenike issues
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Emmanuelle Emenike is currently going through the second part of his West
Ham medical but there are still problems in completing the deal. The striker
passed through Phase One of his medical successfully yesterday and no
problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the
deal are apparently still not resolved. They centre on his relationship with
his current loan club Al Ain and parent club Fenerbache although negotiators
are working hard to iron them out. And ClaretandHugh has been told that
should he make to move to the Boleyn by Deadline Day it will involve a loan
fee of less than £1 million. We were told by a well placed source: "It
remains quite complicated. The player wants to sign and his agents too of
course but the two club syndrome is proving tricky. "We are working hard and
hopefully will get it done by deadline day but yes it's fair to say there
are a few issues to overcome."
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Irons confirm Black Cat Fletcher's a target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham have confirmed that they are holding a back-up interest in
Sunderland striker Steve Fletcher should it prove impossible to complete a
deal for Emmanuele Emenike. The Hammers are hoping they will complete the
negotiations for the Nigerian front man but have made it clear that
Fletcher is a possible late target should that deal fall through.
ClaretandHugh revealed this morning that although the Fenerbache striker was
taking the second part of his medical today, there was still no firm deal in
place. And the story published on line by the Mirror's Darren Lewis that
Fletcher is a target if the deal breaks down has been confirmed by our top
source at West Ham who said: "We have inquired about Steven and hold an
interest in him.
"He is a possible back-up target if we can't sort out a deal for Emenike."
However as the Mirror reports manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that the
London club are hopeful of sealing the deal – despite complications because
of Emenike's current loan spell at Al Ain in Abu Dhabi – this weekend.
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Julian Dicks's emphatic response when asked whether Payet is better than Di
Canio
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham coach has waxed lyrical about the Frenchman. West Ham United
coach Julian Dicks says Dimitri Payet is 'one hundred per cent' a better
player than Paolo Di Canio was, according to the Daily Star. Indeed, Dicks
is delighted with the 28-year-old's 'fantastic' work rate and is impressed
with his willingness to run back and defend even during the 90th minute. Di
Canio is a West Ham legend but, with time, there's no reason Payet won't
reach that status among fans at Upton Park. And Dicks is quoted as saying by
the Star: "Payet. One hundred per cent.
"There are similarities. But with Dimitri, he has all the ability in the
world but his work rate is fantastic. You have fantastic players and you let
them get on with it. "But he's running back to defend in the 90th minute. It
rubs off. You take your team-mates with you. He's very calm on the ball.
Many people can see a pass but very few can execute it."
Payet's return from injury recently came against Liverpool, when he was
brought on as a second-half substitute. West Ham won that game and now have
the chance to win three out of three against the Reds this season. The
Frenchman will likely play an important part if the Hammers are to achieve
the feat, as they travel to Anfield during Saturday's late kick-off in the
FA Cup.
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West Ham bound striker's ability questioned by former Nigeria international
Posted by Eren Sarigul January 29, 2016
turkish-football.com
The West Ham bound striker Emmanuel Emenike's ability has been questioned by
the former Nigeria international Jonathan Akpoborie. Akpoborie – who also
played for VFL Wolfsburg – has stated that Emenike's performances have been
below par in recent performances. "Over the last two or three years he
hasn't been in good form for his club and country", Akpoborie was quoted as
saying by the BBC. "To be a striker in the top flight in England you need to
have a good first touch and that has always been his problem. "His ability
is in question." Emenike is set to undergo his West Ham medical according to
Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David Sullivan. The Nigerian
international is currently in talks with West Ham but the Hammers will have
to reach a deal with both Fenerbahce and his loan club Al Ain according to
West Ham head coach Slaven Bilic. The Hammers head coach expects a decision
to be made by Fenerbahce and Al Ain over Emenike by today. "Now we are
waiting to see if it is going to be today, tomorrow or not," Bilic was
quoted as saying by the Daily Star yesterday. The 28-year-old scored seven
times in 11 appearances for Al Ain and Bilic is familiar with Bilic from his
time coaching Istanbul rivals Besiktas.
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David James reveals his fear for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp takes this risk
FORMER England keeper David James fears for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp picks
another youthful team for their fourth-round FA Cup tie with West Ham
tomorrow.
By JOSEPH PEARSON
PUBLISHED: 09:12, Fri, Jan 29, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:29, Fri, Jan 29, 2016
Express.co.uk
James played 277 games for Liverpool between 1992 and 1999 and made a
further 102 appearances for the Hammers between 2001 and 2004 during his 18
years playing in the Premier League. Klopp made 11 changes in the last round
at Exeter and the Reds required a replay to see off their League Two
opponents. West Ham sit once place above Liverpool in sixth in the Premier
League table and James, who's been impressed with the Hammers under Slaven
Bilic this season, believes that Klopp cannot afford to take a similar risk
against Premier League opponents. "I've been very impressed by them [West
Ham] this season," James wrote in the Liverpool Echo. "I think Slaven Bilic
has done a marvellous job. "They're sitting just outside the European places
– above Liverpool – and they'll be looking at their fixtures to come and
thinking 'why can't we put ourselves in the mix for the top four?' "What
Jurgen did at Exeter in the last round was select a team that, barring a
couple of exceptions, pretty much knew each other and had played together,
albeit at youth level. He repeated that at Anfield, and I think you saw that
the understanding and confidence had grown. "I'm not sure if he will go
quite so young in his selection against West Ham, because this is a Premier
League opponent that can easily put an inexperienced team out of the
competition. It would be a big risk, in a competition you certainly have a
chance of winning. "But a few of those young players did themselves no harm
in the two games against Exeter, let me tell you."
James won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and he was a runner-up with
Liverpool in 1996, when the Reds lost to Manchester United at Wembley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady warns Brexit would be bad for British clubs
• 'Two-thirds of European stars in England would not meet visa criteria'
• 'Cutting ourselves off would have devastating consequences'
The Guardian
Friday 29 January 2016 09.19 GMT Last modified on Friday 29 January 2016
09.21 GMT
British teams could find it harder to sign top European players if the UK
votes to sever ties with Brussels, Karren Brady has warned club chairmen.
The Tory peer, vice-chairman of West Ham United, has written to professional
teams to warn that "cutting ourselves off from Europe would have devastating
consequences" for both the economy and the competitiveness of British
football. Baroness Brady, who is on the board of the main campaign to keep
the UK in the European Union, said free movement rules made it easier to
attract talent from the other 27 member states. She claimed that two-thirds
of players from EU nations playing in England might not meet the visa
criteria applying to non-EU countries and could therefore be forced to
leave.
In a letter to the chairmen of all professional sides in England, Scotland
and Wales, she said: "For clubs, free movement plays a big role in transfers
and players' contracts. "Players from the EU can sign for UK clubs without
needing a visa or special work permit, making it quicker and easier to
secure top talent from across Europe to come and play in our leagues.
"Indeed, there are nearly 200 Premier League footballers alone who have
benefited from this arrangement. Leaving the EU could have a big impact on
foreign players, as independent analysis has shown that two-thirds of
European stars in England would not meet automatic non-EU visa criteria and
therefore might be forced to leave. "Losing this unhindered access to
European talent would put British clubs at a disadvantage compared to
continental sides."
Her letter also suggests fans travelling to away games in Europe benefit
from cheaper flights and not having to pay visas. Baroness Brady is on the
board of Britain Stronger In Europe, which is campaigning for a vote to
remain in the EU in the referendum promised by David Cameron. "English,
Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish football gains so much from being in
Europe," she said. "Clubs and fans all benefit from European action, laws
and funding. Leaving the EU would hurt our leagues, create uncertainty for
European transfers, and be a step back for the next generation of
footballers."
Although EU free movement rules can help British teams sign foreign stars,
they also apply the other way – smoothing the path for British players such
as Gareth Bale, who left Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Real Madrid. Players'
ability to switch sides has also been boosted by the Bosman ruling, a
European Court of Justice decision which allowed a player to leave a club on
a free transfer as soon as his contract expired, giving them extra leverage
to demand huge signing-on payments and salaries from their new teams.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United's Emirates FA Cup campaign resumes on Saturday when Slaven
Bilic's men travel to Liverpool for their fourth round tie. The Hammers are
looking to book a place in the competition's last 16 after seeing off
Championship outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round.
Liverpool needed a replay to defeat League Two side Exeter City, but have
already enjoyed plenty of cup success this term, having reached the Capital
One Cup final with a penalty shootout victory against Stoke City this week.
West Ham ended a 52-year wait for victory at Anfield by triumphing 3-0 on
Merseyside earlier this season, and completed a league double earlier this
month thanks to goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll.
The Hammers are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League, a place and
two points above the Reds, who have 34 points from their 23 games to date.
The history
West Ham's wait for success at Anfield was legendary in its length. 52 long
years had passed since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurts secured a 2-1 West Ham
win before Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho repeated the feat –
but by 3-0 this time.
West Ham completed a league double over Liverpool that term, and have
achieved that for the first time since this. Another good omen was that
double success over the Reds coincided with West Ham's first glorious FA Cup
campaign.
This will be the 132nd meeting between the Clubs, with Liverpool having won
70 of them, West Ham 27 and 34 ending in draws.
No Hammer will need reminding of the last FA Cup tie between the two, when
east London hearts were broken by the Reds in the 2006 final.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers welcome James Tomkins back into the fold after he sat out last
weekend's draw with Manchester City due to a minor injury.
However, right backs Carl Jenkinson and Sam Byram both sit out, the former
with a knee injury and the latter as he played in the FA Cup for Leeds
United this term prior to his transfer to the Hammers.
Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini remain sidelined by various
injuries, although the trio are all close to a return.
Liverpool
For Liverpool, Jon Flanagan made his first start in 20 months in the midweek
Capital One Cup victory against Stoke, but Nathaniel Clyne is in line to
return to the starting XI on Saturday following a minor problem.
This FA Cup tie will come too soon for Philippe Coutinho and Daniel
Sturridge, although the attacking duo are both thought to be close to a
return.
Match details
Saturday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. The Yorkshire official has
dished out 108 yellow cards but no reds in 30 appointments this term. His
last West Ham game was the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth earlier this month –
one of three Hammers matches in 2015/16. The assistant referees will be
Stuart Burt and Edward Smart. The fourth official is Geoff Eltringham.
West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for West Ham supporters for this match have SOLD OUT.
Click here for latest travel news by train, and here for news on the roads.
Please note that the final train back from Liverpool to London leaves at
1948 on Saturday.
A dry but cloudy day is expected on Merseyside, with temperature at kick-off
of 5C (41F).
If you are not heading to the game remember you can stay in touch with
proceedings on our digital channels. The whufc.com live match centre will
carry live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and
more. You can also get involved in the conversation on social using #LIVWHU
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Joint-Chairman - How I won the Cup
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is literally an FA Cup winner – at auction. Mr
Gold is the proud owner of the oldest surviving trophy presented to the
winners. "The Little Idol" was what the teams played for from 1872 until
1910 when it was replaced by the silverware we know and love today.
The actual original was stolen from a shoe shop window in Birmingham while
Aston Villa were holders - and never seen again. Mr Gold said: "For me, this
is a far classier trophy. They used to make them a lot better in the
Victorian times. "I bought the trophy at an auction at Christie's ten years
ago. It was purely to stop it going into foreign ownership. "It spends most
of its time at the Football Museum in Manchester but I do sometimes have the
trophy at home. It is a nice thing to have at the dinner table instead of a
vase of flowers! "But, seriously, I was surprised that the FA - and PFA -
did not step in to make sure that this fine piece of silverware stayed in
the country. "So I had to step in at the last minute because it was apparent
that it was heading to Germany. "At one stage, there was a mystery phone
bidder and we thought it might be Roman Abramovich - and, with him, at least
we knew the trophy would be staying in England. "But that bidder went by the
wayside - and I came in. "The guy doing the bidding for me at the auction
shouted to me on the phone, "We've won"! We were so happy - we'd just won
the FA Cup!"
Villa won the "Little Idol" four times and were actually fined £25 to pay
for the replacement trophy that Mr Gold owns today. The trophy was retired
in 1919 and presented to FA president Lord Kinnaird as a retirement gift. Mr
Gold said: "It was kept in the family's vault for nearly 100 years before
the family decided to sell it. "When you are holding this trophy, you can
feel the history … the first 39 winners are all listed on there."
The Wanderers - a team that comprised mostly of former leading public school
pupils - won the very first final in 1872 by beating Royal Engineers 1-0 at
Kennington Oval in front of 2,000 fans. Royal Engineers were pioneers of the
passing game. They encouraged team-mates to pass the ball to each other,
rather than just kick the ball forward and chase it. That certainly sounds
very much like the sort of game that is encouraged at our Academy of
Football
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Moses set for emotional return
WHUFC.com
Victor Moses is preparing for an emotional return to Anfield, but says he
will put all his friendships to one side as he hopes to help steer the
Hammers into the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round. Moses enjoyed a season-long
loan with Liverpool back in 2013/14 and having missed the trip to Merseyside
earlier in the season, the Nigerian international is now hoping to put one
over his former team-mates. The 25-year-old forged close relationships with
several of the first-team squad at Anfield and relished the chance to play
in front of the Kop every week. But he is now determined to help the Hammers
have a lengthy run in the competition and will be doing everything he can to
help them come away with a victory.
Moses said: "It will be nice for me to go back to Liverpool and it will be
my first time back at Anfield since my loan spell there. "When we played up
there earlier in the season, it was just before I signed for the club but it
was a great victory for the Club. "I have still got a lot of good friends up
there like Coutinho, Sakho, Sturridge but I will have to put that friendship
to one side when we face them. "After the game we can shake hands, but the
football comes first and we will be looking to reach the next round. "It is
not out of the question that we could win the FA Cup and finish in the top
four this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Chief pleased with Hammers approach
WHUFC.com
FA Chief Executive Officer Martin Glenn is thrilled to see Slaven Bilic
taking the FA Cup seriously and hopes the competition will provide even more
excitement this season. Bilic would love the chance to steer the Hammers to
their first FA Cup Final since 2006 and knows it would be a fitting way for
the Club to finish the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground if they could
win the tournament. The West Ham manager recently stated how much it would
mean to him if he could see his players lift the prestigious trophy and will
be doing everything he can to help his side achieve that goal. Glenn said:
"I saw Slaven's piece and I thought it was great. The FA Cup is such a huge
international property and we sell the rights all across the world. People
want to see it and Slaven gets that intrinsically. "It is a day out at
Wembley and it is a real inspiration. It is the big match pressure which you
test young players in and develops real fan excitement. "Nothing quite
captures it. The intensity of the FA Cup is not matched anywhere else in
Europe."
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SAT, 30 JAN 2016FA CUP - FOURTH ROUND
17:30
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool v West Ham United
BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will not feature in the FA Cup fourth
round match against West Ham. Dejan Lovren could return to the Liverpool
line-up for the first time in six matches following a hamstring injury.
West Ham will be without three strikers, with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and
Manuel Lanzini all injured Slaven Bilic is hopeful that Mark Noble will be
fit despite missing training on Thursday with flu.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): "I don't want a replay - I would like to win
without a second game. Yes. It will be a different team, for sure. We have
to make a few changes. We will make them, but only because we want to win
the game."
Slaven Bilic (West Ham): "It is one of the most difficult games we could
have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the recent
memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a chance
of beating them again."
MATCH FACTS
Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.
However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline, with four wins and three defeats.
The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (W2 D4 L4).
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, after going seven in a row without a goal prior to
the run.
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Brentford sign Emmanuel Onariase from West Ham for an undisclosed fee
Last Updated: 29/01/16 11:55pm
SSN
Brentford have announced the signing of young defender Emmanuel Onariase
from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old moves to Griffin Park
on an 18-month development squad contract. Brentford's head of football
operations Robert Rowan told the club's official website: "Emmanuel has been
on our radar since the summer and he recently impressed the development
squad staff during his trial period with the club last week.
"What particularly stood out was his ability and composure on the ball,
leadership skills and his physical condition."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic confident of third West Ham victory over Liverpool
By Becky Lancashire
Last Updated: 29/01/16 3:05pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is confident his his side can chalk up a third
victory of the season over Liverpool on Saturday. The Hammers, who travel to
Anfield for the FA Cup fourth round tie, have already completed their first
league double over their rivals since 1964, having scored five goals and
conceded none. Despite the victories, Bilic admits an away trip to Liverpool
was not the draw he was looking for after they booked their place in the hat
with a 1-0 win over Wolves in round three. "I was not happy with the draw,"
he said. "We were on the coach to Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't
think 'yes, we've beaten them twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one
of the most difficult games we could have got. But we are confident, we beat
them twice and have the recent memory of beating them, and we know what to
do in the game to have a chance of beating them again. "We are very
ambitious for the FA Cup and we are looking forward to the game." Liverpool
fielded a team of youngsters as they scraped through their third-round tie
against League Two Exeter after a replay. And Jurgen Klopp's side also had a
gruelling 120-minute battle with Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on
penalties to reach the Capital One Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the
Reds' midweek exertions will hand his side an advantage. "We will put a
very, very strong team out but we will make some changes. Some of the guys
who played in the last cup game against Wolves will play again," he said.
"We are going to do everything we can to beat them. Losing would be a blow
but it wouldn't be a shock - it is Liverpool at home. So make no mistake, we
are approaching the game full of respect for them. But we are confident and
we are hungry to progress in the FA Cup."
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Jack Sullivan's column: Byram had a great game
January 28, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan
Saturday was a great game, I think Bilic once again delivered some great
tactics and to get 4 points against City in two games is great. There were
some great performances again, with Enner getting two more goals and proving
himself as the number 9. Sam Byram also had a great game after coming on
for Jenko, doing some great passes and showing that we haven't wasted our
money. To come on against Man City and face great attacking players with
such confidence, shows great character. Other players like Song looked back
to their best and I really feel on our day we can beat anyone.
On the other hand, to go ahead twice and let the lead slip isn't great, but
Aguero fit is world class and almost unstoppable! At the same time we could
have won the game, with Payet's great free-kick and Kouyate's header in the
last minute, both are always very strong for us and almost never have a bad
game. Liverpool is a huge game for us as we could beat them twice at
Anfield, after not winning there in 52 years! I'm really looking forward to
it and can see us getting something.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: Liverpool are missing Steven Gerrard's
leadership
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
I would like to begin with a question. Has any team beaten Liverpool three
times in one season? Maybe it has happened but not too many times, I think.
Yet that is what we will achieve if we manage to defeat them in the FA Cup
tomorrow. We were on the team coach travelling to Bournemouth when I heard
the fourth-round draw and I admit I was not happy because it was one of the
toughest options for us. I know we have beaten them twice already but that
is in the past and this is Liverpool we are talking about — at Anfield! So
it is a tough draw. On the other hand, although we are not big headed, we
are optimistic because we deserved to beat them at Upton Park this month and
also at Anfield early in the season. Of course, they have played many games
recently. Their Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday night went to extra
time and must have taken a lot out of them. Had they lost to Stoke, they
would have been very, very tired and the players would have felt their
knocks a lot more. However, they won so can look forward to Wembley and it
is amazing what something like that does to give you a boost of energy and
optimism. I watched the game on TV. Stoke were better on the night and did a
job on Liverpool, although the goal was offside.
Tomorrow's match has also revived memories of what I am told was a great FA
Cup Final between the teams in 2006. I haven't seen the match but have been
told often enough how marvellous it was — the best final of modern times.
Steven Gerrard broke West Ham fans' hearts that day when he equalised in the
dying seconds of normal time. Steven is almost unique in modern-day football
— a one-club man in this country and an icon for Liverpool — one of the
greatest players to play for that club, perhaps the greatest. These days,
players move clubs all the time, perhaps seeking a new challenge or more
money. He showed great commitment to Liverpool because he could have gone
anywhere in the world. Whether it was right for a parting of the ways last
year I don't know because I am not working there. In the end it was done in
the right way, I think. The manager at that time had different ideas. They
are missing Gerrard's leadership, though. He was Mr Liverpool, as John Terry
is Mr Chelsea or Mark Noble is Mr West Ham.
It is impossible to find a new Steven Gerrard. You can find a new player of
great quality but that will not make him a new Gerrard. It is most important
to have someone like him, Terry or Mark. A player such as this is the
manager's right-hand man on the pitch. When everything is going well you
don't need him so much but there are parts in every game where you need one
of your players to lead, to not think about his own game so much as helping
the team. The best sides have several of those players, those who the others
look to when things are not going smoothly. Jurgen Klopp is finding out very
quickly, as I have done, about life in English football. As for many things
in life, you can prepare meticulously in theory but until it happens, you
don't really know. He will have been prepared for the intensity of the
Premier League and the heavy Christmas programme and thought, "I can cope
with this, it is similar to the Bundesliga". But there are many things which
can take you by surprise. Of course, he will adjust, he is an experienced
coach who is used to the top level with Borussia Dortmund. He will find a
way but I am sure some things have surprised him, particularly the different
training and difficult schedule. We go into this game with plenty of
confidence after our performance against Manchester City. To be disappointed
not to have beaten the team who, on paper, are definitely the best in
England is good. It tells you that your standards are high. We were a bit
disappointed but we were also proud of our performance. Had it not been for
Sergio Aguero, surely one of the top five strikers in the world, we would
have won.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says no money will tempt them to sell Dimitri
Payet
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 28/01/16 11:32pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic claims there is "no money in the world" that
would force the club to sell Dimitri Payet. French playmaker Payet has
impressed since joining the Hammers from Marseille in the summer for £10m.
That has led to speculation the 28-year-old, back in action after injury,
could leave Upton Park during the current transfer window but Bilic is
determined to hold onto such a prize asset. "From my point of view there is
no money in the world that we would let him go for," Bilic said ahead of
their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Liverpool on Sunday. "The things he
does on the pitch, he also does in training. He is great to have in the
squad and at the club. "In previous seasons we were like a selling club, but
we are moving stadium, we are talking and acting like we want to go up as a
club, and for me the most important thing regarding that is not to sell your
best players. "Dimitri Payet, for me, no way. He is our player and he is
staying. "At this club there have been big players, but I think the last
player who made such a big impact, in basically no time, is Paolo Di Canio."
Payet has scored six goals in 19 appearances since joining West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool v West Ham United preview: Hammers striker Andy Carroll to miss
Anfield return
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 29/01/16 10:50am
SSN
Liverpool entertain West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday having
already tasted cup success this week. The Reds won a dramatic penalty
shoot-out against Stoke City that carried them through to a League Cup final
meeting with Manchester City next month. Although Liverpool's inconsistency
has seen them fall behind in the chase for a top-four Premier League finish,
and a place in the Champions League, their cup form suggests Jurgen Klopp
could make an immediate trophy-winning start to his career as the Merseyside
club's manager. Liverpool are still hampered by a long injury list although
Dejan Lovren could return to the heart of the defence in place of Kolo
Toure, while Nathaniel Clyne is expected to step in at right-back for Jon
Flanagan, who made his first start in 20 months against Stoke.
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will shuffle his pack, but promised
he would still field a strong side at Anfield. Former Liverpool forward Andy
Carroll will not feature, however, as he is not yet fully fit and new
signing Sam Byram is cup-tied. The Hammers have already beaten Liverpool
home and away in the league this season, with their Anfield success their
first victory there since 1963. But Bilic revealed he had been disappointed
to have been sent there again. "I was not happy with the draw because it was
one of the most difficult we could get," he said. "We have beaten them twice
but it's still Liverpool away. When I heard the draw I didn't think: 'We
beat them twice, come on!' I was like: 'Why Liverpool?' But we are confident
and we know what we have to do to have a chance to beat them again."
Paul Merson's prediction
I just can't see Liverpool winning this game. West Ham have done the double
over them and Liverpool have just played 120 mins plus penalties. I know
they won and that puts more air into your lungs, but West Ham are a very
good team. We saw that on Saturday Night Football against Manchester City.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Opta stats
Liverpool have never lost in six previous FA Cup meetings with the Hammers
(W4 D2), most recently in the 2006 final, when the Reds won on penalties
after a 3-3 draw.
However, West Ham have won three of their last four meetings with Liverpool,
including two league victories this season - a 3-0 win at Anfield back in
August and a 2-0 victory at home in January.
The Reds' last seven all-Premier League FA Cup ties have ended in a 2-1
scoreline (W4 L3).
The Hammers have won just one of their last eight FA Cup games away from
home (D1 L6).
In all competitions, West Ham United have won just two of their last 10 away
matches (D4 L4).
Enner Valencia has scored four goals in his last three competitive
appearances for West Ham, this after going seven in a row without a goal
prior to this run.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic wary of Liverpool backlash after guiding West Ham to league
double already this season
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers head back to Anfield on Saturday having already won 3-0 there
this season but Bilic is taking nothing for granted
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic admits he fears a Liverpool backlash - but is sending a side to
Anfield good enough to cope with it. The West Ham boss has already guided
his men to their first league double over Liverpool since 1964, scoring five
goals and conceding none. But he admitted to not being pleased when he heard
the draw had sent the Hammers back to Anfield for their fourth-round tie. "I
was not happy with the draw," said Bilic. "We were on the coach to
Bournemouth when we heard, and I didn't think 'yes, we've beaten them
twice'. I thought 'it's Liverpool'. "It is one of the most difficult games
we could have got. But we are confident, we beat them twice and have the
recent memory of beating them, and we know what to do in the game to have a
chance of beating them again. "We are very ambitious for the FA Cup and we
are looking forward to the game."
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side suffered a gruelling two-hour battle with
Stoke on Tuesday night, which they won on penalties to reach the Capital One
Cup final. But Bilic does not feel the exertions will hand his side an
advantage. "They didn't feel that tiredness although they played 120 minutes
- the whole place will be buzzing." he said.
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Jurgen Klopp to turn to Liverpool youngsters again as exhausted Reds'
recover from Stoke exertions
22:30, 29 JAN 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Liverpool's stars ran 156km in the midweek clash with Stoke and Klopp
explained he will have to give some of them a rest against West Ham
The Mirror
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will refuse to run his players into the
ground...because they're doing that themselves. The German coach revealed he
will pick a "young team" in the FA Cup against West Ham this evening,
because his exhausted players posted record numbers for distance covered in
an epic, intense cup semi this week. Klopp explained that in all his years
as manager, he's rarely come across any team running as far as the 156km the
Reds covered in the Capital One tie with Stoke, and because of that, he
insisted, he won't bury them. "I can't ignore the other games, I can't say
try it again. If they are injured we cannot use them and if we know about
the intensity of the last game and the short break to the next one I can't
say go again until you lay on the ground," he explained. "It will be a
different team, for sure, to the last game. We have no other choice. We ran
156 kilometres against Stoke and a few players that ran 17 kilometres in
this game, the highest speed ever and breaking all records for distance
covered. "Nobody forced them before the game – 'Please try to break all
records!' Stoke did only 3km less so it was intense, very intense. We have
no chance. "We wanted to go to the final and we had to fight for it. But now
we cannot say, 'Come on, it's West Ham, it's the FA Cup, it's the world
championship or whatever. And then again against Leicester and again against
the rest.' It doesn't work like this, so we have to make a changes."
Klopp does have senior players like Dejan Lovren, Joe Allen, Nathaniel Clyne
and Steven Caulker to call on, and he will use Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith who
have extensive first team experience. But he will also select youngsters
like Sheyi Ojo, Cameron Brannagan, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira, and he
insisted it won't be too much of a gamble pitching them in against the
physically testing West Ham. "We will play them but only because we want to
win the game – that's the only reason. They really try to win each game," he
added. "Maybe you cannot see it all the time, but inside they are always big
fighters and I love this attitude. "It was easy to be brave against Exeter
but sometimes you have to be brave in a moment when you really need it and
that's what we're doing now. I don't feel that I'm being too brave because I
trust these players. "If we could win the Capital One Cup it would be a cup
for the whole squad because we played different teams, against Bournemouth
it was a very young team, and if we go through in the FA Cup it will be the
same."
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QPR desperate to offload Rob Green with Crystal Palace and West Ham
enquiring as Sandro nears exit
17:16, 29 JAN 2016 UPDATED 17:23, 29 JAN 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Green will be handed an automatic 12-month contract extension if he plays
any more games for the Rs meaning bosses as keen to offload
The Mirror
QPR are desperately trying to offload former England keeper Rob Green before
Monday's deadline. They have agreed a deal with West Brom for Brazilian
midfielder Sandro who will move to the Hawthorns to get him off the books.
West Brom hope to have the deal completed after Sandro underwent a medical
on Friday and has agreed personal terms. Green, 36, could also go because he
is out of contract this summer and a new 12 month extension will kick in if
he plays more games. That is something QPR - anxious to cut costs - are
trying to avoid and they are hoping to strike a deal with several clubs
keen. Crystal Palace and West Ham have enquired for the keeper who has been
left out recently to stop the deal kicking in.
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How Slav embraces the spirit of our founder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
Scott A
C and H
Top ClaretandHugh blogger Scott Alsweiller is back with a piece to stir the
emotions of all Hammers. He casts his eye back to 1896 and the words of our
founder Arnold Hills before making it clear how the boys of 2016 have
resurrected the spirit of the man to whom we owe it all.
"…keep on the ball, play an unselfish game, pay heed to your captain, and
whatever the fortunes of the first half of the game, never despair of
winning, and never give up doing your very best to the last minute of the
match. That is the way to play football, and better still, that is the way
to make yourselves men."
–Arnold Hills, in a letter to his Thames Ironworks F.C. players, 1896.
There's a philosophy that stands as true today as it did when our founder
said it 120 years ago. It's also a philosophy that is obviously very dear
to the heart of one Slaven Bilic, and the hearts of Hammers around the
world. Are you looking for the West Ham Way? There it is at conception.
It's also a philosophy our current squad appear to have taken as their own.
Nobody will deny that we looked truly abysmal for the first half of the
Bournemouth game, only to come back energised and sharp as knives for the
second half. Never despair of winning, indeed. We looked unlucky not to have
completed the double over Manchester City last weekend. And now we get to
face Liverpool in the F.A. Cup.
We've already beaten them, soundly, twice this season. There is no reason to
think that we can't carry on that form and earn our spot in the next round.
Klopp looks to be bringing in a younger side, but make no mistake, those
'kids' can prove utterly deadly if we underestimate them.
Having said that, we should win this one. With Byram Cup-tied, and Jenkinson
injured (and the less said about his season the better at this point), we'll
see the return of Tomkins (who joined the Academy at age 7 and remains with
us to this day) to the fullback role he has worked very hard at this season.
Valencia is now oozing confidence and capability. We may not even have seen
him at his best yet – I suspect there is more to come as he continues to
grow in assurance. While we don't have our 'Jewel' back with us yet, we do
have his deadly midfield partner back at full strength – and of course, for
most of us, he's a man for whom there aren't superlatives enough.
Could we blow it? Of course we could. We've proven that already this season.
Some will say that's part of the West Ham Way. Traditionally, that's
correct. But let's change it up this time around. Let's make it a triple
defeat and really rub it in. Get out there – and Come on you Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is Jose Riga?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
RigaUntil yesterday, I had never heard of Charlton manager Jose Riga.
Yesterday, it was reported that Reece Oxford's loan to Charlton has been
cancelled by the Addicks' boss as the Belgian coach has no idea who the
young defender come midfielder is.
Has Mr Riga been living under a rock or something for the last few years?
Reece Oxford produced one of the most impressive debuts in Premier League
history earlier this season, starring in the West Ham midfield as the
Hammers won 2-0 at Arsenal on the opening day of the season. The youngster –
then 16 – was hailed for his maturity and composure in owning Mesut Ozil in
his pocket for most of the match. Oxford has made just 3 Premier League
appearances since that incredible debut, as Slaven Bilic opts for experience
over the raw talent of Oxford. In recent weeks he has been linked with
interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all of which
know exactly who he is and what he can do. In search of increased game time,
he was expected to complete a loan move to the Championship side but it
appears the manager threw his toys out his pram. Riga allegedly vetoed the
move after the deal in the 11th hour because the deal was agreed without his
consent. Talks are now under way to see if the loan deal can been salvaged
with Riga watching youtube clips of Oxford.
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Jelavic edges closer to Chinese exit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nikica Jelavic appears to be be moving closer to a West Ham exit with
rumours he has agreed personal terms with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande
the front runner to sign him. Another rumour suggests another as yet
un-named chinese club has asked about his availability too. Yesterday, West
Ham manager Slaven Bilic confirmed Jelavic could be Chian bound saying "We
have Jelavic who might go to China, but they are in pre-season at the
moment, so he is staying with us until he might sort the deal out."
West Ham completed the transfer of Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic from Hull
City on a two-year contract, with the option of a further two, for a
transfer fee believed to be £2.5m plus add ons worth another £300,000 back
in the Summer. The 30-year-old striker is thought to earn £55,000 per week
in a lucrative contract. Jelavic's goal scoring record shows him as having
netted 30 from 45 appearances at Rangers, 16 from 59 at Everton and 13 from
46 at Hull. Jelavic has scored three goals and made two assists for West Ham
from 13 appearances despite being in the starting line up just twice.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
memnike hints deal is done
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Emmanuel Emenike has hinted he is about to become a West Ham player. Posting
on his personal Instagram account from Westfield Shopping Centre in
Stratford yesterday he said "I'm happy West Ham London" the message was
accompanied with a photo of the West Ham Crest.
No problems have been reported with his medical and West Ham are understood
to be agreeing the finer details of the loan deal with Fenerbahce to bring
the 28 year old to West Ham for the remainder of the season with an option
to buy. The final obstacle is a work permit application but it is hoped this
is a just a formality. Emenike has spent this season on loan at Abu Dhabi
side Al Ain and has scored seven times in 11 games in the UAE but it emerged
they no longer have him registered as one of their three foreign players.
Emenike was the Golden Boot winner at the 2013 African Cup of nations.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons battle to overcome Emenike issues
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Emmanuelle Emenike is currently going through the second part of his West
Ham medical but there are still problems in completing the deal. The striker
passed through Phase One of his medical successfully yesterday and no
problems are foreseen with the second part but the snags in completing the
deal are apparently still not resolved. They centre on his relationship with
his current loan club Al Ain and parent club Fenerbache although negotiators
are working hard to iron them out. And ClaretandHugh has been told that
should he make to move to the Boleyn by Deadline Day it will involve a loan
fee of less than £1 million. We were told by a well placed source: "It
remains quite complicated. The player wants to sign and his agents too of
course but the two club syndrome is proving tricky. "We are working hard and
hopefully will get it done by deadline day but yes it's fair to say there
are a few issues to overcome."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons confirm Black Cat Fletcher's a target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham have confirmed that they are holding a back-up interest in
Sunderland striker Steve Fletcher should it prove impossible to complete a
deal for Emmanuele Emenike. The Hammers are hoping they will complete the
negotiations for the Nigerian front man but have made it clear that
Fletcher is a possible late target should that deal fall through.
ClaretandHugh revealed this morning that although the Fenerbache striker was
taking the second part of his medical today, there was still no firm deal in
place. And the story published on line by the Mirror's Darren Lewis that
Fletcher is a target if the deal breaks down has been confirmed by our top
source at West Ham who said: "We have inquired about Steven and hold an
interest in him.
"He is a possible back-up target if we can't sort out a deal for Emenike."
However as the Mirror reports manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that the
London club are hopeful of sealing the deal – despite complications because
of Emenike's current loan spell at Al Ain in Abu Dhabi – this weekend.
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Julian Dicks's emphatic response when asked whether Payet is better than Di
Canio
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham coach has waxed lyrical about the Frenchman. West Ham United
coach Julian Dicks says Dimitri Payet is 'one hundred per cent' a better
player than Paolo Di Canio was, according to the Daily Star. Indeed, Dicks
is delighted with the 28-year-old's 'fantastic' work rate and is impressed
with his willingness to run back and defend even during the 90th minute. Di
Canio is a West Ham legend but, with time, there's no reason Payet won't
reach that status among fans at Upton Park. And Dicks is quoted as saying by
the Star: "Payet. One hundred per cent.
"There are similarities. But with Dimitri, he has all the ability in the
world but his work rate is fantastic. You have fantastic players and you let
them get on with it. "But he's running back to defend in the 90th minute. It
rubs off. You take your team-mates with you. He's very calm on the ball.
Many people can see a pass but very few can execute it."
Payet's return from injury recently came against Liverpool, when he was
brought on as a second-half substitute. West Ham won that game and now have
the chance to win three out of three against the Reds this season. The
Frenchman will likely play an important part if the Hammers are to achieve
the feat, as they travel to Anfield during Saturday's late kick-off in the
FA Cup.
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West Ham bound striker's ability questioned by former Nigeria international
Posted by Eren Sarigul January 29, 2016
turkish-football.com
The West Ham bound striker Emmanuel Emenike's ability has been questioned by
the former Nigeria international Jonathan Akpoborie. Akpoborie – who also
played for VFL Wolfsburg – has stated that Emenike's performances have been
below par in recent performances. "Over the last two or three years he
hasn't been in good form for his club and country", Akpoborie was quoted as
saying by the BBC. "To be a striker in the top flight in England you need to
have a good first touch and that has always been his problem. "His ability
is in question." Emenike is set to undergo his West Ham medical according to
Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David Sullivan. The Nigerian
international is currently in talks with West Ham but the Hammers will have
to reach a deal with both Fenerbahce and his loan club Al Ain according to
West Ham head coach Slaven Bilic. The Hammers head coach expects a decision
to be made by Fenerbahce and Al Ain over Emenike by today. "Now we are
waiting to see if it is going to be today, tomorrow or not," Bilic was
quoted as saying by the Daily Star yesterday. The 28-year-old scored seven
times in 11 appearances for Al Ain and Bilic is familiar with Bilic from his
time coaching Istanbul rivals Besiktas.
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David James reveals his fear for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp takes this risk
FORMER England keeper David James fears for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp picks
another youthful team for their fourth-round FA Cup tie with West Ham
tomorrow.
By JOSEPH PEARSON
PUBLISHED: 09:12, Fri, Jan 29, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:29, Fri, Jan 29, 2016
Express.co.uk
James played 277 games for Liverpool between 1992 and 1999 and made a
further 102 appearances for the Hammers between 2001 and 2004 during his 18
years playing in the Premier League. Klopp made 11 changes in the last round
at Exeter and the Reds required a replay to see off their League Two
opponents. West Ham sit once place above Liverpool in sixth in the Premier
League table and James, who's been impressed with the Hammers under Slaven
Bilic this season, believes that Klopp cannot afford to take a similar risk
against Premier League opponents. "I've been very impressed by them [West
Ham] this season," James wrote in the Liverpool Echo. "I think Slaven Bilic
has done a marvellous job. "They're sitting just outside the European places
– above Liverpool – and they'll be looking at their fixtures to come and
thinking 'why can't we put ourselves in the mix for the top four?' "What
Jurgen did at Exeter in the last round was select a team that, barring a
couple of exceptions, pretty much knew each other and had played together,
albeit at youth level. He repeated that at Anfield, and I think you saw that
the understanding and confidence had grown. "I'm not sure if he will go
quite so young in his selection against West Ham, because this is a Premier
League opponent that can easily put an inexperienced team out of the
competition. It would be a big risk, in a competition you certainly have a
chance of winning. "But a few of those young players did themselves no harm
in the two games against Exeter, let me tell you."
James won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and he was a runner-up with
Liverpool in 1996, when the Reds lost to Manchester United at Wembley.
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Karren Brady warns Brexit would be bad for British clubs
• 'Two-thirds of European stars in England would not meet visa criteria'
• 'Cutting ourselves off would have devastating consequences'
The Guardian
Friday 29 January 2016 09.19 GMT Last modified on Friday 29 January 2016
09.21 GMT
British teams could find it harder to sign top European players if the UK
votes to sever ties with Brussels, Karren Brady has warned club chairmen.
The Tory peer, vice-chairman of West Ham United, has written to professional
teams to warn that "cutting ourselves off from Europe would have devastating
consequences" for both the economy and the competitiveness of British
football. Baroness Brady, who is on the board of the main campaign to keep
the UK in the European Union, said free movement rules made it easier to
attract talent from the other 27 member states. She claimed that two-thirds
of players from EU nations playing in England might not meet the visa
criteria applying to non-EU countries and could therefore be forced to
leave.
In a letter to the chairmen of all professional sides in England, Scotland
and Wales, she said: "For clubs, free movement plays a big role in transfers
and players' contracts. "Players from the EU can sign for UK clubs without
needing a visa or special work permit, making it quicker and easier to
secure top talent from across Europe to come and play in our leagues.
"Indeed, there are nearly 200 Premier League footballers alone who have
benefited from this arrangement. Leaving the EU could have a big impact on
foreign players, as independent analysis has shown that two-thirds of
European stars in England would not meet automatic non-EU visa criteria and
therefore might be forced to leave. "Losing this unhindered access to
European talent would put British clubs at a disadvantage compared to
continental sides."
Her letter also suggests fans travelling to away games in Europe benefit
from cheaper flights and not having to pay visas. Baroness Brady is on the
board of Britain Stronger In Europe, which is campaigning for a vote to
remain in the EU in the referendum promised by David Cameron. "English,
Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish football gains so much from being in
Europe," she said. "Clubs and fans all benefit from European action, laws
and funding. Leaving the EU would hurt our leagues, create uncertainty for
European transfers, and be a step back for the next generation of
footballers."
Although EU free movement rules can help British teams sign foreign stars,
they also apply the other way – smoothing the path for British players such
as Gareth Bale, who left Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Real Madrid. Players'
ability to switch sides has also been boosted by the Bosman ruling, a
European Court of Justice decision which allowed a player to leave a club on
a free transfer as soon as his contract expired, giving them extra leverage
to demand huge signing-on payments and salaries from their new teams.
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