Daily WHUFC News -

Westley – The Liverpool game is massive
WHUFc.com

Having beaten Newcastle United with a resounding 4-1 away win on Friday,
Academy director Terry Westley believes the Development Squad are in perfect
shape for Wednesday's semi-final with Liverpool. In preparation for the
mouth-watering tie with the Reds, Westley, who described the semi-final as
"the biggest game" of his West Ham career, said he is hoping for a huge
claret and blue turnout to inspire the young Hammers to victory. Speaking
ahead of the tie, Westley said: "We're playing for the opportunity to win a
cup final at the Boleyn Ground, in the final season; it's a mouth-watering
prospect and a real incentive. "We have a lot to thank both Chairman and
Karren Brady for their support, the decision is to make it free entry is a
bold move, but we want to get as many people to Rush Green as possible and
allow them to see the work we're doing. Whatever the result on Wednesday, we
can promise a good game and a great occasion.
"Getting a crowd in on Wednesday night is paramount because our players
need to get used to playing in front of big crowds is very important, but
they also need to feel the edge of a semi-final and a good atmosphere will
help generate that."

In the run up to the crunch match, Westley's charges have been in superb
form, losing just one game in the last 15 matches. In that time, they have
won ten of those matches, and their free-flowing style of possession based
football has seen them score an impressive 31 goals. Westley continued:
"Usually our focus is on improving players, individually and collectively,
but Wednesday's game is different, we want to win, Wednesday has that edge.
"I think we can beat anybody on our day. Against Newcastle, we really passed
the ball well and were in complete control of the game. "Our performance
was as good as anything we've done, it was fantastic. We managed the game
ever so well, and it could have been more then 4-1. "Hopefully we'll put in
a similar level of performance. I just hope we don't get overawed by the
occasion, but that is one of the challenges we will have to deal with."

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Carroll - We can do even better
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll thinks West Ham United can perform even better against
Manchester United in their forthcoming FA Cup replay to reach the
semi-finals. The Hammers took the lead in the quarter-final through Dimitri
Payet at Old Trafford on Sunday but were eventually held to a 1-1 draw after
Anthony Martial equalised. And Carroll can't wait for the Boleyn Ground's
last ever FA Cup tie which gives Slaven Bilic's side a chance to reach the
semi-finals for the first time since 2006. He said: "It's going to be great.
All the lads are looking forward to it. The way we played [on Sunday] was
fantastic and it can be better at our place. "I don't think there are many
teams that come away from Old Trafford and are disappointed with a draw but
we were. "We are disappointed but we just have to take them to our place."

The forward's starting opportunities have been limited recently but the
27-year-old got the nod from boss Slaven Bilic against the Red Devils. "It
was great [to start]," he continued. "I've been working hard. I've been
coming off the bench and it's been hard not starting when I want to be but I
was in and I think I got about 80 minutes, so it was great. "[The selection
choice available] is a great problem for the manager to have. We all have to
keep trying and working to our best in training to be part of the starting
XI."

United's French superstar Payet put the visitors in front with a superb
30-yard free-kick, but not to the surprise of Carroll. "I think he has done
four or five free-kicks now and he's just incredible. You always think he's
going to score when he puts the ball down. "After going one up, we felt like
in the end we could have held out. Obviously they went up and put the
pressure on and got the equaliser."

Carroll himself went close with a first half header from an Aaron Cresswell
cross, but was ultimately content with the result. "I was just waiting for
another chance [after the header] but it didn't come. I could have done a
little bit better with it but at the end of the day I'm happy with the
draw."

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Reidy delighted to be back
WHUFc.com

Winston Reid said he was delighted to make his return from injury in the 1-1
draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. The New Zealander had been out for over a
month since the victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup replay back in
February. Now, having recovered, he described how impressed he was with the
manager's attacking approach to the game and is now looking forward to the
replay back at the Boleyn Ground. He said: "The substitutions showed how we
approached the game. We came to attack and to try to score goals,
unfortunately we couldn't, but we got a draw and we will go back to Upton
Park and hopefully do a job there. "We had chances and at the end, Dimitri
had to pull something special out and he got us a goal. "We approached the
game in a positive way but they are also a good side with very good players.
We will take the draw and then take them back to our place and hopefully
finish them off. "I think we have an advantage with it being at home. We
have a good track record at home and that puts us in a really great place
for the return leg. We are confident in ourselves and we have a few players
coming back from injury, working their way back in."
Reid had only trained with his teammates for two days before the game, yet
he added typical solidity at the back before he came off after 62 minutes.
He told whufc.com: "I had a conversation with the manager and we had to see
how I felt. I felt alright and I tried to keep it simple. It is nice to be
back out there and with a week's training behind me, I look forward to
facing Chelsea next weekend. "I think when you get booked after a minute or
so. You have to play carefully and that tempers how you can play. I felt a
bit of cramp, I didn't pull my hamstring though."

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Rio to lead the Legends!
WHUFC.com

Rio Ferdinand will captain his country one more time when England Legends
take on Germany at the Boleyn Ground! The West Ham United Academy product
and Hammers and England great will lead a host of Three Lions stars of days
gone by in a unique Farewell Boleyn fixture on Monday 2 May at 4pm.
Ferdinand, who was capped 81 times by his country between 1997 and 2011,
made his West Ham debut at the age of 17 before being sold to Leeds United
for a then-British record fee in 2000. Tickets for what promises to be an
unforgettable afternoon of football featuring some of the biggest names in
European football history are now on sale to West Ham United Season Ticket
Holders and Members. This landmark fixture will see some of the biggest
names in modern football history take to the same Boleyn Ground pitch that
was the regular stomping ground of 1966 heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and
Martin Peters five decades ago. Among those who have already signed up for
international duty alongside skipper Ferdinand are fellow former Hammers and
England internationals Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Dean Ashton, Trevor
Sinclair and David James.

Joining them in the red shirts made famous 50 years ago will be a host of
latter-day Three Lions heroes boasting hundreds of England caps between
them; Italia 90 hero David Platt, five-time major tournament finalist Sol
Campbell, Paul Scholes - who appeared in two FIFA World Cups, Euro 96
semi-finalists Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler. The
professionals will be supported by a cast of stars from film, music, sport
and television, including lifelong Hammer and assistant manager Ray
Winstone. Winstone and his star-studded England squad will not have it all
their own way, however, as the Germany Legends also possess a fearsome
line-up of international heroes of years gone by.
Die Mannschaft will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich
midfielder Michael Ballack, who will be able to call upon 1990 FIFA World
Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus and defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96
winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and 2002 World Cup centre-half Jens
Nowotny.
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on sale to West
Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Members, with any remaining seats going
on General Sale from 9am on Monday 21 March. Click here to buy! Season
Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £10 for
Over-65s and Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s. Non-Season Ticket Holders'
Standard Tickets are priced at £25 for Adults, £15 for Over-65s and
Under-21s and £10 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).

*West Ham fans should also keep a close eye on the Club's website and social
media channels for an once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out their ultimate
football fantasy and spend ten minutes playing on the hallowed turf with the
Legends in front of an international TV audience. More details will follow
soon.

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Date set for final Boleyn Ground game
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Final Farewell to the Boleyn Ground will be the Barclays
Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Tuesday 10 May. The
Hammers were originally due to take on Swansea City in their final home game
at their historic home of 112 years, but the involvement of one of the
Hammers or Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals has pushed
the league meeting with the Red Devils back. Plans for an unforgettable
Farewell Boleyn Ceremony are already at an advanced stage, as the Club is
determined to ensure fans' memories of the Hammers' historic home remain
with them forevermore. The game will kick-off at 7.45pm, but is still
subject to change should Louis van Gaal's team progress to the semi-finals
of the UEFA Europa League. In that instance, the game would move to
Wednesday 11 May. Meanwhile, West Ham's Boleyn Ground league match against
Watford has been rescheduled for Wednesday 20 April, also with a 7.45pm
kick-off.

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

BBC London Sport reporter Nick Godwin is a regular at West Ham United
matches. On Sunday, he watched the Hammers come within seven minutes of
beating Manchester United to reach the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals. Despite
that frustration, Godwin has been hugely impressed by what he has seen from
the Hammers…

I am disappointed for West Ham. I know a draw at Old Trafford is a great
result and it sets up things brilliantly for the replay at Upton Park, but
Manchester United were there for the taking in my opinion.

I really thought in the first half that the home side didn't offer anything
and Emenike should have scored. That said, it's still a great result and
it's going to be an amazing occasion under the lights.

When Payet popped it in, I thought 'they're going to do this' so I'm a bit
disappointed for West Ham fans and for the team and the manager. It's not up
to me, but I walked out of the ground feeling like that.

I didn't see the foul on Randolph at the time, but he did seem to go down.
Then for Payet's penalty claim, I think the referee did well not to give it
but I don't think Payet dived, either. Maybe the referee decided it wasn't
simulation and he simply lost his footing as he was moving at such speed.

Moments like that, the referee has to make a call and there were plenty of
other talking points as well. Manchester United wanted a handball against
Winston Reid, but his arm was not dangling out. His arm had to be there and
the ball hit his body before his arm, so I can see why it wasn't given as a
penalty and don't have any qualms about that decision.

It was a great FA Cup tie.

Talking about Payet's free-kick, my summariser Matt Lockwood said when he
lined it up that 'he's been practising these before the game during the
warm-up'. Matt was struck that he was further out than normal and wondered
why he was striking them from 30 yards, and he took five or six of them.

You know that practice makes perfect, of course, and then he strode up and
curled it into the top corner. It was exquisite. Only two or three players
in the Premier League could have done that.

He is operating at a high level, he can win a game on his own and every time
he plays, he seems to rise to the occasion. Some players might have gone
into their shell, but every time West Ham need him,

Dimitri takes the game by the scruff of the neck or scores the winning goal.
He is very good.

I think it's almost a case of expectations not being able to keep up with
how well the team are doing. If West Ham had lost at Old Trafford, everyone
would have said 'Fair enough, that's the way it goes in an FA Cup
quarter-final there – it's been normal over the last 20 years or so'.

The team are almost ahead of expectations. What a great situation when you
have a group of players and a manager who are willing to rise to those
expectations and say 'We'll keep producing the results to keep you in the
frame to win trophies' – it's brilliant.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of West
Ham United.

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The Big Interview - Julian Dicks
WHUFC.com

When it comes to a free-kick masterclass they would not come much better
than seeing Dimitri Payet up against Hammers legend Julian Dicks.

Dicks was among the best free-kick takers of his generation and scored a
number of unstoppable goals from set-plays.

After scoring memorable free-kicks against Bournemouth and Blackburn, Payet
saved his best of the season when he struck a superb effort past David de
Gea into the top corner during the FA Cup quarter-final draw at Manchester
United on Sunday and has also shown he can be the master of taking a
free-kick.

Dicks has nothing but admiration for the way Payet has settled into his new
surroundings and feels he will only grow stronger for the Club.

You were one of the masters of taking free-kicks during your playing days.
How do you compare to Dimitri? Is it down to technique or years or
practising?

JD: "My free-kicks were different to Dimitri's. My ones were about power and
I scored a good one against Nottingham Forest (back in April 1995) which was
better than Dimitri's on Sunday!!

"It is just about technique and timing. But Dimitri practices every day."

You scored some unbelievable goals from set-plays during your career. How
highly did you rate Dimitri's goal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

JD: "Every time we seem to get a free-kick he seems to put it in the back of
the net. It is incredible how many goals he has scored from free-kicks and
they are all in the top corner as well!

"It was a fantastic free-kick that he scored against Manchester United."

Why do you feel Dimitri has settled in so quickly and what makes him stand
out as one of the best players in the Premier League this season?

JD: "For all the ability that Dimitri has got, he works hard for the team as
well which for me makes him stand out even more.

"Apart from his ability his work-rate is really good as well and hopefully
he can keep producing this form. He is a fantastic player, but is a good lad
as well and hopefully it can continue."

Dimitri has already won the Premier League Player of the Year at the London
Football Awards. Do you think he should be a contender for the PFA
Footballer of the Year?

JD: "There are not many people who are above him. Players don't think about
things like that and take it day-to-day and game by game.
"For me he has probably been our player of the season so far."

Slaven said the players were silent in the dressing room after the United
game but there are many teams who come away from Old Trafford disappointed
to have only got a draw. How impressed were you with the performance?

JD: "There was a bit of disappointment in the dressing room and that is a
good thing. Whatever people say about Manchester United they are still a
massive club and still have very good players.

"Over the ninety minutes I thought a draw was a fair result."

You have played in some big games under the lights in east London. How
special is the replay going to be against Manchester United?

JD: "It is going to be the last ever cup tie and I have played against
Manchester United under the lights.

"We drew 2-2 and that was a special night. Playing Spurs under the lights is
special as well but this game to see who makes it through to the semi-finals
is going to be special as well."

One of the biggest games you played in was the 2-2 draw against United at
the Boleyn Ground and that amazing penalty you blasted past Peter
Schmeichel. Do you still have fond memories of that occasion?

JD: "I remember the fans were fantastic and they always have been. I
remember we went 2-0 down and we thought we were going to get our backsides
kicked.

"But Harry brought on (Florin) Raducioiu who scored a great goal. The crowd
got behind us and you start believing.

"Fortunately we got a penalty which I scored. It was one penalty I was not
going to miss!"

There are not many teams who come away from Old Trafford feeling the way the
players did after the game. Does that show you how far the Club have come
this season?

JD: "We are fifth in the table and we cannot fear anybody. We have beaten
the biggest sides.

"We end up disappointed that we have only got a 1-1 draw with Manchester
United at Old Trafford and that tells you the belief in the players so we
fancy playing against anyone."

Should the Club be dreaming about going to Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals
next month?

JD: "We will be the favourites to win the game at the Boleyn Ground so there
will be a bit of pressure there but the players know what to expect and if
they get after Manchester United it is going to be a good game. Why can't we
dream of Wembley?"

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West Ham defender Reid says he will be ready for Chelsea
March 15, 2016
The WestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic made a surprise selection decision on Sunday when
he decided to go with two strikers for the FA Cup clash with Manchester
United at Old Trafford, but the inclusion of Winston Reid at the heart of
the defence from the start was also something of a surprise. The New Zealand
captain had been missing since pulling up with a hamstring injury during the
FA Cup fourth round replay victory over Liverpool at Upton Park. And it
seemed that the Old Trafford game would come just too soon for him as he
only trained for the first time with the rest of the team on Friday. Reid
though was unperturbed and told London 24: "I had a conversation with the
manager about things and at the end of the day he said that we will have to
see how I feel," he said.

"I felt all right out there. I sort of knew what I had to do out there, just
keep it simple and talk with the other guys and make sure we didn't concede,
while letting the other players do their magic." It nearly worked, though
Reid was booked after a couple of minutes of the match which made it even
tougher for him to get a foothold in the game after being out. "I think if
you get booked after a minute or so, it does make things more difficult," he
confessed. "But it was definitely a booking so it is fair enough. "You just
have to play carefully for the rest of the game which tempers how you can
play for the rest of the game." The 27-year-old managed that well, though
there were shouts for a penalty against him when a shot by Ander Herrera was
blocked by the big defender, but it had deflected off his knee and on to his
arm so difficult to see how it could have been given. Reid felt his side
went to Old Trafford with the right attitude, but dismissed the idea that
West Ham were expected to get a result. "We tried to win it and I think the
subs we made showed how we approached the game to try and win it," he said.
"I'm not sure we were expected to get anything at Old Trafford. You still
have to go out and play well and work for it and I thought we did that and
approached the game in a positive way. "They are still a very good team.
United have had a lot of criticism, but they still have very good players."
Reid was forced off after 65 minutes on Sunday, but he said he is confident
that he will be okay for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday. "I felt a cramp in
the area, but I didn't pull the hamstring or anything like that," he said.
"I just got the most out of the game that I could. "It was great to be back
out there and now with a good week's training, hopefully I will be better
for the match at Chelsea." Let's hope so, because without James Collins,
Reid is a vital component of this West Ham defence.

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Souness - Noble deserves England call up
March 15, 2016
The WestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Mark Noble's career long England snub has been grating on West Ham fans for
several seasons, while ex-Hammer Paul Ince recently told the BBC Radio 5
Live it bordered on a 'joke'.
Now former Premier League manager Graeme Souness believes with West Ham
flying high in the league, the time has come for Noble to get his call-up,
with England boss Roy Hodgson surely no longer able to ignore him. Souness
told the Sunday Times: "Noble has high energy, is good enough on the ball
without being eye-catching and is worth a chance with England. "You will get
somewhere between a seven and an eight out of 10 from him every time he
plays. If it's not happening for him, he's still going to give you effort
and help those around him. "I'm sure Noble has a chance of breaking into
England's squad for the Euros. It's not all about flicks and tricks — and
England have a few of those in midfield — you need a blend in there and he'd
complement the flair players they have."

If the 28-year-old does not get a call-up now, then he may it may be too
late. Instead of looking to the future and selecting an injury prone talent
like Jack Wilshere who has promise, a player like Noble who is delivering
now is a far more sensible call. If a tournament call does come his way then
there would surely be nobody who can seriously argue that he does not
deserve the opportunity. Noble has made 36 appearances for the Hammers this
season already and is a cornerstone of their success, in good form and full
of confidence. If England allow it, then he could be a key man for them too.


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Memorial service this weekend
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will be staging a special ceremony this Sunday morning in
memory of those players, club staff and supporters who are no longer with
us.

Ahead of the club's move to Stratford, the service - which will be conducted
by club chaplain Reverend Alan Bolding - is being held at 10.30am this
Sunday morning (20 March) at the Boleyn Ground.

According to the club, the lower tier of the West Stand is going to be open
from 10,00am this Sunday morning for the (non-denominational) service in
memory of those West Ham-supporting friends and family who are no longer
with us.

Rev Bolding told whufc.com: "We know that, for many West Ham supporters,
their visits to the Boleyn Ground have been about much more than football.

"They were a chance to keep up with friends and family each week, a fond
reminder of those dearly departed, and – most happily – an opportunity to
introduce new generations of fans to the traditions we all hold so dear.

"Many of us will be lucky enough to continue those experiences at the club's
new stadium, but we all know at least one person we will be leaving behind,
whether they are one of the legends we supported on the pitch, or the fellow
Hammers, friends or relatives, that we sat beside in the stands.

"I hope that, at our service, we can say to all those departed loved ones:
'This is where my memories of you are strongest, but that is not where they
will stay; they will always travel with me, in my heart, wherever we follow
West Ham; and I know you will be there with me again.'"

The service is expected to last for approximately 90 minutes. Fans wishing
to attend are asked to contact the Ticket Office on +44 (0) 871 529 1966
(bear in mind the club will charge you 10p per minute in addition to your
regular newtwork charges).

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Fans question 'Gates-gate' decision
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Hammers fans have expressed their collective disappointment at the club's
decision to remove the Lyall Gates from the entrance to the Boleyn Ground -
without notifying supporters first.

The iconic gates, which have stood at the entrance to the ground since the
mid-1950s were removed from their regular position on Monday morning ahead
of their short trip to the new club shop at the Olympic Stadium.

However a number of supporters have questioned why the club chose to move
the gates in clandestine fashion - rather than notifying supporters
beforehand.

KUMB Forum moderator DL was one of many to express his disappointment. "I
don't think anyone cares too much that the gates have been taken away as we
all knew that they were going to be removed and put in the club shop," he
said.

"The issue is the way the club have gone about it. I can't be alone in
planning on taking my little boy down to the ground during the Easter
holidays to the ground so he could see it all in the flesh for the first and
last time, and get a few photos for the album.

"The gates would have been a part of that. A bit of notice wouldn't have
gone amiss so that alternative arrangements could have been made. It all
seems a bit underhand."

That view was echoed by fellow KUMB member LeonRivers, who added: " It is
completely thoughtless. One last photo in front of the gates is a great
excuse to get yourself down to the club shop. I'm surprised our marketing
department weren't given the opportunity to cash in!"

And fandabidicksy wrote: "The gates, along with a thousand other memories
gained over our time of going to the ground, are gone. Photos can no longer
be taken where they rightly stood, which is sad. I had a photo taken when I
was a nipper with my scarf over my head and I wanted to replicate it for
historic purposes. "

Explaining the decision to move the gates two months before the end of the
season, a statement on whufc.com said: "While the gates would ideally have
remained in place until the end of the season, construction timelines
dictate that this week's move is necessary to ensure they receive pride of
place in their new home."

KUMB have reached out to the club for further comment.

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Rock star, lawyer and West Ham hero: How manager Slaven Bilic has
transformed the Hammers
KEN DYER Monday 7 March 2016
Evening Standard

When Slaven Bilic left Besiktas at the end of last season, the fans turned
up in their droves at the airport in Istanbul to chant his name and say
their affectionate goodbyes. English football supporters traditionally are a
tad less demonstrative but should he continue to mastermind West Ham's
improvement at the current rate, then thousands of new East End Bilic
converts will be lining up to hoist him on their shoulders all the way to
the club's new home in Stratford this summer. So far, what Bilic is doing
this season has to a certain extent gone under the radar, which perhaps has
been to West Ham's advantage. Claudio Ranieri at Leicester and Mauricio
Pochettino at Tottenham have taken the Premier League managerial centre
stage this term. But in many ways, what the 47-year-old Croatian has
achieved in less than a first full managerial season in English football is
just as remarkable. At least Ranieri had extensive previous experience in
his four seasons at Chelsea, while Pochettino cut his Premier League teeth
at Southampton before moving to north London. For Bilic, though, West Ham
has been his first stop in England as a manager, just as it was in 1996 when
he arrived at Upton Park as a player. Slaven BIlic playing for West Ham in
1996.
Present day West Ham thought they had done enough to persuade former
Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez to succeed Sam Allardyce at the end
of last season, but then Real Madrid came knocking for the Spaniard and they
had to turn to Plan B —Bilic. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and
vice-chairman Karren Brady could never have dreamed that things could have
gone so well in such a short time. West Ham sit proudly in fifth place in
the Premier League, just a point behind Manchester City and Champions League
qualification. On Sunday, Bilic takes his buoyant side to Old Trafford to
face Manchester United with no fear, as they try to reach an FA Cup
semi-final for the first time in a decade. Last Wednesday, he set up his
injury-plagued team sufficiently well to stifle and finally beat
title-chasing Tottenham. On Saturday, captain Mark Noble and his merry men
showed commendable character to come back from 2-0 down to earn a truly
remarkable 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, with all their goals
coming in the last 10 minutes.

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West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph is irked after Bastian Schweinsteiger
block
By Sky Sports HQ
Last Updated: 14/03/16 11:13pm
SSN

West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph concedes his weekend was ruined by
Bastian Schweinsteiger's block. The Manchester United midfielder used his
big game experience to block Randolph from getting across to save Anthony
Martial's equalising goal. Randolph has taken the incident in his stride
though and remains hopeful West Ham can still progress to the semi-final of
the FA Cup following the 1-1 draw. "It was a nice shoulder," Randolph said
of Schweinsteiger nudge. "I didn't have much to do but in these games you
need everyone to be on top form, which they were, but we couldn't hang on to
the 1-0 and go through. "Yeah, it does [ruin your day] because he has not
gone for the ball. He just wants to obstruct me and it worked. I would hope
that my team-mates would do the same and hopefully get away with it."
The replay will be the final cup tie at Upton Park before the Hammers'
summer move to the Olympic Stadium. "If we get the right result it will be a
great way to leave the Boleyn Ground in terms of FA Cup matches," Randolph
said. "The atmosphere will be brilliant, as it was against Liverpool and
Tottenham in the league, so we have a great chance. "We are at home, we will
have the crowd behind us. I don't know if many teams like going there so we
will be up for the fight again."

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Fergie backs Hammers for top four finish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News
C and H

LEICESTER CITY will be champions with three games to spare — according to
Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who knows more about winning the Premier League
than anybody else. Ferguson is so impressed with Claudio Ranieri's surprise
contenders that he feels they will have wrapped up the title before visiting
Old Trafford on May 1st, after which Leicester host Everton and then travel
to Chelsea in a tricky climax to their season. Speaking to the Sunday Times,
Ferguson, now a Manchester United director, also expects West Ham to finish
in the top four, with his own club — and Manchester City — missing out.
Leicester's N'Golo Kante, Ferguson believes, is comfortably England's player
of the year. Who are we to argue to Sir Alex whether he knows what the West
Ham way is or not?

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Smalling forms Payet view on what he's HEARD!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Three days on and the great Dimi Payet penalty debate continues with
Manchester United's Chris Smalling offering his predictable opinion on the
matter. It's a very long time since a West Ham player attracted so much
publicity which demonstrates the effect Dimi is having on the League and
Cup. However, there's not many who would disagree we could have done without
all this after a match which we justifiably should have come out of as
winners – given the United equaliser which of course should never have
stood.

It's also of no surprise that neither Louis Van Gaal or Smalling seem
particularly interested in discussing that rather more important matter –
choosing instead the ground which supports their moans and groans the best!
Thank God that in Slaven Bilic we have a manager who refuses to get involved
in such undignified stuff. For the record here's what the central defender
had to say and what's particularly interesting is that he doesn't appear to
have seen the incident. He said: "I've heard (our italics) "there was no
contact and, to be fair, it should have been another yellow card. "There are
many decisions in a game and it's one that didn't go our way." "I think if
they're not going to give a penalty, then it's got to be diving really,
hasn't it? It's frustrating for us and obviously they punished us with a
very good free-kick. "I think, more often than not, if you dive you do get a
yellow card. Obviously on this occasion it didn't happen."

Yes and given that on this occasion you have no idea Mr Smalling given that
apparently you haven't taken the trouble to take a look at the incident, it
may be best to keep it zipped.

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Iron may get a surprise contract offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Joey O'Brien has emerged as a more likely candidate to earn a new permanent
contract in the summer than Alex Song. Despite getting little first team
action, the Irish defender is seen as a decent squad option at wages of
around £15k – £20k than Song at around £50,000. O'Brien was with the squad
that the trip north to Old Trafford on Sunday but thus far this season has
only been involved in the Cup games against Liverpool in the FA Cup apart
from early Europa League qualifying action. However, ClaretandHugh has
learned that the 30 year old could well find himself offered a new deal in
June at around the same money as he is on currently. We were told: "Joey is
still at a decent age and although he's had his share of injuries he is now
recovered and if he can remain fit a deal is a better than evens
possibility. "We are still carefully monitoring Alex Song but he is of
course an awful lot more expensive and we need to be certain on that one."

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Marquee Irons signing? Here's the reality
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are not likely to be making a marquee signing this summer as is
being speculated across the national and social media. It has been widely
reported that the Hammers are ready to splash out anything up to £25 million
on one player simply because they are moving to a new stadium. But players
at that price usually command anything from between £150,000 to £200,000 a
week in wages so in five words: "It's not going to happen."

David Gold – rejoicing in the influx of signings over the last year, all of
whom have exceeded expectations – made it clear the present signing policy
is set to continue said: "Why would we change things when our policies have
proves so successful." Looking at those players who have arrived and proved
immensely successful we find:

Darren Randolph – Free
Aaron Cresswell – signed for £3.5m rising to £7 million on appearances
Chiek Kouyate – £8 million
Pedro Obiang – £4 million
Diafra Sakho – £3.5 million
Enner Valencia – £12 million
Angelo Ogbonna £8 million
Sam Byram £3.8 million
Dimitri Payet – £10.5 million
Michail Antonio – £7 million

That's a total of just over £60 million on ten players which – if such
things can be averaged – clearly works out at at £6 million each.
Said Gold: Many who start these stories about big money stars are fans so
it's all understandable but the facts show we have developed a very good
scouting system and identify value for money.

"We have absolutely no reason to change direction. Yes, we discuss a lot of
players and one or two sometimes escape into the public domain. Given the
number of players we scout each week that can happen but it doesn't mean we
are doing a deal or even close to it." The figures spent back up fully
Gold's point and it would be no surprise at all if Manu Lanzini doesn't
become the biggest signing of the summer at £8 million.

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West Ham United fan Vinny Ryan dedicates his latest column to the magic of
Dimitri Payet following his FA Cup stunner against Manchester United
Gurdian Series
Vinny Ryan

Supporting West Ham United at the moment is a bit of a whirlwind with games
coming thick and fast and positive talking points coming out of seemingly
every game. Even the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the
FA Cup Quarter final was dominated by the phenomenal free-kick from West Ham
midfielder Dimitri Payet. The last five games have seen West Ham win four
and draw one. The club sits fifth in the Premier League and are confident
going into the FA Cup replay with Manchester United which will see the
winner face Everton at Wembley next month.
In one week West Ham equalled the amount of games one in the entire second
half of their final campaign under Sam Allardyce – three wins from Boxing
Day until the season's end. This hasn't just been an improvement. This has
been an almost unthinkable turn of events and shows you just how quickly
things can change when they are done correctly. In doing so well in the
league West Ham have also played some excellent football disproving the
theory the two are mutually exclusive. The reaction to the wonderful
free-kick from the tremendous Payet at Old Trafford was will live long in
the memory. West Ham fans certainly know how to celebrate a goal and the
overwhelming joy created was something all 9,000 Hammers fans will cherish.
There was a confidence among West Ham supporters going into the FA Cup tie.
Winning three games in a week lent weight to that optimism. There was a
sense of disappointment Slaven Bilic's men were unable to hold out with the
home side scoring with seven minutes left. It shows you how far West Ham
have come when a 1-1 draw at Manchester United leaves you flat. I felt West
Ham were the better side throughout and Payet's summed up a player who has
instilled so much hope and pride back into the club. Payet is a player who
doesn't dominate a match but has maximum impact. He isn't just about the
hype or doing things for the cameras and he doesn't use his skills in
unnecessary areas. He constantly comes up with the goods and I can only
imagine where West Ham would be in the league if he hadn't been injured for
three months. I never thought West Ham would have a shout at gaining a
top-four position but here we are in March, two points off fourth. Whilst it
still seems a difficult task the fact is West Ham are in the running and a
victory at Chelsea on Saturday will only strengthen the hopes and dreams
Bilic has created this season.

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Rio Ferdinand teams up with West Ham and Brighton stars for affordable
housing scheme
RIO FERDINAND has teamed up with Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora to pioneer an
affordable housing scheme in London.
By JAMES CAMBRIDGE
PUBLISHED: 10:53, Tue, Mar 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 11:16, Tue, Mar 15, 2016
Express.co.uk

Rio Ferdinand has joined forces with Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora to build
affordable housing. Ferdinand, who enjoyed an extremely successful career at
Manchester United, won six Premier League titles during his 12 years spent
at Old Trafford. And the former defender is now hoping to turn his hand at
another game - property development, and has teamed up with fellow stars
Noble and Zamora to give the housing market in east London a boost. The
37-year-old began his career at West Ham, rising through the youth ranks
before making 127 Premier League appearances for the Hammers and now has
plans for 1800 new homes in the area. Newham will be the location for the
development after Ferdinand's charity Legacy secured the deal for 1800
properties to be built. The charity scheme is being run in tandem with a
mission to improve the sense of community and prospects for young people in
some of the country's poorest areas.
And as well as providing affordable housing for key workers such as teachers
and nurses, the initiative pledges to build sports facilities with local
football coaches, and new schools on every site developed. "If you have the
right community leaders in place, they become the inspiration if the kids
haven't got that from within their homes," Ferdinand told The Times. It's
understood Legacy will approach other councils with the view to building on
brownfield sites or will develop run-down council estates to carry out the
scheme. McLaren Property, funded by private investors, will offer financial
assistance and councils will then be offered lease agreements.

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Havard Nordtveit confirms that he will leave Borussia Monchengladbach for a
'new adventure' in the Premier League after agreeing free transfer to West
Ham United
Borussia Monchengladbach's Havard Nordtveit is moving to West Ham
Germans are not prolonging the Norwegian's contract which is expiring
Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Atletico Madrid had made approaches
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:00, 15 March 2016 | UPDATED: 00:12, 15 March 2016

West Ham United are expected to formally announce the signing of Havard
Nordtveit after his club Borussia Monchengladbach confirmed the midfielder
is moving to England in the summer. The German outfit issued a statement
saying: 'Havard Nordtveit is leaving Borussia in the summer after five and
half years. 'The Norwegian's contract is expiring at the end of the season,
with Borussia not prolonging it as he goes to England.' Nordtveit, a
25-year-old Norway international followed by saying: 'I'd like to leave it
to my new team to announce, which we've agreed with regards to the current
situation. 'I can say, however, that I'm going back to England. I was there
as a youngster, playing for Arsenal when I was 17, but I never made an
appearance in the Premier League. 'England is the big goal for every
footballer in Norway and I'd like to try it out.' Nordtveit, who has also
played for Haugesund, Salamanca, Lillestrom and Nuremberg, added: 'It was a
really hard decision for me. I know what I have here at Borussia. I love
this club, I've had five and a half wonderful years here and I have friends
in the team and the club. 'However, I'm just 25 years old and I now have the
chance to take my career in a new direction and start a new adventure. 'It
hurts to leave Gladbach but it's not a decision against Borussia, but rather
for something new.'
In a discussion with his club's official website, Nordtveit was asked, 'were
there many clubs interested in you?,' to which he replied: 'Yes, but I left
the discussions to my agent as I wanted to concentrate on playing for
Borussia. 'I was in England for a bit to talk with the manager of my new
club. I'd like to thank Max Eberl, who has fought hard for me and made my
decision very hard. 'I'll still give everything in my remaining games here
so that Borussia can compete in Europe next year. Preferably in the
Champions League, but Europa League qualification would also be a superb
result.' Monchengladbach wanted to extend Nordtveit's deal while Borussia
Dortmund, Schalke and Atletico Madrid had made approaches. He is highly
regarded by Arsene Wenger who had also considered a move but Nordtveit wants
a club where he has greater prospects of playing regularly.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Winston Reid defends Dimitri Payet amid dive accusations in Man
Utd FA Cup draw
WINSTON REID insists his West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet is not a diver.
By RICHARD TANNER
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Tue, Mar 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:15, Tue, Mar 15, 2016
Express.co.uk

Reid and Payet are chasing a first semi-final appearance in the FA Cup for
West Ham since 2006 And he is confident that the in-form Hammers will finish
off Manchester United in their FA Cup replay at Upton Park. United manager
Louis Van Gaal and defender Chris Smalling claimed Payet should have been
booked for diving after tumbling over Marcos Rojo's challenge in a bid to
win a penalty in Sunday's quarter-final at Old Trafford. Referee Martin
Atkinson rejected the penalty claims but did not book Payet who had already
been cautioned for a foul. United reckon Payet should not have been on the
pitch to strike the superb free-kick that put the Hammers in front. But Reid
said: "No, he doesn't dive. He is not a diver. He always tries to stay on
his feet. We can always argue about stuff like that [going down too easily]
but they went down like that in some situations too. "Look, they had some
and we had some but the referee is there to make the calls."
Reid reckons Payet – who has now scored 11 goals since his move from
Marseille last summer – is proving one of the signings of the season. "Of
course he is because you can see his quality in games," he added. "When you
have players like that who can do something different, make a pass or pop up
and score a goal, it's good. "I was on the bench when it went it. It was a
great free-kick. He has done it before but he continues to do those extra
special things, it was a big of magic when we needed it and it was great. He
has done so well for the team this year and I hope it continues in the last
10 games."
Defender Reid saw nothing from Van Gaal's team to worry Slaven Bilic's team
in next moth's replay - the date has yet to be confirmed because of United's
involvement in the Europa League.
He added: "It was quite an even game, there were chances at both end. We
were a little annoyed that they equalised at the end but we will take them
back to Upton Park now and hopefully finish the job off there. "It's our aim
to get to Wembley. We have always taken the competition seriously so
hopefully we can do that."
Meanwhile, Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph says he was obstructed by
Bastian Schweinsteiger for United's equaliser on Sunday. "Yeah, it was a
'nice' shoulder" he said. "He has not gone for the ball, he just wanted to
obstruct me and it worked. I would hope that my team mates would do the same
[at the other end] and hopefully get away with it. "It was too late to raise
it with the referee. He had already looked at the linesman, given the goal
and was already up the pitch. What am I going to do? Run half way up the
pitch and get myself booked? There was no point. "It was going to take
something like that for them to score a goal. I couldn't see them scoring
otherwise. "We were disappointed at the end but that is a good sign – that
you can come away from Old Trafford with a draw and still be disappointed.
The manager said to us that we shouldn't be too down on ourselves because we
still have another chance at home to get to Wembley. "If we get the right
result it will be a great way to leave the Boleyn Ground in terms of FA Cup
matches. The atmosphere will be brilliant as it was against Liverpool and
Tottenham in the league, so we have a great chance. "We can definitely win
it. We are at home, we will have the crowd behind us. I don't know many
teams who like going there so we will be up for the fight again."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 15th March 2016

Everton await replay winners
WHUFC.com

The winners of the Emirates FA Cup replay between West Ham United and
Manchester United will face Everton in the competition's last four. Monday
evening's draw paired either the Hammers or the Red Devils with the Toffees,
who saw off Chelsea in their quarter-final tie at the weekend. West Ham will
have to do battle again with Louis van Gaal's side after Anthony Martial's
late equaliser cancelled out Dimitri Payet's wonderful free-kick. A date for
the replay will have to be set after the outcome of Manchester United's UEFA
Europa League tie with Liverpool is known later this week. The semi-finals
will take place at Wembley Stadium over the weekend of 23 and 24 April.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

It shows how far we have come to feel let down by a late goal and only a
draw at old Trafford. What more can I say about Dimitri Payet. It was
another outstanding piece of skill to execute that type of free-kick and it
is not the first time we have seen him produce something like that.
He gave one of the best keepers in Europe in David de Gea absolutely no
chance with his curling effort and it once again shows why he is rated so
highly by everyone at the Club. Our 9000 supporters who went up to
Manchester were magnificent and it could have been 20,000 if we could have
got the tickets. We will be pricing the replay at home far cheaper than the
away game even though its the quarter final of the Cup. It was disappointing
that we could not hold onto the lead, but there is still everything to play
for and it promises to be another special night under the lights. It will be
the last ever cup tie to be played at the Boleyn Ground and I know our fans
will make it an evening to remember. Maybe we should have scored more with
the chances we had, but nobody scores all the time. We now switch our
attentions back to the Premier League and a big London derby against Chelsea
on Saturday. Despite their recent results in the cup competitions, it is
still a very, very hard game.

We are 9/2 to win and the bookies only give us a 38% chance of getting
anything out of the game, but I don't feel we will come away empty handed.
We have a good record against the London clubs this season and I hope that
will continue at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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Gates start journey to new home
WHUFC.com

A section of West Ham United's iconic John Lyall Gates have begun their
journey to the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Following
respectful discussions with the family of the late, great Hammers manager,
the decision was taken to relocate three leaves of the landmark gates, which
were originally constructed in 1956 before being renamed in Lyall's honour
in 2009. The delicate task of removing the gates was completed on Monday,
with installation at the new Stadium Store scheduled to take place later
this week.

While the Gates would ideally have remained in place until the end of the
Farewell Boleyn season, construction timelines dictate that this week's move
is necessary to ensure they receive pride of place in their new home. A
revered figure in West Ham's history, Lyall led the Club to FA Cup glory in
1980, a record-breaking promotion to the First Division a year later and a
best-ever top-flight finish of third in 1986. The Hammers' fifth full-time
manager sadly passed away in 2006 at the age of 66, but his memory will now
live on after the Club move to Stratford later this year.

Son Murray said he and the Lyall family are happy that the gates named in
his father's honour will be in position for fans to pay their respects for
years to come. "We're honoured that Karren Brady has delivered on her
promise to take the John Lyall Gates with us to the new Stadium," he said.
"That means so much to us as a family. "Dad left a great legacy at Upton
Park and the gates were a testimony to that. I think he'd have been thrilled
about the move. "He'd have said the timing was right and obviously since
the new owners have come in, they've taken the Club forward on many, many
fronts. The culmination of it is the move to the new Stadium."

Over the last six decades, the gates have witnessed many scenes of
jubilation among Hammers fans after West Ham's home victories, but also
moments of great sadness. After the passing of Bobby Moore in February 1993,
they were decked in flowers and shirts left in tribute to West Ham's
favourite son and similar scenes have followed annually on the anniversary
of the legendary captain's death. Tributes were also paid following the sad
passing of young Australian striker Dylan Tombides in April 2014. The John
Lyall Gates are now set to take pride of place inside the dedicated Club
Store at the south entrance to the new Stadium. For Hammers fans, the
opportunity to visit the John Lyall Gates before every home game will act
both as a reminder of those glory days, and of the heritage that the Club is
bringing from the Boleyn Ground to our new home.

Supporters should keep a close eye on whufc.com and our social media
channels for further announcements regarding the John Lyall Gates and the
opening of their new home in Stratford.

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Joint-Chairman excited by FA Cup draw
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold is excited by the FA Cup
semi-final draw and feels the Club will relish the chance to take on Everton
if they can beat Manchester United in the quarter-final replay.

The Hammers will face United next month after Anthony Martial scored a late
equaliser to cancel out another wonder goal from Dimitri Payet at Old
Trafford.

Although Mr Gold was disappointed to only come away with a draw, he is full
of confidence ahead of the last ever cup tie to be played at the Boleyn
Ground and knows it is going to be another memorable evening under the
lights.

The winners of that tie have been drawn to face Everton in the semi-finals
and Mr Gold said he had a feeling the Merseyside Club would be pulled out of
the hat.

He said: " I said to my daughter and son-in-law that I bet the winners of
our game would face Everton.

"We have not had an easy route having played both Liverpool and Manchester
United away from home and we will certainly have to do it the hard way.

"But I am very confident we can get the right result in the replay under the
lights in the last ever FA Cup tie to be played at the Boleyn Ground.

"Hopefully it will be a great ending to a memorable last season at Upton
Park and there is no doubts we have the quality to win the FA Cup this
season.

"You cannot rely on luck and it is down to skill and the will to win and we
have got both of those. It is another tough draw but I would say 'bring it
on.'

"I am sure Everton would not want to face us if we get through, especially
after our impressive comeback at Goodison Park last weekend.

"We are still only 90 minutes away from playing at Wembley. I am sure a lot
of fans would have taken this situation at the start of the season that we
would be sitting fifth in the table and facing Manchester United in an FA
Cup quarter-final replay.

"But we are now dreaming of bigger things and the difference is we have won
the right to dream."

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Former Player Blog - Trevor Sinclair
WHUFC.com

Trevor Sinclair made more than 200 appearances for West Ham United between
1998 and 2003 and was at Old Trafford to witness Slaven Bilic's side earn a
replay in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final. He now thinks the Hammers have
what it takes to go on and reach the last four...

It was a pleasure to watch West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday as they played
very well and looked as though they were heading for the semi-finals. Early
doors in the game, the Hammers took control at times, looked more dangerous
and limited Manchester United to very little chances.

Dimitri Payet's free-kick was absolutely unbelievable. I was sat next to
Mark Noble's Dad and he said to me that before the game he saw Payet score
an identical one before hitting about five into row Z!

We were all anticipating row Z but we should have known better. When it went
in we all went mad in the stand!

On Mark Noble, he had a great game and I'm looking forward to playing in his
Testimonial in two weeks' time.

Everyone knows that Mark is a terrific midfielder but there was one moment
in the United game where he received the ball and took it between two Man
United players before spinning off. It just showed what a quality all-round
player he's become.

For me, Payet was unlucky with the penalty incident. He had no reason to go
down at the time and he got a nick.

For the Man United goal, watching the replays back, there was definitely an
offside and I think Darren Randolph, who did well when called upon, was
impeded. A foul and offside would have been the correct call, but the
officials failed to see that.

The other appeal, for United, when the ball cannoned up onto Winston Reid's
arm was never a penalty, either. There is nothing he can do about that so
you can't give those types of decisions.

I felt West Ham just about did enough to win it, but it actually could be a
blessing in disguise because it gives the Club another humongous game under
the lights at the Boleyn Ground. It will be packed out and if the side can
get themselves over the line and into the semi-finals it will be a wonderful
evening once again.

The fact that those in the stands came away from Old Trafford disappointed
shows how far the Club has come. The belief has grown, not just on the
pitch, but in the stands too. They've seen what this side can do.

The lads on the bench proved how strong this squad is. There was real
quality there and every player could have come on and affected the game in a
positive way for West Ham.

Slaven Bilic will probably be able to recruit even further in the summer so
there are going to be new faces and arrivals and his scouting system is
doing wonders. I think that sets West Ham apart from others in the Premier
League and he's already proved himself with his recruits last summer.

The players will be a bit gutted they didn't get the job done at Old
Trafford but like I say, for me it's a blessing in disguise.

This team knows they can go on and beat Man United in the replay so let's
have another great night under the lights and finish the job off.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of West
Ham United.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester
United...

Sunday afternoon's clash at Old Trafford might not have been our ticket to
Wembley, but it has set up what is expected to be another magical night
under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.

For the first time in years, the sense of belief going into the FA Cup tie
was incredible, and having already beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and
Liverpool away from home this season, fans knew we could beat United.

Slaven Bilic knew this too, and set-up his men with two up front, something
rarely seen in the modern game, and it almost paid dividends. Andy Carroll
saw a bullet header fly over the bar and Emmanuel Emenike headed his effort
straight at David de Gea in the opening exchanges.

Manchester United, who currently sit one place below us in the Premier
League table, grew as the game went on, and the home support got behind
their men. A few half chances came and went as Ander Herrera fired into Row
Z from a very promising position.

It is impossible to look at this game without highlighting referee Martin
Atkinson, who was forced to make a number of tough calls throughout. He
correctly waved away protests for a Man United penalty when the ball bounced
off the thigh of Winston Reid and onto his arm mid-slide tackle.

Dimitri Payet was perhaps unlucky to not win a penalty himself up the other
end, but much like Christian Benteke's a week or so ago, the contact,
although crucial, was not much nor obvious, so the referee ignored the
Frenchman.

The moment of magic came when the magic number 27 won a free kick about 35
yards out, and although he has proven himself to be one of the best set
piece takers in the league, even this one seemed too far away from goal.

But up stepped Payet to prove people wrong and stun yet again, as he curled
the perfect free kick up over the wall and into the far left corner, off the
post and into the back of the net. It was a free kick of world class
quality, and even the league's best goalkeeper couldn't keep it out.

As expected, the home side controlled the play in the second half,
especially after the opening goal, and Memphis Depay and Bastian
Schweinsteiger came off the bench to make an impact.

Depay was causing all sorts of trouble for Michail Antonio, but he failed to
capitalise when he found some space, perhaps a lack of confidence given his
recent dip in form.

The heart-breaking equaliser came when Hammers were already planning their
trip to Wembley, and Anthony Martial got on the end of a cross to net from a
tight angle. Replays showed that Schweinsteiger took out Darren Randolph,
preventing him from getting to the ball, but considering the referee's good
decisions throughout, you can forgive him for not calling this one back.

A draw might not have been the ideal result, especially given Payet's
sensational free kick, but it does mean fans get to experience another night
under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.

Games there are coming thick and fast and there are only a handful left to
play at the ground we have made a fortress this season, so the addition of a
replay is not a concern. The last FA Cup tie there was the dramatic game
against Liverpool and given our home form, not losing since August, United
certainly won't be too excited for what could be the game to send us to
Wembley.

It's a measure of the wonderful work Slaven Bilic and the board have done
that we can go to Old Trafford and hold our own against the biggest club in
England, and we must be a side no one wants to face at the moment.

For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Academy relishing return to Hong Kong
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that a select group of Academy
players will take part in the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens 2016 tournament.
Having got to the final in last year's competition, losing narrowly to
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, the Hammers will be aiming to go one step
further this time round. Speaking ahead of the prestigious event, which
takes place between 20-22 May, Academy coach Mark Phillips said: "We are
absolutely delighted to have been invited back to compete in the Hong Kong
Soccer Sevens tournament. "It is an absolutely fantastic competition to play
in; from experience it is one of the best organised events I've ever
participated in. "Despite not winning the tournament last year, we came
close, and everyone, the staff, the players really enjoyed it and got a lot
out of the experience."

Alongside West Ham, fellow English sides Leicester City, Aston Villa,
Newcastle United and Stoke City will also be competing in the 16-team
international tournament while defending champions Atletico, New Zealand's
Wellington Phoenix and Japan's Kashima Antlers will also be present. Last
year, the Hammers' squad included the likes of Djair Parfitt-Williams and
Marcus Browne, both of whom have gone on to be included in the first team.
And while this year's squad is yet to be announced, Phillips is looking to
take an even stronger squad. He continued: "The tournament is over two
months away so we haven't finalised the squad list yet, however it'll be the
strongest team we have available. "It's a great learning curve for everyone
involved, but make no mistakes, we want to win it, that's our aim and I
firmly believe we can do it. If we do well, to get the international
recognition will be fantastic for the Academy and Club as a whole."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Elliot Lee scored his first goal for Colchester United in an enthralling 3-3
draw with Wigan Athletic. The Lancashire club took the lead through Yanic
Wildschut before Alex Gilbey's thunderbolt levelled the proceedings. Ryan
Colclough restored their lead however Lee was on hand to square things up
just after half-time with a fine finish. Former Hammer George Moncur then
gave the U's the lead with an emphatic penalty however Will Grigg equalised
in the 90th minute.

Defender Leo Chambers also played the full 90 minutes – his third appearance
for Kevin Keen's side – Colchester haven't lost a game since Chambers joined
on loan.

Reece Burke and Josh Cullen both played the full 90 minutes as Bradford City
beat Doncaster 2-1 to climb in to the Play Off positions. With ten games to
go, the Bantams are sixth, with 58 points.

Clarke Bogard's Tilbury secured a 3-1 win over Bury Town thanks a Kurt Smith
brace and substitute Neil Richmond's goal.

Jaanai Gordon played the full game as Sligo Rovers slipped to a 1-0 defeat
away at Bohemians, Kurtis Byrne's early goal proving to be the difference.

Sam Westley was an unused substitute as VVV Venlo drew 2-2 with Ajax II in
the Eerste Divisie. The partner club are going strong in the league,
currently second behind Sparta Rotterdam.

Diego Poyet was an unused substitute as Charlton Athletic beat Middlesbrough
2-0 at the Valley.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Payet - One of the best I've ever scored
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet believes his stupendous 30-yard screamer against Manchester
United on Sunday is up there with the very best he has ever scored. The
Frenchman's third goal in this season's Emirates FA Cup fired West Ham
United in front at Old Trafford after 68 minutes, only for Anthony Martial
to ensure the sides would do it all over again at the Boleyn Ground. Payet,
who has now netted five in his last six outings in all competitions,
naturally felt the hosts' late rescue act had taken the shine off his
brilliant opener, but was nonetheless delighted with such a goal on such a
stage. He told West Ham TV: "It's true that it was a lovely goal but I
wanted it to give us victory. Unfortunately, they caught up with us at the
end, we are a little disappointed, but I think we played a good game here at
Old Trafford and we'll have to be very good at home to reach the
semi-finals. "I think it's one of my most beautiful goals, and on top of
that at a ground that I particularly appreciate. Past a very good goalkeeper
as well, so everything came together to make for one of my best goals this
season."

Payet expects the replay – the final ever FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground –
to be a memorable occasion under the lights, just as the Hammers' fourth
round triumph over Liverpool proved to be. But the Hammers' talisman is
taking absolutely nothing for granted and says it will require another big
performance to secure a semi-final spot at Wembley. He continued: "We will
have to be strong at home, as we know how to be, because we're up against a
very good team. We've the opportunity to replay at home, as we did against
Liverpool and we have to beat Manchester United if we're going to go further
in the competition. "We all have the dream of playing the semi-final at
Wembley. There have been surprises in these quarter-finals and it's going to
be open right until the end. We have to get past Manchester United to have
the opportunity to play at Wembley. "I think it is going to be an
extraordinary match, the supporters want us to progress, they will be there
and we will need them. It's still Manchester United and we'll have to
produce a big game to get past them. But firstly there's the league and
Chelsea next week."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Ladies gain credible draw in Wales
WHUFC.com

West Ham Ladies' turn in fortune continued with an impressive 2-2 draw away
to Cardiff City Ladies on Sunday afternoon. Having beaten rivals Tottenham
Hotspur 1-0 as part of the Farewell Boleyn celebrations at Upton Park on
Tuesday night, the Hammers came close to securing six points in a week
through goals from striker Laura Curtis and captain Katie Bottom. The
visistors started brightly in the FA Women's Premier League South after the
long coach journey to Wales, but it was actually Cardiff who pushed
themselves ahead when defender Hannah Wheeler gave away a penalty which was
converted by the home player. West Ham responded well to going behind and
were soon level, after good work from tricky midfielder Gemma Abela opened
up the chance for striker Curtis to tap the ball over the line. Cardiff came
out strong after the break and were applying plenty of pressure, but Marc
Nurse's side's passion and determination kept Cardiff at bay. Then, in
similar fashion to the winning goal over Spurs, West Ham went ahead when
Curtis was tripped in the penalty box. Skipper Bottom stepped-up once again
to bury her second penalty of the week. Nurse's side led until the final ten
minutes of play when a Cardiff corner, cleared by Erika Turner, only found a
home player, who fired home an equaliser from five yards. It's an impressive
result for Nurse's side though, who with the four points from two fixtures
this week, have overtaken Lewes Ladies into ninth in the league, with 18
points from their 20 league fixtures to date. The Hammers will now be full
of confidence as they host the reverse fixture against Cardiff City Ladies
on Sunday 20th March at AFC Hornchurch, with kick-off at 2pm.

After that, the Ladies close their campaign by hosting Queens Park Rangers
at AFC Hornchurch on Sunday 10 April.

LADIES: Turner, Ritson (Hinz), Wheeler, Bottom (c), Sammons, Abela, Missen,
Ray (Marriner), Ferreira, Curtis, Locke (Charles). Subs not used: Adeyemo.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic believes the Boleyn Ground will give West Ham United a 'big
advantage' when they take on Manchester United in an Emirates FA Cup
sixth-round replay. The Hammers will host the Red Devils in April following
a dramatic 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, when Dimitri Payet's wondrous
free-kick was cancelled out by Anthony Martial's volley with just seven
minutes remaining. West Ham had chances throughout, with Emmanuel Emenike,
Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio all going close, while Manchester United
were thwarted by a series of heroic blocks and clearances that kept Darren
Randolph largely redundant. When the equaliser did come, it was marked by
controversy as the Ireland goalkeeper appeared to be blocked off by Bastian
Schweinsteiger as he tried to keep out Martial's shot. While admitting to
being slightly disappointed not to see his side go through to the last four
at Wembley, Bilic is confident the Claret and Blue Army can help them get
the job done second time around. "Dimi has it in him – we all know this,"
the boss began. "He's got that kind of magic but before he took it I thought
it was quite far out so it's got to be perfect, and it was perfect! "There
was still a long way to go when Dimitri scored and we knew that they were
going to take risks and make situations to put pressure on us. "We played a
really good game of football, and it's hard to play at Old Trafford, but if
you ask what we should have done after the goal because they were very open
and risking things, I would have said I was expecting us to create from
these situations two or three clear-cut chances, which we didn't do. The
last pass, we failed to make and then we conceded a goal. "OK, the
atmosphere in the dressing room was very silent. I said to the guys it's
nice on the one hand to feel like that, because that shows me that we were
feeling confident despite being totally on the ground and we are moving in
the right direction. "On the other hand, we are in the game and we play the
replay at home, which is a big advantage for us."

Bilic admitted his players were feeling low at the final whistle, but said
that being frustrated by a draw at Old Trafford is a measure of how far his
squad has come this season. "We could have been one goal up at half-time,
and they also had a few situations where we made brilliant blocks and all
that, but in the game we played a good game of football and we are very
confident that we can win the replay."

That confidence will be boosted further by the home crowd, who will surely
mark the final FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground with an atmosphere akin to
that which welcomed Liverpool in the fourth-round replay in February. That
match was settled by Angelo Ogbonna's late header, and Bilic would love to
see West Ham beat another of English football's most-famous clubs on home
turf in similarly exciting fashion. "We thought the last one against
Liverpool was going to be the last FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground and the
atmosphere was special, and I can't imagine a better one because it was a
replay against Liverpool and we scored a goal in the last minute with a
great header from Angelo. "Now this one is like Manchester United, the
biggest club in the country, in a quarter-final with the winner going to
Wembley in the semis. It's going to be brilliant."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Randolph - Replay is going to be a special night
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph is already counting the days to the Emirates FA Cup
quarter-final replay against Manchester United and knows it is going to be
another special night at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers were forced to settle for a replay after Anthony Martial grabbed
a late equaliser to cancel out another wonder goal from Dimitri Payet. Few
could forget the last cup encounter under the lights when Angelo Ogbonna
scored the dramatic winner against Liverpool with just seconds left on the
clock. It promises to be another memorable evening in the last ever cup tie
to be played at the Boleyn Ground and Randolph feels his side stand a strong
chance of reaching the semi-finals at Wembley. Randolph said: "It is going
to be a great atmosphere for the replay and the standout moments for me this
year atmosphere wise have been the Liverpool and Tottenham games. "It is
going to be a special night and we fancy our chances against anybody. We are
all looking forward to it. "We are still only ninety minutes from playing at
Wembley and it is the last ever cup match at the Boleyn Ground so it is
going to be another special occasion. "It was probably a bit too early for
us to be thinking about Wembley after the first goal but we played well and
it was a good afternoon. "When you see a free-kick like that go in you start
to think it is going to be your day but it was not meant to be and we settle
for a replay. "Dimi actually said after the game that he thought the
free-kick was going wide but it caught the inside of the post and went in.
It was a great free-kick. "I think it was a foul for their goal but it was
one of those things and we have got a second chance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Gone! Lyall gates removed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

The John Lyall Gates - which have stood at the entrance to the Boleyn Ground
for the last 60 years - have been removed. As you can see in the following
picture, taken by surprised onlooker and KUMB reader Dominic Hoey, the
iconic gates - which were renamed in honour of the former West Ham manager
in 2009 following his passing three years earlier - were removed from their
existing site by workers this morning. The gates are scheduled to be
re-situated at West Ham United's new home at the Olympic Park, Stratford, in
time for the start of next season. The oft=pictured gates, which millions of
football fans have walked past over the years were constructed in 1956. They
have been seen in several films and TV programmes and also cropped up in the
odd music video over the years. The late Micky Smith used an iconic image of
the gates for the cover of his 2003 book Both the gates and the surrounding
area of land on which they stood for more than half-a-century - now
predominantly the club's car park - were paid for by the (£25,000) sale of
Harry Hooper to Wolverhampton Wanderers that same year.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Police 'kettling' causes mayhem in Manchester
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Thousands of travelling West Ham supporters were caught in a near riot at
Manchester's Piccadilly station lat night thganks to the actions of the
Greater Manchester Police. Having made their way back to the city central
station following West Ham's 1-1 draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford, scores
of fans were unable to reach their allotted trains as a result of Police
'kettling' supporters through a single entrance. And regular travellers were
also caught up in the brouhaha as ugly scenes broke out between Police and
travellers. One eye-witness told KUMB: "We got to Manchester Piccadilly
just before 8pm and there was a massive scrum of West Ham, Man U and
civilians all just wanting to get home. People were climbing over, tripping
over or just pinned up against the barriers. "By the time I got to the front
of the queue myself and two gentlemen in front of me told the Police that we
were booked on that train. They said it was now declassified and we'd have
to take it up with Virgin. "GMP were pretty much out their depth trying to
control the crowds and drip feeding people onto the trains."

Another eye-witness, who was attempting to board an earlier train added: "We
got to Piccadilly at 6.45pm for my 7.15pm train, which was fine. The problem
was the way GMP made people queue all together - and put everyone on a
train. disregarding whether you booked it or not. "If I hadn't joined the
queue early I'd have missed my train. I mentioned it to a Policeman and his
words were: 'Don't be daft, this is the most sensible way'. "One guy was
very agitated as he was at the back of the queue and clearly going to miss
his train. Not only that, there was plenty of Man Utd fans that would've
booked as well. It wasn't Virgin's fault, it was the shoddy management by
the GMP in my opinion."

The sheer weight of numbers travelling to the game caused major disruptions
on the roads leaving Manchester too; fans travelling by car had to queue for
around two hours just to reach the M6 motorway, just a few miles south of
the city.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
FA Cup semi final draw: Everton await
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will face Everton in the semi finals of this year's FA Cup,
should they overcome Man Utd in the quarter final replay. The draw was made
this evening by TV chef Heston Blumenthal and former Spurs midfielder
Jermaine Jenas. In the other semi final, Watford will face Crystal Palace
Both ties are scheduled to take place at Wembley on the weekend of April
23/24. The date for the quarter final replay between United and Man U is
yet to be confirmed, but will take place on either 6th or 13th April. West
Ham have previously met Everton 11 times in the FA Cup - most recently last
season, when the Hammers knocked the Toffees out via a penalty shootout.
From those 11 meetings, both teams have four wins to their name with three
draws - with West Ham's most famous win coming in the 1980 semi final

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Crystal Palace draw Watford, Everton face Manchester United or West Ham in
FA Cup semi-finals
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 14/03/16 8:21pm
SSN

Everton will play either Manchester United or West Ham in the FA Cup
semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 23/24. In the other
semi-final, Crystal Palace will take on Watford in a match also to be played
at Wembley. Palace, who have knocked out three Premier League teams and
Reading in the competition, have the chance to reach their first final since
they were beaten in a replay by Manchester United in 1990. The Eagles have
never won the trophy and neither have their opponents Watford, who lost 2-0
to Everton in their previous final appearance in 1984.
Quique Sanchez' Flores side have beaten Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham Forest
and Newcastle to reach the last-four. Everton avenged their FA Cup final
defeat of 2007 to Chelsea by beating the Blues 2-0 in a thriller at Goodison
Park on Saturday, and they could set up a repeat of 1995's final with
Manchester United if Louis van Gaal's side can triumph at West Ham. Dimitri
Payet had seemingly won the game for the Hammers on Sunday but Anthony
Martial equalised to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Ticket Master in line for Hammers contract
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Claret and Hugh understand that West Ham will cease their partnership with
'See Tickets' at the end of this season. See Tickets is the trading name of
a British ticketing services company owned by French company Vivendi SA.
They have provided ticketing systems and software to West Ham at the Boleyn
ground.

West Ham are understood to have awarded to a new contract to American
company, Ticket Master who will be the Hammers new ticket partner at the
Olympic Stadium.

The current West Ham Ticket office website has come under heavy criticism
this season as it has failed several times to cope with demand with big
games which left many to call the premium line hotline in desperation
running up large bills on their mobile phones.

Another recent criticism has been the ticket trader system with Epurse
credit balances disappearing from the website and a limitation of not being
able to spend Epurse credits online or to use it as a deposit for an Olympic
Stadium season ticket.

A source close to club told Claret and Hugh "Everything will be reviewed at
the end of the season with regards to ticketing and that will include
whether to retain the 0871 premium number for the ticket office."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Time to end the Ticket Office premium call rip off
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's last season at the Boleyn Ground together with a terrific FA Cup
run and a sell out Mark Noble testimonial has led to an increase in
complaints about the premium line telephone number used used by the club for
the West Ham ticket office hotline.

One West Ham fan received a phone bill of £105 this week for three phone
calls to the West Ham ticket office and another paid a £75 bill but they are
not alone with many others making similar complaints.

Many of the fans have been caught out by using their mobiles to call the
West Ham ticket office. 0871 numbers are regarded as premium numbers and not
included in mobile call plans.

West Ham do point out the costs in the small print on the website. The cost
to the ticket office phone line it is 13p per minute plus an access charge
from phone operator.

Vodafone charge their customers up to 45p per minute access charge to call
0871 numbers so the combined cost is 58p per minute or £34.80 per hour to
wait on the West Ham ticket hotline.

EE charge their customers up to 44p per minute access charge to call 0871
numbers so the combined cost is 57p per minute or £34.20 per hour to wait on
the West Ham ticket hotline.

O2 charge their customers up to 35.8p per minute access charge to call 0871
numbers so the combined cost is 48.8p per minute or £29.28 per hour to wait
on the West Ham ticket hotline.

If you use a BT landline it would be cheaper at a combined 23.24p per
minute so £13.94 per hour.

Speaking to one of the supporters who faced a £75 bill Steve told Claret and
Hugh:

"My wife rang the ticket office on her mobile to try and get tickets for the
Liverpool FA Cup replay she was on hold for a long time but was gradually
working her way down the queue when she got to number 4 in the queue it
jumped her back up to number 70 for no reason.

"I have emailed the club the same complaint twice and had no reply and if I
do not get a reply will be taking them to the small claims court. We
eventually got tickets online as we never actually managed to get through on
the phone. I have spoken to citizens advice about it and they have basically
said I have a case against the club and as bad as it is to have to take
action against my own club I feel the lack of communication and lack of care
shown by the club needs action."

Another supporter said " We rung from an EE mobile and got a £45 bill, it
was for the Watford tickets. I am a member and it said I could buy up to 4
tickets, so when I called the first time and eventually got though they said
I could only purchase 1 and had to wait until they went on general sale to
get the other 3 as they wasn't members!! I called at least 3 times I also
tried to book online to no avail :-("

Another fan said "My lad just had a 02 bill in for £42 when trying to get
tickets for the Liverpool cup game. He got cut off! Rang club twice and was
told they would be in touch but still nothing"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Exclusive: Winston Reid update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Worrying news concerning Winston Reid emerged fro the Hammers camp tonight
after the central defender was taken off in Sunday's game against Manchester
United. Reid rushed himself back into action after the Hammers boss Slave
Bilic was hit with a crisis following an injury to Reece Oxford in training.
The central defender answered the call to play and as reported on this site
earlier was praised by co chairman David Gold for his attitude. But Reid may
have paid a heavy price for his bravery as it seems that it wasn't only the
hamstring injry from which he has just recovered that he 'felt'during the
game but the other as well. It is a big blow and his chances of making the
game against Chelsea at the weekend look no better than fifty/fifty at this
stage. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively by our major source tonight:
"Winston was taken of as he was feeling both hamstrings. It was semi
precautionary and we will know more in the next 48 hours."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Gold hits out at goal decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has made it clear that unless Darren Randolph decided to "dive
into his own net" Manchester United's Old Trafford equaliser was illegal and
should have been ruled out. The Hammers keeper was clearly nudged and left
unable to do anything about Martial's leveller six minutes from time in
Sunday's quarter final. And Gold made it clear he was very unhappy with the
decision to allow the goal to stand as Randolph lay incapable of helping
beore the Reds players ran off celebrating. Gold said: "It was a foul –
plain and simple. The goal should never have stood. I didn't want a replay
and I didn't want the cash it will generate – I want the Cup." Gold –
speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – admitted though: "At what point in
history have we come away from Manchester United feeling so disappointed
with a draw. "It demonstrates again the extraordinary distance we have
travelled this season and that's a consolation but nothing can wipe out the
memory of that goal which should never have stood."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Boleyn Ground redevelopment gets green light
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Newham Council has finally passed a planning proposal by Barratt Homes and
Galliard Homes to redevelopment the Boleyn Ground.

The meeting of the council's Strategic Development Committee last week ends
more than a year of arguments and debate between the council, local
campaigners and the developers over the future of the Hammer's old ground.

BoleynInitially, the developers offered no affordable homes on the site
which was unacceptable under Newham council's core strategy. A fresh offer
of 25 per cent affordable housing equates to 211 homes out of the 842
planned for the site. Under the new deal, more than half will now be family
sized units.

Additionally, developers promised to deliver a neighbourhood centre to
provide facilities for local residents. On the night of the committee, The
Mayor of Newham who is a West Ham fan, Sir Robin Wales, announced his
intention to invest an additional £18 million into affordable housing on the
site.

GreenStreet1This, the committee heard, will provide a further ten per cent
of affordable homes which the council will ensure are offered at rents that
residents can afford. This money is expected to come from affordable housing
funding available to the council bringing the total amount of affordable
housing on the site to 35 per cent or 295 homes. Overall, the development
is expected to create 185 jobs.

Sir Robin said: "I want to open this historic development up to even more
of our residents, other developers must provide affordable housing as part
of any regeneration proposals they bring to us – we will do all we can to
ensure as many homes as possible are within reach of our residents."

Green-Street2The developer's proposal will see the current ground demolished
when West Ham move out and replaced with 15 blocks of varying heights
providing new homes made up of a mixture of different tenures and a
community neighbourhood space.

To commemorate the design of the Boleyn ground stadium, two 13 storey blocks
will reflect the castle tower gatehouses which currently greet visitors to
the ground and four to eleven storey low rise blocks will mark the location
of where the stands currently sit.

Castle-StreetA pedestrianised legacy route will run through the centre of
the development with two trees which make up the memorial garden currently
by the main gates of the stadium retained. These trees are used by the
club's supporters to commemorate the death of family and friends. Both the
halfway line and centre circle of the ground's existing pitch will form part
of this route – is also proposed to retain some of the existing stands.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Ref Watch: 'West Ham deserved penalty at Old Trafford, Gabriel should have
seen red'
By Gerard Brand
Last Updated: 14/03/16 1:38pm
SSN

In his weekly Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher
gives his view on the weekend's big issues.

MATCH: Manchester United 1-1 West Ham, Sunday

INCIDENT: At 0-0, Dimitri Payet goes over in the area from a challenge from
Marcos Rojo. Referee Martin Atkinson waives play on.

GALLAGHER'S VERDICT: Penalty

GALLAGHER'S VIEW: It is difficult for Atkinson in real time, but I think
he's [Rojo] caught him. The assistant probably had the best view, but
whether Atkinson has asked him, we don't know.
There is no tangible evidence as to what has happened between the referee
and his assistant. When a big decision comes, we are not aware if the
assistant has had impact on the decision through their headset.

MATCH: Manchester United 1-1 West Ham, Sunday

INCIDENT: As a cross comes over to the far post, Anthony Martial equalises
for United, but replays show Bastian Schweinsteiger impeded West Ham
goalkeeper Darren Randolph as Martial's effort went goalwards.

GALLAGHER'S VERDICT: Foul

GALLAGHER'S VIEW: He blocks the goalkeeper off. There is so much going on
there, and I can understand why this is missed. To illustrate that, we've
had to have it pointed out and watched many times.

The key issue here is when the ball is going into Martial, that's where the
referee's attention has to be, because if Martial commits a foul or a foul
on him that's going to be priority.
He's watching Martial and watching the defender in case he takes him, and
the actual block off by Schweinsteiger happens six or seven yards off the
ball, and by the time he looks back the damage is done.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
West Ham striker Andy Carroll reveals triple target
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 14/03/16 1:51pm
SSN

West Ham striker Andy Carroll is hoping to secure a triple target before the
end of the season. The 27-year-old is targeting an FA Cup win and a top-four
finish with the Hammers, as well as a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad
for Euro 2016. West Ham's final season at Upton Park has been a memorable
one, with Slaven Bilic's side fifth in the Premier League, just two points
off a Champions League berth. A trip to Wembley is also on the cards, if
they can defeat Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay,
after a late strike from Anthony Martial cancelled out a stunning free-kick
from Dimitri Payet. Hodgson was at Old Trafford for the 1-1 draw as Carroll
impressed on his first start since January, a display he hopes might earn
him a seat on the plane to France. "I have three things to aim for with the
club pushing for top four, the FA Cup final and making the England squad,"
he told the Evening Standard. "I don't want to be getting injured now, it
would be the worst thing. I don't know why (the setbacks) happen, it just
does. It's upsetting, really. "It's been hard, I have been injured a lot. My
run in the side hasn't been continuous, but it's still a dream to play for
my country. It's something I want to do and I will never give up on it. "I
have great memories of Euro 2012 and would love to be there again. "My love
for my country is never going to go away. Hopefully, I will stay fit, keep
playing, score goals and I will get a chance to go."
Carroll scored as England beat Sweden 3-2 at Euro 2012, one of nine caps he
has earned so far, the last of which came against San Marino in October that
year. Asked if he had heard from Hodgson, Carroll added: "No, nothing at
all. I know he has been at the games watching a few of us. "We have some
great English talent in the team. He is watching everyone and he has a tough
job to do. Hopefully, I can cause a bit of a headache for him and get myself
in there. "Having so many players to choose from means you have to leave a
lot more out. It's a tough job for him but he knows how to deal with it."

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West Ham's fixture chaos
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are facing a serious fixture pilie up with an FA Cup replay set to
be squeezed in an already bursting schedule.

We are still awaiting the official confirmation of the re-scheduling of the
Watford and Manchester United Premier league matches due to our FA Cup run.

And UEFA's rules are making re-scheduling difficult with their insistence
that domestic games including FA Cup games do not clash on nights that
Champions League is shown on TV.

With a congested fixture schedule for the remainder of the season, there are
few dates that West Ham will be able to play Watford and Manchester United
twice whilst still avoiding international breaks, Champions League nights
and Manchester United's continued progress in the Europa League last 16.

Last month, the FA announced the FA Cup replay between Arsenal v Hull will
take place on Tuesday 8th March after 72 hours of debate and argument and
the FA could be forced to seek UEFA's agreement again.

Much could depend what happens with Manchester United in the Europa League
against Liverpool on Thursday evening with West Ham confirming

"We cannot confirm the replay date until Man Utd's Future future is settled
v Liverpool this coming Thursday"

Here's our 'schedule' currently:

19th March Chelsea Away

22nd- 30th March International Break

2nd April Crystal Palace at home

5th/6th April Champions League Quarter Final 1st leg

9th April Arsenal at home

12th/13th April Champions League Quarter Final 2nd leg

17th April Leicester City away

20th April Watford Rescheduled league game provisionally on the Wednesday

23rd/24th April FA Cup Semi Final. West Ham v Manchester Utd Postponed

26th/27th April Champions League Semi Final 1st leg

30th April West Bromwich Albion away

3rd/4th May – Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg

7th May Swansea City at home

10th/11th May Manchester United League likely to schedule on one of these
two dates

15th May Stoke away (last day of the season)

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Courageous defender showed squad spirit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has heaped praise on Winston Reid for taking his place in the
Irons side at Old Trafford despite not being ready to play in such a high
profile game. The co chairman had tweeted earlier in the week that the
central defender would not be able to make the game as he'd barely rejoined
the first team squad. But when Reece Oxford took a knock in training the
manager was left with no alternatives Reidy agreed to play although he
could easily have pleaded he was unable to make the game. Instead he
immediately agreed and Gold told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's a tribute
to him Winston demonstrated just how the squad ready the squad are to play
for this manager. He deserves a lot of praise for stepping up in the hour of
need."
Reid, however, was forced off after feeling his hamstring and will be
checked out by the club's medical staff but Gold said: "Hopefully it was
just a precautionary thing. However, as I say, he deserves enormous praise
for stepping into the fray"

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OK Slav…what's with the Emenike thing?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic has me confused for the first time! Sorry Slav but I'm afraid I
really don't get the Emenike thing at all. As fas as I can make out he has
had one decent game against a Championship side in the last round of the
Cup. By common consent he performed OK against Rovers for his couple of
goals but yet again he missed an easy chance at the start of yesterday's
game, as he did against Sunderland. It may be of course that Sakho wasn't up
to the level of match fitness for the United game that the manager would
have wanted and that therefore the Nigerian got the shout. But it was
perhaps possible to do things the other way round by starting Sak and bring
EE on when perhaps the main man started to tire. One thing's for sure –
given that Sak managed half an hour against Everton and around the same
yesterday he could surely have managed the first half at the very least. I
don't want to knock the bloke unnecessarily but with both Sak and Enner
Valencia on the bench it all seemed a little odd. Emenike was a cheapish
winter loan and is maybe an upgrade on Carlton Cole but right now it's hard
to go much further than that. Thankfully yesterday's missed chance at the
start didn't really hurt us but things may have turned out a bit
differently had he stuck it away. Jury remains very much out!

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Sad Van Gaal dubs Dimi a diver
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 14, 2016 in Whispers
C and H

Manchester United's excuse finding under pressure boss Louis van Gaal
ridiculously claimed that Dimi Payet dived in a bid to win yesterday's
match. Mind you, he had little if anything to say about his team's equaliser
which should have been ruled out at a stroke after goalkeeper Darren
Randolph was clearly fouled in the build-up. Instead he implied that Payet
should not have been on the pitch to score the 68th-minute goal after
accusing him of diving to try to con referee Martin Atkinson. Payet was
already on a booking when he went down in the United area under a challenge
from Marcos Rojo, but Atkison chose not to award a penalty. Van Gaal said:
"Payet was more or less diving. He was maybe touched, but not enough to fall
like that." But Hammers boss Slaven Bilic had no doubt that Payet was the
injured party in the accident saying: "For me, it should have been a penalty
on Dimitri.. "A dive? Come on. If you have a screen I am going to show you
and defend my point at Cambridge [Union]. "You can clearly see there is
contact. So it's definitely not a dive, 100 per cent not a dive."

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The Hammers £5m FA Cup run
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The FA Cup Quarter-Final replay at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester
United should net the Hammers another £1m on top of the estimated £3.8m they
have earned so far in their FA Cup run this season. Assuming West Ham set
ticket prices around the £40 mark, a sell out 35,000 capacity crowd will
bring in around £1.4m in gate money which will be shared with Manchester
United. The replay will definitely be shown on TV earning another £247,500
in TV facility fees for both sides. The eventual winners of tie will win
£360,000 of prize money on top of a trip to Wembley where the serious money
starts. In the third round of the FA Cup West Ham earned £67,500 in prize
money and an estimated £294,000 in gate money for beating Wolves at the
Boleyn Ground. We received another £90,000 in prize money for beating
Liverpool in the Fourth Round over two games and we earned £288,000 to have
both games screened live on BT Sport. The Anfield FA Cup tie had an
attendance of 44,000 at £35 per ticket, netting us around £647,000 in gate
money. The replay at the Boleyn Ground earned us around £294,000 with
tickets reduced to £20.

In the fifth round, the 5-1 win over Blackburn Rovers earned West Ham
£180,000 in prize money from the FA as winners of the tie, together with
£247,500 to have the game screened live on BT Sport. We also received a 42%
cut of the Ewood Park gate money with an attendance of 18,793 earning a
further £158,000, based on tickets priced at £20.

Yesterday we received a 42% share of the 75,000 gate at Old Trafford at £45
per ticket. The 75,000 sell-out would bring in £3.37m of revenue of which we
would get a healthy £1.43m. Live TV coverage added another £247,500 to the
pot.

FA Cup Third Round earnings = £361,500

FA Cup Fourth Round earnings = £1,222,900

FA Cup Fifth Round earnings = £585,500

FA Cup Sixth Round earnings so far = £1,677,500

Estimated FA Cup Sixth Round Replay should we win = £1,195,500

Total Estimated Earnings after victory in Sixth Round Proper = £5,042,900

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