Daily WHUFC News - 25th March 2016

New Stadium capacity increased to 60,000
WHUFC.com

In conjunction with the London Legacy Development Corporation, Newham
Council and Stadium operators LS185, West Ham United are delighted to
announce that the former Olympic Stadium will now boast a capacity of 60,000
for Hammers matchdays. The move will see the release of 6,000 additional
seats, so that even more West Ham fans will be able to enjoy the team's
debut season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Club announced late last
year that the number of people registered on the Season Ticket Priority List
five times exceeded the number of seasonal seats available. In the months
since, the West Ham Board have been working closely with their stadium
partners on how to accommodate the maximum number of Hammers fans. This new
higher capacity will bolster footfall to the site, with West Ham's presence
bringing 1.5 million visitors to the park each year. With the Club's
transition to Stratford proving an overwhelming success so far, West Ham
United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said she was thrilled that thousands more
loyal Hammers fans would have the opportunity to take their place in West
Ham history. "Today's announcement is further evidence of the upward
trajectory of this Club," the Vice-Chairman said. "We are on course for what
could be our most successful Premier League performance ever and our
ambitions to finish in the top six and break into Europe are very much
within reach. "West Ham fans are famous the world over for their wonderful
support. They have demonstrated this once again at matches this season and
in the way that they have embraced the move to the new ground. We are
delighted to be able to reward that magnificent support by releasing
additional Season Tickets and bring even more visitors to the Park to enjoy
all that it has to offer. "The 2016/17 season looks bright for the team, the
Club and our fans. Not only will we have one of the world's greatest new
stadiums, but now it will be one of the very largest in the world's
most-watched league – a Stadium with both the quality and the capacity to
match our ambitions."

David Edmonds, Chairman of E20, added: "It is fantastic to see such a high
demand for West Ham United tickets as it shows how eager people are to watch
football at the Stadium. By meeting this demand the use of the venue will be
maximised, increasing its revenue and the return to the taxpayer. It will
also give more people the opportunity to enjoy Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park's beautiful parklands, historic waterways and unrivalled sports
facilities."

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "The Stadium is an iconic venue and
it is fantastic that even more people will be able see football in such a
high quality setting. Our investment in the Stadium was all about giving as
many Newham residents as possible the chance to see top class sport in the
borough. This announcement further supports that commitment."

Linda Lennon CBE, Chief Executive LS185, Operators of the Stadium said: "We
are delighted to have worked with West Ham United to deliver this extra
capacity. 60,000 fans will provide a great atmosphere and it is a superb way
to begin the new season in this iconic venue."

West Ham fans hoping to secure a Season Ticket for the new Stadium can still
join the Priority List. Anyone who does not get a Season Ticket for the
2016/17 Season will be transferred to a waiting list and notified as and
when seats become available.

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Hammers complete Lanzini deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Manuel Lanzini will join the
Club on a permanent basis on 1 July. Following an exceptional debut season
in east London, the Hammers have taken up an option to sign the 23-year-old
attacking midfielder from UAE League club Al Jazira Club for an undisclosed
fee. The sparkling Argentine, nicknamed 'La Joya' – The Jewel – in his
homeland due to his outstanding talent, has scored six goals and chalked up
three assists in 22 appearances in Claret and Blue.

After putting pen to paper on a four-year contract with a further two-year
option, the popular No28 said he was pleased to have pledged his future to
West Ham. "I am absolutely delighted to have signed and to be able to stay
at this Club," Lanzini, who scored on his Hammers debut in a UEFA Europa
League tie with Astra Giurgiu in August, told West Ham TV. "I really feel
at home here, and when you feel at home somewhere, you definitely don't want
to leave. "I am very happy and now what I want to do is to keep giving the
best of myself."

Diminutive in stature, but strong and determined in body and mind, Lanzini
came through the same River Plate youth system that produced the likes of
his boyhood heroes Pablo Aimar and Ariel Ortega, as well as former Hammer
Javier Mascherano. Born in the Ituzaingó Partido of the Greater Buenos Aires
metropolitan area to Italian ancestry, Lanzini joined River Plate at the age
of nine in 2002. At 17, he made his professional debut in a 1-0 home win
over Tigre on 8 August 2010, and went on to make 22 league appearances for
River in is debut season. Summer 2011 saw Lanzini loaned to Brazilian giants
Fluminense, where he impressed by scoring twice in 22 appearances as a
teenager, helping the club to win the Serie A title. With that experience
under his belt, he returned to River, where he was handed the coveted No10
shirt, helping the club to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and
scoring a career-high eight goals in 26 league appearances in 2012/13. A
packed 2013/14 saw Lanzini play 41 times in all competitions for River,
helping the Buenos Aires club to reach the last-eight of the Copa
Sudamericana and attracting the attention of clubs all over the world. It
was Al Jazira who moved for the exciting talent, securing Lanzini's path to
Abu Dhabi, where he became the youngest foreign player to appear in the UAE
Arabian Gulf League at the age of 21. Again wearing the No10 shirt, Lanzini
scored eight goals in 24 league appearances to help Al-Jazira to finish as
league runners-up last season.
At international level, the creative South American has been capped four
times by Argentina at U20 level and will hope to make the step up to the
senior squad if he can impress in Claret and Blue.

*What is your reaction to the news that Manuel Lanzini will join West Ham
United on a permanent basis? Have your say on Twitter now using the hashtag
#LanziniSigns

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The Big Interview - Manuel Lanzini
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini has committed his future to West Ham United by signing a
permanent four-year contract with a further two-year option. The outstanding
South American has been impressive since joining the Hammers on an initial
season-long loan from Emirati club Al-Jazira, scoring on his debut in the
UEFA Europa League last August and dovetailing superbly with Dimitri Payet.
The 23-year-old told West Ham TV he is delighted to be a Hammer for the
long-term, of how Slaven Bilic instilled huge belief in him and how much he
loves living in London. A firm fans' favourite, the No28 believes the Club
has a bright future ahead which he is happy to be a part of.

Manu, you are a West Ham United player for at least the next four seasons,
so what is your reaction?

"I am absolutely delighted to have signed and to be able to stay at this
Club. I really feel at home here, and when you feel at home somewhere, you
definitely don't want to leave. "I am very happy and now what I want to do
is to keep giving the best of myself.

Since arriving at West Ham United, your injury aside, surely you could never
have dreamed that you would settle into the Club so well, and be so warmly
accepted by the supporters?

"When I arrived, I wanted to do so playing my best football, but I knew it
would be a little bit difficult because I'd come from a type of football
where the tempo and perhaps the quality were a little bit lower, but the
truth is that I was able to get back to full fitness straight away. "What
really helped was the confidence I got from the coaching staff and my
teammates, so I am very pleased. We've had a great season and it's not over
yet, so from a personal standpoint and from the standpoint of the whole
Club, it's been great. "I am really thankful to the fans because they have
helped me at all times."

As you say, the season is not yet over, so what can we achieve over the next
two months?

"Well, I certainly hope we can achieve some very big things. We've already
done very well, and it's already been a very good season, and when you're so
close to achieving your objectives, of course you want to keep dreaming. "Of
course, if we continue on the right path, we can certainly achieve what we
want."

You mentioned that the coaching staff have given you confidence – how so?

"Both Slaven Bilic and the whole coaching team showed a lot of confidence in
me and invested a lot of belief in me and I'm now showing that and
demonstrating why I was given the chance to play. "Obviously there is more
to come from me. I'm just 23-years-old, I've got a lot to learn and I hope
to keep giving 100 per cent here for West Ham."

Looking into the future, we have a fantastic new Stadium to move to in the
summer and a fantastic squad of players, so can we become one of the biggest
clubs in the country?

"I certainly think so, not only in terms of the Stadium, but also with the
players we have here. They are both factors which will not only help the
Club reach the next level, but also to become a much bigger club than it
already is. "We really hope we can make everyone very happy with the
situation. "The way we are playing is really good and we've achieved some
great things so far, so I really hope we can make the fans very happy by
continuing on this path."

You grew up in Buenos Aires in Argentina, have lived in Rio in Brazil and
also in the United Arab Emirates, but seem to be very much at home in
London…

"Absolutely. It's a great city and I've always said that. It's definitely
one of the greatest cities that I have lived in. "I always had big dreams as
a child, but you never know what the future is going to hold. Thanks to God,
I'm here, I'm enjoying the city, I'm enjoying the people and I really see my
future here."

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Borg joins Aston Villa
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that 18-year-old left-winger Oscar Borg has
joined Aston Villa on a permanent basis. Having joined the Hammers at U13
level, Borg progressed through the ranks at the Academy of Football to
become a regular member of the U18 team in the last two seasons. This term,
the winger who can also play at full-back, made 20 U18 appearances, scoring
once – against Tottenham Hotspur – in August 2015. West Ham United would
like to thank Oscar for all his hard work and commitment and wish him all
the best in his future career.

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Testimonial Travel Information
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have issued the following important travel advice for
supporters attending the Mark Noble Testimonial match on Monday 28 March.

There will be no London Underground service to/from Upton Park station
because of planned engineering work on the District and Hammersmith & City
Lines on Easter Monday.

Supporters travelling from central London are advised to use the Jubilee
line or the DLR to Canning Town station and continue their journey on foot.

Supporters travelling from the east are advised to use c2c services to
Barking station and walk from there to the Boleyn Ground. Barking station is
also served by London Overground services.

The walking time from each station is about 40 minutes. Bus services will be
operating from each station but are expected to be busy.

Due to the suspension of Abellio Greater Anglia and TfL Rail services
to/from London Liverpool Street for Network Rail engineering work, and also
the aforementioned suspension of the District and Hammersmith & City Lines,
c2c will be running an enhanced Sunday service on Easter Monday.

Additional trains will run from Southend Central, Westcliff, Chalkwell,
Leigh-on-Sea, Benfleet, Basildon and Laindon to Upminster, Barking, West Ham
and London Fenchurch Street.
There will also be additional shuttle trains from London Fenchurch Street to
West Ham and Barking.

Additional trains will also run from London Fenchurch Street, Barking and
Upminster to Laindon, Basildon, Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell,
Westcliff, Southend Central and Shoeburyness.

Additional relief trains will start in service at Barking, calling at
Upminster and Laindon only. There will also be additional shuttle trains
from West Ham to Limehouse and London Fenchurch Street.

The walking route to/from Canning Town station
The walking route to/from Canning Town station
After the match, c2c services are planned to call at West Ham station on a
Set Down basis only. This is due to the fact it may become necessary for
London Underground (who manage this station) to close it at short notice to
prevent overcrowding.

The operation of West Ham station may also be restricted to exit and
interchange only. We would recommend that you consult the Transport for
London website if you are planning on travelling to/from or via West Ham
Station between the hours of 16.00 and 19.30, before travelling.

In conjunction with Transport for London, Barking Station will be the
recommended station for passengers to use that are travelling from/to all
points Eastbound. Barking station is likely to be exceptionally busy both
before and after the match, particularly between the hours of 10.30 – 13.15
and 16.15 – 19.30.

Please Note:
A queuing system may be in place for passengers joining services after the
match.
It may not be possible to join your first choice of train service.
Please ensure you follow any directional signage.
Follow the instructions of c2c station staff - who will do their utmost to
get you to your destination just as quickly and as safely as they can do so.
Please have your tickets (including Oyster, Contactless or Smartcards) ready
for the automatic ticket barriers.
Plan Your Journey to this event

You can plan your journey to the Mark Noble Testimonial match using the
National Rail Journey Planner or the TfL Journey Planner.

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Joint-Chairman thrilled with Lanzini deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan believes Manuel Lanzini can
become a star for both club and country over the next few years and is
thrilled to see the talented star pledge his long-term future to the Club.
Lanzini has been one of the star performers this season following his loan
move from Al Jazira last summer and has now followed in the footsteps of
Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate by agreeing a new contract.
The Argentine forward has enjoyed a memorable first season in the Premier
League and showed his quality once again at Chelsea last weekend when he
scored another wonder goal.

Mr Sullivan has no doubts he can continue to show his best form for the east
London Club and can also become a major player for Argentina over the next
few years. Mr Sullivan said: "Manuel is a fabulous player he is and we hope
over the next five to six seasons that he can become a West Ham United
legend and a star for the Argentina team. "He is a very special player and
we are very proud that he has joined West Ham United."

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Boleyn Memories - Graham Gooch
WHUFC.com

Former England cricket captain Graham Gooch will be full of emotions when
the Hammers play their final ever game against Manchester United at the
Boleyn Ground on Tuesday May 10. Gooch has been a lifelong West Ham
supporter and has so many fond memories going back through the years. The
62-year-old was best remembered for being the most prolific run scorer
top-class cricket has ever seen and was one of the best batsmen of his
generation. Despite travelling around the world with England, Gooch always
kept a close eye on how the Hammers were performing. Gooch says it will be
hard for him to see his beloved West Ham leave the Boleyn Ground but knows
the Club will move onto another level when they make a historic move to the
new Stadium during the summer. Gooch said: "It is going to be emotional when
things finish at the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season. "I remember
coming here back in 1960 when my father Alf took me to stand on a box in the
old South Bank to watch Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst make their
names in claret and blue. "They went on to do big things for West Ham and it
was a great experience. I have been a life-time Hammers supporter. "It will
be emotional when we play the final game because it has been our home for a
long time. I have got some great memories going back through the years. The
FA Cup Final victory in 1964 and then we had the European victory in 65'. "I
think my best memory of a game at the Boleyn Ground came against Leeds when
we beat them 7-0 and I was there that night. Geoff Hurst scoring all the
time and being fed by Bobby Moore with Martin Peters mopping up as well.
They are great memories. "Seeing some of those great players throughout the
years like Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds, Ray Stewart, Paolo Di Canio has
been fantastic and seeing them grace this green grass at Upton Park. Let's
hope the future of West Ham can grace the new Stadium. "It will be a new era
for the Club when they move but it will open up a lot of opportunities.

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Former Player Blog - John Moncur
WHUFC.com

When West Ham United fans talk about their favourite central midfield
players, two names that always crop up are John Moncur and Mark Noble.

In many ways, the pair are peas from a pod, possessing similar brands of
commitment and aggression mixed with flair and creativity. Speaking ahead of
Noble's Testimonial match on Easter Monday, Moncur – whose father John
Senior is on the captain's Testimonial Committee – said he could tell the
No16 was going to make it when he was still a teenager. "The first time saw
Mark was him joining in training for one session," said Moncur, who made 175
Premier League appearances in Claret and Blue. "Glenn Roeder was the manager
and we were in the gym. I think he was only about 17 or 18 and you could
tell straight away what a quality player he was. "He had that little bit
about him where he wasn't fazed coming in with the first team and he had
great quality on the ball and you could tell that even from the one session
in the gym. "He wasn't the biggest lad but you could tell he had a big
future ahead of him. I certainly could being a midfield player and I was
proved right."

As someone who knows how to operate in the Hammers engine room, Moncur is
perfectly placed to comment on Noble's outstanding form this season.
Now 49, the former Hammer explained how he took on a similar role in the
West Ham side during the closing years of his career under Harry Redknapp
and then Glenn Roeder. Regarding Noble, Moncur believes the 28-year-old
deserves a place in the England squad alongside one of his old West Ham
teammates, Michael Carrick. "Nobes makes the team tick for me," said Moncur,
who will pull on his boots again on Monday afternoon as one of the West Ham
United All-Stars. "Late on in my career, I played that role and he's become
one of those players who's so important to West Ham. He's showing as time is
going on what a good player he is. "He links the back up with the front and
keeps the game moving all the time. When he gets into forward areas he's
also got a lot more quality in the attacking third than people give him
credit for. "He's a player with a good range of passing, short and long, and
he's up there with the Michael Carricks. I see him at that sort of level, no
doubt about that."

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Adrian - Noble is a great leader
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble is a great leader on and off the pitch and therefore a fantastic
captain, according to West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard will
turn out alongside Noble in front of a packed Boleyn Ground on Monday to
take part in the skipper's Testimonial match. And the stopper had nothing
but praise for the midfielder ahead of his big day. He said: "It's an
amazing achievement for Mark that he has spent many, many years at this one
Club. "He's a great captain for us and a great leader in the dressing room.
He's an amazing person off the pitch, too. "Mark has a great impact on all
the younger players. Of him, they see the number one West Ham player because
he has done it all before. "Like a great captain, when I had a confrontation
with [Mario] Balotelli, Mark came over to me saying: "You are crazy! We are
winning!" but that was a great thing for a captain to do."

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International round-up
WHUFC.com

Several West Ham United players have teamed up with their nations for
international matches over the next six days.

France boss Didier Deschamps recalled Dimitri Payet after his superb
performances for the Hammers, and he could be involved on Friday as his side
travel to face the Netherlands before hosting Russia on Tuesday.

Payet has recently won both the London Player of the Year award and the PFA
Fans' Player of the Month for February prize following a flurry of goals and
assists in claret and blue.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Darren Randolph is with the Republic of Ireland squad
as they make final preparations for Euro 2016, with friendlies against
Switzerland and Slovakia.

Enner Valencia's Ecuador are top of a World Cup qualification group which
contains both Argentina and Brazil, and will take on Paraguay late on
Thursday night, while Cheikhou Kouyate and Victor Moses are in the Senegal
and Nigeria squads respectively.

In action on Wednesday evening was 17-year-old defender Reece Oxford, as he
played 90 minutes in England U18s' 3-2 victory over Austria. The Young Lions
twice came from behind to down the hosts.

On Thursday, England U19s were also victorious, as they began their Euro
2016 Elite qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Georgia, however Hammers
goalkeeper Sam Howes was an unused substitute.

Finally, West Ham's Bradford City loan pair Reece Burke and Josh Cullen are
with England U20s and the Republic of Ireland U21s respectively.

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First and Last - James Tomkins
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United continue their final season at the Boleyn Ground
underway, we've asked our players for some memorable lasts from their
careers and lives, as well as some firsts. James Tomkins goes under the
spotlight…

FIRSTS

What was the first car you owned?
It was a Ford Focus. I first got the car when I passed my driving test back
in 2007.

Can you remember the first CD you bought?
I am trying to think of the music that I would have played when I was first
started driving into training. It would have been slower music and I would
have to say Boyz II Men. I remember playing that back at that time.

When was the first time you signed an autograph?
It would have been around the Boleyn Ground. It was back when Alan Pardew
was in charge and I was a ball-boy at the time. I think one of the fans must
have recognised me from an Academy game and I didn't know what to do. I
think I just put my initials down on the bit of paper. I had to change it
quickly after that!

Who is the first player you would call up for a pub team?
I am trying to think who that would be, but I know a few of them think they
are intelligent. Even Nobes thinks he is half clever but if you asked him
what he got at school he probably couldn't remember!

Who is the first player you would vote off on the X-Factor?
I would have to say Adrian. I think he tried to sing something Spanish and I
don't think he would last very long on the X-Factor. Ginge plays the guitar
and is good at it, but I haven't heard many of the players sing!

LASTS

Which artist or group was performing at the last concert you went to?
Ed Sheeran at Wembley. He was brilliant and I have been to see him twice. He
often does the same songs but he is someone I really like as a musician –
just watching him and a guitar.

Who is the last person in the team you would like to be stuck in a lift
with?
Aaron Cresswell as his breath would soon drop me down a few levels! I would
pass out with him in seconds! I love him really.

Who is the last person you would take fashion advice from in the team?
Adrian – one of the worst dressers I have ever seen. It must have been
something in Spain he did growing up but it is not there. Alex Song has some
mad stuff but he can pull it off.

What was the last film you went to see?
I have not been to the cinema for a while but it would be the The Equalizer
with Denzel Washington. He was unreal in it. I quite like him as an actor
and it was really good.

Who is the last person out of the dressing room?
I would have to say myself or Nobes. I know my missus and my family are
always saying I am the last out and keep them waiting for ages. I am always
talking with Nobes after the game and we stay around and talk about what
happened and general stuff.

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West Ham sign midfielder Manuel Lanzini on four-year deal
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have taken up their option to sign on-loan Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini permanently from United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira.
The 23-year-old, on a season-long loan at the Hammers, has signed a
four-year deal, joining for an undisclosed fee. "I really feel at home here,
and when you feel at home somewhere, you definitely don't want to leave,"
Lanzini told West Ham TV. "I am very happy and what I want to do is to keep
giving the best of myself." The contract starts on 1 July and it is
understood there is the option of a further two years. The Argentine has
scored five goals in 18 league matches, including one in the 2-2 draw with
Chelsea on Saturday. Boss Slaven Bilic has now secured the futures of three
of his key players after Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate recently signed
new long-term contracts.

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West Ham will have third largest Premier League capacity at Olympic Stadium
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 24/03/16 4:42pm
SSN

Increased seating at the Olympic Stadium means West Ham will have the third
largest capacity in the Premier League from next season. After 112 years at
the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers will call the Olympic Stadium in east London
their home from 2016/17. The stadium was originally expected to hold 54,000
people but, due to heightened demand, the capacity has increased by 6,000
seats to 60,000. That's a significant increase on 35,345 capacity of the
Boleyn Ground.

Premier League stadium capacity

Club Stadium Capacity
Manchester United Old Trafford 75,653
Arsenal Emirates Stadium 60,260
West Ham NEW Olympic Stadium 60,000
Manchester City Etihad Stadium 55,097
Newcastle United St James' Park 52,338
Sunderland Stadium of Light 48,707
Liverpool Anfield 44,742
Aston Villa Villa Park 42,660
Chelsea Stamford Bridge 41,798
Everton Goodison Park 39,571
Tottenham White Hart Lane 36,284
West Ham CURRENT Boleyn Ground 35,345
Southampton St Mary's Stadium 32,505
Leicester King Power Stadium 32,312
Stoke Britannia Stadium 27,740
Norwich Carrow Road 27,010
West Brom The Hawthorns 26,850
Crystal Palace Selhurst Park 25,456
Swansea Liberty Stadium 20,909
Bournemouth Vitality Stadium 11,464

The increased capacity means only Old Trafford (75,653) and the Emirates
(60,260) can host larger crowds in the Premier League, while only 18 clubs
across Europe have larger capacities, according to thestadiumguide.com. Old
Trafford's expansion over the years has propelled Manchester United's famous
ground up to the ninth biggest stadium in Europe, while the Emirates and
Celtic Park (60,500) are the only other British grounds to make the top 20.
The additional seating at the Olympic Stadium has moved the Hammers' new
home above Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, Valencia's Mestalla and
Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon.

The move was not met with unanimous approval from all fans, who still feel a
great deal of affection for their spiritual home in Upton Park, but Tony
Gale insisted the move is exactly what the club needs to keep pace in the
Premier League. "It had to be done, you have to move on," Gale told Sky
Sports News HQ. "Arsenal had to move out of Highbury into the Emirates
Stadium, thinking about the long term. "The only worry is that it might take
a long time to generate the same atmosphere of the Boleyn Ground. "Hopefully
the club will go from strength to strength."

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West Ham captain Mark Noble won't give up on England call
By Jonathon Moar
Last Updated: 24/03/16 4:06pm
SSN

West Ham captain Mark Noble insists he will not give up on playing for
England, despite being left out Roy Hodgson's latest squad. The England boss
did not include midfielder Noble in his 23-man squad for the friendly
double-header with Germany and the Netherlands, despite his consistent form
for the Hammers. Noble, who was capped 20 times for England's U21s, told Sky
Sports News HQ he accepts he is unlikely to force his way into Hodgson's
plans for this summer's European Championship finals but will continue to
battle for a future call. "I don't give up, for sure. For the Euros,
probably - yes, actually - but for England, I don't give up," said Noble.
"It's not just about me, it's about a lot of very, very good players - top
players - who have got a tournament to go and win in the summer."

Speaking on Sky Sports Now, former West Ham defender Tony Gale said Noble
would have been a good addition to the national set-up. "What could he have
brought to the England squad? He's got a calmness about him," said Gale.
"He's a great passer of the ball and he's added to the repertoire with a
couple of spectacular goals. He takes all the penalties for West Ham, and he
cares. That rubs off on all the other players." Noble is also eligible to
play for the Republic of Ireland, by virtue of his Cork-born grandparents.
He has refused to rule out playing for Ireland in the past, but former
England defender Andy Hinchcliffe believes Noble still has his heart set on
England. "There comes a point when you're not getting an England call, maybe
you think you want to play international football - maybe he would have
decided by now if he wanted to play for Ireland. "He seems to still think
there's a possibility he could play for England. Certainly in future
tournaments - look at the squad they picked with Danny Drinkwater and Jordan
Henderson there - why not Mark Noble?"

Instead, Noble will celebrate nearly 12 years in the West Ham first-team
with his testimonial on Monday against a Hammers All-Stars XI and is looking
forward to seeing some legends back at the Boleyn Ground. "Paolo Di Canio,
Rio Ferdinand and Scotty Parker are coming back, and some really good
friends of mine. I've also got my best mate from when were kids to play 20
minutes, so that's going to be great," added Noble. "To be able to play a
testimonial in a season like this, in our last season at the Boleyn Ground
is pretty special." The testimonial is raising money for Richard House
Children's Hospital, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation.

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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive: Borg joins Aston Villa
March 23, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

Talented youngster Oscar Borg has left the club to join Aston Villa. The 18
year old left full back or winger as signed a professional contract of 2
years and 3 months with the Midlands club. The player was scouted by many
clubs in his time at West Ham, notably by Manchester United (where he had a
trial) and we fought to hold onto him. Some people were even labelling him
the new Gareth Bale. Unfortunately he hasn't developed as much as we would
have liked him to and Terry Westley doesn't think he has enough ability to
make it at West Ham. It is thought that he could figure for the Aston Villa
first team next year. We wish Oscar all the best in his future career.

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Hammers watching Vestergaard?
March 24, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham are interested in signing Werder Bremen centre-back Jannik
Vestergaard, report German magazine Sport Bild. Vestergaard, 23, is a Danish
defender who has five international caps for his country plus one goal, and
has been a regular starter in the Bundesliga this season. Danish outlet
Bold.dk also run the reports, adding that Werder Bremen sporting director
Thomas Eichin concedes he may find it tough to hang onto the defender, who
has already captained the club. Eichin is quoted: "With us, all players in
principle are for sale if there is an offer that we, for business reasons
can not refuse, then we talk about it." Vestergaard stands tall at 6 foot 6
and has a contract with Werder Bremen which currently runs until 2018. West
Ham are not the only Premier League side to show an interest in Vestergaard
over the last 12 months. Just last week Bild reported, as relayed by
Fussball Transfers, that Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the defender. The
Northern Echo reported back in August that Newcastle had an offer for
Vestergaard turned down, believed to be in the region of £9 million, but
Rafa Benitez's side will surely be out of the race if they suffer
relegation. Bild also reported last May that Roberto Martinez's Everton were
showing an interest in the defender.

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Hendrie desperate for first-team chance and reveals Bilic talks
March 24, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham's Stephen Hendrie is determined to force his way into the Hammers'
first team next season. Hendrie signed a pre-contractual agreement with West
Ham in January of 2015 and he made the move to London the following summer
from Hamilton Academical. The Scotsman has found it difficult to break into
the first team, and he was sent out on loan last January to Southend in
order to gain regular football. Hendrie is now back at Upton Park and he
scored the winner to send West Ham's under-21 side through to the Premier
League Cup final against Hull. The 21-year-old left-back says he is fully
focused on impressing for the under-21s, and he hopes that next season he
can force his way into the senior side. "I am back with the under-21s and we
are in the cup final now so it is looking good for the rest of the season,"
he told the Glasgow Evening Times. "I would have liked to have stayed out on
loan and played more but it wasn't to be. I am happy to be back at West Ham
and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. "We have some great
players so I will stick with the 21s and see the season out and then give it
another go next season. "It is going to be hard for me because the manager
isn't going to drop someone after one bad game and stick someone else in.
"We have some quality players and we have had a great season. It is going to
be hard for me but it is a challenge and one I am looking forward to."
Hendrie says he spoke to West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who advised him to make
the move to Southend to gain some experience. "He said that I needed to go
out on loan and play games," he said. "I know what I need to do. "He is a
great guy to work with. He came in and we are flying and everyone at the
club loves him. "He has so much passion about him and that is what you want
from a manager. He loves the game and he is a great coach on the training
field as well. It is all good."

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West Ham plan new Slaven Bilic contract as they chase unexpected Champions
League place
22:30, 24 MAR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
But first-year boss who could also deliver this season's FA Cup will have to
prove he isn't a one-year wonder first, says co-chairman David Sullivan
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic will get a new contract at West Ham — but not until January at
the earliest. Former Croatia manager Bilic, appointed on a three-year-deal
last summer, has defied expectations of a mid-table finish to challenge for
a Champions League place in his debut campaign. West Ham also have a home FA
Cup quarter-final replay to come against Manchester United next month. But
co-chairman David Sullivan wants the club's impressive form to continue next
season. He said: "I will give Slaven a new deal in January. "I just want to
see that he is not a one-season wonder. I'm sure he is not, but we will talk
next January — or at the end of next season. "I have to tell you that he is
interested in the project, not money. "He stayed at Croatia on £2,000 a week
for five years when he would have had bundles of offers. He is not really
into money. He is more interested in getting the best players for the club
than the best money for himself." Sullivan is also targeting new deals for
left-back Aaron Cresswell and goal-scoring winger Michail Antonio. Cresswell
had admirers at Chelsea and Manchester City before signing a new deal last
June. Antonio, who signed from Nottingham Forest last summer, has scored
seven goals for the Hammers this season — including three in his last five
games.

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West Ham's Mark Noble writes off his England Euro 2016 squad chances after
latest Roy Hodgson snub
22:30, 24 MAR 2016 UPDATED 22:56, 24 MAR 2016
BY ROB MAUL
Uncapped midfielder overlooked for the Germany and Holland games can't see
himself getting the call this summer now — but hopes it'll come one day
The Mirror

Mark Noble has given up on a call from Roy Hodgson for the Euro 2016 finals.
And the West Ham midfielder is puzzled why he has yet to receive an England
cap, saying: "I don't think I'm a bad egg." Hammers captain Noble was
ignored for this week's double-header with Germany and Holland.
Though West Ham could end up winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the
Champions League, the 28-year-old is planning his summer holidays. Noble
said: "For the Euros, probably yes, I've given up. But for England, I will
never give up. I'd love a cap, of course, but I think especially with the
squad announcement, if I'm honest with myself the chances are very slim. "I
don't know why it hasn't happened. It's not a personality thing because I've
started every season under every manager at West Ham since I've been here."
A sell-out Upton Park crowd of 35,000 will watch Noble's testimonial on
Easter Monday, featuring old favourites such as Rio Ferdinand, Paolo di
Canio and Teddy Sheringham. Proceeds will go to the DT38 Foundation, Help
for Heroes and Richard House Children's Hospice.

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Noble sends out fans appeal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mark Noble has made a personal plea to fans to 0vercome transport problems
to support his testimonial on Easter Monday. Nobes has lined up a list of
legends like no other to play his Hammers team but is aware that fans will
need to make special arrangements to get to the Boleyn. The eagerly awaited
match for the hugely popular skipper hasn't been helped by problems on the
rail system and Noble has gone out of his way to ask them to make sure they
leave early.

He tweeted: "I know there are problems with trains on Monday but please
leave a bit earlier it will all be worth it, thanks for your support #MN16."

Among the legends turning out are Paolo Di Canio, Rio Ferdinand, Ian Bishop,
Steve Lomas, Trevor Sinclair and Christian Dailly.

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Season ticket holders must commit for two years
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The news that West Ham have increased capacity has also bought fresh news
that new Hammers season ticket holders at the Olympic Stadium will need to
commit for two season rather than one.

The 6,000 additional seats will soon go on sale from the 4th April at the
Stratford reservation centre but with those lucky enough to be chosen from
the remaining 40,000 priority list will need to commit for two years at £289
per season for a band 5 ticket.

The two year commitment does not affect the 40,000+ of those who have
already chosen their seats for the Olympic Stadium.

It is not clear whether the £578 will need to be paid completely up front
but the club do confirm finance options are available. Over 34,000
supporters are likely to be disappointed but they will form one of the
largest season ticket waiting list in the Premier League.

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Irons issue Carroll assurance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C an H

West Ham have no intention of moving Andy Carroll on despite their hunt for
a £25 million striker this summer.

The Hammers though have made it clear to ClaretandHugh this afternoon they
are "in no hurry" to bring their big summer signing to the club declaring:
"We are going to make sure we get this absolutely right."

Our top source added: "It's known there's an interest in Christian Benteke
if a salary could be negotiated along with other names that are well known.

"However, despite his injury problems there is no readiness to sell Andy
because as this club enters the European arena they will need all the
quality players they can get. He's become a big impact player.

"There has been an ongoing public conversation on social media about his
future but he's a top player and can do a great job for the club. If we make
it into Europe it's clear we will need more players of quality rather than
less.

"He's had far too many injury problems but he's done really well at times in
games recently and deserves a change of luck. There's no question of us
wanting to sell."

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Benteke saga set for a new switch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News
C and H

And so it begins….!

It was no surprise at all this morning to open up the tabloids and see
Christian Benteke plastered all over them claiming he's sorry he ever joined
Liverpool given how he's been treated under Jurgen Klopp. Just a few days
after West Ham have claimed they like him but can't afford him, we come to
the next stage in a very typical football transfer scenario. This usually
takes the form we are currently seeing – the player goes public with a
bitter outburst and edges towards asking for a transfer or being given the
chance to "resurrect his career" …as they like to put it. Everybody is happy
– one club gets rid of a player it no longer wants – the other gets its
target. The Irons – via chairman David Sullivan – have made it clear they
like the player having said yesterday: "The problem is he is on such a huge
wage that no club can afford him. But he is a player that we admire."
ClaretandHugh had been told precisely the same by it's top source back on
Monday! Interest in Benteke hasn't just surfaced with the latest headline –
this will have been an ongoing process over a couple of months or so. And it
isn't rocket science to work out that soundings are being made to discover
what sort of age the Belgian hitman may be ready to settle for. There will
be other interest of course – how could it be otherwise in a fella who
managed 42 goals in 82 games for Villa. The transfer season seems to have
started a bit earlier than usual as the Hammers look set to create a new
record signing at some time quite soon.

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THE FINAL PUSH
By Tony Hanna 24 Mar 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Well, as we enjoy the final International break of the season (not), it at
least gives our players a chance to re-boost the energy levels and get over
any injuries and niggles. Hopefully, the players and especially Dimitri
Payet can come through any International matches unscathed. Barring that and
any training ground knocks, by the time we play Crystal Palace we should
have a fully fit squad which if happens, will be for the first time this
season (not withstanding Carl Jenkinson). Tomkins and Collins may be a
little ring rusty but no doubt will be given their opportunity as after the
Palace game we move into an 11 day period where we play four games and if we
win our quarter final match against Manchester United we could well be
playing 5 games in 15 days.

Three of the four games are at home and the other is away to potential
champions Leicester during this congested period, so on the positive side
there is not much travel involved. If we do get that 5th game aforementioned
it will be a Wembley semi final and no one would be complaining about that!
So, this next period of the season will be a demanding one fixture wise, but
there are positives with the venues and the squad depth. For many, this
season could end right now and they would still be very happy with how the
season has panned out. However, the new found optimism that has transcended
right down from Bilic and through his players, has infiltrated the most
hardened of the older pessimistic West Ham fans and I think all of us are
looking forward to the next few weeks. It is a great time to be a Hammer
with all we wished for actually happening! So many past seasons have seen us
looking at the fixture list with eight games to go, searching eagerly for
any matches we might hopefully get some points from to avoid relegation. Can
we win the Cup? Can we finish top four? Can we dream of both? A lot will
depend on our fantastic home form continuing. Five of our eight remaining PL
games are at home.

League games against Palace and Watford will be difficult, no game in the
Premier League is easy, but we will be playing them when both teams are a
little out of form and perhaps with one eye on the Cup? Leicester away is a
game I really think we can get something from and Arsenal in the PL and
Manchester United in the Cup are the other tantalising fixtures during this
hectic period and both are potential blockbusters. We have shown no fear on
our travels to the Emirates and Old Trafford this season so I see no reason
why we should fear them at Upton Park. Respect them certainly, but not fear.
With so much happening it could be easy to forget that this season will draw
to a close very quickly from here on in. The regulars will have their Boleyn
farewell and a new dawn will begin in August. Whilst we have not won
anything yet, I truly believe this is one of the most exciting times to be a
Hammer?

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Liverpool and West Ham told to pay £10m for Chelsea ace
LIVERPOOL and West Ham will battle it out for Chelsea defender Nathan Ake
this summer.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 21:00, Wed, Mar 23, 2016 | UPDATED: 21:08, Wed, Mar 23, 2016
Express.co.uk

Chelsea would demand £10m fee for Nathan Ake. That is according to The
Telegraph, who claim Chelsea would demand £10million for the 21-year-old,
who is currently on loan at Premier League side Watford. Ake has impressed
in 23 appearances for the Hornets, who are also thought to be keen on
keeping the promising Netherlands Under-21 star on a permanent basis. The
Blues are yet to make their mind up on whether they want to keep Ake, but
are unwilling to let him join a Premier League rival on the cheap. Chelsea's
£10m asking price may be too high for Watford, but not for the likes of
Liverpool and West Ham - who are both in the market for a left-back this
summer. However, Ake recently revealed his intentions to return to Stamford
Bridge at the end of the season. "Of course, I would like to return to
Chelsea," he told KNVB website on his future plans. "But it is important for
a player of my age to get regular playing time. Things have been going
pretty well this season. I am getting plenty of game time and I really feel
like I am improving as a player. "Let's see how the season ends with Watford
and then we can start thinking about the future."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th March 2016

From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

The London Evening Standard's Ken Dyer says West Ham United will benefit from the international break...

I thought it was a cracking game at Chelsea on Saturday, even if West Ham United were denied another famous away win late on. It was end to end and both teams went at it hammer and tongs.
West Ham are going to be disappointed for the second successive game but, as Guus Hiddink said, maybe a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play, but having been in front twice West Ham would be disappointed not to have won. Slaven Bilic was spitting feathers and understandably because that's two games running where penalty incidents haven't gone his way – the Dimitri Payet one at Manchester United and now the Ruben Loftus-Cheek one at Chelsea. From where I was, it looked as if it was maybe outside the box and if there was any contact, I'm not sure. It did look as if it was outside and the referee Robert Madley did think about it and took his time. Maybe he got something in his ear from the linesman, but then he gave it. As a West Ham fan, the temptation is to be pleased with a draw at Chelsea, but we're higher than them in the table and I think the players saw that as two points dropped. Certainly if you looked at their faces as they came off, they looked very disappointed, and I'm sure that's the way Slaven looked at it as well. It was the 89th minute and you should be able to hold out, and West Ham had also had one or two chances before that to put the game out of sight. As Slaven said, Paris Saint-Germain couldn't score three goals at Chelsea, so it's no disgrace. It's easy to be a bit despondent but really once the dust settles, they are coming to places like Stamford Bridge and to be disappointed not to win is a sign of how far they have come. West Ham scored two cracking goals. I thought Manuel Lanzini was superb. In the first half, especially, he was taking up positions where they just couldn't handle him and he was linking well with Payet and scored a cracking goal. Then what a great substitution for the second goal! Andy Carroll came on and he took it really well. Andy is being used an 'impact sub' by Slaven and I can see why he likes to use him like that because by the time he comes on the game has opened up and if you put it up there, he will win it in the air. Andy had another great chance to score one or two more and, although he got one, he won't be happy because he wants to start matches. I'm sure when he is 100 per cent fit, he will start. Finally, I think this international break comes at a good time for West Ham, but Slaven will be on tenterhooks until his players come back from international duty fit and well. Notoriously, games after the international break, particularly when they have had to travel a long way, can be difficult and we are at home to Arsenal. It's been relentless the last few weeks, so I think the lads will enjoy a little breather.

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

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Stunning New Stadium wrap design revealed
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are pleased to confirm that a planning application has been submitted by E20 LLP for a spectacular wrap solution for the former Olympic Stadium, which, if approved, promises to set a new benchmark in world stadia. The Club and its stadium partners have worked tirelessly with leading digital experts to develop an optimum solution that would revolutionise the exterior of the Stadium. It would see the largest digital screens in Europe, measuring a massive 83m by 12m, installed on the outside of the Stadium. If approved, the new installation will provide immense benefit to all partners of the Stadium, enabling events throughout the year, including West Ham United matches, to have a highly-visible, cutting edge digital platform for content, information and promotional material, all in glorious HD. For West Ham matches, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. So expect goals from Dimitri Payet or classic clips from Bobby Moore's heyday to enthral the Claret and Blue Army on their way in to the Stadium. And crucial to that end, the screens would be designed to respond to different brightness settings, meaning definition remains at an optimum level for day or night games in any weather condition. The exciting new plans – which replace the previously submitted application - also include including prominent, Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising. This is key to the Club's absolute commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham United. Now that the above proposal has been submitted for consideration, West Ham United and its Stadium partners will be working hard with the planning authority to reach an agreeable outcome. A response is expected within the next eight weeks, to allow installation to take place between May and July.

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Westley - We've gained vital experience
WHUFC.com

Development squad manager Terry Westley believes his side's experiences this season will help prepare his squad if the first team calls next campaign. The young Hammers progressed to the final of the Under-21 Premier League Cup last week after an extra-time win over Liverpool, and they are currently fifth in their league table. And Westley thinks the involvement in both competitions, as well as valuable loan spells for some members of the squad, have been vital in the team's progression. He said: "With the Under-21s being so competitive in the league, with an awful lot of younger players playing, and the run in the cup, we hope they'll kick on next pre-season. "Some of them will be ready for the first team and for Slaven [Bilic] and will be able to help. Add the Under-18s qualifying in the top section in their league, and we look really strong. "Lewis Page at Cambridge, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke at Bradford, Martin Samuelsen at Peterborough…they've all had great experiences that will stand them in good stead to progress next season. "It's pleasing how many young players we've been able to field. The emergence of Declan Rice, who has done very well in the 18s and has played in the 21s, is great, George Dobson is an Under-18 but playing for the 21s – the same with Marcus Browne. "The team has done well to cap off the season with a cup final in the last year of the stadium being available to us so it's a great way for them to end the campaign."

Westley also explained how important getting the balance right between playing academy football and getting senior experience on loan is. "It depends on who the individual is, but both types of experience are vital. Some clubs will tell you it's all about a loan, but others will say if you're 18 and good enough you'll have a go in the team. You might not need a loan.
"Look at [Luke] Shaw, [James] Ward-Prowse, [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain and [Theo] Walcott at Southampton – they all never went on loan. But then at Spurs, [Ryan] Mason, [Tom] Carroll, [Harry] Kane and [Andros] Townsend – they all had a lot of loans. "It just proves it depends on where the player is on his pathway. "I think Samuelsen, Cullen and Burke, after a loan in the Football League, have got to prove next pre-season that they're ready to help the first team and help the manager. "It's a competitive Under-21 programme, pushing players up age-groups, so it's good for us and it's been a good season so far."

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Antonio heads home
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio put plenty of smiles on faces when he returned to first club Tooting & Mitcham FC to coach youngsters. The in-form No30 came through the ranks at the south London club, which he joined as an U12 and progressed to the first team while still a teenager. Antonio coached the club's Kickers and caught up with plenty of familiar faces - and West Ham TV were on hand to catch all the action.

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Enner set for Ecuador return
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia is looking forward to pulling on the famous yellow shirt of the Ecuador national team again this week. The West Ham United forward returns to Los Amarillos duty for the first time since appearing at the Copa America in June 2015. A pair of ankle injuries have ruled Valencia out of Ecuador's record-breaking start to their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which has seen them win four matches out of four to go top of the ultra-competitive South American group. The country may have a population of a little more than 16 million, but Ecuador have already pulled off a first-ever win in Argentina, followed by home victories over Bolivia and Uruguay and a 3-1 success in Venezuela. Next up come the visit of fourth-place Paraguay on Thursday, followed by a trip to neighbours Colombia on Tuesday 29 March. "We play against Paraguay in Quito and then Colombia away," said the No11. "They are two very difficult games, but Ecuador is now performing very well. We will hope to get three points at home and then Colombia will be very tough, but we will try our best again. "The whole country is behind us. We are doing fantastic and everyone is confident. To be top of the table is a fantastic performance. "I am also looking forward to seeing my family again, as I have not been home since the Copa America last June. It is hot there now, too!"

At club level, Valencia returned to the West Ham starting XI for Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea, where he gave a typically energetic performance at both ends of the pitch. "It was a very good game and I was very happy to start the game and contribute to a good result," he said, speaking in his rapidly improving English. "It was very good for my confidence. I am very happy with all the Club and the fans and I'll keep working hard for them."

While he did not get on the scoresheet himself, Valencia was delighted for fellow South American Manuel Lanzini, who curled in an exquisite opener. Later, super-sub Andy Carroll scored within seconds of his arrival on the pitch to put West Ham 2-1 up, only for a controversial late penalty to secure a scarcely-deserved draw for the Blues. "Manu's goal was unbelievable," Valencia confirmed. "He is a fantastic player and he has the capability to be one of the best players with West Ham. I know him from his time in South America and now he is a very good player here in England. He has good technique and he scored a fantastic goal on Saturday. "Andy, too, is unbelievable. He was on the pitch for about 20 seconds and he scored a goal!"

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Reid - Noble deserves all the praise
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender Winston Reid has nothing but admiration for the way Mark Noble has stayed so loyal to the Hammers and says he deserves his day in the spotlight at his Testimonial match on Monday. Reid has been fortunate enough to play alongside Noble for the last six-years and has enjoyed many memorable moments with the West Ham captain. The New Zealand international will never forget being part of the side alongside Noble that won the memorable Play-Off Final at Wembley against Blackpool to gain promotion back into the Premier League. And he is looking forward to paying tribute to the talented midfielder in front of another sell-out crowd at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday. Reid said: "Mark thoroughly deserves everything that he's getting. There are not many players that stay with the same team for this long, but Mark's from the area and he's been here all his life. "I hope he enjoys the game. I'm sure he's been through some difficult times during the years he's been at West Ham, but now especially with this good season, you can see how much it really means to him. "When we were promoted from the play-offs [together], it was a special moment for everyone connected with the Club but you could see the relief on his face, and that was a great moment."

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Farewell Boleyn - From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Nigel Clarke is one of the most well known faces in British Journalism and has been covering top flight football for over 50-years. He is a big admirer of the Hammers and can boast to be one of the closest friends former England captain Bobby Moore had with the media.

Clarke has worked for some of the biggest newspapers in the country including the Daily Mirror and Daily Express and will be sad to see West Ham leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season.


​I have covered top flight football for a number of years and been to some of the best stadiums in Europe but I have to say that the Boleyn Ground has always been one of my favourite grounds to cover a big match.

I will never forget when we used to go up to Ron Greenwood's office inside the ground after a game and he would give out his pearls of wisdom and share his thoughts on the result. He was very upfront and always answered your questions.

I was very fortunate that I struck up a very close relationship with Bobby Moore and one of the biggest things for me after covering a West Ham game was spending the evening with the players at the Britannia Arms in Plaistow.

Myself, Mooro, Frank Lampard and Graham Paddon would sit there for hours discussing football.

It was total education and I learned so much about the game from talking to them. You would listen to established people and they knew you would not betray them. I was fascinated by the fact that Bobby had such a will to win.

We had a long lasting friendship and and Bobby was one of the greatest football players I have ever met. I used to go down to the Boleyn Ground on a Sunday morning if he was having treatment with the physio Rob Jenkins and we would talk even more about the great game.

I cried so much when Bobby died and one of my biggest every memories of going to the Boleyn Ground was immediately after the news had broken about his death and I was overwhelmed by the amount of tributes that had been made and the flowers that greeted you when you walked inside the gates.

I will always remember Upton Park and it always stood for something very special. They wanted to be the best and there have been some tremendous times there over the years.

The people are always nice and friendly and the biggest factor is they are homegrown and understand the traditions of the club. It is all about the family in the East End.

You feel the warmth and friendliness when you walk inside the stadium and I still love covering games there.

There have been so many stories associated with the famous old ground and from a reporters point of view it was always great to speak with players in the tunnel after a game.

The biggest challenge was getting an interview with Billy Bonds as he would have a bath and would then disappear out of the ground!

In more recent times it has been fun interviewing the likes of Frank McAvennie and Paolo Di Canio who was a real character.

We would have to wait ages for Paolo but trust me it was well worth it and he would always give you a story. He would come out of the dressing room with his tie done up the wrong way and he would be wearing different colour socks. He was a unique individual.

He always seemed to know what the press wanted from him and would sometimes stand there winking at you while he was talking. We were never sure how much he was winding us up!

I have covered so many games through the years but my standout memory has to be the Hammers 7-0 win over a strong Leeds side.

I think Bobby hit 105 out of 106 passes that night and it was the most complete demonstration of how to play the game. I can still remember the noise the crowd made and it was something very special.

The Boleyn Ground was part of my upbringing and I will miss the old ground terribly.

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

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Borg Off
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd March 2016
By: Staff Writer No.3

Academy product Oscar Borg is on the verge of signing for Premier League basement club Aston Villa. The 18 year-old left back, who can also operate further forward, joined the Irons at the age of 13 and has featured at both U18 and Development Squad level in recent years. In 2014 Borg looked set to join Manchester United after a successful trial spell. However, the clubs failed to agree a compensation package for the youngster, who qualifies for both England and Turkey at international level. Since then it appears that the player, who was, perhaps unfairly, likened to Gareth Bale in his playing style, has failed to progres as well as the club might have liked. It is undrstood that Villa have offered Borg a two and a quarter year contract.This would keep the player in Birmingham until June 2018 as the Villains embark on a rebuilding programme in advance of what will almost certainly be relegation to the Championship at the end of this season.

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New Lanzini deal shows West Ham are on the verge of something special, says club legend Trevor Brooking
March 23, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Sir Trevor Brooking spoke to the Evening Standard and hailed West Ham's permanent capture of Manuel Lanzini and feels his old club are on the verge of something special.
Joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have spent around £9million to turn Argentinian midfielder Lanzini's loan deal from UAE side Al Jazira into a four-year contract, with the option of a further two years. The 23-year-old, who scored his sixth goal of the season at Chelsea on Saturday, has joined Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate in signing long-term contracts with the Hammers. And with the club set to wave goodbye to Upton Park and move into the Olympic Stadium next season, former Hammers midfielder Brooking feels the future is looking bright.

"It's great," he said. "I was asking the two Daves if they had sorted Lanzini out just a couple of weeks ago. "He was outstanding until he got injured earlier this season. Then he came back and he and Dimitri Payet together are great. It's good to sort him, Payet and Kouyate out for the next few years. "People can say what's to stop big clubs still coming in for them, but if I was a player on the platform that they are given at West Ham, a club where the fans enjoy watching you and now with the new stadium, it's a great opportunity for them and anyone else who comes in. "With three or four new players, the right sort of people, I think they can be very dangerous next year."

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ExWHUEmployee Exlusive: Payet and Bilic shortlisted for Barclay's Player and Manager of the Month
March 22, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

We are delighted to announce, exclusively, that Dimitri Payet with his 1 goal, 3 assists and scintillating performances has been shortlisted for the prestigious Barclays Player of the Month award.

The nominees are:
Dimitri Payet
Harry Kane-Tottenham
Wes Morgan-Leicester City
Riyad Mahrez-Leicester City
Graziano Pelle-Southampton
Ashley Williams-Swansea

Following on from Payet's nomination, Super Slaven Bilic has also been shortlisted in the manager's award having guided West Ham to wins over Spurs and Everton and a draw at Chelsea (which we all know should have been a win if it was not for the referee).

The nominees are:
Slaven Bilic
Eddie Howe-Bournemouth
Francesco Guidolin-Swansea
Claudio Ranieri-Leicester City

Congratulations to the both of them!

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Why always us? Or am I just paranoid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st March 2016
By: Paul Walker

Consider, if you dare, what would happen if the disgraceful refereeing decisions that have overwhelmed West Ham these past two matches had happened to Manchester United.

Can you image the purple rage of old Fergie if his side had been denied a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and then been robbed of a Champions League qualification place in successive matches?

Two games against Manchester United and then Chelsea that could have defined our season, both games we should have won, our two biggest matches of the campaign against not just two of England's biggest clubs but two of the world's very biggest.

And we have done so well, received praise from all quarters and have put down markers now on what we are capable of. I cannot praise Slav and this fired-up, compelling squad enough for what they have achieved already, with so much more to come.

But they always seem to be fighting against the odds. These have not been the run-of-the-mill cock ups we see every game, but definitive mistakes that could cost West Ham millions.

We all know what would have happened if it had been Man U on the receiving end. Fergie would have screamed blue murder for days, David Gill would have been pressurising from within the FA and refereeing careers would have been fatefully damaged. Just ask Andy D'Urso!

There would have been days of media overkill, deep analysis, pages of moaning. But we all know that such misfortunes rarely, if ever, befall the likes of Manchester United, they just seem to happen to us.

Now I know it is easy to sink into a claret and blue bias here. Mistakes do happen, these things eventually even themselves out. Or so we are told.

But they don't do they? Because a couple of sets of statistics published recently do seem to suggest that West Ham get the rough end of these decisions more than anyone else!

And you sense that there is a growing anger from within the corridors of power at the Boleyn, and it's coming from the very top. David Gold has ventured into twitter of late to carefully bemoan the current unsatisfactory state of play.

Firstly there was a remarkable survey that looked into mistakes by officials that have seen goals wrongly awarded against teams, and had seen their own efforts wrongly ruled out. West Ham had suffered the most of both.

Then there was an even more interesting investigation into penalties awarded. You guessed it, over the past four seasons we have been awarded fewer than any other team in the top flight. And amazingly, not been awarded one penalty in four seasons in an away match.

Just think about that for a second. I am not sure whether this survey included this incomplete season or not, so lets say for arguments sake that we have played 75 away league games in the past four seasons. That's 6,750 minutes play. Or another way, 112.5 hours football. That's 4.6 days.

Are we seriously expected to accept that not one foul on a West Ham player in the penalty area has occurred during nearly five continuous days of football? I doubt David Gold accepts that for one minute.

So is this just unlucky, or do referees just not like us? Or maybe we didn't get the phone call from the referees' mafia that said we would be looked after because we were a big club? (Sorry, this sort of stuff does make you paranoid.)

The penalties survey makes interesting reading. Not only did we not get an away penalty in four years, we only had nine at home. In that time, Manchester United had 20 spot kicks, ten away. Manchester City and Liverpool had the most, 26, with Chelsea 25 and Arsenal 18.

Now I accept that clubs with better players will find their opponents committing more fouls against them. But to this degree? I am not having that.

The big club/little club syndrome has always been there, whether officialdom likes it or not. Take, for example, that ridiculous penalty awarded to Liverpool in the final seconds at Crystal Palace.

Christian Bennteke going down after a tiny connection with Damien Delaney's knee. Our old boss Alan Pardew went potty and insisted that sort of penalty would never be awarded to his team. The statistic suggest he was right.

Now for our own recent problems. Dimitri Payet was clipped from behind in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. Howard Webb, on BT Sport, Dermot Gallagher on Sky and Graham Poll in the Daily Mail all agreed it was a penalty. Why would Payet have gone down in that position if he hadn't been fouled?

But ever since we have seen the full might of the Manchester United media machine turned against him. Louis Van Gaal said it was "more or less" a foul. Make your mind up pal, you have done a pretty good job of character assassination.

Of course, he went down too easily claims the deluded Dutchman. Almost as easily as the way Anthony Martial went down when mildly caught by Nathaniel Clyne in the Europa League match with Liverpool a few days later. He flew through the air in true Ashley Young style. Didn't hear anyone at Man U doubting hat decision, did we?

And then there was the obvious foul by Bastian Schweinsteiger on Darren Randolph, it was too obvious for words but it still cost us victory and Manchester United's equaliser should not have counted.

That, by the way, is the same German midfielder who smashed his arm into Winston Reid's face during the league game there in December, and was only punished later because Mark Clattenburg had failed to see it from ten yards away..maybe his hair gel and fake tan got in his eyes.

And now we have another shocking decision by Bobby Madley at Chelsea, a referee who does not know how to mark out ten yards, by the way.

The supposed connection between Michail Antonio and Ruben Loftus-Cheek was clearly outside the box. Madley was also not in a good enough position to give a spot-kick anyway.

The Chelsea lad clipped his own heels, dived into the box and got a penalty, Payet went down under a limited connection and didn't get a penalty. Martial went down the same way, dived, and got one. Benteke was barely touched, dived and got a spot-kick. See a pattern there? Big clubs get, small clubs don't.

And how many clubs have had to appeal, successfully, against three bad sendings-off in a year like us? Adrian, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate have all had red cards rescinded. That is a very high figure, surely.

So my paranoia has taken over. And I wonder if our leaders are starting to feel the same way? They will be aware of al these facts and injustices and I bet someone, somewhere has had a word or two about it all.

Will things change? Unlikely. Will Payet get booked for diving some time soon? You can bet on it, thanks to loopy Louis.

But not even dodgy referees can spoil this season. Slav's men seem able to take things in their stride, attack at every opportunity and are giving us one hell of a ride.

European football, though, is going to be tough to attain. With none of the current top four still in the FA Cup, qualification will now not get to sixth place. So we have to cling onto what we have. And for a change I am not betting against that!

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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West Ham reveal plans for Olympic Stadium 'wrap-around' screens
Last Updated: 23/03/16 5:07pm
SSN

West Ham have released images of how they hope their new stadium will look next season. The club will move into the Olympic Stadium in the summer and their game against Manchester United on May 10 will be the last at Upton Park, their home since 1904. The club have revealed they hope to cover the outside of the Olympic Stadium in giant digital screens which they claim will be the largest in Europe at 83 metres long. The screens will show clips of past and present players on match days. The Olympic Park's management company, E20 LLP, have submitted planning permission and West Ham should know by the end of the current season whether the scheme has been given the green light. A statement on the club's website read: "For West Ham matches, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. "So expect goals from Dimitri Payet or classic clips from Bobby Moore's heyday to enthral the Claret and Blue Army on their way in to the Stadium. "The exciting new plans - which replace the previously submitted application - also include including prominent, Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising. "This is key to the Club's absolute commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham United."

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West Ham loanee Alex Song set for Barcelona return in summer after disappointing season
17:13, 23 MAR 2016 UPDATED 17:13, 23 MAR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Song has only made 15 appearances for the Hammers as his season has been hampered by injuries, meaning he could depart the club
The Mirror

Alex Song looks set to return to Barcelona this summer. West Ham signed Song on a season-long loan from Barcelona last summer and a new contract would kick in based on appearances. But Song, 28, has struggled to make the same impact this season as during his impressive first year at West Ham and it looks increasingly likely he will go back to the Nou Camp. West Ham could still try to do a cut-price permanent deal, especially if they clinch a place in Europe which would boost their chances of agreeing a contract. Cameroon international Song has made just 15 appearances this term largely because of injuries and is no longer an automatic choice. Barcelona would be willing to do a permanent deal and there would be no shortage of takers with Song keen to stay in the Premier League.

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Ex-West Ham player gets three years jail after glassing bouncer in face in parking row
17:04, 23 MAR 2016 UPDATED 17:13, 23 MAR 2016
BY PETER STUBLEY
Simon Williams suffered horrific cuts from his temple to his shoulder, including two severed arteries, after Izzy Iriekpen lashed out with a glass in his hand
The Mirror

A former West Ham footballer who glassed a bouncer in the face in a parking rage row over a Porsche has been jailed for three years and three months. Izzy Iriekpen, 33, left martial arts expert Simon Williams needing emergency surgery to repair two severed arteries in his neck. Mr Williams ended up with 61 stitches on the horrific cuts stretching from his temple to his shoulder after the attack outside a pub in the famous Notting Hill area of London. Iriekpen, who captained the 1999 FA Youth Cup winning team featuring Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, claimed he forgot that he was holding the glass when he lashed out in self defence. But prosecutors said the former centre-half simply lost his temper because he felt "disrespected" by Mr Williams in front of a female friend. The Old Bailey heard the attack happened outside at the Westbourne Tavern in Notting Hill while it was showing a World Cup game on Friday 4 July 2014. Mr Williams went over to speak to Iriekpen at around 6.30pm after noticing the ex-footballer had moved outside the barrier around the pub with a drink in his hand. Iriekpen appeared to be talking animatedly on the phone and moments later his female friend Ofa Lesuma pulled up in a black Porsche.

Mr Williams, who has held a security license for 25 years and worked at the Westbourne Tavern for eight years, said he asked Miss Lesuma to move the car because it was blocking the pavement. The bouncer told the court that Iriekpen became angry at his interruption and told him "don't talk to me like that" or "don't talk to her like that". Mr Williams said he went to restrain Iriekpen but the footballer grabbed his throat. "He was not happy, he was very angry. He put his thumbs into my Adam's Apple and I remember thinking it was a totally disproportionate responses to what's happened and it shocked me."

Iriekpen then smashed Mr Williams on the left side of the head with the glass in his hand. "I felt a massive bang to my head, it was like an explosion," said the bouncer. Iriekpen left the scene in the Porsche driven by Miss Lesuma but was later arrested. He told the Old Bailey that he punched a second bouncer, Ymer Topuzi, because he "was being a bully". Iriekpen said he swung the hand holding the glass in self defence because he "just wanted to get away from them". He said: "Both of them are on me… so I have just swung and felt like I have hit his head and the glass just shattered and I saw a little bit of blood on his head, but my hand was open and bleeding. His barrister, Anand Beharrylal, asked: "Did you think you had a glass in your hand?"

Iriekpen replied: "I didn't have time to think. I had two people on top of me. I just wanted to get away from them." Prosecutor James Vine told the Old Bailey that Iriekpen deliberately glassed Mr Williams. Mr Vine added: "He did not appreciate being shown what he considered disrespect by these two bouncers. It was plain anger. "The Crown say he hit him with the glass he meant to cause him serious harm and that's why he did it."
He was loaned out to Leyton Orient and Cambridge United in 2002 and 2003 respectively, before joining Swansea, then in League Two, on a free transfer. After being part of the Swans' promotion-winning campaign in 2005, Iriekpen had stints at Scunthorpe United, Bristol City, and Scottish side Hamilton Academical before retiring due to injury in 2009. Iriekpen, Paddington, west London, was convicted of unlawfully wounding Mr Williams but cleared of the more serious charge of wounding with intent. He was also cleared of common assault against Mr Topuzi.

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Report: Foxes eye Irons defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

Morning reports claim that Leicester City boss is keen on making a shock swoop for Reece Burke And The Sun claims Burke is ready to entertain such an offer and the chance of Champions League football. However, it takes a leap of the imagination to accept that he would go from a loan spell with Bradford City to such exalted heights or that the Hammers are ready to let him go. He remains a key figure in the club's future with James Collins reaching the veteran stage and an Irons source told ClaretandHugh : "He's been getting rave reports and our own scouts have kept an eye on his progress. He's a very good player and not one we wouldn't want to lose. Burke has played five league games for the Irons and Ranieri is impressed with his versatility in being able to fill both central defence and right back positions

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England holds on to CL League 4th spot
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

Uefa has announced England will retain four Champions League places until at least the end of the 2017-18 season. The Premier League had faced a challenge from Italy – which currently has only three spots – as a result of a fall in its rating in UEFA's coefficient system. But the progress of Manchester City and Liverpool to the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League and Europa League respectively, while Roma, Juventus and Lazio have all been eliminated from European competition, has reversed the situation. The news will be a big boost for the Hammers , Manchester United and Manchester City, all of whom are competing for a place in the top four with eight games remaining this season. Arsenal fans should also be relieved as their side will be in the Champions League next season even if they slip to yet another fourth-placed finish.

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DS warns cash may not help big boys
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

David Sullivan has warned 'flashing the cash 'isn't going to help big clubs win back their elite Premier League standings next season. And instead – taking a dig at Manchester United – he said: "They might buy a pile of players that make them worse. Look at Man United, two years in a row they have spent a fortune and either only got into fourth or didn't make it at all."
Speaking to The Mirror's Darren Lewis he said: "It's possible that next year will be the same as this year, that the order has changed for ever. "There is more money lower down. You've got Stoke taking an £18million player (Giannelli Imbula). You've got West Brom taking £12m players (Salomon Rondon)." He also believes the 'London Factor' will play a huge factor in the market adding: "With 60-70 per cent of players, it is a major advantage. We know about clubs up north signing players and telling them, 'We're only an hour from London' — but they leave out the fact that that's [if you travel] by private jet or helicopter!" Sullivan admits he's delighted with Claudio Ranieri's success at Leicester and not necessarily for the club's sake adding: "It takes the pressure off us! "If they weren't there, we'd be the sole topic of conversation: 'Are West Ham going to make top four? Will they do it?' "So it really pleases me that we are slipping through under the Leicester umbrella." "Fourth for us would be beyond our wildest dreams. I'm glad City have got [their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain] as a distraction. We have the FA Cup, but it is not two legs."

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Sullivan: "Our team doesn't need major surgery"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

David Sullivan has told the Sun newspaper that while Beneke is a player the club admire most clubs would struggle to afford his huge wages. The chairman reconfirms the club's commitment to find a twenty goal a season striker "He's a player we admire but the problem is that he is on huge wages that no club can afford. What we don't have is 20-25 goal a season striker. If we did we'd be even higher up the table. "Andy has scored some big goals this season. Four doesn't sound much but they have been huge goals and he has made a huge impact coming off the bench. He is a 'chaos' player but maybe a real top, top consistent goalscorer."

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Sullivan confirms Benteke too pricey at £120k
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Sullivan has confirmed ClaretandHugh' s story that Christian Benteke will not be joining West Ham at a fee of around £120k a week. The Mirror claimed in a headline this morning that the Irons want him but just as CandH had revealed, whilst Slaven Bilic is an admirer, the wage puts him out of the frame. Sullivan told reporter Darren Lewis " "The problem is he is on such a huge wage no club can afford him. But he is a player that we admire." FALL_OF_THE_KRAYS_FB_IMAGE1[7]On Monday our major source revealed to us when discussing the £32.m Liverpool front man: " "They aren't the sort of wages we will pay. He added: "If it were it just the case of a transfer fee there would be no problem but any new front man will have to fit into the FFP regulations."
Meanwhile, the chairman's latest movie – Fall of the Krays – will be released on Easter Monday and we will be running a competition for copies to run at the same time. bSullivan told ClaretandHugh this morning (Wed): "I think it's a far Better film than Rise of the Krays , but like 'Rise' it shows the Krays as they really were-very violent, nasty, gansters. I would warn potential viewers that there are two scenes of graphic violence that might shock them.

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Goodbye to one …big doubt over other
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are close to making the final decision on Alex Song's future at the club. The midfielder had hoped to land a two year deal at the end of the summer but that is now looking increasingly unlikely after he has been missing from the team over recent weeks. That is understood to be as a result of the normal procedure of loaning clubs placing a clause in the deal that sees the deal become automatically permanent should the player make a certain number of first team appearances. ClaretandHugh was told: "There's still time for Alex to earn his deal but the jury remains out at this stage." Meanwhile Emmanuele Emenike will be rejoining his parent club Fenerbahce at the end of the season as the Hammers boss Slaven Bilic clears the decks to bring in his big striker signing. We were told: "Emmy has done well but it's now well known we are ready to go in for one of several big strikers and that changes the game."

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Lanzini deal – the finances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's new £9 million star signing Manu Lanzini has signed a weekly deal worth around £40k a week with the club. The Argentine was on a weekly wage of around £25k a week whilst on loan but his new deal carries a £40k-£45k basic plus appearance and goal bonuses. The 23 year old has agreed a new four year deal worth around £10 million with a two year option in the club's favour as chairman and de facto Director of Football David Sullivan develops the squad. A well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "It was a comfortable deal to organise. The player was always keen to join and the finances were relatively straightforward. Everybody is very settled with the contract. Manu has signed a long term deal with an option."
"It's great to have our three big players – Payet, Kouyate and Manu settled at this stage as we can now concentrate solely on bringing in the striker we need."

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Giant TV screens to replace OS digital wrap
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have announced that a planning application has been submitted by E20 LLP for a replacement wrap solution for the former Olympic Stadium after the previous design was abandoned.

The Club say it has worked with its stadium partners tirelessly to develop an optimum solution that would see the largest digital screens in Europe, measuring a massive 83m by 12m, installed on the outside of the Stadium.

If approved, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present in High Definition as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. And crucial to that end, the screens would be designed to respond to different brightness settings, meaning definition remains at an optimum level for day or night games in any weather condition.

The new plans – which replace the previously submitted application – also include Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising to support the Club's commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham. Now that the above proposal has been submitted for consideration, West Ham United and its Stadium partners will be working hard with the planning authority to reach an agreeable outcome. A response is expected within the next eight weeks, to allow installation to take place between May and July.

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COULD CARRICK RETURN, IS IT A GOOD IDEA?
By S J Chandos 23 Mar 2016 at 08:00
WTID

There were a number of reports yesterday, suggesting that West Ham might be interested in signing Michael Carrick on a Bosman deal, if Man United fail to offer him a contract extension this close season. Carrick has publicly stated that he wishes to stay at Old Trafford, but it is possible that he could move on as they (with or without a new manager?) look to rebuild this summer. If that is the case, a last 'swan song' at the Olympic Stadium, and a return to his first club, might possibly appeal to Carrick.

What are the pros and cons? Well, in terms of pros, Carrick remains a very proficient and effective footballer, with excellent pass completion rates and the ability to retain possession. He exercises enormous influence on the pitch and controls 'the levers' with a range of accurate passing from a deep lying/defensive midfield position. Carrick has amassed a wealth of top class experience, including challenging for major honours, playing in the Champions League and at international level. If West Ham do qualify for the Champions League (or alternatively the Europa League) would the club not benefit hugely by bringing in a player with that type of invaluable experience. It would be a short-term, transitional, signing, but look at how influential 35 year old Esteban Cambiasso was for Leicester City was last season and the key role he played in the transition to where the Foxes now find themselves. Indeed, were not West Ham so impressed with Cambiasso last season that they tried to sign him in the summer, before he opted to join Greek side, Olympiacos. The Hammers were also interested in Gareth Barry before he joined Everton, another veteran midfielder who pulls the strings in a deep lying role. So, we may have a unwritten rule about not signing anyone over 27/28, but there are clearly exceptions if the player is experienced, talented and influential enough.

As for the cons, well obviously, there is Carrick's age. He turns 35 years of age this summer. There is also his personal terms. Carrick is probably on £100,000 plus at Manchester United. He would come on a Boseman, but it is unlikely that West Ham would pay that sort of wage. So, would Carrick accept a lower wage as a final swansong and pay day? He is a Academy graduate and maybe a return would appeal on a certain level? But, there might be far more financially attractive packages on offer from US and China, that is a distinct possibility? Finally, if the reports are true that the club have signed Norwegian defensive-midfielder, Havard Nordtveit on a pre-contract agreement, then would they also move for Carrick? I guess it all depends on Bilic's assessment of what the squad needs to help it to respond positively to the extra demands placed on it by a possible European campaign? Others might argue that if the player is no longer good enough for Manchester United, why should he be good enough for a resurgent, aspirant and upwardly mobile West Ham United? Now that is a definite moot point, but things in football are not always that logical nor straightforward! Otherwise, what ambitious top tier team would have looked at Cambiasso and Barry when they, respectively, left Inter-Milan and Man City?

My own view is that it is a move that makes perfect sense (in playing terms) as a short-term, transitional, signing. Carrick has the skill, experience and profile to excel with West Ham for a season or two. Particularly, his experience. If the Hammers enter the Champions League, the recruitment of an older head, with the relevant experience, in that key position, could prove invaluable. And, more to the point, Carrick would share that experience and impart it to our outstanding young prospects like Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen. It could prove to be a masterstroke, a bit like Leicester City's signing of Cambiasso. In the final analysis, it all depends on what the club's other summer priorities are and the level of resources that need to be committed to land them? We shall see? Personally, I would be surprised if Manchester United did not offer Carrick a one year contract extension, but if they do not then it does open up some interesting possibilities.

What is your view, does bringing in an experienced deep lying/defensive midfielder, like Carrick, make sense in the right circumstances? Should he be an exception to the general rule about not signing players over a certain age? Or is the proposed move unrealistic and/or undesirable and, if so, why is that the case?

SJ. Chandos.

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