Daily WHUFC News - 7th April 2016

Neufville - The aim is the play-offs
WHUFC.com

Young Hammer Vashon Neufville says the play-offs are now within touching
distance of the Development Squad after a 1-0 win over Stoke City on Monday
night. The victory moved the Hammers up to fourth in the table, and another
three points in the final league game at Aston Villa would ensure a play-off
campaign is to come for the U21s. And Neufville was pleased with the way he
and his teammates kept plugging away to eventually grab the winner against
the Potters late on. He said: "I'm feeling ecstatic. It was a long, tough
game, but finally we got the goal. It was a nice clean sheet too – there
wasn't much pressure at the back. "I personally thought that I played good,
except for a few sloppy touches, but it was good. "The aim is the play-offs.
One more win at Aston Villa, and hopefully we can get there."

Terry Westley's side's winner – a 94th minute penalty – was scored by
16-year-old substitute Idris Kanu in just his second U21s appearance, and
Neufville thinks his teammate has a bright future. "Personally, I think he's
a good player. He had great confidence to come on and take the penalty. "I
think he can get into the first team if he just keeps on working hard."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio is your Player of the Month
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio has won the whufc.com fans' vote to be named your Player of
the Month for March. The Hammers winger - or right back as he was mostly
used during the month - has enjoyed an outstanding run of form and scored
vital goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in March. West Ham went
unbeaten through the month, with Antonio playing in every single game as
Slaven Bilic's men maintained their push for Europe in the league and
remained on the path to Wembley in the FA Cup. Antonio beat off competition
from Dimitri Payet, taking 53 percent of the vote, to Payet's 23 percent.
Mark Noble was in third, while Manuel Lanzini and Aaron Cresswell rounded
off the top five.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Legendary BBC commentator John Motson looks forward to Saturday's Brooking
and Bonds themed visit of Arsenal by recalling the career of his former
colleague Sir Trevor Brooking...

Trevor Brooking, for me, was someone who I have enjoyed both commentating on
and working alongside in the commentary box. When he first retired in the
mid-1980s, he spent a period of time working in the media and was my regular
co-commentator for the FA Cup final and at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He
was also a co-commentator at the 1994 World Cup in the USA and for all the
live England games which the BBC broadcast. Trevor brought a new insight to
the game in a day when co-commentators were a comparatively new addition to
the BBC team, as before live football really took a hold we didn't really
have a pundit or a colour man, call it what you will, as the commentator did
all of the game for the recorded highlights. Working with Trevor was an
absolute pleasure because he was, and is, such a gentleman. We always got on
well and in those days we used to go out for a run together on the morning
of the game and things like that. He brought a new insight and always used
to say when commentating on England 'Why do we always kick the ball long?'
and 'Why don't we have the defenders who have the technique to bring the
ball out?' That was always his pitch, talking about ball-playing and
technique and not resorting to the long ball. That was his theme throughout
the time I commentated with him and of course that stemmed from his time as
a player, when he was a culture master. He had touch, vision and was gifted
on the ball and was never short of praising Ron Greenwood and things he had
taught him at West Ham. You could always feel the history of the club
running right through him, with Ron – the High Priest of Football, as I
called him – particularly to the fore. Trevor was one of his disciples.
I also remember being at his last game for West Ham in 1984 against Everton,
who were playing in the FA Cup final the following weekend, and everyone in
the ground stood at the final whistle for minutes on end and applauded
Trevor Brooking. Even the kitchen staff came out to join in with that
fantastic ovation. I did an interview with him in the week he retired in his
back garden in Shenfield in Essex and he said, prophetically, that 'I don't
think you'll see many more players like me who stay with the same one club
for ten years'. Of course, his loyalty was a fantastic trait. He came from a
family with good values and Trevor always stood for very high standards and
his loyalty went with it. I don't think he ever considered leaving West Ham,
even though a lot of clubs coveted him, and the climax of course came in the
1980 FA Cup final when Brian Clough said he 'Floats like a butterfly and
stings like one' in the morning papers and Trevor's riposte was to score the
winning goal!

*Don't miss Part Two of John Motson's From the Newsroom blog, focusing on
the great Billy Bonds, on Thursday at 4pm!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Dimitri Payet (Part Two)
WHUFC.com

In Part Two of our exclusive interview with Dimitri Payet, the attacking
midfielder looks ahead to the big London derby against Arsenal on Saturday.

Payet reveals he was a big admirer of the famous 'Invincible' side that went
the whole season without a defeat back in 2003/04 and has kept a close eye
on the number of French players who have performed for the north London club
since Arsene Wenger took charge.

The Hammers are just three points behind Manchester City in fourth place and
Payet gives his views on the race to secure a European spot come the end of
the season.


Arsenal have been renowned for having a number of French players over the
last 15 to 20 years. Have you kept a kept close eye on them because of their
French connections and Arsene Wenger being in charge of the club?

DP: "Arsenal are a special club for many French supporters. I watched them a
lot especially during the 'Invincible' era when they had Thierry Henry,
Patrick Vieira, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires.

"Arsene Wenger has been an extraordinary manager who has really built the
club and made it what it is today, so my hat goes off to him.

"The number of French players Arsenal have brought through is very
impressive and many of the players who arrived, especially the young ones
were unknown when they arrived to the general public.

"But all of them have left Arsenal to join top clubs and this is something
that we have seen in France. Any young player who joins them will be very
well looked after."


We have had some memorable doubles this season over Liverpool and Manchester
City. After recording a famous win over Arsenal on the opening day, how
confident are you that we can have another big result and secure all three
points on Saturday?

DP: "We know it will be another tough game. Arsenal have a small hope of
winning the title and they want to keep as close as they can to Leicester
and Tottenham and also the Champions League positions.

"We are are home and want to get the win. We are coming off a tough game
against Crystal Palace, but we will prepare hard ahead of the match."


Can we finish in the top four and make it into the Champions League next
season?

DP: "It will be very tough but finishing in the top five will be a great
season for us. That would guarantee European football next season which
would be very important for the Club as they continue to develop.

"Playing in Europe is important for clubs looking to progress. If you look
at other clubs who have done that, you can see how far they come now. It is
something that we want to do and become even bigger."


It is a big week for the Club with a London derby and then a huge FA Cup
quarter final replay against Manchester United. It is the last ever cup game
under the lights at the Boleyn Ground. How much are you looking forward to
the big cup tie?

DP: "It will be the last cup game at the stadium and we want to win it and
get to Wembley for a semi-final and then hopefully the final.

"The whole group is very focused on that match as well, along with the
fans."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update - in association with Spire Roding Hospital...

Hello everyone,

There is not much to say this week, thankfully, as we didn't pick up any new
injuries against Crystal Palace and we are happy that the red card shown to
Cheikhou Kouyate has been rescinded.

We have only two players returning from injuries and both of them, Sam Byram
and James Collins, will return to training with the squad on tomorrow or
Friday.

We are in a very good position, both in terms of our position in the
Barclays Premier League table and the number of injuries we have at present.

At this time of the season, with six vital weeks and so many important games
coming up in the league and Emirates FA Cup, the medical department are
working hard to ensure as many players are available to the manager as
possible.

We have a potential five games in 15 days, should we progress to the FA Cup
semi-finals. We will need everybody over the next few weeks during what is
going to be a busy period.

With so many games scheduled, our responsibility is to keep the players as
fresh as possible by recovering them between fixtures.

At this stage of the season it is a case of maximising freshness and
minimising fatigue.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set for summer tour of USA
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are planning to feature in at least two friendlies in the
United States this summer, KUMB has learned.

Although details remain unconfirmed at present, the club will fly to the
West coast of America during the off-season for at least two pre-season
friendlies ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.

Already West Ham have provisionally booked friendlies against Houston Dynamo
and Seattle Sounders, both of whom feature in the MLS (Major League Soccer)
with view to adding at lest one more game.

Dynamo were founded in 2005 andf play at the 22,000 -capacity BBVA Compass
Stadium. They are currently managed by former Bolton and Burnley boss Owen
Coyle, who has been in Texas since 2014.

The Sounders, who feature at the rather larger CenturyLink Field (capacity
67,000) are coached by Sigi Schmid, a former German-born midfielder who has
lived in the US for most of his life.

Houston are currently eighth in the Western Conference, whilst the Sounders
- who feature the likes of former Fulham star Clint Dempsey in their ranks -
are bottom of the ten-team division.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We'll make Sameulsen a £20m player, says Fry
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Martin Samuelsen will be a £20million player if he stays another season at
Peterborough United before returning to West Ham. That's according to
Peterborough United's Director of Football Barry Fry who, in a wide-ranging
interview for Blowing Bubbles Monthly, described the promising youngster as
a "genius". "He has come in and made a real impact, on the training ground
he excites everybody, all our players look up to him... We are delighted to
have Martin for the rest of the season," Fry said. "I think he is so good,
he will be the difference between us getting promotion or not, or winning
the league or not." He later added: "I am hoping he helps us gain
promotion, and I can say to David Gold and Sullivan, 'let's have him for
another year in the Championship and he'll be worth £20million when he gets
back to you'. "He has got to develop and we will help that development
because he is playing week in and week out."

Elsewhere in this month's issue, George Parris writes in his column that
West Ham are still very much on the hunt of finishing fourth and winning the
FA Cup. He added: "If anyone asks me what I'd rather go for, the FA Cup or
securing a place in next season's Champions League, my answer to them is
both. Why not? Let's be greedy."

Meanwhile, writing in her column, the KUMB Podcast's Bianca Westwood looks
back at the first time she met and interviewed Mark Noble in 2007.
A typical Cockney, he chatted freely about being a fan and he had an
infectious excitement about going from singing in the stands with his mates
to playing on the hallowed turf of Upton Park," she wrote. "At that moment
neither of us could have predicted how long his time with us would last but
he is still living the dream and the remarkable thing about it is he has
never taken that for granted."

The April issue of Blowing Bubbles also debates who is better; Payet or Di
Canio? and asks if Reece Burke, Samuelsen, Diego Poyet and Elliot Lee can
force their way into Slaven Bilic's plans. Meanwhile Lucy Woolford ponders
what would life have been if Arsene Wenger had taken over as manager after
Harry Redknapp left West Ham, and Geoff Hillyer looks at what the Hammers
can learn from Leicester City's incredible season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carr takes IFC role
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Irons supporters team West Ham IFC are set to undergo an intensive course of
training from one of the very best in the game.

Thanks to an offer from the Betway Academy the IFC will train will Hammers
legend Tony Carr for the next six weeks as they attempt to up their game in
preparation for an annual challenge with Watford fans.

There were some notable bystanders/hecklers present this week as Carr got to
watch the IFC for the very first time, when they took on a team of Betway
employees at the club's Beckon training ground - as you may see in the video
below!

Beginning life in the mid-1990s as Internet Irons FC, WHIFC regularly play
teams consisting of supporters from rival clubs.

KUMB.com has been well represented in the team over the years by various
member of staff including Editor Graeme Howlett, Deputy Ed Gordon Thrower
and Forum Moderator Darren Chalker.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everybody loves Desmond...sort of
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th April 2016
By: Sam Woodcock

After Saturday's draw at home to Crystal Palace, West Ham have now drawn 2-2
six times this season, making it our most common scoreline to date.

Each result has left a different taste in the mouth, from the comebacks from
two down at Norwich and Sunderland, to the back and forth points against
City and Chelsea.

But does the recurrence of this result actually say something about West Ham
under Slaven Bilic? Well, yes. Yes I think it does.

During three seasons of Premier League football under Sam Allardyce we drew
2-2 four times. God wouldn't a humdinger of a 2-2 been nice at the end of
last season!

While I wouldn't dream of suggesting that a manager should be judged by his
accumulated Desmonds (I like winning – loads) and without wanting to state
the bleeding obvious, it is pretty clear from the regular recurrence of this
fairly high-scoring result that Slaven Bilic has instilled a more cavalier
approach to the one we saw from Big Sam.

Looking more closely, we have already scored 49 goals this season: five more
than the entire 2014/15 campaign; nine more than 2013/14; four more than
2012/13.

If we continue at this rate of scoring then we will reach the 60 goal
milestone and, barring a major catastrophe, achieve a positive goal
difference – both achievements, incredibly (or depressingly, depending on
how you look at it), for the first time since 1985/86.

If you prefer your numbers in averages then try these: in the top flight
since 1995/96 we have averaged 1.17 goals per game; under Big Sam 1.13 goals
per game; and under Slaven Bilic? 1.58 goals per game! An incredible
transformation. What a man.

So do the 2-2s we keep getting mean that we have become shoddier at the
back? Well, there's a couple of ways you can look at this.

Look for those averages again and you get some interesting results: since
1995/96 we have conceded 1.43 goals per game; under Allardyce 1.32; and
under Slav 1.19 – very impressive indeed. And there was me thinking Big
Sam's team was built on a rock solid back four!

So clearly Slav has got the perfect balance of defence and attack? Happy
days! Well, not quite. Our three 0-0s on the bounce in December I feel
slightly skew this season's average.

That might seem a little bit unfair to some of you, they were results that
required a huge effort from the players that were picked and you could argue
that they laid the platform for our ultimate push towards the European
places.

However, the manager's hand was forced for these games due to injuries and
he was not able trust his instincts to let his players go out with more
freedom to play. Therefore, I'm going to cheat a bit and give you our
average goals against if you don't include these three games: 1.32 – shock
horror, the very same as Big Sam.

To me though, this figure does seem to make sense and feels like a truer
reflection of the current team. There have been a few games this season,
most notably Spurs and Liverpool at home, when Slav has put out a strong
eleven and we have looked largely untroubled at the back. Heck, we've looked
fantastic.

However, generally speaking I would argue that our back four looks a little
bit...wobbly. Bournemouth, Leicester and Norwich at home anyone? Norwich,
Newcastle, Sunderland and Watford away? Perhaps we are a just a top class
defender, rather than a goalscorer, away from being regular top four
contenders?

A discussion for the summer perhaps.

Ultimately then, the 2-2s show West Ham in microcosm – a relatively
high-scoring, exciting, determined and aggressive team who are more than
willing to try and outscore their opponents and who are very capable of
clawing back results from losing positions, but who are also (occasionally)
susceptible to becoming flustered and gifting their opponents goals when put
under pressure. We couldn't have it all easy this season I suppose.

Oh, and the odds on 2-2 against Arsenal this weekend? 13/1...I'll just leave
that there.

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.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rio Ferdinand reflects on West Ham legacy as he gears up for FIFA 16 charity
clash
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Last month Rio Ferdinand pulled on a West Ham shirt for the first time in 16
years. A lot has changed at the Boleyn Ground since then but the former
academy prospect is convinced that there is even more excitement to come at
his first club in future seasons. Ferdinand was among a cast of West Ham
greats to return to east London for Mark Noble's testimonial, finding
himself back at a club brimming with optimism at the prospect of becoming
London's next footballing superpower. "Playing Mark's testimonial was the
first time I'd put my boots on since retiring," he tells Standard Sport.
"Going back to West Ham and feeling the love was beautiful, it just shows
how special your relationship with a club can be if you leave on the right
terms. "I'm so happy for the fans right now; with the Olympic Stadium
around the corner they're getting just what they deserve. Rio Ferdinand has
teamed up with SB.TV founder Jamal Edwards to host the ultimate FIFA16
tournament, and you can be a part of it. Thanks to new charity fundraising
platform Kickr.com fans can enter a competition to win the ultimate FIFA
session with Ferdinand and Edwards by donating £5 to the Rio Ferdinand
Foundation. "In the transfer market players will look at West Ham so
differently now. They're a big club now, with the Olympic Stadium, being in
London. They'll be able to attract more quality players. "We all still
believe in the heritage of the club but they're moving forward in a great
way. Of course the ideal scenario would have been for them to stay at Upton
Park and expand the ground but that wasn't really an option so they've
definitely made the best of where they are."

As much has changed for West Ham so has it changed for Ferdinand, who has
moved seamlessly from his on-field stardom to a host of post-career
activities, primarily revolving around the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. He is
of course far from the only ex-pro looking to give back to the communities
that shaped him, mentoring young people across the country in a bid to
inspire them to find the right educational or employment opportunities for
them. It is very much de jour for his generation. Yet you sense that
Ferdinand may be taking this all together more seriously, going to great
lengths to build awareness of the foundation. In this case that means a
partnership with fundraising platform Kickr, through which he is auctioning
off the opportunity to join him and Jamal Edwards of SB.TV in what could be
the ultimate game of FIFA 16. "Using something like Kickr is fantastic for
my Foundation. It builds such awareness on social media and doing creative
things like my Fifa challenge with Jamal. It's about getting our message out
there in a new and unique way, making sure we have different people coming
to the same thing through different avenues." "There's so many new spheres
to be exploited through tech and social media and Jamal was really one of
the first to make use of that to grow his own personal brand. For
ex-players, and anyone else, it's a great way to engage with fans and get
people talking about your message."

For all his work beyond the football pitch Ferdinand remains tied to the
game where he made his name. Offers continue to come for him to work in
coaching whilst his punditry on BT Sport is increasingly admired. His
intelligent reading of the game is no surprise to those who saw him on the
field, when his confidence on and off the ball marked him out as a player
destined for the very top from his earliest days at Upton Park.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal eye deal for AZ Alkmaar's Myron Boadu as West Ham secure
pre-contract agreement with Havard Nordtveit - Wednesday's top transfer
gossip
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

The Premier League has entered the home stretch and fans will soon find out
who can last the course and who will falter during the season's climax.
However, while supporters are captivated with the title race - and basement
battle - there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes. The end of the
action on the pitch in May means that transfer talk will take centre stage
and this summer looks set to be an interesting one. A newly-agreed broadcast
deal will kick into place and clubs in England's top tier will have a pretty
penny or two to spend. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has a frugal reputation
when it comes to transfers but is hopeful he can sign Myron Boadu from AZ
Alkmaar this summer. The teenager is not yet 16, so may not be an instant
hit at the Emirates but, as usual, Wenger is prepared to build for the
future. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte is set to stage private meetings with the
Chelsea players who want to leave the club ahead of the start of his reign
at Stamford Bridge.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League televised fixtures: Arsenal could be on TV twice as often as
West Ham by end of season
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Arsenal could end the season with twice the number of televised Premier
League fixtures as West Ham after Sky announced their selection of games up
until the final day of the campaign.
No club has been selected for televised fixtures more often than Arsene
Wenger's, who will have had 27 of their 37 games broadcast live on BT Sport
and Sky after they have travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on
Manchester City, third in the most-watched list with 24 games. Even
Manchester United, traditionally favourites of TV schedulers, have found
themselves selected for live coverage more infrequently than Arsenal, with
25 of their games broadcast this season. Sky's decision to rearrange
February's fixture between Arsenal and Leicester, a clash that surprisingly
became a battle between title contenders after the remarkable rise of
Claudio Ranieir's side, at just three weeks' notice drew heavy criticism
from supporters and the club were forced to offer a refund to non-season
ticket holders who were unable to attend. By contrast several of London's
other leading clubs have proven to be far less of a box office draw, with
champions Chelesea televised on 22 occasions, Tottenham 21 and Crystal
Palace just 10 times. The remarkable rise of West Ham has not, it seems,
been as attractive to broadcasters as the travails of Wenger's title
chasers, with the Hammers selected for TV coverage in 14 of their first 37
games. None of West Ham's last four matches, which have included three
London derbies of which one was the final meeting with capital rivals
Tottenham at the Boleyn Ground, have been selected for television coverage.
However the Hammers final game at Upton Park, a clash with Manchester United
on Tuesday May 10, will be screened live on Sky. Sky are yet to confirm
which games they have selected for live coverage on the final day of the
season, with Arsenal's match against Aston Villa unlikely to be screened
barring a remarkable change in the title race.

Live matches involving London clubs in May

Monday 2: Chelsea vs Tottenham (8pm, Sky)
Sunday 8: Tottenham vs Southampton (1:30pm, Sky), Manchester City vs Arsenal
(4pm, Sky)
Tuesday 10: West Ham vs Manchester United (7:45pm, Sky)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Dimitri Payet: Eden Hazard helped make me the player I am
today
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham's Dimitri Payet has praised London rival Eden Hazard for helping
make him the player he is today during their time together at Lille. The
pair spent just a season together in Ligue 1 after Payet moved to the
then-French champions as a replacement for Gervinho, who had just moved to
Arsenal, before the in-demand Hazard chose Chelsea from a host of suitors.
Between them Hazard and Payet were unable to guide Les Dogues to a repeat of
their title-winning success as they finished third behind the newly-monied
Paris St Germain and surprise champions Montpellier, led by Ligue 1 top
scorer Olivier Giroud. Though Payet has unquestionably eclipsed reigning
player of the year Hazard in his first season in the Premier League he said
the Belgian international was among a host of top players, including former
Marseille team-mate Andre Ayew, who helped him improve his game. "I have
been helped by the top players at all the clubs I have played for," he told
the West Ham website. "When you are playing with such good players it does
make things easier but I also feel that you can learn new things at all ages
and at all times from the younger and older players. "That is what football
is all about – getting the best out of everyone and working hard." Payet's
adaptation to the rigours of the Premier League has been immediate and
impressive, with Saturday's stunning free-kick against Crystal Palace the
ninth top flight goal of his debut season. That is nine more than his
struggling former team-mate Hazard has managed in a frustrating campaign at
Chelsea and the West Ham playmaker is set to be among the leading contenders
to take over as player of the year.
Whilst he took his time in arriving in England Payet has proven to be worth
the wait and he believes that the experience he gained at Lille and
Marseille has only aided the transition.
"I would say that I have been consistent and I have carried on my form from
Marseille last season," he said. "My maturity has helped me see things
differently at the age of 29 and this has been the best season of my career
so far."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet free-kicks: West Ham star reveals he doesn't practice set
pieces after mastering technique
JAMES OLLEY
Evening Standard

Dimitri Payet has revealed the secret to his successful free-kick formula:
giving up practice. The West Ham attacking midfielder produced another
moment of dead-ball brilliance against Crystal Palace last weekend to add to
a growing collection of spectacular strikes during his debut season in
England. Payet has scored with free-kicks against Bournemouth, Blackburn,
Manchester United and also for France in their friendly with Russia but
insists the key has been to trust in a technique he has honed until the
Hammers' visit to Dean Court on January 12.
"I worked very hard on taking them earlier in the season up until the
Bournemouth game when I scored," said Payet. "Since that game I have not
been practising as I have been happy with the way I am hitting the ball so
I am carrying on with that technique and now I just take a few before each
game when I am warming up. "I was quite lucky against Palace as I did have
one free-kick earlier in the game that went over but I saw that the keeper
had moved slightly over to the other side so when I had another free-kick I
decided to slightly change it and that was a good choice. "I must say I was
surprised by how the ball travelled and usually I can tell when I hit it if
it is going to go in and I can sometimes celebrate before hand but with this
one I thought it was going over but it then dropped in. "I am enjoying a
very good period at the moment in terms of free-kicks. I am full of
confidence and that allows me to try out these new things. The ball seems to
be going in at the moment which is great for all of us."
Payet won the Player of the Year Award at the London Football Awards in
March and will be among the prominent candidates for the PFA and FWA
individual gongs after a fine campaign for West Ham following his
£10.7million move from Marseille. The 29-year-old has scored 12 goals and
registered 10 assists in 31 appearances this term and he told West Ham TV:
"I would say that I have been consistent and I have carried on my form from
Marseille last season. "My maturity has helped me see things differently at
the age of 29 and this has been the best season of my career so far."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton says West Ham should make audacious swoop for PSG striker Zlatan
Ibrahimovic
19:42, 6 APR 2016 UPDATED 19:46, 6 APR 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
Ibrahimovic, 34, will be a free agent in the summer when his contract
expires in Paris and Ashton wants to see the Swede at the Olympic Stadium
next term
The Mirror

Former West Ham striker Dean Ashton has urged the club to try and lure
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to East London in the summer. Ibrahimovic will be a free
agent at the end of the season when his four-year deal expires at Paris
Saint-Germain. In recent weeks the Swede has hinted he wants a taste of the
Premier League before he hangs up his boots, leading to speculation linking
him with Arsenal and, more heavily, Manchester United.
But Ashton believes West Ham will become a potential destination for
Ibrahimovic if they finish in the top four and secure Champions League
qualification. "Any team that makes the Champions League suddenly has doors
opened and the chance to attract big names and the attraction of playing in
a new stadium as well would pull players in," Ashton told 888sport. "I'm
pretty sure every West Ham fan would love to see Ibrahimovic come to the
Olympic Stadium. I know there have been rumours, and what a signing he would
be. "He brings experience and flair, and he's the type of player West Ham
fans love who can produce something from nothing. He would be incredible."
Ibrahimovic has scored 144 goals in 170 appearances since joining PSG in
2012, including 38 in 41 games this season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shock jock baits West Ham fans on twitter
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Radio shock jock, Adrian Durham has been winding up West Ham fans from his
official twitter account. To get a reaction Durham tweeted: "So, because
West Ham got the Olympic Stadium on the cheap, refs are refusing to give
them penalties. Glad we cleared that up." After getting some abuse on
twitter he went on to say "West Ham – one of their best seasons ever, got at
least one player we'd all pay money to see, yet loads focusing on refs.
Disappointing!" He later added "Great debate with some bright West Ham
United fans, others couldn't handle it. I think it's a season to focus on
the fantastic football at West Ham United not refs" "OK so what are you
saying? Refs cheating? Everyone hates West Ham? What does it prove???" "West
Ham have had a couple of bad decisions so bring in technology? OK right." I
think we know Arsenal fan Durham's view on the subject.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fortress Boleyn sets home record
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham holds the best home unbeaten record in all four divisions in
England. The Hammers have not been beaten at the Boleyn Ground for 227 days
and that will increase to 230 days by the time we play Arsenal at Saturday
lunchtime. Two Premier League defeats last August at home saw us lose 2-1 to
Premier League leaders Leicester City on Saturday 15th August, then a week
later we lost our last game at home to Bournemouth 4-3 on 22nd August. Since
those early setbacks we have won seven games in the league and drawn a
further six scoring 24 goals and conceding 16 in the process during our last
season at the Boleyn Ground. We are also unbeaten in all cup competitions at
home which include two Europa League wins against Lusitanos and Birkirkara
FC and one 2-2 draw against Astra Giurgiu together. We have also witnessed
two FA Cup wins at home against Wolves and Liverpool. The next seven days
will prove a big test to retain our Fortress Boleyn record. We face third
place Arsenal at Saturday lunchtime followed by Manchester United on
Wednesday evening in a FA Cup quarter-final replay under the famous lights.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unbelievable call from Mr Richard Keys
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Now I know Richard Keys is a total numptie but a tweeted suggestion of his
this morning beats all. We perhaps need to bear in mind this is the same
Keys who was 'calling' West Ham's progress under Slaven Bilic during the
early part of the season. He regularly reminded us that we were very little
better off at certain stages of the season than we were under his friend Sam
Allardyce until we started to leave those years and the comparative points
tallies way behind. With little to support his pal on since we have heard
nothing much from him UNTIL NOW when he may have come up with his most
ludicrous suggestion aver. He doesn't like the result of the Cheik Kouyate
which will we see the midfielder escape a three match ban after a display of
incompetence by referee Mark Clattenburg. In an extraordinary tweet which
appears to show an entire lack of realism he declares: "Mixed feelings about
Kouyate's appeal success. Red was harsh but we can't keep undermining ref's.
They get 1 look. Solution? NO appeals. The grammar isn't so hot either with
an apostrophe involved for the plural use of referees. Incompetence it seems
is his standard yardstick.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Planning permission for OS West Ham signs refused
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Planning permission for four illuminated signs spelling out the words 'West
Ham United' at the former Olympic Stadium have been refused by the planning
authority although no reason has been given why. Planning documentation was
submitted back in February to erect four large illuminated sign reading
"West Ham United" with letters 3 metres high. Each new sign was planned to
stretch over 47 metres in length.

The application sought consent for four mounted West Ham United signs as
part of the Stadium Transformation works. They claimed the signs would act
as navigational aids to approaching spectators, announcing the stadium as
the home of the football club. The signs would have been located on each
'side' of the stadium. They consist of 13 letters which will be in the
club's brand font with a claret face and

It is possible that planners thought the inclusion of four massive
illuminated signs spelling out the words 'West Ham United' was over the top
and I fully expect a fresh planning application to be made soon with either
fewer signs or a change in size or less illumination. I think we will see
the words West Ham United on the stadium by August.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho fit and ready for action on Saturday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Diafa Sakho caused wide spread speculation and concern on social media
yesterday after he failed to turn up for a planned media event at the
Lakeside shopping centre club store. The club were forced to announce that
"Due to unforeseen circumstances Diafra Sakho is unable to attend today's
Lakeside Store appearance. The Club would like to apologise for any
inconvenience or disappointment caused. Sam Byram currently meeting fans at
the Store "
However, Claret and Hugh now understands that supporters should not worry
and that the striker had a routine medical scan as part of his recovery from
injury but he is fully fit and available for selection on Saturday against
Arsenal. Sakho suffered an injury at the end of November against West
Bromwich Albion which kept him out for three months only returning for the
Everton away game at the beginning of March when he came on as 59th-minute
substitute to score in the 82th minute to equalise and help us win 3-2 after
a 90th minute winner from Payet.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham may throw Trott in at deep end
Colin Thompson, London
The Royal Gazette
Published Apr 6, 2016 at 8:00 am (Updated Apr 6, 2016 at 7:00 am)

Nathan Trott could make his debut for West Ham United's Academy squad
against Shaun Goater's former club Manchester City on Saturday. The
17-year-old goalkeeper has received Fifa approval and international
clearance and is champing at the bit to make his first appearance for the
Barclays Premier League side away to City. "I'm very excited, it's been a
long wait and I'm prepared for anything really," Trott, the former BAA
goalkeeper, said. "I'm really excited to make my debut for whatever age
group it is." Mark Phillips, the West Ham Under-18 coach, said playing
against City would pose a stern test for Trott should he be handed the
opportunity. "If he plays in that it will be a baptism of fire, trust me,"
Phillips said. "It will keep Nathan busy. There are no easy games, and
that's how you want it."
Trott, who has also represented Bermuda at youth level, signed a 2½-year
deal at West Ham in January and has hit the ground running at the East
London club since then. "I have settled in quite quickly actually," he said.
"All my team-mates and coaches made it easier for me to settle in quite
quickly. "It's a Premier League club, so the level here is quite high. It
was quite hard to adjust, but I have adjusted to it now."
Trott is one of two Bermudian players coming through the ranks at West Ham,
the other being highly rated striker Djair Parfitt-Williams. "It's nice
having someone from your own country here as well," Trott said. "He helped
me settle in quite quickly and has given me a lot of advice."
Trott has been thrown in the deep end at West Ham, training with the first
team, where he has also impressed the coaching staff. "It's a big difference
from the Academy level to the first team and lots of experience as well,"
Trott said. "I'm always happy to train with them and it's a big privilege to
train with them as well. "When I first started it was intimidating because
it's a big step up. But now that I've trained with them more than once I've
settled in well."
Phillips said Trott's potential as a footballer and goalkeeper had shone
through while training with the club's first-team players. "Even at that
level he is as good as any goalkeeper because he has exceptional feet,"
Phillips said. "We've got seven goalkeepers here, obviously at different age
groups, but he is definitely up there as one of the best, without a doubt.
"In this day and age to be a good goalkeeper you have to have good feet, and
luckily for us Nathan is a good footballer who's turned into a goalkeeper,
which is a really good asset for us.
"He's got a really good touch and can hit people with passes. If you're
trying to play from the back Nathan is a handy goalkeeper to have."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Damien Delaney admits Crystal Palace team-mate said 'see ya' when Dimitri
Payet struck glorious free-kick
Charlie Eccleshare
6 APRIL 2016 • 9:56AM
Telegraph.co.uk

Dimitri Payet's magnificent free-kicks have been one of the standout
features of the Premier League season, with the West Ham midfielder scoring
four goals directly from dead-ball situations since joining the club last
summer. When Crystal Palace played West Ham on Saturday, Alan Pardew even
warned his players about giving away needless free-kicks anywhere near the
area. In spite of that though, the seven-man Palace wall that lined up to
block Payet's route to goal when he lined up a free-kick 20 yards out
thought they had nothing to worry about.
"When he [Payet] hit it as it went over the wall I thought that one's going
into row Z, I swear to god," said Palace defender Damien Delaney, who had
earlier put his side 1-0 up. "I think someone in the wall shouted 'see ya'
to Payet, I think [goalkeeper] Wayne [Hennessey] probably thought it as
well."
In fairness to Delaney, Payet's shot took a ludicrous trajectory - it flew
up 12 feet in the air and was in the back of the net just took 0.95 seconds
after leaving his boot. And hubris like that shown by the Palace defenders
is pretty commonplace, as anyone who plays regular football will attest. A
few years ago I was playing in a match when after battling hard until the
93rd minute to keep the score at 1-1, the opposing central midfielder lined
up a shot from 30 yards out. "All day boys," shouted my team-mate and now
colleague Ben Bloom as the player went to strike the ball. A Second later it
was nestling in the top corner.
Palace at least had time to recover on Saturday and after falling 2-1 behind
to Payet's wondergoal, they fought back in the second half to earn a 2-2
draw thanks to Dwight Gayle's equaliser.
The next team to try and stop Payet will be Arsenal this Saturday. You'd
expect they'll be keeping their mouths firmly shut if they give away any
free-kicks in the Frenchman's range.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United or West Ham can finish in the top four but still MISS OUT
on a place in next season's Champions League
A place in the top four does not guarantee you a Champions League spot
Manchester City and Liverpool can win European competition this season
If they do and both finish outside the top four only the top three will
qualify
The team that finishes fourth would have to settle for Europa League place
By NICHOLAS GODDEN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:01, 6 April 2016 | UPDATED: 11:04, 6 April 2016

Finishing in the top four of the Premier League is meant to guarantee you a
place in the following season's Champions League and all the riches that
come with it. However, there is a possible scenario that would see the team
that finishes fourth this season miss out on qualification for Europe's top
club competition in 2016-17. If Manchester City win the Champions League and
Liverpool win the Europa League but both finish outside the top four, the
fourth-place side will be denied their spot among Europe's elite next term.
Under UEFA rules, each association member is allowed a maximum of five
participants competing in the Champions League in any given season. The
winners of the tournament are automatically guaranteed a place in the group
stage of the following edition and, as of 2014-15, the Europa League winners
also qualify for the next season's Champions League. That means if City and
Liverpool win each of the European competitions they are competing in there
will only be three places available to Premier League clubs to qualify
through the domestic championship. Manchester City are playing PSG in the
Champions League quarter-final with the opening leg at the Parc de Princes
on Wednesday night while Liverpool have to overcome Borussia Dortmund at the
same stage of the Europa League. In the unlikely event that City and
Liverpool both win the tournaments and Manuel Pellegrini's side drop out of
the top four, the team that finishes fourth would have to settle for a place
in the Europa League. Manchester United and West Ham are currently fifth and
sixth respectively and are the two clubs with the most realistic shot at
finishing fourth. It was only recently that UEFA increased the maximum
number of teams each association can enter into the Champions League from
four to five. Tottenham finished fourth in the 2011-12 season but were
denied their place in the Champions League after Chelsea – who finished
sixth that year – won the competition, beating Bayern Munich on penalties.
There are also implications for next season's Europa League qualification.
Currently, Europa League places will go to fifth and sixth place and the
eventual winners of the FA Cup. If West Ham or Manchester United go on to
win the FA Cup and finish in the top six, and Liverpool win the Europa
League and finish seventh that will extend Europa League qualification to
eighth place.

POSSIBLE SCENARIO THIS SEASON AND HOW THE TABLE WOULD LOOK
1. The Premier League top three remain the same but Manchester United pip
City to fourth. West Ham finish sixth, Liverpool seventh and Southampton
eighth.
2. Manchester City win the Champions league, Liverpool win the Europa League
and West Ham win the FA Cup.
3. Leicester, Tottenham and Arsenal qualify for the Champions League through
league position, while City and Liverpool qualify for winning the European
competitions. There would be five Premier League team competing in the
2016-17 Champions League.
4. Manchester United would have to play in the Europa League despite
finishing fourth, West Ham would join them for winning the FA Cup while the
third Europa League spot would go to Southampton in eighth.

HOW THE TABLE WOULD LOOK
Position Team Qualify for
1 Leicester City Champions League
2 Tottenham Champions League
3 Arsenal Champions League
4 Manchester United Europa League
5 Manchester City Champions League
6 West Ham Europa League
7 Liverpool Champions League
8 Southampton Europa League
Based on Manchester City winning the Champions League, Liverpool winning the
Europa League and West Ham winning the FA Cup

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Halsey claims Mark Clattenburg will be furious with Cheikhou Kouyate
decision
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate has had his red card rescinded. Former Premier
League referee Mark Halsey has told The Sun that he thinks Mark Clattenburg
will be 'furious' that West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate has escaped a ban. West
Ham have been on the wrong end of some bad refereeing decisions recently,
and after two contentious goals denied them a win against Chelsea before the
international break, Slaven Bilic's men again encounter refereeing problems
against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Leading 2-1 in the second half at Upton
Park, West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate was handed a straight red card by
referee Mark Clattenburg, having gone in with a rash challenge on Palace
striker Dwight Gayle. Palace ended up snatching an equaliser, denting West
Ham's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League with a top four finish
this season. However, Kouyate won't be serving a ban, as West Ham won an
appeal against the red card on Tuesday, meaning the giant Senegalese
midfielder will be available to face Arsenal this weekend. Now though,
former referee Mark Halsey has told The Sun that he thinks the man who sent
Kouyate off originally, Clattenburg, will be 'furious' with the decision to
rescind the red card, as he will feel that he hasn't been backed up by The
FA. Ultimately though, West Ham won't care too much about that, as they now
have a key player available for a huge clash this weekend. "Knowing Mark as
I do, he will be furious that this decision has been overturned," said
Halsey. "He will be hurt and disappointed he has not been given the backing
of the governing body in England," he added.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 6th April 2016

Manning delighted with last minute winner
WHUFC.com

Reflecting on Idris Kanu's last gasp winner which saw the Development Squad leapfrog Stoke City, Academy coach Liam Manning said his side deserved the victory. The young Hammers put in a terrific performance against the Potters, yet it looked as though they would have to settle for a point before 16-year-old substitute Idris Kanu confidently despatched his penalty past Shay Given to seal a 1-0 win. Speaking after the game, Manning said: "I thought we were terrific tonight to be fair. We kept our concentration against a difficult team, who were very organised but we kept our discipline well and they really stuck to what we asked of them. As a result, they got the result they deserved in the end. "When we look at the stats tomorrow, I think the stats will back our belief that we controlled the game, we had a huge amount of possession but it was nice to see us in good habits during a difficult game. Sometimes you can force things or take too many touches but we kept our discipline and dominated start to end really."

In just his second ever appearance for the Development Squad, young striker Kanu volunteered himself for the pressure spot kick having only been on the field a matter of minutes. Manning continued to praise the youngster's confidence: "Idris showed great character to take the penalty, especially against Shay Given, a goalkeeper who has had a terrific career. It says a lot about the lad's character that as an U16 he took the penalty and took that responsibility."

The victory has seriously strengthened the Hammer's claim for a play-off spot, now lying fourth in the table with a final game away at Aston Villa, Manning is targeting a successful end to the season. He continued: "It has been a good season, in the cup and the league. We now go to Aston Villa next Monday and hopefully get the job done then focus on the cup final. "We can take massive amounts of confidence from a result like this and it brings the group together. We work hard together every day and it's nice to the results there for all to see."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - Concede free-kicks and be punished!
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio says Dimitri Payet will continue to 'punish' teams if they keep conceding free-kicks to West Ham United around their own penalty area. The No30 watched in awe as Payet scored yet another stunning set piece against Crystal Palace on Saturday, sending a wickedly dipping effort over a seven-man wall and past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey via the underside of the crossbar. Antonio, who also saw the Frenchman bag direct-free kicks at Bournemouth, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United, as well as a 37-yard effort for France last week, says Payet has a natural ability to score from any dead-ball situation. "He doesn't really practice them, to be honest!" Antonio smiled. "I'd say that he just saves them for games - that kind of thing! You can see in the games that he has got it in the bag all the time. "He did it away with France against Russia and he did it again on Saturday, so it's just one of those things that you can't give us free-kicks because he will punish you!"

Antonio himself continues to punish opponents too, albeit from his new and unaccustomed position at right-back. The 26-year-old was involved at both ends of the pitch in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Palace, sending over the cross that led to Manuel Lanzini's equaliser, while also being embroiled in a game-long duel with lively Eagles wingers Bacary Sako and Yannick Bolasie.
"They have got players like Sako and Bolasie so it was a real challenge for me on Saturday, definitely," he revealed. "They're all decent, strong and have skill and it was a challenge for.
"I was pleased to be involved in another goal, with my cross to the back stick being headed down by Sakho for Manu to score."

While Payet's outstanding goal caught the eye, it was the controversial sending-off of Cheikhou Kouyate midway through the second half that was the major talking point. West Ham were leading 2-1 at the time, but the ten men were unable to hold out, conceding an equaliser to Palace substitute Dwight Gayle and losing ground in the place for a top-four finish in the process. However, with third-place Arsenal to visit east London on Saturday lunchtime, Antonio says West Ham still have a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League in their sights.
"There was definitely a sense of frustration because we went out there to get the three points and it was disappointing that we didn't manage to get them," he explained. "It's just part and parcel of football [going down to ten men] and we just didn't manage to dig in and keep it at 2-1. We just need to concentrate on the next game and get the three points there. "It was just one of those things that Cheik got sent-off, but we we're just going to keep our heads up because we still got a point and we're still moving forward and will get the three points from the next game. "We could definitely have put the game to bed as we had quite a few opportunities in the first half which we didn't take and we got punished. "Going down to ten men was just one of those moments where we sat back and tried to hold onto our lead, which we didn't manage to do. We've got Arsenal at home next week and we'll look to push on. "Drawing on Saturday definitely does not end our hopes of finishing in the top four. It's just one of those things that we have to concentrate on ourselves, doing what we can do and making sure we get points where we can."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Dimitri Payet (Part One)
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is loving life at West Ham United and is now producing the best football of his career. The French superstar has become a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground this season and has been one of the the star performers in his first year in the Premier League. Payet has shown his quality throughout the season and is now regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the world after scoring another wonder goal against Crystal Palace last weekend. In Part One of our exclusive interview with West Ham TV, Payet talks about his memorable free-kicks over the last few months and reveals the strong character which has made him the player he is today.

Only one place to start. The West Ham fans were once again treated to another piece of magical skill when you scored a superb free-kick against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Can you quite believe you are scoring these amazing set-pieces at the moment?

DP: "I am enjoying a very good period at the moment in terms of free-kicks. I am full of confidence and that allows me to try out these new things. "The ball seems to be going in at the moment which is great for all of us."

Against Bournemouth, Blackburn, Manchester United and for France against Russia last week you put the ball to the left of the keeper but against Crystal Palace you decided to put the ball in the opposite corner. What made you decide to do that?

DP: "I was quite lucky against Palace as I did have one free-kick earlier in the game then went over but I saw that the keeper had moved slightly over to the other side so when I had another free-kick I decided to slightly change it and that was a good choice."

We have a video from a supporter behind the goal which shows how the ball dipped and curled into the top corner. How did you manage to do that?

DP: "I didn't specifically hit it trying to get that effect on the ball, but I did hit the ball very hard and knew if the keeper had moved over to the other side he would not have time to get back. "But I must say I was surprised by how the ball travelled and usually I can tell when I hit the ball if it is going to go in and I can sometimes celebrate before hand, but with this one I thought it was initially going over but it then dropped in."

We have seen plenty of your celebrations following the Palace goal and you have posted one on your Instagram account. Why did that goal mean so much to you?

DP: "I was very happy with the goal. It has been a while since I last scored at home and I really wanted to celebrate with the fans. "It also put us into a 2-1 lead and that is why I wanted to celebrate with the home supporters."

Out of the free-kicks you have scored this season do you have a favourite this season?

DP: "Well my favourite goal would have to be for France against Russia as it was particularly special because it was my birthday and it was also the furthest out on the pitch. "The trajectory of the ball was similar to the one I scored against Manchester United and I think it was a beautiful goal."

Do you practise free-kicks?

DP: "I worked very hard on taking them earlier in the season up until the Bournemouth game when I scored. "Since that game I have not been practising as I have been happy with the way I am hitting the ball so I am carrying on with that technique and now I just take a few before each game when I am warming up."

When you were growing up on the island of Reunion how often did you use to play with the ball and were you out playing football every day after school?

DP: "It wasn't just after school. I was also playing football at school as well and any chance I would get to play at the break time we would get a ball and play with friends. "Before school if possible we play as well. Sometimes we would get told off for playing too much!"

You have talked about being laid back. How much is that from your upbringing and being brought up on an island?

DP: "We have the beach and La Reunion is an island. The sun shines all year round which makes life fantastic and makes the people quite cool.
"Everyone enjoys life over there. We have a very strong character and a very strong feeling of motivation for people to achieve what they want to achieve."

That strong feeling that you talk about, with what happened to you when you moved to France at the start of your career, do you think that made you the player and person that you are today?

DP: "Of course having a strong character has helped me. For me I find it very hard to swallow failure and that is why I have worked so hard to get over the moments of failure I have had. "That is something I have done throughout my career and will be something I will continue to do."

When you played at Lille and Marseille and were featuring alongside players such as Hazard and Ayew, do you feel that has made you the player that you are today?

DP: "Well of course those players have helped me and I have been helped by the top players at all the clubs I have played for. "When you are playing with such good players it does make things easier but I also feel that you can learn new things at all ages and at all times from the younger and older players. "That is what football is all about - getting the best out of everyone and working hard."

You are playing at the top of your game and are one of the best players in the Premier League at the moment. Do you feel you are showing your maturity and producing your best form?

DP: "I would say that I have been consistent and I have carried on my form from Marseille last season. "My maturity has helped me see things differently at the age of 29 and this has been the best season of my career so far."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brooking and Bonds to be honoured
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will honour two of the Club's greatest-ever players at Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Arsenal.

Brooking and Bonds will lead the celebrations as the Hammers mark the 1970s at a match themed as part of the historic Farewell Boleyn season.

The two legends will be joined by their families and a host of stars from the decade which saw West Ham win a second FA Cup, reach the European Cup Winners' Cup final for a second time and play some truly irresistible football.

Fellow 1975 FA Cup winners Alan Taylor, Kevin Lock and Bobby Gould will be in attendance, as will Hammer of the Year winners Phil Parkes and Alvin Martin.

Midfielder and future manager Alan Curbishley, striker Derek Hales and defender Mick McGiven will also be in attendance, while Academy of Football graduates Trevor Hartley and Bobby Howe are both flying in from their homes in the United States to pay a personal farewell to the Boleyn Ground.

The presence of Brooking and Bonds, who recently combined as honorary joint-managers at Mark Noble's Testimonial match, is sure to excite West Ham supporters of all ages.

England midfielder and inspirational captain combined to play 1,442 first-team matches in Claret and Blue, with the duo both playing a starring role as West Ham lifted the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980.

Capped 49 times by England, Academy graduate Brooking was voted Hammer of the Year five times during a storied 18-year career in a West Ham shirt, highlighted by his winning goal in the 1980 FA Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley.

He later returned to the Club as a caretaker-manager in the 2000s, having previously enjoyed a successful media career, and has since filled administrative roles with the Football Association and Sport England.

Brooking was presented with the Club's second-ever Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 - the year after long-time teammate and friend Bonds was awarded the same accolade.

An-action midfielder or full-back, Bonds arrived from Charlton Athletic as a 20-year-old in 1967 - the same year in which Brooking made his debut - and went on to become the Club's all-time record appearance-maker with 799.

An immense physical specimen, Bonds kept himself in amazing condition throughout a 21-year career with the Hammers, which culminated in a final appearance against Southampton at the age of 41 in April 1988.

After being made an MBE, Bonds managed West Ham for four seasons, winning promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the Club's history in 1993.

Both men are rightly held in the highest possible esteem by West Ham fans and Saturday's visit of Arsenal - the team they tasted victory against at Wembley 36 years ago - will give everyone associated with the Club a chance to personally thank them for their unforgettable contribution to Hammers and Boleyn Ground history.

*Share your memories, photos and stories about Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds on Twitter using the hashtag #BnB.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad striker joins Ipswich on trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Jordan Brown has joined Championship club Ipswich Town on trial with view to a permanent contract. The 19-year-old striker, who joined West Ham in the summer of 2013 after snubbing a new contract offer from Arsenal is understood to have been told he has no future at West Ham. And TWTD report that he has joined the Tractor Boys on trial, ahead of hopefully securing a fixed-term contract. Brown - who has spent the last year with Terry Westley's Development Squad having graduated from the Under 18s - featured for Ipswich's Under 21s as an unnamed trialist in the club's 2-1 win at 2016 Johnstone's Paint Trophy winners Barnsley on Monday night. Ironically perhaps, his only hat-trick for the Hammers this season came in a Development Squad victory against Ipswich last November (which you may see below).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whoops! So happy to be wrong
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Paul Walker

Well you could have knocked me down with a feather. The FA have overturned Cheikhou Kouyate's red card and I could not be happier. In fact I cannot think of a time I have ever been so pleased to be wrong! There are some explanations many top referees - Mark Clattenburg for one - will need after our midfielder won his appeal against the dismissal that cost us victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. But for now, just celebrate that for once the much-maligned FA have come down in our favour over something. It's about time.

I knew when I opened my mouth on Monday to dare to suggest that the red card fitted into FA regulations, and I couldn't see any grounds for an appeal, that I would get it in the neck. Referees, though, will want to see the fine print of this decision. I also knew that I would upset 99.9 per cent of the West Ham nation with my piece. I was not surprised, though, that many people who commented only read what they wanted to read from my article. I did not in any way suggest there was a comparison between Kouyate's challenge and James McCarthy's wicked assault on Dimitri Payet back in November. I only pointed out that the connection, fleetingly, was that both challenges had an element of two feet off the ground. That, although ignored by the referee for the Everton game, is the trigger for a red card. Sky's Dermot Gallagher went as far as to say that the connection between Kouyate and Dwight Gayle was a red card, adding that is what top referees are taught as soon as they get anywhere near the top flight. But that we have been successful in our appeal is probably due to the fact that when Kouyate got to Gayle, one of his feet was firmly on the ground and there were no studs showing. I couldn't be more pleased for him. He has been magnificent this season, the heart and engine room of our side, and as close to Payet for Hammer of the Year as it is possible to get. He'll just have to start taking ridiculously-tough free kicks to get himself ahead.

And it was about time we had some luck. Everything has gone against us of late. And don't forget now that we have overturned four red cards in 14 months. Something for the FA and referees panel to think about there. We now can say, of course, that the (non) penalty conceded at Chelsea cost us two points. And the week later, Kouyate's red card cost us a goal - scored less than ten minutes after - and two more points lost. Just look where we would be with those four points to our name. And look where we would be if Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final equaliser had been ruled out, as it should have been! If these misfortunes do not fire up our team for the next three games - against Arsenal, the Man Utd replay and then Leicester - then nothing will. It should be an incentive, a siege mentality really, to give us the end of season this club deserves. Welcome back Cheikhou, It's like you had never been away. So great to be wrong, isn't it? So can I come back from Australia now?!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate red card overturned
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Cheikhou Kouyate's dismissal against Crystal Palace has been rescinded by the Football Association. West Ham's combative midfielder was sent off midway through the second half of West Ham's Premier League encounter with the Eagles on Saturday, with Slaven Bilic's side leading 2-1. But the FA announced this afternoon that having reviewed the decision, Mark Clattenburg's ruling was to be overturned. "An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Tuesday 5 April 2016] upheld a wrongful dismissal claim in relation to West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate," read a statement on the FA's website. "The player, who was dismissed for serious foul play during the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday [2 April 2016], will therefore not serve any suspension."
It is the second time in recent weeks that Kouyate has had a red card overturned upon appeal, following his dismissal against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup back in February. The midfielder, who was set to miss the next three matches - against Arsenal, Manchester United (FA Cup replay) and Leicester City - is now available for selection once again.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has red card overturned
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 05/04/16 2:48pm
SSN

The controversial red card issued to West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace has been overturned by the FA. The club's appeal of wrongful dismissal was upheld so Kouyate will not serve a three-match suspension and will be available for Saturday's London derby against Arsenal. Kouyate was given a straight red card by Mark Clattenburg in the 67th minute of Saturday's game for a sliding challenge on Palace forward Dwight Gayle. West Ham were leading 2-1 at the time but Gayle equalised for Palace eight minutes later and the Hammers dropped two valuable points in their quest for a top-four finish. After the game, West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "Disappointing decision by Mark Clattenburg to red card Kouyate which we will be appealing. We must give referees more TV replay help."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rio Ferdinand to captain England legends in Germany clash to mark 50th anniversary of 1966 World Cup
16:59, 5 APR 2016 UPDATED 17:02, 5 APR 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The old rivals will meet at Upton Park on May 2, 50 years after the famous final, with some familiar faces from football, film and television taking part
The Mirror

Rio Ferdinand is set to captain an England legends side against Germany at Upton Park next month. The old rivals will meet at West Ham's ground on May 2 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final. And Ferdinand , who won 81 caps for his country, will lead out a star-studded line up for the mouth-watering clash. The likes of Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell and Robbie Fowler will all pull on the Three Lions strip again.
Germany meanwhile will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack. Former West Ham players Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham, David James and Trevor Sinclair will also return to Upton Park. A host of celebrities are also set to take part, including lifelong Hammer Ray Winstone, who will be England's assistant boss. Tickets for the match are priced at £20 for adults, £10 for those over the age of 65 or under 21, and £5 for Under 16s - with season-ticket holders taking priority before a general sale period. West Ham are in action on home soil five days later as they face Swansea in their penultimate fixture at Upton Park. Manchester United are set to be the last ever visitors to the famous stadium on May 10.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho goes AWOL
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Diafra Sakho has pulled out of a planned event at the club store in Lakeside at 2.30pm this afternoon for reasons unknown. The club were forced the post a tweet on their official twitter account after the event had already started saying:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances Diafra Sakho is unable to attend today's Lakeside Store appearance. The Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused. Sam Byram currently meeting fans at the Store "

Hammers supporters questioned what the unforeseen circumstances could be with that would cause the Hammers striker to go AWOL today but theories on social media ranged from suffering a fresh injury, crashing his silver Lamborghini supercar again like he did in January or that he had been arrested again like last year.

All of those theories are pure speculation by the fans of course, so let's hope there is an innocent answer like he just forgot and it doesn't affect his chances of making the squad against Arsenal on Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martinez nears West Ham announcement
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Antonio Martinez is nearing his announcement as the latest signing for West Ham. The 18-year-old starlet from Valencia, who has scored 100 goals in the last four seasons can be seen here at West Ham posing with a young fan.

The news should come as little surprise after West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan confirmed as much to Claret and Hugh five days ago. Speaking exclusively to the site he told us "Yes, I can confirm he will sign in the next 7 days. There is a large fee if the player is success and a small one of he's not. He's one for the future. Hopefully he can be on the fringes of the first team within a year."

Reports from Spain claim the Hammers will pay an initial fee of up to one million Euros which could rise to 3 million Euros on certain performance factors which corresponds closely to what we have been told. Martinez has starred in Valencia's youth teams for the past few years, but it is said he has grown tired over his lack of first-team opportunities. The contract is thought to include a sell on clause.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate relief but Irons wonder what's going on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Top West Ham insiders were left relieved but puzzled when Cheik Kouyate's sending off against Crystal Palace was turned over by the Football Association this afternoon (Tues).

The immediate reaction from on of our top insider was "Thank God for that but you have to wonder what's going on don't you?

"We have now had three red cards rescinded on appeal - two for Cheik and another for the skipper Mark Noble when sent off against Liverpool.

"When you appeal three times and win every one it tells us something doesn't it and it's not great."

Another well placed source said: " It was Mark Clattenburg who was responsible for the soft sending off of Dwight Gayle in the Hammers 3-1 in at Selhurst Park last October. It's a bit thought provoking that there's another one at Upton Park isn't it?"

Some believed that the FA may take the view that Cheik was becoming a serial 'offender' following his second appearance before an FA appeal panel since February.

But our best source said: " Justice was done and we are pleased. It was never a red card and the decision to show red was universally criticised."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Further details of new OS wrap revealed
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Detailed planning permission and diagrams for the new Olympic Stadium wrap have now been published by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The planning documentation reveals the wrap may not be completed until 1st August this year, just days before West Ham kick off their new Premier League season.

The new naming rights sponsor of the stadium will have prominent placing of their brand around the wrap but West Ham's new crest and club colours will be heavily incorporated too in the design using the London Olympic 2012 shard pattern which is also utilised in the stadium's seating. The new design is mostly a fabric wrap with external lighting illuminating two-thirds of it. It has one giant TV screen which is a massive 83 metres long and 12 metres high which will take up 10% of the stadium wrap circumstance. The West side of the stadium will have no external lighting and one part of the stadium will have no wrap what so ever. The fabric panels have a life span of five years so will need to be replaced frequently during the Hammer's 99 year rental agreement with E20 Stadium LLP.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The price of Payet revealed!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Any club wanting to get Dimi Payet out of West Ham will need to find a MINIMUM fee of £50 million a year whilst offering the player £200,000 a week over four years. Although the suggestion that Real Madrid and Barcelona could be locked in a tug of war for Dimi this summer has only been raised by the unreliable Brentwood Gazette today, the story prompted CandH to get a realistic assessment of the player's worth to the Irons from club contacts and sources.
Payet signed a new deal worth around £125k a week just a few weeks ago but that hasn't stopped widespread speculation that a mega money club could move in this summer on the back of his amazing season at the Boleyn. However,we can reveal with complete authority that the Hammers have received no inquiries for him and we were told: "He is central to the manager's plans in every respect. He's the difference to staying up, reaching the European positions and playing the football we all want here." Having said all that nobody inside West Ham is kidding themselves that a hugely unwelcome bid could be made and they won't look both ways by using the well worn double talk - "he's not for sale" in the same breath as saying "every player has his price."
And although he is 29 years old, there is a general agreement that any offer would need to be at or in excess of £50 million whilst the player would want £10 million a year (£200k) a week to make it worth his while to move on, We were told: "They are the sort of figures involved but £50 million is a minimum - he is far more valuable to us than he probably would be t another club. We will make it as impossible as we can for any club to entertain our figures but there has been no interest and we don't want any"
Such MINIMUM figures would bring the deal for any other buying club to around £90 million for a 29 year old with no sell-on value of significance at the end of it. Anything other than a Champions League success would be unlikely to merit such an outlay and the Irons are confident that they have clinched a deal with Dimi which will keep him here until the end of his career.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham appeal Cheikhou Kouyate red card: Midfielder could face Arsenal
GIUSEPPE MURO
Evening Standard

West Ham have appealed Cheikhou Kouyate's red card against Crystal Palace, meaning the midfielder could be available to face Arsenal on Saturday. Kouyate was shown a straight red card by referee Mark Clattenburg for a challenge on Dwight Gayle and faces a three-match ban. But West Ham have now lodged an appeal with the FA, which could overturn the suspension and make him available to face Arsenal. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic initially said he would not appeal against the decision and said he was "fed up" with incorrect calls against his players. West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "Disappointing decision by Mark Clattenburg to red card Kouyate, which we will be appealing. We must give referees more TV replay help."
Palace manager Alan Pardew also suggested after the 2-2 draw that Clattenburg might have it wrong. Bilic did not even feel the challenge was worthy of a yellow card. He said: "Will we appeal? I am fed up with appealing. But make no mistake, I am very disappointed. This is the fourth time that this has happened."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Chiekhou Kouyate wrongful dismissal upheld
www.thefa.com
By FA Staff
05 Apr 2016

An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Tuesday 5 April 2016] upheld a wrongful dismissal claim in relation to West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate. The player, who was dismissed for serious foul play during the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday [2 April 2016], will therefore not serve any suspension.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Idris Kanu comments on Twitter after netting dramatic winner for West Ham under-21s
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham youngster Idris Kanu scored a winner for the under-21 side last night. West Ham youngster Idris Kanu scored a winner for the under-21 side last night, just five minutes after coming off the bench. Kanu is just 16-years-old, and stepped up to convert a penalty in injury time against Stoke City - netting past a player who is 39, experienced goalkeeper Shay Given.
The striker had only come on as an 85th minute substitute, on for recent addition Sam Ford, with the game goalless. Kanu sent a message on Twitter after the game expressing his delight at the strike. It was just the second appearance Kanu has made for the under-21s this season, and this goal should certainly earn him a few more. The teenager showed real composure in a big moment, illustrating that the trust placed in him to take the penalty in the first place was correct. He still a raw prospect who remains a way off the first team, but Kanu is a name to watch over the next few seasons, who could potentially turn out at the Olympic Stadium in the future.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet: From Reunion to West Ham United
Football EveryDay
By Alex Morgan on April 4, 2016

Dimitri Payet grew up on the small, isolated island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean - an island over five hundred miles off the coast of Madagascar and around 1,5000 miles from mainland Africa, and just thirty square miles in size. Nevertheless, Reunion hosts a thriving football community and its own professional football league with four teams. The league is under the watch of the French Football Federation and has produced seven Ligue 1 players.

Before Payet was ever bamboozling Premier League opponents or whipping in incredible free-kicks from long distance, he was a young boy practicing his technique and free-kicks in Reunion. At the age of just twelve years old, he traveled halfway around the world to play in France for Ligue 2 club Le Havre's famed academy.

Yet at such a tender age, he had trouble adapting to a different culture and was devastated when he was let go by the club at the age of sixteen, told he was too small and not good enough for Le Havre's senior team. He returned to Reunion, many thousands of miles away, and his dreams were crushed. "I thought the dream was over," Payet said in an interview with The Guardian. "I had spent four years at Le Havre and when they told me I wasn't good enough for the second division, it hit me hard. I didn't even want to hear talk about me ever going back to France. I was quite traumatised by the experience and the decision not to keep me. I just wanted to stay on my island and play football there." "I don't blame Le Havre. Back then I wasn't an easy person to handle. I was always one of the first to mess around. So there were a lot of reasons why my adventure stopped at that point."

The island was his home, where he could isolate himself from the rest of the world and focus on his football. He played for local side AS Excelsior, one of the best clubs on the island. At the age of just sixteen, he was a starter, and the experience toughened him up. He learned how to take hits and physically grew into his own. Mentally, however, he was still weary to return to Europe with an offer from Nantes in 2005. He was still a teenager. "When a second chance came along I argued about it with my dad and my uncle Jean-Marc and they convinced me I should try my luck again," he said. "And they were right. I accepted for my dad, in particular, because football is his passion and he never got the opportunity to go beyond Réunion. Having that idea in my head helped me stay strong in Nantes."

At Nantes, he was a part of a documentary, L'Académie du Foot, documenting the rise of their academy team. He was soft-spoken, modest in his ability, but still had the tendency to flare up in heated moments. Still, nobody quite knew how to mature Payet into a professional footballer and his hot-headedness didn't help. "That documentary is important to me today because it reminds me what I was like 10 years ago and shows how far hard work has taken me in that time," said Payet.

Quickly, though, Payet emerged as the jewel of the academy. In the fourth episode of the show, Payet was called up to the senior team and made his professional debut against Bordeaux. "Just do what you're capable of doing," said Nantes manager Serge Le Dizet. "That's what you came for, isn't it? So play. If you come on, go past people, probe, help us push [them] backwards."

Mentally, Payet had to forget about second guessing himself. Only then did he blossom into the footballer he is today. After impressing at Nantes, he was picked up by Saint-Etienne and fully broke into the first team. In 129 appearances over the course of three years at the French club, he scored nineteen goals. He then moved to Lille, where he spent two years from 2011, then transferred to Marseille in 2013, where he worked under Marcelo Bielsa. He worked under Marcelo Beisla, who helped him mature into the footballer he is today. "Bielsa made me become more mature and more consistent," Payet told L'Equipe. "He taught me to know when to play simple and when to try to provoke something. He put some order in my game. I still have his advice in my head and it'll serve me until the end of my career. "We were doing an attack against defense drill at training," the player remembered. "I was a bit in and out, then towards the end more out. Just as the hour was up, I made a good move, the only one of the session for me. Jan [van Winkel] congratulated me. This is when Marcelo blew his top: 'Why are you congratulating him? All he's done is mess about since the start!' I was left out of the squad for the next match."

He spent two further years at Marseille and developed a good relationship with Bielsa. He played seventy-two matches and scored fifteen goals in two seasons at the club. Payet's exit last summer was forced by Marseille's economic woes and despite interest from Juventus, he moved to West Ham United with the advice of former teammate Joe Cole. "It wasn't a difficult decision at all," he told the Independent. "If I was four or five years older I might have considered it but I still think I have some great years ahead of me and am eager to keep improving and keep pushing West Ham higher."

Having never played professionally outside of France, he was underrated and under-appreciated in the Premier League. Yet that has changed eight months and a plethora of fantastic free-kick goals later. No man in the Premier League is currently better on a set piece than Payet and his latest goal against Crystal Palace was out of this world. At the age of twenty-nine, he is in the form of his life and leading West Ham's charge for a Champions League position. "I have enjoyed the responsibility and feel that it motivates me," he told Four Four Two. "It helps me to perform consistently. When I was injured the team did suffer but many other attacking players were missing as well. He told the Guardian: "I still try to treat football as a game even if there are now other considerations at stake, especially economic ones. I try to put on a show while being effective because the spectators come to be entertained by beautiful play."

Finally, the world of football recognizes his impressive talents and he is now vying for a place in France's Euro 2016 squad. On form alone, he should be a sure bet to make Didier Deschamps' squad and was called up to France's latest international friendlies.

Yet he still feels somewhat disconnected from the national team. "I do not understand what is expected of me, and I've said so," he said, per Goal.com. "But not to be named in the France squad does not prevent me from living. Even if I think about it, I'm not kneeling before my TV waiting on the list. I'm in a dream in England today. If the national team makes me unhappy, I don't want it."

It's France's loss, though. Having taken Payet under his wing, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is reaping the rewards as West Ham climb ever higher in the table, modeling their rise on that of Leicester City.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham footballers hope to create affordable housing in Barking and Dagenham
07:00 05 April 2016 Janine Rasiah
Barking & Dagenham Post

They're known for their prowess on the pitch but three West Ham legends are now looking to iron out an affordable housing deal. Mark Noble, Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora are considering extending Legacy Foundation - their housing initiative which creates community, sporting and youth facilities alongside developments -to Barking and Dagenham. The trio met with council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell to discuss their plans. "As a West Ham fan it was great to meet these Hammer heroes and I look forward to working with them in the future to see how we can provide more affordable housing in the borough with Legacy," Cllr Rodwell said. "I am keen to team up with Mark, Rio and Bobby to make sure east London doesn't end up a playground for the rich." In a statement, Noble, Zamora and Ferdinand said: "It is clear that Barking and Dagenham share the same aspirations as Legacy. "We all care passionately about changing the face of communities living in local council housing." Legacy will work alongside development partner McLaren to create new communities across the country. The footballers have also spoken to the council in neighbouring Newham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are West Ham making a mistake letting Song, Emenike and Moses leave?
London 24
07:15 05 April 2016 Dylan Smart

West Ham trio Alex Song, Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses will reportedly not be offered permanent deals at the club. Is it the right decision by the Hammers? We take a look.

1 Alex Song - Yes
The Cameroon international enjoyed a good start to his West Ham career when he first joined last season. The holding midfielder put in several impressive performances and was a regular fixture in Sam Allardyce's side. The permanent deal to take Song to East London from Barcelona was scrapped, as the former Arsenal man sustained an ankle injury, casting doubt at West Ham's hierarchy over his fitness. However the Hammers showed some faith in Song and decided to sign him again on loan for the current season, only for him to spend the first three months out injured again. Since then things haven't looked up for 2012-13 La Liga winner, as he appears to fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic, with the midfielder only managing eight starts and four substitute appearance over the season. Mark Noble's and Cheikhou Kouyate's superb partnership in the centre of the park has rendered Song surplus to requirements, combined with his injury woes, it will be no surprise to see him leave come the end of the season.

Emmanuel Emenike - Yes
The Nigerian forward signed on a 6-month loan deal from Fenerbahce in January after spending time on loan at United Arab Emirates club Al Ain. Most likely signed to provide depth following the departure of Nikica Jelavic, Emenike has only managed two goals since his arrival, both coming in the 5-1 rout against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. West Ham have plans to spend big on a new striker for next season, so it's clear to see why the former Spartak Moscow player's services are no longer required.

Victor Moses - No
Joining the club on loan last summer, Moses has spent his third successive season away from Chelsea on temporary deals, all at different clubs. The pacey winger enjoyed a good start to life at the Boleyn, starting 11 successive matches and netting against Manchester City. However, similarly to Song, injuries hampered his progress at the club, as he picked up a hamstring problem in December which kept him out for six weeks. Whilst the forward has missed a lot of action, in his past two seasons at Liverpool and Stoke he remained fit for the majority of both seasons, as well as impressing particularly at Stoke. With Chelsea boasting attacking options through the likes of Pedro, Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard, the chances of Moses' future being at Stamford Bridge are slim. At a modest 25 years of age, and with proven ability and a likely reduced price tag, a fully fit Moses may have been a useful addition to West Ham ahead of their debut season at the Olympic Stadium.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham appeal decision to show red card to Cheikhou Kouyate against Crystal Palace
West Ham have appealed against Cheikhou Kouyate's weekend red card
Midfielder Kouyate was shown the red following a tackle on Dwight Gayle
A furious Slaven Bilic was not planning on appealing against the decision
But, an appeal has since been lodged and he could play against Arsenal
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:56, 4 April 2016 | UPDATED: 23:56, 4 April 2016

West Ham have appealed against Cheikhou Kouyate's red card - meaning the midfielder could be available for their crunch match against Arsenal on Saturday. Kouyate was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle, who went on to score the equaliser against 10-man West Ham which dented their chances of Champions League qualification. A furious Slaven Bilic was not planning on appealing against the decision because he said he is 'fed up' with incorrect calls against his players. The Croatian did not even feel the challenge was worthy of a yellow card. Rival manager Alan Pardew also suggested that referee Mark Clattenburg might have got the decision wrong. But West Ham have now lodged an appeal with the Football Association, which could overturn the one-match ban and make him available for their next game. West Ham successfully appealed against a Kouyate red card in their FA Cup win against Blackburn Rovers in February. The Palace draw meant West Ham dropped out of fifth place after Manchester United defeated Everton on Sunday to move two points ahead of them. Manchester City and Arsenal also recorded wins, leaving Bilic's side three points behind fourth and seven away from third, as they aim to bring European football to the Olympic Stadium when they move in this summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com