Payet scoops Hammer of the Year Award
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet has been named as the Betway 2015/16 Hammer of the Year
following an outstanding first season with West Ham United. The 29-year-old
Frenchman, who last month became the first West Ham player to be voted into
a top flight Team of the Year since 1978, beat off competition from several
star performers to land the top prize. He follows in the footsteps of Aaron
Cresswell, who also triumphed in his debut campaign as a Hammer. Speaking
exclusively to whufc.com, he said: "It is a huge honour and a defining
moment for me at the Club. It recognises the hard wotk I've put in and I am
very happy about it. This is the best award a player can win because it is
voted for by the fans, but I need to thank my teammates and the coaching
staff."
Payet was the clear winner in the fan vote, with fellow new signing Michail
Antonio coming second and two-time winner Mark Noble third. Payet arrived in
east London from Marseille last summer and immediately made an impact with
his new Club, scoring three goals in his first six games. That tremendous
form continued throughout the year, even after an ankle injury disrupted his
winter months. He returned to the team with a bang after Christmas, scoring
four stunning free-kicks and continuing to provide countless chances for his
teammates. A tally of 12 goals and 13 assists have made him the new darling
of the Hammers faithful, with his Hammer of the Year award capping not only
a wonderful season, but a successful awards evening too.
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Payet thankful for fan accolade
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet was full of thanks to everyone associated with West Ham United
after being voted the Club's 38th Hammer of the Year. The outstanding France
international midfielder bagged an incredible five awards at the 2015/16
Player Awards brought to you by Betway in aid of the Academy. The highlight
of Payet's record-breaking night was his triumph in the prestigious Hammer
of the Year award, and he was quick to pay tribute to everyone who has
supported him since he arrived in east London from Marseille last summer.
"Of course it's a huge honour and a defining moment for me at the Club,"
Payet told West Ham TV. "It's an award that recognises the hard work I have
put in and I'm very happy about it. "I didn't think I would adapt this
quickly, to be honest. I thought it would be harder, but with the fabulous
teammates that I have, and the manager and coaching staff, the settling in
period was easier than expected.
"Slaven Bilic is very important for me and my confidence. He has done
everything possible to help me to blossom as a player and when I suffered an
injury and had a difficult time, he was the first person to come to my house
and check up on me. "My form has been down to all the squad, the coaches and
the medical staff, but I would like to personally thank the manager for all
the help and support he has given me."
Payet has enjoyed a stellar debut season in English football, scoring 12
goals and registering eleven assists to spearhead West Ham's challenge for a
top-four Barclays Premier League finish.
With three games to go, the Hammers sit five points off the UEFA Champions
League places, while the No27 also has the prospect of a home European
Championship finals to look forward to this summer. After that, Payet and
West Ham move into the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "We are
all very excited to play there. We have the first game against Juventus to
look forward to. We will then be ready for the first official game. "Let's
see the final France squad first! If I do make it, of course I'll do my very
best in what will be a very important tournament which will be held in
France."
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Player of the Year Awards round-up
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet stole the headlines at the end of season Player Awards as he
came away with five major honours including being voted Hammer of the Year.
The first-team squad were present at a gala dinner in central London to
celebrate a memorable season for the east London Club. Payet has enjoyed an
unforgettable first year in the Premier League scoring 12 goals and
producing 13 assists. The 29-year-old has also become one of the best
set-piece specialists in the world and has become a cult hero at the Boleyn
Ground.
Over 1000 guests saw Payet pick up his first award of the evening, sponsored
by Shore Capital for being the top goalscorer this season. The Frenchman
has scored 12 goals which has included some unstoppable free-kicks against
Bournemouth, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Payet quickly followed that up with the best goal of the season, sponsored
by Chigwell Construction Ltd with his curling set-piece against Palace at
the Boleyn Ground.
The third award was the Players' Player of the Year, sponsored by AsMatt Ltd
which the talented star took great pride in accepting after his team-mates
voted him the best player of the season.
Payet then secured the Signing of the Season sponsored by S14 VIP Ltd
followed by the biggest award of the evening when he followed in the
footsteps of Hammers legends such as Billy Bonds and Sir Trevor Brooking
when he won the distinguished Hammer of the Year.
It was not all about Payet as a number of his team-mates also came away with
some big awards at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.
Few could forget Michail Antonio's winning strike against Tottenham at the
Boleyn Ground and the Carlton Dance which followed.
That was enough to help him win the Best Individual Performance, sponsored
by Peter Rayney Tax Consulting.
Darren Randolph picked up the save of the season, sponsored by Higgins Group
for his triple save against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.
The Best Team performance, sponsored by Shore Capital was the Hammers
dramatic comeback at Goodison Park against Everton when they came from two
goals down to record a 3-2 victory.
There was a special mention for the Academy as Mark Noble took to the stage
to talk about his progression through the youth ranks while Academy Director
Terry Westley was honoured to award the Dylan Tombides Award, sponsored by
Barry Stewart & Sons to talented youngster Declan Rice.
Rising star Reece Oxford was rewarded for his breakthrough into the
first-team this season as he won the Young Hammer of the Year, sponsored by
Ark Build.
West Ham United legend Paolo Di Canio received the Greatest Ever Goal at the
Boleyn Ground award for his memorable strike against Wimbledon back in March
2000.
The other big award of the evening was picked up by Sir Geoff Hurst who won
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by JM Sealants Limited.
It is especially relevant as we mark 50 years since Hurst and his team-mates
famously won the Jules Rimet trophy back in 1966.
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Sir Geoff honoured by Hammers award
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst told West Ham TV he was 'honoured' to become the Club's
Lifetime Achievement Award - sponsored by JM Sealant Contracts Limited -
recipient in a special year for the Hammers and England. The three-time
Hammer of the Year, FA Cup, European Cup Winners' Cup and FIFA World Cup
winner was presented with the accolade on the 50th anniversary of his
amazing hat-trick against West Germany at Wembley in the 1966 World Cup
final. Five decades on and the Grand Ballroom at the London Hilton on Park
Lane rose as one to recognise one of this country's true footballing
legends. Speaking moments after receiving the acclaim of 1,200 fans at the
2015/16 Player Awards brought to you by Betway in support of the Academy,
Sir Geoff told of his pride at following the likes of Billy Bonds, Martin
Peters and Sir Trevor Brooking in receiving the prestigious trophy. "I'm
absolutely thrilled to bits to be given this award," said the 75-year-old,
who scored 249 goals in 503 appearances in Claret and Blue. "The Club's very
close to my heart and I'm just so grateful that they've thought of me. I'm
thrilled and very honoured. "There was no way in the world we could have
dreamt of what we achieved at the Club and what the three of us did for the
England team. It's not something you dream about. I always felt I could have
a good career for West Ham, but certainly never dreamed I'd play for
England, so looking back it's fantastic."
With so many career highlights to reflect on, which still stick out in the
mind of the only man to score three goals in a FIFA World Cup final?
"Winning the trophies stands out. The Club had come up from the Second
Division in the late '50s, and within four or five years we win the FA Cup.
If you put that in context - if it happened today - and the following year
we win a European trophy, only the second time that's been done, they were
absolutely astonishing years when you look back. "On a personal level, a
personal highlight, I guess, is scoring six in a game, a double hat-trick as
I did at the Boleyn Ground against Sunderland in 1968. It's never been done
since, at league level, so that's a record along with the [World Cup final]
hat-trick that still stands. Records that are going to be pretty hard to
beat!"
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Westley - We're confident
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Development Squad's second leg of the Barclays U21 Premier
League final with Hull City, Academy director Terry Westley described his
cautious optimism ahead of Wednesday's showdown. The young Hammers hold a
slender 1-0 lead thanks to Djair Parfitt-Williams' 90th minute winner, under
the lights at the Boleyn Ground. Looking ahead to the second leg, Westley
said: "It's only half-time in the tie. Yes, we hold a 1-0 advantage, but we
know we are going to be in for tough game. "That small cushion will give us
the confidence we need and away from home, the pressure will be off us,
which I think will help."
Westley continued to expand on the lessons learnt from the first leg, which
saw an impressively strong Hull City side prove different to conquer. He
explained: "They were very resolute, compact and we found it hard to break
them down. At some point, they will have to come out and attack us because
they need to score, that should give us some opportunities, which we will
need to exploit. "Training has been good. There was a sense that we didn't
quite rise to the occasion in the final, in front of a huge crowd, so that
has spurred us on to complete the job."
The Hammers take on Hull City at the KC Stadium on Wednesday 4 May, kick off
is 7pm.
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Dev Squad crowned Cup Champions
Hull City U21 (1) v (1) Dev Squad (West Ham win 5-3 on penalties)
WHUFC.com
It was tough for the Hammers who conceded a cruel 93rd minute goal to take
the tie to extra time, but they kept battling and eventually their quality
told in the shootout. Well done to Terry Westley and his squad!
PENS: Marcus Browne, Reece Oxford, Sam Byram, Stephen Hendrie and Martin
Samuelsen were all successful as Raphael Spiegel saved from Hull's Daniel
Batty. The Hammers are Champions!
FT: Extra time is over, and it's finished 1-0 on the night here. Penalties
it is!
118: Superb strike by Hendrie! The keeper does well to get something on it
and it goes for a corner, which Hull eventually clear.
116: Booking for Marcus Brown. Hull's free-kick comes to nothing.
110: Doneil Henry's knock down is good but there are no Claret and Blue
shirts who can get on the end of it.
109: Free-kick for West Ham 35 yards from goal. Marcus Browne is going to
swing this one in...
107: Hull City swing in a deep free-kick but Raphael Spiegel deals with it
comfortably. He's had a great match this evening, and surely would be
confident in a penalty shootout...
HT: The half time whistle sounds and the sides have a quick chat before
switching ends. 15 minutes remaining...are we going to see another late
twist or will it head to a penalty shootout?
103: A Hull City player receives treatment as the players re-gather their
thoughts. Not long 'til the half-time break here, which will be an immediate
turnaround. One minute of added time is signalled.
100: Jahmal Hector-Ingram - scorer of the Development Squad's last away goal
- replaces Declan Rice.
98: Slight confusion between Henry and Spiegel but the balls bounces just
wide for a corner kick to Hull City.
96: It comes to nothing as Samuelsen's cross is cleared.
95: The game has calmed slightly and West Ham are looking to once againt
exert their authority on this one. Free kick from the left-hand-side 25
yards from goal.
91: We're back underway in extra time of this final. Some feisty challenges
are flying in but it remains 1-1 on aggregate.
Extra-time: Terry Westley conducts a short team talk on the pitch before we
get underway for another 30 minutes in this final.
93: GOAL for Hull. West Ham can't believe it as Will Annan smashes one into
the top corner in the last minute. So, so cruel on the visitors. It looks
like we're heading for extra time.
91: One last Bubbles rendition sounds around the KC. In fact, if it stays
0-0, it certainly won't be the last of the evening...The Hammers are almost
there!
90: Alex Pike steams in at the back post but heads just wide. Three minutes
added time!
89: Spiegel is dealing with all the long balls thrown at him here. Terrific
command of his penalty area. He hasn't put a foot (or hand) wrong in this
one.
87: West Ham defend a corner well in the dying minutes. Hull are doing their
best to put the visitors under pressure here!
85: Five minutes to go! The Hammers are trying to slow the proceedings
down...
78: Excellent combo down the left flank between Page and Hendrie which
allows Page to swing in a dangerous ball infront of Alex Pike, usually a
right-back, seems to be playing up-front!
75: Fifteen minutes to go! Not long now, can the Hammers hold their nerve?
They've been away several times but called back for offside!
70: WHAT. A. SAVE! Rafa Spiegel take a bow. Hinchcliffe thinks he scored,
everyone inside the KC did however the big Swiss lunges to his right to
pluck the ball out of the air just as the striker's header seemed destined
for the top corner.
68: Terry Westley makes the first changes of the night as Grady Diangana and
Djair Parfitt-Williams is replaced by Stephen Hendrie and Alex Pike.
66: The Tigers thought they had made the breakthrough there! Ben Hinchcliffe
made a sneaky run into the box and was nailed on to equalise however the
linesman had already flagged for offside!
63: Hull are increasingly turning up the pressure. Browne and Lenihan have a
small coming together which has really got the crowd fired up.
59: Reece Oxford is the third Hammer to go into the book, it looked like he
knicked the ball first but the yellow card is out.
57: Chance for Hull as Olley climbs highest at the back post yet he heads
Lenihan's hanging cross over the bar.
55: Burst forward by Samuelsen opens the space for Browne he winds one up
from 25 yards, catches it well but Watson is equal to it.
53: Corner to the Hammers which Browne takes quickly to Page, he floats a
delicious ball toward Henry yet captain Max Clark does well to get his head
to it and clears.
51: Hull attack down the right wing through Will Annan, he gets his head up
and plays it into the area however Spiegel is alert and claims it well.
48: How close can you get?! Lewis Page does superbly to get round the back
of the defence and he pulls it back to Browne who fires over!
46: Here we go! Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen get us back underway. A
huge 45 minutes ahead...
HT: Half-time here at the KC Stadium, the Hammers are 45 minutes away from
being crowned champions! Still a long way to go however...
44: One minute of time to be added on, a good game so far but no goals!
42: Parfitt-Williams goes close to netting the almost important goal, this
time he hits the post! So unlucky, he's livid with himself. Sam Byram is
booked.
39: Centre-back Harvey Rodgers goes into the book for a late challenge on
Makasi, the temperature is rising!
36: Further pressure from the hosts. Henry does well to get two blocks in
before Oxford swings a boot and clears. Hull, knowing they need a goal are
really going for it!
33: Doneil Henry goes into the referee's book for a tug, Spiegel saves the
shot with minimum fuss.
31: End to end stuff here! Browne delievers a wonderful ball into the box,
Oxford chests before trying to bend it into the top corner, it's deflected
and falls to Diangana who fires over from just outside the six-yard box.
29: Chance for the hosts as Olley spins his marker before feeding
Hinchcliffe who fires narrowly wide. That was a bit too close for comfort!
26: Best moment of the game, and it comes from Martin Samuelsen. Diangana's
dummy sells the whole Hull team and Samuelsen is free down the right wing.
He cuts in, jinks past two players before shooting, drawing Watson into a
smart save.
22: Free-kick to West Ham, Marcus Browne to take...and it is straight into
the wall. Ben Clappison goes into the book.
20: Moses Makasi executes another great tackle, he started well so far
tonight, real energy!
17: Terry Westley has named a very attacking side tonight, with an almost
six defensive - four attack minded formation. Browne, Parfitt-Williams,
Diangana and Samuelsen are all tearing forward at every opportunity, while
Makasi and Rice are anchoring the midfield.
14: The Hammers are growing into the game, this time Parfitt-Williams looks
to latch onto a through-ball. Tigers 'keeper Rory Watson comes sprinting out
of his area and just gets there in the knick of time.
11: Marcus Browne sprays a lovely ball out wide in search of Lewis Page, the
left back beats his man and crosses it into the six yard box. Browne and
Samuelsen are ready to pounce but Hull clear their lines.
9: Oxford comes through with a well timed sliding challenge to clear the
danger with Bowen looking to burst through.
7: Doneil Henry mops up well, chasing down a loose ball and heading home to
Spiegel - he made it look easier then it was as he was under pressure.
5: Tonight also sees a personal battle for the golden boot. Both Djair
Parfitt-Williams - scorer in the first leg, and the Tiger's Olley are
currently joint top scorers with five throughout this year's competition.
Who shall prevail?
3: Bright start from Hull as they go on the offensive. Striker Greg Olley
comes close to closing Raphael Spiegel down before Reece Oxford bursts from
the back and carries the ball a good 40 yards up the pitch.
1: We're off! Hosts Hull get us under way, kicking right to left in the
opening half. The Hammers are in their traditional claret and blue. COYI!
6.59pm: A massive shout out to all the fans who have made the journey north!
A very healthy claret and blue following indeed tonight! Here's hoping they
go home with something to celebrate!
6:45pm: First team full-back Sam Byram starts for the Dev Squad this evening
alongisde influential captain Reece Oxford, while Parfitt-Williams returns
to the starting XI after recovering from an injury to score last week's only
goal as substitute.
We're just 15 minutes away from kick-off at a sunny KC Stadium in Hull. Come
on you Irons!
6:30pm: It's been a long journey in the U21 Premier League Cup for Terry
Westley's side. They've seen off Exeter City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and
Liverpool to reach the two-legged final, and last week's result puts them in
a great position.
The Tigers were stern opposition at the Boleyn however, and West Ham know
they were taken right to the wire until top scorer Parfitt-Williams' winner.
Can they cap off a terrific campaign by coming out on top against tonight's
hosts?
6:15pm: The Hammers are of course 1-0 up from last week's first leg at the
Boleyn Ground. Djair Parfitt-Williams was the late hero for the Irons, and
here's a reminder of all the action.
Starting XI: Spiegel, Byram, Page, Rice (Hector-Ingram 100), Henry, Oxford
(c), Diangana (Hendrie 68), Makasia, Samuelsen, Browne, Parfitt-Williams
(Pike 68).
Subs: Howes, Dobson.
Hull City: Watson, Lenihan, Tymon, Clark (c), Rodgers, Clappison, Annan,
McKenzie, Hinchliffe, Olley, Bowen.
Subs: Saltmer, Ter Horst, Clackstone, Batty, Hamilton.
5.45pm: Hello and welcome to tonight's coverage of the second leg of the
Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final, live from the KC Stadium!
We'll have team news shortly as well as live updates and reaction so stay
tuned in! You can also follow tonight's game across our social media
platforms.
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Farewell Boleyn - From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
The Times football reporter Paul Hirst has a number of fond memories
covering West Ham United games at the Boleyn Ground and says the journey
down Green Street will never be forgotten. I am sure it will be an emotional
night for everyone connected with the Hammers when they say goodbye to the
famous old stadium after the Manchester United game next week. I have been
fortunate enough to cover a number of games at the ground over the last few
years and there is a special atmosphere at the Boleyn – especially at the
midweek games under the lights. There is something special about a night
game and it certainly seems to get the players going. The opposing teams –
especially the ones outside of London seem to struggle with that kind of
pressure and the atmosphere generated by the crowd who are so close to the
pitch. I love coming out of the press box and seeing the big two pictures at
either end of the ground of Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking. You are
pointing back to history and the glory days when these legends of the club
were producing outstanding displays and helping the club win silverware. I
also love the fact that the Boleyn Ground has four different stands and is a
classic football ground. The whole matchday experience starts when you come
out of the tube station and start walking down Green Street. You can smell
the burgers and see all the stalls as you approach the ground.
It is bang in the middle of an urban area and you don't get that feeling
when you go to a number of other grounds in the top flight. Walking down
Green Street is part of the Boleyn experience and it is fairly unique. The
bubbles being blown all over the place with I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
being played also makes it very special. Manchester United will be a fitting
opposition for the final game. West Ham United are a family club and look
after everyone who walks through the door. One of my stand out memories was
seeing the Hammers beat Chelsea 3-1 back in December 2012. The atmosphere
was electric that day and the fact that it was a local derby made it even
more special. The Boleyn Ground will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
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Batshuayi taking the usual loyal stance?
May 4, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Michy Batshuayi says his 'future is at Marseille' amid constant rumours that
Tottenham and West Ham will battle for his services this summer. The
22-year-old, who will go to Euro 2016 with Belgium having scored 16 league
goals so far this season, is said to be one of Slaven Bilic's main summer
targets and Tottenham are also said to be keen. The likes of Newcastle and
Crystal Palace have also previously been linked with the dynamic Ligue 1
frontman. But speaking to L'Equipe Batshuayi says he is going nowhere. "My
future is at Marseille." Batshuayi said "I want to stay, I love the stadium,
the fans, lots of players in this squad. "I am in love with this club. "I
would prefer to leave this club after leaving a trace on people's minds. "My
story with Marseille is far from over.
Any time Michy has been asked about his future since the links came about he
has always maintained the stance that he wants to stay at Marseille. For me
that is a player being loyal to his current team and a volatile fanbase that
has shown their anger towards the club and players after a very poor season
in Ligue One. The bottom line is this, Marseille are in a lot of trouble
from a financial, legal and playing viewpoint. They have been in disarray
since Marco Bielsa left the club and have lost numerous players over the
past 12 months including our very own Dimitri Payet, Gianelli Imbula and
Florian Thauvin for £40m combined and also replaced big earners like Andre
Ayew and Andre-Pierre Gignac with younger players on lower wages to attempt
to balance the books.
At the end of the day unless Marseille get some massive investment this
Summer, they will once again lose players like Batshuayi, N'Koudou and Mendy
once decent offers start coming in regardless of a player's public stance.
Whether any of those offers come from West Ham remains to be seen.
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Cole set for US stint
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Ex-Hammer Joe Cole is set to join North American Soccer League side Tampa
Bay Rowdies at the end of the current season. Cole, now 34, will leave
current club Coventry City in order to join the Rowdies, who despite not
being part of the more renowned MLS (Major L:eague Soccer) are still one of
America's most well-known clubs internationally. The news was confirmed by
Coventry City boss Tony Mowbray, for whom Cole has featured since signing on
a free transfer last October. "I would have liked to have kept Joe," he
said. "He has proved his fitness and worth to the team. He's a fantastic
character. No airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off and
has shown his football ability. "He can help us control matches but he's
made his decision for his family, and we wish him well. It might happen
pretty quickly if he can get international clearance."
Cole began his career at West Ham but was sold to Chelsea in 2003 for a
paltry £6million following the club's relegation from the Premiership. He
returned to the club in 2013 having been released by Liverpool.
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Cheik-ers plays pop
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Cheikhou Kouyate was the unlikely star of last night's Hammer of the Year
ceremony at Park Lane.
The Sengalese midfielder had guests in stitches when he launched into a
chorus of the 'Dimitri Payet' song, in tribute to his team mate's nomination
as the club's latest Hammer of the Year - much to the amusement of club
staff and players, including James Tomkins.
Looking slightly worse for wear, Kouyate burst into song before being urged
to calm down by team mate Diafra Sakho - whom he immediately ignored before
breaking out into a second chorus, just before the short video cuts out.
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Joe Cole to MLS: No need for regret about England's great hope
Last Updated: 04/05/16 11:35am
SSN
After a spell at Coventry, Joe Cole is now off to MLS amid an atmosphere of
regret. But why? Adam Bate assesses his career and those extraordinary
expectations...
Former England international Joe Cole is poised to join the Tampa Bay
Rowdies. Earlier this season, a documentary honouring Wayne Rooney's journey
to becoming England's greatest goalscorer was notable for rekindling images
of his early years. The impudence of his strike against Arsenal and the
precociousness with which he approached the challenge of his first major
tournament for his country. Rooney's achievements since then have been vast,
but such were the possibilities, even a brilliant career can appear less
than remarkable by comparison. So what to make of Joe Cole after the
announcement that his spell with Coventry is to be followed by a summer with
Tampa Bay Rowdies? If the Rooney story warrants a sigh, Cole's tale seems to
inspire something approaching sorrow.
Depending on who you asked, Cole was the 'Cockney Pele' or 'West Ham's
answer to Maradona'. Ian Wright was awestruck, while Harry Redknapp was fond
of recalling how Cole's progress was the first thing that Sir Alex Ferguson
would ask him about whenever they met. And this was all before he'd kicked a
ball for the first team. They were ludicrous expectations but a 9-0
aggregate thrashing of Coventry in the 1999 FA Youth Cup final didn't help
dampen them. By 2003, the 21-year-old Cole had represented England at the
first of three World Cups and signed for Chelsea in a £6.6m move that would
bring plenty of success but also transform him into a player very different
from the one some had hoped. Cole's link-up with Jose Mourinho the following
year was the catalyst for back-to-back Premier League winners' medals and
the two best goalscoring seasons of his career. But for those who cherished
Cole the artist rather than Cole the artisan, it had come at a cost. Life on
the wings meant restrictions.
Even a winner against Liverpool earned chastisement from his manager
afterwards, with the customary reminder of his defensive duties. As the tune
goes, Mourinho had taught him how to be sensible, logical, responsible,
practical by showing him a world where he could be so dependable. It was
effective but it did not make the heart sing. By the time he left Chelsea in
the summer of 2010, the story of unfulfilled promise had already been
sketched out. Only the details remained. There was a move to Liverpool and
Steven Gerrard's eyebrow-raising comparison with Lionel Messi - "anything he
can do Joe can do as well, if not better" - before a season on loan at Lille
playing a supporting role to Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet. He needs to make
an impact on me not the crowd.
Throughout, the suspicion was that Cole was a No 10 just waiting for the man
to entrust him with the role. He's not alone. Being a playmaker at a Premier
League club is a much-coveted job. Speaking in 2013, Ged Roddy, the Premier
League's director of youth, said: "We have to make sure more and more of
those players are English. That type of player will emerge if the culture is
right."
Shunted out to the flanks for his peak years, Cole's tale does not inspire
confidence that this will be the case any time soon. But there is a danger
in making one man a symbol of something greater. Perhaps Cole's passing
range would never have developed. Perhaps his dribbling was better utilised
in one-on-one situations out wide rather than the centre where the quickest
of thinking is required. As a result, Cole's career has advanced like that
of a winger rather than a midfielder. The demands of that position seem to
have steepened his decline and set him on a path more familiar to the likes
of Kieron Dyer, Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Bentley rather than the one
signposted longevity and enjoyed by his former West Ham team-mates Frank
Lampard and Michael Carrick. But the key difference between Cole and Bentley
- who famously declared upon his early retirement that he "never felt like a
footballer" - is that he is still willing to embrace the challenge. Coventry
boss Tony Mowbray talked of how Cole has "no airs and graces" and is "not
looking for favours or extra days off". Whether it's League One or Ligue 1,
Cole still wants to play. He still wants to enjoy it.
So having deferred a move to the east coast of America with a stop off in
the West Midlands, he's finally doing the inevitable. At 33, the transfer to
Tampa seems a more natural step for a player of his repute, although it's
telling that it's Cole not Mowbray who appears to have instigated the talk
of a possible loan return in October. And why not. The man who has appeared
in more World Cups than Gary Lineker, won more Premier League titles than
Bryan Robson and more FA Cups than David Beckham, might always be styled as
an unfulfilled talent. But those achievements - and the manner in which he
accomplished them - would suggest it's a career he can be proud of
nevertheless. He's entitled to continue it without too many regrets.
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West Ham star Dimitri Payet caps fine season with five awards
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 04/05/16 12:39am
SSN
Dimitri Payet has capped a fine first season with West Ham by cleaning up at
the club's end-of-season awards. The French forward, who has established
himself as a fans' favourite since joining from Marseille last June, scooped
five awards on Tuesday night. Payet landed the Hammer of the Year, Players'
Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Top Goalscorer and Signing of the
Season awards. "It is a huge honour and a defining moment for me at the
club," Payet told the club's website. "It recognises the hard work I've put
in and I am very happy about it. This is the best award a player can win
because it is voted by the fans, but I need to thank my team-mates and the
coaching staff."
England legend Sir Geoff Hurst was honoured by his former club with the
Lifetime Achievement award. "I am honoured to be given this award from this
fantastic football club," Hurst added on whufc.com. "The only regret I had
was not seeing my time out with the club. I would like to have done that.
But it was a great time for the club. "I was very lucky to play with some
great players like Bobby Moore. He was an inspirational player."
Michail Antonio picked up the Best Individual Performance award for his
display against Tottenham, while teenage defender Reece Oxford was named
Young Player of the Season. Paolo Di Canio landed an award for the Best Goal
at the Boleyn Ground for his volley against Wimbledon in 2000.
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Hands off Reece Oxford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 4, 2016 in News
C and H
Reports claim Manchester City are considering a formal approach for young
West Ham defender Reece Oxford. The Champions League semi-finalists are on
the look-out for top English talent and the 17–year-old centre half is high
on their list of considerations for next season claim the Daily Mail. Oxford
is one of the best products of West Ham's Academy in recent years and burst
on to the scene earlier this season when he starred in the 2-0 first game of
the season at the Emirates in West Ham's win over Arsenal. Oxford was
crowned Young Hammer of the year last night at the Player awards. The West
Ham board have always been clear, they are no longer a selling club and will
everything and anything possible to keep hold of their best talent this
summer.
Earlier this season, West Ham joint-owner David Sullivan said of Oxford 'We
are optimistic he will be here for a long time. We will keep him. He is an
exceptional talent. He is the highest paid 17-year-old in the history of the
club. 'He signed for two years at the age of 17 and that's the maximum
length allowed for a player of that age. 'That can make a club that has
invested in and developed a player very vulnerable and it can make you
worry.'
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Hammers could face Millwall
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers Reece Burke and Josh Cullen could face Millwall in the League 1
play-off semi-finals. The West Ham on loan youngsters helped Bradford City
secure their place in the League One play-offs on Saturday as they beat
Southend United 1-0 away from home. Both played 90 minutes each as the
Bantams held out to record the single-goal victory after Lee Evans struck in
the twelfth minute. It completed a superb week for defender Burke, who was
awarded with seven accolades at the club's presentation evening on Tuesday,
including the Player of the Year prize.
Cullen
Likely play-off opponents for Phil Parkinson's men in the semi-final could
be Millwall, who have also cemented their spot in the top six, while Walsall
and Barnsley are on course to be the other two sides. Bradford occupy fifth
position in League 1 on 77 points while Millwall are fourth on 78 points.
If both teams finish in the same positions after their final league game,
Bradford will play their semi-final games against Millwall on Sunday 15th
May – kick off 12:15pm – and Friday 20th May – kick off 7:45pm.
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DG puts timetable on last match celebrations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The very last farewell to the Boleyn really isn't going to take long at all.
Those who were hoping for an extended goodbye to the old stadium have been
disappointed. It will be relatively short, sharp and to the point.
ClaretandHugh brought the first detail of the last day celebrations under
the Boleyn lights at the end of the Manchester United match yesterday.
Now David Gold has put a timetable of the event after being asked to do so
by a follower on Twitter and any hopes that it could go on long into the
night were knocked firmly on the head.
DG declared: "The celebrations will go on for about 45 minutes."
The club have made it clear that there must be no pitch incursions and in a
statement the joint chairmen declared: "We want it to be an evening that is
ultimately about you, our loyal supporters, as it is you who have made the
Boleyn Ground famous the world over. "But to make it special we need your
support. Any incursions on to the pitch will certainly mean cancelling the
current squad's richly-deserved lap of appreciation and denying some of our
greatest ever players the chance to take the field for the final time. "That
would be a tragedy; for them and the Boleyn Ground. "If we can present the
post-match ceremonies as planned, we are sure you will walk away from Upton
Park on Tuesday prouder than ever of the Club you support. "We hope those
of you attending have a truly special evening – together we will create
memories that will live with us forever."
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This guy raised the Irons bar to new levels
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 4, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Maybe a new category called 'Image Maker of the Year' should have been added
to the Hammers awards last night. And had it been done so then it would
undoubtedly have meant that Dimi Payet would have collected six awards
rather than five. Obviously manager Slaven Bilic has been the most
influential figure at Upton Park during this amazing season but given this
was a players' night Payet would have surely collected my suggested trophy.
For this will have been a nine of ten month campaign which has impacted far
beyond the confines of the East London support base and has raised our image
100% across the nation. The simple truth is that West Ham is now has become
one of the most talked about clubs in the land and that by and large is down
to Payet His signing has taken this club to a different level – he has
raised the bar to such an extent that we have become unrecognisable from the
team that finished last season and those preceding it over the past 10 years
or so. Talk to anyone about the Irons outside of our own fans and the first
name mentioned is his. We are no longer anonymous and discussed
patronisingly as a club that may 'one day' get somewhere. Fortune has not
been hiding… our dreams are not fading and dying and for that we can thank
Dimi and of course the brilliant manager Slaven Bilic. The rest of the lads
have been sensational during a stupendous season – now let's just complete
the job and qualify for Europe. Thanks gaffer… thanks Dimi… thanks guys and
thanks Davids!
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Hammer blow for Michy reunion with Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The chances of a reunion of Michy Batshuayi and Dimitri Payet at the Olympic
Stadium next season seem more remote after the 22 year old striker pledged
his future to Marseille. "My future is at Olympique Marseille" Batshuayi
told French paper Lequipe. He added "I want to stay, I love this stage and
many players in this team. I love the club. I prefer to leave this club by
scoring and leaving a memory in people's minds, my story with Olympique
Marseille is far from over. " Batshuayi signed a new contract in January
this year in a move that was widely believed to be designed to raise the
striker's asking price up to £30million, with the young striker now tied to
Marseille until 2020. West Ham are said to be prepared to pay £20m for
Batshuayi in the summer. The 22 year old has scored 20 goals and made 9
assists from 37 starts in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this season.
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Mystery of the missing Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Guests at the gala West Ham Player Awards last night have told ClaretandHugh
that Alex Song and Joey O'Brien were noticeably missing from the London
Hilton event in Park Lane, despite being listed on the main table plan as
each hosting a table for some of the 1,200 guests who had paid up to £330
per head. Their absence is a mystery and possibly unplanned.
Their absence has nonetheless fuelled further speculation that both players,
along with Emmanuel Emenike who was also absent last night, have no future
at the club when this season ends.
Joey O'Brien joined West Ham on a free transfer under Sam Allardyce's reign
after being released from Bolton. He resigned in 2013 on a three-year
contract which expires at the end of this season. Both Alex Song and
Emmanuel Emenike are both on loan to the Hammers but are unlikely to be
offered permanent deals or extensions to their loans.
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Lyon president determined to keep hold of Tottenham and West Ham target
Alexandre Lacazette
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is determined to keep hold of Alexandre
Lacazette - despite growing interest from Tottenham and West Ham. The
striker has bagged 20 goals this season and he is expected to be on the move
this summer. Tottenham and West Ham are interested in the France
international, while Barcelona are said to be monitoring the situation too.
But Lyon president, Aulas, has revealed he still hopes to keep hold of
Lacazette as the summer transfer window draws closer. "I would like to keep
Alexandre Lacazette," Aulas told RMC. "I have met with the Barcelona
president recently, he did not speak to me about Alex."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL THOSE 'TWISTS AND TURNS' HELP DELIVER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION?
By S J Chandos 4 May 2016 at 08:00
WTID
The emphatic nature of the recent victories over Watford and WBA indicates
the determination of Bilic and the squad to take their Champions League bid
right to the line. Some weeks ago, in the midst of the four consecutive
score draws, I predicted that there would be 'twists and turns' to come and
that the issue of CL qualification was far from over. And that is exactly
how it has transpired. Man City's 4-2 defeat to Southampton, Man Utd's 1-1
draw with Leicester City and Swansea's 3-1 victory over Liverpool, together
with our clinical 0-3 despatch of WBA, all positively conspired to
strengthen our position. Yes, Southampton could be a potential threat, two
points behind us on 57 points, but I am confident that we can hold off their
challenge in the 'home straight' of this memorable season.
We now stand five points behind Man City in 4th and eight points behind
Arsenal in 3rd, going in to the final three games. Man Utd remain ahead of
us, in 5th place, by a single point and overhauling them is firmly in our
own hands. Particularly in terms of avenging that FA Cup quarter-final
defeat when we meet them in the final ever Upton Park match on 10 May 2016
(the 36th anniversary of our 1980 FA Cup Final victory over Arsenal). Of our
final matches, besides Man Utd, we face tough challenges at home to Swansea
and away to Stoke City, but I am confident that it is realistic to take
maximum points in those final three matches. Indeed, I am sure that this
magnificent squad will win away to Stoke City (a partisan and hostile venue)
if they need the 3 points for CL qualification.
This coming weekend could be absolutely crucial, particularly with respect
to the outcome of Sunday's match between Man City Vs Arsenal. If we despatch
Swansea, that will put intense pressure on both of those teams, moving us to
within 2 points of Man City in 4th position and 5 points of Arsenal in 3rd
place. How do we want the result of that match to go? A draw would be
advantageous, but perhaps the best option is a Arsenal victory? If the
gooners win it will probably clinch them 3rd spot and absolutely pile the
pressure on Man City going in to their final fixture at Swansea. And it will
be pressure that could very well see them implode!
If we then win our all-important match (in hand) with Man Utd, that will put
us 1 point ahead of Man City going in to our final match at Stoke City. Then
it is a matter of getting the result to keep us ahead of them on points (Man
City currently hold an advantage of 30-17 in terms of goal difference, which
will hopefully not become an operative factor in the equation). If that
scenario arises then I would back us to do it. Of course, we also need
either Man City or Liverpool to fail in their respective CL and Europa
League bids. In that respect, I am sure that we Hammers will all become
honorary Real Madrid and Villarreal fans for their respective semi-finals.
At the end of the day, all we can do is win our remaining three matches and
hope that it is enough. We must maintain our existing strategy of fixing on
Man City in 4th place and try to run them down. After those four drawn
matches, is luck finally going to assume a claret and blue garb? they say
that these things even themselves out over the course of a season. Lets hope
that is proven to be the case!!
Leicester City have dealt the old PL order a potentially fatal blow by
winning the title against all the odds. West Ham qualifying for the
Champions League ahead of the two Manchester clubs would probably finish it
off. A 'world turned upside down.' Indeed!.
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 5
Wednesday, May 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th May 2016
Hammers confirm Final Game plans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce they will host a special
celebratory event to mark their final game at the Boleyn Ground after next
Tuesday's match against Manchester United.
The fixture will be the Hammers' final game at their home of 112 years and
the Club have been working hard to make sure it will be an evening that will
live long in the memory of fans the world over. The game and subsequent
closing ceremony are set to be broadcast to a huge global audience as the
interest in the Hammers' high-profile move to the former Olympic Stadium
continues to capture the imagination of the sporting world.
Although the exact details of the celebrations are being kept secret until
the night, the Club can confirm that, where contact details are available,
every player to have made a first-team appearance for the Club has been
invited to attend the game as a guest. Hammers of the Year will also be
guests of honour as they and the 35,000 crowd bid farewell to the Boleyn
Ground one last time.
As well as featuring legendary former players alongside the current squad
and fans, the celebrations will also include spectacular lighting, music and
big screen video to match the scale and emotion of the evening.
To ensure the event, which has a sizeable budget behind it, runs to plan,
the Club are today reminding fans of the importance of staying in their
seats come the final whistle.
Due to event planning and licencing laws for evening fixtures, the show can
only take place if the pitch is clear straight after the final whistle, so
if any supporters enter the field of play after the match, it will mean
cancelling all or part of the celebrations.
Commenting on the final game plans, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David
Gold said: "This time next week, we will all be going through our usual
pre-match routines as we prepare to visit the Boleyn Ground to support our
team, West Ham United, there one last time.
"It will certainly be an incredibly emotional day from start to finish but I
think if we were to have wished for a fitting fixture to bid goodbye to 112
years of history at the Boleyn, Manchester United under the lights would
have been near the top of our list. "We want it to be an evening that is
ultimately about you, our loyal supporters, as it is you who have made the
Boleyn Ground famous the world over. "But to make it special we need your
support. Any incursions on to the pitch will certainly mean cancelling the
current squad's richly-deserved lap of appreciation and denying some of our
greatest ever players the chance to take the field for the final time. "That
would be a tragedy; for them and the Boleyn Ground. "If we can present the
post-match ceremonies as planned, we are sure you will walk away from Upton
Park on Tuesday prouder than ever of the Club you support. "We hope those
of you attending have a truly special evening - together we will create
memories that will live with us forever."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Saturday's victory over West Bromwich
Albion…
Slaven Bilic's side went into Saturday afternoon's clash at the Hawthorns
knowing that anything less than three points could jeopardise their push for
Champions League football.
The Baggies on the other hand, were fired up to stop another loss and
perhaps add to their disappointing goal tally, the second lowest in the
division. It was the home side who almost opened the scoring through Craig
Gardner, and if the midfielder had his shooting boots on he would have had a
hat trick to his name in the opening half an hour. Jonathan Leko, the first
player born in 1999 to play in the Premier League, was fantastic on his top
flight debut, turning Aaron Cresswell inside out. His cross to Gardner was
perfect but the shot was blocked and then the rebound was saved. He then
headed narrowly wide from an open header, frustrating his home fans. Quite
honestly, the Hammers struggled to settle and make anything of their
dominant possession, but Diafra Sakho came close from our first real chance.
Cresswell got forward and shipped a low cross in but it missed Sakho by a
few inches. As Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini got more involved in the
game, we became stronger in attack, and the goal came from the Frenchman, as
many do. Winston Reid, back to his best in defence, won a sliding tackle
that flew up field and landed at Payet's feet, with the number 27 playing
the perfect cross for Cheikhou Kouyate to nod into the far post. You could
feel the sense of relief and growing confidence as the Senegalese midfielder
wheeled off celebrating, and our second came just ten minutes later. An
incisive breakaway following some beautiful, delicate passing football in
our own half, allowed Kouyate to burst forward from the half way line before
cutting it back to Mark Noble, who stretched to poke home. The game summed
up Noble's season, as he constantly chased the ball and called for the pass,
before coolly finding a man in space and playing the perfect ball. It was a
real captain's performance and he added his second of the game, fourth in
two games, just ten minutes from time. The ball was perfectly crossed in
from the left hand side and the skipper composed himself before volleying
into the roof of the net with aplomb. It is quite frankly ridiculous that
Mark Noble still isn't a frontrunner for Roy Hodgson's EURO squad, but at
least he'll stay fit over the summer to lead us out into the Olympic
Stadium.
The next three games are the most important games in the history of our
football club. Three wins and a slip up from Manchester City would mean
Champions League football. It's important not to get carried away, after all
Slaven Bilic's initial objective was to avoid relegation, but European
football in some shape or form seems very likely right about now. It has
been a great season, arguably the best in the club's history, and the
clinical 3-0 victory over West Brom was the cherry on top.
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Hurst to be honoured at Player Awards
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst will be honoured at the West Ham United Player Awards on
Tuesday when he becomes this year's recipient of the Club's Lifetime
Achievement Award sponsored by JM Sealants.
Here, the Hammers legends discusses his career in his own words...
I wasn't a big schoolboy player, or one who everyone was chasing. Unbeknown
to me, a friend of my father wrote to West Ham and Arsenal. West Ham gave me
the opportunity for a trial and I was still a green youngster.
It was in fact first job interview from leaving school. They saw something
in me, took me on and of course I went through the ranks and played for the
first team. I am still a fan of the Club and they gave me my break and a
huge opportunity.
I was struggling between playing cricket and football and was struggling for
fitness when one Monday morning at Chadwell Heath, Ron Greenwood came across
and said 'We're going to try you up front tonight'. We were playing
Liverpool and we won 1-0, Tony Scott scored the goal and I was so unfit that
when I came off it was like my shorts had been dipped in water!
As it turned out, I played 27 goals and scored 14 goals and if anybody did
that today, it would be some sort of sensation. I stayed up front and it was
quite remarkable, as in 1962/63 we went to New York for a tournament and I
was top goalscorer, then in '64 we won the FA Cup,'65 the Cup Winners' Cup
and '66 the World Cup.
TRANSFORMATION
So, when I look back, it was quite an astonishing transformation from
cricket to being successful at football.
Ron Greenwood was a fantastic coach. He was very forward-thinking. He wasn't
very insular because he looked at coaches and players worldwide.
We had senior players who were keen on coaching like Malcolm Allison and
John Bond, who became successful managers. It was a hugely interesting time
and it had a huge impact on young players like myself.
From being in the Second Division in the late '50s, within a few years we'd
won the FA Cup and a European tournament, which very few clubs had done at
that stage. It was a fantastic achievement and great years for the Club.
It was no coincidence, because of the quality of those players and Ron, that
West Ham produced three players for the England squad – the captain and two
goalscorers – and I'd argue that Mooro was the best centre-half we've had of
that type. He was a fantastic player, a terrific leader and a person to look
up to.
The '64 Cup final at Wembley was a tight game. Preston were in the Second
Division, so we were favourites, but we found ourselves 2-1 down. We got a
corner, someone flicked it and I dived and headed it and it just went over
the line – there was something about me and that sort of thing!
Ronnie Boyce got the winner. He didn't score that many goals and I always
say he came out of a trapdoor in the penalty area.
In 1965, we had the Cup Winners' Cup final with 1860 Munich and Ron and many
others say that was West Ham at their best, as we produced some of the
football we had been coached to do. It all happened on the night against a
very good German team.
We also beat Sunderland 8-0 in 1968 and I managed to score six goals, which
hasn't been done since. I handled the first one in, but I owned up straight
after the game. Mooro and Trevor Brooking scored the other two goals.
ENGLAND
On England, I was very surprised when I was first picked because I wasn't a
big player at West Ham like Mooro and Johnny Byrne. However, when a team is
doing well, it's natural that their players are looked at and Alf Ramsey
liked to play twin strikers.
Looking back, I suppose I was always a candidate but it was a surprise. Ron
Greenwood got me over while we were playing five-a-side at a roller skating
rink in Forest Gate and he told me I'd been called up, and I was amazed.
On my debut against West Germany in a friendly in February 1966, it wasn't
sensational but I seemed to do enough to warrant being picked. We won 1-0
and Nobby Stiles got the goal.
When the World Cup started, it looked like it would be Jimmy Greaves and I
up front, as I was a little taller than Roger Hunt. I was given No10, Jimmy
wore No8 and Roger was given No22. I played not very well in two warm-up
games, and Roger scored the winner against Portugal, so Alf started out with
Jimmy and Roger.
I didn't feel overly disappointed as I was just thrilled and happy to be
there as part of the World Cup squad.
As a group, we felt we were hard to beat. In the year before the World Cup,
we were unbeaten, so the players felt Alf was serious about winning the
tournament.
Jimmy suffered a shin injury against France and I came in for the
quarter-final against Argentina. It was a shock, but my attitude was that if
I got an opportunity, I had to take it.
I got the goal and what was really fulfilling was that it was a West Ham
goal and one we'd worked on at Chadwell Heath under the gaze of Ron
Greenwood. We had worked on the near-post ball for hours and hours and it
was a classic West Ham goal, and one we had practised many times. To achieve
it against a world-class team was brilliant.
We beat Portugal in the semi-final, where I played well and set up the
winner for Bobby Charlton, and then we faced West Germany in the final at
Wembley on 30 July 1966.
NO PRESSURE
I NEVER recall being under any great pressure at the time. I was just happy
to be there and I never felt any pressure and that may be why I performed
well.
I remember one very key thing. We knew the Germans would play with only one
central defensive marker and he marked Roger, and the guy who marked me had
played at full-back, so when he came over to me I fancied myself quite
strongly because he wasn't used to marking in central areas.
We got our first goal and I regard it as the best of my hat-trick, because
not only was it the equaliser after we'd gone behind, but it was another
West Ham goal. We had a philosophy that we'd always take set pieces quickly
and we'd practised it. If something was on, use your brain and take it.
We always left space in the middle of the box for the ball to arrive into
and you arrive at the same time as the ball. My marker was ten yards away
when I headed it!
My second goal is always talked about. It hit the crossbar and from where I
was falling the ball came down behind the goalkeeper, so I didn't see where
it had finished! I wanted to believe more than anything in my life that it
was over the line – but of course nothing has been proved conclusively!
Finally, we come to the final goal. Mooro hit a great ball from defence to
attack. As the ball went in, the referee blew for time, so I didn't know if
the goal had counted! At some stage after the game, I went back outside from
the dressing room to look at the scoreboard and it had, as it said 'England
4 West Germany 2'.
We had great team spirit, friendship and camaraderie and it's that winning
as a group that's important. Who gets the goals is not important.
Personally, for me, being part of that particular winning team far overrides
scoring a hat-trick, even if it hasn't been done since.
I think we were the better team on the day. We thought we'd beat them before
and during the game and we did!
Remember you can follow all the action from the Player Awards right here on
whufc.com - stay tuned to hear news on the winners first!
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke and Josh Cullen helped Bradford City secure their place in the
League One play-offs on Saturday as they beat Southend United 1-0 away from
home. The Hammers loan pair played 90 minutes each as the Bantams held out
to record the single-goal victory after Lee Evans struck in the twelfth
minute. It completed a superb week for defender Burke, who was awarded with
seven accolades at the club's presentation evening on Tuesday, including the
Player of the Year prize. Likely play-off opponents for Phil Parkinson's men
in the semi-final could be Millwall, who have also cemented their spot in
the top six, while Walsall and Barnsley are on course to be the other two
sides. Elsewhere in League One, striker Elliot Lee started for
already-relegated Colchester United who drew 2-2 with Yorkshire side
Barnsley. The Tykes went 2-1 up having fallen behind to a strike by George
Moncur – son of West Ham legend John – but conceded a 98th minute sickener
at the death from Tom Lapslie after Lee had been replaced in the 77th
minute. On Monday night, full-back Kyle Knoyle was in action for Scottish
Premier League side Dundee United who suffered relegation at the hands of
their city rivals Dundee. United conceded a 93rd minute strike to lose in a
fiery affair at Dens Park having taken the lead early in the second period.
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Payet receives PFA Award
WHUFC.com
Former Hammer Paul Allen was back at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday as he took
great pride in presenting Dimitri Payet with his PFA award after he was
voted by his fellow professionals into the Premier League Team of the Year.
Payet has enjoyed a memorable first season in the top flight scoring 12
goals and producing ten assists which also saw him nominated for the PFA
Player of the Year.
The French forward has become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground and
hopes to cap a memorable first season in England by helping West Ham secure
a European spot come the end of the season.
Allen, who made 197 appearances for the east London Club and was voted
Hammer of the Year back in 1985, now works as a PFA Executive and has
nothing but praise for the way Payet has settled into his new surroundings
and become one of the star players in England.
Allen said: "It is a fantastic achievement and is a unique award as he is
voted by his fellow professionals in the Premier League.
"He has had a fantastic season and has that technical ability that West Ham
fans love and enjoy and he has adapted to Premier League football so well."
Payet was voted into the team alongside the likes of Dele Alli, Riyad
Mahrez, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
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Come on the pitch, we'll cancel the party
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have issued a reminder to supporters planning to attend next
week's farewell celebrations to remain in their seats both during and after
the match.
In a message issued to season ticket holders and club members via email this
afternoon, the club warned supporters that should fans encroach onto the
playing surface, they intend to cancel either some of all of the post-match
plans.
"To ensure the event, which has a sizeable budget behind it, runs to plan,
the club are today reminding fans of the importance of staying in their
seats come the final whistle," read the email.
"Due to event planning and licencing laws for evening fixtures, the show can
only take place if the pitch is clear straight after the final whistle, so
if any supporters enter the field of play after the match, it will mean
cancelling all or part of the celebrations."
Co-owner David Sullivan also warned fans not to invade the pitch.
"We want it to be an evening that is ultimately about you, our loyal
supporters, as it is you who have made the Boleyn Ground famous the world
over," he said. "But to make it special we need your support.
"Any incursions on to the pitch will certainly mean cancelling the current
squad's richly-deserved lap of appreciation and denying some of our greatest
ever players the chance to take the field for the final time. That would be
a tragedy; for them and the Boleyn Ground.
"If we can present the post-match ceremonies as planned, we are sure you
will walk away from Upton Park on Tuesday prouder than ever of the club you
support. We hope those of you attending have a truly special evening -
together we will create memories that will live with us forever."
The plans, which include the appearance of a giant hologram featuring former
West Ham United and England captain Bobby Moore, are yet to be officially
unveiled. However the club maintain that it will be a show no fan would want
to miss.
"The game and subsequent closing ceremony are set to be broadcast to a huge
global audience as the interest in the Hammers' high-profile move to the
former Olympic Stadium continues to capture the imagination of the sporting
world," insisted the club's email.
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Monday musings: too good for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd May 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Mark Noble might not be good enough to represent England at this summer's
European Championships, but he proved to be the difference as West Ham
United ran riot at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. Noble's chances of
representing his country in France this summer all but disappeared the
moment England's myopic manager, Roy Hodgson, scoffed at the prospect of
including the in-form 28-year-old in his squad.
However that particular disappointment hasn't prevented the midfielder from
hitting the form of his life; Noble added to his pair of penalties against
Watford at the Boleyn last weekend with a second brace in seven days against
West Bromwich Albion, taking his personal tally for the season to seven
goals. Cheikhou Kouyate grabbed West Ham's other goal as they ran out 3-0
winners against Tony Pulis' side, thereby maintaining United's slim hopes of
qualifying for the Champions League - although a far more realistic target
is fifth spot, which will require Slaven Bilic's squad finishing above
Manchester United.
Whilst Saturday's success was just the latest in a long line of impressive
wins on the road this season (seven so far), it was also a record-breaking
victory. The three points took West Ham to 59 for the season, two more than
the club's previous record over the course of a 38-game league campaign (57,
recorded by Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad). It also extended the club's
unbeaten Premier League run to ten games - another record sequence since
those particular records began in 1992.
And with a goal difference of +17 going into the final three matches of
2015/16 the campaign, West Ham are also on course to record their first
positive GD in the Premier League era. In fact, you have to go all the way
back to the 'Boys of '86' to find the last West Ham team to end a season in
the top flight having scored more goals than they've conceded! All of which
bodes well for the forthcoming 2016/17 season, which West Ham will begin at
the Olympic Stadium later this year. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady revealed
this week that the club have already sold in excess of 50,000 season tickets
for United's first season in Stratford, with thousands more signed up to a
waiting list.
That's an incredible achievement, given that it was initially feared West
Ham - whose existing stadium can hold just 35,000 - would be unable to fill
the 60,000-capacity venue on a regular basis. And there are even suggestions
that the current capacity - which has already been extended from an initial
54,000 - could be increased further to accommodate thousands more
spectators.
It's an exciting time for the club and it's fans, who can now begin to dream
of challenging the Premier League's elite for the first time in a generation
- or two!
* An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
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Parfitt-Williams considering Bermuda national option
May 3, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Djair Parfitt-Williams, the West Ham forward, has not ruled out playing for
Bermuda. The 19-year-old was born in Bermuda but moved to California at the
age of 8 and had initially pledged his international allegiance to the
United States rather than play for the island. However, Parfitt-Williams no
longer views the US as an option and said he would be open to playing for
Bermuda or England in the future. "Since I have not lived there [the US] for
about five years it's a little more difficult for me to play for them, so
the only real two options I would play for now is Bermuda or England,"
Parfitt-Williams told The Royal Gazette. "But, if I'm being honest, I
haven't really thought about internationally properly because I have been so
focused on West Ham purely."
The forward has featured twice for West Ham's first team against Lusitanos
of Andorra in the Europa League qualifiers in July last year, and has been
an unused substitute away in four Barclays Premier League matches this
season. He made an immediate impact on his return to injury in last week's
Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup final first-leg win at home to Hull
City, coming on as a substitute for West Ham's development team and scoring
the only goal of the game. "It felt amazing," said Parfitt-Williams, who is
his team's scorer in the competition with four goals. "I guess I'm in the
right place at the right time!"
Martin Samuelsen, Parfitt-Williams's team-mate, said: "Djair is just back
from injury. He's three or four weeks ahead of schedule so it was great for
him to be out there. "He's an amazing football player. He's got great
skills, can score goals and he'll definitely be one for the future."
Parfitt-Williams said West Ham's win over Hull has boosted his team's
confidence ahead of tomorrow's second-leg tie. "1-0 definitely gives us a
good mood in training and we should be confident going into the second leg,"
he said. We're confident to go anywhere and beat anybody, as we have such a
good team."
Considered one of West Ham's most exciting talents, Parfitt-Williams signed
a two-year deal at the club after finishing as the top scorer for their
under-18 side with nine goals last season.
He was playing for the San Jose Earthquakes academy when he was recommended
to West Ham by Bermuda legend Clyde Best, who played for the East London
club between 1968 and 1976. Best, who had been contacted by the player's
grandfather Lynn Wade, said he immediately spotted something special in
Parfitt-Williams, who was then aged 14, during a Somerset Trojans training
session.
Parfitt-Williams had been invited to train with the US Under-17 squad but
decided to attend the trials at West Ham instead. Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda
Football Association technical development director, told The Royal Gazette
in January that Parfitt-Williams would be "welcomed with open arms". "We
wish Djair all the best and he has to make the best decision for his
career," Lowe said. "But should he choose us then we would be tickled and
enjoy that very much. "We would love for him to opt to play for Bermuda, but
he has to make the best and most-informed decision for his future."
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Hammers set to miss out on Nolito?
May 3, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Arsenal and West Ham look set to miss out on Celta Viga striker Nolito, who
is on the verge of joining AC Milan. The Italian club have stepped up their
chase for the in-demand Spaniard by agreeing personal terms with his
representatives over the past week. Arsenal made attempts to sign the
29-year-old in January and last summer but never did enough to persuade
Celta Vigo to sell. West Ham were also possible suitors for Nolito but,
according to El Mundo Deportivo, Milan are now at an advanced stage of an
agreement with Celta Vigo, who are ready to accept around £12m for the
forward. Celta had offered Nolito a new contract earlier this season but the
player was clearly aware of the interest from abroad in him and opted
against committing his future to the La Liga side.
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Lee recalled for U21 Premier League Cup Final 2nd leg
May 2, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
West Ham United have recalled forward Elliot Lee from his loan spell at
Colchester United to play in the second leg of their Under-21 Premier League
Cup final. West Ham face Hull in the second leg of the final on Wednesday at
the KC Stadium with the Hammers leading 1-0 from the first leg. West Ham
United academy director Terry Westley is keen to have his strongest squad
available for the trip to Hull and has recalled Lee to add his options in
attack. Lee has been on loan at Colchester since January and he has caught
the eye at the League One club despite their relegation. The 21-year-old has
played in a wider role at Colchester and he excelled in his new position
winning a host of man-of-the-match awards in his 14 appearances at the
Weston Homes Community Stadium. Lee's performances have not gone unnoticed
among rival clubs with several sides, including MK Dons, Wigan Athletic and
Peterborough all keeping tabs on the skilful attacker. Lee is out of
contract at West Ham at the end of the season and although the Hammers do
hold an option to extend his contract the forward's suitors are ready to
move for the player this summer.
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The West Ham Player Awards Payet show
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's that time of the year again when the players together supporters
prepared to pay up to £330 per seat attend the gala Players awards ceremony
at the London Hilton on Park Lane, London.
The posh event this evening is likely to become the Dimiti Payet show as he
could pick up to six awards tonight. He already has two awards in the bag
already with the top goal scorer with twelve and massive odds on favourite
for Hammer of the year. The big question is how many more will he stand up
on the stage tonight.
The award categories are below with contenders and possible winners:
West Ham Goal of the Season Award: I think Dimi Payet's will win this award
for one of his four goals in the nine strong short list. My personal
favourite is the Payet free kick versus Crystal Palace. The nine contenders
are: Payet v Newcastle, Valencia v Bournemouth, Noble v Norwich, Payet v
Blackburn, Payet v Manchester United, Lanzini v Chelsea, Carroll V Chelsea,
Cresswell v Leicester City, Payet v Palace
The Dylan Tombides award: This award recognises the Academy Player of the
Year and was won by Reece Oxford last year. Reece Burke and Josh Cullen
will have a good shout out for this award but they have been on loan to
Bradford who that might preclude them. Difficult one to call as it will be
who Terry Westley and his team decide has improved the best in the Academy
this season.
The Young Hammer of the year award: Reece Burke won this last year and I
think he has a good chance again this year after scooping so many awards at
the recent Bradford player awards. I also think Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford
are in with a shout. Again Terry Westley and his team will make the decision
on who is most worthy of this award.
Signing of the season award: Dimitri Payet must the bookies favourite for
this award with Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini as the outside bets.
West Ham top scorer award: The winner with 12 goals will be Dimiti Payet.
Payet has scored nine league goals with a further three in the FA Cup.
Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll have both scored nine each this season
while Mark Noble has bagged seven this season.
Best Individual Performance of the season award: Lanzini, Payet, Noble and
Antonio all deserve this award for individual performances. I think Payet
will edge the fan vote with Antonio as the outside bet to get this award.
Contenders: Reid v Man City, Lanzini v Everton, Payet v Blackburn, Noble v
Blackburn, Antonio v Spurs.
Best Team Performance of the Season Award: Personally I think the West Ham's
win over Liverpool at Anfield has a good chance of winning this after 53
years of waiting but I am sure the Spurs game, the Chelsea game and the
Everton come back will pull some fan votes too! Contenders are: Arsenal v
West Ham, Liverpool v West Ham, Man City v West Ham, West Ham v Liverpool
(FA Cup), West Ham v Spurs, Everton v West Ham.
Players' player of the season award: Mark Noble could be in for a shout
here from his team mates who love him but Dimiti Payet or Michail Antonio
could be up for an award here.
Save of the Season award: The usual joke that Adrian will win it, is not
true this year as Adrian makes up just four of the six short listed goals.
Darren Randolph could be in with a shout this season. Personally I think
Randy deserves the award for his performance against Liverpool in the FA
Cup. Contenders are: Adrian v Norwich 61min, Adrian v Manc City 85 mins,
Adrian v Bournemouth 91 mins, Adrian v Man United 59 mins, Randolph v
Liverpool 74 mins, Randolph v Liverpool 98 mins.
Hammers Lifetime Achievement Award: Last year's winner was Martin Peters
with Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds picking up previous years since
it's inception. Assuming the award carries on tonight then my money would be
on a surprise visit by Sir Geoff Hurst with the 50 year anniversary of the
1966 World Cup win.
The Hammer of the year award 2016 : This is almost a dead certainly, It will
easily go to Dimitri Payet. In our own Claret and Hugh poll of over 1,500
Hammers fans Payet picked nearly 46% of the vote with Michail Antonio
picking up the runners up place.
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Noble's secret to success
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham will have played 51 games by the time this season ends but Mark
Noble insists hard work can get them to their European goal. The skipper has
led from the front this season and said: "We have got some really big clubs
around us who are playing well, so we need to keep on winning games. "We
just have to try and enjoy it and get as many points as we can." So after a
ten month season under a new manager with new players what comes next for
the brilliant Hammers of 2015/16. Noble said: "It is just hard work. We set
standards every day and we are all working for each other. You don't need to
work on your fitness at this stage. We train hard when we train, but fitness
doesn't come into it. We are all fit so it is more about tactics and
enjoying training."
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Exclusive: Thrilled DS: "We can dare to dream"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Sullivan is absolutely thrilled at Leicester City's Title success
claiming it has given us all the chance to "dare to dream." Tottenham's
failure to win at Stamford Bridge last night (Mon) saw the Foxes lift the
unlikeliest trophy ever at starting odds of 5,000-1 and the Irons chairman
described it as "absolutely fabulous." Nobody is likely to disagree unless
they follow the team from north London. David – speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – was simply overjoyed at a success which has totally
rearranged the furniture at the top of the Premier League. He said: "It's
absolutely fabulous for British football, it shows every supporter at every
club can dare to dream. "I said at the start of the season that it was
possible we could get into the Champions League. I said it was unlikely, but
possible. "Everybody thought I was mad, but with three games to go the
position is the same -it's unlikely but possible !
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Manchester teams have minds elsewhere
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
What a weekend of results for West Ham! Our 3-0 away win over West Bromwich
Albion was the perfect start to take us to our largest ever Premier League
points tally of 59 points. Liverpool's loss to Swansea putting them four
points behind us on 55 points in eighth place was also welcome news and
effectively wrote off their ambition of a top five finish.
Manchester United could only manage a draw against Premier League champions
Leicester keeping the gap down to just one point with West Ham having a
superior goal difference and Manchester City lost to Southampton 4-2 to be
just 5 points above us in fourth place.
West Ham's win on Saturday and Chelsea's draw with Spurs yesterday means the
Hammers are guaranteed to finish above Chelsea for the first time since
1995!
Fifth place is still very much within our grasp while a fourth place and
Champions League football remains a remote possibility. The major thing we
have in our favour is both Manchester clubs have their minds elsewhere and
their eyes on other prizes.
Manchester City face Real Madrid tomorrow in the second leg of the Champions
League semi final with the first leg drawn 0-0. Should they win tomorrow
evening, their minds will be firmly on the Champions League final on 28th
May in Milan and not on their penultimate game against Arsenal this weekend
or their last game against Swansea away. Two defeats, two draws or a loss
and a draw would see them finish on between 64, 65 or 66 points with West
Ham needing at least two wins from their remaining three games to have a
small chance. Three wins over Swansea, Manchester United and Stoke would put
us on 68 points with a real chance of fourth place should Manchester City
slip up.
Manchester United also have their eyes on the FA Cup final with Crystal
Palace at Wembley on 21st May. They face Norwich away this weekend as the
Canaries fight for Premier League survival. It won't be an easy game for
them and will be a tough battle. They will then face West Ham next Tuesday
evening for the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground.
Emotions will be high and we still remain unbeaten in the League at home
since August last year. Finally the Red Devils play Bournemouth at Old
Trafford in their last game of the season which just just six days before
the FA Cup final. I can see them resting a few players in the run up to the
Wembley showpiece. If we win all our three remaining games we are guaranteed
to finish above Manchester United, it is as simple as that!
Our season isn't over yet and we must make those last three games count. At
£1.3m per Premier League place together with the riches that wait us in the
Europa or Champions Leagues we can make this truly a season to remember.
Come on you Irons!
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£1.5m bonus awaits outcome of Championship
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham board will be taking a keen interest in the Championship game
between 2nd placed Middlesbrough and 3rd placed Brighton this Saturday
lunchtime. One Claret and Blue team (Burnley) have already secured promotion
to the Premier League with another Claret and Blue team (Aston Villa)
swapping places with them after their relegation from the top flight.
However the second automatic promotion place worth over £200m is still up
for grabs with both Boro and Brighton on 88 points. West Ham are believed
to have written a £1.5m promotion bonus clause into the contract for their
sale of Stewart Downing, which would come our way should he help them
achieve promotion. Middlesbrough need a draw or a win on Saturday as they
have superior goal difference. Downing joined West Ham in 2013 and made 69
Premier League appearances for the Hammers. The Hammers sold Downing for a
fee believed to be £5.5m plus the £1.5m promotion clause which would take
the total to £7m, he signed a four year deal with Boro dropping his wages to
£35,000 per week which he will double to £70,000 per week on promotion back
into the Premier League.
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Explained: why five English clubs could play in next season's Champions
League
• Manchester City and Liverpool's progress key to allocation of spots
• Fourth place may not be enough for Champions League qualification
The Guardian
Tuesday 3 May 2016 11.54 BST Last modified on Tuesday 3 May 2016 11.56 BST
Manchester City and Liverpool's presence in the semi-finals of the Champions
League and Europa League respectively means there is a possibility that five
English clubs could represent England in European football's elite
competition next season. Leicester's sensational first league title means
that Claudio Ranieri's side will be in the Champions League for the first
time, with Tottenham likely to join them. Mauricio Pochettino's side now
need just one point from their last two matches to ensure a top three finish
which would guarantee them automatic entry to the group stages, with Arsenal
and Manchester City still mathematically able to overhaul them.
Arsenal, City, Manchester United and West Ham are all in contention to
finish third, with the fourth-placed club usually entering the Champions
League at the final qualifying stage. The Premier League also has three
reserved places in the Europa League, with the FA Cup winners and
fifth-placed team going straight through to the group stages and the Capital
One Cup winners awarded a place in the third qualifying round.
At present, City's victory in that competition and the likelihood that they
will finish in the top five means that place will go to the sixth-placed
team, although a victory for United against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup
final would mean seventh place could also be good enough for European
qualification.
However, should City get past Real Madrid in the second leg of their
semi-final on Wednesday night and go on to win the Champions League, then
the picture becomes more complicated. That would guarantee them a place in
next year's competition regardless of their league finishing position, while
a similar rule would apply to Liverpool should they go all the way in the
Europa League.
If both sides were to win and City finish outside the top four in the
league, that would mean the fourth-placed team drops down to the Europa
League instead in a similar scenario to what happened to Spurs in 2012 when
Chelsea won the Champions League. However, if Liverpool win the competition
but do not finish in a qualification position in the league then just two
English teams will be represented in the Europa League, with five in the
Champions League.
Palace, whose European experience amounts to a solitary tie in the Intertoto
Cup back in 1998, need to beat United in the FA Cup final to guarantee entry
to the Europa League after the previous rule which admitted runners-up was
scrapped.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce they will host a special
celebratory event to mark their final game at the Boleyn Ground after next
Tuesday's match against Manchester United.
The fixture will be the Hammers' final game at their home of 112 years and
the Club have been working hard to make sure it will be an evening that will
live long in the memory of fans the world over. The game and subsequent
closing ceremony are set to be broadcast to a huge global audience as the
interest in the Hammers' high-profile move to the former Olympic Stadium
continues to capture the imagination of the sporting world.
Although the exact details of the celebrations are being kept secret until
the night, the Club can confirm that, where contact details are available,
every player to have made a first-team appearance for the Club has been
invited to attend the game as a guest. Hammers of the Year will also be
guests of honour as they and the 35,000 crowd bid farewell to the Boleyn
Ground one last time.
As well as featuring legendary former players alongside the current squad
and fans, the celebrations will also include spectacular lighting, music and
big screen video to match the scale and emotion of the evening.
To ensure the event, which has a sizeable budget behind it, runs to plan,
the Club are today reminding fans of the importance of staying in their
seats come the final whistle.
Due to event planning and licencing laws for evening fixtures, the show can
only take place if the pitch is clear straight after the final whistle, so
if any supporters enter the field of play after the match, it will mean
cancelling all or part of the celebrations.
Commenting on the final game plans, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David
Gold said: "This time next week, we will all be going through our usual
pre-match routines as we prepare to visit the Boleyn Ground to support our
team, West Ham United, there one last time.
"It will certainly be an incredibly emotional day from start to finish but I
think if we were to have wished for a fitting fixture to bid goodbye to 112
years of history at the Boleyn, Manchester United under the lights would
have been near the top of our list. "We want it to be an evening that is
ultimately about you, our loyal supporters, as it is you who have made the
Boleyn Ground famous the world over. "But to make it special we need your
support. Any incursions on to the pitch will certainly mean cancelling the
current squad's richly-deserved lap of appreciation and denying some of our
greatest ever players the chance to take the field for the final time. "That
would be a tragedy; for them and the Boleyn Ground. "If we can present the
post-match ceremonies as planned, we are sure you will walk away from Upton
Park on Tuesday prouder than ever of the Club you support. "We hope those
of you attending have a truly special evening - together we will create
memories that will live with us forever."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Saturday's victory over West Bromwich
Albion…
Slaven Bilic's side went into Saturday afternoon's clash at the Hawthorns
knowing that anything less than three points could jeopardise their push for
Champions League football.
The Baggies on the other hand, were fired up to stop another loss and
perhaps add to their disappointing goal tally, the second lowest in the
division. It was the home side who almost opened the scoring through Craig
Gardner, and if the midfielder had his shooting boots on he would have had a
hat trick to his name in the opening half an hour. Jonathan Leko, the first
player born in 1999 to play in the Premier League, was fantastic on his top
flight debut, turning Aaron Cresswell inside out. His cross to Gardner was
perfect but the shot was blocked and then the rebound was saved. He then
headed narrowly wide from an open header, frustrating his home fans. Quite
honestly, the Hammers struggled to settle and make anything of their
dominant possession, but Diafra Sakho came close from our first real chance.
Cresswell got forward and shipped a low cross in but it missed Sakho by a
few inches. As Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini got more involved in the
game, we became stronger in attack, and the goal came from the Frenchman, as
many do. Winston Reid, back to his best in defence, won a sliding tackle
that flew up field and landed at Payet's feet, with the number 27 playing
the perfect cross for Cheikhou Kouyate to nod into the far post. You could
feel the sense of relief and growing confidence as the Senegalese midfielder
wheeled off celebrating, and our second came just ten minutes later. An
incisive breakaway following some beautiful, delicate passing football in
our own half, allowed Kouyate to burst forward from the half way line before
cutting it back to Mark Noble, who stretched to poke home. The game summed
up Noble's season, as he constantly chased the ball and called for the pass,
before coolly finding a man in space and playing the perfect ball. It was a
real captain's performance and he added his second of the game, fourth in
two games, just ten minutes from time. The ball was perfectly crossed in
from the left hand side and the skipper composed himself before volleying
into the roof of the net with aplomb. It is quite frankly ridiculous that
Mark Noble still isn't a frontrunner for Roy Hodgson's EURO squad, but at
least he'll stay fit over the summer to lead us out into the Olympic
Stadium.
The next three games are the most important games in the history of our
football club. Three wins and a slip up from Manchester City would mean
Champions League football. It's important not to get carried away, after all
Slaven Bilic's initial objective was to avoid relegation, but European
football in some shape or form seems very likely right about now. It has
been a great season, arguably the best in the club's history, and the
clinical 3-0 victory over West Brom was the cherry on top.
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Hurst to be honoured at Player Awards
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst will be honoured at the West Ham United Player Awards on
Tuesday when he becomes this year's recipient of the Club's Lifetime
Achievement Award sponsored by JM Sealants.
Here, the Hammers legends discusses his career in his own words...
I wasn't a big schoolboy player, or one who everyone was chasing. Unbeknown
to me, a friend of my father wrote to West Ham and Arsenal. West Ham gave me
the opportunity for a trial and I was still a green youngster.
It was in fact first job interview from leaving school. They saw something
in me, took me on and of course I went through the ranks and played for the
first team. I am still a fan of the Club and they gave me my break and a
huge opportunity.
I was struggling between playing cricket and football and was struggling for
fitness when one Monday morning at Chadwell Heath, Ron Greenwood came across
and said 'We're going to try you up front tonight'. We were playing
Liverpool and we won 1-0, Tony Scott scored the goal and I was so unfit that
when I came off it was like my shorts had been dipped in water!
As it turned out, I played 27 goals and scored 14 goals and if anybody did
that today, it would be some sort of sensation. I stayed up front and it was
quite remarkable, as in 1962/63 we went to New York for a tournament and I
was top goalscorer, then in '64 we won the FA Cup,'65 the Cup Winners' Cup
and '66 the World Cup.
TRANSFORMATION
So, when I look back, it was quite an astonishing transformation from
cricket to being successful at football.
Ron Greenwood was a fantastic coach. He was very forward-thinking. He wasn't
very insular because he looked at coaches and players worldwide.
We had senior players who were keen on coaching like Malcolm Allison and
John Bond, who became successful managers. It was a hugely interesting time
and it had a huge impact on young players like myself.
From being in the Second Division in the late '50s, within a few years we'd
won the FA Cup and a European tournament, which very few clubs had done at
that stage. It was a fantastic achievement and great years for the Club.
It was no coincidence, because of the quality of those players and Ron, that
West Ham produced three players for the England squad – the captain and two
goalscorers – and I'd argue that Mooro was the best centre-half we've had of
that type. He was a fantastic player, a terrific leader and a person to look
up to.
The '64 Cup final at Wembley was a tight game. Preston were in the Second
Division, so we were favourites, but we found ourselves 2-1 down. We got a
corner, someone flicked it and I dived and headed it and it just went over
the line – there was something about me and that sort of thing!
Ronnie Boyce got the winner. He didn't score that many goals and I always
say he came out of a trapdoor in the penalty area.
In 1965, we had the Cup Winners' Cup final with 1860 Munich and Ron and many
others say that was West Ham at their best, as we produced some of the
football we had been coached to do. It all happened on the night against a
very good German team.
We also beat Sunderland 8-0 in 1968 and I managed to score six goals, which
hasn't been done since. I handled the first one in, but I owned up straight
after the game. Mooro and Trevor Brooking scored the other two goals.
ENGLAND
On England, I was very surprised when I was first picked because I wasn't a
big player at West Ham like Mooro and Johnny Byrne. However, when a team is
doing well, it's natural that their players are looked at and Alf Ramsey
liked to play twin strikers.
Looking back, I suppose I was always a candidate but it was a surprise. Ron
Greenwood got me over while we were playing five-a-side at a roller skating
rink in Forest Gate and he told me I'd been called up, and I was amazed.
On my debut against West Germany in a friendly in February 1966, it wasn't
sensational but I seemed to do enough to warrant being picked. We won 1-0
and Nobby Stiles got the goal.
When the World Cup started, it looked like it would be Jimmy Greaves and I
up front, as I was a little taller than Roger Hunt. I was given No10, Jimmy
wore No8 and Roger was given No22. I played not very well in two warm-up
games, and Roger scored the winner against Portugal, so Alf started out with
Jimmy and Roger.
I didn't feel overly disappointed as I was just thrilled and happy to be
there as part of the World Cup squad.
As a group, we felt we were hard to beat. In the year before the World Cup,
we were unbeaten, so the players felt Alf was serious about winning the
tournament.
Jimmy suffered a shin injury against France and I came in for the
quarter-final against Argentina. It was a shock, but my attitude was that if
I got an opportunity, I had to take it.
I got the goal and what was really fulfilling was that it was a West Ham
goal and one we'd worked on at Chadwell Heath under the gaze of Ron
Greenwood. We had worked on the near-post ball for hours and hours and it
was a classic West Ham goal, and one we had practised many times. To achieve
it against a world-class team was brilliant.
We beat Portugal in the semi-final, where I played well and set up the
winner for Bobby Charlton, and then we faced West Germany in the final at
Wembley on 30 July 1966.
NO PRESSURE
I NEVER recall being under any great pressure at the time. I was just happy
to be there and I never felt any pressure and that may be why I performed
well.
I remember one very key thing. We knew the Germans would play with only one
central defensive marker and he marked Roger, and the guy who marked me had
played at full-back, so when he came over to me I fancied myself quite
strongly because he wasn't used to marking in central areas.
We got our first goal and I regard it as the best of my hat-trick, because
not only was it the equaliser after we'd gone behind, but it was another
West Ham goal. We had a philosophy that we'd always take set pieces quickly
and we'd practised it. If something was on, use your brain and take it.
We always left space in the middle of the box for the ball to arrive into
and you arrive at the same time as the ball. My marker was ten yards away
when I headed it!
My second goal is always talked about. It hit the crossbar and from where I
was falling the ball came down behind the goalkeeper, so I didn't see where
it had finished! I wanted to believe more than anything in my life that it
was over the line – but of course nothing has been proved conclusively!
Finally, we come to the final goal. Mooro hit a great ball from defence to
attack. As the ball went in, the referee blew for time, so I didn't know if
the goal had counted! At some stage after the game, I went back outside from
the dressing room to look at the scoreboard and it had, as it said 'England
4 West Germany 2'.
We had great team spirit, friendship and camaraderie and it's that winning
as a group that's important. Who gets the goals is not important.
Personally, for me, being part of that particular winning team far overrides
scoring a hat-trick, even if it hasn't been done since.
I think we were the better team on the day. We thought we'd beat them before
and during the game and we did!
Remember you can follow all the action from the Player Awards right here on
whufc.com - stay tuned to hear news on the winners first!
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke and Josh Cullen helped Bradford City secure their place in the
League One play-offs on Saturday as they beat Southend United 1-0 away from
home. The Hammers loan pair played 90 minutes each as the Bantams held out
to record the single-goal victory after Lee Evans struck in the twelfth
minute. It completed a superb week for defender Burke, who was awarded with
seven accolades at the club's presentation evening on Tuesday, including the
Player of the Year prize. Likely play-off opponents for Phil Parkinson's men
in the semi-final could be Millwall, who have also cemented their spot in
the top six, while Walsall and Barnsley are on course to be the other two
sides. Elsewhere in League One, striker Elliot Lee started for
already-relegated Colchester United who drew 2-2 with Yorkshire side
Barnsley. The Tykes went 2-1 up having fallen behind to a strike by George
Moncur – son of West Ham legend John – but conceded a 98th minute sickener
at the death from Tom Lapslie after Lee had been replaced in the 77th
minute. On Monday night, full-back Kyle Knoyle was in action for Scottish
Premier League side Dundee United who suffered relegation at the hands of
their city rivals Dundee. United conceded a 93rd minute strike to lose in a
fiery affair at Dens Park having taken the lead early in the second period.
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Payet receives PFA Award
WHUFC.com
Former Hammer Paul Allen was back at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday as he took
great pride in presenting Dimitri Payet with his PFA award after he was
voted by his fellow professionals into the Premier League Team of the Year.
Payet has enjoyed a memorable first season in the top flight scoring 12
goals and producing ten assists which also saw him nominated for the PFA
Player of the Year.
The French forward has become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground and
hopes to cap a memorable first season in England by helping West Ham secure
a European spot come the end of the season.
Allen, who made 197 appearances for the east London Club and was voted
Hammer of the Year back in 1985, now works as a PFA Executive and has
nothing but praise for the way Payet has settled into his new surroundings
and become one of the star players in England.
Allen said: "It is a fantastic achievement and is a unique award as he is
voted by his fellow professionals in the Premier League.
"He has had a fantastic season and has that technical ability that West Ham
fans love and enjoy and he has adapted to Premier League football so well."
Payet was voted into the team alongside the likes of Dele Alli, Riyad
Mahrez, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
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Come on the pitch, we'll cancel the party
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have issued a reminder to supporters planning to attend next
week's farewell celebrations to remain in their seats both during and after
the match.
In a message issued to season ticket holders and club members via email this
afternoon, the club warned supporters that should fans encroach onto the
playing surface, they intend to cancel either some of all of the post-match
plans.
"To ensure the event, which has a sizeable budget behind it, runs to plan,
the club are today reminding fans of the importance of staying in their
seats come the final whistle," read the email.
"Due to event planning and licencing laws for evening fixtures, the show can
only take place if the pitch is clear straight after the final whistle, so
if any supporters enter the field of play after the match, it will mean
cancelling all or part of the celebrations."
Co-owner David Sullivan also warned fans not to invade the pitch.
"We want it to be an evening that is ultimately about you, our loyal
supporters, as it is you who have made the Boleyn Ground famous the world
over," he said. "But to make it special we need your support.
"Any incursions on to the pitch will certainly mean cancelling the current
squad's richly-deserved lap of appreciation and denying some of our greatest
ever players the chance to take the field for the final time. That would be
a tragedy; for them and the Boleyn Ground.
"If we can present the post-match ceremonies as planned, we are sure you
will walk away from Upton Park on Tuesday prouder than ever of the club you
support. We hope those of you attending have a truly special evening -
together we will create memories that will live with us forever."
The plans, which include the appearance of a giant hologram featuring former
West Ham United and England captain Bobby Moore, are yet to be officially
unveiled. However the club maintain that it will be a show no fan would want
to miss.
"The game and subsequent closing ceremony are set to be broadcast to a huge
global audience as the interest in the Hammers' high-profile move to the
former Olympic Stadium continues to capture the imagination of the sporting
world," insisted the club's email.
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Monday musings: too good for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd May 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Mark Noble might not be good enough to represent England at this summer's
European Championships, but he proved to be the difference as West Ham
United ran riot at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. Noble's chances of
representing his country in France this summer all but disappeared the
moment England's myopic manager, Roy Hodgson, scoffed at the prospect of
including the in-form 28-year-old in his squad.
However that particular disappointment hasn't prevented the midfielder from
hitting the form of his life; Noble added to his pair of penalties against
Watford at the Boleyn last weekend with a second brace in seven days against
West Bromwich Albion, taking his personal tally for the season to seven
goals. Cheikhou Kouyate grabbed West Ham's other goal as they ran out 3-0
winners against Tony Pulis' side, thereby maintaining United's slim hopes of
qualifying for the Champions League - although a far more realistic target
is fifth spot, which will require Slaven Bilic's squad finishing above
Manchester United.
Whilst Saturday's success was just the latest in a long line of impressive
wins on the road this season (seven so far), it was also a record-breaking
victory. The three points took West Ham to 59 for the season, two more than
the club's previous record over the course of a 38-game league campaign (57,
recorded by Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad). It also extended the club's
unbeaten Premier League run to ten games - another record sequence since
those particular records began in 1992.
And with a goal difference of +17 going into the final three matches of
2015/16 the campaign, West Ham are also on course to record their first
positive GD in the Premier League era. In fact, you have to go all the way
back to the 'Boys of '86' to find the last West Ham team to end a season in
the top flight having scored more goals than they've conceded! All of which
bodes well for the forthcoming 2016/17 season, which West Ham will begin at
the Olympic Stadium later this year. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady revealed
this week that the club have already sold in excess of 50,000 season tickets
for United's first season in Stratford, with thousands more signed up to a
waiting list.
That's an incredible achievement, given that it was initially feared West
Ham - whose existing stadium can hold just 35,000 - would be unable to fill
the 60,000-capacity venue on a regular basis. And there are even suggestions
that the current capacity - which has already been extended from an initial
54,000 - could be increased further to accommodate thousands more
spectators.
It's an exciting time for the club and it's fans, who can now begin to dream
of challenging the Premier League's elite for the first time in a generation
- or two!
* An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
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Parfitt-Williams considering Bermuda national option
May 3, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Djair Parfitt-Williams, the West Ham forward, has not ruled out playing for
Bermuda. The 19-year-old was born in Bermuda but moved to California at the
age of 8 and had initially pledged his international allegiance to the
United States rather than play for the island. However, Parfitt-Williams no
longer views the US as an option and said he would be open to playing for
Bermuda or England in the future. "Since I have not lived there [the US] for
about five years it's a little more difficult for me to play for them, so
the only real two options I would play for now is Bermuda or England,"
Parfitt-Williams told The Royal Gazette. "But, if I'm being honest, I
haven't really thought about internationally properly because I have been so
focused on West Ham purely."
The forward has featured twice for West Ham's first team against Lusitanos
of Andorra in the Europa League qualifiers in July last year, and has been
an unused substitute away in four Barclays Premier League matches this
season. He made an immediate impact on his return to injury in last week's
Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup final first-leg win at home to Hull
City, coming on as a substitute for West Ham's development team and scoring
the only goal of the game. "It felt amazing," said Parfitt-Williams, who is
his team's scorer in the competition with four goals. "I guess I'm in the
right place at the right time!"
Martin Samuelsen, Parfitt-Williams's team-mate, said: "Djair is just back
from injury. He's three or four weeks ahead of schedule so it was great for
him to be out there. "He's an amazing football player. He's got great
skills, can score goals and he'll definitely be one for the future."
Parfitt-Williams said West Ham's win over Hull has boosted his team's
confidence ahead of tomorrow's second-leg tie. "1-0 definitely gives us a
good mood in training and we should be confident going into the second leg,"
he said. We're confident to go anywhere and beat anybody, as we have such a
good team."
Considered one of West Ham's most exciting talents, Parfitt-Williams signed
a two-year deal at the club after finishing as the top scorer for their
under-18 side with nine goals last season.
He was playing for the San Jose Earthquakes academy when he was recommended
to West Ham by Bermuda legend Clyde Best, who played for the East London
club between 1968 and 1976. Best, who had been contacted by the player's
grandfather Lynn Wade, said he immediately spotted something special in
Parfitt-Williams, who was then aged 14, during a Somerset Trojans training
session.
Parfitt-Williams had been invited to train with the US Under-17 squad but
decided to attend the trials at West Ham instead. Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda
Football Association technical development director, told The Royal Gazette
in January that Parfitt-Williams would be "welcomed with open arms". "We
wish Djair all the best and he has to make the best decision for his
career," Lowe said. "But should he choose us then we would be tickled and
enjoy that very much. "We would love for him to opt to play for Bermuda, but
he has to make the best and most-informed decision for his future."
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Hammers set to miss out on Nolito?
May 3, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Arsenal and West Ham look set to miss out on Celta Viga striker Nolito, who
is on the verge of joining AC Milan. The Italian club have stepped up their
chase for the in-demand Spaniard by agreeing personal terms with his
representatives over the past week. Arsenal made attempts to sign the
29-year-old in January and last summer but never did enough to persuade
Celta Vigo to sell. West Ham were also possible suitors for Nolito but,
according to El Mundo Deportivo, Milan are now at an advanced stage of an
agreement with Celta Vigo, who are ready to accept around £12m for the
forward. Celta had offered Nolito a new contract earlier this season but the
player was clearly aware of the interest from abroad in him and opted
against committing his future to the La Liga side.
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Lee recalled for U21 Premier League Cup Final 2nd leg
May 2, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
West Ham United have recalled forward Elliot Lee from his loan spell at
Colchester United to play in the second leg of their Under-21 Premier League
Cup final. West Ham face Hull in the second leg of the final on Wednesday at
the KC Stadium with the Hammers leading 1-0 from the first leg. West Ham
United academy director Terry Westley is keen to have his strongest squad
available for the trip to Hull and has recalled Lee to add his options in
attack. Lee has been on loan at Colchester since January and he has caught
the eye at the League One club despite their relegation. The 21-year-old has
played in a wider role at Colchester and he excelled in his new position
winning a host of man-of-the-match awards in his 14 appearances at the
Weston Homes Community Stadium. Lee's performances have not gone unnoticed
among rival clubs with several sides, including MK Dons, Wigan Athletic and
Peterborough all keeping tabs on the skilful attacker. Lee is out of
contract at West Ham at the end of the season and although the Hammers do
hold an option to extend his contract the forward's suitors are ready to
move for the player this summer.
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The West Ham Player Awards Payet show
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's that time of the year again when the players together supporters
prepared to pay up to £330 per seat attend the gala Players awards ceremony
at the London Hilton on Park Lane, London.
The posh event this evening is likely to become the Dimiti Payet show as he
could pick up to six awards tonight. He already has two awards in the bag
already with the top goal scorer with twelve and massive odds on favourite
for Hammer of the year. The big question is how many more will he stand up
on the stage tonight.
The award categories are below with contenders and possible winners:
West Ham Goal of the Season Award: I think Dimi Payet's will win this award
for one of his four goals in the nine strong short list. My personal
favourite is the Payet free kick versus Crystal Palace. The nine contenders
are: Payet v Newcastle, Valencia v Bournemouth, Noble v Norwich, Payet v
Blackburn, Payet v Manchester United, Lanzini v Chelsea, Carroll V Chelsea,
Cresswell v Leicester City, Payet v Palace
The Dylan Tombides award: This award recognises the Academy Player of the
Year and was won by Reece Oxford last year. Reece Burke and Josh Cullen
will have a good shout out for this award but they have been on loan to
Bradford who that might preclude them. Difficult one to call as it will be
who Terry Westley and his team decide has improved the best in the Academy
this season.
The Young Hammer of the year award: Reece Burke won this last year and I
think he has a good chance again this year after scooping so many awards at
the recent Bradford player awards. I also think Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford
are in with a shout. Again Terry Westley and his team will make the decision
on who is most worthy of this award.
Signing of the season award: Dimitri Payet must the bookies favourite for
this award with Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini as the outside bets.
West Ham top scorer award: The winner with 12 goals will be Dimiti Payet.
Payet has scored nine league goals with a further three in the FA Cup.
Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll have both scored nine each this season
while Mark Noble has bagged seven this season.
Best Individual Performance of the season award: Lanzini, Payet, Noble and
Antonio all deserve this award for individual performances. I think Payet
will edge the fan vote with Antonio as the outside bet to get this award.
Contenders: Reid v Man City, Lanzini v Everton, Payet v Blackburn, Noble v
Blackburn, Antonio v Spurs.
Best Team Performance of the Season Award: Personally I think the West Ham's
win over Liverpool at Anfield has a good chance of winning this after 53
years of waiting but I am sure the Spurs game, the Chelsea game and the
Everton come back will pull some fan votes too! Contenders are: Arsenal v
West Ham, Liverpool v West Ham, Man City v West Ham, West Ham v Liverpool
(FA Cup), West Ham v Spurs, Everton v West Ham.
Players' player of the season award: Mark Noble could be in for a shout
here from his team mates who love him but Dimiti Payet or Michail Antonio
could be up for an award here.
Save of the Season award: The usual joke that Adrian will win it, is not
true this year as Adrian makes up just four of the six short listed goals.
Darren Randolph could be in with a shout this season. Personally I think
Randy deserves the award for his performance against Liverpool in the FA
Cup. Contenders are: Adrian v Norwich 61min, Adrian v Manc City 85 mins,
Adrian v Bournemouth 91 mins, Adrian v Man United 59 mins, Randolph v
Liverpool 74 mins, Randolph v Liverpool 98 mins.
Hammers Lifetime Achievement Award: Last year's winner was Martin Peters
with Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds picking up previous years since
it's inception. Assuming the award carries on tonight then my money would be
on a surprise visit by Sir Geoff Hurst with the 50 year anniversary of the
1966 World Cup win.
The Hammer of the year award 2016 : This is almost a dead certainly, It will
easily go to Dimitri Payet. In our own Claret and Hugh poll of over 1,500
Hammers fans Payet picked nearly 46% of the vote with Michail Antonio
picking up the runners up place.
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Noble's secret to success
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham will have played 51 games by the time this season ends but Mark
Noble insists hard work can get them to their European goal. The skipper has
led from the front this season and said: "We have got some really big clubs
around us who are playing well, so we need to keep on winning games. "We
just have to try and enjoy it and get as many points as we can." So after a
ten month season under a new manager with new players what comes next for
the brilliant Hammers of 2015/16. Noble said: "It is just hard work. We set
standards every day and we are all working for each other. You don't need to
work on your fitness at this stage. We train hard when we train, but fitness
doesn't come into it. We are all fit so it is more about tactics and
enjoying training."
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Exclusive: Thrilled DS: "We can dare to dream"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Sullivan is absolutely thrilled at Leicester City's Title success
claiming it has given us all the chance to "dare to dream." Tottenham's
failure to win at Stamford Bridge last night (Mon) saw the Foxes lift the
unlikeliest trophy ever at starting odds of 5,000-1 and the Irons chairman
described it as "absolutely fabulous." Nobody is likely to disagree unless
they follow the team from north London. David – speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – was simply overjoyed at a success which has totally
rearranged the furniture at the top of the Premier League. He said: "It's
absolutely fabulous for British football, it shows every supporter at every
club can dare to dream. "I said at the start of the season that it was
possible we could get into the Champions League. I said it was unlikely, but
possible. "Everybody thought I was mad, but with three games to go the
position is the same -it's unlikely but possible !
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Manchester teams have minds elsewhere
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
What a weekend of results for West Ham! Our 3-0 away win over West Bromwich
Albion was the perfect start to take us to our largest ever Premier League
points tally of 59 points. Liverpool's loss to Swansea putting them four
points behind us on 55 points in eighth place was also welcome news and
effectively wrote off their ambition of a top five finish.
Manchester United could only manage a draw against Premier League champions
Leicester keeping the gap down to just one point with West Ham having a
superior goal difference and Manchester City lost to Southampton 4-2 to be
just 5 points above us in fourth place.
West Ham's win on Saturday and Chelsea's draw with Spurs yesterday means the
Hammers are guaranteed to finish above Chelsea for the first time since
1995!
Fifth place is still very much within our grasp while a fourth place and
Champions League football remains a remote possibility. The major thing we
have in our favour is both Manchester clubs have their minds elsewhere and
their eyes on other prizes.
Manchester City face Real Madrid tomorrow in the second leg of the Champions
League semi final with the first leg drawn 0-0. Should they win tomorrow
evening, their minds will be firmly on the Champions League final on 28th
May in Milan and not on their penultimate game against Arsenal this weekend
or their last game against Swansea away. Two defeats, two draws or a loss
and a draw would see them finish on between 64, 65 or 66 points with West
Ham needing at least two wins from their remaining three games to have a
small chance. Three wins over Swansea, Manchester United and Stoke would put
us on 68 points with a real chance of fourth place should Manchester City
slip up.
Manchester United also have their eyes on the FA Cup final with Crystal
Palace at Wembley on 21st May. They face Norwich away this weekend as the
Canaries fight for Premier League survival. It won't be an easy game for
them and will be a tough battle. They will then face West Ham next Tuesday
evening for the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground.
Emotions will be high and we still remain unbeaten in the League at home
since August last year. Finally the Red Devils play Bournemouth at Old
Trafford in their last game of the season which just just six days before
the FA Cup final. I can see them resting a few players in the run up to the
Wembley showpiece. If we win all our three remaining games we are guaranteed
to finish above Manchester United, it is as simple as that!
Our season isn't over yet and we must make those last three games count. At
£1.3m per Premier League place together with the riches that wait us in the
Europa or Champions Leagues we can make this truly a season to remember.
Come on you Irons!
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£1.5m bonus awaits outcome of Championship
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham board will be taking a keen interest in the Championship game
between 2nd placed Middlesbrough and 3rd placed Brighton this Saturday
lunchtime. One Claret and Blue team (Burnley) have already secured promotion
to the Premier League with another Claret and Blue team (Aston Villa)
swapping places with them after their relegation from the top flight.
However the second automatic promotion place worth over £200m is still up
for grabs with both Boro and Brighton on 88 points. West Ham are believed
to have written a £1.5m promotion bonus clause into the contract for their
sale of Stewart Downing, which would come our way should he help them
achieve promotion. Middlesbrough need a draw or a win on Saturday as they
have superior goal difference. Downing joined West Ham in 2013 and made 69
Premier League appearances for the Hammers. The Hammers sold Downing for a
fee believed to be £5.5m plus the £1.5m promotion clause which would take
the total to £7m, he signed a four year deal with Boro dropping his wages to
£35,000 per week which he will double to £70,000 per week on promotion back
into the Premier League.
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Explained: why five English clubs could play in next season's Champions
League
• Manchester City and Liverpool's progress key to allocation of spots
• Fourth place may not be enough for Champions League qualification
The Guardian
Tuesday 3 May 2016 11.54 BST Last modified on Tuesday 3 May 2016 11.56 BST
Manchester City and Liverpool's presence in the semi-finals of the Champions
League and Europa League respectively means there is a possibility that five
English clubs could represent England in European football's elite
competition next season. Leicester's sensational first league title means
that Claudio Ranieri's side will be in the Champions League for the first
time, with Tottenham likely to join them. Mauricio Pochettino's side now
need just one point from their last two matches to ensure a top three finish
which would guarantee them automatic entry to the group stages, with Arsenal
and Manchester City still mathematically able to overhaul them.
Arsenal, City, Manchester United and West Ham are all in contention to
finish third, with the fourth-placed club usually entering the Champions
League at the final qualifying stage. The Premier League also has three
reserved places in the Europa League, with the FA Cup winners and
fifth-placed team going straight through to the group stages and the Capital
One Cup winners awarded a place in the third qualifying round.
At present, City's victory in that competition and the likelihood that they
will finish in the top five means that place will go to the sixth-placed
team, although a victory for United against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup
final would mean seventh place could also be good enough for European
qualification.
However, should City get past Real Madrid in the second leg of their
semi-final on Wednesday night and go on to win the Champions League, then
the picture becomes more complicated. That would guarantee them a place in
next year's competition regardless of their league finishing position, while
a similar rule would apply to Liverpool should they go all the way in the
Europa League.
If both sides were to win and City finish outside the top four in the
league, that would mean the fourth-placed team drops down to the Europa
League instead in a similar scenario to what happened to Spurs in 2012 when
Chelsea won the Champions League. However, if Liverpool win the competition
but do not finish in a qualification position in the league then just two
English teams will be represented in the Europa League, with five in the
Champions League.
Palace, whose European experience amounts to a solitary tie in the Intertoto
Cup back in 1998, need to beat United in the FA Cup final to guarantee entry
to the Europa League after the previous rule which admitted runners-up was
scrapped.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd May 2016
Germany take Legends honours
WHUFC.com
Germany played spoilsports by defeating England in a special 'The Legends' fixture at the Boleyn Ground on Bank Holiday Monday.
Unfortunately, England were not able to repeat their 1966 FIFA World Cup final success 50 years on as Germany ran out comfortable 7-2 winners - albeit with a squad full of former internationals, while the hosts fielded actors, comedians, football freestylers and Betway competition winner Jason Purewall.
Before all the changes, the opening exchanges were typically competitive as two star-studded squads full of international stars of days gone by took to the hallowed east London turf.
Lifelong Hammer Ray Winstone led a Three Lions side that included West Ham greats the Ferdinand brothers, Dean Ashton, Trevor Sinclair, John Moncur, David James and Teddy Sheringham.
They were joined by former England internationals Peter Beardsley, Graeme Le Saux, Darren Anderton, one-time World Heavyweight champion David Haye, West Ham-supporting YouTube sensation Spencer Owen, actor Damian Lewis and bevvy of top comedians and television presenters.
Germany, led by captain Michael Ballack, took a far more serious approach.
The former Chelsea star brought with him a team full of former internationals, including Euro 96 winners Fredi Bobic and Dieter Eilts, 1997 European Cup winner Jorg Heinrich and the wonderfully-named Jorg 'The Hammer' Albertz.
England started the better of the two sides, but were left to regret spurning a series of presentable chances in the opening 20 minutes.
Anderton saw a well-struck 25-yarder pushed around the post by Jens Lehmann, and another cleared off the line by former Bayer Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny after rounding the Arsenal legend. Ashton then fired one fierce volley over and saw a second chance disappear when he was robbed by Nowotny as he prepared to shoot.
Germany made the most of those let-offs by scoring twice in the space of nine minutes midway through the first half.
First, former Derby County and Crystal Palace midfielder Marco Reich crossed for Hanno Balitsch to steer past David James on 22, then ex-Hertha Berlin midfielder Marko Rehmer fired home a low right-wing centre from close-range on the half-hour mark.
With a number of meaty tackles flying in on both sides, it was 3-0 a minute before half-time when Balitsch again found space inside the box and fired high past James.
While Winstone handed chances to his whole squad, Ballack retained his starting XI of former senior internationals, and it paid off with two more well-taken goals after the break.
Reich grabbed his third assist of the game on 48 minutes, crossing for David Odonkor to head past James, before the former Borussia Dortmund winger got on the scoresheet himself from substitute Oliver Neuville's pass.
On 65 minutes, Reich collected a square pass from the same player, ex-Bayer Leverkusen man Neuville, and the No16 fired an accurate finish into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 6-0.
Beardsley then went in goal, replicating the role he played for Newcastle United here 30 years ago, and England finally got the goal they deserved then 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen fired home!
Football freestyler Jeremy Lynch then laid on a second for Cohen before Neuville raced clear to make it 7-2 with just seconds remaining.
England: (First half) James, A.Ferdinand, Le Saux (Mack 18), R.Ferdinand, Howey (Brazier 29), Anderton (Moncur 30, Lewis 45), Wingrove, Beardsley, Sinclair (Lynch), Sheringham, Ashton
England: (Second half) James (Beardsley 68), R.Ferdinand (Barry 58), Mack (Richardson 58), Cohen, Whitehall, Strong, Lewis, Sheringham (Howard 58), Lynch (Deayton 58, Lynch 72), Walsh (Purewall 68), Brazier (S.Owen 58)
Germany: Lehmann, Balitsch (Eilts 57), Owomoyela, Nowotny (Odonkor 81) Albertz, Bobic (Neuville 35), Odonkor (Hannwald 72), Ballack (Unger 72), Rehmer (Herget 68), Heinrich, Reich
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid pleased with a job well done
WHUFC.com
After securing their seventh win on the road during a record breaking season, Winston Reid was delighted with the Hammers' dominant 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
The central-defender put in a typically robust performance at the heart of defence to secure a valuable clean sheet, their tenth of the campaign.
Reflecting on a job well done, Reid said: "It was a good performance, apart from the first 20 minutes when we were under pressure. But we came through that period and then played really well.
"The first 20 minutes weren't good enough, but you know when you go away from home that it's going to hard from the start, the crowd are behind them, so it's difficult. But we weathered that storm, fought our way into the game and deserved the victory.
"Added to that, it was nice to get a clean sheet today; we haven't had enough of them over the season."
After an initial spell of pressure from the hosts, the Hammers overpowered their opponents, thanks to a Mark Noble brace after Cheikhou Kouyate's header broke the deadlock.
And it was the Senegalese's opener which Reid believes proved to be crucial. He continued: "Once we got the opening goal I think that was the turning point, Cheik did very well, and had a great game. Then Nobes scoring just before half time was very important, I think that kind of killed the game off."
With just three games remaining, the Hammers remain firmly in the hunt for European football. Having secured a minimum of 59 points, already the Hammers' highest total in the Premier League era, Reid reasoned the Hammers could be even higher up the table.
"We've had too many draws this season, and that has held us back a bit from where we might be in the table. But, we're still up there fighting for Europe and with a few games to go, we are in a good position.
"West Brom are a tough team to come and beat, they are very organised and are a threat from set pieces, which I felt we dealt with well. So we are all very happy."
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Former Hammer declared bankrupt
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Ex-West Ham United captain Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt - despite career earnings in excess of £20million.
The 38-year-old former right back is being investigated by insolvency experts to determine the extent of his debts, which led to Neill being declared bankrupt (in the UK) back in January.
A spokesman for Begbies Traynor confirmed to news.com.au that the former defender was set for further talks regarding his financial situation soon, when he returns to England.
"Mr Neill is due to be interviewed when he returns to the UK in the coming weeks, at which point the Trustees will be able to obtain the background information required to determine the full scale of Mr Neill's debts," said spokesman Dale Hernon.
"At this early stage of proceedings, it is currently unclear to what extent any funds will be recovered."
Neill spent just under two years at West Ham between 2007 and 2009, having rejected Liverpool's overtures in favour of a bumper £60,000-per-week contract from the club's former Icelandic owners.
He rejected the opportunity to extend his stay at the club when he was offered around £30,000-a-week by then CEO Scott Duxbury in the summer of 2009.
Neill 89 appearances for the Hammers before Joining EVerton on a free transfer; he went to to enjoy spells at Galatasary, Watford and Doncaster before calling a halt to his professional career.
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Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill declared bankrupt despite £20million playing fortune
15:32, 2 MAY 2016 UPDATED 16:08, 2 MAY 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The 38-year-old Australian international will be interviewed when he returns to the United Kingdom in the next couple of weeks
The Mirror
Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt in the UK. The 95-cap Australian international earned a reported 40million AUD (£20million) during his playing career, which also included spells at the likes of Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, Everton and Galatasaray. According to a Daily Telegraph report in Australia, Neill, 38, had been involved in a host of high-profile investments during his playing career. They included a US property portfolio and a coaching business in Sydney. London-based insolvency firm Begbies Traynor have been appointed to the bankruptcy and he is due to be spoken to when he returns to the UK. Dale Hernon of Begbies Traynor said in a statement: "Mr Neill is due to be interviewed when he returns to the UK in the coming weeks, at which point the trustees will be able to obtain the background information required to determine the full scale of Mr Neill's debts. "At this early stage of proceedings, it is currently unclear to what extent any funds will be recovered." Investigations into Neill's finances are expected to drag over the next few months as administrators say it is too early to establish the full extent of the debts. Neill represented Australia at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate and DG agree this player's time has come
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Cheik Kouyate and co-chairman David Gold are as one - Mark Noble deserves an England call-up.
His two penalties last weekend and another brace this made the point once again that the captain should surely get an outing in the international shirt.
Saturday's fellow goalscorer Kouyate said: "First of all, Mark is a leader. He is our captain and he is constantly pushing us forward and he is always positive.
Having him in our team helps us relax and in the last two games he has scored four goals. He deserves it and I don't see why he shouldn't get a call-up for the national team."
And in an interview with ClaretandHugh DG added: "He's playing the best football of his career and scored a couple of really well taken goals.
"He gets forward, drives the team on and is in terrific form. It's certainly hard to believe that he hasn't been called up by now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammers skipper declared bankrupt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammers skipper, Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt. neill_1463584cNeill, who it's estimated earned close to £21m in a career that included 15 years playing in England, much of it in the Premier League, will be interviewed by executives from an insolvency firm this week as they seek to establish the extent of his debts. But creditors have been warned that the investigation into his bankruptcy could take months, with no indication yet of what money might be recoverable to pay his debts.
Neill made a string of high-profile investments during his career, including a property portfolio in the US and a soccer coaching business in Sydney, Australia.
Neill was dropped by national coach Ange Postecoglou ahead of the 2014 World Cup. In a statement, insolvency firm Begbies Traynor confirmed that Neill would be quizzed on his affairs, having been declared bankrupt in January.
Neill left West Ham in 2009 after failing to agree a new contract with the Hammers. West Ham wanted their £60,000 per week captain to take a hefty 50% pay cut - partly dictated by the new financial reality at the club after the Icelandic banking crash. West Ham reportedly later upped their offer to Neill to £35,000 per week basic plus up to £20,000 in appearances and performance related bonuses per week but he turned them down. He joined Everton on a free transfer but only featured 12 times in a Blue shirt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Germany played spoilsports by defeating England in a special 'The Legends' fixture at the Boleyn Ground on Bank Holiday Monday.
Unfortunately, England were not able to repeat their 1966 FIFA World Cup final success 50 years on as Germany ran out comfortable 7-2 winners - albeit with a squad full of former internationals, while the hosts fielded actors, comedians, football freestylers and Betway competition winner Jason Purewall.
Before all the changes, the opening exchanges were typically competitive as two star-studded squads full of international stars of days gone by took to the hallowed east London turf.
Lifelong Hammer Ray Winstone led a Three Lions side that included West Ham greats the Ferdinand brothers, Dean Ashton, Trevor Sinclair, John Moncur, David James and Teddy Sheringham.
They were joined by former England internationals Peter Beardsley, Graeme Le Saux, Darren Anderton, one-time World Heavyweight champion David Haye, West Ham-supporting YouTube sensation Spencer Owen, actor Damian Lewis and bevvy of top comedians and television presenters.
Germany, led by captain Michael Ballack, took a far more serious approach.
The former Chelsea star brought with him a team full of former internationals, including Euro 96 winners Fredi Bobic and Dieter Eilts, 1997 European Cup winner Jorg Heinrich and the wonderfully-named Jorg 'The Hammer' Albertz.
England started the better of the two sides, but were left to regret spurning a series of presentable chances in the opening 20 minutes.
Anderton saw a well-struck 25-yarder pushed around the post by Jens Lehmann, and another cleared off the line by former Bayer Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny after rounding the Arsenal legend. Ashton then fired one fierce volley over and saw a second chance disappear when he was robbed by Nowotny as he prepared to shoot.
Germany made the most of those let-offs by scoring twice in the space of nine minutes midway through the first half.
First, former Derby County and Crystal Palace midfielder Marco Reich crossed for Hanno Balitsch to steer past David James on 22, then ex-Hertha Berlin midfielder Marko Rehmer fired home a low right-wing centre from close-range on the half-hour mark.
With a number of meaty tackles flying in on both sides, it was 3-0 a minute before half-time when Balitsch again found space inside the box and fired high past James.
While Winstone handed chances to his whole squad, Ballack retained his starting XI of former senior internationals, and it paid off with two more well-taken goals after the break.
Reich grabbed his third assist of the game on 48 minutes, crossing for David Odonkor to head past James, before the former Borussia Dortmund winger got on the scoresheet himself from substitute Oliver Neuville's pass.
On 65 minutes, Reich collected a square pass from the same player, ex-Bayer Leverkusen man Neuville, and the No16 fired an accurate finish into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 6-0.
Beardsley then went in goal, replicating the role he played for Newcastle United here 30 years ago, and England finally got the goal they deserved then 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen fired home!
Football freestyler Jeremy Lynch then laid on a second for Cohen before Neuville raced clear to make it 7-2 with just seconds remaining.
England: (First half) James, A.Ferdinand, Le Saux (Mack 18), R.Ferdinand, Howey (Brazier 29), Anderton (Moncur 30, Lewis 45), Wingrove, Beardsley, Sinclair (Lynch), Sheringham, Ashton
England: (Second half) James (Beardsley 68), R.Ferdinand (Barry 58), Mack (Richardson 58), Cohen, Whitehall, Strong, Lewis, Sheringham (Howard 58), Lynch (Deayton 58, Lynch 72), Walsh (Purewall 68), Brazier (S.Owen 58)
Germany: Lehmann, Balitsch (Eilts 57), Owomoyela, Nowotny (Odonkor 81) Albertz, Bobic (Neuville 35), Odonkor (Hannwald 72), Ballack (Unger 72), Rehmer (Herget 68), Heinrich, Reich
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid pleased with a job well done
WHUFC.com
After securing their seventh win on the road during a record breaking season, Winston Reid was delighted with the Hammers' dominant 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
The central-defender put in a typically robust performance at the heart of defence to secure a valuable clean sheet, their tenth of the campaign.
Reflecting on a job well done, Reid said: "It was a good performance, apart from the first 20 minutes when we were under pressure. But we came through that period and then played really well.
"The first 20 minutes weren't good enough, but you know when you go away from home that it's going to hard from the start, the crowd are behind them, so it's difficult. But we weathered that storm, fought our way into the game and deserved the victory.
"Added to that, it was nice to get a clean sheet today; we haven't had enough of them over the season."
After an initial spell of pressure from the hosts, the Hammers overpowered their opponents, thanks to a Mark Noble brace after Cheikhou Kouyate's header broke the deadlock.
And it was the Senegalese's opener which Reid believes proved to be crucial. He continued: "Once we got the opening goal I think that was the turning point, Cheik did very well, and had a great game. Then Nobes scoring just before half time was very important, I think that kind of killed the game off."
With just three games remaining, the Hammers remain firmly in the hunt for European football. Having secured a minimum of 59 points, already the Hammers' highest total in the Premier League era, Reid reasoned the Hammers could be even higher up the table.
"We've had too many draws this season, and that has held us back a bit from where we might be in the table. But, we're still up there fighting for Europe and with a few games to go, we are in a good position.
"West Brom are a tough team to come and beat, they are very organised and are a threat from set pieces, which I felt we dealt with well. So we are all very happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer declared bankrupt
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Ex-West Ham United captain Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt - despite career earnings in excess of £20million.
The 38-year-old former right back is being investigated by insolvency experts to determine the extent of his debts, which led to Neill being declared bankrupt (in the UK) back in January.
A spokesman for Begbies Traynor confirmed to news.com.au that the former defender was set for further talks regarding his financial situation soon, when he returns to England.
"Mr Neill is due to be interviewed when he returns to the UK in the coming weeks, at which point the Trustees will be able to obtain the background information required to determine the full scale of Mr Neill's debts," said spokesman Dale Hernon.
"At this early stage of proceedings, it is currently unclear to what extent any funds will be recovered."
Neill spent just under two years at West Ham between 2007 and 2009, having rejected Liverpool's overtures in favour of a bumper £60,000-per-week contract from the club's former Icelandic owners.
He rejected the opportunity to extend his stay at the club when he was offered around £30,000-a-week by then CEO Scott Duxbury in the summer of 2009.
Neill 89 appearances for the Hammers before Joining EVerton on a free transfer; he went to to enjoy spells at Galatasary, Watford and Doncaster before calling a halt to his professional career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill declared bankrupt despite £20million playing fortune
15:32, 2 MAY 2016 UPDATED 16:08, 2 MAY 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The 38-year-old Australian international will be interviewed when he returns to the United Kingdom in the next couple of weeks
The Mirror
Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt in the UK. The 95-cap Australian international earned a reported 40million AUD (£20million) during his playing career, which also included spells at the likes of Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, Everton and Galatasaray. According to a Daily Telegraph report in Australia, Neill, 38, had been involved in a host of high-profile investments during his playing career. They included a US property portfolio and a coaching business in Sydney. London-based insolvency firm Begbies Traynor have been appointed to the bankruptcy and he is due to be spoken to when he returns to the UK. Dale Hernon of Begbies Traynor said in a statement: "Mr Neill is due to be interviewed when he returns to the UK in the coming weeks, at which point the trustees will be able to obtain the background information required to determine the full scale of Mr Neill's debts. "At this early stage of proceedings, it is currently unclear to what extent any funds will be recovered." Investigations into Neill's finances are expected to drag over the next few months as administrators say it is too early to establish the full extent of the debts. Neill represented Australia at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate and DG agree this player's time has come
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Cheik Kouyate and co-chairman David Gold are as one - Mark Noble deserves an England call-up.
His two penalties last weekend and another brace this made the point once again that the captain should surely get an outing in the international shirt.
Saturday's fellow goalscorer Kouyate said: "First of all, Mark is a leader. He is our captain and he is constantly pushing us forward and he is always positive.
Having him in our team helps us relax and in the last two games he has scored four goals. He deserves it and I don't see why he shouldn't get a call-up for the national team."
And in an interview with ClaretandHugh DG added: "He's playing the best football of his career and scored a couple of really well taken goals.
"He gets forward, drives the team on and is in terrific form. It's certainly hard to believe that he hasn't been called up by now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammers skipper declared bankrupt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammers skipper, Lucas Neill has been declared bankrupt. neill_1463584cNeill, who it's estimated earned close to £21m in a career that included 15 years playing in England, much of it in the Premier League, will be interviewed by executives from an insolvency firm this week as they seek to establish the extent of his debts. But creditors have been warned that the investigation into his bankruptcy could take months, with no indication yet of what money might be recoverable to pay his debts.
Neill made a string of high-profile investments during his career, including a property portfolio in the US and a soccer coaching business in Sydney, Australia.
Neill was dropped by national coach Ange Postecoglou ahead of the 2014 World Cup. In a statement, insolvency firm Begbies Traynor confirmed that Neill would be quizzed on his affairs, having been declared bankrupt in January.
Neill left West Ham in 2009 after failing to agree a new contract with the Hammers. West Ham wanted their £60,000 per week captain to take a hefty 50% pay cut - partly dictated by the new financial reality at the club after the Icelandic banking crash. West Ham reportedly later upped their offer to Neill to £35,000 per week basic plus up to £20,000 in appearances and performance related bonuses per week but he turned them down. He joined Everton on a free transfer but only featured 12 times in a Blue shirt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, May 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd May 2016
Kouyate - It's great to score again
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate was in fine spirits after Saturday's 3-0 win over West Brom
with his first-half goal changing the balance of the game and allowing the
team to push on and grab two more.
After struggling to take advantage of his chances in the past couple of
weeks, the Senagalese was delighted to get on the score sheet.
He said: "The first 15 minutes were a bit difficult, we were too rigid and
the opposition were playing well and had a couple of chances. Luckily,
Adrian and Antonio were there to save us. After we scored the first goal,
the game became easier for us.
"I am really pleased to have scored. In the past few weeks, I have had a few
chances and I just couldn't score. Dimitri Payet didn't stop telling me that
I never score, so today is a good day for me and my goal came at just the
right time to make things simpler for us."
Kouyate feels that captain Mark Noble continues to go underrated and doesn't
understand how an England call-up continues to evade him. With three
'finals' to go, he feels the fans will continue to play an important role
and hopes that the can guide the Hammers to success.
He added: "First of all, Mark is a leader. He is our captain and he is
constantly pushing us forward and he is always positive. Having him in our
team helps us relax and in the last two games he has scored four goals. He
deserves it and I don't see why he shouldn't get a call-up for the national
team.
"As I said before today, we had four 'finals' to go. We have played one of
them and so we have three to go. We will take it match-by-match, starting
with a difficult match against Swansea next weekend and of course, we will
play that to win. We know that it won't be easy, but we are at home and we
will give our all to get the win.
"The fans have been fantastic all season. We know that today is a big game
and they have pushed us on towards success. A team is not just made up of
players, but you've also got the staff, the Chairmen and then today, the
supporters who have had an incredible impact on the team. We can only thank
them."
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Preview - The Legends: England v Germany
WHUFC.com
The Boleyn Ground will play host to some very familiar faces from the worlds
of sport and showbusiness when England Legends take on their Germany
counterparts on Bank Holiday Monday – in association with Betway.
Hammers fan and actor Ray Winstone will take charge of a star-studded
England squad that includes former West Ham defenders Rio and Anton
Ferdinand, ex-Hammers Teddy Sheringham, David James, Dean Ashton and Trevor
Sinclair, as well as one-time England stars Sol Campbell, Darren Anderton,
Steve McManaman and Peter Bearsley.
Alongside them will be former heavyweight boxing world champion David Haye,
who once fought at the Boleyn Ground, as well as Homeland star Damien Lewis,
fellow actor Mark Strong and comedians Jack Whitehall and Lee Mack.
The Germany squad will be led by former Chelsea star Michael Ballack, who
will be able to call upon former Hammer Thomas Hitzlsperger and 1990 FIFA
World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus.
The squad will be managed by ex-Germany and Scotland coach Berti Vogts, who
will also be able to call upon the likes of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann,
defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96 winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and
2002 World Cup central defender Jens Nowotny.
Winstone has welcomed the opportunity to lead England on the 50th
anniversary of the Three Lions' 1966 World Cup win – a victory inspired by
West Ham trio Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
He said: "I was at the World Cup in 1966 and as an England fan and a real
Hammers fan, this match celebrating England's greatest ever sporting triumph
on the ground that I love, with some of the club's greatest servants, is a
fitting way to celebrate all that is great about West Ham and English
football."
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on General Sale
here now!
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £20
for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s.
Non-Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £25 for Adults,
£15 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £10 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).
Fans travelling to the game by public transport should note the following
important information:
There will be no TfL Rail service between Ilford and Shenfield,, while
Network Rail carry out overhead power and track works, as part of its
Railway Upgrade Plan and the Crossrail Project. Rail Replacement bus
services will operate, calling at all stations between Ilford and Shenfield.
The same works also mean there will be no Greater Anglia mainline services
between Liverpool Street and Chelmsford/Wickford/Ingatestone. Rail
Replacement bus services will operate between
Chelmsford/Wickford/Ingatestone - Newbury Park Underground station (Central
line).
There will be no London Overground service between Romford and Upminster due
to Crossrail works. Please use local London Buses services instead.
A revised Sunday timetable will be in operation on c2c Rail services. Also,
due to Network Rail undertaking late notice maintenance work between
Purfleet and Grays, the line will be closed between Barking and Grays. Rail
replacement buses will run between Grays - Barking via Rainham.
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West Ham have put themselves under pressure for next season, says Mark Noble
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 01/05/16 1:35pm
SSN
Mark Noble admits West Ham have put themselves under pressure to deliver
next season as they reach the conclusion of a superb Premier League
campaign. The Hammers won 3-0 at West Brom on Saturday to move fifth in the
table and within five points of the Champions League spots with three games
remaining. They are all-but mathematically guaranteed a place in the Europa
League next term and captain Noble insists his team are full of confidence,
whoever they play. "We've put ourselves under pressure now for next season.
We've used the whole squad when we've needed to and we've just gelled this
year," he said. "Especially in the second half against West Brom - that was
a really encouraging performance from us. That's back-to-back wins and
another two home games to come. "I think we feel confident every time we
play. We're just going to keep trying to win games. The way we're playing at
the minute, we feel confident against anyone. Don't get me wrong, this West
Brom team were great against Tottenham in the week and we had to work hard
for our win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins backs Mark Noble for England call-up on Goals on Sunday
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 01/05/16 2:46pm
SSN
James Collins says he cannot understand why his West Ham team-mate Mark
Noble has not been given an England call-up. Noble scored twice for the
Hammers in their 3-0 win over West Brom on Saturday, leading manager Slaven
Bilic to hail his "exceptional" captain. And speaking on Goals on Sunday,
Collins backed Noble to earn a place in Roy Hodgson's squad. "I can't
understand why he hasn't had a chance," Collins said. "I've played with him
for nearly 10 years and he's top drawer. "If he gets goals in his game, like
he has done recently, then he deserves a crack. I don't think there are too
many midfielders that do a better job than him. "He's got everything on the
pitch, and he's great around the training ground. His passing is exceptional
and he's getting forward more now. "I don't think people realise how good a
player he is until you play with him. He trains better than anyone I've ever
played with, and he trains how he plays."
Noble is not the only English West Ham player to be tipped for the national
team, and Collins feels the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and
Andy Carroll should also be considered. When asked by Ben and Kammy if those
three players deserve a look, Collins added: "I'd say yes because they are
my pals. I think they must have a chance. "We are probably the only club in
the top six or eight that hasn't had somebody in the squad. "We've had a
tremendous season, and all the lads mentioned have had great seasons. Andy
had a few little niggles early on, but since he has come back he's been
tremendous and I think he brings something different to the England team.
"Aaron at left-back has been playing brilliantly well too, and I think they
all should have a chance. "I don't know if there's a reason why West Ham are
getting overlooked but the names mentioned are easily good enough to play
for England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini injury update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fears that Manu Lanzini could miss the weekend match against Swansea were
cleared up earlier this afternoon. The Argentine midfield playmaker was
subbed three minutes from the end – being replaced by Reece Oxford – amid
fears that he had suffered a knee injury. But a well placed insider told
ClaretandHugh: "We were all holding our breath and Manu was iced up in the
dressing room afterwards but he is absolutely fine and will be ok for the
next match. He took a knock on his knee but all is well. "Finally, as we go
into the climax of the season, we have a full squad and everybody is fit.
Winston Reid felt no reaction from his recent injury problem. "It's very
good news and we are particularly pleased about Manu because he was showing
some of his best form at times during the game against Albion.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Irons target learning English
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alexandre Lacazette now looks certain to be leaving Olympique Lyonnais this
summer with the Premier League his clearly favoured option. ClaretandHugh
reported earlier today that talks between the player's agent and his
advisers appeared to becoming more positive although sources at the club
continue to insist nothing has yet been formally agreed. However, we have
learned over the last few hours that the highly rated French striker has
been taking an intensive English language learning course over the past few
weeks. And his girlfriend, who was looking for a job in France, has now
stopped her search with the move to England becoming more likely. We also
understand from sources in France that Lacazette's replacement has been
lined up in Wissam Ben Yeddera who is currently with Toulouse. Lyon have a
£27m price tag on him and we understand the Irons are ready to offer around
£23m, although a senior source at the club told us: "He's known to be on our
list but to say anything more than that would be unhelpful at this point."
Lacazette is fast and mobile and has been compared to Manchester United's
Anthony Martial. He is right-sided. Despite scoring 20 goals this season his
asking price has dropped after the club attempted to sell at around £40
million last term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amazing Slav gives 10 year old VIP treatment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Amazing Slaven Bilic made a young lad's wildest dream come true after the
West Brom match and showed himself to be perhaps the finest person to ever
manage the Hammers. ClaretandHugh was contacted by follower and the young
man's father, David Parry, who could barely believe what was happening when
the Irons boss approached him at the end of the game we had won 3-0. What we
absolutely love about this story is that Slav clearly kept the whole thing
private and wasn't looking for any sort of personal glory.
David takes up the story: "I go to most games. Yesterday (Sat) with my 10
year we were at the game. At the end of the match Slav sees my son with his
scarf and asks me if its ok for Benji to go into the dressing room. Is it??
Slav took him off, he had photos with the team and was given shirts. He
listened to Slav address the team. What a fantastic experience! What a
fantastic person Slav is. He really is a people's fan. I wanted to share a
one off experience with you. Benji is still on cloud 9!!
Slaven Bilic, we have said this any times before – you are a quality human
being – what a gesture… what a bloke. And Benjii told ClaretandHugh: "I want
to publicly thank Slaven from the bottom of my heart – it was amazing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Gold tells why he hailed fans but makes sure he isn't seen as a
wally with a brolly!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has explained how he was moved to salute the Irons fans at West
Brom after yesterday afternoon's fine victory. The co chairman walked the
entire circumference of the Hawthorns pitch to join the fans in their
celebrations at the end of the 90 minutes. And his actions brought universal
praise across the social networks with the fans thrilled that he showed
himself a man who always has them on his mind. And speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh a few minutes ago (Sun) DG said: "You have to remember I was
once one of them. I know how they were feeling and wanted them to know we
knew how much they cared.
"There was no question of me being 'wally with a brolly' though. Rain is
only rain and it was important and instinctive to me that I went to greet
them. "I had been down to the dressing room to congratulate he lads and as I
came away I could hear our fans still singing and decided to go out there
and join them. "They'd had a longish journey up and had the same going home.
They were there in the cold and wet and I wanted them to know how much we
appreciate them – they are a fantastic lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate was in fine spirits after Saturday's 3-0 win over West Brom
with his first-half goal changing the balance of the game and allowing the
team to push on and grab two more.
After struggling to take advantage of his chances in the past couple of
weeks, the Senagalese was delighted to get on the score sheet.
He said: "The first 15 minutes were a bit difficult, we were too rigid and
the opposition were playing well and had a couple of chances. Luckily,
Adrian and Antonio were there to save us. After we scored the first goal,
the game became easier for us.
"I am really pleased to have scored. In the past few weeks, I have had a few
chances and I just couldn't score. Dimitri Payet didn't stop telling me that
I never score, so today is a good day for me and my goal came at just the
right time to make things simpler for us."
Kouyate feels that captain Mark Noble continues to go underrated and doesn't
understand how an England call-up continues to evade him. With three
'finals' to go, he feels the fans will continue to play an important role
and hopes that the can guide the Hammers to success.
He added: "First of all, Mark is a leader. He is our captain and he is
constantly pushing us forward and he is always positive. Having him in our
team helps us relax and in the last two games he has scored four goals. He
deserves it and I don't see why he shouldn't get a call-up for the national
team.
"As I said before today, we had four 'finals' to go. We have played one of
them and so we have three to go. We will take it match-by-match, starting
with a difficult match against Swansea next weekend and of course, we will
play that to win. We know that it won't be easy, but we are at home and we
will give our all to get the win.
"The fans have been fantastic all season. We know that today is a big game
and they have pushed us on towards success. A team is not just made up of
players, but you've also got the staff, the Chairmen and then today, the
supporters who have had an incredible impact on the team. We can only thank
them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Preview - The Legends: England v Germany
WHUFC.com
The Boleyn Ground will play host to some very familiar faces from the worlds
of sport and showbusiness when England Legends take on their Germany
counterparts on Bank Holiday Monday – in association with Betway.
Hammers fan and actor Ray Winstone will take charge of a star-studded
England squad that includes former West Ham defenders Rio and Anton
Ferdinand, ex-Hammers Teddy Sheringham, David James, Dean Ashton and Trevor
Sinclair, as well as one-time England stars Sol Campbell, Darren Anderton,
Steve McManaman and Peter Bearsley.
Alongside them will be former heavyweight boxing world champion David Haye,
who once fought at the Boleyn Ground, as well as Homeland star Damien Lewis,
fellow actor Mark Strong and comedians Jack Whitehall and Lee Mack.
The Germany squad will be led by former Chelsea star Michael Ballack, who
will be able to call upon former Hammer Thomas Hitzlsperger and 1990 FIFA
World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus.
The squad will be managed by ex-Germany and Scotland coach Berti Vogts, who
will also be able to call upon the likes of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann,
defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96 winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and
2002 World Cup central defender Jens Nowotny.
Winstone has welcomed the opportunity to lead England on the 50th
anniversary of the Three Lions' 1966 World Cup win – a victory inspired by
West Ham trio Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
He said: "I was at the World Cup in 1966 and as an England fan and a real
Hammers fan, this match celebrating England's greatest ever sporting triumph
on the ground that I love, with some of the club's greatest servants, is a
fitting way to celebrate all that is great about West Ham and English
football."
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on General Sale
here now!
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £20
for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s.
Non-Season Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £25 for Adults,
£15 for Over-65s and Under-21s and £10 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).
Fans travelling to the game by public transport should note the following
important information:
There will be no TfL Rail service between Ilford and Shenfield,, while
Network Rail carry out overhead power and track works, as part of its
Railway Upgrade Plan and the Crossrail Project. Rail Replacement bus
services will operate, calling at all stations between Ilford and Shenfield.
The same works also mean there will be no Greater Anglia mainline services
between Liverpool Street and Chelmsford/Wickford/Ingatestone. Rail
Replacement bus services will operate between
Chelmsford/Wickford/Ingatestone - Newbury Park Underground station (Central
line).
There will be no London Overground service between Romford and Upminster due
to Crossrail works. Please use local London Buses services instead.
A revised Sunday timetable will be in operation on c2c Rail services. Also,
due to Network Rail undertaking late notice maintenance work between
Purfleet and Grays, the line will be closed between Barking and Grays. Rail
replacement buses will run between Grays - Barking via Rainham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have put themselves under pressure for next season, says Mark Noble
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 01/05/16 1:35pm
SSN
Mark Noble admits West Ham have put themselves under pressure to deliver
next season as they reach the conclusion of a superb Premier League
campaign. The Hammers won 3-0 at West Brom on Saturday to move fifth in the
table and within five points of the Champions League spots with three games
remaining. They are all-but mathematically guaranteed a place in the Europa
League next term and captain Noble insists his team are full of confidence,
whoever they play. "We've put ourselves under pressure now for next season.
We've used the whole squad when we've needed to and we've just gelled this
year," he said. "Especially in the second half against West Brom - that was
a really encouraging performance from us. That's back-to-back wins and
another two home games to come. "I think we feel confident every time we
play. We're just going to keep trying to win games. The way we're playing at
the minute, we feel confident against anyone. Don't get me wrong, this West
Brom team were great against Tottenham in the week and we had to work hard
for our win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins backs Mark Noble for England call-up on Goals on Sunday
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 01/05/16 2:46pm
SSN
James Collins says he cannot understand why his West Ham team-mate Mark
Noble has not been given an England call-up. Noble scored twice for the
Hammers in their 3-0 win over West Brom on Saturday, leading manager Slaven
Bilic to hail his "exceptional" captain. And speaking on Goals on Sunday,
Collins backed Noble to earn a place in Roy Hodgson's squad. "I can't
understand why he hasn't had a chance," Collins said. "I've played with him
for nearly 10 years and he's top drawer. "If he gets goals in his game, like
he has done recently, then he deserves a crack. I don't think there are too
many midfielders that do a better job than him. "He's got everything on the
pitch, and he's great around the training ground. His passing is exceptional
and he's getting forward more now. "I don't think people realise how good a
player he is until you play with him. He trains better than anyone I've ever
played with, and he trains how he plays."
Noble is not the only English West Ham player to be tipped for the national
team, and Collins feels the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and
Andy Carroll should also be considered. When asked by Ben and Kammy if those
three players deserve a look, Collins added: "I'd say yes because they are
my pals. I think they must have a chance. "We are probably the only club in
the top six or eight that hasn't had somebody in the squad. "We've had a
tremendous season, and all the lads mentioned have had great seasons. Andy
had a few little niggles early on, but since he has come back he's been
tremendous and I think he brings something different to the England team.
"Aaron at left-back has been playing brilliantly well too, and I think they
all should have a chance. "I don't know if there's a reason why West Ham are
getting overlooked but the names mentioned are easily good enough to play
for England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini injury update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fears that Manu Lanzini could miss the weekend match against Swansea were
cleared up earlier this afternoon. The Argentine midfield playmaker was
subbed three minutes from the end – being replaced by Reece Oxford – amid
fears that he had suffered a knee injury. But a well placed insider told
ClaretandHugh: "We were all holding our breath and Manu was iced up in the
dressing room afterwards but he is absolutely fine and will be ok for the
next match. He took a knock on his knee but all is well. "Finally, as we go
into the climax of the season, we have a full squad and everybody is fit.
Winston Reid felt no reaction from his recent injury problem. "It's very
good news and we are particularly pleased about Manu because he was showing
some of his best form at times during the game against Albion.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Irons target learning English
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alexandre Lacazette now looks certain to be leaving Olympique Lyonnais this
summer with the Premier League his clearly favoured option. ClaretandHugh
reported earlier today that talks between the player's agent and his
advisers appeared to becoming more positive although sources at the club
continue to insist nothing has yet been formally agreed. However, we have
learned over the last few hours that the highly rated French striker has
been taking an intensive English language learning course over the past few
weeks. And his girlfriend, who was looking for a job in France, has now
stopped her search with the move to England becoming more likely. We also
understand from sources in France that Lacazette's replacement has been
lined up in Wissam Ben Yeddera who is currently with Toulouse. Lyon have a
£27m price tag on him and we understand the Irons are ready to offer around
£23m, although a senior source at the club told us: "He's known to be on our
list but to say anything more than that would be unhelpful at this point."
Lacazette is fast and mobile and has been compared to Manchester United's
Anthony Martial. He is right-sided. Despite scoring 20 goals this season his
asking price has dropped after the club attempted to sell at around £40
million last term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amazing Slav gives 10 year old VIP treatment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Amazing Slaven Bilic made a young lad's wildest dream come true after the
West Brom match and showed himself to be perhaps the finest person to ever
manage the Hammers. ClaretandHugh was contacted by follower and the young
man's father, David Parry, who could barely believe what was happening when
the Irons boss approached him at the end of the game we had won 3-0. What we
absolutely love about this story is that Slav clearly kept the whole thing
private and wasn't looking for any sort of personal glory.
David takes up the story: "I go to most games. Yesterday (Sat) with my 10
year we were at the game. At the end of the match Slav sees my son with his
scarf and asks me if its ok for Benji to go into the dressing room. Is it??
Slav took him off, he had photos with the team and was given shirts. He
listened to Slav address the team. What a fantastic experience! What a
fantastic person Slav is. He really is a people's fan. I wanted to share a
one off experience with you. Benji is still on cloud 9!!
Slaven Bilic, we have said this any times before – you are a quality human
being – what a gesture… what a bloke. And Benjii told ClaretandHugh: "I want
to publicly thank Slaven from the bottom of my heart – it was amazing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Gold tells why he hailed fans but makes sure he isn't seen as a
wally with a brolly!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has explained how he was moved to salute the Irons fans at West
Brom after yesterday afternoon's fine victory. The co chairman walked the
entire circumference of the Hawthorns pitch to join the fans in their
celebrations at the end of the 90 minutes. And his actions brought universal
praise across the social networks with the fans thrilled that he showed
himself a man who always has them on his mind. And speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh a few minutes ago (Sun) DG said: "You have to remember I was
once one of them. I know how they were feeling and wanted them to know we
knew how much they cared.
"There was no question of me being 'wally with a brolly' though. Rain is
only rain and it was important and instinctive to me that I went to greet
them. "I had been down to the dressing room to congratulate he lads and as I
came away I could hear our fans still singing and decided to go out there
and join them. "They'd had a longish journey up and had the same going home.
They were there in the cold and wet and I wanted them to know how much we
appreciate them – they are a fantastic lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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