Samuelsen hopeful of Norway debut
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen is hoping to make his full international debut for Norway in Wednesday's meeting with Iceland in Olso. The West Ham United winger was an unused substitute as the Norwegians fell to a 3-0 defeat in Portugal on Sunday evening, having been called into the senior squad from the U21s by coach Per-Mathias Høgmo. Despite the arrival of home-based players in the squad, the 19-year-old has been retained and could be handed his senior bow when Høgmo's side welcome the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers to the Ullevaal Stadium. The Norway coach has said publicly that Samuelsen's opportunity 'will surely come sooner or later' but said he had opted not to throw the Hammers youngster and fellow teenager Ulrik Yttergård Jenssen into Sunday's defeat in Porto. "I wasn't sure I would be retained in the senior squad for this match, but when I heard I would be I was happy," said Samuelsen, who made his Hammers debut in a UEFA Europa League second qualifying round win over Maltese side Birkirkara at the Boleyn Ground in July 2015. "Hopefully I'll make my debut in the next match. "I don't think it makes much difference that this game is at home and the Portugal game was away in Lisbon, but this game is against a slightly different opponent.
"I did allow my expectations to build up on Sunday when I was asked to warm-up, and I was disappointed there and then when I didn't come on, but now my head is clear and I'm ready for the next game. "I'll do my best and hopefully it will be good enough for senior international level."
Elsewhere, fellow teenager Anthony Scully has been named in the Republic of Ireland U18 squad for an Invitational Tournament in Sweden. The Hammers midfielder and his fellow Boys in Green will meet Hungary in Kastvallen on Thursday 2 June at 7pm local time, before tackling the Swedes at Stalringens ishall at 11am local time on Saturday 4 June.
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Proud Carter signs pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that 18-year-old midfielder Matt Carter has signed a professional contract with the Club. Having impressed during 19 appearances for the U18s, the youngster capped off a successful campaign by signing a new contract with the club he first joined as a five-year-old. After putting pen to paper, Carter said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed my first professional contract, it's been my dream ever since I started at West Ham. "It's a great achievement, I am very proud of myself and my family, I always try to make them proud. "It's been 13 years of hard work to get to this point so I am very glad and hopefully there'll be more to come."
Reflecting on a breakthrough campaign, Carter further impressed while on Development Squad duty, playing a key part in the Hammers' 4-1 victory away at Newcastle United. The east London native rounded off a great personal performance by scoring the Hammers' fourth goal of the evening with a well-executed lob from distance. He continued: "Personally I think I had a good season just finished. I was happy to be out on the pitch as I've had a few injuries in the past few seasons. Now I've been out playing a lot and playing pretty well so I'm happy. I hope that continues into next season. "I think my major highlight so far at West Ham is making my U21 debut at such a young age, I hope that one day I can make it into the first team and play at the new stadium. "Obviously, I've always dreamt of this moment so I am very happy. A lot of the coaches have been here since I started so it's nice to come through with them. I've also been supported by the new coaches so everyone has really helped me become the player I am today."
Having recently returned from the Development Squad's Hong Kong Soccer Sevens campaign which saw them finish runners up for the second consecutive year, Carter is already looking ahead to next term. And in what promises to be a hugely exciting first year at the club's fantastic new stadium, Carter finished by setting his sights high: "I haven't actually been there yet but from what I've heard it's going to be amazing, and I hope I'll play there plenty of times. 60,000 West Ham fans in one place, I hope one day they cheer my name!
"I'd describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, I'm more of a No8 than a No4 who just sits. My favourite player is Luka Modric, I think he's the best midfielder in the world at the moment. I was watching him closely in the Champions League final, he is the player I want to become in the long run. "Next season I really want to establish myself in the U21s, start every week and hopefully impress Slaven Bilic and get on his radar."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
The Insider brings you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at West Ham United...
West Ham United have been linked to a number of players in the media in recent days.
Lyon and France pair Samuel Umtiti and Alexandre Lacazette have both been named as Hammers targets, with Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly interested in securing the services of the latter.
Another international player who has seen his name mentioned in conjunction with West Ham is AC Milan's Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who is currently preparing to take part in the centennial Copa America tournament.
The Insider understands the Club are on the lookout for new signings to add to that of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit, who will join on a free transfer on 1 July, with the intention that any new players markedly improve the strength of the squad.
The Insider has been told that no senior players will be allowed to leave the Boleyn Ground until after their replacements have been secured.
However, the Insider has learned that Hammers do not want to reveal the names of any targets for fear of alerting rival clubs to their interest.
The media have also been speculating over the future of promising England U19 international Reece Oxford, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the 17-year-old's services.
The Insider has been told that West Ham have no intention of allowing Oxford to leave and are hopeful that the teenager will sign a new long-term contract in the near future.
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on a memorable 2015/16 season…
What a season it has been at West Ham United. The 38 games seem to have gone from first whistle to last in the blink of an eye.
Slaven Bilic's arrival was never expected to have the immediate impact it did, and the football on show has been an absolute joy to watch almost every game.
So where do you start when talking about the best moments of our strongest league performance in Premier League history?
Dimitri Payet's physics-defying free kicks that managed to find their way into the top corner no matter how far away from goal or how many men are in the wall? James Collins' dramatic last-second blocks that cause the Boleyn Ground to erupt in a chant of 'One Ginger Pele'? Or perhaps seeing Mark Noble complete a 70 yard run to steal the ball off an attacker, before playing a long, accurate through ball to a forward?
The individual moments of greatness have been in abundance this season, and almost every player has done something special that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
As a team, we have picked up some spectacular results, especially against teams who almost always finish above us in the table. We went to Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to take all three points. Tottenham's title hopes were taken away in our final ever clash at Upton Park and the last game in the ground saw us beat Manchester United in one of the most electrifying matches of football in history.
Euro 2016 and Roy Hodgson's England squad was subject of a great deal of discussion after he overlooked Noble, Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell, despite the quartet having the best season of their careers.
Antonio in particular has impressed, having had to wait patiently for an opportunity after joining from Nottingham Forest last summer. The wide man has had a part to play in over 15 goals, and has shown his versatility by filling in at right back. His crowning moment, a Simpsons inspired celebration that started a theme of dances every time he scored.
Farewell Boleyn. Arguably the toughest part of the season, having to say goodbye to our home of 112 years. It is difficult to accept the move, even with the magnificent Olympic Stadium awaiting our arrival, but having seen how we can perform with a top manager and a top squad makes you wonder what we could achieve with 60,000 Hammers cheering them on.
It has been a record breaking year for West Ham. We went on our longest home unbeaten run that stretched almost nine months, finished with a positive goal difference for the first time in Premier League history and accumulated our highest points total too, lifting us to seventhth in the league.
When the season started way back in August, many fans would have been happy with a top half finish, but Bilic kept us fighting for the top four until the final few weeks, and still we have a Europa League place and were unlucky not to make it to the FA Cup final.
This season has been one of many highs and few lows, something rare in recent years. Players have shone and some truly wonderful goals have been scored, and with the positive atmosphere around the club and the terraces, who knows how excellent next season will be.
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No deal yet, says Bacca agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sergio Barila is flying to London for talks with West Ham over the possible transfer of Milan striker Carlos Bacca. However Barila, who represents the Columbian international says that any possible deal is some way from being concluded - despite admitting to calciomercato.com that his client is very interested in a move to the Premier League. "For now it's time to wait and to see what the future will hold,"he told calciomercato.com. "I have to evaluate what is best for Carlos and, above all, confirm the options that are being presented. "Carlos is a player with great value on the [transfer] market. It 's normal to have clubs interested in knowing his situation. "For now, we have to be quiet and wait. There is nothing concrete and I can not say anything more concrete on this issue at present."
Milan, who are currently experiencing serious financial difficulties are looking for a fee in the region of €25million for 29-year-old Bacca. West Ham's current offer stands at €20million.
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Hands off Champions sculpture, say Newham residents KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Local residents have launched a campaign to keep the iconic Champions statue at the junction of Green Street and the Barking Road. The Newham Recorder reports today that a local resident, Cecilia Walsh, has set up a petition aimed at keeping the statue in Newham which has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures. "It seems right to keep it where it is," Ms Walsh told the Recorder. "They're taking everything to Stratford, all the memories of West Ham. Can't they leave us something to remember?" A spokesman for the Council said: "Councillors agreed it could only be moved once a fully funded plan was in place to improve the junction where the sculpture currently stands after it has been relocated."
The statue, which was erected in 2003, stands 16 feet tall and weighs four tons is set to be moved to the Hammers' new home at the Olympic Stadium later this summer. Sculpted by Royal Sculptor Philip Jackson and formally titled 'The Champions or The World Cup Sculpture', it was jointly commisioned by Newham Council and West Ham United FC. It took two years and cost £725,000 to build - £400,000 of which came from a Government grant.
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Bacca agent in London for West Ham talks KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carlos Bacca's agent is flying to London for talks with representatives of West Ham. It was revealed earlier this week that they Hammers had made an offer, thought to be in the region of €20million (circa £15million), for the 29-year-old Milan striker. And Gianluca Di Marzio, who broke that particular piece of news has revealed that the player's agent is on his way to England for talks with the Hammers - even though Milan are yet to formally accept West Ham's opening offer. The Columbian international is said to be earning in the region of £130,000 per week with I Rossoneri, whom he joined from Sevilla in a €30million deal just 12 months ago. Since moving to Serie A, Bacca - who has maintained 'a goal every two games' throughout his professional career - has netted 20 times in 42 games for the Serie A side.
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Lacazette deal must be concluded by July KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says any deal for striker Alexandre Lacazette must be concluded by 1 July - otherwise he will remain with Lyon. Aulus, who has stolen the limelight in recent weeks with his regular updates on the striker's situation has told L'Equipe that unless a deal is concluded by the end of the month, Lacazette will remain with Les Gones. And that will be the case even if Lyon were offered €80million, insisted Aulus. "If, on 28 August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," he told L'Equipe. "However if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. If there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
PSG remain the hot favourites to sign Lacazette after West Ham's interest cooled, although Tottenham are reported to be keen to hold talks with the 24-year-old goalscorer.
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Oggs off to France
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Angelo Ogbonna will be joining fellow Hammers Dimi Payet, James Collins and Darren Randolph in France for the European Championships. The centre half, who joined West Ham in an £8million switch from Serie A champions Juventus has been handed the #5 shirt in Italy's squad for this summer's extravaganza, which begins in France next week. Manager Antonio Conte, speaking on Italian TV last night revealed he was very happy with his 23-man selection. "The choices are made, we reflected a great deal and picked the best players at our disposal," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I have some pretty precise ideas." The most notable omissions from Conte's roster are Napoli midfielder Jorginho and Riccardo Montolivo, who is ruled out of the tournament with a calf problem.
Italy: Euro 16 squad
1 Buffon, 2 De Sciglio, 3 Chiellini, 4 Darmian, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Candreva, 7 Zaza, 8 Florenzi, 9 Pelle, 10 Motta, 11 Immobile, 12 Sirigu, 13 Marchetti, 14 Sturaro, 15 Barzagli, 16 De Rossi, 17 Eder, 18 Parolo, 19 Bonucci, 20 Insigne, 21 Bernardeschi, 22 El Shaarawy, 23 Giaccherini.
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Under-represented? West Ham way down in Euro 16 table KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will be represented by just four players at this summer's Euro 16 - one of the lowest numbers for an established Premier League club. Of 552 players registered to take part in this summer's tournament, 134 come from the top two divisions in England (103 from the Premier League and 33 from the Championship). That's way more than the Bundesliga (57 players), Serie A (52), the Super Lig (35) and La Liga, which had produced both European club champions this season (just 34). And with regards to the Premier League, nine clubs will will be represented with more players than West Ham, who finished the 2015/16 season in seventh place. Liverpool lead the pack with 12 players whilst Tottenham (11) and Manchester United (10) complete the top three. Way down the table, in joint ninth, are West Ham, whose meagre total of four players is matched by the likes of Crystal Palace, relegated Norwich City and Championship side Reading. The most represented clubs at Euro 16 - as compiled by Ekstra Stats - will be as follows. West Ham's four representatives at the tournament will be Dimitri Payet (France), James Collins (Wales), Darren Randolph (RO Ireland) and Angelo Ogbonna (Italy).
Most Players at Euro 16 (all Europe)
1. Liverpool, Juventus (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester United (10)
4. Barcelona, Bayern Munich (9)
5. Real Madrid, Arsenal, Basel, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, Roma (8) 6. Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev, Southampton, Shakhtar Donetsk (7) 7. Chelsea, Manchester City, Zenit, Viktoria Pilzno, Napoli, Ferencvaros, Dynamo Zagrzeb (6) 8. Everton, Stoke City, Bursaspor, Dortmund, Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Krasnodar, Legia Warsaw, Lokomotiv, Sparta Prague (5) 9. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom + 10 others (4)
All UK Clubs Represented at Euro 16
1. Liverpool (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester Utd (10)
4. Arsenal (8)
5. Southampton (7)
6. Chelsea, Manchester City (6)
7. Everton, Stoke City (5)
8. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom (4) 9. Burnley, Sheffield Weds (3) 10. Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland (2) 11. Aberdeen, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Celtic, Charlton, Doncaster, Fleetwood, Hamilton, Hull, Inverness, Ipswich, Kilmarniokc, Leeds, Millwall, Newcastle, QPR, St Johnstone, Wigan, Wolves (1)
Most Represented Leagues
1. Premier League (England) 103
2. Bundesliga (Germany) 57
3. Serie A (Italy) 52
4. Super Lig (Turkey) 35
5. La Liga (Spain) 34
6. Premier League (Russia) 32
7. Championship (England) 31
8. Ligue 1 (France) 22
9. Premier League (Ukraine) 20
10. Super League (Switzerland) 16
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Tore certain to leave Besiktas
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have been linked to a whole succession of players from Super Lig club Besiktas in recent weeks. So we thought we'd ask an expert for his views on the players currently linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium this summer. Here Kaan Bayazit, the Editor of respected Besiktas website www.besiktas-international.com gives us the lowdown an some of the Black Eagles' stars tipped to move to England this summer...
Gokhan Töre
"Töre is going to happen sooner rather than later, he is 100 per cent leaving Besiktas during this transfer window."
Oguzhan 'Ozzy' Özyakup
"Don't hold your breath on this one as his relationship with Bilic wasn't as strong as Töre's. Bilic benched him a lot during the 2014/15 season. And unlike Töre, Oguzhan [who began his career with Arsenal] isn't desperate to return to England in a hurry.
Veli Kavlak
"If the interest in Kavlak is serious, that shouldn't pose much of an issue for Besiktas given that his place in the team is questionable."
Atiba Hutchinson
"His name gets brought up with West Ham every season and his dream is to play in the Premier League. He had the chance last summer when he was a free agent but he opted to stay in Turkey, so I have a hard time imagining that would happen. Hutchinson is the pillar of the Besiktas team but is already 33, so I doubt West Ham will be willing to offer what he's worth to BJK."
* You may read more from Kaan with view to who will be coming and going at Besiktas this summer here.
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Be encouraged – Slav looking only at very best Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
It was very reassuring to learn that Slaven Bilic will be watching those players on his priority list at the Euro 201 Finals. For days we have been told that any number of previously unheard of strikers, midfielders and defenders could be on their way to the club plus of course …Gokham Tore!!! It's par for the course at this time of the year for such stuff to be contantly doing the rounds but with a major tournament in front of us why wouldn't Slav be looking at the very best players aroundbefore making big decisions?
We were told categorically yesterday evening that all his big targets are involved in the competition and any that aren't would be very low on his priorty list. Frankly it's enough for me at the moment to know that is the case and entirely as I expected when we reported people inside the club as saying "no dealings are likely to be done before the tournament." Be encouraged Slav is on the case and in Slav we trust!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 2
Wednesday, June 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st June 2016
Payet proud of France winner
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet was full of pride after firing France to victory over Cameroon with another fantastic free-kick on Monday evening. Les Bleus had been pegged back twice in Nantes before Payet clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory by curling past Fabrice Ondoa from fully 30 yards. Payet's winner was his SIXTH successful direct free-kick of the season and his second in consecutive matches for the UEFA Euro 2016 hosts, following another sensational effort against Russia in March. The West Ham United midfielder, who looks set to start the tournament opener against Romania next Friday, was delighted to make another decisive contribution for his country and France supporters. "It's always important to win, especially in front of your own fans," Payet told FFF tv. "We saw at the end just what it meant to them and they supported us during a difficult match against a tough opposition. "It is nice to win and there are, of course, things that could be better and we have the time to make those changes." "I wasn't that far out, but at the same time I was quite far out, so I didn't know whether I should cross it or not," Payet revealed. "Patrice (Evra) told me to have a go and I saw the goalkeeper try to move early to one side, so I tried to put it into the other corner and it hit the post and went in.
"It was a pretty good one because it was really one for a left-footer. I need to see the replay again, but I am pretty pleased with it."
For the player himself, the goal and victory were even more special as they came at the Stade de la Beaujoir, where he began his professional career with Nantes between 2005 and 2007.
"It was special for me to come back here to this stadium, where I spent two beautiful seasons," he explained. "And I was happy to feel the fans get behind us." France's victory came on the back of a 4-2 win over the Russians in Paris and 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, setting Didier Deschamps' squad up perfectly for Euro 2016. "They equalised twice in the game so to score the third goal is great. In the last three games we have scored quite a few a goals and so that is something to be pleased with. "You don't want to use everything up at once, but it is good for us to leave here confident and when you win, it's always better for the recovery and the morale in the camp."
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Payet bags breathtaking France free-kick
WHUFC.com
Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet curled home an incredible last-minute 30-yard free-kick to win France's friendly with Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night. The Euro 2016 hosts were level in Nantes heading towards added time before the West Ham midfielder placed the ball down to the right of goal and found the back of the net with breathtaking accuracy from a tight angle. It is the second free-kick Payet has scored in consecutive matches for Les Bleus, having converted an equally brilliant effort against Russia back in March. The 29-year-old was of course one of the Premier League's most-feared set-piece takers in 2015/16, and scored with magnificent free-kicks against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as FA Cup strikes over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United. Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring after 20 minutes for the hosts of this summer's tournament, which kicks off on 10 June, before Vincent Aboubakar equalised for the African nation just two minutes later. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud then restored Didier Deschamps' side's lead just before the break following a Paul Pogba cross, but Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting thought he had spoiled the party two minutes from time. However Payet had other ideas, placing the ball down 30-yards from the target on the right-hand side, before curling his effort into the far corner well beyond the reach of helpless Cameroon stopper Fabrice Ondoa. France face Scotland in their final match before Euro 2016 on Saturday night, then take on Romania in the tournament's opener in Paris.
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Ginge named in Wales Squad
WHUFC.com
James Collins will be heading to UEFA Euro 2016 as part of Wales' squad for their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. West Ham United defender Collins, who has 46 Wales caps to his name, is named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the tournament, which gets underway in France a week on Friday. Wales qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus and Andorra, and Collins cannot wait to represent his country this summer. He said: "For all us Welsh lads, it's a new experience so many great Wales players never had, for one reason or another. "We're going into it blind, because none of us really know what to expect, but we're full of excitement. "We've got three games to play and we'll be looking to qualify out of our group, and I think we've got every chance."
Following a friendly against Sweden on Sunday, Wales' Euro 2016 campaign gets underway on Saturday 11 June when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux. The much-anticipated meeting with England follows in Lens on Thursday 16 June, before the Group B fixtures conclude with Wales taking on Russia in Toulouse on Monday 20 June. Collins sees that opening game as being crucial. He added: "We have got Slovakia first and I think that's a must-win for us. We need to go there and get three points there to kick us off nicely. I think a win and a draw will see us through, so that's what we're looking to do and we're confident we can."
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Excitement growing in North Carolina
WHUFC.com
Excitement is growing ahead of West Ham United's 2016 US Tour visit to North Carolina. Slaven Bilic's squad will make the second stop of their summer visit to the United States in the town of Cary, where they will take on North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July at 8pm ET. West Ham will be the first English Premier League club to visit the area known as the Triangle – Cary sits between three prestigious universities – and RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson cannot wait for the big game. "We have the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams in the world," said Johnson. "What we are going to see on 12 July is an absolutely fantastic event with a lot of world-class players and a lot of excitement."
West Ham's Commercial Director Felicity Barnard joined Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on a visit to North Carolina in mid-May, and both were hugely impressed by what they found. Speaking to CarolinaRailHawks.com, Barnard said the fixture and training facilities would provide West Ham would a superb base at which to prepare for the 2016/17 season. "Coming over to the US is part of our pre-season and a really important part of us getting ready for the Premier League season ahead and, next season, for our European campaign as well," said Barnard.
"Each year we look at where we can get the most competitive matches and the best facilities to do that and the US is a natural choice for us. We want to go somewhere with lots of soccer fans and the sport is on such an upward trajectory that it's an exciting place to be. "Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home."
Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home While they may be just a decade old, the RailHawks hail from an area with a long and close association with the sport, where a Youth Soccer League has been in place for 40 years and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have reached the NCAA final three times since 2001. Barnard explained that the heritage, combined with the RailHawks' own ambitions of winning the NASL and eventually breaking into Major League Soccer (MLS), were part of the thinking behind West Ham's visit this summer. "It's really important for us to pick opposition teams who share our ethos and we are both very attacking sides in the way we play and exciting to watch. "Having looked at the background of the club, their ambitions and what they want to do in their home market, those are very important and it's the same for us. "Looking at both clubs and the region as a whole and how deep-rooted the region is in soccer, it was a natural choice for us to visit North Carolina."
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West Ham chasing Umtiti, say Sky sources
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon's brilliant young central defender Samuel Umtiti is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium. According to Sky Sports, West Ham are "leading the chase" to capture the 22-year-old, who plays alongside West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the French national squad.
Umtiti, who has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs this summer, and Tottenham, has spent his entire pro career with Lyon who finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Having featured for his country at all levels from Under 17 to Under 21, Umtiti has been included in Didier Deschamps' Euro 16 squad and was an unused substitute in France's 3-2 win over Cameroon last night.
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Payet joins Europe's elite
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Dimitri Payet is currently ranked as the fourth best player in Europe, according to UEFA's 'Player Barometer'. United's 29-year-old French star, who scored an injury-time winner for his country in a friendly with Cameroon last night ranks below just three players across the entire continent at present.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League Final at the weekend, free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann are the only players to rank higher than West Ham's talisman.
The UEFA chart is decided by comparing what UEFA describe as "official player statistics [run] through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on player performances."
Performance data for both club and country since 1 January is considered to rate each individual player, although the table is weighted in favour of more recent data.
The full top ten is as follows:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ex-PSG)
3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
4. Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
5. James Milner (Liverpool)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)
8. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
9. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
10. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Sunderland launch Sakho bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland are understood to have opened talks with view to signing West Ham United's Diafra Sakho. The North East club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season have made an opening offer for the striker, according to a KUMB source. Sakho - who cost just West Ham just £4million when moving from Metz two summers ago - has been in and out of the news all season, with his topsy-turvy private life having made almost as many headlines as his on-field achievements in recent months. As a result of his numerous and well-documented personal issues, Slaven Bilic will allow him to leave West Ham - but only for the right offer, with United looking to recoup around £15million. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was brought to England on Sam Allardyce's watch made just 24 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring just seven goals. DUring his first season in England (2014/15) he fared slightly better, managed 12 goals from 26 appearances.
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Collins makes final cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has been named in Wales' final 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.
West Ham United's experienced central defender is one of seven defenders named by Wales boss Chris Coleman, along with Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea) and Ashley Richards (Fulham).
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Sosa, so good
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are poised to make another raid on Slaven Bilic's former club. Having already courted the likes of Gokhan Tore, Veli Kavlak and Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent weeks, West Ham are now said to be lining up a bid for yet another Besiktas star - Argentine international Jose Sosa. The 30-year-old midfielder - who has previously enjoyed spells with Bayern Munich (2007-10) and Napoli (2010-11) - has been in Turkey with the Black Eagles for the past two seasons, having made the move from Atletico in La Liga during the summer of 2014. And according to a KUMB source, the Hammers are lining up a £9million bid for the Carcaraná-born Sosa, who has also been linked with a return home to Argentina this week. Estudiantes, with whom Sosa began his professional career back in 2002 are also rumoured to be keen on re-signing the player. Earlier this week SOsa indicated that he would not be averse to a move back to his first team.
Sosa made 31 appearances for Besiktas last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
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West Ham leading Samuel Umtiti race, Sky sources understand
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 31/05/16 5:06pm
SSN
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, Sky sources understand. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championship. The news of West Ham's efforts to sign Umtiti comes on the same day news emerged of a bid from the Hammers for AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca. West Ham have already had bids for Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down this summer, but co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club are keen to add a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. West Ham have already agreed a deal to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
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West Ham insist teenager Reece Oxford will not be sold despite interest from Manchester United
22:30, 30 MAY 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager but West Ham rate him as one of the best young talents they have produced
The Mirror
West Ham are determined to fend off Manchester United's attempts to land starlet Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho wants to make versatile Hammers academy product Oxford, 17, one of the first signings of his Manchester United reign. United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager, who can play in defence or midfield and has represented England's under-19s. But West Ham rate Oxford as the best talent they have produced since former United and England star Rio Ferdinand and insist there is no way he will be sold. They also claim they have not yet received an official bid for Oxford from the Old Trafford outfit. Star man Dimitri Payet is another Hammers player who has been linked with a summer move. Payet signed a fresh £125,000-a-week deal in February after a stunning start to his West Ham career but that hasn't silenced talk that the Frenchman could leave after an impressive debut season in England. But co-chairman David Gold vowed neither player is going anywhere, saying: "We have no plans to let these players go."
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Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.
Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in the local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimibi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.
However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.
We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won't firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.
Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.
However, we were told: "If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.
"Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact."
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Slav to watch targets at Euros
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will scout players on his Hammers wanted list at the European Championship in France. ClaretandHugh has already reported that the manager will not be doing any business before the Euros have finished and that his prime targets will be on display in France. Sadly, nobody is letting on at this stage as to who they are and in fact the manager is playing his cards close to his chest on names even to his closest confidantes having clamped down on any leaks. But ClaretandHugh was told this evening that anybody not involved in the competition will "be very low on the manager's list." We were told that both Gokhan Tore and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca were names that Bilic has mentioned in the past but that there is no movement in either direction at this stage. There has been intense speculation that Gor is a "done deal" but our sources insisted: "That's just guesswork and not very inspired. The manager has one or two targets and will be in France to watch them."
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Former Hammer's £170m goal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 31, 2016 in Videos, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer Mo Diame scored the only goal in the Championship Play-off final to win Hull City a place in the Premier League on the eve of the biggest ever TV deal in football history. That goal is said to worth a minimum of £170m to Hull as they rejoin the top flight of English football. Diame had earlier hit the post earlier in a final against Sheffield Wednesday which Hull dominated. Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, playing 79 times and scoring 7 goals for the Hammers. In late August 2014 he signed for Hull City on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m. He has scored 9 goals from 38 appearances in the Championship this season for the Hull Tigers. Diame once told a french website while still at West Ham 'I don't want to stop here, I still want more, Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true.'
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West Ham table £15m bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca - reports By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
West Ham have lodged a bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports in Italy. The Hammers are trying to get their transfer business done early this year ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and landing a forward is at the top of the agenda. Having failed with bids for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, West Ham have now turned their attention to the highly-rated Bacca. The Colombian, who scored 24 goals for club and country last season, has been linked with a number of clubs in the last few months, including Manchester United. But now, according to Sky Italia, West Ham have slapped down a £15million offer. Milan are unlikely to sell the former Sevilla hitman for that price so the bid is expected to be rejected. However, the report does suggest that an offer close to the £20m region could tempt the Italian giants to part ways with the 29-year-old - so a deal could still be on the cards.
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Tottenham and West Ham issued with warning over Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told Tottenham and West Ham they must tie up a deal for Alexandre Lacazette by the end of June. The striker is wanted by several Premier League clubs this summer after scoring 23 goals last season, to go with the 31 he bagged in 2014/15. Tottenham and West Ham are leading the race, but both clubs have so far failed to strike a deal with Lyon. And now Aulas has warned them to get a move on - or else they will have no chance of signing the Frenchman. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told L'Equipe. "However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. "Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
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West Ham launch £16m raid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic steps up search for top striker The experienced striker is one of several names on the club's wishlist Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old, who is chasing £60k a week wages Manager Slaven Bilic has been scouring the market for different strikers By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:12, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:17, 31 May 2016
West Ham have made an offer of £16million for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Colombia international is one of several names on the club's wishlist as they try lure a top class striker to the Olympic Stadium for next season. Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old which would leave no re-sale value and Bacca is understood to be chasing £60,000 a week after tax. He is prolific though and scored 24 goals in all competitions last season. Slaven Bilic and co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have been scouring the market for different strikers and have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. They remain in talks with Toulouse over a deal for Martin Braithwaite but he would be a secondary striker with Diafra Sakho likely to leave and a target for Sunderland among others.
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Sunderland step up bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho as £10m move edges closer Sunderland are keen on signing Diafra Sakho after staying in top flight West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is preparing to give the go-ahead The striker, bought for £3.5m in 2014, would cost Sunderland £10m West Ham are working on targets and are keen on Martin Braithwaite By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 May 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 31 May 2016
Sunderland are pressing ahead with a £10million move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. Manager Sam Allardyce is ready to speak to the Senegal international as West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan prepares to give the go-ahead. The 26-year-old was signed for £3.5million from Metz and proved an instant success, scoring 12 goals in 26 games in his first season. Although Sakho had his differences with Allardyce, when he was in charge of West Ham, the forward is looking for a fresh challenge after growing frustrated this season, in which he has scored seven goals. West Bromwich Albion showed interest in January and remain keen as they ponder possible replacements for Saido Berahino but Allardyce hopes to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light. West Ham will use the proceeds of any sale to bring in a quality striker and are continuing to work through targets. One forward they hope to sign is Toulouse's Danish international striker Martin Braithwaite. West Ham have made a £3m offer for the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, West Ham will step up talks with defender Reece Oxford over a new contract. Manchester United have yet to make a formal offer but are keen on the 17-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal. Hammers star Dimitri Payet scored a last-minute free-kick to help France beat Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet was full of pride after firing France to victory over Cameroon with another fantastic free-kick on Monday evening. Les Bleus had been pegged back twice in Nantes before Payet clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory by curling past Fabrice Ondoa from fully 30 yards. Payet's winner was his SIXTH successful direct free-kick of the season and his second in consecutive matches for the UEFA Euro 2016 hosts, following another sensational effort against Russia in March. The West Ham United midfielder, who looks set to start the tournament opener against Romania next Friday, was delighted to make another decisive contribution for his country and France supporters. "It's always important to win, especially in front of your own fans," Payet told FFF tv. "We saw at the end just what it meant to them and they supported us during a difficult match against a tough opposition. "It is nice to win and there are, of course, things that could be better and we have the time to make those changes." "I wasn't that far out, but at the same time I was quite far out, so I didn't know whether I should cross it or not," Payet revealed. "Patrice (Evra) told me to have a go and I saw the goalkeeper try to move early to one side, so I tried to put it into the other corner and it hit the post and went in.
"It was a pretty good one because it was really one for a left-footer. I need to see the replay again, but I am pretty pleased with it."
For the player himself, the goal and victory were even more special as they came at the Stade de la Beaujoir, where he began his professional career with Nantes between 2005 and 2007.
"It was special for me to come back here to this stadium, where I spent two beautiful seasons," he explained. "And I was happy to feel the fans get behind us." France's victory came on the back of a 4-2 win over the Russians in Paris and 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, setting Didier Deschamps' squad up perfectly for Euro 2016. "They equalised twice in the game so to score the third goal is great. In the last three games we have scored quite a few a goals and so that is something to be pleased with. "You don't want to use everything up at once, but it is good for us to leave here confident and when you win, it's always better for the recovery and the morale in the camp."
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Payet bags breathtaking France free-kick
WHUFC.com
Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet curled home an incredible last-minute 30-yard free-kick to win France's friendly with Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night. The Euro 2016 hosts were level in Nantes heading towards added time before the West Ham midfielder placed the ball down to the right of goal and found the back of the net with breathtaking accuracy from a tight angle. It is the second free-kick Payet has scored in consecutive matches for Les Bleus, having converted an equally brilliant effort against Russia back in March. The 29-year-old was of course one of the Premier League's most-feared set-piece takers in 2015/16, and scored with magnificent free-kicks against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as FA Cup strikes over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United. Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring after 20 minutes for the hosts of this summer's tournament, which kicks off on 10 June, before Vincent Aboubakar equalised for the African nation just two minutes later. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud then restored Didier Deschamps' side's lead just before the break following a Paul Pogba cross, but Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting thought he had spoiled the party two minutes from time. However Payet had other ideas, placing the ball down 30-yards from the target on the right-hand side, before curling his effort into the far corner well beyond the reach of helpless Cameroon stopper Fabrice Ondoa. France face Scotland in their final match before Euro 2016 on Saturday night, then take on Romania in the tournament's opener in Paris.
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Ginge named in Wales Squad
WHUFC.com
James Collins will be heading to UEFA Euro 2016 as part of Wales' squad for their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. West Ham United defender Collins, who has 46 Wales caps to his name, is named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the tournament, which gets underway in France a week on Friday. Wales qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus and Andorra, and Collins cannot wait to represent his country this summer. He said: "For all us Welsh lads, it's a new experience so many great Wales players never had, for one reason or another. "We're going into it blind, because none of us really know what to expect, but we're full of excitement. "We've got three games to play and we'll be looking to qualify out of our group, and I think we've got every chance."
Following a friendly against Sweden on Sunday, Wales' Euro 2016 campaign gets underway on Saturday 11 June when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux. The much-anticipated meeting with England follows in Lens on Thursday 16 June, before the Group B fixtures conclude with Wales taking on Russia in Toulouse on Monday 20 June. Collins sees that opening game as being crucial. He added: "We have got Slovakia first and I think that's a must-win for us. We need to go there and get three points there to kick us off nicely. I think a win and a draw will see us through, so that's what we're looking to do and we're confident we can."
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Excitement growing in North Carolina
WHUFC.com
Excitement is growing ahead of West Ham United's 2016 US Tour visit to North Carolina. Slaven Bilic's squad will make the second stop of their summer visit to the United States in the town of Cary, where they will take on North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July at 8pm ET. West Ham will be the first English Premier League club to visit the area known as the Triangle – Cary sits between three prestigious universities – and RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson cannot wait for the big game. "We have the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams in the world," said Johnson. "What we are going to see on 12 July is an absolutely fantastic event with a lot of world-class players and a lot of excitement."
West Ham's Commercial Director Felicity Barnard joined Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on a visit to North Carolina in mid-May, and both were hugely impressed by what they found. Speaking to CarolinaRailHawks.com, Barnard said the fixture and training facilities would provide West Ham would a superb base at which to prepare for the 2016/17 season. "Coming over to the US is part of our pre-season and a really important part of us getting ready for the Premier League season ahead and, next season, for our European campaign as well," said Barnard.
"Each year we look at where we can get the most competitive matches and the best facilities to do that and the US is a natural choice for us. We want to go somewhere with lots of soccer fans and the sport is on such an upward trajectory that it's an exciting place to be. "Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home."
Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home While they may be just a decade old, the RailHawks hail from an area with a long and close association with the sport, where a Youth Soccer League has been in place for 40 years and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have reached the NCAA final three times since 2001. Barnard explained that the heritage, combined with the RailHawks' own ambitions of winning the NASL and eventually breaking into Major League Soccer (MLS), were part of the thinking behind West Ham's visit this summer. "It's really important for us to pick opposition teams who share our ethos and we are both very attacking sides in the way we play and exciting to watch. "Having looked at the background of the club, their ambitions and what they want to do in their home market, those are very important and it's the same for us. "Looking at both clubs and the region as a whole and how deep-rooted the region is in soccer, it was a natural choice for us to visit North Carolina."
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West Ham chasing Umtiti, say Sky sources
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon's brilliant young central defender Samuel Umtiti is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium. According to Sky Sports, West Ham are "leading the chase" to capture the 22-year-old, who plays alongside West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the French national squad.
Umtiti, who has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs this summer, and Tottenham, has spent his entire pro career with Lyon who finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Having featured for his country at all levels from Under 17 to Under 21, Umtiti has been included in Didier Deschamps' Euro 16 squad and was an unused substitute in France's 3-2 win over Cameroon last night.
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Payet joins Europe's elite
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Dimitri Payet is currently ranked as the fourth best player in Europe, according to UEFA's 'Player Barometer'. United's 29-year-old French star, who scored an injury-time winner for his country in a friendly with Cameroon last night ranks below just three players across the entire continent at present.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League Final at the weekend, free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann are the only players to rank higher than West Ham's talisman.
The UEFA chart is decided by comparing what UEFA describe as "official player statistics [run] through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on player performances."
Performance data for both club and country since 1 January is considered to rate each individual player, although the table is weighted in favour of more recent data.
The full top ten is as follows:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ex-PSG)
3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
4. Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
5. James Milner (Liverpool)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)
8. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
9. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
10. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Sunderland launch Sakho bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland are understood to have opened talks with view to signing West Ham United's Diafra Sakho. The North East club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season have made an opening offer for the striker, according to a KUMB source. Sakho - who cost just West Ham just £4million when moving from Metz two summers ago - has been in and out of the news all season, with his topsy-turvy private life having made almost as many headlines as his on-field achievements in recent months. As a result of his numerous and well-documented personal issues, Slaven Bilic will allow him to leave West Ham - but only for the right offer, with United looking to recoup around £15million. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was brought to England on Sam Allardyce's watch made just 24 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring just seven goals. DUring his first season in England (2014/15) he fared slightly better, managed 12 goals from 26 appearances.
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Collins makes final cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has been named in Wales' final 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.
West Ham United's experienced central defender is one of seven defenders named by Wales boss Chris Coleman, along with Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea) and Ashley Richards (Fulham).
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Sosa, so good
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are poised to make another raid on Slaven Bilic's former club. Having already courted the likes of Gokhan Tore, Veli Kavlak and Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent weeks, West Ham are now said to be lining up a bid for yet another Besiktas star - Argentine international Jose Sosa. The 30-year-old midfielder - who has previously enjoyed spells with Bayern Munich (2007-10) and Napoli (2010-11) - has been in Turkey with the Black Eagles for the past two seasons, having made the move from Atletico in La Liga during the summer of 2014. And according to a KUMB source, the Hammers are lining up a £9million bid for the Carcaraná-born Sosa, who has also been linked with a return home to Argentina this week. Estudiantes, with whom Sosa began his professional career back in 2002 are also rumoured to be keen on re-signing the player. Earlier this week SOsa indicated that he would not be averse to a move back to his first team.
Sosa made 31 appearances for Besiktas last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
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West Ham leading Samuel Umtiti race, Sky sources understand
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 31/05/16 5:06pm
SSN
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, Sky sources understand. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championship. The news of West Ham's efforts to sign Umtiti comes on the same day news emerged of a bid from the Hammers for AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca. West Ham have already had bids for Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down this summer, but co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club are keen to add a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. West Ham have already agreed a deal to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
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West Ham insist teenager Reece Oxford will not be sold despite interest from Manchester United
22:30, 30 MAY 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager but West Ham rate him as one of the best young talents they have produced
The Mirror
West Ham are determined to fend off Manchester United's attempts to land starlet Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho wants to make versatile Hammers academy product Oxford, 17, one of the first signings of his Manchester United reign. United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager, who can play in defence or midfield and has represented England's under-19s. But West Ham rate Oxford as the best talent they have produced since former United and England star Rio Ferdinand and insist there is no way he will be sold. They also claim they have not yet received an official bid for Oxford from the Old Trafford outfit. Star man Dimitri Payet is another Hammers player who has been linked with a summer move. Payet signed a fresh £125,000-a-week deal in February after a stunning start to his West Ham career but that hasn't silenced talk that the Frenchman could leave after an impressive debut season in England. But co-chairman David Gold vowed neither player is going anywhere, saying: "We have no plans to let these players go."
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Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.
Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in the local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimibi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.
However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.
We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won't firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.
Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.
However, we were told: "If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.
"Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact."
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Slav to watch targets at Euros
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will scout players on his Hammers wanted list at the European Championship in France. ClaretandHugh has already reported that the manager will not be doing any business before the Euros have finished and that his prime targets will be on display in France. Sadly, nobody is letting on at this stage as to who they are and in fact the manager is playing his cards close to his chest on names even to his closest confidantes having clamped down on any leaks. But ClaretandHugh was told this evening that anybody not involved in the competition will "be very low on the manager's list." We were told that both Gokhan Tore and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca were names that Bilic has mentioned in the past but that there is no movement in either direction at this stage. There has been intense speculation that Gor is a "done deal" but our sources insisted: "That's just guesswork and not very inspired. The manager has one or two targets and will be in France to watch them."
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Former Hammer's £170m goal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 31, 2016 in Videos, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer Mo Diame scored the only goal in the Championship Play-off final to win Hull City a place in the Premier League on the eve of the biggest ever TV deal in football history. That goal is said to worth a minimum of £170m to Hull as they rejoin the top flight of English football. Diame had earlier hit the post earlier in a final against Sheffield Wednesday which Hull dominated. Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, playing 79 times and scoring 7 goals for the Hammers. In late August 2014 he signed for Hull City on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m. He has scored 9 goals from 38 appearances in the Championship this season for the Hull Tigers. Diame once told a french website while still at West Ham 'I don't want to stop here, I still want more, Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true.'
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West Ham table £15m bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca - reports By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
West Ham have lodged a bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports in Italy. The Hammers are trying to get their transfer business done early this year ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and landing a forward is at the top of the agenda. Having failed with bids for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, West Ham have now turned their attention to the highly-rated Bacca. The Colombian, who scored 24 goals for club and country last season, has been linked with a number of clubs in the last few months, including Manchester United. But now, according to Sky Italia, West Ham have slapped down a £15million offer. Milan are unlikely to sell the former Sevilla hitman for that price so the bid is expected to be rejected. However, the report does suggest that an offer close to the £20m region could tempt the Italian giants to part ways with the 29-year-old - so a deal could still be on the cards.
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Tottenham and West Ham issued with warning over Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told Tottenham and West Ham they must tie up a deal for Alexandre Lacazette by the end of June. The striker is wanted by several Premier League clubs this summer after scoring 23 goals last season, to go with the 31 he bagged in 2014/15. Tottenham and West Ham are leading the race, but both clubs have so far failed to strike a deal with Lyon. And now Aulas has warned them to get a move on - or else they will have no chance of signing the Frenchman. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told L'Equipe. "However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. "Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
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West Ham launch £16m raid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic steps up search for top striker The experienced striker is one of several names on the club's wishlist Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old, who is chasing £60k a week wages Manager Slaven Bilic has been scouring the market for different strikers By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:12, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:17, 31 May 2016
West Ham have made an offer of £16million for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Colombia international is one of several names on the club's wishlist as they try lure a top class striker to the Olympic Stadium for next season. Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old which would leave no re-sale value and Bacca is understood to be chasing £60,000 a week after tax. He is prolific though and scored 24 goals in all competitions last season. Slaven Bilic and co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have been scouring the market for different strikers and have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. They remain in talks with Toulouse over a deal for Martin Braithwaite but he would be a secondary striker with Diafra Sakho likely to leave and a target for Sunderland among others.
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Sunderland step up bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho as £10m move edges closer Sunderland are keen on signing Diafra Sakho after staying in top flight West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is preparing to give the go-ahead The striker, bought for £3.5m in 2014, would cost Sunderland £10m West Ham are working on targets and are keen on Martin Braithwaite By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 May 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 31 May 2016
Sunderland are pressing ahead with a £10million move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. Manager Sam Allardyce is ready to speak to the Senegal international as West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan prepares to give the go-ahead. The 26-year-old was signed for £3.5million from Metz and proved an instant success, scoring 12 goals in 26 games in his first season. Although Sakho had his differences with Allardyce, when he was in charge of West Ham, the forward is looking for a fresh challenge after growing frustrated this season, in which he has scored seven goals. West Bromwich Albion showed interest in January and remain keen as they ponder possible replacements for Saido Berahino but Allardyce hopes to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light. West Ham will use the proceeds of any sale to bring in a quality striker and are continuing to work through targets. One forward they hope to sign is Toulouse's Danish international striker Martin Braithwaite. West Ham have made a £3m offer for the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, West Ham will step up talks with defender Reece Oxford over a new contract. Manchester United have yet to make a formal offer but are keen on the 17-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal. Hammers star Dimitri Payet scored a last-minute free-kick to help France beat Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st May 2016
Randolph and Ireland's final pre-Euro clash
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland side take on Belarus on Tuesday in
their final match prior to this summer's Euro 2016 in France. The stopper
started and played 90 minutes as Martin O'Neill's team drew 1-1 with Holland
on Friday and is expected to be the country's number one stopper for the
tournament which starts on 10 June. Luuk de Jong grabbed a late equaliser
for the Dutch after Ireland had been in front for 55 minutes thanks to
Southampton forward Shane Long's first half strike. The Boys in Green will
be keen to build their momentum heading into the Euros with a win against a
Belarus side, who did not qualify for the tournament, on Tuesday. Speaking
after West Ham's season finished, Randolph said: "This will be a busy summer
for me, with the Euros and the Club are going to America for a pre-season
tour. "This season, I've played probably a lot more than I could have hoped
for. I played a lot of league games for West Ham and helped Ireland qualify
for the Euros so as first seasons go, it's been pretty unbelievable."
Ireland have been drawn in the trickiest-looking group for this summer's
competition, and go up against Sweden in Paris before tough matches against
Belgium in Bordeaux and Italy in Lille.
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West Ham braced for Oxford bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are expecting to receive a bid for England youth
international Reece Oxford from Manchester United. A rumour emerged this
morning suggesting that a £15million bid had been made for the central
defender, who made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 win at Arsenal last
season.
However KUMB understands that whilst the Red Devils have expressed interest
in signing Oxford, no official offer has yet been forthcoming. A fortnight
ago the England youth international laughed off rumours linking him with a
move to Old Trafford. You may find the best betting offers for 2016 here.
Taking to Twitter, he posted the above message in response to a suggestion
that Man Utd had launched a £10million bid for his signature.
Oxford was named Young Player of the Year at the KUMB Awards earlier this
month, beating Martin Samuelsen (third) and Reece Burke (runner-up and last
year's winner).
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Austrian international on West Ham's radar
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is eyeing a potential
move to the Premier League. And West Ham - along with fellow Europa League
qualifiers Southampton - are both being linked with a bid for the
28-year-old.
Junuzovic - who has been with Die Werderaner since moving from Austria Wien
in 2012 - has been tipped to leave Weserstadion this summer having fallen
out with head coach Viktor Skrypnyk.
The disagreement centres around the Ukranian manager's decision to play
Junuzovic on the left wing as opposed to his favoured, central role - a
position in which the Austrian international plays for his country.
That, says Kicker (via Krone) has led to interest from both Premier League
clubs who are seeking to enhance their squads ahead of next season's
potentially long and arduous Europa League campaign.
Under contract at Werder until 2018, Junuzovic is expected to make a final
decision on his future after the forthcoming European Championships, where
he is set to feature for his country in the competition's Group F.
However Bremen have already signalled their intentions to persuade the
free-kick specialist to stay in the Bundesliga, with former club captain and
General Manager Frank Baumann having already visited the player at the
Austrian's training camp.
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Athletic chasing Burke
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Teenage defender Reece Burke is rumoured to be a target for newly-promoted
Wigan Athletic. The Latics were promoted to the Championship after just one
season back in the third tier of English football and are understood to have
targeted the 19-year-old central defender as a potential loan signing.
Burke, who was voted as Bradford's Player of the Year last season spent the
entire campaign on loan with the Bantams, for whom he made 36 appearances.
And Wigan boss Gary Caldwell believes the England youth international can be
as successful at a higher level, with a full season of League One football
under his belt. Wigan, who won last season's League One title by two points
also boast former Hammer Jussi Jasskelainen in their ranks. The 37-year-old
Fin featured on 38 occasions for the Latics last season.
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Oxford shares Sterling agent
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Now the purpose of this piece is not to worry anybody but just to keep you
entirely in the picture on the stories that matter.
Today's West Ham headlines have been dominted by the Reece Oxford affair
which has seen suggestions from the national press that he will soon be the
subject of a £10 million plus bid from Manchester United.
There were suggestions elsewhere that a bid had actually been received for
£15 milion which turned out to be inaccurate when own sources inside the
club made it clear there had been no enquiry or offer from anywhere.
Agents are always around but there's no suggestion of anything untoward
here. Reece Oxford's is Aidy Ward who also acts for Raheem Sterling but any
idea that top clubs will be ready to pay such monstrous figures for a
teenager are patently absurd.
Why? Because two years is the maximum allowed for a 17-year-old but he can
sign a long-term deal when he reaches eighteen in December 2016.
Clearly, therefore, no transfer is going to happen in this window – it's
about seen months to soon minimum and 19 months maximum.
In the meantime Slaven Bilic has an important job convincing the best young
Academy prouct of his generation that West Ham is the club that can best
further his career.
The national newspaper that broke this story really has been left with
enough egg on its face to make an omlette and the rest of us can relax –
this was an extremely over cooked story.
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Silkman seeks Pereyra Twitter apology
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Agent Barry Silkman has furiously denied that he has ever claimed Juventus
midfielder Roberto Pereyra is the subject of a £10.8 million bid from West
Ham. The "story" appeared on Twitter earlier today (Mon) where it was
declared: "BREAKING: Football agent Barry Silkman says West Ham have made a
£10.8m bid for Roberto Pereyra of Juventus." But Silkman – speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "I hope whoever tweeted that has a link
showing that I said it because I don't even know who the plaer is – never
mind whether he is even available." "I have no knowledge of any bid because
as I say I know nothing about the player. I would expect an apology as this
is out of order and I am very unhappy about it."
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Hammers give Oxford update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham were today insisting they have received no offers for Reece Oxford.
The Mail ran a story on line declaring that the Irons are bracing thmselves
for a £10 million plus bid from Manchester United. But our top source at the
club told us a few minutes ago: "There has been no bid and we are not
expecting one. Mind you there is quite possibly a lot of agent activity
going on as one might expect." The Mail story had claimed the Hammers were
bracing themselves for a bid for the defender and added it could arrive
sooner rather than later, even as early as this week.
But co-owner David Gold has denied any interest in selling the defender and
our source said: "There has been nothing from anywhere and he remains our
player on contract. And our source said: "As for bracing ourselves for a bid
– there has been nothing from anywhere so that wouldn't be true."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland side take on Belarus on Tuesday in
their final match prior to this summer's Euro 2016 in France. The stopper
started and played 90 minutes as Martin O'Neill's team drew 1-1 with Holland
on Friday and is expected to be the country's number one stopper for the
tournament which starts on 10 June. Luuk de Jong grabbed a late equaliser
for the Dutch after Ireland had been in front for 55 minutes thanks to
Southampton forward Shane Long's first half strike. The Boys in Green will
be keen to build their momentum heading into the Euros with a win against a
Belarus side, who did not qualify for the tournament, on Tuesday. Speaking
after West Ham's season finished, Randolph said: "This will be a busy summer
for me, with the Euros and the Club are going to America for a pre-season
tour. "This season, I've played probably a lot more than I could have hoped
for. I played a lot of league games for West Ham and helped Ireland qualify
for the Euros so as first seasons go, it's been pretty unbelievable."
Ireland have been drawn in the trickiest-looking group for this summer's
competition, and go up against Sweden in Paris before tough matches against
Belgium in Bordeaux and Italy in Lille.
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West Ham braced for Oxford bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are expecting to receive a bid for England youth
international Reece Oxford from Manchester United. A rumour emerged this
morning suggesting that a £15million bid had been made for the central
defender, who made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 win at Arsenal last
season.
However KUMB understands that whilst the Red Devils have expressed interest
in signing Oxford, no official offer has yet been forthcoming. A fortnight
ago the England youth international laughed off rumours linking him with a
move to Old Trafford. You may find the best betting offers for 2016 here.
Taking to Twitter, he posted the above message in response to a suggestion
that Man Utd had launched a £10million bid for his signature.
Oxford was named Young Player of the Year at the KUMB Awards earlier this
month, beating Martin Samuelsen (third) and Reece Burke (runner-up and last
year's winner).
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Austrian international on West Ham's radar
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is eyeing a potential
move to the Premier League. And West Ham - along with fellow Europa League
qualifiers Southampton - are both being linked with a bid for the
28-year-old.
Junuzovic - who has been with Die Werderaner since moving from Austria Wien
in 2012 - has been tipped to leave Weserstadion this summer having fallen
out with head coach Viktor Skrypnyk.
The disagreement centres around the Ukranian manager's decision to play
Junuzovic on the left wing as opposed to his favoured, central role - a
position in which the Austrian international plays for his country.
That, says Kicker (via Krone) has led to interest from both Premier League
clubs who are seeking to enhance their squads ahead of next season's
potentially long and arduous Europa League campaign.
Under contract at Werder until 2018, Junuzovic is expected to make a final
decision on his future after the forthcoming European Championships, where
he is set to feature for his country in the competition's Group F.
However Bremen have already signalled their intentions to persuade the
free-kick specialist to stay in the Bundesliga, with former club captain and
General Manager Frank Baumann having already visited the player at the
Austrian's training camp.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Athletic chasing Burke
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Teenage defender Reece Burke is rumoured to be a target for newly-promoted
Wigan Athletic. The Latics were promoted to the Championship after just one
season back in the third tier of English football and are understood to have
targeted the 19-year-old central defender as a potential loan signing.
Burke, who was voted as Bradford's Player of the Year last season spent the
entire campaign on loan with the Bantams, for whom he made 36 appearances.
And Wigan boss Gary Caldwell believes the England youth international can be
as successful at a higher level, with a full season of League One football
under his belt. Wigan, who won last season's League One title by two points
also boast former Hammer Jussi Jasskelainen in their ranks. The 37-year-old
Fin featured on 38 occasions for the Latics last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oxford shares Sterling agent
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Now the purpose of this piece is not to worry anybody but just to keep you
entirely in the picture on the stories that matter.
Today's West Ham headlines have been dominted by the Reece Oxford affair
which has seen suggestions from the national press that he will soon be the
subject of a £10 million plus bid from Manchester United.
There were suggestions elsewhere that a bid had actually been received for
£15 milion which turned out to be inaccurate when own sources inside the
club made it clear there had been no enquiry or offer from anywhere.
Agents are always around but there's no suggestion of anything untoward
here. Reece Oxford's is Aidy Ward who also acts for Raheem Sterling but any
idea that top clubs will be ready to pay such monstrous figures for a
teenager are patently absurd.
Why? Because two years is the maximum allowed for a 17-year-old but he can
sign a long-term deal when he reaches eighteen in December 2016.
Clearly, therefore, no transfer is going to happen in this window – it's
about seen months to soon minimum and 19 months maximum.
In the meantime Slaven Bilic has an important job convincing the best young
Academy prouct of his generation that West Ham is the club that can best
further his career.
The national newspaper that broke this story really has been left with
enough egg on its face to make an omlette and the rest of us can relax –
this was an extremely over cooked story.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Silkman seeks Pereyra Twitter apology
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Agent Barry Silkman has furiously denied that he has ever claimed Juventus
midfielder Roberto Pereyra is the subject of a £10.8 million bid from West
Ham. The "story" appeared on Twitter earlier today (Mon) where it was
declared: "BREAKING: Football agent Barry Silkman says West Ham have made a
£10.8m bid for Roberto Pereyra of Juventus." But Silkman – speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "I hope whoever tweeted that has a link
showing that I said it because I don't even know who the plaer is – never
mind whether he is even available." "I have no knowledge of any bid because
as I say I know nothing about the player. I would expect an apology as this
is out of order and I am very unhappy about it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers give Oxford update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham were today insisting they have received no offers for Reece Oxford.
The Mail ran a story on line declaring that the Irons are bracing thmselves
for a £10 million plus bid from Manchester United. But our top source at the
club told us a few minutes ago: "There has been no bid and we are not
expecting one. Mind you there is quite possibly a lot of agent activity
going on as one might expect." The Mail story had claimed the Hammers were
bracing themselves for a bid for the defender and added it could arrive
sooner rather than later, even as early as this week.
But co-owner David Gold has denied any interest in selling the defender and
our source said: "There has been nothing from anywhere and he remains our
player on contract. And our source said: "As for bracing ourselves for a bid
– there has been nothing from anywhere so that wouldn't be true."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, May 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th May 2016
Payet's France face Cameroon
WHUFC.com
Euro 2016 hosts France take on Cameroon on Monday night and Hammers star Dimitri Payet could be involved for Les Bleus. The 29-year-old was included in Didier Deschamps' European Championship squad earlier this month thanks to a collection of terrific performances for both his national and club side. Payet was named Hammer of the Year at the Boleyn Ground after a sublime debut season in English football, in which he bagged 12 goals and set up 15. His goal tally for Slaven Bilic's side included four world class free-kicks and just days after the fantastic set-piece strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford, he replicated it for France in a friendly win over Russia. Ahead of the match against Cameroon in Nantes, fans' favourite Payet said: "Of course I'll do my very best in what will be a very important tournament held by my country France, the host nation. "It has been a magnificent first year for me and looking back at the results I've had for club and country it has been really fantastic and also the individual accolades are lovely to receive. "Of course it is fantastic to receive recognition from fellow players and, on top of that, it's in the hardest league in the world so it is really a great feeling and I feel very honoured [to win Hammer of the Year]."
As hosts, France did not have to qualify for this summer's tournament and have therefore been contesting friendly matches since 2014's FIFA World Cup ended. Scoring in his country's last match – the free-kick against Russia – Payet also followed that up with an assist as France were 4-2 winners over England's fellow group stage side.
As Payet joined West Ham last summer, the Frenchman had not featured in an international match since June 2015, however as he continued to impress for the east Londoners, Deschamps could no longer ignore the midfielder. Hosts France, who face Cameroon at 8pm on Monday, will battle with Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A for a place in the knockout-stages of the tournament which begins on 10 June.
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Oxford looks back on breakthrough season
WHUFC.com
Defender Reece Oxford admitted he has enjoyed an amazing breakthrough season at West Ham United and expressed his delight at picking up the Young Hammer of the Year award. The centre-back made 12 first team appearances for the Hammers this season, and also led the Development Squad to U21 Premier League Cup glory as captain. The campaign for the teenager began with three UEFA Europa League games before he made his Premier League debut at title contenders Arsenal, helping the Hammers to record an opening day 2-0 victory. Looking back on the campaign, Oxford said: "It's been unbelievable. I won the Dylan Tombides award last year, so to win the Young Hammer of the Year award is unbelievable. It is a real pleasure. "I feel like my hard work has paid off now so I'm happy that I have been awarded [the award] by the Club. I didn't think I'd have moved to where I am now so quickly. "I did think I was going to push on, but I'm just happy I'm here right now doing what I'm doing. Hopefully I'll be playing week in, week out [in twelve months' time]."
Oxford's progress has been overseen by Academy Director and Head of Player Coaching and Development Terry Westley, and he believes Oxford has been nothing but outstanding this term. "He's just got one award left to win!" Westley exclaimed. "Next year he could be our Player of the Year! His progress has been exceptional this year. "It could have been one of anyone this year because the standard has been so good. Reece is the stand out player. "Anyone who is an U16 and plays every week for the U21s and is captain, and the following season plays in the first team, just shows you his progression. He fully deserves the accolade he's getting."
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Slaven Bilic NBA special - Part One
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has shared his love for the sport of basketball in a revealing two-part interview with NBA UK.
Bilic hails from the traditional European basketball powerhouse of Croatia, which has provided dozens of players to America's fabled NBA (National Basketball Association) league.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers' US Tour 2016, which will see Bilic and his squad visit Seattle, Washington and Cary, North Carolina, in July the manager told of his passion for basketball, its players and its coaches.
In Part One, the manager reveals his long-time love of the game and his respect for Croatia's greatest-ever player, the late Drazen Petrovic.
Slaven, you were born in the city of Split in the former Yugoslavia in what is now Croatia – countries which have had a great tradition in basketball…
"At one time in the 1990s when there weren't a lot of foreign players in the NBA, but at that moment there were more players from the city of Split in Croatia in the NBA than from the rest of the whole world.
"There were five or six of them, I think – Toni Kukoc, Drazen Petrovic, Dino Rada, Stojko Verankovic and Zan Tabak – from the same hometown, than from the rest of Europe.
"I was more of a football fan growing up in Yugoslavia and then, as it is now in Croatia, it was football and then basketball as the two main sports. The team from my town, Split, were three-times European champions in 1989, 1990 and 1991 with some of those future NBA players.
"We had a big basketball culture and tradition in the former Yugoslavia, it was unbelievable. Even now, Croatia is OK, Serbia and Slovenia are good and have sent a few players to the NBA.
"At that time in the late 1980s and early 1990s there were also many from Serbia at that time – Vlade Divac, Halilovic, Paspac and Peja Stojakovic with the three-pointers!
"We are a very tall people and are very good in team sports. We have three Croatian players in the NBA now – Bojan Bogdanovic with the New Jersey Nets, Mario Hezonja for Orlando Magic and Damjan Rudej with the Indiana Pacers – then they are all talking about Dario Saric who went very high in the draft in 2014 but still plays in Europe, in Turkey. We have good tradition."
You were born four years after Croatia's greatest-ever player, Drazen Petrovic, a guard who played in his homeland with Sibenka and Cibona, before rising to greatness with Real Madrid in Spain and then the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers and New Jersey Nets.
Drazen was tragically killed in a car crash in Germany at the age of 28 in 1993, but presumably you still have great memories of his career and a fabulous time in Croatian basketball…
"In 1992, we were in the Olympic final and we were leading 25-23 at one stage, but then of course the American Dream Team was much better.
"Drazen was great, because he wanted to show himself. He was unbelievable. When he died in that car crash, he was a role model of a sportsman who was so crazy about the game that he trained 24/7.
"He was such a different player when he played in Sibenka, then Sabona, then Real Madrid, Portland and New Jersey. He was skinny and all that, but he scored 62 points in the European Cup Winners Cup final for Real Madrid in 1989.
"When he died, he was on the verge and we were hoping he would become an All-Star. In Portland, he had two guards in front of him in Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter so he didn't get very many minutes, but with the Nets he really shone."
The successful San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was born in the United States to a Serb father and a Croat mother and has often talked about how important his heritage is to him. However, there has yet to be a European head coach in the NBA. Is that a situation you would like to see change?
"I never met Gregg Popovich, but I know he has Croatian roots from reading and watching interviews about that. When I was in Turkey, he came with his San Antonio Spurs to play against Fenerbahce.
"I have spoken a few times about the similarities in coaching between the two sports, but more about European basketball than NBA.
"My good friend is Neven Spahija, who was a coach in Turkey and Croatia and was Drazen Petrovic's friend. He is now an assistant coach on the staff with the Atlanta Hawks and of course there are similarities.
"There should be European coaches in the NBA. The Italian Ettore Messina was in CSKA Moscow when I was with Lokomotiv and he has been very successful, winning four Euroleague titles.
"We have good coaches in Croatia but the one who impresses me the most is Zeljko Obradovic, who is with Fenerbahce and was there when I was with Besiktas. What he has done is amazing, winning eight Euroleague titles and dozens of domestic leagues and cups.
"I don't know if there is anyone in any sport who has been so dominating. Guardiola, Ancelotti, Mourinho and Ferguson are nowhere near Obradovic – everywhere he goes, he wins!"
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Slaven Bilic NBA special - Part Two
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has shared his love for the sport of basketball in a revealing two-part interview with NBA UK.
Bilic hails from the traditional European basketball powerhouse of Croatia, which has provided dozens of players to America's fabled NBA (National Basketball Association) league.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers' US Tour 2016, which will see Bilic and his squad visit Seattle, Washington and Cary, North Carolina, in July the manager told of his passion for basketball, its players and its coaches.
In Part Two, the manager reveals his respect for legendary coach Phil Jackson and picks his all-time greatest NBA starting five...
Slaven, we talked in Part One about the similarities between coaching in football and basketball. Which NBA coaches do you look up to?
"When I was preparing myself for this job, one of the best books I ever read was Phil Jackson's book Sacred Hoop. It's unbelievable. Everything is in there about tactics, management, how to cope with Michael Jordan and the other guys, and the two ways basketball was played in the United States, college style with a one-man team and then professional style.
"He talked about how he changed that and went from one style to the other without Jordan losing his importance and used other big stars like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman."
As in basketball, is tactical knowledge the most important coaching quality you can possess in football?
"Without tactical knowledge you can't apply for the job, but knowing that is not everything because you are dealing with people.
"As important as tactics is man-management because basically you are coping with up to 25 young athletes who have big egos because they wouldn't be there if they weren't strong characters.
"Ten or 12 of them might be unhappy to start with, but during the course of the season you will have to call on them so you have to learn how to cope with them and keep those who don't play less unhappy and motivated."
Who were your favourite players growing up?
"I was a big Utah Jazz fan, with the Mailman Karl Malone, John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek. I remember during the 1998 World Cup in France and we had beaten Jamaica in the first game, I was rooming with Robert Prosinecki who was also NBA-crazy, and we came back to the hotel at 1am and watched the famous NBA finals game against the Jazz when Michael Jordan scored the winning shot and I was gutted!
"Of course the Chicago Bulls had my fellow Croatian Toni Kukoc but I was a Jazz fan and we'd stayed up all night to watch it!
"I also loved Detroit Pistons with Rasheed Wallace and the Bulls. Now, they have Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and he is not human! I saw Jordan and all them but what he is doing you think 'this is really not possible' because he does it whenever he wants - it's unbelievable!
"I also love Derrick Rose, and I liked Allen Iverson, who played for Besiktas in Turkey at one time!"
Slaven, it would be remiss of us not to ask you to name your all-time NBA starting five...
"Of course I would have Drazen Petrovic. The guards would be Isiah Thomas... Actually no, the guards would be John Stockton and Drazen, then the Mailman and Michael Jordan. For my big man, I'll have Toni Kukoc."
Finally, who will win the 2016 NBA Finals?
"I didn't like when LeBron James left Cleveland and now he has come back and I would like them to win it."
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Mears ready for Hammers reunion
WHUFC.com
The Hammers will be coming up against a familiar face when they play Seattle Sounders as part of their 2016 summer tour to America on Tuesday 5 July. Tyrone Mears played at the Boleyn Ground back in 2006/07 and will always remember his brief spell in east London. The 33-year-old has now made a successful switch to the United States and is enjoying his football at the Sounders who are the best-supported and most-valuable franchise team in Major League Soccer (MLS). Mears is looking forward to welcoming Premier League opposition to Seattle and knows it will be a memorable occasion when the two teams meet at CenturyLink Field. Mears said: "West Ham are a great club. When I went there they had just got to the FA Cup Final under Alan Pardew. "We had a good group of players. The one thing that stands out about West Ham is the fans support. "I know they have been talking about the move to the new Stadium and I think it is great for the club. "There is a lot of history at the old ground, but moving forward it is massive for the club and they can easily join the top four teams in the Premier League now."
West Ham will also face North American Soccer League (NASL) team Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July as part of their Stateside tour.
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I'm still improving, says Dimitri Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet may be hitting his 30th birthday before the 2016/17 season is complete - but still believes he can improve as a footballer. The French international, who is set to represent his country this summer at the European Championships told 442 magazine that his career had taken a major upturn in the last two years - his last at Merseille and his first with West Ham. And he fully expects to continue his progression with United at the Olympic Stadium. "It's true that the last two years have been the best [of my career], but I still hope to progress," he said. "You can always learn and I work hard to be able to raise my level."
Payet, who was named as the KUMB.com Player of the Year earlier this month also laughed off reports of a move away from the club. "Journalists have placed me everywhere!" he said. "But I currently have no contact [with any other club] and I signed a very long contract with West Ham - so it is very likely that I'll still be here next season."
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West Ham's Champions League pedigree
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Real Madrid were crowned kings of Europe last night as they beat Atletico Madrid in a tense penalty shootout to claim the Champions League title in Milan. Following 120 minutes of football, spot kicks were required to separate the two Spanish clubs and Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning penalty shortly before midnight to win Real their 11th European Cup/Champions League title. And although West Ham have never qualified for the competition in their history (thanks this season to some dreadful refereeing), United have produced more Champions League finalists than any other English club - bar Manchester United. According to an article for Bwin, West Ham's three home-grown Champions League finalists - Frank Lampard (who represented Chelsea in 2011's all-English Final), Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick (Man Utd) - have only been beaten by the Red Devils with six (Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Wes Brown, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs). And even Arsenal, who appeared in the Final back in 2005/06 when they were comfortably beaten by Barcelona have only produced two players to feature in the big game (Ashley and Andy Cole) - the same number as clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Cesena and Montenegro's FK Buducnost Podgorica.
All in all, just 26 clubs have produced more than one player to feature in the Champions League final - with Barcelona topping the lot having prodcued nine players from their Academy (Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro and Garcia).
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Clyde Best autobiography due soon
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Clyde Best, one of the first black players to represent West Ham United will tell the story of his fascinating journey in a new book coming out later this year.
The as-yet-untitled retrospective looks back at Best's career as a professional player in both the UK and abroad, plus his subsequent career as a football administrator.
And by way of a little bonus to Hammers fans, publishers deCoubertin Books are asking supporters to send in questions for the big man which will appear in the book's appendix.
If you'd like to see your question appear in the final publication, simply visit the following thread on the KUMB Forum and post it there. (Please note that whilst all questions will be considered for publication, space may preclude some from being used.)
He became part of the first black triumverate - alongside Clive Charles and Ade Coker - to feature in a top-flight English team when West Ham beat Tottenham 2-0 on April Fools' Day 1972
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DG hits out at Spurs digs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has again hit out at crazy complaints that West Ham are ripping off taxpayers in the Olympic Stadium deal. DG becomes more heated on the subject than any other and once again has slammed those who have been taking a pop on Twitter. Tottenham have reached a deal to play their Champions League home games at Wembley next season. The Premier League club also has the option to play all home league and cup matches, as well as any European games, at the national stadium during the 2017-18 campaign. Spurs are having a new £400m stadium built next to their existing White Hart Lane ground.
And following the news a Tottenham twitter account commented: "Why are West Ham fans angered? #THFC are paying for Wembley out their own pocket, unlike #WHUFC where taxpayers are paying for their stadium." That immediately started the fur flying and DG immediately reacted: "THFC are paying rent for Wembley out of their own pockets. WHUFC are paying rent for OS out of their own pockets. dg"
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Olympic Bell re-installed next to Iron's new home
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The £1million Olympic bell has been re-installed in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park just outside the stadium in Champions place. The bell will never toll again due to concerns it is so loud that it will disturb residents living nearby.
The Olympic Bell was commissioned and cast for the 2012 London Olympic Games, and is the largest harmonically-tuned bell in the world.The bell is cast in bronze and is two metres high with a diameter of 3.34 metres, and weighs 22.91 tonnes.
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, a few miles from the Olympic Stadium, was commissioned to make the bell in 2011.
The bell has the lowest tone in the world – a sound that can be heard for miles around – and was first rung by Sir Bradley Wiggins during the £27million Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2012.
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) paid to re-install the 23-ton bell, however, it will be purely ornamental as it is feared that the sound would be so loud that it would be totally unbearable for anyone living in the area.
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Majority of stewards will move to the OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Claret and Hugh understands that 138 West Ham stewards from the Boleyn Ground are registered to carry on working at the former Olympic Stadium, 53 of whom are already working at the new Stadium stewarding previous non-football events.
While some stewards have opted not to transfer when they were told that their location within the stadium could not be guaranteed sources close to the club say the vast majority have registered.
We have been told that the club went to huge lengths to ensure that every steward who wanted to transfer to the new Stadium was able to do so with minimum difficulty, and the large majority have done so. That process started six months before the end of the season, with letters and emails sent to every single steward.
Six meetings were held for them to talk them through that process on match days so that everyone would know they were happening and be able to attend. Individual meetings were offered to every member of staff.
The stewards will be employed by event management company OCS and French stadium operators London Stadium 185 and all costs will be covered by the stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
If you were a West Ham steward who decided against moving to the new stadium we would like to hear from you at mrwesthamfootball@gmail.com to hear your story.
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Hammers linked with Juventus bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham has again been linked again with Roberto Pereyra from Juventus. Italian football website, Tuttosport claims West Ham have actually made an offer for the Argentine playmaker.
They suggest the Hammers have made a €15 million (£11.4 million) bid for the player.
The midfielder joined Juventus from Udinese in 2014, initially on loan, and the deal was made permanent last summer for a fee of around €14m, after an outstanding debut season for Juventus with 52 appearances, six goals and four assist he failed to live up to expectations last season racking up only 14 appearances and one assist. A couple of injuries have undermined his consistency but the Argentinean has never proved to be at the same level of the previous campaign this season.
Juventus are ready to listen to any offers and Italian press say West Ham are the club in pole position to sign the 25-year-old midfielder. Pereyra has earned ten international caps for Argentine and has a contract until 2020 with Juventus.
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DG confirms an iconic move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has confirmed that the famous World Cup statue will be taken to our new home in Stratford.
Several Twitter followers were concerned that the iconic statue (pictured above) would be left behind but Mooro and the boys will be given a place of honour with the OS.
Commenting on Twitter the co chairman said: "The World Cup statue will becoming with us to the new stadium. dg"
The work is a one-and-a-half times life-size bronze piece, 16 feet (4.9 m) tall and weighing four tonnes and has stood at the junction of Barking Road and Green Street since 2003.
At the time it was unveiled Paul Hayward, writing in The Telegraph described it as "stunning", and that it "radiates golden light and transforms a mundane road junction into a shrine both to England's finest hour and West Ham's contribution to the game in these isles"
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Take Payet at his word!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Footballers don't necessarily have the final say over their destiny.
The club which may be after them, or the one by which they are currently employed , plus agents , family, friends and an army of conflictng emotions can influence a major decison.
So when a major star declares that "it's very likely" he will be with his club the following season you can normally take that as meaning exactly what it says.
That's why I was entirely unperturbed by Dimi Payet's choice of words when asked the qustion whilst away preparing for duty at Euro '16.
Some were worried that he didn't give a catergorical "I'm staying" declaration but how can he? The matter can always be taken out of his hands should a massive bid be made – IT HASN'T !
Payet was trying to tell everyone exactly that – a position ClaretandHugh can confirm – and that he is ready to enjoy the summer tournament and return to the Irons ready for action.
We spoke to a major Hammers source immediately following Dimi's words in a press conference and were told: "There have been no inquries or bids. He is our player on a new deal and is all set for another big season.
"He is key to everything that is happening at this club and the manager has already made it clear he helps other players perform. We have no interntion of selling him."
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Irons move in on Danish striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are understood to be in for Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite whose 12 goals played a major part in keeping the French club up this season.
And the goals came despite him figuring mainly in a wide role.
Braithwaite has a year left on his contract and the Irons have been scouting him throughout last season after he was told he'd be allowed to leave if the club stayed up.
He is represented by agent Mark McKay with whom the Hammers have a close relationship and the agent commented: 'Martin has fulfilled his part of the promise he made to Toulouse and now wants to take his career to the next level in the Premier League. It is an exciting opportunity for him.
This is not the major signing the Hammers are looking to ae this summer but it is in in line with their vlue for money policy which could see him come to the club for as little as £4milion – which is beleived to be their latest offer.
De facto Director of Football David Sullivan insists the " pack will be shaken up this summer" and should Enner Valencia leave as a result for around £10 million the club will see that as great business.
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This agent's name marks the Irons spot
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
The fact that agent Mark McKay is being quoted on a Hammers move for Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite means the story reported here earlier can be trusted.
His name marks the spot when Hammers transfers are under the microscope.
McKay was the guy involved in the move which brough Dimi Payet to West Ham and at the time he was famously quoted as claiming that had his company not been involved it could have cost the Irons around £25 million instead of the £10 plus ultimately paid.
The young man is the son of controversial Willie McKay who was involved in much, often adverse publicity, in the 80s and 90s.
However, young Mark has become one of David Sullivan's most trusted agents – hardly surprising given the Payet coup.
And at this time of the year – with so may ridiculous stories doing the rounds – the name McKay alongside a Hammers related story is a good guide to its authenticity.
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MANCHESTER UNITED LODGE OFFICIAL BID FOR OXFORD!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 30 MAY 2016 AT 9:37AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
We can exclusively confirm (through ExWHUEmployee's sources) that Manchester United have lodged an official bid for highly rated youngster Reece Oxford. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about this and we can reveal that an official offer in the region of £15m has arrived at the club for Bilic to consider. This proves a tricky problem for the manager to face. The club had offered Reece a new deal but his agent has been gunning for more money and the terms have not been signed. Manchester United and their new manager Jose Mourinho are long term admirers of the talented youngster. Mourinho thinks that Oxford could be a perfect short term replacement for Michael Carrick or equally be able to slot into the defence (his natural position) this season especially in the Europa League.
Oxford has two years remaining on his current terms and it will be up to the manager Slaven Bilic to agree to the move. He faces having an unhappy youngster should he reject it (unless a change of heart happens) or he faces losing a highly talented youngster who will no doubt be a regular international player in a few years time. Should the bid be accepted this would bring better news for the likes of James Tomkins and Reece Burke who will see their major competition for a place leave the club and make their futures more secure.
Whatever happens with this deal and others make sure you check regularly with the West Ham Way and our ITK team for exclusive breaking transfer news. We have seen many websites and national newspaper claim our news as their own, we would urge you to quote the site as we seek legal advice on this matter.
As a site we hope that Oxford will chose to stay at the club as he has a great future, as do we as a club and the gulf between us and Manchester United is no longer as great as it used to be.
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HAMMERS OFFER VAN DER WIEL A CONTRACT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 MAY 2016 AT 4:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
AS Roma, AS Monaco and West Ham United have all submitted formal offers to PSG right-back Gregory van der Wiel, who is a free agent at the end of next month.
It is GFFN's understanding that the player has yet to make a decision on his future, unsure as to where to go next.
Publicly, Mino Raiola remains the player's agent, but privately the relationship between Raiola and van der Wiel is understood to be at breaking point, the two individuals having had a large difference of opinion concerning the two contract extension offers that PSG made for the player over the course of the last 18 months.
Time is on van der Wiel side, what is certain is that he will make his own decision, with or without Raiola on his side.
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WEST HAM MAKE OFFER TO FENERBAHCE STAR?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 MAY 2016 AT 5:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Fenerbahce full-back Gokhan Gonul has received Premier League interest according to his agent Ahmet Bulut. Bulut stated: "Other than Besiktas there have been five offers which have come from England and Spain." Besiktas have been closely linked with Gonul but Bulut underlined that an agreement has not been reached. Bulut also confirmed that he will not hold talks with Fenerbahce over extending the contract of Gonul. The experienced Turkish international full-back is available on a free transfer after the Yellow Canaries failed to extend his deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Euro 2016 hosts France take on Cameroon on Monday night and Hammers star Dimitri Payet could be involved for Les Bleus. The 29-year-old was included in Didier Deschamps' European Championship squad earlier this month thanks to a collection of terrific performances for both his national and club side. Payet was named Hammer of the Year at the Boleyn Ground after a sublime debut season in English football, in which he bagged 12 goals and set up 15. His goal tally for Slaven Bilic's side included four world class free-kicks and just days after the fantastic set-piece strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford, he replicated it for France in a friendly win over Russia. Ahead of the match against Cameroon in Nantes, fans' favourite Payet said: "Of course I'll do my very best in what will be a very important tournament held by my country France, the host nation. "It has been a magnificent first year for me and looking back at the results I've had for club and country it has been really fantastic and also the individual accolades are lovely to receive. "Of course it is fantastic to receive recognition from fellow players and, on top of that, it's in the hardest league in the world so it is really a great feeling and I feel very honoured [to win Hammer of the Year]."
As hosts, France did not have to qualify for this summer's tournament and have therefore been contesting friendly matches since 2014's FIFA World Cup ended. Scoring in his country's last match – the free-kick against Russia – Payet also followed that up with an assist as France were 4-2 winners over England's fellow group stage side.
As Payet joined West Ham last summer, the Frenchman had not featured in an international match since June 2015, however as he continued to impress for the east Londoners, Deschamps could no longer ignore the midfielder. Hosts France, who face Cameroon at 8pm on Monday, will battle with Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A for a place in the knockout-stages of the tournament which begins on 10 June.
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Oxford looks back on breakthrough season
WHUFC.com
Defender Reece Oxford admitted he has enjoyed an amazing breakthrough season at West Ham United and expressed his delight at picking up the Young Hammer of the Year award. The centre-back made 12 first team appearances for the Hammers this season, and also led the Development Squad to U21 Premier League Cup glory as captain. The campaign for the teenager began with three UEFA Europa League games before he made his Premier League debut at title contenders Arsenal, helping the Hammers to record an opening day 2-0 victory. Looking back on the campaign, Oxford said: "It's been unbelievable. I won the Dylan Tombides award last year, so to win the Young Hammer of the Year award is unbelievable. It is a real pleasure. "I feel like my hard work has paid off now so I'm happy that I have been awarded [the award] by the Club. I didn't think I'd have moved to where I am now so quickly. "I did think I was going to push on, but I'm just happy I'm here right now doing what I'm doing. Hopefully I'll be playing week in, week out [in twelve months' time]."
Oxford's progress has been overseen by Academy Director and Head of Player Coaching and Development Terry Westley, and he believes Oxford has been nothing but outstanding this term. "He's just got one award left to win!" Westley exclaimed. "Next year he could be our Player of the Year! His progress has been exceptional this year. "It could have been one of anyone this year because the standard has been so good. Reece is the stand out player. "Anyone who is an U16 and plays every week for the U21s and is captain, and the following season plays in the first team, just shows you his progression. He fully deserves the accolade he's getting."
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Slaven Bilic NBA special - Part One
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has shared his love for the sport of basketball in a revealing two-part interview with NBA UK.
Bilic hails from the traditional European basketball powerhouse of Croatia, which has provided dozens of players to America's fabled NBA (National Basketball Association) league.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers' US Tour 2016, which will see Bilic and his squad visit Seattle, Washington and Cary, North Carolina, in July the manager told of his passion for basketball, its players and its coaches.
In Part One, the manager reveals his long-time love of the game and his respect for Croatia's greatest-ever player, the late Drazen Petrovic.
Slaven, you were born in the city of Split in the former Yugoslavia in what is now Croatia – countries which have had a great tradition in basketball…
"At one time in the 1990s when there weren't a lot of foreign players in the NBA, but at that moment there were more players from the city of Split in Croatia in the NBA than from the rest of the whole world.
"There were five or six of them, I think – Toni Kukoc, Drazen Petrovic, Dino Rada, Stojko Verankovic and Zan Tabak – from the same hometown, than from the rest of Europe.
"I was more of a football fan growing up in Yugoslavia and then, as it is now in Croatia, it was football and then basketball as the two main sports. The team from my town, Split, were three-times European champions in 1989, 1990 and 1991 with some of those future NBA players.
"We had a big basketball culture and tradition in the former Yugoslavia, it was unbelievable. Even now, Croatia is OK, Serbia and Slovenia are good and have sent a few players to the NBA.
"At that time in the late 1980s and early 1990s there were also many from Serbia at that time – Vlade Divac, Halilovic, Paspac and Peja Stojakovic with the three-pointers!
"We are a very tall people and are very good in team sports. We have three Croatian players in the NBA now – Bojan Bogdanovic with the New Jersey Nets, Mario Hezonja for Orlando Magic and Damjan Rudej with the Indiana Pacers – then they are all talking about Dario Saric who went very high in the draft in 2014 but still plays in Europe, in Turkey. We have good tradition."
You were born four years after Croatia's greatest-ever player, Drazen Petrovic, a guard who played in his homeland with Sibenka and Cibona, before rising to greatness with Real Madrid in Spain and then the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers and New Jersey Nets.
Drazen was tragically killed in a car crash in Germany at the age of 28 in 1993, but presumably you still have great memories of his career and a fabulous time in Croatian basketball…
"In 1992, we were in the Olympic final and we were leading 25-23 at one stage, but then of course the American Dream Team was much better.
"Drazen was great, because he wanted to show himself. He was unbelievable. When he died in that car crash, he was a role model of a sportsman who was so crazy about the game that he trained 24/7.
"He was such a different player when he played in Sibenka, then Sabona, then Real Madrid, Portland and New Jersey. He was skinny and all that, but he scored 62 points in the European Cup Winners Cup final for Real Madrid in 1989.
"When he died, he was on the verge and we were hoping he would become an All-Star. In Portland, he had two guards in front of him in Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter so he didn't get very many minutes, but with the Nets he really shone."
The successful San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was born in the United States to a Serb father and a Croat mother and has often talked about how important his heritage is to him. However, there has yet to be a European head coach in the NBA. Is that a situation you would like to see change?
"I never met Gregg Popovich, but I know he has Croatian roots from reading and watching interviews about that. When I was in Turkey, he came with his San Antonio Spurs to play against Fenerbahce.
"I have spoken a few times about the similarities in coaching between the two sports, but more about European basketball than NBA.
"My good friend is Neven Spahija, who was a coach in Turkey and Croatia and was Drazen Petrovic's friend. He is now an assistant coach on the staff with the Atlanta Hawks and of course there are similarities.
"There should be European coaches in the NBA. The Italian Ettore Messina was in CSKA Moscow when I was with Lokomotiv and he has been very successful, winning four Euroleague titles.
"We have good coaches in Croatia but the one who impresses me the most is Zeljko Obradovic, who is with Fenerbahce and was there when I was with Besiktas. What he has done is amazing, winning eight Euroleague titles and dozens of domestic leagues and cups.
"I don't know if there is anyone in any sport who has been so dominating. Guardiola, Ancelotti, Mourinho and Ferguson are nowhere near Obradovic – everywhere he goes, he wins!"
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Slaven Bilic NBA special - Part Two
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has shared his love for the sport of basketball in a revealing two-part interview with NBA UK.
Bilic hails from the traditional European basketball powerhouse of Croatia, which has provided dozens of players to America's fabled NBA (National Basketball Association) league.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers' US Tour 2016, which will see Bilic and his squad visit Seattle, Washington and Cary, North Carolina, in July the manager told of his passion for basketball, its players and its coaches.
In Part Two, the manager reveals his respect for legendary coach Phil Jackson and picks his all-time greatest NBA starting five...
Slaven, we talked in Part One about the similarities between coaching in football and basketball. Which NBA coaches do you look up to?
"When I was preparing myself for this job, one of the best books I ever read was Phil Jackson's book Sacred Hoop. It's unbelievable. Everything is in there about tactics, management, how to cope with Michael Jordan and the other guys, and the two ways basketball was played in the United States, college style with a one-man team and then professional style.
"He talked about how he changed that and went from one style to the other without Jordan losing his importance and used other big stars like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman."
As in basketball, is tactical knowledge the most important coaching quality you can possess in football?
"Without tactical knowledge you can't apply for the job, but knowing that is not everything because you are dealing with people.
"As important as tactics is man-management because basically you are coping with up to 25 young athletes who have big egos because they wouldn't be there if they weren't strong characters.
"Ten or 12 of them might be unhappy to start with, but during the course of the season you will have to call on them so you have to learn how to cope with them and keep those who don't play less unhappy and motivated."
Who were your favourite players growing up?
"I was a big Utah Jazz fan, with the Mailman Karl Malone, John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek. I remember during the 1998 World Cup in France and we had beaten Jamaica in the first game, I was rooming with Robert Prosinecki who was also NBA-crazy, and we came back to the hotel at 1am and watched the famous NBA finals game against the Jazz when Michael Jordan scored the winning shot and I was gutted!
"Of course the Chicago Bulls had my fellow Croatian Toni Kukoc but I was a Jazz fan and we'd stayed up all night to watch it!
"I also loved Detroit Pistons with Rasheed Wallace and the Bulls. Now, they have Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and he is not human! I saw Jordan and all them but what he is doing you think 'this is really not possible' because he does it whenever he wants - it's unbelievable!
"I also love Derrick Rose, and I liked Allen Iverson, who played for Besiktas in Turkey at one time!"
Slaven, it would be remiss of us not to ask you to name your all-time NBA starting five...
"Of course I would have Drazen Petrovic. The guards would be Isiah Thomas... Actually no, the guards would be John Stockton and Drazen, then the Mailman and Michael Jordan. For my big man, I'll have Toni Kukoc."
Finally, who will win the 2016 NBA Finals?
"I didn't like when LeBron James left Cleveland and now he has come back and I would like them to win it."
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Mears ready for Hammers reunion
WHUFC.com
The Hammers will be coming up against a familiar face when they play Seattle Sounders as part of their 2016 summer tour to America on Tuesday 5 July. Tyrone Mears played at the Boleyn Ground back in 2006/07 and will always remember his brief spell in east London. The 33-year-old has now made a successful switch to the United States and is enjoying his football at the Sounders who are the best-supported and most-valuable franchise team in Major League Soccer (MLS). Mears is looking forward to welcoming Premier League opposition to Seattle and knows it will be a memorable occasion when the two teams meet at CenturyLink Field. Mears said: "West Ham are a great club. When I went there they had just got to the FA Cup Final under Alan Pardew. "We had a good group of players. The one thing that stands out about West Ham is the fans support. "I know they have been talking about the move to the new Stadium and I think it is great for the club. "There is a lot of history at the old ground, but moving forward it is massive for the club and they can easily join the top four teams in the Premier League now."
West Ham will also face North American Soccer League (NASL) team Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July as part of their Stateside tour.
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I'm still improving, says Dimitri Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet may be hitting his 30th birthday before the 2016/17 season is complete - but still believes he can improve as a footballer. The French international, who is set to represent his country this summer at the European Championships told 442 magazine that his career had taken a major upturn in the last two years - his last at Merseille and his first with West Ham. And he fully expects to continue his progression with United at the Olympic Stadium. "It's true that the last two years have been the best [of my career], but I still hope to progress," he said. "You can always learn and I work hard to be able to raise my level."
Payet, who was named as the KUMB.com Player of the Year earlier this month also laughed off reports of a move away from the club. "Journalists have placed me everywhere!" he said. "But I currently have no contact [with any other club] and I signed a very long contract with West Ham - so it is very likely that I'll still be here next season."
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West Ham's Champions League pedigree
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Real Madrid were crowned kings of Europe last night as they beat Atletico Madrid in a tense penalty shootout to claim the Champions League title in Milan. Following 120 minutes of football, spot kicks were required to separate the two Spanish clubs and Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning penalty shortly before midnight to win Real their 11th European Cup/Champions League title. And although West Ham have never qualified for the competition in their history (thanks this season to some dreadful refereeing), United have produced more Champions League finalists than any other English club - bar Manchester United. According to an article for Bwin, West Ham's three home-grown Champions League finalists - Frank Lampard (who represented Chelsea in 2011's all-English Final), Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick (Man Utd) - have only been beaten by the Red Devils with six (Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Wes Brown, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs). And even Arsenal, who appeared in the Final back in 2005/06 when they were comfortably beaten by Barcelona have only produced two players to feature in the big game (Ashley and Andy Cole) - the same number as clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Cesena and Montenegro's FK Buducnost Podgorica.
All in all, just 26 clubs have produced more than one player to feature in the Champions League final - with Barcelona topping the lot having prodcued nine players from their Academy (Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro and Garcia).
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Clyde Best autobiography due soon
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Clyde Best, one of the first black players to represent West Ham United will tell the story of his fascinating journey in a new book coming out later this year.
The as-yet-untitled retrospective looks back at Best's career as a professional player in both the UK and abroad, plus his subsequent career as a football administrator.
And by way of a little bonus to Hammers fans, publishers deCoubertin Books are asking supporters to send in questions for the big man which will appear in the book's appendix.
If you'd like to see your question appear in the final publication, simply visit the following thread on the KUMB Forum and post it there. (Please note that whilst all questions will be considered for publication, space may preclude some from being used.)
He became part of the first black triumverate - alongside Clive Charles and Ade Coker - to feature in a top-flight English team when West Ham beat Tottenham 2-0 on April Fools' Day 1972
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DG hits out at Spurs digs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has again hit out at crazy complaints that West Ham are ripping off taxpayers in the Olympic Stadium deal. DG becomes more heated on the subject than any other and once again has slammed those who have been taking a pop on Twitter. Tottenham have reached a deal to play their Champions League home games at Wembley next season. The Premier League club also has the option to play all home league and cup matches, as well as any European games, at the national stadium during the 2017-18 campaign. Spurs are having a new £400m stadium built next to their existing White Hart Lane ground.
And following the news a Tottenham twitter account commented: "Why are West Ham fans angered? #THFC are paying for Wembley out their own pocket, unlike #WHUFC where taxpayers are paying for their stadium." That immediately started the fur flying and DG immediately reacted: "THFC are paying rent for Wembley out of their own pockets. WHUFC are paying rent for OS out of their own pockets. dg"
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Olympic Bell re-installed next to Iron's new home
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The £1million Olympic bell has been re-installed in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park just outside the stadium in Champions place. The bell will never toll again due to concerns it is so loud that it will disturb residents living nearby.
The Olympic Bell was commissioned and cast for the 2012 London Olympic Games, and is the largest harmonically-tuned bell in the world.The bell is cast in bronze and is two metres high with a diameter of 3.34 metres, and weighs 22.91 tonnes.
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, a few miles from the Olympic Stadium, was commissioned to make the bell in 2011.
The bell has the lowest tone in the world – a sound that can be heard for miles around – and was first rung by Sir Bradley Wiggins during the £27million Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2012.
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) paid to re-install the 23-ton bell, however, it will be purely ornamental as it is feared that the sound would be so loud that it would be totally unbearable for anyone living in the area.
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Majority of stewards will move to the OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Claret and Hugh understands that 138 West Ham stewards from the Boleyn Ground are registered to carry on working at the former Olympic Stadium, 53 of whom are already working at the new Stadium stewarding previous non-football events.
While some stewards have opted not to transfer when they were told that their location within the stadium could not be guaranteed sources close to the club say the vast majority have registered.
We have been told that the club went to huge lengths to ensure that every steward who wanted to transfer to the new Stadium was able to do so with minimum difficulty, and the large majority have done so. That process started six months before the end of the season, with letters and emails sent to every single steward.
Six meetings were held for them to talk them through that process on match days so that everyone would know they were happening and be able to attend. Individual meetings were offered to every member of staff.
The stewards will be employed by event management company OCS and French stadium operators London Stadium 185 and all costs will be covered by the stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
If you were a West Ham steward who decided against moving to the new stadium we would like to hear from you at mrwesthamfootball@gmail.com to hear your story.
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Hammers linked with Juventus bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham has again been linked again with Roberto Pereyra from Juventus. Italian football website, Tuttosport claims West Ham have actually made an offer for the Argentine playmaker.
They suggest the Hammers have made a €15 million (£11.4 million) bid for the player.
The midfielder joined Juventus from Udinese in 2014, initially on loan, and the deal was made permanent last summer for a fee of around €14m, after an outstanding debut season for Juventus with 52 appearances, six goals and four assist he failed to live up to expectations last season racking up only 14 appearances and one assist. A couple of injuries have undermined his consistency but the Argentinean has never proved to be at the same level of the previous campaign this season.
Juventus are ready to listen to any offers and Italian press say West Ham are the club in pole position to sign the 25-year-old midfielder. Pereyra has earned ten international caps for Argentine and has a contract until 2020 with Juventus.
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DG confirms an iconic move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has confirmed that the famous World Cup statue will be taken to our new home in Stratford.
Several Twitter followers were concerned that the iconic statue (pictured above) would be left behind but Mooro and the boys will be given a place of honour with the OS.
Commenting on Twitter the co chairman said: "The World Cup statue will becoming with us to the new stadium. dg"
The work is a one-and-a-half times life-size bronze piece, 16 feet (4.9 m) tall and weighing four tonnes and has stood at the junction of Barking Road and Green Street since 2003.
At the time it was unveiled Paul Hayward, writing in The Telegraph described it as "stunning", and that it "radiates golden light and transforms a mundane road junction into a shrine both to England's finest hour and West Ham's contribution to the game in these isles"
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Take Payet at his word!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Footballers don't necessarily have the final say over their destiny.
The club which may be after them, or the one by which they are currently employed , plus agents , family, friends and an army of conflictng emotions can influence a major decison.
So when a major star declares that "it's very likely" he will be with his club the following season you can normally take that as meaning exactly what it says.
That's why I was entirely unperturbed by Dimi Payet's choice of words when asked the qustion whilst away preparing for duty at Euro '16.
Some were worried that he didn't give a catergorical "I'm staying" declaration but how can he? The matter can always be taken out of his hands should a massive bid be made – IT HASN'T !
Payet was trying to tell everyone exactly that – a position ClaretandHugh can confirm – and that he is ready to enjoy the summer tournament and return to the Irons ready for action.
We spoke to a major Hammers source immediately following Dimi's words in a press conference and were told: "There have been no inquries or bids. He is our player on a new deal and is all set for another big season.
"He is key to everything that is happening at this club and the manager has already made it clear he helps other players perform. We have no interntion of selling him."
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Irons move in on Danish striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are understood to be in for Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite whose 12 goals played a major part in keeping the French club up this season.
And the goals came despite him figuring mainly in a wide role.
Braithwaite has a year left on his contract and the Irons have been scouting him throughout last season after he was told he'd be allowed to leave if the club stayed up.
He is represented by agent Mark McKay with whom the Hammers have a close relationship and the agent commented: 'Martin has fulfilled his part of the promise he made to Toulouse and now wants to take his career to the next level in the Premier League. It is an exciting opportunity for him.
This is not the major signing the Hammers are looking to ae this summer but it is in in line with their vlue for money policy which could see him come to the club for as little as £4milion – which is beleived to be their latest offer.
De facto Director of Football David Sullivan insists the " pack will be shaken up this summer" and should Enner Valencia leave as a result for around £10 million the club will see that as great business.
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This agent's name marks the Irons spot
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H
The fact that agent Mark McKay is being quoted on a Hammers move for Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite means the story reported here earlier can be trusted.
His name marks the spot when Hammers transfers are under the microscope.
McKay was the guy involved in the move which brough Dimi Payet to West Ham and at the time he was famously quoted as claiming that had his company not been involved it could have cost the Irons around £25 million instead of the £10 plus ultimately paid.
The young man is the son of controversial Willie McKay who was involved in much, often adverse publicity, in the 80s and 90s.
However, young Mark has become one of David Sullivan's most trusted agents – hardly surprising given the Payet coup.
And at this time of the year – with so may ridiculous stories doing the rounds – the name McKay alongside a Hammers related story is a good guide to its authenticity.
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MANCHESTER UNITED LODGE OFFICIAL BID FOR OXFORD!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 30 MAY 2016 AT 9:37AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
We can exclusively confirm (through ExWHUEmployee's sources) that Manchester United have lodged an official bid for highly rated youngster Reece Oxford. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about this and we can reveal that an official offer in the region of £15m has arrived at the club for Bilic to consider. This proves a tricky problem for the manager to face. The club had offered Reece a new deal but his agent has been gunning for more money and the terms have not been signed. Manchester United and their new manager Jose Mourinho are long term admirers of the talented youngster. Mourinho thinks that Oxford could be a perfect short term replacement for Michael Carrick or equally be able to slot into the defence (his natural position) this season especially in the Europa League.
Oxford has two years remaining on his current terms and it will be up to the manager Slaven Bilic to agree to the move. He faces having an unhappy youngster should he reject it (unless a change of heart happens) or he faces losing a highly talented youngster who will no doubt be a regular international player in a few years time. Should the bid be accepted this would bring better news for the likes of James Tomkins and Reece Burke who will see their major competition for a place leave the club and make their futures more secure.
Whatever happens with this deal and others make sure you check regularly with the West Ham Way and our ITK team for exclusive breaking transfer news. We have seen many websites and national newspaper claim our news as their own, we would urge you to quote the site as we seek legal advice on this matter.
As a site we hope that Oxford will chose to stay at the club as he has a great future, as do we as a club and the gulf between us and Manchester United is no longer as great as it used to be.
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HAMMERS OFFER VAN DER WIEL A CONTRACT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 MAY 2016 AT 4:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
AS Roma, AS Monaco and West Ham United have all submitted formal offers to PSG right-back Gregory van der Wiel, who is a free agent at the end of next month.
It is GFFN's understanding that the player has yet to make a decision on his future, unsure as to where to go next.
Publicly, Mino Raiola remains the player's agent, but privately the relationship between Raiola and van der Wiel is understood to be at breaking point, the two individuals having had a large difference of opinion concerning the two contract extension offers that PSG made for the player over the course of the last 18 months.
Time is on van der Wiel side, what is certain is that he will make his own decision, with or without Raiola on his side.
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WEST HAM MAKE OFFER TO FENERBAHCE STAR?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 MAY 2016 AT 5:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Fenerbahce full-back Gokhan Gonul has received Premier League interest according to his agent Ahmet Bulut. Bulut stated: "Other than Besiktas there have been five offers which have come from England and Spain." Besiktas have been closely linked with Gonul but Bulut underlined that an agreement has not been reached. Bulut also confirmed that he will not hold talks with Fenerbahce over extending the contract of Gonul. The experienced Turkish international full-back is available on a free transfer after the Yellow Canaries failed to extend his deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th May 2016
New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com
The concourse of West Ham United's new home has a familiar feel to it, with all three of the Hammers' World Cup winners adorning a giant model shirt.
In this, the summer of the 50th anniversary of England's World Cup triumph, the names of West Ham's three home-grown heroes of 1966 are now displayed in all their glory.
The imposing shirts, each four-metres wide, were installed in succession over the past 24 hours and now sit as both a permanent and striking tribute to the Club's famous three sons, Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
Five-time Hammer of the Year and 1980 FA Cup final hero Sir Trevor Brooking has likewise been honoured, joining the legendary Billy Bonds and newly-crowned Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet.
As has been the Club's commitment to supporters from the outset, West Ham will celebrate its heroes of yesteryear throughout the Stadium, with six such shirts already in situ around the world-class arena. Elsewhere on the concourse, Hammers fans will be greeted by a colossal set of the iconic crossed hammers, complete with the lettering TIW, a nod to the rivet hammers used in the Thames Ironworks.
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Chadwell Chatter - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
When I look back at the season I don't think it could have gone any better for me. I played a lot more football than I thought I would play and have got into the Ireland team and helped us qualify for the Euro Finals this summer. I have played league games and had a great cup run. As first seasons go it has been pretty unbelievable. There is a great feeling around the football club and it is probably one of the best changing rooms I have been part of. I know everyone talks about a great team spirit but we genuinely have that and there is no little cliques in the dressing room and everyone gets on. We have a laugh and a joke and that is down to the core players and the boys who have been there the longest – players like Nobes, Ginge, Tonks and they make it easy for everyone else who comes in. At the start of the year it is a bit weird coming into the dressing room when you have seen all the players on Match of the Day and then you are playing alongside them. You get to train with Adrian who has been on fire for the last four seasons but it is very exciting to play alongside these players. Chris Woods has worked with some great keepers and with his experience and the keepers he has worked with, I am only going to improve. The performances help and when you are playing well it builds confidence, not only for myself but the whole team as you have seen throughout the season. This will be a busy summer with the Euros and the Club are going to America for a pre-season tour.
The fans in Seattle are very enthusiastic about their sports and it will be a big thing for them having West Ham United there. They have got a nice stadium and great facilities and I am a bit gutted that I will miss the trip!
Darren
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Declan Rice - It has been a great season WHUFC.com
West Ham United's rising star Declan Rice has enjoyed a memorable campaign for the U18s and the Development Squad and was rewarded for his impressive displays when he won the Dylan Tombides Award. Rice signed his first pro contract back in December and went on to make 17 appearances for the U18 side. He also featured for the Development Squad and played in the second leg of the U21 Premier League Cup Final where he helped the team came away with a famous victory. Rice follows in the footsteps of Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford to have picked up the prestigious award and hopes he can continue to show his best form for the Hammers. Rice said: "I am delighted and very honoured to have won the award. I didn't get to meet Dylan but I have heard he was a lovely lad and he was an excellent footballer. "All the time people are talking about him and it was lovely to see his brother Taylor score in Mark Noble's Testimonial. "I have got my head down this season and all the hard work has paid off. I signed my first pro contract and it has been a great season for me. "I just need to keep working hard and see what happens in the future."
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Randolph helps Ireland to warm-up draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham stopper Darren Randolph played 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland on Friday night as they drew a Euro 2016 warm-up match against the Netherlands 1-1.
Martin O'Neill's side grabbed the opening goal courtesy of a Shane Long strike in the 30th minute before former Newcastle United striker Luuk de Jong equalised in the final ten minutes.
Southampton forward Long put away a left-footed strike in the first period against a Dutch side containing the likes of Premier League duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay, but de Jong headed home with five minutes remaining to earn a share of the spoils.
Holland did not qualify for this summer's tournament in France, yet it was still a respectable result for the Republic of Ireland who play their final friendly game against Belarus on Tuesday before the tournament kicks off in June.
Randolph, who is expected to start the Euros as Ireland's number one goalkeeper, had little to do at the Aviva Stadium as the visitors had just one attempt on target; their equalising goal.
Ireland have been drawn in the toughest-looking European Championship group, and face the highly-rated Belgium and Italy after an opening fixture against Sweden.
The match on 13 June against the Scandinavians is in Paris' Stade de France, before they travel to Bordeaux to face Beligum before the Italians take on O'Neill's team in Lille.
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EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan on transfers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is expecting another busy summer of transfer activity and hopes to sign a number of new players over the next few months.
Mr Sullivan is working tirelessly behind the scenes alongside Slaven Bilic to bring the best possible players to Club and has already made multi-million pound offers for some of the best talent in Europe.
West Ham have already announced the arrival of Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join up with his new team-mates at the start of July.
With the Club qualifying for the Europa League next season, the Board are determined to help Bilic possess the strength in depth to cope with the prospect of additional fixtures, should the Hammers progress into the group stage.
West Ham enjoyed a memorable campaign in the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and much of that was down to the new arrivals who arrived last summer, including Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio.
Mr Sullivan is hopeful the Club can find the same calibre of players and says they will continue to work hard to get the best possible deals for West Ham United.
"We have done well with our signings and we hope we can sign a few more this summer who will do equally as well or better," he added.
"We know that we need a top striker which is the hardest thing to sign. We need a 20-goal-a-season striker and that will cost us £25m or £30million. That is where the bulk of the money goes.
"We also need the occasional long shot which is the cheaper player that may come good. We want to sign more players.
"There might be a few fringe players who we will let go and use that to bring in two or three more players.
"We have already signed one player for next season and there will be other signings. I would think that four, five or six players will come in this summer depending on how many go and hopefully we do just as well or even better next season."
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West Ham linked with Cameroon international KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of a number of clubs said to have taken a look at Cameroon international Henri Bedimo. The left-sided full back, who featured for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season is available on a free transfer this summer. And the Hammers are just one of several clubs who are reported to have investigated the possibility of signing the 31-year-old this summer. Although West Ham, West Bromwich Albion and Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough are all said to have made tentative enquiries into the player's availability, fellow Ligue 1 side Nantes are currently considered front runners to sign Bedimo who has spent his entire professional career in France. West Ham currently boast just one dedicated left back on their books, that being former Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell. Joey O'Brien, a right back who has also played on the left will leave the club this summer following the expiry of his contract. And whilst Angelo Ogbonna can also fill the role, Slaven Bilic will be keen to ensure he enters next season with a more adequate alternative.
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PSG favourites to sign Lacazette - but still no bid KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Paris St Germain are widely considered favourites to sign Lyon striker and West Ham target Alexandre Lacazette. The Ligue 1 champions parted company with leading goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of the 2015/16 season and are currently seeking a replacement, with the Lyon star said to be top of their list. However it remains the case that no other club has yet come close to matching West Ham United's ?€40million bid for the 24-year-old, who has been on United's radar for several months. The Hammers, who had been keen to complete an early deal before the summer transfer window opens on 1 July baulked at Lyon's ?€50million valuation of Lacazette, whose 23 goals for Lyon last season helped his club finish second in Ligue 1 behind PSG (albeit by 31 points). And although West Ham's bid remains on the table, Lyon - in seeking to maximise their windfall for parting with Lacazette - are unlikely to accept any offer until all other interested parties have ruled themselves out of the reckoning.
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Hammers "excellent" midfielder deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 26, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
ClaretandHugh has learned that West Ham did an extraordinary piece of business in convncing midfielder Havard Nordtveit to join the club on wages of around £35k a week. The former Borussia Moenchengladbach man joins the club on July 1 with the Hammers reportedly beating off off competition from several top European outfits to land their man. Nordtveit, 25, signs on a five-year deal and returns to London six years after leaving Arsenal to join Monchengladbach. However, to have picked him up on such "sensible" wages is a coup for the Hammers who did a great job in selling the club to the player. And it's another indication of the club to ensure that they get true value for money with a source saying: "He's a genuine utility player and to have picked him up on the sort of wages we are talking about was excellent business. "He can play as a defensive midfielder which is his strongest position but is also capable of slotting in to the defence at right back or central defence."
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Irons give £12.5k to the Tories
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 27, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
West Ham have decided to swim in some murky political waters. It emerged this morning that for reasons of their own they have donated£12,500 to the Tory Party which frankly seems bizarre at best and totally out of order at worst. The explanation they have given via a spoksesman is that as a private compay they "make donations to whatever causes they see fit."
Whether or not many fans would agree that this is a worthy cause can be judged by this cut http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-tory-black-white-ball-7335521
Ok, in the great scheme of things £12.5k is nether her of there and let's remember that Karren Brady is a Tory peer, David Gold is a regular donator to the party whilst David Sullivan once described himself as a moderate Conservative Whatever one's politics, and I readily admit I don't share theirs, it's a strange and odd decision. It should be added – for balance – that the club supports many other charities but gifts to political parties? That will attract a lot of criticsm at a time when they are auctioning club memorobilia off to support the Hammers academy. Frankly, it wouldn't matter to me which party was the beneficiary of a £12.5k gift from a football club. I would consider it ill advised, unecesary and wrong because it is divisive.
Not sure that our manager – an avowed Socialist – would be very impressed either!
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Hells Bell arrives at the Olympic Stadium Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 27, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
A massive stage prop called Hells Bell has arrived at the Olympic Stadium ahead of its transformation into a music concert arena in just eight days time. As the WestHamification of the former Olympic Stadium continues a series of events will be staged there before the Hammers move in on the 1st August. Saturday 4th June sees the first ever music concert to be staged at the venue. Rock fans have paid between £65 and £95 each to watch the 'Rock or Bust' concert, part of AC/DC's European tour. Later in the summer, 14,000 runners take part in the Great Newham London Run on Sunday 17th July. All runners in the will have their very own Olympic moment as they finish in the Stadium over the running track finishing line. The London Anniversary Games will be hosted on the weekend beginning Friday 22nd July. The Stadium will play host to the IAAF Diamond League Athletics meet on 22-23 July, the IPC Grand Prix Final will also be incorporated into Saturday's programme. World record holder Bolt will grace the track at the London Anniversary Games, along with many of the world's best athletes and Paralympic stars.
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West Ham will sign "£25million or £30m striker" as part of a summer of spending, says David Sullivan
08:02, 28 MAY 2016 UPDATED 08:02, 28 MAY 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers have set out a clear plan for the close season as they hope to build on the success of last year's transfer window
The Mirror
West Ham are preparing to splash the cash on a new striker this summer. Co-owner David Sullivan has confirmed the Hammers' intention to buy a £25million-£30million striker in the coming months to lead the team into the Olympic Stadium. Marseille hotshot Michy Batshuayi is one of the names touted, while Lyon are holding firm over Alexandre Lacazette. But some shock names have also been thrown into the hat, with ambitious attempts to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jamie Vardy in the pipeline. West Ham's dealings in the transfer business, which included the arrivals of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio, saw them in the mi x for a Champions League place this season. And Sullivan wants to build on that success in front of 60,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium. He told West Ham's official website: "We have done well with our signings and we hope we can sign a few more this summer who will do equally as well or better. "We know that we need a top striker which is the hardest thing to sign. We need a 20-goal-a-season striker and that will cost us £25m or £30million. That is where the bulk of the money goes. "We also need the occasional long shot which is the cheaper player that may come good. We want to sign more players. "There might be a few fringe players who we will let go and use that to bring in two or three more players. "We have already signed one player for next season and there will be other signings. I would think that four, five or six players will come in this summer depending on how many go and hopefully we do just as well or even better next season."
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Irons take edge over Spurs on striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have moved in front of Spurs as the battle for Michy Batshuayi rumbles on towards the opening of the tranfer window. The Belgian international striker – having made it c.ear he is leaning towards a Premier League move – is concerned about penning a long term White Hart Lane deal. He believes he's likely to be used as a back up to Harry Kane and see West Ham nd possibly interested Liverpool as better options.
Marseilles are believed to want a 40 million euros fee and that saw the Irons cool on the player but news that they may have a real chance – given the Kane situation – is re-igniting interest. So concerned is Batshuyi at the prospect of a possible move that some reports claim that to even consider a Spurs move he would want contract clauses allowng him to leave for a set fee if guarantees over playing time are not met. As a result the Irons – with the Olympic Stadium an inducement are in a position to tempt him with the prospect of regular first team football – and are likely to set up new talks once the Euro Finals conclude.
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POLITICAL 'DONATION' ROW ENGULFS HAMMERS
By Iain Dale 27 May 2016 at 09:14
WTID
A furious row has broken out over the fact that the Conservative Party has registered a donation of £12,500 from West Ham United with the Electoral Commission. The club paid the sum for a table of ten at the party's Black & White Ball fundraiser which took place at the Hurlingham Club in South West London earlier in the year. Karren Brady hosted the club's sponsor Betway at the event.
The club's defence is that it is a private company and it can do what it likes. Local Labour MPs Mike Gapes and Jim Fitzpatrick are naturally less than gruntled. However, they fail to mention the Directors' Box season tickets which were made available to more than one Labour Minister during their time in government. I suspect the value of those would far exceed £12,500.
In the wider scheme of things it's a trifling sum, but from a PR point of view it certainly counts as an own goal. To my mind if any high profile company is going to make a political donation (and you could question whether this is a donation in the normal sense of the word, seeing as it was for event tickets) it is probably best to split it between several parties, given that its customers will be voters of all persuasions.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The concourse of West Ham United's new home has a familiar feel to it, with all three of the Hammers' World Cup winners adorning a giant model shirt.
In this, the summer of the 50th anniversary of England's World Cup triumph, the names of West Ham's three home-grown heroes of 1966 are now displayed in all their glory.
The imposing shirts, each four-metres wide, were installed in succession over the past 24 hours and now sit as both a permanent and striking tribute to the Club's famous three sons, Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
Five-time Hammer of the Year and 1980 FA Cup final hero Sir Trevor Brooking has likewise been honoured, joining the legendary Billy Bonds and newly-crowned Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet.
As has been the Club's commitment to supporters from the outset, West Ham will celebrate its heroes of yesteryear throughout the Stadium, with six such shirts already in situ around the world-class arena. Elsewhere on the concourse, Hammers fans will be greeted by a colossal set of the iconic crossed hammers, complete with the lettering TIW, a nod to the rivet hammers used in the Thames Ironworks.
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Chadwell Chatter - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
When I look back at the season I don't think it could have gone any better for me. I played a lot more football than I thought I would play and have got into the Ireland team and helped us qualify for the Euro Finals this summer. I have played league games and had a great cup run. As first seasons go it has been pretty unbelievable. There is a great feeling around the football club and it is probably one of the best changing rooms I have been part of. I know everyone talks about a great team spirit but we genuinely have that and there is no little cliques in the dressing room and everyone gets on. We have a laugh and a joke and that is down to the core players and the boys who have been there the longest – players like Nobes, Ginge, Tonks and they make it easy for everyone else who comes in. At the start of the year it is a bit weird coming into the dressing room when you have seen all the players on Match of the Day and then you are playing alongside them. You get to train with Adrian who has been on fire for the last four seasons but it is very exciting to play alongside these players. Chris Woods has worked with some great keepers and with his experience and the keepers he has worked with, I am only going to improve. The performances help and when you are playing well it builds confidence, not only for myself but the whole team as you have seen throughout the season. This will be a busy summer with the Euros and the Club are going to America for a pre-season tour.
The fans in Seattle are very enthusiastic about their sports and it will be a big thing for them having West Ham United there. They have got a nice stadium and great facilities and I am a bit gutted that I will miss the trip!
Darren
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Declan Rice - It has been a great season WHUFC.com
West Ham United's rising star Declan Rice has enjoyed a memorable campaign for the U18s and the Development Squad and was rewarded for his impressive displays when he won the Dylan Tombides Award. Rice signed his first pro contract back in December and went on to make 17 appearances for the U18 side. He also featured for the Development Squad and played in the second leg of the U21 Premier League Cup Final where he helped the team came away with a famous victory. Rice follows in the footsteps of Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford to have picked up the prestigious award and hopes he can continue to show his best form for the Hammers. Rice said: "I am delighted and very honoured to have won the award. I didn't get to meet Dylan but I have heard he was a lovely lad and he was an excellent footballer. "All the time people are talking about him and it was lovely to see his brother Taylor score in Mark Noble's Testimonial. "I have got my head down this season and all the hard work has paid off. I signed my first pro contract and it has been a great season for me. "I just need to keep working hard and see what happens in the future."
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Randolph helps Ireland to warm-up draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham stopper Darren Randolph played 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland on Friday night as they drew a Euro 2016 warm-up match against the Netherlands 1-1.
Martin O'Neill's side grabbed the opening goal courtesy of a Shane Long strike in the 30th minute before former Newcastle United striker Luuk de Jong equalised in the final ten minutes.
Southampton forward Long put away a left-footed strike in the first period against a Dutch side containing the likes of Premier League duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay, but de Jong headed home with five minutes remaining to earn a share of the spoils.
Holland did not qualify for this summer's tournament in France, yet it was still a respectable result for the Republic of Ireland who play their final friendly game against Belarus on Tuesday before the tournament kicks off in June.
Randolph, who is expected to start the Euros as Ireland's number one goalkeeper, had little to do at the Aviva Stadium as the visitors had just one attempt on target; their equalising goal.
Ireland have been drawn in the toughest-looking European Championship group, and face the highly-rated Belgium and Italy after an opening fixture against Sweden.
The match on 13 June against the Scandinavians is in Paris' Stade de France, before they travel to Bordeaux to face Beligum before the Italians take on O'Neill's team in Lille.
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EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan on transfers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is expecting another busy summer of transfer activity and hopes to sign a number of new players over the next few months.
Mr Sullivan is working tirelessly behind the scenes alongside Slaven Bilic to bring the best possible players to Club and has already made multi-million pound offers for some of the best talent in Europe.
West Ham have already announced the arrival of Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join up with his new team-mates at the start of July.
With the Club qualifying for the Europa League next season, the Board are determined to help Bilic possess the strength in depth to cope with the prospect of additional fixtures, should the Hammers progress into the group stage.
West Ham enjoyed a memorable campaign in the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and much of that was down to the new arrivals who arrived last summer, including Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio.
Mr Sullivan is hopeful the Club can find the same calibre of players and says they will continue to work hard to get the best possible deals for West Ham United.
"We have done well with our signings and we hope we can sign a few more this summer who will do equally as well or better," he added.
"We know that we need a top striker which is the hardest thing to sign. We need a 20-goal-a-season striker and that will cost us £25m or £30million. That is where the bulk of the money goes.
"We also need the occasional long shot which is the cheaper player that may come good. We want to sign more players.
"There might be a few fringe players who we will let go and use that to bring in two or three more players.
"We have already signed one player for next season and there will be other signings. I would think that four, five or six players will come in this summer depending on how many go and hopefully we do just as well or even better next season."
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West Ham linked with Cameroon international KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of a number of clubs said to have taken a look at Cameroon international Henri Bedimo. The left-sided full back, who featured for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season is available on a free transfer this summer. And the Hammers are just one of several clubs who are reported to have investigated the possibility of signing the 31-year-old this summer. Although West Ham, West Bromwich Albion and Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough are all said to have made tentative enquiries into the player's availability, fellow Ligue 1 side Nantes are currently considered front runners to sign Bedimo who has spent his entire professional career in France. West Ham currently boast just one dedicated left back on their books, that being former Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell. Joey O'Brien, a right back who has also played on the left will leave the club this summer following the expiry of his contract. And whilst Angelo Ogbonna can also fill the role, Slaven Bilic will be keen to ensure he enters next season with a more adequate alternative.
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PSG favourites to sign Lacazette - but still no bid KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Paris St Germain are widely considered favourites to sign Lyon striker and West Ham target Alexandre Lacazette. The Ligue 1 champions parted company with leading goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of the 2015/16 season and are currently seeking a replacement, with the Lyon star said to be top of their list. However it remains the case that no other club has yet come close to matching West Ham United's ?€40million bid for the 24-year-old, who has been on United's radar for several months. The Hammers, who had been keen to complete an early deal before the summer transfer window opens on 1 July baulked at Lyon's ?€50million valuation of Lacazette, whose 23 goals for Lyon last season helped his club finish second in Ligue 1 behind PSG (albeit by 31 points). And although West Ham's bid remains on the table, Lyon - in seeking to maximise their windfall for parting with Lacazette - are unlikely to accept any offer until all other interested parties have ruled themselves out of the reckoning.
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Hammers "excellent" midfielder deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 26, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
ClaretandHugh has learned that West Ham did an extraordinary piece of business in convncing midfielder Havard Nordtveit to join the club on wages of around £35k a week. The former Borussia Moenchengladbach man joins the club on July 1 with the Hammers reportedly beating off off competition from several top European outfits to land their man. Nordtveit, 25, signs on a five-year deal and returns to London six years after leaving Arsenal to join Monchengladbach. However, to have picked him up on such "sensible" wages is a coup for the Hammers who did a great job in selling the club to the player. And it's another indication of the club to ensure that they get true value for money with a source saying: "He's a genuine utility player and to have picked him up on the sort of wages we are talking about was excellent business. "He can play as a defensive midfielder which is his strongest position but is also capable of slotting in to the defence at right back or central defence."
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Irons give £12.5k to the Tories
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 27, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
West Ham have decided to swim in some murky political waters. It emerged this morning that for reasons of their own they have donated£12,500 to the Tory Party which frankly seems bizarre at best and totally out of order at worst. The explanation they have given via a spoksesman is that as a private compay they "make donations to whatever causes they see fit."
Whether or not many fans would agree that this is a worthy cause can be judged by this cut http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-tory-black-white-ball-7335521
Ok, in the great scheme of things £12.5k is nether her of there and let's remember that Karren Brady is a Tory peer, David Gold is a regular donator to the party whilst David Sullivan once described himself as a moderate Conservative Whatever one's politics, and I readily admit I don't share theirs, it's a strange and odd decision. It should be added – for balance – that the club supports many other charities but gifts to political parties? That will attract a lot of criticsm at a time when they are auctioning club memorobilia off to support the Hammers academy. Frankly, it wouldn't matter to me which party was the beneficiary of a £12.5k gift from a football club. I would consider it ill advised, unecesary and wrong because it is divisive.
Not sure that our manager – an avowed Socialist – would be very impressed either!
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Hells Bell arrives at the Olympic Stadium Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 27, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
A massive stage prop called Hells Bell has arrived at the Olympic Stadium ahead of its transformation into a music concert arena in just eight days time. As the WestHamification of the former Olympic Stadium continues a series of events will be staged there before the Hammers move in on the 1st August. Saturday 4th June sees the first ever music concert to be staged at the venue. Rock fans have paid between £65 and £95 each to watch the 'Rock or Bust' concert, part of AC/DC's European tour. Later in the summer, 14,000 runners take part in the Great Newham London Run on Sunday 17th July. All runners in the will have their very own Olympic moment as they finish in the Stadium over the running track finishing line. The London Anniversary Games will be hosted on the weekend beginning Friday 22nd July. The Stadium will play host to the IAAF Diamond League Athletics meet on 22-23 July, the IPC Grand Prix Final will also be incorporated into Saturday's programme. World record holder Bolt will grace the track at the London Anniversary Games, along with many of the world's best athletes and Paralympic stars.
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West Ham will sign "£25million or £30m striker" as part of a summer of spending, says David Sullivan
08:02, 28 MAY 2016 UPDATED 08:02, 28 MAY 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers have set out a clear plan for the close season as they hope to build on the success of last year's transfer window
The Mirror
West Ham are preparing to splash the cash on a new striker this summer. Co-owner David Sullivan has confirmed the Hammers' intention to buy a £25million-£30million striker in the coming months to lead the team into the Olympic Stadium. Marseille hotshot Michy Batshuayi is one of the names touted, while Lyon are holding firm over Alexandre Lacazette. But some shock names have also been thrown into the hat, with ambitious attempts to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jamie Vardy in the pipeline. West Ham's dealings in the transfer business, which included the arrivals of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio, saw them in the mi x for a Champions League place this season. And Sullivan wants to build on that success in front of 60,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium. He told West Ham's official website: "We have done well with our signings and we hope we can sign a few more this summer who will do equally as well or better. "We know that we need a top striker which is the hardest thing to sign. We need a 20-goal-a-season striker and that will cost us £25m or £30million. That is where the bulk of the money goes. "We also need the occasional long shot which is the cheaper player that may come good. We want to sign more players. "There might be a few fringe players who we will let go and use that to bring in two or three more players. "We have already signed one player for next season and there will be other signings. I would think that four, five or six players will come in this summer depending on how many go and hopefully we do just as well or even better next season."
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Irons take edge over Spurs on striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have moved in front of Spurs as the battle for Michy Batshuayi rumbles on towards the opening of the tranfer window. The Belgian international striker – having made it c.ear he is leaning towards a Premier League move – is concerned about penning a long term White Hart Lane deal. He believes he's likely to be used as a back up to Harry Kane and see West Ham nd possibly interested Liverpool as better options.
Marseilles are believed to want a 40 million euros fee and that saw the Irons cool on the player but news that they may have a real chance – given the Kane situation – is re-igniting interest. So concerned is Batshuyi at the prospect of a possible move that some reports claim that to even consider a Spurs move he would want contract clauses allowng him to leave for a set fee if guarantees over playing time are not met. As a result the Irons – with the Olympic Stadium an inducement are in a position to tempt him with the prospect of regular first team football – and are likely to set up new talks once the Euro Finals conclude.
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POLITICAL 'DONATION' ROW ENGULFS HAMMERS
By Iain Dale 27 May 2016 at 09:14
WTID
A furious row has broken out over the fact that the Conservative Party has registered a donation of £12,500 from West Ham United with the Electoral Commission. The club paid the sum for a table of ten at the party's Black & White Ball fundraiser which took place at the Hurlingham Club in South West London earlier in the year. Karren Brady hosted the club's sponsor Betway at the event.
The club's defence is that it is a private company and it can do what it likes. Local Labour MPs Mike Gapes and Jim Fitzpatrick are naturally less than gruntled. However, they fail to mention the Directors' Box season tickets which were made available to more than one Labour Minister during their time in government. I suspect the value of those would far exceed £12,500.
In the wider scheme of things it's a trifling sum, but from a PR point of view it certainly counts as an own goal. To my mind if any high profile company is going to make a political donation (and you could question whether this is a donation in the normal sense of the word, seeing as it was for event tickets) it is probably best to split it between several parties, given that its customers will be voters of all persuasions.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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