Valencia set to feature in Copa America
Ecuador face Peru in their second Copa America fixture on Thursday morning and Hammers striker Enner Valencia is set to earn his 26th cap.
The Yellows recorded a goalless draw in their opening tie against Brazil in California, but still have Haiti to face in Group B after the clash against Peru in Glendale, Arizona which kicks-off at 3am UK time. Valencia completed 77 minutes against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions as Ecuador secured an important point that could prove to be a stepping stone to the knockout stages. The 26-year-old has found the net 14 times for his country in 25 games and will hope to add to that figure at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.
Elsewhere, West Ham defender Doneil Henry played 90 minutes for Canada on Tuesday evening as they recorded a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a friendly prior to their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Their first fixture in qualifying for the tournament is against Honduras in September.
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Bilic - France are the favourites
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes France are the strong favourites to win the European Championship Finals but also feels England could cause a major surprise. The tournament gets underway on Friday night and West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on the host nation as Dimitri Payet looks to become one of the star performers at the showpiece event. Payet has already showed his quality in the build-up to the tournament with another impressive free-kick against Cameroon and will be keen to cement his position in the starting line-up. Bilic will also be keeping a close eye on the progress of Darren Randolph, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins who will be representing the Hammers in France. After helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the Finals this summer with a memorable display against Germany in the qualifying stage, Randolph will be hoping to secure the number one jersey as his team prepare for a tough group which involves Sweden, Belgium and Italy. Collins is also relishing the chance to play at the Euro Finals and is proud to be part of the Wales squad that have qualified for their first major tournament since 1958, while his central defensive partner Ogbonna has been rewarded for an impressive season with a call-up to the Italy squad.
There is plenty for Bilic to be excited about and he will also be keen to see his native Croatia reach the latter stages. But the Hammers manager feels France are the strong favourites to win the tournament and says Didier Deschamps has created an atmosphere in the squad that will see them become a major threat on home soil. Bilic said: "France are the favourites, not just because they are playing at home, but because of their squad and the atmosphere that Deschamps has created. "They have a good balance and have a young team that is hungry. They have had a few slops in the last few tournaments but they will want to repeat what they did back in 1998. "They have options all throughout the team and have a good balance. They have young players who are already experienced like Pogba and Griezmann so in my opinion they are the favourites. "Of course when you only have one game in the knockout stages you will still have teams like Germany, Spain, Italy and teams who can beat any on their day like Portugal and Croatia."
Despite failing to make it out of the group stage in the World Cup in 2014, Bilic feels England could also be one of the surprise packages at the Euro Finals. Roy Hodgson's side were the only team in Europe to have a 100 per cent unbeaten record through the qualifying campaign winning all ten games and scoring 31 goals in the process. And with the likes of Jamie Vardy brimming with confidence following his title success at Leicester last season, Bilic feels they could be a match for any team on their day. Bilic added: "I saw England in 2014 when they failed to make it past the group stages but I thought they were really good in two games. "They were a bit in-experienced but I noticed the team spirit and energy in the team and I have seen it again when they played Germany recently in a friendly game. "On top of that they are the only team in Europe that had ten wins in the qualification. For me they can be a big surprise. "They have players who are high on confidence like Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane and I feel they can do something really great."
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Who are Seattle Sounders?
WHUFC.com
In 1974, a professional football club called Seattle Sounders was founded, initially playing outdoors at the Memorial Stadium before moving to the indoor Kingdome in 1976.
That same year, the pre-season visit of a New York Cosmos team featuring Pele drew a sell-out crowd of 58,128 to the Kingdome – an illustration how popular 'soccer' was, and remains, in the Pacific Northwest.
The original Sounders attracted big names to the city themselves, with Wales defender Mike England later being joined by West Ham United and England legends Geoff Hurst in 1976 and, two years later, Bobby Moore.
During that period, the Sounders regularly challenged at the top of the Western Division, winning the National Conference in 1980 and overall Western Division title in 1982 – both outdoors.
The original Sounders folded in 1983, and the following year the league itself – which had run for the final 14 years under the guidance of Commissioner and former Hammer Phil Woosnam – ceased operations.
Ten years later, in 1994, a second Seattle Sounders club was founded and played in the United Soccer League (USL) A-League/First Division – the second tier of the pyramid in the United States.
The new club played at Qwest Field – now named CenturyLink Field and home to the modern-day Sounders – for 13 of its 14 seasons in existence.
Like their predecessors, the second Sounders enjoyed success, winning four League Cups and five regular season titles, while also lifting the overall championship on four occasions. During that period, the club also produced future Fulham and United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and fellow international striker Brian Ching.
However, attendances were relatively low, averaging between 2,000 and 3,500 for much of the club's existence, while attempts to become an MLS expansion team were thwarted by a reported lack of investment.
In 2007, however, the club's ownership was awarded an expansion club by the MLS, providing a return of top-level football to the city for the first time since 1983.
The new franchise, complete with new colours and crest, was officially unveiled in April 2008 and, since then, the club has gone from strength to strength.
With the continued growth in 'soccer' in North America and, in particular, the Pacific Northwest region that also boats the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps MLS clubs, the Sounders have attracted huge support.
Under German head coach Sigi Schmid and boasting a star-studded squad that has featured former Hammer Freddie Ljungberg, former US and Premier League goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Colombia forward Fredy Montero, the Sounders have won the US Open Cup four times and reached the finals of the MLS Cup – the domestic league play-off – on two occasions.
That success has caught the imagination of fans, who have helped attendances at CenturyLink Field regularly top the 40,000-mark, with a high of 67,385 for the derby visit of Portland Timbers in August 2013.
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Transfer round-up: the full list!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Going back to the beginning of May (and occasionally further), here's a (fairly comprehensive) list of the players West Ham United have been linked with thus far this summer.
Ins
Carlos Bacca (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129910
Michy Batshuayi (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129854
Henri Bedimo (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129888
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129891
Christian Benteke (Liverpool): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129816
Jonathan Calleri (Sao Paulo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Agor Chukwudi (ASKJ Academy): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129847
Ante Coric (Dinamo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129894
Nabil Fekir (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129951
Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129818
Rachid Ghezzal (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129880
Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129932
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129855
Mauro Icardi (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129872
Dominic Iorfa (Wolves): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129938
Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129907
Veli Kavlak (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129809
Toni Martinez (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129660 - DONE DEAL!
Nampalys Mendy (Nice): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Havard Nordtveit (BMG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129610 - DONE DEAL!
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Oğuzhan Özyakup (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Roberto Pereyra (Juventus): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Domingos Quina (Chelsea) http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129873 - DONE DEAL!
Matt Richie (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Jose Sosa (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129914
Gokhan Töre (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129862
Samuel Umtiti (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129916
Gregory van der Wiel (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129948
Theo Walcott (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129823
Ashley Young (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129815
Outs
Michail Antonio (Middlesbrough): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129863
Jordan Brown (Hannover): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129934 - DONE DEAL!
Reece Burke (Wigan Athletic): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129906
Reece Oxford (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129904
Diafra Sakho (Sunderland): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129911
Enner Valencia (West Brom): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129825
External links
Ins
Aritz Aduriz (Atletico): http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/27/...5843862/
Andre Ayew (Swansea): http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/670800/...Gossip
Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Breel Embolo (Basel): ]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/31/...to/
Bruno Godeau (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Max Gradel (Bournemouth): link expired
Juraj Kucka (Milan): http://www.calciomercatonews.com/2016/05/30/...10-milioni/
Diego Laxalt (Fiorentina): http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/06-06-2016/...shtml
Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City): http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/...11330287
Neto (Juventus): http://footyfresh.com/news/...football
Ayoze Perez (Newcastle Utd):http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Alassane Plea (Nice): http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Fode Ballo Toure (PSG): http://talksport.com/football/transfer-report...99
Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona): http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/511198/...United
WIssam Ben Yedder (Toulouse): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...6302703
Simone Zaza (Juventus): http://www.football-italia.net/85435...zaza
Outs
James Tomkins (Crystal Palace): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...7998924
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Sheet of paper sells for £200
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
A laminated piece of A4 paper has sold for £200 in West Ham United's Boleyn Ground auction.
The sheet of paper, enclosed in see-through plastic bears the words 'Don't Forget Urine Samples Today Please' and once hung in the home dressing room at the Boleyn Ground.
Yet one unnamed supporter was happy to part with £200 plus fees (making the total cost nearer £280) for the piece of paper, which could have been replicated with a printer for a few pence.
Other crazy prices included £35 for an obsolete VHS video recorder, £180 for a battered toaster that once resided in the home dressing room and £35 for a tatty, photocopied A4 sheet of paper - complete with blu-tac on the back - reminding players not to leave kit on the floor.
Meanwhile three tunnel interview room signs that used to hang above the doors where players were interviewed by the media sold for a total of £800, whilst a ladies/gents toilet sign went for £425.
Of some notable lots sold today, the gramatically-incorrect 'winning its what we are here for' sign placed in the home dressing room by Alan Pardew fetched a healthy £425 and the curved perspex whufc.com sign from
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Chelsea ponder £31million Michy Batshuayi swoop after Belgium striker snubbed West Ham transfer bid
22:02, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 8 JUN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League
The Mirror
Chelsea are considering a move into the race for £31million Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League. But Spurs are unwilling to be held to ransom by Marseille over Batshuayi's valuation. The north Londoners are already in talks with AZ Alkmaar for £12million Dutch striker Vincent Janssen and are hopeful of concluding a deal within days. They also have a number of alternatives to Batshuayi which they are prepared to pursue. Chelsea's primary targets are Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus marksman Alvaro Morata. But with Manchester United also keen on Morata, Chelsea have Batshuayi on their shortlist as a possible alternative.
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Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen 'a transfer target for Liverpool and West Ham'
21:43, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 21:43, 8 JUN 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra
The Mirror
Liverpool and West Ham are interested in signing Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona, according to reports. The Belgium international joined Barca from Arsenal in 2014 but has made just 11 appearances during a frustrating spell in Catalonia. Spanish outlet Sport say Barca boss Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp this summer - despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra. The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund last week after the German club activated his release clause of 8 million euros. A return to the Premier League is on the cards for ex-Gunners skipper Vermaelen, with Anfield and the Olympic Stadium potential destinations. It is claimed Vermaelen would prefer a return a move to West Ham over Liverpool, although there has not yet been any contact between the Hammers and Barcelona.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking for top quality players to lead the Irons into their first season in their new stadium.
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Crowd fund appeal for Bobby Statue in Barking
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
A public appeal to raise funds for a statue of Bobby Moore has been launched in his home town of Barking. It aims to raise almost £160,000 to
cover the costs of commissioning, casting and erecting the monument.Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell launched the campaign alongside Roberta Moore, daughter of the late ex-West Ham captain.
The campaign says: "We need your help to erect the people's statue in honour of Bobby Moore, West Ham and England's only World Cup winning captain in his home town of Barking. We are seeking donations to make it happen."
"We are calling on the public, who have long held Barking's Bobby Moore's titanic achievements in their heart, to show their appreciation for this national hero by helping us raise money to build a statue in his honour.
He is a national icon. The pinnacle of his career and the country's greatest footballing moment is forever frozen in time in one iconic image captured on that historic summer's day in 1966. Barking born and West Ham legend Bobby led England to its greatest ever footballing triumph at the height of the swinging 60's.
We are yet to request planning permission but will do so once the fundraising is completed as we will open a design competition to the public. If planning permission is not granted no pledges will be collected.
Soccer - Football League - West Ham United
What we'll deliver:
Build a lasting monument to Bobby Moore in his home town
Why it's a great idea:
Bobby Moore is a national and international figure of historical significance. Our statue will act as a beacon of civic pride for our residents and as an aspirational and inspiring symbol for our community. Bobby Moore was more than just a footballer, he was an ambassador for the sport and his home town. We will use the statue to help inspire and educate future stars.
Steps to get it done:
Apply for planning permission
bobby-moore-4Get planning approval
Appoint contractor
Start on site
Practical completion
Launch
We propose to commission the "people's statue" – a monument to stand at the gateway to the town where Bobby was born. As Russell Brand says in the soon to be released film, Bo66y –The Movie, "Some are knighted by monarchs. Others are knighted by the people." Bobby or Sir Bobby as he is often referred to falls in to that category and that is why we are passionate about honouring his achievement. Please support our bid."
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Lacazette & Benteke are bookies favourites to join
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are the bookies favourites to land Alexandre Lacazette this summer transfer window at odds of 3/1.
PSG are 4/1, with Arsenal 5/1, while Liverpool and Juventus are both 6/1 chances.
The Hammers are also bookies favourites to sign Christian Benteke at 5/2 followed by Everton at 6/1 and Juventus at 9/1
West Ham are third favourites to sign Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion at 5/1 behind Spurs at 2/1 and Stoke at 4/1.
Juan Mata also gets a mention in the football transfer special bets with the Hammers joint fourth favourites with Spurs, Chelsea and Madrid at 6/1 to sign the Manchester United midfielder. PSG remain favourites at 5/2 followed Valencia at 7/2 and Barcelona at 5/1.
Daniel Sturridge is rated a 18/1 outside chance to join West Ham with Arsenal favourites at 6/1.
Long shot bets include Everton's Romelu Lukaku joining the Irons at 20/1 or Chelsea's John Terry joining West Ham also at 20/1.
The bookies have paid no attention to Jack Sullivan's recent tweet the Hammers are not interested in Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.
Walcott remains a 10/11 favourite to join the Hammers this summer while the Ox is a 14/1 outsider to join.
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Midfielder at overwhelming odds to join Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The bookies have Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie as an overwhelming favourite to join the Irons before the summer transfer deadline.
SkyBet have the midfielder at an extraordinary 1/4 which suggests the deal is all but done despite Cherries boss Eddie Howe claiming he's not interested in selling the player.
The Hammers launched a bid for Ritchie and striker Callum Wilson and after being beaten by Manchester United on the final day of his season Howe hit out at the timing of the bid.
Hwever, the Hammers claimed they had not made the bid public and that it could have found its way into the media from the Cherries end.
Regardless of the war of wors, the bookies have leapt onto the story and are apparently convinced Ritchie is all but a Hammer.
Interestingly, however, there is no suggestion that Callum Wilson will be joining him as he doesn't feature in their odds list.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 9
Wednesday, June 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th June 2016
Ogbonna features in Azzurri win
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna earned his eleventh Italy cap on Monday night as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Finland. The Azzurri completed the victory thanks to goals from Antonio Candreva – from the penalty spot – and Daniele De Rossi. Ogbonna played the final five minutes of the fixture in Verona, replacing Leonardo Bonucci – the Juventus defender, who will head to the Hammers' new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the Betway Cup tie against West Ham on 7 August. It was Ogbonna's first appearance for Italy in 20 months, having last appeared in his national strip against Malta in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier in October 2014. Monday's fixture was Antonio Conte's side's final warm-up friendly prior to their Euro 2016 campaign, which begins on 13 June against Belgium in Lyon. Sweden are their next opponents in Toulouse four days later, before Ogbonna could potentially face West Ham teammate and Republic of Ireland stopper Darren Randolph in Lille on 22 June. Elsewhere, young Hammers stopper Sam Howes was in action for England U19s in Mexico on Monday night as the Three Lions were beaten in their final European Championship warm-up friendly. In the 1-0 defeat, Howes was brought into the match for England at half time, replacing Reading keeper Luke Southwood between the sticks. Despite a good England performance, their central American opponents netted a late header to take the win when it looked as if a stalemate was on the cards. It was the second defeat in the double header just outside Mexico City, after Aidy Boothroyd's men went down 2-0 in the first fixture on Saturday. Finally, Doneil Henry's Canada take on Uzbekistan at Bad Waltersdorf in Austria at 3pm on Tuesday in a FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying preparation fixture.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Azerbaijan on Friday, with defender Henry playing 90 minutes.
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Hammers issue Retained List
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2015/16 season.
Joey O'Brien's contract expires on 30 June after five years as a Hammer, during which time the 29-year-old helped the Club win promotion and re-establish itself in the Premier League. The full-back joined on a free transfer in summer 2011 and helped West Ham gain promotion via the Championship Play-Offs in May 2012. The following season, 2012/13, he made 33 Premier League appearances as West Ham finished ninth in the top flight. A reliable and committed player, 30-year-old O'Brien earned a recall to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2012 and went on to make 105 first-team appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring three goals.
Young professionals Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and Jordan Brown will also depart the Boleyn Ground after not being offered new contracts. Strikers Lee and Jordan Brown, defender Chambers and Nasha all appeared for the first team after graduating from the Academy of Football, while Mavilla also reached the matchday squad on one occasion. Lee, 21, made his Premier League debut against Stoke City in August 2013 and went on to make six senior appearances, scoring in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round win against FC Lusitans in Andorra in July 2015. Nasha, 20, also made his first-team debut in the same game. Chambers, 20, made three appearances for the Hammers in the Football League Cup in autumn 2013. Jordan Brown, 19, made his sole appearance in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against Astra Giurgiu in Romania last August and has since joined German Bundesliga 2 club Hannover 96. Scholars Tim Brown, 19, and Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom, both 18, have also been released.
The Club would like to thank all those named above for their efforts and wish them well in their future careers.
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The Big Interview - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
The European Championship Finals get underway on Friday June 10 and for one man in particular, this promises to be a summer that he will never forget. Darren Randolph has enjoyed a memorable first full season in the Premier League with West Ham United following his move from Birmingham last summer. The 29-year-old played a major role in helping the Hammers reach the quarter finals of the FA Cup and showed his quality when he was called upon to play in the Premier League. Randolph was also instrumental in helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the Euro Finals in France when he replaced Shay Given against Germany and helped set up the only goal of the game when his long kick picked out Shane Long and he produced a sublime finish to help his country record a famous victory and reach the play-offs where they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. The talented keeper is now making his final preparations ahead of Ireland's opening game against Sweden on June 13 and hopes to reach the latter stages of the competition....
Darren, this is one of the biggest summers of your career. How excited are you at the prospect of playing at the Euro Finals and participating in such a showpiece event?
DR: "The tournament has certainly crept up on us but I am really looking forward to the tournament and cannot wait for it to get underway."
It was obviously a memorable qualifying campaign. Do you still watch back the famous victory over Germany and realise the amazing job you have achieved?
DR: "I still get sent little clips and links to the Germany game and the play-off win over Bosnia.
"I have watched them a few time – especially the Germany game. We should all take a lot of pride from the way we performed that night.
"We were fourth in the group with four games to go and everybody had written us off. But we managed to come back and qualified through the play-offs so we should all be proud of what we achieved."
You have been drawn in the same group as Sweden, Belgium and Italy. It could certainly have been a lot easier for you but how do you view the three games and what you will need to qualify
DR: "It is a very tough group. But you want to go to these tournaments and play against the best teams.
"Of course you would prefer not to have play them all in the group stages but it will be a good test for us.
"We play Sweden in the first game and if we can come away with a good result then anything is possible after that. We should all be looking forward to it."
Do you fancy your chances of making it past the group stages?
DR: "Why not. We have to be confident and it is one of the competitions that any player wants to be a part of.
"Considering I missed out on the last one I cannot wait to experience the whole tournament and look forward to seeing all the Ireland fans out in France."
Do you see similarities between the West Ham team and the Republic of Ireland team in terms of the team spirit?
DR: "I see a lot of similarities. We can have a good laugh together but when it comes to the serious stuff and we train and play, everyone gets their head down and we are hard working group and everyone gets their head down."
We have also got James Collins going away with Wales and Dimitri Payet being part of the France squad. Will you keep a close eye on how your team-mates are getting on during the tournament?
DR: "I will definitely keep an eye on what they are doing. I am not sure how far away they are staying but all three of us will be busy and I will try and keep in close contact with them.
"I will certainly be watching their progress but I hope we can go further than everyone and can have something to brag about!"
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Hammers at the Euros
WHUFC.com
Hammers quartet Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, James Collins and Darren Randolph have become the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth West Ham players to be included in UEFA European Championship squads.
The four, who will be representing France, Italy, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in this summer's competition respectively, have joined up with their nations ahead of the tournament which kicks-off on 10 June in France.
It marks the first time that four West Ham players have been chosen to represent their countries in the same European Championship.
In 1968, three were selected for the tournament; Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters all travelled to Italy fresh off the back of their World Cup victory as hosts two years' previous.
The tournament consisted of just four teams back then, and England came up against Yugoslavia in the semi-final as the Italians hosted the Soviet Union.
The Three Lions were beaten by a Dragan Dzajic goal, however, and were therefore left to contest the third place play-off against the Soviet Union, who were on the wrong end of a coin toss match-deciding decision against Italy.
Hurst, who had been left out in the semi-final, returned to the starting XI and scored the second in a 2-0 win for England to land third place, while Moore and Peters played both matches in the campaign.
The Hammers would have to wait another 12 years until one of their stars next represented the Club at a Euros, as Trevor Brooking went with England's squad once again to Italy.
The Irons legend was involved in the first match as Belgium held the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw, however he was not in the line-up as Italy were 1-0 winners three days later.
Brooking made a scoring return to the team in the final match though, firing home the first in a 2-1 win against Spain, before England – managed by former Hammers boss Ron Greenwood – were knocked out of the tournament having finished third in the group.
There were no West Ham players involved in the next three European Championships, however two played at the tournament in '96 – one being the current Hammers boss, Croatian Slaven Bilic.
The defender started and finished all three games as his side qualified for a place in the quarter-finals, but Germany were 2-1 winners in the contest at Old Trafford.
Left-back Mark Rieper was the other Hammer involved, playing in all of holding champions Denmark's three group games before they were eliminated at the first stage.
With no West Ham representatives at Euro 2000 or 2004, Freddie Ljungberg became the next when he went to Austria and Switzerland as captain of Sweden's Euro 2008 squad.
After beating the previous tournament's winners Greece 2-0 in their first outing, Ljungberg's side lost in fixtures against Spain and Russia and were knocked out in the group stages.
Finally, former West Ham stopper Rob Green was part of Roy Hodgson's England squad which travelled to Poland and Ukraine in 2012, but as backup to Joe Hart, he did not feature for the Three Lions.
Hammers star Payet, on the back of a superb debut season in Claret and Blue, is part of hosts France's plans and he will be keen to play a part in Les Bleus' group matches against Romania, Albania and Switzerland.
Collins, of course, is set to face England in the group stages for Wales, while Russia and Slovakia are the other opponents for the Dragons.
Randolph's Republic of Ireland will take on Ogbonna's Italy team in their final group game, as part of a tricky Group E; Belgium and Sweden are the other two opponents.
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2015/16 in review: September & October
KUMB,com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.
Today we look back at September and October 2015 in the second part of our review...
20 September
Only at West Ham could you best Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in successive away games - and yet still fail to record the biggest sporting headline of the weekend.
Thanks to a group of plucky Japanese rugby players, West Ham's mighty achievement at the City of Manchester Stadium was demoted to second spot come Sunday morning's sporting news headlines.
And whilst history was being made down at the Brighton Community Centre by the eggchasers from the Far East, Slaven Bilic's new-look West Ham team were making history of their own by winning away to all three of the aforementioned for the first time ever in the same season.
It was no surprise when pundits and the media alike declared West Ham's 2-0 win at The Emirates on the opening day of the season to be an anomaly. After all it's virtually unheard of for the Irons to win away to Arsenal, right?
However having followed that achievement with a 3-0 win at Anfield - West Ham's first on the red side of Stanley Park since 1963 - and subsequently ending Manchester City's unbeaten league record with a stunning 2-1 success at the City of Manchester Stadium, those same pundits are finally beginning to give Bilic's boys the credit they deserve.
Make no mistake, not one of those three wins was in any way lucky. West Ham outplayed both Arsenal and Liverpool and having gained a two-goal advantage at Man City on Saturday (through Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho), fought like lions to preserve their advantage despite being predictably battered after the break.
Once again, Dimitri Payet was instrumental in a win that lifted West Ham into second spot in the Premier League. The French international played a key role in Moses' opening goal, whilst his all-round vision and awareness could have led to even more.
But even Payet's performance was eclipsed by that of centre half Winston Reid, who was absolutely immense at the heart of West Ham's defence.
The Kiwi's 21 clearances during the game was a new Premier League record and his appearance left Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson drooling over what he described as "one of the best individual defensive displays I have ever seen".
Even more encouraging for Hammers fans is that Bilic had to make do without Angelo Ogbonna and Cheikhou Kouyate on Saturday, both of whom were ruled out through injury. Not to mention that Alex Song is yet to kick a ball this season - Enner Valencia neither - whilst Andy Carroll has managed just five minutes of action thus far.
"All we need is Slav", sang happy Hammers fans on Saturday night after the incredible win at Man City. That might not be strictly true, but the new manager's positivity is certainly paying off right now.
Long may it continue.
4 October
To those of us who have been watching West Ham for some considerable time, it was perhaps no surprise to see Dick Advocaat's Sunderland - a team without a Premier League win all season - surge into a two-goal lead after just 22 minutes at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Having already beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City on their own patch it was typical of West Ham to fall behind to a team that most pundits - with the exception of the irksome Mark Lawrenson - expected them to beat. Less emblematic was the fashion in which Slaven Bilic's side responded - by scoring twice thereafter to rescue a point.
Those goals - from Carl Jenkinson on the stroke of half time and Dimitri Payet, two minutes after Jeremain Lens had been dismissed by fussy referee Neil Swarbrick for a second bookable offence - ensured the Hammers remain unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season.
And they also signalled a fresh, new resolve amongst Bilic's squad - an attitude typified by goalscorer Payet's obvious disappointment at the final whistle, after West Ham had battered the ten-man Black Cats for the duration of the second half without managing to find a winning goal.
On the pitch, whilst Bilic has no immediate concerns going forward the defensive lapses are beginning to mount up. The previous weekend against Norwich, Mark Noble's first half hospital pass that led to Robbie Brady's opening goal effectively cost the Hammers two points.
And at Sunderland on Saturday, West Ham only had themselves to blame for dropping points again after Jenkinson conceded a needless free kick that led to Sunderland's opener and Payet's loose pass to Winston Reid gave Lens the opportunity to score the second. At least both atoned for their errors by responding at the opposite end.
But if West Ham wish to be a real force in the Premier League this season (and beyond), they'll need to cut out these avoidable errors than have cost the team four points in the last fortnight.
Elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend Sergio Aguero scored five goals in 20 minutes (the 42nd, 49th, 50th, 60th and 62nd) as Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium. It was touted as the fastest five-goal haul in Premier League history.
And whilst that may be true, Aguero's achievement only equalled the top flight record set 50 years ago by West Ham United's Brian Dear, who also scored five in 20 minutes against West Brom in a 6-1 Division One win at the Boleyn Ground in April 1965 (the 44th, 53rd, 56th, 59th and 64th minute).
Further, I believe Dear's record remains unbroken as Man City and Newcastle played three minutes added-on time at the end of the first half - whereas there was hardly any added-on time played in the mid-1960s!
11 October
Darren Randolph was the unlikely hero for Ireland in Dublin last weekend as the substitute goalkeeper's assist kept his nation's hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championships alive.
Rather closer to home, Roy Hodgson's England were playing out a dead-rubber against Estonia at Wembley on Friday night. But if you were hoping to see any of West Ham United's exciting young English players feature, you'd be in for a major disappointment.
Despite being third in the Premier League at the time the squad was announced, once again Hodgson completely overlooked West Ham's home grown contingent in favour of players featuring for the usual suspects.
Aaron Cresswell was named as West Ham's Player of the Year for 2014/15 and linked with a £25million summer move to Chelsea, but he is yet to receive a single international call-up. His place was taken by Ryan Bertrand - who had made just two Premier League starts this season - and Kieron Gibbs (Arsenal), also with only two league starts to his name.
Meanwhile Mark Noble may have captained the Under 21s in a European Championship final during his younger years, but the combative midfielder has never been named in a senior squad - despite having more than 250 top flight appearances under his belt.
On this occasion Hodgson chose instead to go with Spurs' Dele Alli, who has the grand total of 12 Premier League appearances to his name, and the workmanlike (former Liverpool midfielder) Jonjo Shelvey instead of giving West Ham' captain the chance he craves.
Elsewhere the likes of James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson may have been part of a strong Hammers defence but they too were overlooked in favour of players such as Kyle Walker (Spurs), Nat Clyne (Liverpool) and Phil Jones (Man Utd) - the latter of whom can't get in his club side on a regular basis, but is still deemed good enough to represent his country.
And even though West Ham destroyed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield a few weeks ago, three of the players featuring for the losing team that day started in Hodgson's latest England team - the aforementioned Clyne plus Adam Lallana and James Milner.
Unfortunately the current manager has fallen into the same trap as his predecessors, favouring the selection of players from the league's wealthiest clubs. Of England's starting XI on Friday night, only two players came from clubs outside the established top five or six - Ross Barkley of Everton and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton (who moved from Chelsea in the summer).
That said, many Hammers fans are only too happy to see Slaven Bilic's players ignored once again.
For it wasn't so long ago that Dean Ashton's career was prematurely ended by a Shaun Wright-Phillips tackle during an England training session - and the reliable Rob Green dubbed as a dodgy 'keeper for making one (admittedly glaring) mistake against the USA in the 2010 World Cup Finals.
18 October
In Italy, contrary to the rest of Western civilisation, the number 13 is widely considered to be lucky. The expression 'fare tredici' - which loosely translates as 'to 13' - also means 'to hit the jackpot', which many West Ham fans could be excused for thinking they had after Slaven Bilic's side secured a fourth away win of the season at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Those four wins at Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City - added to the draw secured at Sunderland the week before - mean that Bilic's side have collected 13 points from a possible 15 away from home so far this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding just four.
So it's fair to say that few Hammers will be suffering from triskaidekaphobia right now!
Key to this stunning start to the campaign is the pace and power West Ham employ on the counter. With players such as Dimitri Payet and "our itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny little Argentine Lanzini" (that particular gem courtesy of the KUMB Forum's 'thejackhammer'), the Irons have the firepower to threaten any defence in the country - as has been illustrated to devastating effect already.
Importantly, all areas of the team are chipping in with goals too. Right-back Carl Jenkinson scored his second in successive matches yesterday, whilst the two aforementioned midfielders both scored late on to secure all three points against Palace's ten men - Payet's being an exquisite finish, drawing the 'keeper in before coolly lifting the ball over him into an empty net.
It's fair to say that Slaven and his squad have got the hang of playing away from home; the key now is to translate those performances to the Boleyn Ground, where West Ham's form has been patchy at best. Just four points from four games, including defeats to Leicester City and Bournemouth is almost relegation form - which must be incredibly frustrating for the manager and his staff.
The next chance to resolve that particular shortcoming is next weekend, when Chelsea are the visitors. Much has been made of their poor start to the season, yet Jose Mourinho's team are still a formidable opponent and it should prove to be a thoroughly engaging London derby.
Until then, Hammers fans can enjoy looking down at the rest of the Premier League from a lofty fourth place - which, interestingly perhaps, is exactly where they were at this same stage last season (albeit with one point less).
Post-Christmas the wheels fell off for Sam Allardyce – now embroiled in a relegation battle at Sunderland - and whilst the same could yet happen to Bilic, there seems to be considerably more confidence amongst the fanbase that that particular slump will not be repeated.
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West Ham eye (another) Lyon star
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have been linked with yet another star of the Lyon side that finished runners-up in last season's Ligue 1. Following speculation linking Lyon stars Alexandre Lacazette, Samuel Umtiti, Henri Bedimo and Rachid Ghezzal with moves to east London, attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir has mow been suggested as a possible target. A tabloid reports this morning that West Ham are prepared to offer up to €25million to land the 22-year-old, who made his debut for Didier Deschamps' France in March 2015 but missed much of last season with a cruciate injury. Despite being sidelined between September and April having sustained the injury during a 1-0 win against Portugal, the young forward - who made his first team debut for Lyon in 2013 and who can also count French champions PSG amongst his list of admirers - ended the season as an integral part of Bruno Génésio's side. Prior to sustaining the injury Fekir had begun the 2015/16 campaign in superb fashion, scoring four times in his opening four games of the season including a hat-trick against Caen back in August.
* West Ham are still being considered as one of the favourites to sign Nice's out-of-contract winger Jeremy Pied. The 27-year-old has also been linked with a move to Saint Etienne, Bordeaux and Sunderland in recent weeks.
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Bilic meets Modric
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic met up with his favourite player again last night - to hand over his fourth consecutive Croatian Player of the Year award. Real Madrid star Luka Modric was handed the award by West Ham manager Bilic during the ceremony, which was staged in Zagreb. But despite being linked with a string of his fellow countrymen in recent weeks and months, the Hammers boss is unlikely to be able to persuade the 30-year-old - who he has often cited as one of his favourite players - to leave the Bernabeu Stadium for the Olympic Stadium.
Currently valued at close to €40million by Transfer Markt, Modric thanked all those who had voted for him. "I can only express my gratitude to all my Croatian colleagues and coaches who awarded me this prestigious award again," he said. "But if the award went to Ivan Rakitic or Ivan Perisic, who were both nominated, it would be fully deserved, because they both had a great season too."
The award for Young Croatian Player of the Year (under 21s) went to Ante Coric, who is currently being linked with a move to West Ham. "I thank everyone for the award," said Coric during his acceptance speech. "I debuted for the national team [last season] and I am very happy because of that. Now all I am thinking of is Dinamo and the Euros in France."
The full list of winners from last night's awards was as follows:
Player of the Year – Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
League Player of the Year – Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb)
Young Player of the Year – Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb)
Goalkeeper of the Year – Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split)
Coach of the Year – Zoran Mamic (Dinamo Zagreb)
Referee of the Year – Bruno Maric
Spirit of Football Award – Davor Vugrinec
First Division Team of the Year –Livakovic, Tomecak, Leškovic, Mitrovic, Leovac, Ademi, Pavicic, Coric, Pjaca, Henriquez, Radonjic
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Goodbye, Joey
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Joey O'Brien will leave West Ham at the end of the month, it has been confirmed. The popular full back signed for West Ham in August 2011 as part of Sam Allardyce's Championship revamp and went on to make 105 appearances in a West Ham shirt, scoring three goals. However he featured on just seven occasions in his final season at the club, five of which came in the early rounds of the Europa League (and the other two against Liverpool in the FA Cup). O'Brien receives KUMB's 2013/14 Most Memorable Match award on behalf of the team
Also departing the club having failed to be offered a new contract are Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and striker Jordan Brown, who has already agreed to join 2. Bundesliga outfit Hannover. Meanwhile Academy members Tim Brown, Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom have also left the club following the completion of their scholarships.
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Gignac praises Payet ahead of Euro 16 opener
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
French striker and former West Ham transfer target Andre-Pierre Gignac has been speaking in praise of his international team mate, Dimitri Payet. Gignac, who was on United's radar last summer and during the winter transfer window lauded Payet for an exceptional season in the Premier League, when he became a firm favourite with Hammers fans. Talking about Payet's strengths in an interview with Le Figaro, Gignac said: "His foresight in the game, his performance at set pieces, the assists and goals with direct kicks - he brought it all. "If he continues like this, he could take us far [in Euro 16]. Dimitri has been very efficient. I know a little more than some as I knew him for two years at Marseille when he provided me with a lot! "When you have great technically gifted players like Antoine [Griezmann], Dimitri or Paul [Pogba] behind you, it makes it a little easier."
And in terms of France's chances of winning Euro 16, which commences later this week, Gignac added: "The last two occasions that France organized a tournament we won, so we are favourites. "It will depend on small details between the great teams which are Spain - who have incredible players, Germany and France. But I have a feeling France will win."
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West Ham confirm Joey O'Brien will depart the club this summer
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 07/06/16 5:42pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed defender Joey O'Brien will leave the club after five years when his contract expires at the end of June.
The Irons issued their retained list on Tuesday, with Alex Song set to return to his parent club Barcelona following the end of his season-long loan spell, while winger Victor Moses goes back to Chelsea and Emmanuel Emenike to Fenerbahce.
O'Brien, 30, joined West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton in June 2011, helping the east London club win promotion back to the Premier League via the 2012 Championship play-off final at Wembley.
However, last season the Republic of Ireland full-back made just seven first-team appearances, five of those coming in the Europa League qualifiers and two in the FA Cup, taking his total tally to 105 with three goals.
West Ham also revealed 21-year-old striker Elliot Lee, who had a loan spell at Colchester last season, is one of several youngsters who will be released as manager Slaven Bilic prepares his squad for life at the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers brought in Norway international Havard Nordtveit earlier in the summer, but have seen reported interest in Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson fail to materialise.
However, co-chairman David Sullivan confirmed earlier this week that five bids have been tabled for new players as the club aims for signings with "good value" in a "potty" market, having been apparently priced out of any interest in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.
Out-of-contract Nice winger Jeremy Pied is said to be one reported target along with Lacazette's Lyon strike partner Nabil Fekir.
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Irons security boss leads redundancy exit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have made a round of redundancies as part of the re-location from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers will no longer be responsible for stadium maintenance and safety, pitch maintenance, stewarding or security at their new home.
And Claret and Hugh understand a number of staff in those areas have been under going redundancy consultations.
One of the highest profile personalities to leave is West Ham's Head of Security, Simon Sutton but there are several others. When we contacted Mr Sutton on social media he confirmed "I am being made redundant as of the 30th June"
In an addition to the downsizing the number of West Ham permanent, part-time and temporary staff, catering and hotel staff employed by Elior UK will also lose their jobs at the Boleyn Ground as their contract has ended.
West Ham reported a total of 609 staff in their 2015 financial accounts of which 100 are playing staff and coaches and 373 were part-time, most likely match day staff. This is likely to drastically reduce when the 2016/2017 accounts are released in 2018.
Claret and Hugh recently revealed that 138 stewards from West Ham are registered to work over at the new Stadium, 53 of whom are already working at the new Stadium but many more have decided not to apply after being told they could be manning lifts or directing crowds through Westfield shopping centre.
West Ham Vice Chairman, Karren Brady was recently quoted as saying "Our presence will also create more than 700 jobs" but many of these jobs will be working for Stewarding company OCS, French stadium operators, London Stadium 185 or US catering company Delaware North.
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West Ham release a dozen players
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham United have issued the Club's official retained List of players at the end of the 2015/16 season. As expected, Joey O'Brien will be released when his contract expires on 30th June after five years as a loyal Hammer. The full-back joined on a free transfer in summer 2011 under former manager Sam Allardyce. The following season, 2012/13, he made 33 Premier League appearances. 30-year-old O'Brien earned a recall to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2012 and went on to make 105 first-team appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring three goals.
Loanees Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song will also return to their parent clubs at the end of their season-long loan deals. Young Academy professionals Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and Jordan Brown will also depart the Boleyn Ground after not being offered new contracts. Hammer Scholars Tim Brown, 19, and Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom, both 18, have also been released.
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Irons monitor Reds midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are monitoring Juan Mata's position following Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United. The former Chesea boss axed the midfielder when he was at Stamfrd Bridge and is being widely tipped to do so again since arriving at Old Tafford. ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that West Ham were aware that a top Euro 2016 Finals from Dimi Payet could bring offers from the world's major clubs. Regardless of that however, we understand that West Ham are indeed watching the Spaniard with a souce explaining: "He is a very good player who would interest us were he to become available."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have a price tag of between £50m – £60 m on Payet and our source repeated this morning: "There is absolutely no intention of doing anything other than ensuring as far as we can that Dimi stays at this club. "We are confident he will be playing his football at the Olympic Stadium next season. He's on a fabulous deal and there have been no offers or enquiries for him or any other player at West Ham United."
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Sakho saga takes new twist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham will only listen to offerf for Diafra Sakho should they start at around the £15 million mark. And with the club also being ready to allow Enner Valencia to move on they could be looking for two strikers this summer rather than the one. Sakho is highly regarded by Slaven Bilic but the manager is aware of posible offers and could allow the Senegal striker to move on if the bidding starts at £15 milion. Thus far contact has only been made through agents but it would be no surprise were one or two to take on real substance over the summer. There have been no 'firm' inquiries for any Hammers player according to ClaretandHugh sources but bids will also be entertained for Valencia. We were told: "Nobody will leave until we have what we consider better replacements but it's realistic to assume that the pack will be shaken up this summer." David Sullivan admitted on the official club site yesterday: "We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and with five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon."
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Hammers linked to the next Van Nistelrooy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dutch striker Vicent Janssen, who has been likened to Ruud van Nistelrooy Alkmaarhas been linked to the Hammers and part of our ever increasing potential striker list. The 21 year old enjoyed a prolific season for AZ Alkmaar, scoring 27 goals in 34 appearances for the Dutch side. He also forced his way into the Dutch national set-up, and those performances have apparently alerted a number of Premier League clubs including West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal. He formerly played in the Feyenoord youth team, winning the national title in 2013, and for the Eerste Divisie team Almere City. In 2015 he moved to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Following Holland's 2-0 win over Austria he told Dutch outlet Fox Sports: "I want to make a step, that is clear. But there is no white smoke just now. England? We will see. Maybe something will happen in the holidays. I will take my phone with me anyway."
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Hammers Nice Striker Plea
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
According to French Media West Ham are reportedly weighing up a move for Ligue 1 striker Alassane Plea. French newspaper Le10Sport claims the Hammers are tracking the 23-year-old who scored twice in the first three games for Nice. Despite having ruptured cruciate ligament which ruled him out of action for four months, the French player managed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances. He can also play on the wing. French newspaper L'Équipe makes a similar claim saying both Villarreal and West Ham are interested in securing the services of the OGC Nice striker. He has a €40m (£31m) release clause and a contract that currently runs until 2019. Pléa holds dual Malian and French nationality; he's been a French youth international. Last month, Plea struck twice as Nice finished in fourth place in Ligue 1 with a 3-2 victory over Guingamp at the Stade du Roudourou to book his team's place in the Europa League next season. One Villarreal blog says "No way we would pay anywhere close to that–I suspect €8m plus variables would be as high as we would go, maybe?"
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West Ham transfer news: Slaven Bilic targeting £10m deal for Croatian starlet Ante Coric
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
West Ham have made a bid for Dinamo Zagreb wonderkid Ante Coric, according to reports in his native Croatia. The 19-year-old has already made 52 appearances in his country's top flight and is the only teenager to have been included in Croatia's Euro 2016 squad. According to Vecernji List, Slaven Bilic has now launched an ambitious move to lure his compatriot to east London ahead of the finals. It has been suggested that Zagreb will hold out until after the Euros in the hope that his value will grow should he make a good impression in France. Inter Milan and Benfica have both been credited with an interest in Coric but the Hammers are hoping to jump straight to the front of the queue with an offer reported to be worth around £10m. It has been suggested that the Zagreb-born starlet may favour a switch to West Ham so he can work under Bilic but also because of their history of giving young players a chance.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna earned his eleventh Italy cap on Monday night as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Finland. The Azzurri completed the victory thanks to goals from Antonio Candreva – from the penalty spot – and Daniele De Rossi. Ogbonna played the final five minutes of the fixture in Verona, replacing Leonardo Bonucci – the Juventus defender, who will head to the Hammers' new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the Betway Cup tie against West Ham on 7 August. It was Ogbonna's first appearance for Italy in 20 months, having last appeared in his national strip against Malta in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier in October 2014. Monday's fixture was Antonio Conte's side's final warm-up friendly prior to their Euro 2016 campaign, which begins on 13 June against Belgium in Lyon. Sweden are their next opponents in Toulouse four days later, before Ogbonna could potentially face West Ham teammate and Republic of Ireland stopper Darren Randolph in Lille on 22 June. Elsewhere, young Hammers stopper Sam Howes was in action for England U19s in Mexico on Monday night as the Three Lions were beaten in their final European Championship warm-up friendly. In the 1-0 defeat, Howes was brought into the match for England at half time, replacing Reading keeper Luke Southwood between the sticks. Despite a good England performance, their central American opponents netted a late header to take the win when it looked as if a stalemate was on the cards. It was the second defeat in the double header just outside Mexico City, after Aidy Boothroyd's men went down 2-0 in the first fixture on Saturday. Finally, Doneil Henry's Canada take on Uzbekistan at Bad Waltersdorf in Austria at 3pm on Tuesday in a FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying preparation fixture.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Azerbaijan on Friday, with defender Henry playing 90 minutes.
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Hammers issue Retained List
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2015/16 season.
Joey O'Brien's contract expires on 30 June after five years as a Hammer, during which time the 29-year-old helped the Club win promotion and re-establish itself in the Premier League. The full-back joined on a free transfer in summer 2011 and helped West Ham gain promotion via the Championship Play-Offs in May 2012. The following season, 2012/13, he made 33 Premier League appearances as West Ham finished ninth in the top flight. A reliable and committed player, 30-year-old O'Brien earned a recall to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2012 and went on to make 105 first-team appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring three goals.
Young professionals Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and Jordan Brown will also depart the Boleyn Ground after not being offered new contracts. Strikers Lee and Jordan Brown, defender Chambers and Nasha all appeared for the first team after graduating from the Academy of Football, while Mavilla also reached the matchday squad on one occasion. Lee, 21, made his Premier League debut against Stoke City in August 2013 and went on to make six senior appearances, scoring in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round win against FC Lusitans in Andorra in July 2015. Nasha, 20, also made his first-team debut in the same game. Chambers, 20, made three appearances for the Hammers in the Football League Cup in autumn 2013. Jordan Brown, 19, made his sole appearance in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against Astra Giurgiu in Romania last August and has since joined German Bundesliga 2 club Hannover 96. Scholars Tim Brown, 19, and Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom, both 18, have also been released.
The Club would like to thank all those named above for their efforts and wish them well in their future careers.
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The Big Interview - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
The European Championship Finals get underway on Friday June 10 and for one man in particular, this promises to be a summer that he will never forget. Darren Randolph has enjoyed a memorable first full season in the Premier League with West Ham United following his move from Birmingham last summer. The 29-year-old played a major role in helping the Hammers reach the quarter finals of the FA Cup and showed his quality when he was called upon to play in the Premier League. Randolph was also instrumental in helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the Euro Finals in France when he replaced Shay Given against Germany and helped set up the only goal of the game when his long kick picked out Shane Long and he produced a sublime finish to help his country record a famous victory and reach the play-offs where they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. The talented keeper is now making his final preparations ahead of Ireland's opening game against Sweden on June 13 and hopes to reach the latter stages of the competition....
Darren, this is one of the biggest summers of your career. How excited are you at the prospect of playing at the Euro Finals and participating in such a showpiece event?
DR: "The tournament has certainly crept up on us but I am really looking forward to the tournament and cannot wait for it to get underway."
It was obviously a memorable qualifying campaign. Do you still watch back the famous victory over Germany and realise the amazing job you have achieved?
DR: "I still get sent little clips and links to the Germany game and the play-off win over Bosnia.
"I have watched them a few time – especially the Germany game. We should all take a lot of pride from the way we performed that night.
"We were fourth in the group with four games to go and everybody had written us off. But we managed to come back and qualified through the play-offs so we should all be proud of what we achieved."
You have been drawn in the same group as Sweden, Belgium and Italy. It could certainly have been a lot easier for you but how do you view the three games and what you will need to qualify
DR: "It is a very tough group. But you want to go to these tournaments and play against the best teams.
"Of course you would prefer not to have play them all in the group stages but it will be a good test for us.
"We play Sweden in the first game and if we can come away with a good result then anything is possible after that. We should all be looking forward to it."
Do you fancy your chances of making it past the group stages?
DR: "Why not. We have to be confident and it is one of the competitions that any player wants to be a part of.
"Considering I missed out on the last one I cannot wait to experience the whole tournament and look forward to seeing all the Ireland fans out in France."
Do you see similarities between the West Ham team and the Republic of Ireland team in terms of the team spirit?
DR: "I see a lot of similarities. We can have a good laugh together but when it comes to the serious stuff and we train and play, everyone gets their head down and we are hard working group and everyone gets their head down."
We have also got James Collins going away with Wales and Dimitri Payet being part of the France squad. Will you keep a close eye on how your team-mates are getting on during the tournament?
DR: "I will definitely keep an eye on what they are doing. I am not sure how far away they are staying but all three of us will be busy and I will try and keep in close contact with them.
"I will certainly be watching their progress but I hope we can go further than everyone and can have something to brag about!"
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Hammers at the Euros
WHUFC.com
Hammers quartet Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, James Collins and Darren Randolph have become the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth West Ham players to be included in UEFA European Championship squads.
The four, who will be representing France, Italy, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in this summer's competition respectively, have joined up with their nations ahead of the tournament which kicks-off on 10 June in France.
It marks the first time that four West Ham players have been chosen to represent their countries in the same European Championship.
In 1968, three were selected for the tournament; Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters all travelled to Italy fresh off the back of their World Cup victory as hosts two years' previous.
The tournament consisted of just four teams back then, and England came up against Yugoslavia in the semi-final as the Italians hosted the Soviet Union.
The Three Lions were beaten by a Dragan Dzajic goal, however, and were therefore left to contest the third place play-off against the Soviet Union, who were on the wrong end of a coin toss match-deciding decision against Italy.
Hurst, who had been left out in the semi-final, returned to the starting XI and scored the second in a 2-0 win for England to land third place, while Moore and Peters played both matches in the campaign.
The Hammers would have to wait another 12 years until one of their stars next represented the Club at a Euros, as Trevor Brooking went with England's squad once again to Italy.
The Irons legend was involved in the first match as Belgium held the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw, however he was not in the line-up as Italy were 1-0 winners three days later.
Brooking made a scoring return to the team in the final match though, firing home the first in a 2-1 win against Spain, before England – managed by former Hammers boss Ron Greenwood – were knocked out of the tournament having finished third in the group.
There were no West Ham players involved in the next three European Championships, however two played at the tournament in '96 – one being the current Hammers boss, Croatian Slaven Bilic.
The defender started and finished all three games as his side qualified for a place in the quarter-finals, but Germany were 2-1 winners in the contest at Old Trafford.
Left-back Mark Rieper was the other Hammer involved, playing in all of holding champions Denmark's three group games before they were eliminated at the first stage.
With no West Ham representatives at Euro 2000 or 2004, Freddie Ljungberg became the next when he went to Austria and Switzerland as captain of Sweden's Euro 2008 squad.
After beating the previous tournament's winners Greece 2-0 in their first outing, Ljungberg's side lost in fixtures against Spain and Russia and were knocked out in the group stages.
Finally, former West Ham stopper Rob Green was part of Roy Hodgson's England squad which travelled to Poland and Ukraine in 2012, but as backup to Joe Hart, he did not feature for the Three Lions.
Hammers star Payet, on the back of a superb debut season in Claret and Blue, is part of hosts France's plans and he will be keen to play a part in Les Bleus' group matches against Romania, Albania and Switzerland.
Collins, of course, is set to face England in the group stages for Wales, while Russia and Slovakia are the other opponents for the Dragons.
Randolph's Republic of Ireland will take on Ogbonna's Italy team in their final group game, as part of a tricky Group E; Belgium and Sweden are the other two opponents.
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2015/16 in review: September & October
KUMB,com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.
Today we look back at September and October 2015 in the second part of our review...
20 September
Only at West Ham could you best Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in successive away games - and yet still fail to record the biggest sporting headline of the weekend.
Thanks to a group of plucky Japanese rugby players, West Ham's mighty achievement at the City of Manchester Stadium was demoted to second spot come Sunday morning's sporting news headlines.
And whilst history was being made down at the Brighton Community Centre by the eggchasers from the Far East, Slaven Bilic's new-look West Ham team were making history of their own by winning away to all three of the aforementioned for the first time ever in the same season.
It was no surprise when pundits and the media alike declared West Ham's 2-0 win at The Emirates on the opening day of the season to be an anomaly. After all it's virtually unheard of for the Irons to win away to Arsenal, right?
However having followed that achievement with a 3-0 win at Anfield - West Ham's first on the red side of Stanley Park since 1963 - and subsequently ending Manchester City's unbeaten league record with a stunning 2-1 success at the City of Manchester Stadium, those same pundits are finally beginning to give Bilic's boys the credit they deserve.
Make no mistake, not one of those three wins was in any way lucky. West Ham outplayed both Arsenal and Liverpool and having gained a two-goal advantage at Man City on Saturday (through Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho), fought like lions to preserve their advantage despite being predictably battered after the break.
Once again, Dimitri Payet was instrumental in a win that lifted West Ham into second spot in the Premier League. The French international played a key role in Moses' opening goal, whilst his all-round vision and awareness could have led to even more.
But even Payet's performance was eclipsed by that of centre half Winston Reid, who was absolutely immense at the heart of West Ham's defence.
The Kiwi's 21 clearances during the game was a new Premier League record and his appearance left Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson drooling over what he described as "one of the best individual defensive displays I have ever seen".
Even more encouraging for Hammers fans is that Bilic had to make do without Angelo Ogbonna and Cheikhou Kouyate on Saturday, both of whom were ruled out through injury. Not to mention that Alex Song is yet to kick a ball this season - Enner Valencia neither - whilst Andy Carroll has managed just five minutes of action thus far.
"All we need is Slav", sang happy Hammers fans on Saturday night after the incredible win at Man City. That might not be strictly true, but the new manager's positivity is certainly paying off right now.
Long may it continue.
4 October
To those of us who have been watching West Ham for some considerable time, it was perhaps no surprise to see Dick Advocaat's Sunderland - a team without a Premier League win all season - surge into a two-goal lead after just 22 minutes at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Having already beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City on their own patch it was typical of West Ham to fall behind to a team that most pundits - with the exception of the irksome Mark Lawrenson - expected them to beat. Less emblematic was the fashion in which Slaven Bilic's side responded - by scoring twice thereafter to rescue a point.
Those goals - from Carl Jenkinson on the stroke of half time and Dimitri Payet, two minutes after Jeremain Lens had been dismissed by fussy referee Neil Swarbrick for a second bookable offence - ensured the Hammers remain unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season.
And they also signalled a fresh, new resolve amongst Bilic's squad - an attitude typified by goalscorer Payet's obvious disappointment at the final whistle, after West Ham had battered the ten-man Black Cats for the duration of the second half without managing to find a winning goal.
On the pitch, whilst Bilic has no immediate concerns going forward the defensive lapses are beginning to mount up. The previous weekend against Norwich, Mark Noble's first half hospital pass that led to Robbie Brady's opening goal effectively cost the Hammers two points.
And at Sunderland on Saturday, West Ham only had themselves to blame for dropping points again after Jenkinson conceded a needless free kick that led to Sunderland's opener and Payet's loose pass to Winston Reid gave Lens the opportunity to score the second. At least both atoned for their errors by responding at the opposite end.
But if West Ham wish to be a real force in the Premier League this season (and beyond), they'll need to cut out these avoidable errors than have cost the team four points in the last fortnight.
Elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend Sergio Aguero scored five goals in 20 minutes (the 42nd, 49th, 50th, 60th and 62nd) as Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium. It was touted as the fastest five-goal haul in Premier League history.
And whilst that may be true, Aguero's achievement only equalled the top flight record set 50 years ago by West Ham United's Brian Dear, who also scored five in 20 minutes against West Brom in a 6-1 Division One win at the Boleyn Ground in April 1965 (the 44th, 53rd, 56th, 59th and 64th minute).
Further, I believe Dear's record remains unbroken as Man City and Newcastle played three minutes added-on time at the end of the first half - whereas there was hardly any added-on time played in the mid-1960s!
11 October
Darren Randolph was the unlikely hero for Ireland in Dublin last weekend as the substitute goalkeeper's assist kept his nation's hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championships alive.
Rather closer to home, Roy Hodgson's England were playing out a dead-rubber against Estonia at Wembley on Friday night. But if you were hoping to see any of West Ham United's exciting young English players feature, you'd be in for a major disappointment.
Despite being third in the Premier League at the time the squad was announced, once again Hodgson completely overlooked West Ham's home grown contingent in favour of players featuring for the usual suspects.
Aaron Cresswell was named as West Ham's Player of the Year for 2014/15 and linked with a £25million summer move to Chelsea, but he is yet to receive a single international call-up. His place was taken by Ryan Bertrand - who had made just two Premier League starts this season - and Kieron Gibbs (Arsenal), also with only two league starts to his name.
Meanwhile Mark Noble may have captained the Under 21s in a European Championship final during his younger years, but the combative midfielder has never been named in a senior squad - despite having more than 250 top flight appearances under his belt.
On this occasion Hodgson chose instead to go with Spurs' Dele Alli, who has the grand total of 12 Premier League appearances to his name, and the workmanlike (former Liverpool midfielder) Jonjo Shelvey instead of giving West Ham' captain the chance he craves.
Elsewhere the likes of James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson may have been part of a strong Hammers defence but they too were overlooked in favour of players such as Kyle Walker (Spurs), Nat Clyne (Liverpool) and Phil Jones (Man Utd) - the latter of whom can't get in his club side on a regular basis, but is still deemed good enough to represent his country.
And even though West Ham destroyed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield a few weeks ago, three of the players featuring for the losing team that day started in Hodgson's latest England team - the aforementioned Clyne plus Adam Lallana and James Milner.
Unfortunately the current manager has fallen into the same trap as his predecessors, favouring the selection of players from the league's wealthiest clubs. Of England's starting XI on Friday night, only two players came from clubs outside the established top five or six - Ross Barkley of Everton and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton (who moved from Chelsea in the summer).
That said, many Hammers fans are only too happy to see Slaven Bilic's players ignored once again.
For it wasn't so long ago that Dean Ashton's career was prematurely ended by a Shaun Wright-Phillips tackle during an England training session - and the reliable Rob Green dubbed as a dodgy 'keeper for making one (admittedly glaring) mistake against the USA in the 2010 World Cup Finals.
18 October
In Italy, contrary to the rest of Western civilisation, the number 13 is widely considered to be lucky. The expression 'fare tredici' - which loosely translates as 'to 13' - also means 'to hit the jackpot', which many West Ham fans could be excused for thinking they had after Slaven Bilic's side secured a fourth away win of the season at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Those four wins at Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City - added to the draw secured at Sunderland the week before - mean that Bilic's side have collected 13 points from a possible 15 away from home so far this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding just four.
So it's fair to say that few Hammers will be suffering from triskaidekaphobia right now!
Key to this stunning start to the campaign is the pace and power West Ham employ on the counter. With players such as Dimitri Payet and "our itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny little Argentine Lanzini" (that particular gem courtesy of the KUMB Forum's 'thejackhammer'), the Irons have the firepower to threaten any defence in the country - as has been illustrated to devastating effect already.
Importantly, all areas of the team are chipping in with goals too. Right-back Carl Jenkinson scored his second in successive matches yesterday, whilst the two aforementioned midfielders both scored late on to secure all three points against Palace's ten men - Payet's being an exquisite finish, drawing the 'keeper in before coolly lifting the ball over him into an empty net.
It's fair to say that Slaven and his squad have got the hang of playing away from home; the key now is to translate those performances to the Boleyn Ground, where West Ham's form has been patchy at best. Just four points from four games, including defeats to Leicester City and Bournemouth is almost relegation form - which must be incredibly frustrating for the manager and his staff.
The next chance to resolve that particular shortcoming is next weekend, when Chelsea are the visitors. Much has been made of their poor start to the season, yet Jose Mourinho's team are still a formidable opponent and it should prove to be a thoroughly engaging London derby.
Until then, Hammers fans can enjoy looking down at the rest of the Premier League from a lofty fourth place - which, interestingly perhaps, is exactly where they were at this same stage last season (albeit with one point less).
Post-Christmas the wheels fell off for Sam Allardyce – now embroiled in a relegation battle at Sunderland - and whilst the same could yet happen to Bilic, there seems to be considerably more confidence amongst the fanbase that that particular slump will not be repeated.
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West Ham eye (another) Lyon star
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have been linked with yet another star of the Lyon side that finished runners-up in last season's Ligue 1. Following speculation linking Lyon stars Alexandre Lacazette, Samuel Umtiti, Henri Bedimo and Rachid Ghezzal with moves to east London, attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir has mow been suggested as a possible target. A tabloid reports this morning that West Ham are prepared to offer up to €25million to land the 22-year-old, who made his debut for Didier Deschamps' France in March 2015 but missed much of last season with a cruciate injury. Despite being sidelined between September and April having sustained the injury during a 1-0 win against Portugal, the young forward - who made his first team debut for Lyon in 2013 and who can also count French champions PSG amongst his list of admirers - ended the season as an integral part of Bruno Génésio's side. Prior to sustaining the injury Fekir had begun the 2015/16 campaign in superb fashion, scoring four times in his opening four games of the season including a hat-trick against Caen back in August.
* West Ham are still being considered as one of the favourites to sign Nice's out-of-contract winger Jeremy Pied. The 27-year-old has also been linked with a move to Saint Etienne, Bordeaux and Sunderland in recent weeks.
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Bilic meets Modric
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic met up with his favourite player again last night - to hand over his fourth consecutive Croatian Player of the Year award. Real Madrid star Luka Modric was handed the award by West Ham manager Bilic during the ceremony, which was staged in Zagreb. But despite being linked with a string of his fellow countrymen in recent weeks and months, the Hammers boss is unlikely to be able to persuade the 30-year-old - who he has often cited as one of his favourite players - to leave the Bernabeu Stadium for the Olympic Stadium.
Currently valued at close to €40million by Transfer Markt, Modric thanked all those who had voted for him. "I can only express my gratitude to all my Croatian colleagues and coaches who awarded me this prestigious award again," he said. "But if the award went to Ivan Rakitic or Ivan Perisic, who were both nominated, it would be fully deserved, because they both had a great season too."
The award for Young Croatian Player of the Year (under 21s) went to Ante Coric, who is currently being linked with a move to West Ham. "I thank everyone for the award," said Coric during his acceptance speech. "I debuted for the national team [last season] and I am very happy because of that. Now all I am thinking of is Dinamo and the Euros in France."
The full list of winners from last night's awards was as follows:
Player of the Year – Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
League Player of the Year – Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb)
Young Player of the Year – Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb)
Goalkeeper of the Year – Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split)
Coach of the Year – Zoran Mamic (Dinamo Zagreb)
Referee of the Year – Bruno Maric
Spirit of Football Award – Davor Vugrinec
First Division Team of the Year –Livakovic, Tomecak, Leškovic, Mitrovic, Leovac, Ademi, Pavicic, Coric, Pjaca, Henriquez, Radonjic
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Goodbye, Joey
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Joey O'Brien will leave West Ham at the end of the month, it has been confirmed. The popular full back signed for West Ham in August 2011 as part of Sam Allardyce's Championship revamp and went on to make 105 appearances in a West Ham shirt, scoring three goals. However he featured on just seven occasions in his final season at the club, five of which came in the early rounds of the Europa League (and the other two against Liverpool in the FA Cup). O'Brien receives KUMB's 2013/14 Most Memorable Match award on behalf of the team
Also departing the club having failed to be offered a new contract are Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and striker Jordan Brown, who has already agreed to join 2. Bundesliga outfit Hannover. Meanwhile Academy members Tim Brown, Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom have also left the club following the completion of their scholarships.
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Gignac praises Payet ahead of Euro 16 opener
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
French striker and former West Ham transfer target Andre-Pierre Gignac has been speaking in praise of his international team mate, Dimitri Payet. Gignac, who was on United's radar last summer and during the winter transfer window lauded Payet for an exceptional season in the Premier League, when he became a firm favourite with Hammers fans. Talking about Payet's strengths in an interview with Le Figaro, Gignac said: "His foresight in the game, his performance at set pieces, the assists and goals with direct kicks - he brought it all. "If he continues like this, he could take us far [in Euro 16]. Dimitri has been very efficient. I know a little more than some as I knew him for two years at Marseille when he provided me with a lot! "When you have great technically gifted players like Antoine [Griezmann], Dimitri or Paul [Pogba] behind you, it makes it a little easier."
And in terms of France's chances of winning Euro 16, which commences later this week, Gignac added: "The last two occasions that France organized a tournament we won, so we are favourites. "It will depend on small details between the great teams which are Spain - who have incredible players, Germany and France. But I have a feeling France will win."
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West Ham confirm Joey O'Brien will depart the club this summer
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 07/06/16 5:42pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed defender Joey O'Brien will leave the club after five years when his contract expires at the end of June.
The Irons issued their retained list on Tuesday, with Alex Song set to return to his parent club Barcelona following the end of his season-long loan spell, while winger Victor Moses goes back to Chelsea and Emmanuel Emenike to Fenerbahce.
O'Brien, 30, joined West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton in June 2011, helping the east London club win promotion back to the Premier League via the 2012 Championship play-off final at Wembley.
However, last season the Republic of Ireland full-back made just seven first-team appearances, five of those coming in the Europa League qualifiers and two in the FA Cup, taking his total tally to 105 with three goals.
West Ham also revealed 21-year-old striker Elliot Lee, who had a loan spell at Colchester last season, is one of several youngsters who will be released as manager Slaven Bilic prepares his squad for life at the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers brought in Norway international Havard Nordtveit earlier in the summer, but have seen reported interest in Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson fail to materialise.
However, co-chairman David Sullivan confirmed earlier this week that five bids have been tabled for new players as the club aims for signings with "good value" in a "potty" market, having been apparently priced out of any interest in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.
Out-of-contract Nice winger Jeremy Pied is said to be one reported target along with Lacazette's Lyon strike partner Nabil Fekir.
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Irons security boss leads redundancy exit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have made a round of redundancies as part of the re-location from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium.
The Hammers will no longer be responsible for stadium maintenance and safety, pitch maintenance, stewarding or security at their new home.
And Claret and Hugh understand a number of staff in those areas have been under going redundancy consultations.
One of the highest profile personalities to leave is West Ham's Head of Security, Simon Sutton but there are several others. When we contacted Mr Sutton on social media he confirmed "I am being made redundant as of the 30th June"
In an addition to the downsizing the number of West Ham permanent, part-time and temporary staff, catering and hotel staff employed by Elior UK will also lose their jobs at the Boleyn Ground as their contract has ended.
West Ham reported a total of 609 staff in their 2015 financial accounts of which 100 are playing staff and coaches and 373 were part-time, most likely match day staff. This is likely to drastically reduce when the 2016/2017 accounts are released in 2018.
Claret and Hugh recently revealed that 138 stewards from West Ham are registered to work over at the new Stadium, 53 of whom are already working at the new Stadium but many more have decided not to apply after being told they could be manning lifts or directing crowds through Westfield shopping centre.
West Ham Vice Chairman, Karren Brady was recently quoted as saying "Our presence will also create more than 700 jobs" but many of these jobs will be working for Stewarding company OCS, French stadium operators, London Stadium 185 or US catering company Delaware North.
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West Ham release a dozen players
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham United have issued the Club's official retained List of players at the end of the 2015/16 season. As expected, Joey O'Brien will be released when his contract expires on 30th June after five years as a loyal Hammer. The full-back joined on a free transfer in summer 2011 under former manager Sam Allardyce. The following season, 2012/13, he made 33 Premier League appearances. 30-year-old O'Brien earned a recall to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2012 and went on to make 105 first-team appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring three goals.
Loanees Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song will also return to their parent clubs at the end of their season-long loan deals. Young Academy professionals Elliot Lee, Leo Chambers, Amos Nasha, Nathan Mavila and Jordan Brown will also depart the Boleyn Ground after not being offered new contracts. Hammer Scholars Tim Brown, 19, and Clark Bogard and Ross Elsom, both 18, have also been released.
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Irons monitor Reds midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are monitoring Juan Mata's position following Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United. The former Chesea boss axed the midfielder when he was at Stamfrd Bridge and is being widely tipped to do so again since arriving at Old Tafford. ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that West Ham were aware that a top Euro 2016 Finals from Dimi Payet could bring offers from the world's major clubs. Regardless of that however, we understand that West Ham are indeed watching the Spaniard with a souce explaining: "He is a very good player who would interest us were he to become available."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have a price tag of between £50m – £60 m on Payet and our source repeated this morning: "There is absolutely no intention of doing anything other than ensuring as far as we can that Dimi stays at this club. "We are confident he will be playing his football at the Olympic Stadium next season. He's on a fabulous deal and there have been no offers or enquiries for him or any other player at West Ham United."
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Sakho saga takes new twist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham will only listen to offerf for Diafra Sakho should they start at around the £15 million mark. And with the club also being ready to allow Enner Valencia to move on they could be looking for two strikers this summer rather than the one. Sakho is highly regarded by Slaven Bilic but the manager is aware of posible offers and could allow the Senegal striker to move on if the bidding starts at £15 milion. Thus far contact has only been made through agents but it would be no surprise were one or two to take on real substance over the summer. There have been no 'firm' inquiries for any Hammers player according to ClaretandHugh sources but bids will also be entertained for Valencia. We were told: "Nobody will leave until we have what we consider better replacements but it's realistic to assume that the pack will be shaken up this summer." David Sullivan admitted on the official club site yesterday: "We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and with five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon."
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Hammers linked to the next Van Nistelrooy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dutch striker Vicent Janssen, who has been likened to Ruud van Nistelrooy Alkmaarhas been linked to the Hammers and part of our ever increasing potential striker list. The 21 year old enjoyed a prolific season for AZ Alkmaar, scoring 27 goals in 34 appearances for the Dutch side. He also forced his way into the Dutch national set-up, and those performances have apparently alerted a number of Premier League clubs including West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal. He formerly played in the Feyenoord youth team, winning the national title in 2013, and for the Eerste Divisie team Almere City. In 2015 he moved to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Following Holland's 2-0 win over Austria he told Dutch outlet Fox Sports: "I want to make a step, that is clear. But there is no white smoke just now. England? We will see. Maybe something will happen in the holidays. I will take my phone with me anyway."
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Hammers Nice Striker Plea
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
According to French Media West Ham are reportedly weighing up a move for Ligue 1 striker Alassane Plea. French newspaper Le10Sport claims the Hammers are tracking the 23-year-old who scored twice in the first three games for Nice. Despite having ruptured cruciate ligament which ruled him out of action for four months, the French player managed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances. He can also play on the wing. French newspaper L'Équipe makes a similar claim saying both Villarreal and West Ham are interested in securing the services of the OGC Nice striker. He has a €40m (£31m) release clause and a contract that currently runs until 2019. Pléa holds dual Malian and French nationality; he's been a French youth international. Last month, Plea struck twice as Nice finished in fourth place in Ligue 1 with a 3-2 victory over Guingamp at the Stade du Roudourou to book his team's place in the Europa League next season. One Villarreal blog says "No way we would pay anywhere close to that–I suspect €8m plus variables would be as high as we would go, maybe?"
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West Ham transfer news: Slaven Bilic targeting £10m deal for Croatian starlet Ante Coric
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
West Ham have made a bid for Dinamo Zagreb wonderkid Ante Coric, according to reports in his native Croatia. The 19-year-old has already made 52 appearances in his country's top flight and is the only teenager to have been included in Croatia's Euro 2016 squad. According to Vecernji List, Slaven Bilic has now launched an ambitious move to lure his compatriot to east London ahead of the finals. It has been suggested that Zagreb will hold out until after the Euros in the hope that his value will grow should he make a good impression in France. Inter Milan and Benfica have both been credited with an interest in Coric but the Hammers are hoping to jump straight to the front of the queue with an offer reported to be worth around £10m. It has been suggested that the Zagreb-born starlet may favour a switch to West Ham so he can work under Bilic but also because of their history of giving young players a chance.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th June 2016
Former Player Blog - Daniel Gabbidon
WHUFC.com
Ex-West Ham United defender and former Hammer of the Year Danny Gabbidon is looking forward to an exciting summer of football at the European Championships in France.
The Welshman will be working for talkSPORT during the tournament and can't wait to see his fellow countrymen in action, especially his former teammate and good friend James Collins...
I was delighted to see James Collins get his call-up, although it was never really in doubt. The only thing that would have kept him out of the squad would have been an injury. He has been one of the mainstays in the Welsh squad for a number of years and his call-up comes off the back of a good season at West Ham. It's amazing for him to get the chance to play at a major tournament - it's something that not a lot of players get to do in their career and I can't wait to see him perform.
I hope that Chris Coleman will pick him, but I think it's a tough call. James Chester has come in and done really well when Ginge was absent. It's probably one of the few dilemmas for the manager. The rest of the team pretty much picks itself, but at centre back, it is more difficult. They are both really good players and have done very well for the national side. It's a good position for the manager to be in and to have such healthy competition can only be a good thing for the side.
Ginge is a leader, strong in the air and you know what you are going to get from him because he is a very consistent performer. His leadership skills off the pitch and his personality in the dressing room mean that there is always a better atmosphere when he's about. Even if he doesn't make the starting eleven, there is still a role for him as one of the senior players in the squad. He has learnt over the years that there are other ways to influence the game and affect the players around you, being a leader off the pitch and by instilling your personality on those around you.
I am excited to see what Wales can achieve in the Euros, if you can get out of the group, then who knows what could happen. They need to get off to a quick start and both Wales and England will be pleased that they drew each other in the second match and not the first. I hope both sides get off to good starts and that will make for a great game in the second one. Getting to the quarter-finals would be a fantastic achievement for the Welsh side, because this is all new for them and so it's hard to know how well they can do. The lads are confident and if we can get our full eleven out then they will feel like they can give a game to anybody.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says the Club are hard at work as they aim to secure their summer transfer targets…
The 2015/16 season may have ended three weeks ago, but this is an exceptionally busy time for everyone at the Club.
As the Stadium move nears the finishing touches are being made at our magnificent new home – and I know many of you would have seen some of those elements at the weekend, when the Stadium hosted its first ever concert with AC/DC playing to a full house.
We were proud to release the first images of the completed Club London lounges ahead of the concert, and before we know it we will be hosting UEFA Europa League football there, and welcoming the Italian champions Juventus in a spectacular start to our time on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
On the pitch, work continues to secure the targets we have identified to ensure we build on the considerable progress made in Slaven Bilic's first season as manager here.
It was reported that one of those targets was Jamie Vardy, and while it is true that we would loved to have had him, the numbers being talked about in a potential move to Arsenal show that the market is going potty.
It is safe to say that signing him would have smashed our current wage structure and we are determined to buy players with good value in this mad market.
We have done that exceptionally well in recent years, with the likes of Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell, Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini vindicating this approach.
All of those players have gone on to become stars of our team and you can rest assured that we will be bringing players in this summer who will prove to be just as influential.
We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make this happen, and with five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon.
Elsewhere, we staged a live auction at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday when some truly unique pieces of Boleyn Ground memorabilia went on sale to supporters.
Moving stadia has given supporters the opportunity to own their piece of Hammers history and there are still plenty of items to bid on online – with auctions ending over the course of this week and next.
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Vardy deal would have destroyed wage structure, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham's pursuit of Jamie Vardy was not financially feasible. Sullivan, speaking in the wake of a slew of transfer rumours in recent days revealed that West Ham were in for the Leicester striker - as revealed here on KUMB - but forced to retreat from negotiations once his demands became apparent. "While it is true that we would loved to have had him, the numbers being talked about in a potential move to Arsenal show that the market is going potty," Sullivan told the club's website. "It is safe to say that signing him would have smashed our current wage structure and we are determined to buy players with good value in this mad market."
Despite having failed to land the in-form England international, Sullivan revealed that he has several mosre irons in the fire with view to potential close season targets. "We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make this happen," he said. "With five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon."
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2015/16 in review: August & September
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
We take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign...
9 August
Sam Allardyce spent four years trying to find out what the 'West Ham way' was all about. Slaven Bilic has only been in the job for five minutes - and he's experienced the lot already.
In a decision branded 'shameful' by some supporters, West Ham effectively chucked in the towel as far as the club's European aspirations are concerned when they fielded a team composed of reserves and inexperienced youngsters in the Europa League qualifier against Astra Giurgiu last Thursday.
Needing to get a result in Romania having drawn the first leg 2-2 at home, the Hammers were sent tumbling out of the tournament 4-3 on aggregate despite a plucky effort from those involved.
That was much to the annoyance of many fans who asked - quite reasonably - why spend the entire Premier League campaign attempting to qualify for Europe when you can't wait to get out of it?
Bilic, to his credit took the rap for the whole affair - although it seems inconceivable that the importance of West Ham avoiding relegation this season was not impressed upon him at some stage during the squad selection process.
For the club's owners, who were heavily scrutinised in a BBC documentary last week examining the process that led to West Ham's forthcoming tenancy of the Olympic Stadium, maintaining that top flight status is the be-all and end-all ahead of the move - despite David Gold's shallow assurances that the club would be going all out to win the Europa League.
And whilst prioritising a league campaign over cup competitions may be anathema to those of us who were weaned on West Ham's great Cup exploits of the past that, sadly, inevitably, that's largely the way top-flight football is these days.
Yet despite the vast, financial reward that membership of the Premier League brings - and the huge disparity between the haves and have-nots it serves to perpetuate - one thing money cannot buy, nor eradicate, is that priceless element of surprise.
Which brings us neatly back to Bilic, who was under intense pressure following the decision to rest so many players for Thursday's Europa League tie. A crushing defeat at title-favourites Arsenal on Sunday would now surely follow, regardless?
Well actually, no. In typical fashion, West Ham - including 16-year-old Reece Oxford - provided the biggest shock of the opening weekend of the campaign, winning 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Cheik Kouyate and Mauro Zarate.
Impressively, there was little luck about it either; Oxford successfully shackled the brilliant Mesut Özil which afforded new signing Dimitri Payet - a player upon whom many Irons fans are pinning their hopes this year - free reign to drive at the Arsenal back four.
In the end, the club's decision to rest key personnel ahead of the trip to Arsenal proved to be a good one. Whether it was worth the ill-feeling generated amongst the fan base remains to be seen.
23 August
The 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester two weeks ago initially appeared to be an anomaly, coming as it did just six days after West Ham's stunning opening day win at Arsenal.
However it is the win at the Emirates resembling a deviation from the norm now after West Ham produced a woeful display at home to Bournemouth, one that left Hammers fans harbouring serious concerns about the balance of the squad and the season ahead.
Whilst nobody shone on the day - bar perhaps substitute Modibo Maiga, whose looked for all the world like a £30million striker (if only!) when he strolled past Bournemouth's defence to score the game's final goal in a 4-3 defeat - the awful performances of full backs Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson, who between them erred for all four goals, were mystifying.
And spare a thought for poor Darren Randolph, making his West ham debut in goal, who has now conceded 16 goals against the Cherries in the last calendar year having been in the Birmingham teams beaten 8-0 and 4-2 by Eddie Howe's side in the Championship last season!
Fortunately for West Ham and Chairman David Sullivan, there is still plenty of time to bring in one or two much-needed new faces ahead of Tuesday-week's transfer window deadline. Alex Song, who spent last season at the Boleyn Ground on loan from Barcelona is on the verge of completing a return, for one.
News of the popular midfielder's impending return was revealed by Sullivan when he appeared on the KUMB.com West Ham Podcast this week, accompanied by his two teenage sons Dave and Jack. West Ham United's co-owner had kindly agreed to be the latest guest on the Podcast, which is presented by Chris Scull and James Longman and has already featured Russell Brand and Bianca Westwood as star turns this season.
Unfortunately the Chairman's comments regarding Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin caused something of a kerfuffle and the £15m-rated forward was so annoyed he responded with a public statement denouncing Sullivan's assessment of his physical condition.
It was an unfair attack on our guest, whose only crime had been to trust KUMB to ensure that no comments that could potentially cause offence, regardless of the fact that they had been given on the record, were published. I as Editor made a bad call, something which I have since apologised for to all parties involved.
And although the first part of the interview (part two will follow this week) ended up on the back pages of the nationals for all the wrong reasons, Sullivan should still be congratulated for allowing himself to be held to account by supporters who are generally starved of exposure to the players and club staff these days.
30 August
Harold MacMillan was Prime Minister, a new town in Shropshire called Telford was built and the Dartford Tunnel opened for the very first time.
Elsewhere Charles De Gaulle vetoed the French Eurovision Song Contest entry, Britain suffered one of the worst winters in living memory, the Beatles' latest single 'She Loves You' was number one in the charts - and my mother celebrated her 15th birthday!
What does all of this have to do with West Ham United, I hear you ask? Well, the link is quite simple - all of these events happened in 1963, the last time West Ham won at Anfield - that was until until Saturday's stunning and long overdue 3-0 win.
it's taken 52 years and some 43 attempts to finally emulate Ron Greenwood's achievement that day in September 1963, when goals from a young Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst secured a 2-1 victory at Liverpool.
Taking their place in the record books more than half a century later were debutant Manuel Lanzini, new captain Mark Noble and striker Diafra Sakho, whose goals gave West Ham a second Premier League away win of the campaign.
It was so typical of the Hammers; having won at Arsenal on the opening day of the season and then capitulated at home to Leicester and Bournemouth, they not only beat Liverpool by a comfortable scoreline but were deserved winners too.
Slaven Bilic admitted during his post-match press conference that his team parked the bus at times, before adding "but we didn't put the handbrake on!" However there was little need to once Philippe Coutinho was sent off for a second bookable offence just seven minutes into the second half.
At least that was according to referee Kevin Friend, whose performance was as dire as any witnessed so far this season (and boy, we've seen a few). Mark Noble was the second player to see red on the day, though for what only Friend will know. It will almost certainly be rescinded by the FA.
West Ham have now had a player sent off in three of their first four league games this season. Only one was generally accepted to be valid (Carl Jenkinson's v Bournemouth). And as anyone who has been tuning into MotD this season will be aware, the talk has often centred around match officials rather than the game itself. This has to change.
The question is, who is to blame? It's easy to call out the referees themselves, but it's the unaccountable quango known as the PGMOL, controlled by the likes of former refs Mike Riley and Howard Webb, who oversee and direct our match officials.
Those officials appear unwilling to use common sense these days, afraid perhaps of losing their status as a top flight referee. But the decisions they're making are killing the game - as per Stoke's match with West Bromwich Albion yesterday, in which the home side were reduced to nine men after half-an-hour by the hapless Michael Oliver. Something has to change.
* The second and final part of the KUMB West Ham Podcast with David Sullivan, Dave Sullivan and Jack Sullivan was published this week. In it, West Ham's co-owner talks about the club's impending move to the Olympic Stadium amongst other things. You may download it from www.kumb.com/podcast.php.
13 September
Tonight's clash with Newcastle United is one that has been eagerly awaited by Hammers fans since the summer transfer window closed, just under a fortnight ago.
West Ham enjoyed a rather busy final 48 hours of the window, signing no less than four players - midfielders Alex Song (from Barcelona), Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) and Victor Moses (Chelsea) plus former Hull striker Nikica Jelavic.
And Hammers fans are looking forward to seeing at least some of the new arrivals in action when they take on the struggling Magpies at the Boleyn Ground in the closing fixture of the weekend's Premier League programme.
All in all, 13 players arrived at the Boleyn Ground during the transfer window, with the vast majority expected to challenge for a first team squad spot this term.
And Slaven Bilic will be hoping one or two of those can help lead his team to their first home win of the Premier League campaign - a perplexing statistic given West Ham's away form so far this term, which reads played two, won two - and at Arsenal and Liverpool, to boot.
Bilic recently cited the lack of creativity in his squad as the main reason for slumping to home defeats against Leicester and Bournemouth. West Ham, he argued, simply lacked the flair and finesse required to unlock those two stubborn defences.
The manager, who celebrated his 47th birthday last week addressed that particular issue by introducing the likes of Moses and Wandsworth-born Antonio - who also has an eye for a goal, having scored four times in his final four appearances for Nottingham Forest.
The meeting with Newcastle results in Bilic clashing swords once again with Steve McClaren, who was dubbed "the wally with the brolly" after Slaven's Croatia dumped England out of the 2008 European Champions qualifiers courtesy of a 3-2 win at a sodden Wembley eight years ago.
McClaren rebuilt his career after his disastrous spell in charge of England with success at FC Twente, although he has since failed to impress at Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest. Opinion on Tyneside remains divided over the 54-year-old, whose team go into the game still looking for their first win of the season.
And they will almost certainly have to do it against one of their own - with former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll set to return to West Ham's match day squad for the first time since February, having finally recovered from his latest, long-term injury.
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International round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute as Norway slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Belgium last night. Lukaku, Hazard and Ciman netted for the hosts whilst King and Berisha replied for Norway. West Ham transfer targets Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi were both unused substitutes for Belgium.
Earlier in the weekend Dimitri Payet's France faced Scotland, who were comfortably beaten in Metz thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud (2) and Arsenal team-mate Laurent Koscielny.
The West Ham midfielder was replaced at half time by Manchester United's Martial, as the French failed to add to their Payet-inspired three-goal half time lead.
Finally, Cheikhou Kouyate was involved as Senegal beat Burundi 2-0 to seal qualification for next year's African Cup of Nations. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the visitors after 16 minutes before Mame Biram Diouf secured the win with a second three minutes ahead of the half time interval; you may see both goals in the following video.
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No interest in Arsenal duo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Jack Sullivan, son of co-owner David Sullivan has suggested West Ham have no interest in signing two Arsenal players with whom the club have been linked. Sullivan Jnr, posting on Twitter this afternoon insisted that West Ham will not be pursuing either Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom have been linked with summer moves away from the Emirates.
That message followed an earlier tweet in which Sullivan hinted that the Hammers are close to concluding a deal for a new wide player, who he refrained from naming. However speculation suggests that the player in question could be Valencia's 26-year-old Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli, who is available on a free transfer. KUMB revealed last month that the club were monitoring his situation.
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Irons centre back linked with Manchester interest
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Italian newspaper, Tuttosport reports that both Manchester United and Manchester City have been scouting West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna with a view to a possible summer bid to strengthen their defences. West Ham completed the signing of Juventus centre back Angelo Ogbonna last year for an £8.5million fee on a four-year deal. He made an impressive 34 appearances last season and has been Slaven's first choice centre back to partner Winston Reid ahead of James Tomkins and James Collins Ogbonna recently has told the club's official website that is he really happy with his first year at the club. "I'm really happy with my first season in England," he told whufc.com. "I'm really happy because I scored against Liverpool and that was an amazing moment for us. We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better."
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Gold names his top young prospects
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 6, 2016 in News
C and H
David Gold has his eyes fixed very much on the Irons academy after beng presented with the Under-21 Cup at the latest Premier League meeting. The senior title of course went to Leicester City, he the U21 Premier League trophy to Manchester United, the U18 Premier Leagueto Manchester City and of course the U21 Premier League Cup to the Irons. And whilst he has made it clear that five or six new signings are on their way to the Olympic Stadium he is thrilled at the great youngsters making their way through. He said: "I believe Reece Oxford and Reece Burke are two of the most-talented young defenders coming through in this country. And he added on the official site: "Then you have Martin Samuelsen. I hope it is only a matter of time before he emerges into the first team. "We didn't win the U21 Cup I was presented with on Thursday because we have poor players – it is because they are special young players and I look forward to seeing their continued development."
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£24m of wages could be available to Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's Financial Fair Play limit rises to £64m this coming season and over a third of it could be available to spend this summer. The loss of loanees Alex Song, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike together with end of contract Joey O'Brien have released over £10m wages already from our annual bill plus Carl Jenkinson who we paid up for the rest of the season brings the total released to just under £13m of wages.
If Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Pedro Obiang, Stephen Hendrie and Doneil Henry were all to leave this summer that would release another £7m of wages brining the possible wage annual budget to £20m.
When you add the additional £4m limit rise this season it means our wage budget could be anywhere between £17m and £24m. However, with transfer fees and wages inflated to ridiculous levels in this summer transfer window because of the new Sky/BT TV mega deal it remains to be seen what that will actually buy you.
Just to put it into context if we had pulled off the double signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jamie Vardy that would have taken nearly £18m from that budget if reports are to be believed. Ibrahimovic is thought to have agreed a £220,000 a week deal with Manchester United while Vardy is said to be close to a £120,000 per week deal with Arsenal.
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Valencia winger available to Irons for free
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sofiane Feghouli the French-born professional footballer who plays for the Algeria national team and the Spanish club Valencia CF has been linked to a move to West Ham. The 26-year-old who will turn 27 in September operates as a right winger, but can also play as an attacking midfielder. He has been scouted by Spurs, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester United, Roma in addition to the Hammers. He is available on a free transfer as his contract with Valencia runs out this summer. However, reports from Turkey suggest he has agreed to join Turkish Champions League side Fenerbache and that it will be finalised within a week. The wage is said to be around £44,000-a-week.
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Hammers linked with £10m bid for Croatian
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
According to Crotian daily evening newspaper 'Večernji list' Slaven Bilic & West Ham United are ready to offer 13m euros (£10m) for Croatian youngster, Ante Coric from Dinamo Zagreb.
Coric is part of the Croatian squad at the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament in France but is unlikely to play in the starting XI. The 19-year-old broke into the Dinamo Zagreb first team during the 2014/2015 season and this past season established himself as a key player for the Croatian league title winners.
Coric has been likened to Real Madrid midfielder and fellow Croatian Luka Modric for his technique and impressive passing range and has represented Croatia at every youth level.
He is a versatile attacking midfielder most comfortable in the No. 10 role, but also able to operate on either wing and in a deeper position in midfield. At just under 5'8″, it is said he may initially struggle to adapt to the Premier League although he already has 80 senior appearances to his name at the age of 19.
Coric has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ex-West Ham United defender and former Hammer of the Year Danny Gabbidon is looking forward to an exciting summer of football at the European Championships in France.
The Welshman will be working for talkSPORT during the tournament and can't wait to see his fellow countrymen in action, especially his former teammate and good friend James Collins...
I was delighted to see James Collins get his call-up, although it was never really in doubt. The only thing that would have kept him out of the squad would have been an injury. He has been one of the mainstays in the Welsh squad for a number of years and his call-up comes off the back of a good season at West Ham. It's amazing for him to get the chance to play at a major tournament - it's something that not a lot of players get to do in their career and I can't wait to see him perform.
I hope that Chris Coleman will pick him, but I think it's a tough call. James Chester has come in and done really well when Ginge was absent. It's probably one of the few dilemmas for the manager. The rest of the team pretty much picks itself, but at centre back, it is more difficult. They are both really good players and have done very well for the national side. It's a good position for the manager to be in and to have such healthy competition can only be a good thing for the side.
Ginge is a leader, strong in the air and you know what you are going to get from him because he is a very consistent performer. His leadership skills off the pitch and his personality in the dressing room mean that there is always a better atmosphere when he's about. Even if he doesn't make the starting eleven, there is still a role for him as one of the senior players in the squad. He has learnt over the years that there are other ways to influence the game and affect the players around you, being a leader off the pitch and by instilling your personality on those around you.
I am excited to see what Wales can achieve in the Euros, if you can get out of the group, then who knows what could happen. They need to get off to a quick start and both Wales and England will be pleased that they drew each other in the second match and not the first. I hope both sides get off to good starts and that will make for a great game in the second one. Getting to the quarter-finals would be a fantastic achievement for the Welsh side, because this is all new for them and so it's hard to know how well they can do. The lads are confident and if we can get our full eleven out then they will feel like they can give a game to anybody.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says the Club are hard at work as they aim to secure their summer transfer targets…
The 2015/16 season may have ended three weeks ago, but this is an exceptionally busy time for everyone at the Club.
As the Stadium move nears the finishing touches are being made at our magnificent new home – and I know many of you would have seen some of those elements at the weekend, when the Stadium hosted its first ever concert with AC/DC playing to a full house.
We were proud to release the first images of the completed Club London lounges ahead of the concert, and before we know it we will be hosting UEFA Europa League football there, and welcoming the Italian champions Juventus in a spectacular start to our time on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
On the pitch, work continues to secure the targets we have identified to ensure we build on the considerable progress made in Slaven Bilic's first season as manager here.
It was reported that one of those targets was Jamie Vardy, and while it is true that we would loved to have had him, the numbers being talked about in a potential move to Arsenal show that the market is going potty.
It is safe to say that signing him would have smashed our current wage structure and we are determined to buy players with good value in this mad market.
We have done that exceptionally well in recent years, with the likes of Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell, Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini vindicating this approach.
All of those players have gone on to become stars of our team and you can rest assured that we will be bringing players in this summer who will prove to be just as influential.
We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make this happen, and with five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon.
Elsewhere, we staged a live auction at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday when some truly unique pieces of Boleyn Ground memorabilia went on sale to supporters.
Moving stadia has given supporters the opportunity to own their piece of Hammers history and there are still plenty of items to bid on online – with auctions ending over the course of this week and next.
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Vardy deal would have destroyed wage structure, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham's pursuit of Jamie Vardy was not financially feasible. Sullivan, speaking in the wake of a slew of transfer rumours in recent days revealed that West Ham were in for the Leicester striker - as revealed here on KUMB - but forced to retreat from negotiations once his demands became apparent. "While it is true that we would loved to have had him, the numbers being talked about in a potential move to Arsenal show that the market is going potty," Sullivan told the club's website. "It is safe to say that signing him would have smashed our current wage structure and we are determined to buy players with good value in this mad market."
Despite having failed to land the in-form England international, Sullivan revealed that he has several mosre irons in the fire with view to potential close season targets. "We're working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make this happen," he said. "With five bids in for players at the moment, we are hopeful that we can bring you some exciting news soon."
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2015/16 in review: August & September
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
We take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign...
9 August
Sam Allardyce spent four years trying to find out what the 'West Ham way' was all about. Slaven Bilic has only been in the job for five minutes - and he's experienced the lot already.
In a decision branded 'shameful' by some supporters, West Ham effectively chucked in the towel as far as the club's European aspirations are concerned when they fielded a team composed of reserves and inexperienced youngsters in the Europa League qualifier against Astra Giurgiu last Thursday.
Needing to get a result in Romania having drawn the first leg 2-2 at home, the Hammers were sent tumbling out of the tournament 4-3 on aggregate despite a plucky effort from those involved.
That was much to the annoyance of many fans who asked - quite reasonably - why spend the entire Premier League campaign attempting to qualify for Europe when you can't wait to get out of it?
Bilic, to his credit took the rap for the whole affair - although it seems inconceivable that the importance of West Ham avoiding relegation this season was not impressed upon him at some stage during the squad selection process.
For the club's owners, who were heavily scrutinised in a BBC documentary last week examining the process that led to West Ham's forthcoming tenancy of the Olympic Stadium, maintaining that top flight status is the be-all and end-all ahead of the move - despite David Gold's shallow assurances that the club would be going all out to win the Europa League.
And whilst prioritising a league campaign over cup competitions may be anathema to those of us who were weaned on West Ham's great Cup exploits of the past that, sadly, inevitably, that's largely the way top-flight football is these days.
Yet despite the vast, financial reward that membership of the Premier League brings - and the huge disparity between the haves and have-nots it serves to perpetuate - one thing money cannot buy, nor eradicate, is that priceless element of surprise.
Which brings us neatly back to Bilic, who was under intense pressure following the decision to rest so many players for Thursday's Europa League tie. A crushing defeat at title-favourites Arsenal on Sunday would now surely follow, regardless?
Well actually, no. In typical fashion, West Ham - including 16-year-old Reece Oxford - provided the biggest shock of the opening weekend of the campaign, winning 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Cheik Kouyate and Mauro Zarate.
Impressively, there was little luck about it either; Oxford successfully shackled the brilliant Mesut Özil which afforded new signing Dimitri Payet - a player upon whom many Irons fans are pinning their hopes this year - free reign to drive at the Arsenal back four.
In the end, the club's decision to rest key personnel ahead of the trip to Arsenal proved to be a good one. Whether it was worth the ill-feeling generated amongst the fan base remains to be seen.
23 August
The 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester two weeks ago initially appeared to be an anomaly, coming as it did just six days after West Ham's stunning opening day win at Arsenal.
However it is the win at the Emirates resembling a deviation from the norm now after West Ham produced a woeful display at home to Bournemouth, one that left Hammers fans harbouring serious concerns about the balance of the squad and the season ahead.
Whilst nobody shone on the day - bar perhaps substitute Modibo Maiga, whose looked for all the world like a £30million striker (if only!) when he strolled past Bournemouth's defence to score the game's final goal in a 4-3 defeat - the awful performances of full backs Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson, who between them erred for all four goals, were mystifying.
And spare a thought for poor Darren Randolph, making his West ham debut in goal, who has now conceded 16 goals against the Cherries in the last calendar year having been in the Birmingham teams beaten 8-0 and 4-2 by Eddie Howe's side in the Championship last season!
Fortunately for West Ham and Chairman David Sullivan, there is still plenty of time to bring in one or two much-needed new faces ahead of Tuesday-week's transfer window deadline. Alex Song, who spent last season at the Boleyn Ground on loan from Barcelona is on the verge of completing a return, for one.
News of the popular midfielder's impending return was revealed by Sullivan when he appeared on the KUMB.com West Ham Podcast this week, accompanied by his two teenage sons Dave and Jack. West Ham United's co-owner had kindly agreed to be the latest guest on the Podcast, which is presented by Chris Scull and James Longman and has already featured Russell Brand and Bianca Westwood as star turns this season.
Unfortunately the Chairman's comments regarding Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin caused something of a kerfuffle and the £15m-rated forward was so annoyed he responded with a public statement denouncing Sullivan's assessment of his physical condition.
It was an unfair attack on our guest, whose only crime had been to trust KUMB to ensure that no comments that could potentially cause offence, regardless of the fact that they had been given on the record, were published. I as Editor made a bad call, something which I have since apologised for to all parties involved.
And although the first part of the interview (part two will follow this week) ended up on the back pages of the nationals for all the wrong reasons, Sullivan should still be congratulated for allowing himself to be held to account by supporters who are generally starved of exposure to the players and club staff these days.
30 August
Harold MacMillan was Prime Minister, a new town in Shropshire called Telford was built and the Dartford Tunnel opened for the very first time.
Elsewhere Charles De Gaulle vetoed the French Eurovision Song Contest entry, Britain suffered one of the worst winters in living memory, the Beatles' latest single 'She Loves You' was number one in the charts - and my mother celebrated her 15th birthday!
What does all of this have to do with West Ham United, I hear you ask? Well, the link is quite simple - all of these events happened in 1963, the last time West Ham won at Anfield - that was until until Saturday's stunning and long overdue 3-0 win.
it's taken 52 years and some 43 attempts to finally emulate Ron Greenwood's achievement that day in September 1963, when goals from a young Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst secured a 2-1 victory at Liverpool.
Taking their place in the record books more than half a century later were debutant Manuel Lanzini, new captain Mark Noble and striker Diafra Sakho, whose goals gave West Ham a second Premier League away win of the campaign.
It was so typical of the Hammers; having won at Arsenal on the opening day of the season and then capitulated at home to Leicester and Bournemouth, they not only beat Liverpool by a comfortable scoreline but were deserved winners too.
Slaven Bilic admitted during his post-match press conference that his team parked the bus at times, before adding "but we didn't put the handbrake on!" However there was little need to once Philippe Coutinho was sent off for a second bookable offence just seven minutes into the second half.
At least that was according to referee Kevin Friend, whose performance was as dire as any witnessed so far this season (and boy, we've seen a few). Mark Noble was the second player to see red on the day, though for what only Friend will know. It will almost certainly be rescinded by the FA.
West Ham have now had a player sent off in three of their first four league games this season. Only one was generally accepted to be valid (Carl Jenkinson's v Bournemouth). And as anyone who has been tuning into MotD this season will be aware, the talk has often centred around match officials rather than the game itself. This has to change.
The question is, who is to blame? It's easy to call out the referees themselves, but it's the unaccountable quango known as the PGMOL, controlled by the likes of former refs Mike Riley and Howard Webb, who oversee and direct our match officials.
Those officials appear unwilling to use common sense these days, afraid perhaps of losing their status as a top flight referee. But the decisions they're making are killing the game - as per Stoke's match with West Bromwich Albion yesterday, in which the home side were reduced to nine men after half-an-hour by the hapless Michael Oliver. Something has to change.
* The second and final part of the KUMB West Ham Podcast with David Sullivan, Dave Sullivan and Jack Sullivan was published this week. In it, West Ham's co-owner talks about the club's impending move to the Olympic Stadium amongst other things. You may download it from www.kumb.com/podcast.php.
13 September
Tonight's clash with Newcastle United is one that has been eagerly awaited by Hammers fans since the summer transfer window closed, just under a fortnight ago.
West Ham enjoyed a rather busy final 48 hours of the window, signing no less than four players - midfielders Alex Song (from Barcelona), Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) and Victor Moses (Chelsea) plus former Hull striker Nikica Jelavic.
And Hammers fans are looking forward to seeing at least some of the new arrivals in action when they take on the struggling Magpies at the Boleyn Ground in the closing fixture of the weekend's Premier League programme.
All in all, 13 players arrived at the Boleyn Ground during the transfer window, with the vast majority expected to challenge for a first team squad spot this term.
And Slaven Bilic will be hoping one or two of those can help lead his team to their first home win of the Premier League campaign - a perplexing statistic given West Ham's away form so far this term, which reads played two, won two - and at Arsenal and Liverpool, to boot.
Bilic recently cited the lack of creativity in his squad as the main reason for slumping to home defeats against Leicester and Bournemouth. West Ham, he argued, simply lacked the flair and finesse required to unlock those two stubborn defences.
The manager, who celebrated his 47th birthday last week addressed that particular issue by introducing the likes of Moses and Wandsworth-born Antonio - who also has an eye for a goal, having scored four times in his final four appearances for Nottingham Forest.
The meeting with Newcastle results in Bilic clashing swords once again with Steve McClaren, who was dubbed "the wally with the brolly" after Slaven's Croatia dumped England out of the 2008 European Champions qualifiers courtesy of a 3-2 win at a sodden Wembley eight years ago.
McClaren rebuilt his career after his disastrous spell in charge of England with success at FC Twente, although he has since failed to impress at Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest. Opinion on Tyneside remains divided over the 54-year-old, whose team go into the game still looking for their first win of the season.
And they will almost certainly have to do it against one of their own - with former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll set to return to West Ham's match day squad for the first time since February, having finally recovered from his latest, long-term injury.
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International round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute as Norway slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Belgium last night. Lukaku, Hazard and Ciman netted for the hosts whilst King and Berisha replied for Norway. West Ham transfer targets Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi were both unused substitutes for Belgium.
Earlier in the weekend Dimitri Payet's France faced Scotland, who were comfortably beaten in Metz thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud (2) and Arsenal team-mate Laurent Koscielny.
The West Ham midfielder was replaced at half time by Manchester United's Martial, as the French failed to add to their Payet-inspired three-goal half time lead.
Finally, Cheikhou Kouyate was involved as Senegal beat Burundi 2-0 to seal qualification for next year's African Cup of Nations. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the visitors after 16 minutes before Mame Biram Diouf secured the win with a second three minutes ahead of the half time interval; you may see both goals in the following video.
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No interest in Arsenal duo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Jack Sullivan, son of co-owner David Sullivan has suggested West Ham have no interest in signing two Arsenal players with whom the club have been linked. Sullivan Jnr, posting on Twitter this afternoon insisted that West Ham will not be pursuing either Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom have been linked with summer moves away from the Emirates.
That message followed an earlier tweet in which Sullivan hinted that the Hammers are close to concluding a deal for a new wide player, who he refrained from naming. However speculation suggests that the player in question could be Valencia's 26-year-old Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli, who is available on a free transfer. KUMB revealed last month that the club were monitoring his situation.
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Irons centre back linked with Manchester interest
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Italian newspaper, Tuttosport reports that both Manchester United and Manchester City have been scouting West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna with a view to a possible summer bid to strengthen their defences. West Ham completed the signing of Juventus centre back Angelo Ogbonna last year for an £8.5million fee on a four-year deal. He made an impressive 34 appearances last season and has been Slaven's first choice centre back to partner Winston Reid ahead of James Tomkins and James Collins Ogbonna recently has told the club's official website that is he really happy with his first year at the club. "I'm really happy with my first season in England," he told whufc.com. "I'm really happy because I scored against Liverpool and that was an amazing moment for us. We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better."
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Gold names his top young prospects
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 6, 2016 in News
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David Gold has his eyes fixed very much on the Irons academy after beng presented with the Under-21 Cup at the latest Premier League meeting. The senior title of course went to Leicester City, he the U21 Premier League trophy to Manchester United, the U18 Premier Leagueto Manchester City and of course the U21 Premier League Cup to the Irons. And whilst he has made it clear that five or six new signings are on their way to the Olympic Stadium he is thrilled at the great youngsters making their way through. He said: "I believe Reece Oxford and Reece Burke are two of the most-talented young defenders coming through in this country. And he added on the official site: "Then you have Martin Samuelsen. I hope it is only a matter of time before he emerges into the first team. "We didn't win the U21 Cup I was presented with on Thursday because we have poor players – it is because they are special young players and I look forward to seeing their continued development."
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£24m of wages could be available to Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's Financial Fair Play limit rises to £64m this coming season and over a third of it could be available to spend this summer. The loss of loanees Alex Song, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike together with end of contract Joey O'Brien have released over £10m wages already from our annual bill plus Carl Jenkinson who we paid up for the rest of the season brings the total released to just under £13m of wages.
If Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Pedro Obiang, Stephen Hendrie and Doneil Henry were all to leave this summer that would release another £7m of wages brining the possible wage annual budget to £20m.
When you add the additional £4m limit rise this season it means our wage budget could be anywhere between £17m and £24m. However, with transfer fees and wages inflated to ridiculous levels in this summer transfer window because of the new Sky/BT TV mega deal it remains to be seen what that will actually buy you.
Just to put it into context if we had pulled off the double signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jamie Vardy that would have taken nearly £18m from that budget if reports are to be believed. Ibrahimovic is thought to have agreed a £220,000 a week deal with Manchester United while Vardy is said to be close to a £120,000 per week deal with Arsenal.
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Valencia winger available to Irons for free
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Sofiane Feghouli the French-born professional footballer who plays for the Algeria national team and the Spanish club Valencia CF has been linked to a move to West Ham. The 26-year-old who will turn 27 in September operates as a right winger, but can also play as an attacking midfielder. He has been scouted by Spurs, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester United, Roma in addition to the Hammers. He is available on a free transfer as his contract with Valencia runs out this summer. However, reports from Turkey suggest he has agreed to join Turkish Champions League side Fenerbache and that it will be finalised within a week. The wage is said to be around £44,000-a-week.
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Hammers linked with £10m bid for Croatian
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2016 in News, Whispers
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According to Crotian daily evening newspaper 'Večernji list' Slaven Bilic & West Ham United are ready to offer 13m euros (£10m) for Croatian youngster, Ante Coric from Dinamo Zagreb.
Coric is part of the Croatian squad at the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament in France but is unlikely to play in the starting XI. The 19-year-old broke into the Dinamo Zagreb first team during the 2014/2015 season and this past season established himself as a key player for the Croatian league title winners.
Coric has been likened to Real Madrid midfielder and fellow Croatian Luka Modric for his technique and impressive passing range and has represented Croatia at every youth level.
He is a versatile attacking midfielder most comfortable in the No. 10 role, but also able to operate on either wing and in a deeper position in midfield. At just under 5'8″, it is said he may initially struggle to adapt to the Premier League although he already has 80 senior appearances to his name at the age of 19.
Coric has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th June 2016
International round-up
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's Copa America campaign got underway in the early hours of Sunday as Ecuador battled to a creditable 0-0 draw with Brazil. Valencia played 81 minutes of the Group B draw in Pasadena, with Peru defeating Haiti 1-0 in the group's other fixture. Winning his 25th cap, Valencia picked up a yellow card during the second half against Brazil and will look to build on the point when Ecuador return to action on Wednesday against Peru. Their Group B campaign concludes next Sunday when they take on Haiti at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
On Saturday, Senegal secured their place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Burundi. Senegal have a perfect five wins from five in qualifying and the Hammers' Cheikhou Kouyate played the full 90 minutes in Bujumbura. The Lions of Teranga can now focus on the final tournament, which will be played in Gabon early next year.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Dimitri Payet's preparations for Euro 2016 concluded with a 3-0 win for France against Scotland in Metz. Payet started to earn his 19th cap for his country and laid on the second goal for Olivier Giroud, when Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall could only parry his fizzing shot into the path of the Arsenal striker. France get the tournament underway on Friday when they take on Romania in St Denis and Payet will be hopeful of a starting role after starring in the warm-up fixtures.
On Friday, Doneil Henry won his 18th senior cap for Canada in a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan, while James Collins will hope to play for Wales in their friendly against Sweden later on Sunday.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: MYSTERY WINGER REVEALED AND WHO ELSE IS LIKELY TO JOIN?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JUNE 2016 AT 10:09PM TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So another week and no players have arrived. This is not something that we need to panic about because already we have brought in Nordvteit, who is a massive signing. When speaking to my mate who works at Arsenal Academy, he said he was brilliant there and that Wenger was desperate to bring him back before we secured his signature this summer! Martinez the Spanish signing and Quina will be useful additions for both the future and Europe. Both of these transfers were brought exclusively by us at The West Ham Way, way before others and we are doing our best to keep our finger on the transfer pulse.
It is clear that we want to sign a forward and an offer did go in for Bacca!
However, he is currently playing in the Copa America and has a number of offers on the plate and will not make a decision until after this tournament has ended. I don't think we are overly hopeful on pulling this deal off. We have an interest in both Toulouse forwards and their links with the agent Mark McKay could prove pivotal (Braithwaite and Ben Yedder). Another player we have watched is Vincent Jannsen, who plays for Az in Holland. We are warming to players proving themselves from Holland, now Pelle, Bony and others have done so. Calleri has said this week he is going to get an Italian passport for his move to Europe and despite his dad saying he is joining Spurs (which I don't believe is true); I know we are still keen too!
I am aware that I am mentioning a number of names here, but it is genuinely the case there are others that I have mentioned in previous columns and chosen not to here.
David Sullivan works non-stop trying to get the right names in and is very frustrated. On the eve of two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and Copa America), it is never a good time to sign a player! Benteke continues to be a situation that we will monitor closely too. We are not close to signing any of these players at this point though. One forward who will not be joining us though is Vardy he has turned us down for Arsenal. He is expected to join them tomorrow. We did speak to the player but he didn't ever seem that keen and demanded very high wages and didn't show a real desire to play here whereas he seems to be excited by the Arsenal offer.
Sakho to Sunderland was a strange story of this week. Whilst it does appear Sunderland have some interest in the player they obviously do not trust him to stay fit. The deal was very heavily weighted around appearances and we know his injury record too. Whether Sakho would even want to go there is another question and rumours of him demanding to leave by preseason are rubbish. If we do not sign at least two quality forwards Sakho will remain at the club. We are set to announce the players who will be leaving at the end of their contracts soon and it will free up a lot of wages. All of these players I have mentioned in previous columns so I will not repeat it again.
Bilic wants to sign two wingers, with Tore being his first choice and the club will do all they can to sign him. At this point the deal isn't close at all because his club know how keen we are, so are trying to make more money out of us than we want to pay! DS is hopeful that Tore will be signed for Bilic eventually and of course he is not featuring in the Euros, which is handy.
We want to sign another winger who will not cost as much as Tore. This player who Jack Sullivan mentioned is Sofiane Feghouli another name that we have brought you previously. The player is on holiday at the moment but as Jack has said we hope to tie a deal up after that. He is an Algerian international (although born in France) who plays for Valencia. He is a very skilful winger and he is likely to be available for a free transfer I believe due to his contract expiring. I can say that despite us being interested a few months ago; N'Koudou of Marseille is not a target at this point. There has been a lot of interest in him from other clubs and therefore his price has been driven up. We will not be moving for Townsend either despite another agent reporting this because he is close to joining another Premiership team.
We are now interested in more wingers than we were before as our right back options all seem to be unlikely to happen now. Van der Weil seems likely to join Roma, Gokhan Gonul has a number of offers on the table as well. We do rate the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa but he will cost a fair amount of money and at the moment Bilic is happy to stick and develop the right back options he currently has rather than gamble on unproven players.
Many clubs are showing an interest in Reece Burke and we have a real challenge on our hands to keep him! He impressed so much at Bradford and his contract expires in January. We want to keep him, he loves the club but he is conscious of the competition he faces this year and we hope to get him to sign a deal.
This week I took a lot of stick for saying Manchester United had launched a bid for Oxford. If I could say who the sources were on this (three of them), you would understand why I said it. In translation the offer seems to have been fabricated by an agent in close circles, as a way of making us as a club panic and offer him a much higher deal than before. These clubs are still interested in him and have had "chats" with his agent, although his future is yet to be decided and no official bid has come in for the player. The club hope he will sign a new deal soon and will do all they can to make it happen.
Speaking of Manchester United, whilst Bilic and the club obviously recognise the talents of Mata, his wages and the transfer fee for a player who plays in a very similar role to Payet and Lanzini means the deal is very unlikely to ever happen.
Ante Coric a young 19 year old Croatian who Bilic is very aware of is someone that we could sign for the future in that position and possibly another addition to our development squad. We have sent scouts to watch him a few times now.
One thing to remember with this window is that it is constantly changing and there are so many dominos effects of transfer deals. I spoke to Dave Sullivan Jnr this week who said how flat out dad works on these deals and that he is often left frustrated and unsure what is happening himself at times. Rest assured no one cares more than our chairman about getting the best players in.
Working 9-5 in a job unrelated to West Ham I am unable to know the ins and outs of every deal that happens on an hourly basis. I do my best to bring news as I hear it and I always verify it through more than one source but there will be times when this news changes without my knowledge. Under no circumstance do I try to mislead fans, I just try to bring news that I believe to be accurate and hopefully my three year track record has done enough to prove, that most of the time, it is reliable.
As a site we are continuing to look for ways to grow and expand and we believe now is the perfect time to do it. I am delighted to announce that Baz Cox will be running our West Ham Way TV at Away games. Baz is a twitter sensation who has built up a good relationship with the players especially Mark Noble who he was caught on camera singing a one direction tribute to.
Baz and his mates will be attending most away games including ones on our European tour and we are delighted to have him on board. Please feel free to speak to him about featuring in forth coming videos. George Allen will still produce all the videos and Evan Jones will continue to be our home game host. Having two presenters both with very large personalities gives us a lot of scope for future videos.
I would also like to say a big shout out to West Ham fan TV who we get on very well with and who set the bar very high for these videos. We are in no way trying to be competition to them but are aiming to work together on many future projects. As a site I have had one massive meeting and have another set for this week. Last week's has brought an extremely exciting feature for us which we will be launching in July. I will bring more news on this in the future but it is definitely the first of its kind, like our apps were when we released those in April. The Apps are due to be updated when Matthew Kirk, our IT man, returns from holiday and they should be even better than before. We will be adding our forum and our downloads feature this week to
the website too. One last plug! Our fanzine is almost sold out so please
get yourself a copy where there will be many exclusive articles and features only to be found there.
It's been a great day, and I have a few beers, I intend to finish the job off. COYI
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Sub role for Colllins in Sweden defeat
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins was a second half substitute as Wales fell to a 3-0 defeat against Sweden at the Friends Arena in Stockholm this afternoon. Chris Coleman's side, playing their only pre-Euro 16 friendly ahead of next weekend's kick off were dismantled with consummate ease by the Swedes who had Emil Forsberg (40 minutes), Mikael Lustig (57) and substitute John Guidetti (87) to thank for their three goals. West Ham's Collins entered the fray with the score at 0-2 as a 64th-minute replacement for James Chester and enjoyed a relatively easy afternoon at the heart of the Welsh defence, but could do little to prevent the Swedes from coasting to victory.
Collins and Wales will face Slovakia (Saturday 11 June), England (Thursday 16 June) and Russia (Monday 20 June) in Group B of the tournament, which begins with hosts France tackling Romania in St Denis next Friday evening (10 June).
Elsewhere Enner Valencia featured for Ecuador as they laboured to a goalless draw with Brazil. The Hammers striker, who is widely tipped to leave the club this summer played for around 80 minutes before being substituted with cramp.
And in other international news, Martin Samuelsen is hoping to win his second cap for Norway when they face Belgium in a friendly later this evening.
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Weekend transfer update
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have been linked with a string of fresh faces this weekend...
* Sky Sports 'sources' (which we'll assume isn't Twitter on this occasion) suggest that Diafra Sakho is seeking reassurances about his future at West Ham. The 26-year-old striker, who continues to be linked with a move to Sunderland is understood to have reiterated his desire to resolve his future before returning to pre-season training. KUMB understands that West Ham are seeking a fee in the region of 13million for the former Metz star..
* West Ham are said to be vying with Liverpool and Manchester United for the signature of Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The 21-year-old France Under-21 star - who scored 11 times for L'OM in 2015/16 - is said to be available for around £10million, despite having moved to Stade Vélodrome from Nantes less than 12 months ago for just £1million.
* England international Jamie Vardy, who West Ham were reported to have offered circa £20million for at the end of May is set to sign for Arsenal. The Leicester City striker's contract allows him to join a Champions League club for a set fee, close to that offered by West Ham previously.
* Bournemouth forward and long-term Hammers target Matt Richie is close to completing a move to the Olympic Stadium, according to Talksport presenter Tom Latchem. A friend of the radio presenter claims to have spoken with Richie, who is keen to complete a switch.
* West Ham are keen to take Gillingham's Bradley Dack on trail ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 Premier League campaign. The 22-year-old has also been linked with a move to Selhurst Park whilst Bristol City saw a £1.8million bid for the striker rejected last January. Having fallen short in the League One play offs, the Gills are likely to cash in on the young forward, who scored 15 times for the Kent club last term.
* Reports that Barcelona are set to tie up a €20million deal for French defender Samuel Umtiti have been scotched by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. The Hammers target, who has already made 131 appearances for last season's Ligue 1 runners-up is "not in contact with Barcelona" according to Aulas, who admitted that the Spanish club had made an enquiry into his availability last week.
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Wolves star seeking West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dominic Iorfa wants a move to West Ham, according to a family member. The 20-year-old right-sided full back has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs since partaking in a successful Toulon tournament with England's Under 21s. Crystal Palace were considered to be the front-runners to sign Iorfa and fellow Wolves star Kortney Hause, but an an unnamed family member insists the Southend-born defender would prefer a move to the Olympic Stadium. "It's true that Iorfa is wanted by Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace," the unnamed individual is quoted as saying by Own Goal Nigeria. "But for obvious reasons he is more comfortable with a move to West Ham where he is most likely to get more playing time than any of the above team."
West Ham, who previously expressed an interest in signing Iorfa back in January have only rookie Sam Byram as a recognised right-sided full back on their books. In recent weeks the position has been filled by winger Michail Antonio, whilst centre half James Tomkins has also operated in the position previously. Wolves are said to be seeking around £7miilion for Iorfa, who played the full 90 minutes of England's recent 2-1 Toulon Final win against hosts France.
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Gold set to plunder Ligue 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
David Gold says that West Ham are likely to look to Ligue 1 and the Championship again this summer following the successes of last summer's previous recruitment campaign.
Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Darren Randolph, Michail Antonio and Sam Byram are amongst those to have joined West Ham from either Ligue 1 or the Championship with the past two seasons, whilst the Hammers have been linked with a string of players from both since the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
And Gold, speaking via the club's website admitted that the club will be looking to those divisions again in order to improve Slaven Bilic's squad this summer. "We have plucked gems out of the French league and the Championship in the past year and we will be looking to do likewise again this summer," he said.
"What we have to ensure now is that we keep that momentum going when we move to the new stadium, and that means we will be bringing in some new players to replace the four loan players - Carl Jenkinson, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song - who have left us.
"Our intention is to replace them with better quality. Of course we have already shown our intent by bringing in Havard Nordtveit, a talented Norwegian player who our fans will enjoy."
West Ham have agreed to sign four players so far this summer - Nordtveit, Manuel Lanzini plus youngsters Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina (from Valencia and Chelsea respectively).
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Vardy agrees Irons deal…then moves on!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham believed they had clinched a deal to take Jamie Vardy to the club at around £105k a week before they were hit by new inflationary demands in negotiations. Arsenal are now big favourites to clinch a deal for the Leicester City striker on a deal whic is close to be around £120k a week. But ClaretandHugh can reveal the player looked to be on his way to the Olympic Stadium six weeks ago when we understand his advisors had agreed he would sign for around £90k a week plus £15k for every first team appearance . But when the two sides sat down to iron out the details they were told there was new interest and that a deal would cost them around £125k-£150k a week pus appearance fees. We believe that Liverpool had also been made aware of his availability but dropped their interest when they were quoted personal terms of £140k a week. Now the Gooners are close to agreeing a transfer fee of £20 million with City whilst offering the player £120k a week. A Hammers source told ClaretadHugh: "We thought we had a deal and it came as a surprise when the fee moved up so dramatically – there was a lot going on behind the scenes with other clubs!"
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New Sakho Sunderland 'spin' changes nothing!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
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It seems that Sky Sports are refusing to give up on their Diafra Sakho to Sunderland for £11 million story despite West Ham revealing the bid is entirely unacceptable. Sky have today new spin to the tale claiming the player wants a swift resolution on his future amid the speculation.
Well, given the story was started by them perhaps whoever is involved in breaking it could put the facts as he/she understands them on the line thus helping the situation considerably However, what ClaretandHugh was told again this moring is that nothing like an £11 m bid has been lodged.
Instead the offer was around half of that and involved clauses which involved Sunderland staying up for three seasons and Sakho playing 30 games per campaign. That suggests the Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce has noted the players injury problems and realised he is unlikely to have to fulfill any of those obligations given that in his two seasons with the Irons, Sak has managed 26 and 24 first team appearances. Sky then justify the new line they have taken with the following quote : 'Sources close to the player have told Sky Sports News HQ that Sakho is looking for clarity regarding his future, adding the player would like to start pre-season with the club he will be playing for next season." Blah blah blah
Well we an answer that one for him and Sky. He will be a West Ham player unless a realistic bid starting at around £15 million is made.
Okay, is that sorted?
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WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's Copa America campaign got underway in the early hours of Sunday as Ecuador battled to a creditable 0-0 draw with Brazil. Valencia played 81 minutes of the Group B draw in Pasadena, with Peru defeating Haiti 1-0 in the group's other fixture. Winning his 25th cap, Valencia picked up a yellow card during the second half against Brazil and will look to build on the point when Ecuador return to action on Wednesday against Peru. Their Group B campaign concludes next Sunday when they take on Haiti at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
On Saturday, Senegal secured their place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Burundi. Senegal have a perfect five wins from five in qualifying and the Hammers' Cheikhou Kouyate played the full 90 minutes in Bujumbura. The Lions of Teranga can now focus on the final tournament, which will be played in Gabon early next year.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Dimitri Payet's preparations for Euro 2016 concluded with a 3-0 win for France against Scotland in Metz. Payet started to earn his 19th cap for his country and laid on the second goal for Olivier Giroud, when Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall could only parry his fizzing shot into the path of the Arsenal striker. France get the tournament underway on Friday when they take on Romania in St Denis and Payet will be hopeful of a starting role after starring in the warm-up fixtures.
On Friday, Doneil Henry won his 18th senior cap for Canada in a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan, while James Collins will hope to play for Wales in their friendly against Sweden later on Sunday.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: MYSTERY WINGER REVEALED AND WHO ELSE IS LIKELY TO JOIN?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JUNE 2016 AT 10:09PM TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So another week and no players have arrived. This is not something that we need to panic about because already we have brought in Nordvteit, who is a massive signing. When speaking to my mate who works at Arsenal Academy, he said he was brilliant there and that Wenger was desperate to bring him back before we secured his signature this summer! Martinez the Spanish signing and Quina will be useful additions for both the future and Europe. Both of these transfers were brought exclusively by us at The West Ham Way, way before others and we are doing our best to keep our finger on the transfer pulse.
It is clear that we want to sign a forward and an offer did go in for Bacca!
However, he is currently playing in the Copa America and has a number of offers on the plate and will not make a decision until after this tournament has ended. I don't think we are overly hopeful on pulling this deal off. We have an interest in both Toulouse forwards and their links with the agent Mark McKay could prove pivotal (Braithwaite and Ben Yedder). Another player we have watched is Vincent Jannsen, who plays for Az in Holland. We are warming to players proving themselves from Holland, now Pelle, Bony and others have done so. Calleri has said this week he is going to get an Italian passport for his move to Europe and despite his dad saying he is joining Spurs (which I don't believe is true); I know we are still keen too!
I am aware that I am mentioning a number of names here, but it is genuinely the case there are others that I have mentioned in previous columns and chosen not to here.
David Sullivan works non-stop trying to get the right names in and is very frustrated. On the eve of two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and Copa America), it is never a good time to sign a player! Benteke continues to be a situation that we will monitor closely too. We are not close to signing any of these players at this point though. One forward who will not be joining us though is Vardy he has turned us down for Arsenal. He is expected to join them tomorrow. We did speak to the player but he didn't ever seem that keen and demanded very high wages and didn't show a real desire to play here whereas he seems to be excited by the Arsenal offer.
Sakho to Sunderland was a strange story of this week. Whilst it does appear Sunderland have some interest in the player they obviously do not trust him to stay fit. The deal was very heavily weighted around appearances and we know his injury record too. Whether Sakho would even want to go there is another question and rumours of him demanding to leave by preseason are rubbish. If we do not sign at least two quality forwards Sakho will remain at the club. We are set to announce the players who will be leaving at the end of their contracts soon and it will free up a lot of wages. All of these players I have mentioned in previous columns so I will not repeat it again.
Bilic wants to sign two wingers, with Tore being his first choice and the club will do all they can to sign him. At this point the deal isn't close at all because his club know how keen we are, so are trying to make more money out of us than we want to pay! DS is hopeful that Tore will be signed for Bilic eventually and of course he is not featuring in the Euros, which is handy.
We want to sign another winger who will not cost as much as Tore. This player who Jack Sullivan mentioned is Sofiane Feghouli another name that we have brought you previously. The player is on holiday at the moment but as Jack has said we hope to tie a deal up after that. He is an Algerian international (although born in France) who plays for Valencia. He is a very skilful winger and he is likely to be available for a free transfer I believe due to his contract expiring. I can say that despite us being interested a few months ago; N'Koudou of Marseille is not a target at this point. There has been a lot of interest in him from other clubs and therefore his price has been driven up. We will not be moving for Townsend either despite another agent reporting this because he is close to joining another Premiership team.
We are now interested in more wingers than we were before as our right back options all seem to be unlikely to happen now. Van der Weil seems likely to join Roma, Gokhan Gonul has a number of offers on the table as well. We do rate the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa but he will cost a fair amount of money and at the moment Bilic is happy to stick and develop the right back options he currently has rather than gamble on unproven players.
Many clubs are showing an interest in Reece Burke and we have a real challenge on our hands to keep him! He impressed so much at Bradford and his contract expires in January. We want to keep him, he loves the club but he is conscious of the competition he faces this year and we hope to get him to sign a deal.
This week I took a lot of stick for saying Manchester United had launched a bid for Oxford. If I could say who the sources were on this (three of them), you would understand why I said it. In translation the offer seems to have been fabricated by an agent in close circles, as a way of making us as a club panic and offer him a much higher deal than before. These clubs are still interested in him and have had "chats" with his agent, although his future is yet to be decided and no official bid has come in for the player. The club hope he will sign a new deal soon and will do all they can to make it happen.
Speaking of Manchester United, whilst Bilic and the club obviously recognise the talents of Mata, his wages and the transfer fee for a player who plays in a very similar role to Payet and Lanzini means the deal is very unlikely to ever happen.
Ante Coric a young 19 year old Croatian who Bilic is very aware of is someone that we could sign for the future in that position and possibly another addition to our development squad. We have sent scouts to watch him a few times now.
One thing to remember with this window is that it is constantly changing and there are so many dominos effects of transfer deals. I spoke to Dave Sullivan Jnr this week who said how flat out dad works on these deals and that he is often left frustrated and unsure what is happening himself at times. Rest assured no one cares more than our chairman about getting the best players in.
Working 9-5 in a job unrelated to West Ham I am unable to know the ins and outs of every deal that happens on an hourly basis. I do my best to bring news as I hear it and I always verify it through more than one source but there will be times when this news changes without my knowledge. Under no circumstance do I try to mislead fans, I just try to bring news that I believe to be accurate and hopefully my three year track record has done enough to prove, that most of the time, it is reliable.
As a site we are continuing to look for ways to grow and expand and we believe now is the perfect time to do it. I am delighted to announce that Baz Cox will be running our West Ham Way TV at Away games. Baz is a twitter sensation who has built up a good relationship with the players especially Mark Noble who he was caught on camera singing a one direction tribute to.
Baz and his mates will be attending most away games including ones on our European tour and we are delighted to have him on board. Please feel free to speak to him about featuring in forth coming videos. George Allen will still produce all the videos and Evan Jones will continue to be our home game host. Having two presenters both with very large personalities gives us a lot of scope for future videos.
I would also like to say a big shout out to West Ham fan TV who we get on very well with and who set the bar very high for these videos. We are in no way trying to be competition to them but are aiming to work together on many future projects. As a site I have had one massive meeting and have another set for this week. Last week's has brought an extremely exciting feature for us which we will be launching in July. I will bring more news on this in the future but it is definitely the first of its kind, like our apps were when we released those in April. The Apps are due to be updated when Matthew Kirk, our IT man, returns from holiday and they should be even better than before. We will be adding our forum and our downloads feature this week to
the website too. One last plug! Our fanzine is almost sold out so please
get yourself a copy where there will be many exclusive articles and features only to be found there.
It's been a great day, and I have a few beers, I intend to finish the job off. COYI
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Sub role for Colllins in Sweden defeat
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins was a second half substitute as Wales fell to a 3-0 defeat against Sweden at the Friends Arena in Stockholm this afternoon. Chris Coleman's side, playing their only pre-Euro 16 friendly ahead of next weekend's kick off were dismantled with consummate ease by the Swedes who had Emil Forsberg (40 minutes), Mikael Lustig (57) and substitute John Guidetti (87) to thank for their three goals. West Ham's Collins entered the fray with the score at 0-2 as a 64th-minute replacement for James Chester and enjoyed a relatively easy afternoon at the heart of the Welsh defence, but could do little to prevent the Swedes from coasting to victory.
Collins and Wales will face Slovakia (Saturday 11 June), England (Thursday 16 June) and Russia (Monday 20 June) in Group B of the tournament, which begins with hosts France tackling Romania in St Denis next Friday evening (10 June).
Elsewhere Enner Valencia featured for Ecuador as they laboured to a goalless draw with Brazil. The Hammers striker, who is widely tipped to leave the club this summer played for around 80 minutes before being substituted with cramp.
And in other international news, Martin Samuelsen is hoping to win his second cap for Norway when they face Belgium in a friendly later this evening.
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Weekend transfer update
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have been linked with a string of fresh faces this weekend...
* Sky Sports 'sources' (which we'll assume isn't Twitter on this occasion) suggest that Diafra Sakho is seeking reassurances about his future at West Ham. The 26-year-old striker, who continues to be linked with a move to Sunderland is understood to have reiterated his desire to resolve his future before returning to pre-season training. KUMB understands that West Ham are seeking a fee in the region of 13million for the former Metz star..
* West Ham are said to be vying with Liverpool and Manchester United for the signature of Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The 21-year-old France Under-21 star - who scored 11 times for L'OM in 2015/16 - is said to be available for around £10million, despite having moved to Stade Vélodrome from Nantes less than 12 months ago for just £1million.
* England international Jamie Vardy, who West Ham were reported to have offered circa £20million for at the end of May is set to sign for Arsenal. The Leicester City striker's contract allows him to join a Champions League club for a set fee, close to that offered by West Ham previously.
* Bournemouth forward and long-term Hammers target Matt Richie is close to completing a move to the Olympic Stadium, according to Talksport presenter Tom Latchem. A friend of the radio presenter claims to have spoken with Richie, who is keen to complete a switch.
* West Ham are keen to take Gillingham's Bradley Dack on trail ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 Premier League campaign. The 22-year-old has also been linked with a move to Selhurst Park whilst Bristol City saw a £1.8million bid for the striker rejected last January. Having fallen short in the League One play offs, the Gills are likely to cash in on the young forward, who scored 15 times for the Kent club last term.
* Reports that Barcelona are set to tie up a €20million deal for French defender Samuel Umtiti have been scotched by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. The Hammers target, who has already made 131 appearances for last season's Ligue 1 runners-up is "not in contact with Barcelona" according to Aulas, who admitted that the Spanish club had made an enquiry into his availability last week.
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Wolves star seeking West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dominic Iorfa wants a move to West Ham, according to a family member. The 20-year-old right-sided full back has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs since partaking in a successful Toulon tournament with England's Under 21s. Crystal Palace were considered to be the front-runners to sign Iorfa and fellow Wolves star Kortney Hause, but an an unnamed family member insists the Southend-born defender would prefer a move to the Olympic Stadium. "It's true that Iorfa is wanted by Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace," the unnamed individual is quoted as saying by Own Goal Nigeria. "But for obvious reasons he is more comfortable with a move to West Ham where he is most likely to get more playing time than any of the above team."
West Ham, who previously expressed an interest in signing Iorfa back in January have only rookie Sam Byram as a recognised right-sided full back on their books. In recent weeks the position has been filled by winger Michail Antonio, whilst centre half James Tomkins has also operated in the position previously. Wolves are said to be seeking around £7miilion for Iorfa, who played the full 90 minutes of England's recent 2-1 Toulon Final win against hosts France.
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Gold set to plunder Ligue 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
David Gold says that West Ham are likely to look to Ligue 1 and the Championship again this summer following the successes of last summer's previous recruitment campaign.
Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Darren Randolph, Michail Antonio and Sam Byram are amongst those to have joined West Ham from either Ligue 1 or the Championship with the past two seasons, whilst the Hammers have been linked with a string of players from both since the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
And Gold, speaking via the club's website admitted that the club will be looking to those divisions again in order to improve Slaven Bilic's squad this summer. "We have plucked gems out of the French league and the Championship in the past year and we will be looking to do likewise again this summer," he said.
"What we have to ensure now is that we keep that momentum going when we move to the new stadium, and that means we will be bringing in some new players to replace the four loan players - Carl Jenkinson, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song - who have left us.
"Our intention is to replace them with better quality. Of course we have already shown our intent by bringing in Havard Nordtveit, a talented Norwegian player who our fans will enjoy."
West Ham have agreed to sign four players so far this summer - Nordtveit, Manuel Lanzini plus youngsters Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina (from Valencia and Chelsea respectively).
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Vardy agrees Irons deal…then moves on!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham believed they had clinched a deal to take Jamie Vardy to the club at around £105k a week before they were hit by new inflationary demands in negotiations. Arsenal are now big favourites to clinch a deal for the Leicester City striker on a deal whic is close to be around £120k a week. But ClaretandHugh can reveal the player looked to be on his way to the Olympic Stadium six weeks ago when we understand his advisors had agreed he would sign for around £90k a week plus £15k for every first team appearance . But when the two sides sat down to iron out the details they were told there was new interest and that a deal would cost them around £125k-£150k a week pus appearance fees. We believe that Liverpool had also been made aware of his availability but dropped their interest when they were quoted personal terms of £140k a week. Now the Gooners are close to agreeing a transfer fee of £20 million with City whilst offering the player £120k a week. A Hammers source told ClaretadHugh: "We thought we had a deal and it came as a surprise when the fee moved up so dramatically – there was a lot going on behind the scenes with other clubs!"
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New Sakho Sunderland 'spin' changes nothing!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It seems that Sky Sports are refusing to give up on their Diafra Sakho to Sunderland for £11 million story despite West Ham revealing the bid is entirely unacceptable. Sky have today new spin to the tale claiming the player wants a swift resolution on his future amid the speculation.
Well, given the story was started by them perhaps whoever is involved in breaking it could put the facts as he/she understands them on the line thus helping the situation considerably However, what ClaretandHugh was told again this moring is that nothing like an £11 m bid has been lodged.
Instead the offer was around half of that and involved clauses which involved Sunderland staying up for three seasons and Sakho playing 30 games per campaign. That suggests the Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce has noted the players injury problems and realised he is unlikely to have to fulfill any of those obligations given that in his two seasons with the Irons, Sak has managed 26 and 24 first team appearances. Sky then justify the new line they have taken with the following quote : 'Sources close to the player have told Sky Sports News HQ that Sakho is looking for clarity regarding his future, adding the player would like to start pre-season with the club he will be playing for next season." Blah blah blah
Well we an answer that one for him and Sky. He will be a West Ham player unless a realistic bid starting at around £15 million is made.
Okay, is that sorted?
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