From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Italian sports journalist and author Gabriele Marcotti says Angelo Ogbonna earned his place in Italy's Euro 2016 squad…
It's a big transition coming to the Premier League and playing for a club like West Ham after being in a situation at Juventus where he trained a certain way. They would have double training sessions and there would be a lot more tactical instructions and here the game is a bit different, so I think it perhaps took Angelo a little bit of time to get used to it. Once he found his measure, he started to contribute. Something he has told me personally and that the senior players like Mark Noble and James Collins, who have been at the club a long time, went out of their way to make the newcomers feel welcome. West Ham have had a lot of players from a lot of different parts of the world over the last few years and the senior players have gone out of their way to make them feel welcome and include them in the squad. It's a credit to them and it's something we often under-estimate. Clubs sign players on good wages but often dump them in a new city where they don't know the language, but his transition to West Ham was made easily because the leaders in the dressing room went out of their way to make Angelo feel more comfortable. Once that became clear and he got into the starting XI, I think he has thrived.
Angelo is one of four centre-backs who have been picked by Italy manager Antonio Conte for Euro 2016, ironically alongside three of his old Juventus teammates. One of the reasons he left Juventus was to get more playing time at West Ham, although ironically he came into a club with senior centre-halves in Reid, Tomkins and Collins. However, he is a very versatile player and that's a reason why he has been included by Italy. He can also play at left-back and it's a position he played when he was younger, but West Ham fans haven't seen that as they have a fantastic left-back in Aaron Cresswell. Angelo also has tremendous football and tactical understanding and is very comfortable with managers who provide very complicated instructions, as that's what he was used to in Italy. Conte knows he can drop fancy schemes and Angelo is a very intelligent guy and can take those on board very easily.
Without getting too granular, a lot of people see Italy playing 3-5-2 but it's not quite like that – when they defend it's a back four and one of the wing-backs will slot in and one of the centre-backs will go into a full-back position. When they attack it is going to be a 3-3-4 formation with the full-backs way up the pitch. It's a hybrid system and not easy to take on board, but Angelo certainly has the athleticism and intelligence to do it. In my opinion this is the least-talented Italy squad in 50-60 years and they've lost two certain starters in midfield in Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti, so Conte has gone with a lot of versatile and intelligent players who can play multiple positions. Now, we will have to see how that formula works in practice at Euro 2016.
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Former Player Blog - Ken Brown
WHUFC.com
Ken Brown will never forget his spell at West Ham United where he made 474 appearances for the Club and forged a memorable partnership with Bobby Moore. Brown spent 14 years with the east London Club and was influential in helping the Hammers win the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later. With the Club making a historic move into the new Stadium this summer, Brown says he will always remember the magical times he enjoyed at the Boleyn Ground.....
I was brought up at West Ham and had the best years of my life. I used to come into the Boleyn Ground in the early days with a fella called Dick Walker who taught me how to approach football and I have never forgotten that. There have been lots of other people at the club who have all made me feel welcome and always wanted me to do well. I didn't expect to be named Hammer of the Year but when I look back now it is something that I fully appreciate. No matter what anyone says no-one will ever take my memories away from this place. From day one it was such a pleasure to play with all my old team-mates. Dick Walker encouraged me how to behave as a footballer and everyone loved him. I would always try to live in his footsteps. Bobby Moore was different class. He was two or three steps ahead of anyone he played against and he was an incredible player. It was a privilege to play next to him. He certainly made my life a lot easier! The wonderful managers including Ron Greenwood who was fantastic for me and put so many ideas into our heads. I sometimes thought that I wasn't good enough to play under Ron because he had so many brainwaves of perfection that I could never live up to that! But I had so many magical memories and of course it was a pleasure for me to see my son Kenny play for the Hammers as well. I will take so many memories with me from the Boleyn Ground and it is a bit of everything that made it so special.
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Valencia's Ecuador reach Copa quarters
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia scored one and set up two as Ecuador thrashed Haiti 4-0 to qualify for the 2016 Copa America quarter-finals on Sunday night. Ecuador's victory, combined with Brazil's shock 1-0 defeat by Peru, saw Valencia and company finish second behind the Peruvians in Group B and qualify for the last-eight. The West Ham United forward continued his fine run of form with another impressive display for El Tri, putting the South Americans ahead in the ninth minute at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Christian Noboa played in the West Ham striker and he made no mistake in dispatching the ball past goalkeeper Johnny Placide. Just nine minutes later, Valencia turned provider when he collected a long ball from Walter Ayovi, beat defender Romain Genevois, drew Placide and set up Jaime Ayovi to tap into an empty net. Ecuador went further ahead when Noboa met Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero's cross on the half-volley and they wrapped it up 12 minutes from time when Hammers star Valencia beat the offside trap and assisted namesake and Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia to fire home.
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Impressive Randolph helps Ireland to draw
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph produced a fine individual performance as the Republic of Ireland were cruelly denied a UEFA Euro 2016 Group E victory over Sweden. The West Ham United goalkeeper was in outstanding form against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and company in Paris, only for a freak own-goal from defender Ciaran Clark to secure the Swedes a 1-1 draw. Earlier, Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan – who pipped Randolph to the Man of the Match award – had fired Ireland into a deserved second-half lead. The Hammers stopper was then called into action, making a fine save to prevent Clark from putting through his own net and commanding his penalty area in imperious fashion. However, that man Ibrahimovic's awkward cross was headed home by Aston Villa centre-back Clark, leaving Randolph no chance. Ireland's draw means they will likely need to beat either Italy or Belgium in their final two group-stage fixtures to reach the round of 16.
The Boys in Green face the fancied Belgians in Bordeaux on Saturday afternoon at 14.00 BST, before closing out the opening round against Angelo Ogbonna's Italy in Lille next Wednesday evening at 20.00 BST. Something will have to give for Martin O'Neill's team to qualify, seeing Ireland have not beaten Belgium in 50 years, and their only previous win over Italy came through West Ham Academy graduate Ray Houghton's famous goal at the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States.
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
Speculation continues to intensify over which new players will be arriving at West Ham United during the summer. There have been a number of top stars linked with the Club in recent weeks as Slaven Bilic looks to make his squad even stronger for the historic move into the new Stadium.
The Club have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring in new additions and it is my understanding that there could be a major addition to the squad in the near future. I have been told that a top international player will be undergoing a medical with the Club and they hope to conclude a deal within the next 72 hours. There has been a lot of speculation linking the Hammers with moves for Besiktas duo Gokhan Tore and Atiba Hutchinson.
My sources have told me that negotiations have taken place and although the club remain hopeful, there is still some way to go before a deal can be agreed. I have been assured that there are many irons in the fire and the club will continue to get the best possible deals. Reports in the media have also linked Angelo Ogbonna with a move back to Serie A as Roma lead the chase to sign him. Ogbonna has been rewarded for his impressive form at West Ham with a call-up to the Italy squad for the Euro Finals in France. I have been told categorically that the talented defender is not for sale and will not be going anywhere. He remains a major part of the squad for next season.
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West Ham launch £32million offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have returned to Lyon with an improved offer for striker Alexandre Lacazette. David Amoyal, a columnist for gianlucadimarzio.com has reported within the last couple of hours that West Ham have launched a fresh bid for the highly-rated striker worth in the region of £32million - approximately €40million. The offer is now said to be in the hands of Lyon chiefs, who must decide whether to accept what would be a record-breaking transfer fee for West Ham or hold out for an improved bid from elsewhere. However the chances of that happening appear to be slim, with fellow suitors Tottenham and PSG reported in recent days to have moved onto other targets. West Ham launched an initial bid for the 24-year-old goalscorer last month when the club offered Lyon £26million. The club's current record transfer fee stands at £15million, the fee paid to Liverpool for Andy Carroll three years ago.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: TRANSFER UPDATES, LACAZETTE- WINGERS TO JOIN BUT NO RBS
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 JUNE 2016 AT 1:15PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This column was written yesterday during the day and send to the fanzine editor's, for which I have evidence, yesterday. I am writing this because on a popular forum "The binman" (me) apparently claims news after it was out. I am not going to say much more as it is childish and people clearly on a wind up but there was only one person who said Feghouli that was the winger that Jack spoke about (I must have heard it whilst picking up the banana skins)
As I said in my last column on the website it is important to remember that it is early days in the transfer window and not to panic. It is hard not to get carried away when the chairman has spoken of the exciting deals that we are trying to land but I am very confident that these will come. With the Euros and the Copa America in full swing now the transfers will take a bit of a hold now while we use these as a further opportunity to scout some of the players.
I will confirm it in the fanzine but I have deliberately avoided saying it on my twitter account. The club are not looking to sign another right back. Slaven Bilic surprisingly still believes that Antonio has the potential to be a brilliant right back and he also says that Byram and Tomkins provide him with enough options here. The club will use the money instead to buy at least two wingers possibly three.
We have 100% put in an offer for Feghouli of Valencia, he is a temperamental and skilful Algerian winger. There have been a number of clubs interested in him and we are said to be in pole position. He will be a free transfer and this gives us the option to spend money elsewhere. Tore is the winger that Bilic really wants to bring to the club having worked with him at Besiktas and this is likely to happen. Another player that we are trying to bring in from Besiktas is Atiba Hutchinson who is a defensive midfielder but the Canadian also play at right back, this move depends largely on Obiang staying or not. Matt Ritchie was on the radar and is someone we would consider if the fee was right (around £5m) because he is British born. As reported elsewhere the club are aware of Sosa from Besiktas because he obviously played with Bilic and again depending on player departures his future is unclear.
In terms of forwards we haven't ruled out signing Lacazette yet. He is clearly good friends with Payet and if he stays (which I think he will despite Madrid circulating) than this could tempt Lacazette. We will not give up on signing him until he has joined another club. Originally it did seem like he would join PSG but they seem to be tempted by signing a "bigger" name now to replace talisman Ibrahimovic. If this is the case Lacazette will be left with less options and Payet and his agent could be enough to lure him. Calleri is still an option too as well as Bacca. The Spanish forward Nolito could be an option and he is out of contract in a year. They face a lot of competition to sign him though, as is the case with most of forward. Minchy Batshuayi's wage demands have put Tottenham off signing him as they have a very strict wage structure.
One thing for certain is that the club will sign at least five players and have a substantial budget to do it. We really should not panic yet and have faith that DS will sign the players that we require as he has done in the last two windows.
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2015/16 in review: December & January
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th 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 December and January in part five of our review...
20 December
West Ham secured a fifth draw in seven appearances at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon - although there was very little else to cheer on a dreadfully dull day in South Wales.
Slaven Bilic will probably be one of the few to return from Swansea satisfied with the result, being as he was without half of his favoured first team. However it was a dreadfully dour spectacle from the perspective of the club's travelling supporters, who saw West Ham eke out a third successive goalless draw for the first time in Premier League history.
On the face of it, a point away from home looks like a decent return - and James Collins in defence and goalkeeper Adrian were both magnificent in preserving a third successive clean sheet. However given Swansea's lowly Premier League position - and that West Ham enjoyed just 27 per cent of possession - it's no wonder there were rumblings of discontent amongst the West Ham fanbase post-match.
Minus the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho, West Ham pose very little threat in the final third of the field. With Andy Carroll also ruled out at the weekend, Bilic was left with just Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic in attack - one of whom is frustratingly inconsistent, the other consistently substandard.
Despite those shortcomings, West Ham still managed to conjure up 11 shots at goal - even though just two of those were on target. Fortunately the hosts were just as profligate, with only two of their 21 efforts finding their intended target.
West Ham stay on the road for their next outing, away to Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The Villains have endured an even worse opening half of the season than Swansea, having failed to win since the opening day of the season and taking just seven points from their opening 17 matches.
So it's with renewed optimism that Bilic's boys go into that one, before completing their Christmas programme with home fixtures against Southampton (28th December) and Liverpool (2nd January) - two teams who, like Swansea, are in less than sensational form and must be considered beatable.
Prior to that, it just remains for me to wish all of my readers a very happy Christmas and thank you for following this column so far this season. Let's hope Santa can bring us at least one more win before the curtain falls on 2015. Come on you Irons!
27 December
Following the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Boxing Day, it's now two months since West Ham United fans have been able to celebrate a win. Merry Christmas, everybody!
On the face of it, that appears to be a desperate situation - although it's also the case that the Hammers have only been beaten twice during that period (at Tottenham and Watford).
Six draws in West Ham's last eight matches have kept the wolves from Slaven Bilic's door, although the first voices of discontent have been heard following the last two outings - both of which ended in stalemate - at lowly Swansea and Villa.
West Ham enjoyed just 27 per cent of possession in their goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium last week and whilst that figure was marginally better at Villa Park (41 per cent), there is growing concern regarding the squad's ability to cope with such an extensive injury list.
No less than SIX players who would be in contention for a spot in the starting XI were absent at Villa Park, where West Ham rarely threatened - despite scoring their first goal in four games (ironically perhaps by marauding defender Aaron Cresswell).
Yet given a bit more luck - and assistance from referee Mike Dean - the Hammers could have returned to London with all three points.
As it was Bilic's side were denied two penalty appeals - one, a cast-iron 'hand ball' shout against Ashley Westwood deep into added-on time - and to add insult to injury, conceded an equaliser from the spot after Angelo Ogbonna was deemed to have impeded Rudy Gestede when TV replays suggested the Villa man should have been penalised for shirt-pulling.
Defensively, West Ham are coping admirably without key man Winston Reid, who is out until February. James Collins, who agreed a two-year contract extension on Christmas Eve has been superb since winning a recall to the side and James Tomkins has performed admirably at full back, where he has been preferred to Carl Jenkinson in recent weeks.
However it's a different story entirely at the other end of the field, where the Hammers are struggling to make an impact having scored just once in their last four outings - and not having scored more than once since that last win against Chelsea back in October.
The club's crippling injury list should be reduced this week with Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini all expected to be available for the clash with Liverpool at the Boleyn on 2 January. Given the team's recent slide down the table, it's imperative that all three hit the ground running.
3 January
Not content with winning at Anfield for the first time since 1963 earlier in the season, West Ham completed the double over Liverpool at the Boleyn on Saturday with a thoroughly satisfying team performance.
The 2-0 win - courtesy of goals from Michail Antonio and Liverpool's record signing, Andy Carroll - means that the Hammers have put five goals past the once-mighty Merseysiders this season without reply and also ensured Slaven Bilic's team completed the double over Liverpool from the first time in 51 years.
Although Jurgen Klopp's arrival hints at a promising future for the Reds, the current squad is one of the weakest to have visited east London in the last half century and West Ham's win was no fluke, nor surprise. Despite seeing less of the ball the Irons were by far the better team on the day, created more goalscoring opportunities and could have won by an even greater margin.
All in all it was an overwhelmingly positive day for West Ham, who also welcomed the creative genius of Dimitri Payet back into the side. The French international wasted no time in showing the Boleyn faithful what they had missed in recent weeks as a sublime exhibition of trickery left three opponents looking foolish within seconds of his introduction as a second half substitute.
But West Ham being West Ham, something had to go wrong - and the sight of Manuel Lanzini limping off whilst clutching his thigh after just 39 minutes - in only his second game since returning from injury - was an all-too depressingly familiar sight in a season in which most of the club's key players have suffered from a serious injury at some stage.
The Argentine midfielder joins key men Winston Reid and Diafra Sakho on the sidelines - whilst Alex Song, Angelo Ogbonna, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and the aforementioned Payet have also experienced major injuries this season.
Yet West Ham continue to confound their critics and ended the day sixth in the Premier League - and remain unbeaten since losing at Tottenham back in November, some eight matches previously. Seven of the team's 32 points arrived over Christmas too - hopefully putting to bed the myth that West Ham come down with the Christmas decorations!
Next weekend the FA Cup takes centre stage as West Ham welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Boleyn Ground for the final time before we up sticks and move to Stratford this summer.
There have been some memorable meetings between the two teams over the years, although few will come close to matching the Barclays Division 1 clash in March 1993 when the current Championship side were the first visitors to an emotional Boleyn Ground awash with wreaths and flowers following the untimely death of Bobby Moore.
10 January
It may not have been the most memorable game ever to feature at the Boleyn Ground, but West Ham are in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup after successfully navigating a potential banana skin against Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nikica Jelavic's first goal since moving to east London back in September was good enough to send Slaven Bilic's team through to the next stage of the competition, although a packed Boleyn Ground had to wait until five minutes from the end of normal time to celebrate the game's only goal.
Until that point the 30-year-old striker, signed by West Ham on transfer deadline day last September had been largely anonymous - although that could equally apply to most, if not all of his teammates too. However he was in the right place at the right time to convert Andy Carroll's delivery and send Wolves tumbling out of the Cup.
Although he made a number of changes to his starting XI, Slaven Bilic insisted prior to the game that the competition remains a priority. "Win a Cup and I could hold it up!", he told the media when asked if he'd prefer to win a trophy or qualify for the Champions League. And that was music to the ears of Hammers fans who have been starved of success having witnessed West Ham fail to lift a proper trophy for 35 years (1999's Intertoto Cup success notwithstanding).
For a team with a notable FA Cup pedigree, West Ham's form in recent seasons has been atrocious. The Hammers have progressed beyond the fifth round of the competition just once since appearing in the 2005/06 Final a decade ago - whilst having failed to get past the initial (third round) stage three times in the last four years under Sam Allardyce, whose utter contempt for the Cups was no secret.
Of course Lady Luck has a major role to play in any successful Cup run. Draw the likes of Colchester or Peterborough at home in the next round and you stand a good chance of progressing further; get a trip to The Emirates or the City of Manchester Stadium and your chances are greatly reduced, even if West Ham have won at both already this season!
Following Monday's evening's Cup draw (which takes place live on BBC1), it's off to Bournemouth where West Ham will be attempting to make a better fist of things than the last occasion upon which the two teams met. Back in August, the Cherries secured a surprise 4-3 win at the Boleyn Ground in what was only Bilic's third Premier League game.
Since that disappointment, West Ham have only been beaten twice in the league (by Watford and Tottenham) - a run of 17 games and a very impressive statistic to take into the second half of the campaign.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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With love from Slaven
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic sent Dimitri Payet a text ahead of his Euro 16 debut for France telling him he'll be the best player at the tournament. And Bilic, who is acting as a pundit for ITV during their coverage of the championships also stated how proud he was to boast Friday's night's match-winner in his squad. "Before France played Romania on Friday night, I texted Dimitri Payet to wish him all the best," he said. ""The text read: 'Enjoy it, you have nothing to prove, you are the best player there.' "I wasn't wrong, was I? He was fantastic, not only with his late match-winning goal but overall. France were playing everything through him. And he got his chance because of his brilliant season at West Ham.
"We are proud he is at our club. Some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham, and myself and that if Dimitri continues to play like that, there will be other big clubs circling. "I don't think about that though. We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament. "After that, what happens, happens but we know he is happy at West Ham."
Bilic, who also revealed he tried to sign Payet whilst manager of Besiktas, his previous club, refused to take the credit for Payet's rapid emergence ontot the world stage,
"Since he came to our club he has improved again," he added. "He has matured, he has been consistent. Yes, my staff and I at West Ham have helped him but mainly he's done it himself. "It was easy because his team-mates at West Ham recognised he was that special player. They also saw he was humble, he didn't want special treatment and he was happy to be there. He was also prepared to do the 'dirty' work to the level of his capabilities. "I don't think that his performances will encourage a club bigger than us to try and get him — I just enjoy his football and I am glad for him."
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Zarate surplus to requirements again
KUMB,com
Filed: Monday, 13th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Mauro Zarate could be set to leave Fiorentina this summer - just six months after joining the Serie A side. Slaven Bilic offloaded the Argentine striker during the winter transfer window having been unimpressed by Zarate's contribution during the manager's first six months at West Ham. Since then the 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for La Viola, but crucially scoring just three goals. And fresh reports emerging from Italy (Di Marzio) this weekend suggest that Fiorentina boss Paulo Sousa is already willing to sell the much-travelled forward in order to fund a replacement - such as Partizan youngster Nemanja Mihajlovic. Since leaving Lazio in 2013, where he had spent the preceding five seasons, Zarate has featured for five clubs - including Queens Park Rangers, to whom he was sent on loan by Sam Allardyce in January 2015 before being sent back just two months later. He made just 14 Premier League starts for the Hammers after joining on a free transfer in May 2014.
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Valencia strike fires La Tri into QFs
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia's second goal of the Copa America was the catalyst for Ecuador's 4-0 win against Haiti last night - a victory that sent La Tri into a quarter final clash with hosts USA. The West Ham forward opened his account for the tournament in the 2-2 draw with eventual group winners Peru on Wednesday evening. And he doubled his account in East Rutherford when he scored the first of four goals as Ecuador breezed past the group's whipping boys. Rostov midfielder Christian Noboa was involved in the build-up to the 11th-minute striker which Valencia despatched with aplomb - before strikes from Jaime Ayoví (20 minutes), Christian Noboa (57) and Antonio Valencia (78) sealed the win and secured passage into the competitions' knock-out phase. Peru's surprise 1-0 win over Brazil in Group B's other game ensured they topped the group, leaving La Blanquirroja facing a tie with Colombia in the quarter finals whilst the Brazilians failed to qualify. Ecuador will face the USA this Friday, 17 June
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Ogbonna more than happy in England
by Brian Knox on 12 June 2016 at 12:59pm
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Quoted by Inside Futbol, West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna has played down speculation linking him with a move to Roma. It was reported this week that the 28-year-old, who joined West Ham from Juventus last summer, had courted interest from his former club's Serie A rivals (Gianluca Di Marzio). However, the Italy international, who is with the Azzurri for Euro 2016 and had never played club football outside his country before this past season, says that he has retained no nostalgia for Italian football whatsoever in a claim which is sure to please West Ham supporters. "The English league is very good," he told a press conference, via Inside Futbol."There the players are chosen on the basis of merit; I have no nostalgia for Serie A."
The news will undoubtedly please fans, given how excellent the centre-back looked during his first season in England, but it was also reported by Di Marzio that Chelsea were also interested. Italy manager Antonio Conte will take charge of the Blues this summer following Euro 2016. Ogbonna is a big part of what manager Slaven Bilic is trying to build with the Irons, so keeping him at the club would be a massive priority.
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Gabbiadini Bundesliga bound despite Hammers interest?
by Brian Knox on 12 June 2016 at 2:00pm
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Manolo Gabbiadini seems to be heading to Germany, as Wolfsburg and Schalke 04 emerge as favourites for the Napoli striker. He struggled for playing time this season, mainly thanks to the extraordinary form of record-shattering Gonzalo Higuain. He still managed to score nine goals with three assists in 30 competitive games. As negotiations are at an advanced stage for Pescara hitman Gianluca Lapadula, the 24-year-old is expected to move on. There is interest from Italy with Inter, Milan and his old club Bologna. Premier League sides West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City are also tracking his progress. However, the Corriere dello Sport is confident the Bundesliga will be Gabbiadini's next destination. Wolfsburg had already tried to sign him in January, but they face competition from Schalke 04.
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Hammers up their offer for Lacazette?
by Brian Knox on 13 June 2016 at 11:48am
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham have submitted a club-record £32m bid to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham want to make another big splash in the Ligue 1 market a year after signing Dimitri Payet from Marseille. The Hammers have been linked with a move for Lacazette for much of the summer with the club reportedly having already seen a £26m offer for the striker turned down. However, they have upped their bid to £32m, again reminding Lyon that they are prepared to pay a huge fee for their star striker. Lyon are yet to respond to the offer which they will continue to consider. Despite scoring 23 goals this past season – his third straight season scoring 20+ goals in French football, Lacazette was omitted from France's Euro 2016 squad by manager Didier Deschamps in favour of the likes of Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial.
The 25-year-old striker looks destined to leave Lyon this summer with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal all having been linked with moves for the Frenchman.
West Ham are determined to land a big-money striker before the start of the season and their latest offer for Lacazette is a real statement of intent.
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Feghouli set to agree 3 year deal with Hammers?
by Brian Knox on 13 June 2016 at 11:41am
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Former Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli is expected to join West Ham this summer after agreeing terms to a three-year deal. According to French source L'Equipe, there was a very hotly contested race to sign the attacker the summer who has finally opted for a move to East London with the Hammers. The Algerian international ran down his contract with the La Liga outfit so he could have his pick of clubs this summer and after receiving offers from the likes of Manchester United, Sevilla, Villarreal, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce, Feghouli will join West Ham on a three-year deal. It's understood that the 26-year-old had a sit down with Slaven Bilic, who showed the most desire in securing his signature this summer, and has bought into the project in place at West Ham and impressed with the direction the club are heading in. Feghouli plays primarily as a right-winger but can operate across the attacking midfield line and would offer another goal-threat from that area of the pitch along with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini. The report states that West Ham hope to complete the transfer of Sofiane Feghouli this week which would represent a remarkable coup for the club considering the European interest in his services.
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Slaven Bilic: I texted Dimitri Payet 'you are the best'
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 13/06/16 9:48am
SSN
Slaven Billic has revealed he told Dimitri Payet he was the 'best player' at Euro 2016 before the West Ham midfielder's match-winning performance for France. Payet snatched a 2-1 victory over Romania for the hosts when he found the target with a stunning curling shot in the 89th minute of their opening match of the tournament on Friday night. "Before France played Romania on Friday night, I texted Dimitri Payet to wish him all the best," wrote the Hammers boss in the Daily Mail. "The text read: 'Enjoy it, you have nothing to prove, you are the best player there.' "I wasn't wrong, was I? He was fantastic, not only with his late match-winning goal but overall. France were playing everything through him.
"When he was on the left side they attacked on that side - when he went into the middle they did the same. "It is incredible how, in this strong French team, most of the players, when they had the ball, were looking for Dimitri. It's amazing, particularly because he hasn't been a regular for the French team. He had to prove himself. "He got his chance because of his brilliant season at West Ham. We are proud he is at our club - and, yes, he has a long contract!"
The West Ham boss, who is working as a TV pundit during the tournament, said he is proud to have Payet as a player and added that he does not care if the 29-year-old's starring role for the hosts is likely to attract the attention of other clubs. "Some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham, and myself and that if Dimitri continues to play like that, there will be other big clubs circling. "I don't think about that though. We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament. "After that, what happens, happens but we know he is happy at West Ham."
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Slaven Bilic confirms he wants to sign Atiba Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore for West Ham
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 13/06/16 11:05am
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed he wants to sign Besiktas duo Atiba Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore. Canada international Hutchinson, 33, established himself at Turkish champions Besiktas under Bilic and can play as a holding midfielder or right-back. Tore, 24, once a Chelsea youth team player, is a left winger and Turkey international. "Yes I want Gokhan Tore and Atiba Hutchinson, they are targets," Bilic told Turkish television. "We also have others but they are major targets. "Will it happen? Nobody can say yet but we want him." "I want one transfer for both. More than one thing has to happen for this deal. When a club wants a player it depends on how much [Besiktas] want to sell a player and how much they are asking. "There is a lot written in the Turkish press that is untrue. But I know them [Tore and Hutchinson], I spent two years with them."
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West Ham forward Diafra Sakho tells Slaven Bilic he wants to leave - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 13/06/16 2:30pm
SSN
Diafra Sakho has told Slaven Bilic he wants to leave West Ham this summer, according to Sky sources. Sky sources understand the Hammers forward spoke with Bilic over the weekend and asked to be sold ahead of next season. Sunderland are keen on Sakho and tabled an £11m bid to sign him earlier this month. The 26-year-old was signed by Sam Allardyce, now of Sunderland, from Metz in the summer of 2014 and was the top scorer for West Ham the following season with 12 goals in 26 games. He was not as prolific last term, finishing with seven Premier League goals after missing time between November and March due to a thigh injury.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ in May he was confident of securing a "top class forward" ahead of the club's move to the Olympic Stadium. They have already had bids for Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down, while Sky sources understand they remain interested in Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke.
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Sakho wants to move on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Diafra Sakho has reportedly asked to leave the Irons following what the Mail calls "a revised offer from Sunderland." The report claims Sak and Slaven Bilic have met and the striker has revealed he sees his future away from the club. Sunderland have made a revised offer of around £12m for Sakho with manager Sam Allardyce being reported as keen to get a deal done quickly. However, the Hammers have already told ClaretandHugh that the original bid for the striker was nowhere near the £11m reported earlier and contained clauses which would have seen the striker having to play 30 games a season minimum for them to get the figure. They value Sakho at a minimum of £15m anyway so it seems there may be a long way to go on these negotiations whether Sakho wants a move or not. A source told us this afternoon: "The situation is as it always has been – no players will be leaving this club until we have better players to replace them."
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Hammers linked with Barcelona striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Unfortunately, it is not Neymar or Suarez we have been linked to but a Barcelona B striker called Sandro Ramirez. According to Spanish media outlet 'Sport' West Ham are interested in the services of Ramirez.
The report says sporting director of Barcelona, Robert Fernandez has announced that Sandro Ramirez , has permission to leave Barcelona and seek a new club, they say there have been many clubs which have contacted the player and his representatives to hear their offers.
The twenty year old Barcelona graduate has spent the last two seasons with the Barca first team, making just 17 La Liga appearances.He only scored three goals during 2015-16, a hat trick against Villanovense in the Copa del Rey.
The article says Slaven Bilic has had good scouting reports about the player and, according to the newspaper, they recommended the club make a bid for him. Ramirez is said to have received an offer from Turkish club Galatasary. Spurs were linked with a £10m bid for the striker in the January transfer window. He is thought to be valued at around 8 million Euros.
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Gonzo's "I'm sorry" letter to Slav
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hammers Chat, News, Whispers
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Dear Mr Bilic,
I would like to humbly apologise to you and make an honest admission . . . . . . . . . .I never really wanted you. Before you turn on your heels and walk away in disgust please let me explain.
You were never my first choice Slaven, there is a fella called Rafa Benitez (you may know him, he's friends with Sam Allardyce I think) who has won lots of trophies and he was really my first choice. At one point it actually looked like Rafa was going to arrive but in the end he spurned me and went to Spain to manage his boyhood club who have a really good player with an earing apparently. As it turned out East London was too far away from Spain which is strange because he has since moved to a Championship club in the North East.
Just as I was getting over my rejection it was suggested that Rafa's predecessor Carlo Ancelotti might fancy coming to Green Street directly from Madrid. The word on the grapevine was that he really liked London and still had an apartment here but unfortunately he had a bit of a sore knee so was unable to take the job and instead he went back to his house on Lake Como (strange choice) to await a call from Bayern Munich.
By this point I was starting to get used to rejection but I'd set my eyes on a new potential candidate who was leaving his job in Germany, his club were near the bottom of the league but they used to be decent and that was good enough for me. He had an amusing demeanor, could grow a full beard as opposed to my patchy effort and he managed to look cool in glasses. Unfortunately he decided that he wanted to have a year away from the game and travel the world (it turned out 4 months and a move to Merseyside would suffice) .
I am ashamed to say that even at this desperate stage I still did not want you Slaven, I even posted on the internet that I thought Eddie Howe would be a better match. In all honesty I think I was still wounded from you walking out and leaving us for Everton all those years ago and the way you treated that famous Dutch manger Schteve Van McClaren did you no favours either.
Anyway, I had now set my sights on another famous coach. Well I say famous, I'd never actually heard of him but everyone else said he was really talented and that was a decent enough endorsement. His name was Unai Emery, I thought he sounded a bit odd if I'm honest but he'd just won the UEFA Cup or whatever it's called these days.
I usually think that tournament is a bit crap, it's the one Man U will participate in next season alongside us but who cares . . . a trophy is a trophy right? Our Chairman Mr Sullivan promised to make Emery the 9th highest paid manager in the world which would have been amazing because our last coach was the 13th best manager in the world so I was excited.
You can probably guess what happened next, he turned us down to remain at Sevilla for half the money and contest a trophy called the Champions League which funnily enough doesn't even require it's entrants to be Champions. I could accept that rejection if I'm honest, my third choice was David Moyes and surely he would want the job.
Our owners like to appoint a British manager (with the exception of the Israeli one but that is a very different letter entirely) and surely he would prefer come to East London and be rich rather than fight relegation in Spain and appear in the TV studio.
I was now down to you and some bloke from Marseilles who was a bit of a nutter and could not speak English and it was at this point that I realised you were my man . . . . . . .it was never in doubt.
The truth is that I got it wrong and I hope that you can forgive me, you have given me back my West Ham and I now look forward to every game with a genuine belief that we can win and be entertained at the same time. I love the way you seem to try and play as many attackers as you can and if it's not working you chuck some more on the pitch just for good measure.
Remarkably I'm even excited about the Europa League, you've masterminded victories against Arsenal,Chelsea, City, Man U, Spurs and Liverpool and as a result my normal paranoia and defeatist realism has been replaced with hope.
Thanks for the hope and the happiness Mr Bilic and sorry I thought Eddie Howe was better than you.
Lots of Love
Gonzo
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No delay on Olympic Stadium conversion
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Despite rumours on social media and West Ham chat forums, there will be no delay in finishing the Olympic Stadium before the start of the Premier League season.
Supporters attending the final days of the Farewell Boleyn tour were incorrectly told of possible delays of up to 11 weeks.
It was added that the Premier League would be asked to look at the possibility of playing our first four league games away from home if the stadium was not finished. Both this rumours are not true.
ClaretandHugh understands while building work stopped for seven days to host the AC/DC concert, the stadium is on schedule to host the great Newham run followed by the Athletics anniversary games at the end of July.
Once the athletics finish on Sunday 24th the conversion to football mode can begin which should take a maximum of ten days.
Worst case scenario is the retractable seating is completed on Wednesday 3rd August ready for a Europa League third round match on Thursday 4th August. Should West Ham draw an Europa League home tie on Thursday 28th July they will simply ask UEFA to swap their home and away legs around.
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Winger agrees three year deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2016 in News
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Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli is expected to join West Ham this summer after agreeing terms to a three-year deal. According to French source L'Equipe, the former Valencia winger has opted for a move to East London with the Hammers. It's understood that the 26-year-old had a sit down with Slaven Bilic, who showed the most desire in securing his signature this summer. Feghouli plays primarily as a right-winger but can operate across the attacking midfield line and would offer another goal-threat from that area of the pitch along with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini. The report adds the Irons are expecting to complete the deal this week .
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I texted Dimitri Payet to tell him: 'You are the best player there' before he lit up Euro 2016 - and I'm loving my work as an ITV pundit
Dimitri Payet scored the winning goal for France in Euro 2016 opener
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic not worried about bigger clubs coming in for Payet and insists his star man is happy at the club
Former Croatia manager Bilic impressed by Luka Modric in their win
Bilic gave Modric his debut for Croatia Under 21s
By SLAVEN BILIC FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 June 2016 | UPDATED: 10:47, 13 June 2016
Before France played Romania on Friday night, I texted Dimitri Payet to wish him all the best. The text read: 'Enjoy it, you have nothing to prove, you are the best player there.'
I wasn't wrong, was I? He was fantastic, not only with his late match-winning goal but overall. France were playing everything through him. When he was on the left side they attacked on that side — when he went into the middle they did the same. It is incredible how, in this strong French team, most of the players, when they had the ball, were looking for Dimitri. It's amazing, particularly because he hasn't been a regular for the French team. He had to prove himself. He got his chance because of his brilliant season at West Ham. We are proud he is at our club — and, yes, he has a long contract! He has practically forced the France coach Didier Deschamps to give him an opportunity but up until the other night they were all friendly matches. Everything about him was great, he was making other players better, he was making simple passes, through balls, he was making an assist for Olivier Giroud — and then he was topping it off with that thing; that flick he has done in the middle of the park so many times for West Ham, which is good for the crowd and gives confidence to the team. His goal on Friday night, when it came, was unbelievable. We are all glad for him and that is what he needed. Of course, he isn't going to score like that every time but now I am expecting him to play better and better. And some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham, and myself and that if Dimitri continues to play like that, there will be other big clubs circling. I don't think about that though. We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament. After that, what happens, happens but we know he is happy at West Ham.
I don't think that his performances will encourage a club bigger than us to try and get him — I just enjoy his football and I am glad for him. When I was at the Turkish club Besiktas I tried to get him there but it was quite impossible. He was already playing in a big league for Olympique Marseille, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and he had proved himself for them. OK, he maybe hadn't had such a great season as he went on to have at West Ham but he was a key player for them too. Since he came to our club he has improved again. He has matured, he has been consistent. Yes, I and my staff at the club have helped him but mainly he's done it himself. It was easy because his team-mates at West Ham recognised he was that special player. They also saw he was humble, he didn't want special treatment and he was happy to be there. He was also prepared to do the 'dirty' work to the level of his capabilities.
He will never be a Mark Noble or a Cheikhou Kouyate in a defensive way, but he is always trying, he is coming back into position and pressing when he can. When the other players recognised that, they were more than happy to run a few extra yards to cover him. That is ideal for the manager. I didn't have to tell them, 'Listen, you have to do this or that'. It became natural for them. And Dimitri is like other special players, he is emotional. He cried after he scored that fantastic goal the other night and also when he came off the pitch with a few minutes to go. He knew he had to prove himself. Now he has broken through that barrier. He is one of the lads, though. From what I have seen last season they all like him and because of that, he feels important. They respect him and it is reciprocated.
As for England, I thought they were excellent. OK, Russia were poor but that was because England played so well. They deserved to win, big-time but the problem is that when they say at the end, 'We controlled the game,' that is a delusion. You can be in control only when, in the dying minutes, you are at least two goals up. However, I don't see that England, despite that draw, are under enormous pressure. If I was Roy Hodgson, I would focus totally on the positive. Sometimes, when you are not happy with the result, you will go to the players and say: 'Guys, let's forget about this game, let's put it to bed.' After this game, though, I would say: 'Let's talk about it, because we were good.' I'm enjoying working on the Euros for ITV and being in Paris. My family is here and it good to be with them. It is good to talk about the game with football people. I like to have fun when I do the TV. It is not a seminar — the viewers want to be entertained as well as informed.
Modric the master
Talking about little masters, I watched another one on Sunday — Luka Modric. He is extra special to me because, as the Under-21 coach of Croatia, I gave him his first cap when he was two years younger than the rest — and then made him captain because I saw he was responsible and reliable. Luka is a magnificent player, not only with his skill when he has the ball but with his incredible thirst for work when the opposition have possession. He tracks back, he doesn't stop for 90 minutes, he gives everything on the pitch and not all players of his kind are prepared to do that. I was privileged last week to present him with his Croatian player of the year award in Zagreb.
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Diafra Sakho hands Slaven Bilic huge blow as he asks to leave West Ham United following more interest from Sunderland
Diafra Sakho has attracted a revised bid from Premier League Sunderland
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:29, 13 June 2016 | UPDATED: 14:37, 13 June 2016
Diafra Sakho has asked to leave West Ham after Sunderland put in a revised bid for the striker. The 26-year-old has spoken to manager Slaven Bilic and told him that he sees his future away from West Ham as the club continue to press to recruit more forwards. West Ham have made a revised offer for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, remain in talks over Valencia free agent Sofiane Feghouli while Bilic has confirmed his desire to bring in Gokhan Toure and 33-year-old right-back Atiba Hutchinson from Besiktas. Sunderland have made a revised offer of around £12million for Sakho and manager Sam Allardyce is keen to get a deal done quickly. Sakho has spoken to Allardyce and is keen on the chance of more regular football at the Stadium of Light. He has scored 19 goals in 49 games since joining from Metz for £3.5million and has interest from other clubs such as West Brom, Crystal Palace and clubs abroad but is hopeful of West Ham agreeing a deal with Sunderland. Allardyce, who has an interest in Rennes defender Cheikh M'Bengue, has released Steven Fletcher who is weighing up offers from abroad while Danny Graham has also been released and has spoken to Celtic and Blackburn Rovers. Wes Brown and goalkeeper Steve Harper were also released last week while Allardyce is looking to sell Jeremain Lens, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jordi Gomez, Liam Bridcutt, Will Buckley, Adam Matthews and Santiago Vergini.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 14
Monday, June 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th June 2016
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I was very excited to see the European Championship Finals get underway and it promises to be a great spectacle over the next few weeks. It was a dream start for France on Friday night and a memorable game for Dimitri Payet who showed once again why he is a superstar. The performance was just stunning and as our manager Slaven Bilic said, he would have been the man of the match before his outstanding winner. We have seen many times at West Ham the magic that he can create and with one of the last kicks of the game, he produced an exceptional piece of skill to win the opening game for the host nation. We could all see the emotion from Dimitri and what it meant for him to score such an important goal. It was just rewards for all the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and he is an exceptional talent. I tweeted that he has made every West Ham United fan proud and I am sure he will have a great tournament. It is also going to be a big day for Darren Randolph on Monday when the Republic of Ireland play their first game against Sweden. His story is not too different from Michail Antonio when they both arrived at West Ham summer. Both players have come from the lower leagues and have had to fight their way into the first-team. Darren has certainly showed his quality when he was called into action and went one stage further when he broke into the national side and played his part in a famous victory over Germany to help Ireland reach the Finals in France. I hope he is rewarded by getting a starting place in the first game on Monday. I also hope James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna enjoy their time in France and I want to wish all of our players the best of luck. It is a pleasure to see internationals at our football club playing at the highest level.
This has been another big week with the release of our new away kit for next season. It will not be long before the players are wearing it and everything is building up nicely for our historic move during the summer. The new fixtures are being released on Wednesday and I am sure that all the fans will be excited to see what our first game is going to be at the new Stadium. I am also sure that fans up and down the country will also be looking out for when their team are going to be playing West Ham as they look forwar d to attending our new home. There is so much going on with the seeding of the pitch for the first time and banners being put up around the Stadium. Our staff will be moving in shortly and we will then be preparing for the start of the Europa League and our big opening ceremony when we face Juventus in a mouthwatering friendly. We are all very excited over the big move and we are making history. I would like to thank all the supporters who have been taking part in the club's auction this week and it shows how the fans feel about our great football club. I am sure the items they have purchased will stay in the family for years to come. Finally, I want to assure our fans that we are continuing to work hard behind the scenes as we look to bring in new players.
There is a lot of hard work involved, but David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic will be doing everything to bring in the players we need to help us grow even stronger. Thank you once again for your magnificent support and coming in your numbers to help us make this historic move into the new Stadium.
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Randolph - We are ready for Ibrahimovic
WHUFC.com
Randolph keeps getting asked how his team will stop Ibrahimovic
Darren Randolph is eagerly awaiting the opening game for the Republic of Ireland when they play Sweden in the Stade de France on Monday and says they are ready to face Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Hammers keeper is well aware of the threat that the Swedish superstar poses to his side but says they have the quality to keep him at bay. Randolph is preparing to feature in his first major tournament, but says his team-mates are full of confidence and hopes the impressive team spirit will see them reach the latter stages of the competition. The 29 year old will never forget playing his part in a famous victory over Germany in the Euro Qualifiers and feels Ireland showed that night that they can be a match for any team in Europe. Randolph said: "If we can get any kind of result from the opening game against Sweden, than anything is possible after that considering how we have performed against the bigger teams. "The one question people keep asking me all the time is how you stop Ibrahimovic and he has proved time and time again how good he is. "He is obviously their danger man and if we can manage to keep him quiet during the game then we have got a chance of getting a good result. "We all should take a lot of satisfaction from the Germany result. We managed to qualify through the play-offs and should be proud of what we achieved. "It is going to be a very tough group but you want to play against the best teams in the tournament."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Irish Independent sports news editor and Hammers fan Shane Scanlon on Darren Randolph's rise to prominence for his home country...
According to celebrated spy novelist Tom Clancy, an overnight success is 'Ten years in the making' and I don't think Darren Randolph would disagree much.
Randolph is living proof that patience does have its reward and, having being an integral part of football history at the Boleyn Ground over the past year, fans on this side of the Irish Sea are hoping their No1 goalkeeper can write more of his own in the immediate future.
The 29-year-old headed to France as the first West Ham United player to line out for the Republic of Ireland at a European Championship finals and buoyed by a season full of landmarks, the Bray, County Wicklow native will be determined to leave his own imprint on Euro 2016.
Randolph is a fine example to all young players – especially goalkeepers – that no matter what type of knocks you suffer early in your career, you must get back up and work hard to achieve your goals.
The son of an American collegiate basketball star who came to Ireland during the 1980s to play basketball professionally (Ed Randolph), Martin O'Neill's recently-promoted No1 actually became a goalkeeper almost as an afterthought. Having played basketball for Ireland throughout his mid-teens as well as Gaelic Football in Wicklow, the 6'2" powerhouse soon accepted that he would not be tall enough to realise his NBA dream and changed his focus.
He was 16 when he agreed to head for England sign for Charlton and following a few loan spells – at Welling United, Accrington Stanley, and Gillingham – he made his Premier League debut the day after this 20th birthday at Anfield in May 2007. He performed well in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, but Charlton were already relegated, and he would wait more than eight years for his second Premier League appearance.
In the interim, his journey took him to the lower leagues with Bury and Hereford United but it was a free transfer to Motherwell which ultimately proved the making of him. A solid three years north of the border, in which he set a clean-sheet record for the Scottish club, earned him a senior Ireland debut under Giovanni Trapattoni in a 4-1 friendly win over Oman in London in September 2012.
From there, he joined Birmingham City in 2013 before West Ham came calling last summer. It has proved a fruitful move for the player, and for club and country.
He made his Premier League return last August, against Bournemouth, and while he has played understudy to the ever-consistent Adrian, he has clearly benefited from the Spaniard's expert tutelage. His superb displays for the Irons in a FA Cup run to the quarter-finals earned plenty of plaudits – his man-of-the-match performance which saw him deny Liverpool in Anfield proving the highlight.
For Ireland supporters, however, it's not his saves but a goal assist that has, so far, proved the stand-out moment.
When Germany visited Dublin last October, O'Neill started Shay Given against the world champions, but when the veteran 'keeper came off injured at the end of the first half, the manager – to the surprise of many – turned to Randolph as his replacement. He instantly rewarded that faith with good stops to deny Jerome Boateng and Thomas Müller, before his shrewd punt upfield was seized upon by Shane Long who raced clear and fired to the net to give Ireland a famous victory.
It might not have been a typical Dmitri Payet or Mark Noble assist, but it showed he's clearly learning from his West Ham midfield colleagues – if he continues to do so in a green shirt, expect more Ireland supporters to make the journey to see him in action at the Hammers' new Stadium.
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Dimitri Payet LOVES to train - and puts on weight when he stops, reveals Slaven Bilic
19:47, 12 JUN 2016 UPDATED 19:49, 12 JUN 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The West Ham playmaker scored a sensational winner in France's Euro 2016 opener to cap his brilliant all-round performance
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has piled praise on Dimitri Payet – then revealed his West Ham star piles on the pounds if he is not watching his weight. The Hammers playmaker scored a sensational winner in France's Euro 2016 opener to cap his brilliant all-round performance. The only downside for the East London club will be the attention the Reunion Island native will have attracted from big-money clubs around the world. Bilic wanted to sign the former Marseille star for Besiktas – and said he was his first choice signing at Upton Park when he arrived last summer. And the former Croatia boss said: "Players are sometimes good but arrogant. It is not the case with him. He is calm and loves to train. In fact, when he stops, he puts on weight - I have told him. And then he is no longer the same."He has to be in perfect condition and we saw that against Romania. It is for that reason he can get there have 10 centimetres before to play the ball. To find this space, you have to be fit."
Payet left the pitch at the Stade de France in tears on Friday night to massive applause. Despite his sparkling Premier League form, he was only recalled by Didier Deschamps in March and was not sure of his place in the squad for his home tournament. "It has not been easy for Dimi," Bilic told L'Equipe. "He had to prove himself to return to Les Bleus. He was not signed by Barcelona, Madrid, City, Arsenal or Chelsea, etc. "West Ham is a good club but it is not a big club. Everyone thought that the France team was finished for him. But he has had an unbelievable impact on the Premier League which forced Deschamps to give him another chance. "He had to earn it. If he played really well in the friendlies, that was more in the individual context where you had to prove you deserved a place. "This time, it was for the whole country, for the team in an official match. That is why the emotion took over and he thought about all that."
West Ham looked to protect their investment by awarding Payet a new five-year contract in February. Bilic added: "I have coached some great players but his first touch is incredible. Like Modric, he doesn't even have to think about it, it is natural. "He receives the ball and it doesn't matter the weight of the pass, his control is magnificent. He does the simple things even if, sometimes, he looks for the killer pass too quickly. He is a guy who wins you matches."
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Irons linked with £8m bid for Spanish midfielder
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are on the trail of Celta Vigo star Nolito, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People today suggesting West Ham are considering a £8m bid for the attacking midfielder.
Bilic is said to be keen to land former Barcelona and Benfica star Nolito, who played in Spain's friendly win over England last November. The talented attacking midfielder has scored 12 goals in 26 La Liga games this season.
Nolito has admitted to hitting a stumbling block in his talks over a new contract with Celta Vigo, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona all linked in the player. The 29-year-old has been in superb form this season.
Tha player said last year on renewing his contract:"There is a detail that is not resolved and while it is not settled, I will not sign. I have a three-and-a-half year contract and a [release] clause of 18 million [euros].If someday I'm wanted by a team, [they can] come speak with Celta and pay what you have to pay."
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Bilic on transfers: "We are not panicking"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that West Ham made attempts to bring in new signings prior to Euro 2016 but found it "impossible" to conclude any deals.
The Hammers are thought to have made a £31 million offer for Alexandre Lacazette only for it to be turned down, they then made a £16m bid for Carlos Bacca. We also enquired about the availability of Jamie Vardy prepared to pay his £25m release clause to Leicester.
Bilic has previously denied we had £31.5m bid for Michy Batshuayi turned down saying "It is simply not true that we have made a bid. What's in the papers is not true."
Slaven Bilic who is a TV pundit for Euro 2016 told ITV Sport: "We tried to do some business before the Euros but it was impossible. But as I said to the chairmen we are not panicking.
"We have a good team. If we can add something to that team to make it better then okay. We've been monitoring the players throughout the season. We aren't going to judge these players just based on their performance at the European Championships. It will help us to make our decision."
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Reports link Payet with PSG, Chelsea & Man City
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It was only a matter of time until the media stories started. Since scoring this wonder goal for France he has been linked with with PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.
A report in the Daily Telegraph is linking Dimitri Payet with a move to Paris Saint-Germain claiming West Ham's attacking midfielder Payet is being 'carefully watched' by the French champions this summer.
The reports says 'PSG are carefully watching Dimitri Payet and will have only been impressed by the West Ham star`s spectacular winning goal for France. Payet only signed a new £125,000-a-week contract at West Ham in February, but that will not stop PSG making a bid over £30m for the 29-year-old if he continues to shine.'
Sky Italia reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio has reported Chelsea are interested in Payet suggesting they have inquired about his availability.
And according to Spanish football magazine, Don Balon, Pep Guardiola has also identified Dimitri Payet as his marquee summer signing when he joins Manchester City on 1st July.
As the Euro 16 tournament and France progress, we can expect more coverage, unwanted attention and links to the majority of Europe's top clubs who have qualified for the Champions League.
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French go crazy for West Ham's Payet song
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
French football supporters have adopted a French version of West Ham's Payet song as the hero of their opening game receives cult status in the home nation of Euro 16.
The french version of the song goes "Nous avons Payet. Dimitri Payet. On ne sait pas si vous vous rendez compte. C'est l'homme de Super Slaven Il est meilleur que Zidane"
Translated back it English it means "We have Payet. Dimitri Payet. We don't know if you realize it. He's the man of Super Slaven . He is better than Zidane."
The Dimtri Payet song was born at the Crystal Palace v West Ham victory on 17th October 2015. Based on the Billy Ray Cyrus 1992 hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' which won him the Grammy record of the year.
West Ham Lyrics:"We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet! I just don't think you understand. He's Super Slavs man, he's better than Zidane. We've got Dimtri Payet!"
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Gold gives Olympic Stadium update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has dismissed rumours that the Olympic Stadium building programme is twelve weeks behind schedule and could be late for the start of the beginning of the Premier League season which starts on Saturday 13th August.
Asked by one West Ham supporter "Is it true the OS is 12 weeks behind? and might not be ready for the start of the new season"
Gold responded "This is not true. The OS is on schedule. dg"
later repeating "The new stadium is on schedule. dg" to another fan.
The Chairman also confirmed although the current capacity of the stadium remains at 54,000 he is confident it will be increased for 60,000 in time for West Ham's first Premier League home game in August.
Gold tweeted "The capacity is currently 54K it will be increased to 60K for our first home game in the Premier League. dg"
Claret and Hugh understand that the Juventus friendly and any third round Europa league game will be restricted to a 54,000 capacity but it should be just a formality to get a new safety certificate approving a revised capacity of 60,000 before the start of the Premier League season.
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Boleyn Ground closes its doors today
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham hotel based at the Boleyn Ground will close it's doors today for the last time when guests check out at 11am this morning. Built in 2001 with the new West Ham which was opened by the Queen, the three-star hotel has 60 rooms which doubled as corporate boxes on match days. Originally the hotel was run directly by West Ham but they contracted out to their catering partner Elinor UK in 2012 in an overall deal worth £5m per year.
This morning at 11am also marks the start of the very final stadium tour of the Boleyn Ground. Thousands of supporters have paid £25 each to take a stadium tour over the last twelve months.
Last week also saw the final pitch event to be staged at the Boleyn ground. The charity match in aid Isala's smiles and the Jackson's smile foundation was played on Monday evening at 7pm and raised £6,000.
The stadium will now be stripped bare of anything and everything that can be sold before demolition starts later this year.
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Fresh hope on Lacazette?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alexandre Lacazette has produced a thundering round of approval for Dimi Payet which may even yet persuade him to trust his future to West Ham.
Dimi really has shaken up the world with his astonishing performance for the French in the opening game of Euro 2016 and like the rest of the world Lacazette the French striker was incredibly impressed.
In a tweet he screamed "Payeeeeeeeet" folowed by eight smileys and the French flag – all of which could be great news for the Irons.
Lacazette is still considering his next move but it seems certain he will be leaving Lyon this summer and Payet's displays could well have a bearing on his final destination.
David Sulivan made it clear to ClaretandHugh that Dimi is going nowhere and the club refuse to give up the chase for Lacazette so hope springs eternal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
I was very excited to see the European Championship Finals get underway and it promises to be a great spectacle over the next few weeks. It was a dream start for France on Friday night and a memorable game for Dimitri Payet who showed once again why he is a superstar. The performance was just stunning and as our manager Slaven Bilic said, he would have been the man of the match before his outstanding winner. We have seen many times at West Ham the magic that he can create and with one of the last kicks of the game, he produced an exceptional piece of skill to win the opening game for the host nation. We could all see the emotion from Dimitri and what it meant for him to score such an important goal. It was just rewards for all the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and he is an exceptional talent. I tweeted that he has made every West Ham United fan proud and I am sure he will have a great tournament. It is also going to be a big day for Darren Randolph on Monday when the Republic of Ireland play their first game against Sweden. His story is not too different from Michail Antonio when they both arrived at West Ham summer. Both players have come from the lower leagues and have had to fight their way into the first-team. Darren has certainly showed his quality when he was called into action and went one stage further when he broke into the national side and played his part in a famous victory over Germany to help Ireland reach the Finals in France. I hope he is rewarded by getting a starting place in the first game on Monday. I also hope James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna enjoy their time in France and I want to wish all of our players the best of luck. It is a pleasure to see internationals at our football club playing at the highest level.
This has been another big week with the release of our new away kit for next season. It will not be long before the players are wearing it and everything is building up nicely for our historic move during the summer. The new fixtures are being released on Wednesday and I am sure that all the fans will be excited to see what our first game is going to be at the new Stadium. I am also sure that fans up and down the country will also be looking out for when their team are going to be playing West Ham as they look forwar d to attending our new home. There is so much going on with the seeding of the pitch for the first time and banners being put up around the Stadium. Our staff will be moving in shortly and we will then be preparing for the start of the Europa League and our big opening ceremony when we face Juventus in a mouthwatering friendly. We are all very excited over the big move and we are making history. I would like to thank all the supporters who have been taking part in the club's auction this week and it shows how the fans feel about our great football club. I am sure the items they have purchased will stay in the family for years to come. Finally, I want to assure our fans that we are continuing to work hard behind the scenes as we look to bring in new players.
There is a lot of hard work involved, but David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic will be doing everything to bring in the players we need to help us grow even stronger. Thank you once again for your magnificent support and coming in your numbers to help us make this historic move into the new Stadium.
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Randolph - We are ready for Ibrahimovic
WHUFC.com
Randolph keeps getting asked how his team will stop Ibrahimovic
Darren Randolph is eagerly awaiting the opening game for the Republic of Ireland when they play Sweden in the Stade de France on Monday and says they are ready to face Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Hammers keeper is well aware of the threat that the Swedish superstar poses to his side but says they have the quality to keep him at bay. Randolph is preparing to feature in his first major tournament, but says his team-mates are full of confidence and hopes the impressive team spirit will see them reach the latter stages of the competition. The 29 year old will never forget playing his part in a famous victory over Germany in the Euro Qualifiers and feels Ireland showed that night that they can be a match for any team in Europe. Randolph said: "If we can get any kind of result from the opening game against Sweden, than anything is possible after that considering how we have performed against the bigger teams. "The one question people keep asking me all the time is how you stop Ibrahimovic and he has proved time and time again how good he is. "He is obviously their danger man and if we can manage to keep him quiet during the game then we have got a chance of getting a good result. "We all should take a lot of satisfaction from the Germany result. We managed to qualify through the play-offs and should be proud of what we achieved. "It is going to be a very tough group but you want to play against the best teams in the tournament."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Irish Independent sports news editor and Hammers fan Shane Scanlon on Darren Randolph's rise to prominence for his home country...
According to celebrated spy novelist Tom Clancy, an overnight success is 'Ten years in the making' and I don't think Darren Randolph would disagree much.
Randolph is living proof that patience does have its reward and, having being an integral part of football history at the Boleyn Ground over the past year, fans on this side of the Irish Sea are hoping their No1 goalkeeper can write more of his own in the immediate future.
The 29-year-old headed to France as the first West Ham United player to line out for the Republic of Ireland at a European Championship finals and buoyed by a season full of landmarks, the Bray, County Wicklow native will be determined to leave his own imprint on Euro 2016.
Randolph is a fine example to all young players – especially goalkeepers – that no matter what type of knocks you suffer early in your career, you must get back up and work hard to achieve your goals.
The son of an American collegiate basketball star who came to Ireland during the 1980s to play basketball professionally (Ed Randolph), Martin O'Neill's recently-promoted No1 actually became a goalkeeper almost as an afterthought. Having played basketball for Ireland throughout his mid-teens as well as Gaelic Football in Wicklow, the 6'2" powerhouse soon accepted that he would not be tall enough to realise his NBA dream and changed his focus.
He was 16 when he agreed to head for England sign for Charlton and following a few loan spells – at Welling United, Accrington Stanley, and Gillingham – he made his Premier League debut the day after this 20th birthday at Anfield in May 2007. He performed well in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, but Charlton were already relegated, and he would wait more than eight years for his second Premier League appearance.
In the interim, his journey took him to the lower leagues with Bury and Hereford United but it was a free transfer to Motherwell which ultimately proved the making of him. A solid three years north of the border, in which he set a clean-sheet record for the Scottish club, earned him a senior Ireland debut under Giovanni Trapattoni in a 4-1 friendly win over Oman in London in September 2012.
From there, he joined Birmingham City in 2013 before West Ham came calling last summer. It has proved a fruitful move for the player, and for club and country.
He made his Premier League return last August, against Bournemouth, and while he has played understudy to the ever-consistent Adrian, he has clearly benefited from the Spaniard's expert tutelage. His superb displays for the Irons in a FA Cup run to the quarter-finals earned plenty of plaudits – his man-of-the-match performance which saw him deny Liverpool in Anfield proving the highlight.
For Ireland supporters, however, it's not his saves but a goal assist that has, so far, proved the stand-out moment.
When Germany visited Dublin last October, O'Neill started Shay Given against the world champions, but when the veteran 'keeper came off injured at the end of the first half, the manager – to the surprise of many – turned to Randolph as his replacement. He instantly rewarded that faith with good stops to deny Jerome Boateng and Thomas Müller, before his shrewd punt upfield was seized upon by Shane Long who raced clear and fired to the net to give Ireland a famous victory.
It might not have been a typical Dmitri Payet or Mark Noble assist, but it showed he's clearly learning from his West Ham midfield colleagues – if he continues to do so in a green shirt, expect more Ireland supporters to make the journey to see him in action at the Hammers' new Stadium.
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Dimitri Payet LOVES to train - and puts on weight when he stops, reveals Slaven Bilic
19:47, 12 JUN 2016 UPDATED 19:49, 12 JUN 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The West Ham playmaker scored a sensational winner in France's Euro 2016 opener to cap his brilliant all-round performance
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has piled praise on Dimitri Payet – then revealed his West Ham star piles on the pounds if he is not watching his weight. The Hammers playmaker scored a sensational winner in France's Euro 2016 opener to cap his brilliant all-round performance. The only downside for the East London club will be the attention the Reunion Island native will have attracted from big-money clubs around the world. Bilic wanted to sign the former Marseille star for Besiktas – and said he was his first choice signing at Upton Park when he arrived last summer. And the former Croatia boss said: "Players are sometimes good but arrogant. It is not the case with him. He is calm and loves to train. In fact, when he stops, he puts on weight - I have told him. And then he is no longer the same."He has to be in perfect condition and we saw that against Romania. It is for that reason he can get there have 10 centimetres before to play the ball. To find this space, you have to be fit."
Payet left the pitch at the Stade de France in tears on Friday night to massive applause. Despite his sparkling Premier League form, he was only recalled by Didier Deschamps in March and was not sure of his place in the squad for his home tournament. "It has not been easy for Dimi," Bilic told L'Equipe. "He had to prove himself to return to Les Bleus. He was not signed by Barcelona, Madrid, City, Arsenal or Chelsea, etc. "West Ham is a good club but it is not a big club. Everyone thought that the France team was finished for him. But he has had an unbelievable impact on the Premier League which forced Deschamps to give him another chance. "He had to earn it. If he played really well in the friendlies, that was more in the individual context where you had to prove you deserved a place. "This time, it was for the whole country, for the team in an official match. That is why the emotion took over and he thought about all that."
West Ham looked to protect their investment by awarding Payet a new five-year contract in February. Bilic added: "I have coached some great players but his first touch is incredible. Like Modric, he doesn't even have to think about it, it is natural. "He receives the ball and it doesn't matter the weight of the pass, his control is magnificent. He does the simple things even if, sometimes, he looks for the killer pass too quickly. He is a guy who wins you matches."
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Irons linked with £8m bid for Spanish midfielder
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are on the trail of Celta Vigo star Nolito, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People today suggesting West Ham are considering a £8m bid for the attacking midfielder.
Bilic is said to be keen to land former Barcelona and Benfica star Nolito, who played in Spain's friendly win over England last November. The talented attacking midfielder has scored 12 goals in 26 La Liga games this season.
Nolito has admitted to hitting a stumbling block in his talks over a new contract with Celta Vigo, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona all linked in the player. The 29-year-old has been in superb form this season.
Tha player said last year on renewing his contract:"There is a detail that is not resolved and while it is not settled, I will not sign. I have a three-and-a-half year contract and a [release] clause of 18 million [euros].If someday I'm wanted by a team, [they can] come speak with Celta and pay what you have to pay."
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Bilic on transfers: "We are not panicking"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that West Ham made attempts to bring in new signings prior to Euro 2016 but found it "impossible" to conclude any deals.
The Hammers are thought to have made a £31 million offer for Alexandre Lacazette only for it to be turned down, they then made a £16m bid for Carlos Bacca. We also enquired about the availability of Jamie Vardy prepared to pay his £25m release clause to Leicester.
Bilic has previously denied we had £31.5m bid for Michy Batshuayi turned down saying "It is simply not true that we have made a bid. What's in the papers is not true."
Slaven Bilic who is a TV pundit for Euro 2016 told ITV Sport: "We tried to do some business before the Euros but it was impossible. But as I said to the chairmen we are not panicking.
"We have a good team. If we can add something to that team to make it better then okay. We've been monitoring the players throughout the season. We aren't going to judge these players just based on their performance at the European Championships. It will help us to make our decision."
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Reports link Payet with PSG, Chelsea & Man City
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It was only a matter of time until the media stories started. Since scoring this wonder goal for France he has been linked with with PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.
A report in the Daily Telegraph is linking Dimitri Payet with a move to Paris Saint-Germain claiming West Ham's attacking midfielder Payet is being 'carefully watched' by the French champions this summer.
The reports says 'PSG are carefully watching Dimitri Payet and will have only been impressed by the West Ham star`s spectacular winning goal for France. Payet only signed a new £125,000-a-week contract at West Ham in February, but that will not stop PSG making a bid over £30m for the 29-year-old if he continues to shine.'
Sky Italia reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio has reported Chelsea are interested in Payet suggesting they have inquired about his availability.
And according to Spanish football magazine, Don Balon, Pep Guardiola has also identified Dimitri Payet as his marquee summer signing when he joins Manchester City on 1st July.
As the Euro 16 tournament and France progress, we can expect more coverage, unwanted attention and links to the majority of Europe's top clubs who have qualified for the Champions League.
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French go crazy for West Ham's Payet song
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
French football supporters have adopted a French version of West Ham's Payet song as the hero of their opening game receives cult status in the home nation of Euro 16.
The french version of the song goes "Nous avons Payet. Dimitri Payet. On ne sait pas si vous vous rendez compte. C'est l'homme de Super Slaven Il est meilleur que Zidane"
Translated back it English it means "We have Payet. Dimitri Payet. We don't know if you realize it. He's the man of Super Slaven . He is better than Zidane."
The Dimtri Payet song was born at the Crystal Palace v West Ham victory on 17th October 2015. Based on the Billy Ray Cyrus 1992 hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' which won him the Grammy record of the year.
West Ham Lyrics:"We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet! I just don't think you understand. He's Super Slavs man, he's better than Zidane. We've got Dimtri Payet!"
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Gold gives Olympic Stadium update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has dismissed rumours that the Olympic Stadium building programme is twelve weeks behind schedule and could be late for the start of the beginning of the Premier League season which starts on Saturday 13th August.
Asked by one West Ham supporter "Is it true the OS is 12 weeks behind? and might not be ready for the start of the new season"
Gold responded "This is not true. The OS is on schedule. dg"
later repeating "The new stadium is on schedule. dg" to another fan.
The Chairman also confirmed although the current capacity of the stadium remains at 54,000 he is confident it will be increased for 60,000 in time for West Ham's first Premier League home game in August.
Gold tweeted "The capacity is currently 54K it will be increased to 60K for our first home game in the Premier League. dg"
Claret and Hugh understand that the Juventus friendly and any third round Europa league game will be restricted to a 54,000 capacity but it should be just a formality to get a new safety certificate approving a revised capacity of 60,000 before the start of the Premier League season.
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Boleyn Ground closes its doors today
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham hotel based at the Boleyn Ground will close it's doors today for the last time when guests check out at 11am this morning. Built in 2001 with the new West Ham which was opened by the Queen, the three-star hotel has 60 rooms which doubled as corporate boxes on match days. Originally the hotel was run directly by West Ham but they contracted out to their catering partner Elinor UK in 2012 in an overall deal worth £5m per year.
This morning at 11am also marks the start of the very final stadium tour of the Boleyn Ground. Thousands of supporters have paid £25 each to take a stadium tour over the last twelve months.
Last week also saw the final pitch event to be staged at the Boleyn ground. The charity match in aid Isala's smiles and the Jackson's smile foundation was played on Monday evening at 7pm and raised £6,000.
The stadium will now be stripped bare of anything and everything that can be sold before demolition starts later this year.
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Fresh hope on Lacazette?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alexandre Lacazette has produced a thundering round of approval for Dimi Payet which may even yet persuade him to trust his future to West Ham.
Dimi really has shaken up the world with his astonishing performance for the French in the opening game of Euro 2016 and like the rest of the world Lacazette the French striker was incredibly impressed.
In a tweet he screamed "Payeeeeeeeet" folowed by eight smileys and the French flag – all of which could be great news for the Irons.
Lacazette is still considering his next move but it seems certain he will be leaving Lyon this summer and Payet's displays could well have a bearing on his final destination.
David Sulivan made it clear to ClaretandHugh that Dimi is going nowhere and the club refuse to give up the chase for Lacazette so hope springs eternal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2016
Sensational Payet fires France to victory
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet scores sensational winner to fire France to 2-1 victory over
Romania
West Ham star also sets up opening goal for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
Les Bleus open Group A with a valuable victory in Paris
Dimitri Payet made the whole of Europe understand as he produced a
sensational match-winning performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
win over Romania. The Hammer of the Year produced a fantastic individual
display to set up Les Bleus opening goal for Olivier Giroud before blasting
home a wonderful 89th minute winner at the Stade de France. Payet was
impressive all game long, and could have had chalked up a succession of
assists before Giroud headed home his country's 57th-minute opener. Romania
equalised eight minutes later through Nicolae Stanciu's penalty, but Payet
was not to be denied as he scored a Goal of the Tournament contender with a
minute of normal time remaining. Having scored six free-kicks with his right
foot, Payet added to his left-foot assist with a truly world-class
long-range drive with the same left foot to get his nation off to a winning
start in Paris. The goal sent the home fans – as well as ITV pundit and
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and West Ham United fans everywhere – wild and
set Payet's country off to the perfect start in their home tournament. A
pre-match Twitter poll @whufc_official saw 36% of Hammers fans predict Payet
would chalk up a goal and an assist against the Romanians – who included
former West Ham full-back Razvan Rat in their starting XI – and they were
proved correct as the France No8 produced another virtuoso display.
Former France international Thierry Henry believes Payet had a major point
to prove after missing out on a place in the squad for the World Cup Finals
two years ago. Henry said: "Dimitri Payet thought he was going to the 2014
World Cup in Brazil. He was involved in every qualifying game but they took
that away from him. "Tonight you saw a man who was hurt. He was saying with
that performance 'you didn't take me to the World Cup and I am going to show
you'. He wanted every single ball. You can't win a game by yourself. but
that strike... oh my gosh. "No one is going to take what is happening to
him now away from him. He showed tremendous desire. He was the one that
drove the team forward."
The French, who also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home turf, face Albania
in Marseille in their second Group A fixture on Wednesday 15 June before
closing out the opening round against Switzerland in Lille on Sunday 19
June.
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Bilic hails 'amazing' Payet
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed Dimitri Payet after his West Ham United charge produced
a 'Man of the Match' performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
Group A win over Romania. Payet lit up the Stade de France with a fine
assist for Olivier Giroud and sensational 89th-minute winner from 30 yards,
but it was his all-round contribution that impressed his Club manager most.
The Hammers boss watched the game closely as part of the ITV broadcasting
team in the French capital, where he also created headlines with his
insightful punditry, among other things! "Dimi would be man of the match
anyway (before the goal)," said Bilic, who explained how important Friday's
game was to Payet, who forced his way back into the France set-up during a
sensational debut season in Claret and Blue. "He was the best man on the
pitch, not just his assist but also his skill. "Sometimes it doesn't produce
a lot of things, but the things he did on the halfway line that lift the
crowd and the team and everything. The goal was amazing and of course we are
very glad for him. "It was a big-time emotional game for him, because he has
proved himself in England, but he needed to do that extra thing for France
in a competitive game."
While he had been capped previously, Payet lost his place in the
national-team set-up in recent years, despite his outstanding form for
former club Marseille. However, a combination of his own wonderful displays
for West Ham and the absence of Franck Ribery, Mathieu Valbuena and Karim
Benzema from the squad gave Payet the opportunity he needed. On Friday, he
took that opportunity in the full glare of European football, producing a
virtuoso performance in a midfield and attack that included a host of big
names. "He's a great player and it's great for West Ham that he is our
player," said Bilic. "He just forced the coach to put him in. Don't forget
that in Brazil in the World Cup, everyone was saying something positive
about France, that it was a new France and all that, but he lost his whole
attack – Ribery, Valbuena, Benzema. "He had to find new ones, so I really
don't think Payet is a perfect player on paper for Deschamps, who likes
players who run behind, but Payet with his unbelievable ability and
unbelievable season forced him [to pick him]. "I'm not just talking about
the free-kicks, it's more than that. The amount of influence he can have on
Giroud and Griezmann and especially Matuidi and Pogba, who are great at
running without the ball into the box like Frank Lampard did, with his
passing, he is their main player. He forced Deschamps to put him in the
team."
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Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com
The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July
The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family.
Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her Mum and Dad
when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared in an
episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has greatly
improved.
The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to represent her
country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.
The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions.
"I still participate now. The season just finished went really well, I've
really enjoyed every minute of it to be honest. The whole experience, the
new skills and the new people I've met have all been amazing."After I'd left
home, my parents did stay in contact, but now I'm living independently we're
all trying to rebuild that relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're
getting on really good."
In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign.
There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie, whose talent has
shone through during the training sessions.
She continued: "Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met
them and I was really, really over the moon, I was speechless!
"They gave loads of tips, and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're
doing.
"I was quite nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of
the Day was a dream come true, it was really amazing."
After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us.
"Showing our support hopefully gives them more of a drive and gives them
that self-belief.
"It's not easy to get the right opportunities in life but as long as you're
determined and willing to push yourself, it can be done."
West Ham United Foundation chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's
sentiments saying: "This is a fantastic example of how the work we're
carrying out is a real long-term journey for our participants.
"Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just shows that the right kind of
intervention can help change young people's lives! To go from being homeless
to representing England in a football tournament, just shows local young
people that anything is possible."
The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it.
"Projects like Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in
situations like myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what
they can do, I think they do a great job."
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Enner aiming for last-eight place
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia will be hoping to maintain his outstanding international
scoring record and fire Ecuador through to the Copa America quarter-finals.
Valencia has 15 goals in 27 games for his country, including a vital strike
in a 2-2 Group B draw with Peru earlier this week – a result that leaves El
Tri with an opportunity to reach the last-eight on Saturday night.
Ecuador take on outsiders Haiti in their final group-stage fixture in East
Rutherford, New Jersey knowing victory by a two-goal margin will take them
through, as long as Brazil do not lose to the Peruvians in Foxborough,
Massachussets.
Valencia, who netted with a smart control and volley against his fellow
South Americans, will be confident of bagging again when Ecuador tackle a
Haiti side beaten 7-1 by Brazil and already eliminated from the centennial
Copa America tournament.
Following Thursday's draw in Glendale, Arizona, Valencia tweeted positively:
"Go #Tricolor of Ecuador! Only we know the effort we make. We are now
focused on our next target!"
Valencia made his senior debut against Honduras in January 2012, before
establishing himself in 2013 and scoring his first goal against the same
opposition in November of that year.
The Hammers No11 scored in six consecutive internationals in summer 2014,
including one against England and then three at the FIFA World Cup finals.
After netting twice more at last year's Copa America tournament, Valencia
missed a number of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers through injury but
returned with a goal in his comeback match against Paraguay in March this
year.
Kick-off at MetLife Stadium is at 23.30 BST (18.30 local time) on Sunday 12
June. The match will be screened exclusively live in the UK by Premier
Sports (Sky 428/Virgin 551).
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2015/16 in review: November & December
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th 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 November and December 2015 in part four of our
review...
22 November
It was a case of men against boys at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon as
Tottenham hammered the Hammers 4-1 in the day's big London derby.
And it could have been even more embarrassing for Slaven Bilic's side but
for the intervention of the woodwork and goalkeeper Adrian, who made several
excellent saves to keep the score at an almost-respectable level.
West Ham went into the game having won all three of their London derbies
this season, having recorded wins against Arsenal, Crystal Palace and
Chelsea.
However they were comprehensively beaten on a grim afternoon in north London
by a rampant Spurs - yet remain sixth in the Premier League with the defeat
being only their second away defeat in the league this season.
Once again I find myself bemoaning individual mistakes - and once again
James Tomkins was a central figure in West Ham's demise. It's only two weeks
since I expressed concerns at the team's inherent ability to self combust;
something you cannot afford to do against Watford, let alone an in-form
Tottenham who thoroughly deserved their win on the day.
Missing talisman Dimitri Payet, the Hammers had virtually no creative force
to threaten the opposition. Bilic gambled by playing both Andy Carroll and
Diafra Sakho in his starting XI - a big mistake, as hindsight was to later
prove.
Played out of position on the right wing, Sakho cut a frustrated figure as
he struggled to make an impact whilst Carroll was largely anonymous, looked
far from match fit and still well off the pace.
West Ham have now failed to record a win in their last three outings and the
excellent early start is a distant memory now following the failure to beat
Everton, Watford or Tottenham. However there was some good news; that being
the return of another Dimitri, midfielder Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong -
better known as just Alex Song.
The former Cameroon international made his first appearance of the season
and will be needed as Mark Noble picked up a fifth booking of the season
that will exclude him from next week's home game versus West Bromwich
Albion.
There was also good news for KUMB.com this week as we picked up the award
for Best Forum at Thursday night's Football Blogging Awards in Manchester. A
good night was had by all and we all returned south the next day slightly
worse for wear, but happy with that particular result.
29 November
West Ham United's run of Premier League games without a win extended to four
on Sunday afternoon following a desperately disappointing draw at home to
West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground.
In itself, a 1-1 draw with Tony Pulis' Baggies isn't the worst possible
result - but it will satisfy few Hammers fans given the Irons' complete
dominance of the opening 45 minutes.
Prior to the half time interval Slaven Bilic's side bossed the game; they
enjoyed 62 per cent of possession, created eight chances - to Albion's two -
and scored the only goal of the half, a fantastic free kick from Mauro
Zarate.
However there were few West Ham fans inside the Boleyn who, if questioned,
would have argued the Argentine's strike would be sufficient to secure all
three points - and that's exactly how it transpired, with Ricky Lambert
grabbing a point for Albion courtesy of a deflected shot five minutes after
the restart.
In the end either side could have grabbed a winner although a draw was
probably a fair result. But West Ham's inability to keep a clean sheet is
becoming a major concern and seriously affecting what was a fantastic start
to the campaign.
You have to go back to the 2-0 win over a hapless Newcastle United on
September 14th to find West Ham's last clean sheet, some ten matches ago -
and that was only their second of the campaign, having kept Arsenal at bay
on the opening day of the season.
Since then, Bilic's team have shipped 17 goals, even though Tottenham are
the only opponent who managed to register more than twice. And regardless of
the personnel employed - Angelo Ogbonna returned to the starting XI in place
of the out-of-form James Tomkins this weekend - it appears to make little
difference to West Ham's defensive frailties.
Yet perhaps an even bigger blow than the two points dropped was the loss of
Diafra Sakho to a thigh muscle injury, one that looks set to keep the
Senegal international out of action for the rest of the year. Although he
was far from his best against Albion, the striker's pace and commitment will
be hugely missed by the Hammers who are already operating without fellow
goalscorer Enner Valencia.
Although the point lifts West Ham back up to seventh place in the table, it
doesn't get any easier for United with the daunting prospect of a trip to
Old Trafford on the horizon. Without the likes of Dimitri Payet and Sakho -
who between them have contributed one third of the goals scored this season
- it promises to be an even tougher task than usual.
6 December
West Ham United's winless run extended to five Premier League matches at
Manchester United on Saturday afternoon - but it was a much-improved
performance that resulted in Slaven Bilic's men taking a share of the
spoils.
The last time a West Ham team tasted success at Old Trafford came eight
years ago in May 2007, when Alan Curbishley's side completed an incredible
recovery from a seemingly insurmountable position to avoid relegation on the
final day of the season by winning 1-0. On Saturday they went mightily close
to emulating that momentous occasion with Bilic's injury-ravaged class of
2015.
Prior to being denied twice by the woodwork, Victor Moses had already missed
a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he was foiled by David De Gea,
who made a smart stop with his feet from West Ham's on-loan winger. But
perhaps the most glaring miss of all came late on from Mauro Zarate, who
found himself free inside the penalty area but unable to beat De Gea from no
more than six yards out.
Had the Argentine's effort found the net it would have almost certainly
secured a first Premier League win for the Hammers since the 2-1 victory
over relegation-threatened Chelsea at the back end of October. As it is they
have to look forward to the visit of Stoke at the Boleyn Ground next weekend
in order to break a disappointing recent run that has resulted in just three
points gained from the last 15 available.
Despite missing key first team players such as Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho
and Manuel Lanzini, United were well worth a point - at the very least.
Winston Reid was a colossus in defence whilst James Tomkins once again
filled in ably at right-back with Carl Jenkinson - who ended the game
playing on the left-wing! - dropped.
A telling statistic is that from 20 shots at goal, Manchester United managed
just one on target - testament to West Ham's defensive resolve. For their
part the Hammers only managed two from their nine shots in total - although
the woodwork saved our hosts on two further occasions, much to the
frustration of Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid.
Despite having fallen away from the higher echelons of the Premier League
table in recent weeks, West Ham are back up into sixth place as a result of
the draw - although Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace have a game in
hand at time of writing. With the busy Christmas period just around the
corner, Slaven Bilic will be hoping his squad can use Saturday's result as a
springboard for more positive results as 2015 draws to an end.
13 December
As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go
down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.
With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with
nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two
goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish
stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils,
after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.
Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against
Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always
looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri.
That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony
Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.
Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six
matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's
performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to
test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine
Premier League appearances.
However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability
to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having
scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to
the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.
Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club
which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a
supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses -
the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.
And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was
similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi
became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during
training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being
forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex
with immediate effect.
Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston
Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either
of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far
- may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam
Allardyce in the summer.
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Dimitri Payet key to France Euro 2016 hopes after stunner sinks Romania
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 11/06/16 11:33am
SSN
A stunning strike from West Ham's Dimitri Payet earned host nation France a
2-1 win over Romania
West Ham fans have been taunting their opposition with chants of "we've got
Payet" all season. France supporters will be singing a similar song after
his match-winning wonder-strike against Romania in the opening game of Euro
2016. The midfielder - one of the Premier League's brightest stars in
2015/16 - delivered a masterclass at the Stade de France and his 89th-minute
moment of magic set him apart as the best player on the pitch. With the
hosts facing a frustrating draw with resolute Romania, Payet stepped up and
delivered. Nudging the ball into the path of his weaker left-foot, the
29-year-old struck a sweet, curling shot beyond goalkeeper Ciprian
Tatarusanu. It was a goal befitting the occasion - but the type of
spectacular strike Payet is making his trademark. "It is quite easy when you
can bang it into the top corner, it solves a lot of problems," joked France
boss Didier Deschamps after the game. Payet had already won acclaim for his
swerving free-kicks against Manchester United, Russia and Cameroon but they
pale into insignificance compared to Friday night's effort. Substituted in
the final moments, the tears in Payet's eyes highlighted the importance of
the occasion and what it meant to the player to deliver for his country in
an emotionally charged Euro 2016 opener. "I have no doubts over Dimitri and
the influence he can have on the game," added Deschamps. "He can make the
difference. It is very important to start with a victory."
That victory secures France three points and, given the generous qualifying
route out of the group phase, puts them well on course for the knockout
phase. But the win will also have meant much more to a country gripped by
security scares and seeking inspiration from its football team.
Goal and an assist
Dimitri Payet is the first French player to score and assist in a European
Championships game since Thierry Henry in 2000. Payet was his side's spark
throughout the contest. Linking up brilliantly with the impressive Paul
Pogba, Payet slipped into pockets of space between the high press of the
Romania backline and the opposition midfield trying to close down his
talented team-mate from Juventus. From there Payet threaded through balls
and clipped crosses into the box, repeatedly testing and teasing Romania's
defence. Opta recorded eight Payet passes leading directly to an effort on
goal. No other player on the pitch managed more than three key passes.
Olivier Giroud must particularly relish playing alongside his Premier League
colleague. The Arsenal striker should have opened the scoring in first-half
stoppage time when he headed over Payet's pinpoint corner and contrived to
shoot straight at the goalkeeper when put through on goal at the start of
the second half.The forward finally found the net on 57 minutes when he
nodded home another Payet centre.
Allied with his late winner, that pass takes Payet's contribution in his
past four internationals to three goals and two assists. That's some return
for a player not even in the France squad at the start of this season. There
could - should - have been more assists to his name, too. As well as Giroud,
Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were guilty of failing to finish off openings
crafted by the West Ham playmaker. They will have to be more clinical in
future fixtures if France are to match their billing as tournament
favourites. But, with Payet in the side, those chances will more than likely
keep coming their way. And, as he showed on Friday, he has the ability to
conjure up a decisive strike himself, anyway. "He's better than Zidane" goes
another line of that West Ham song. France fans will settle for Payet
driving their team to the final at this stadium in a month's time - just as
Zinedine Zidane did at the World Cup in 1998.
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Dimitri Payet serenaded by world chess champion after firing France to Euro
2016 victory over Romania
19:19, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 19:20, 11 JUN 2016
BY MATT LEWIS
The West Ham ace smashed in a wonder goal to secure host nation's first
points of the tournament in the opening match of the Euros
The Mirror
Silence is golden in the game of chess - but Dimitri Payet's France heroics
got the world champion making plenty of noise last night. The West Ham ace
smashed in a wonder goal to fire the host nation to victory over Romania in
the opening match of Euro 2016. His 89th-minute stunner sparked wild scenes
in at the Stade De France and sent French supporters into a frenzy all over
Paris and beyond. None more so than Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus
Carlsen, who was in awe over Payet's heroics after attending the match on
Friday night. He was interviewed outside the stadium by French TV and took
the opportunity to serenade the Hammers star with a chant heard on the
terraces at Upton Park.
Usually reserved when carrying out his day job in front of the chessboard,
Carlsen belted out the tune before drifting off into the night. The cheeky
chant even goes as far as to claim Payet is better than France legend
Zinedine Zidane, who inspired the country to World Cup success in 1998.
Payet is now being linked with a big-money move to Chelsea as part of
Antonio Conte's rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are at the
front of the queue for the West Ham star, according to reports, and are
willing to pay £60million to get their man. Payet cost the Hammers just
£10.5million from Marseille and went on to star in the Premier League last
season under Slaven Bilic, earning himself an improved £125,000-a-week
contract with the club in February. That deal will keep the Frenchman at
West Ham until 2021 - unless they decide to cash in on their asset - with no
shortage of takers in the forthcoming transfer window. Payet declared
himself happy at West Ham after signing the new contract and Chelsea would
need to push hard to sign the playmaker without the lure of Champions League
football next season. However, Roman Abramovich is willing to bankroll a
spending spree to herald the arrival of new manager Conte this summer and a
huge fee and wages for Payet would not be an issue for the Blues.
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Dimitri Payet's France team-mates heap praise on West Ham winger after
electrifying display against Romania
12:41, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 12:41, 11 JUN 2016
BY JACK LANG
The Hammers star turned in a man-of-the-match performance at the Stade de
France in the Euro 2016 opener
The Mirror
There were tears in Dimitri Payet's eyes as he left the field on Friday
night, but this was no heart-wrenching Gazza moment. The West Ham star was
simply overwhelmed by the standing ovation afforded to him by the Stade de
France after his man-of-the-match display against Romania, which dragged
Didier Deschamps' sluggish side to victory. Payet set up Olivier Giroud's
opener and teed up countless other chances before sending France fans into
ecstasy with a long-range winner in the dying moments of the match. It was a
moment of redemption for the 29-year-old, who only returned to the national
team in March after a nine-months absence and has often had his critics on
the other side of the channel. "This is the real Dimi, the Dimi that we
love," said Patrice Evra, who believes that Payet's move to the Premier
League last summer was a key moment in his belated ascent to the France
starting XI. "It's the player we saw at West Ham. I think playing in England
has done him good. The game there is tougher: it's another style of
football. He's started to score incredible free-kicks, almost from the
middle of the pitch. At West Ham, he's really the star player."
Payet now looks set to become a talisman for his country as well after
outshining Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann on opening night. "He's an
important player for the team," continued Evra. "I play with him on the left
and he puts in a lot of work. I'm very pleased for him and I know that he
will not get carried away. If he keeps it up, it's perfect for France. "The
coach gives him a lot of liberty to come inside and get involved in play: to
get behind the forwards instead of waiting out on the left. He is free. "I
told him, 'Dimi, if you really want to be the star for France as well, just
do what you do for West Ham and you won't have any worries.' "He does
magnificent things."
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was similarly impressed. "Dimitri saved us
with that sublime goal," he said. "Whether it's with the national team or
with West Ham, we know all about his talent. It's great for him: he's up and
running in the tournament and you can see he is full of confidence. We win
as a team, but you always need these players who are at the highest level."
Payet himself, though, insists he is not getting ahead of himself and
believes one of his team-mates will have their moment in the sun when France
face Albania on Wednesday night. "Today it was me, but next time it might be
someone else," he said. "It doesn't matter as long as it helps the team.
"Being the star is not something that interests me. I just try to perform
and be decisive. It's going well at the moment, so I'm enjoying it."
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Oh Dimi that was bad news for us Irons!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hugh's Blogs,
Whispers
C and H
I suggested in my first 'write' of this piece mmediately after the match
that Slav's body language on ITV after the match as he commented on Dimi's
winner for the French aganst Roumania was anxious and worried? Most of those
commenting on the forum reckon believe I was wrong.
I have to accept that and maybe I am being unduly pessimistc but whilst
with all my heart I hope that's the case I believe it would be fantasy land
to believe other clubs aren't watching and that bids wil emerge.
I have feared – like most of you – this or something like it – would
happen. Of course I'm pleased for Dimi that he produced such a magnificent
performance. He is a truly wonderfl player and, I'm told, a fabulous bloke.
But his man of the match performance was the worst possible news for West
Ham United although in checking this sort of scenario out prior to the
tournament I was told categorically he cannot leave – if that's what happens
– for less than £50-£60 million.
It was a fantastic performance! One brilliant assist and one incredible goal
to which we have all become accustomed but is surely bound to draw more
attention than we would want.
I want Dimi to remain at this club until retirement …I believe he can become
one of the greatest legends the club has ever had…I aso want him to calm
down at Euro 2016 a bit!
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CandH Exclusive: Sullivan "Dimi is not for sale"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Hugh Southon
David Sullivan has made it crystal clear to every top club in the world that
our hero Dimi Payet is simply not for sale. Fears have not unnaturally grown
among Hammers fans after an epic performance in the opening Euro 2016 clash
between France and Romania that the midfield magician could be on hs way to
anywhere from Manchester to Madrid. However, choosing to respond to
ClaretandHugh, David has exclusively sent a message to all the world's
chairmen and managers that they need not bother picking up their phones.
Agreeing that Dimi's performance was quite out of this world last night
(Fri) he then snapped: "It's as simple as this – we are not selling him –
not at any price. "West Ham United is building a team around Dimi Payet – he
will not be moving anywhere and that is that." The news will come as a
massive boost for fans who can now sit and enjoy the remainder of the
tournament knowing the chairman has spoken.
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Ginger Pele snubbed for Wales start
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammer, James Collins will have to wait patiently on the subs bench as West
Brom's James Chester was picked ahead of him to start ahead of him in
Wales's first Group B match against Slovakia which kicked off at 2pm on
Saturday.
Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side twelves years ago against
Norway in 2004 and scored his first goal for Wales in a 3–1 defeat to Cyprus
on 13 October 2007. He scored again against Russia in 2009 and Iceland in
2014 to take his International goal tally to three.
More recently he came on a 64-minute substitute in the May 3-0 loss to
Sweden. Wales are currently one nil up at half time against Slovakia, thanks
to a Gareth Bale free kick. Our caption question is what is Gareth Bale
laughing at in this photo (above) with James Collins aka the Ginger Pele.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet scores sensational winner to fire France to 2-1 victory over
Romania
West Ham star also sets up opening goal for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
Les Bleus open Group A with a valuable victory in Paris
Dimitri Payet made the whole of Europe understand as he produced a
sensational match-winning performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
win over Romania. The Hammer of the Year produced a fantastic individual
display to set up Les Bleus opening goal for Olivier Giroud before blasting
home a wonderful 89th minute winner at the Stade de France. Payet was
impressive all game long, and could have had chalked up a succession of
assists before Giroud headed home his country's 57th-minute opener. Romania
equalised eight minutes later through Nicolae Stanciu's penalty, but Payet
was not to be denied as he scored a Goal of the Tournament contender with a
minute of normal time remaining. Having scored six free-kicks with his right
foot, Payet added to his left-foot assist with a truly world-class
long-range drive with the same left foot to get his nation off to a winning
start in Paris. The goal sent the home fans – as well as ITV pundit and
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and West Ham United fans everywhere – wild and
set Payet's country off to the perfect start in their home tournament. A
pre-match Twitter poll @whufc_official saw 36% of Hammers fans predict Payet
would chalk up a goal and an assist against the Romanians – who included
former West Ham full-back Razvan Rat in their starting XI – and they were
proved correct as the France No8 produced another virtuoso display.
Former France international Thierry Henry believes Payet had a major point
to prove after missing out on a place in the squad for the World Cup Finals
two years ago. Henry said: "Dimitri Payet thought he was going to the 2014
World Cup in Brazil. He was involved in every qualifying game but they took
that away from him. "Tonight you saw a man who was hurt. He was saying with
that performance 'you didn't take me to the World Cup and I am going to show
you'. He wanted every single ball. You can't win a game by yourself. but
that strike... oh my gosh. "No one is going to take what is happening to
him now away from him. He showed tremendous desire. He was the one that
drove the team forward."
The French, who also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home turf, face Albania
in Marseille in their second Group A fixture on Wednesday 15 June before
closing out the opening round against Switzerland in Lille on Sunday 19
June.
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Bilic hails 'amazing' Payet
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed Dimitri Payet after his West Ham United charge produced
a 'Man of the Match' performance to fire France to a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2016
Group A win over Romania. Payet lit up the Stade de France with a fine
assist for Olivier Giroud and sensational 89th-minute winner from 30 yards,
but it was his all-round contribution that impressed his Club manager most.
The Hammers boss watched the game closely as part of the ITV broadcasting
team in the French capital, where he also created headlines with his
insightful punditry, among other things! "Dimi would be man of the match
anyway (before the goal)," said Bilic, who explained how important Friday's
game was to Payet, who forced his way back into the France set-up during a
sensational debut season in Claret and Blue. "He was the best man on the
pitch, not just his assist but also his skill. "Sometimes it doesn't produce
a lot of things, but the things he did on the halfway line that lift the
crowd and the team and everything. The goal was amazing and of course we are
very glad for him. "It was a big-time emotional game for him, because he has
proved himself in England, but he needed to do that extra thing for France
in a competitive game."
While he had been capped previously, Payet lost his place in the
national-team set-up in recent years, despite his outstanding form for
former club Marseille. However, a combination of his own wonderful displays
for West Ham and the absence of Franck Ribery, Mathieu Valbuena and Karim
Benzema from the squad gave Payet the opportunity he needed. On Friday, he
took that opportunity in the full glare of European football, producing a
virtuoso performance in a midfield and attack that included a host of big
names. "He's a great player and it's great for West Ham that he is our
player," said Bilic. "He just forced the coach to put him in. Don't forget
that in Brazil in the World Cup, everyone was saying something positive
about France, that it was a new France and all that, but he lost his whole
attack – Ribery, Valbuena, Benzema. "He had to find new ones, so I really
don't think Payet is a perfect player on paper for Deschamps, who likes
players who run behind, but Payet with his unbelievable ability and
unbelievable season forced him [to pick him]. "I'm not just talking about
the free-kicks, it's more than that. The amount of influence he can have on
Giroud and Griezmann and especially Matuidi and Pogba, who are great at
running without the ball into the box like Frank Lampard did, with his
passing, he is their main player. He forced Deschamps to put him in the
team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com
The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July
The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family.
Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her Mum and Dad
when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared in an
episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has greatly
improved.
The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to represent her
country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.
The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions.
"I still participate now. The season just finished went really well, I've
really enjoyed every minute of it to be honest. The whole experience, the
new skills and the new people I've met have all been amazing."After I'd left
home, my parents did stay in contact, but now I'm living independently we're
all trying to rebuild that relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're
getting on really good."
In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign.
There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie, whose talent has
shone through during the training sessions.
She continued: "Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met
them and I was really, really over the moon, I was speechless!
"They gave loads of tips, and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're
doing.
"I was quite nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of
the Day was a dream come true, it was really amazing."
After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us.
"Showing our support hopefully gives them more of a drive and gives them
that self-belief.
"It's not easy to get the right opportunities in life but as long as you're
determined and willing to push yourself, it can be done."
West Ham United Foundation chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's
sentiments saying: "This is a fantastic example of how the work we're
carrying out is a real long-term journey for our participants.
"Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just shows that the right kind of
intervention can help change young people's lives! To go from being homeless
to representing England in a football tournament, just shows local young
people that anything is possible."
The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it.
"Projects like Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in
situations like myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what
they can do, I think they do a great job."
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Enner aiming for last-eight place
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia will be hoping to maintain his outstanding international
scoring record and fire Ecuador through to the Copa America quarter-finals.
Valencia has 15 goals in 27 games for his country, including a vital strike
in a 2-2 Group B draw with Peru earlier this week – a result that leaves El
Tri with an opportunity to reach the last-eight on Saturday night.
Ecuador take on outsiders Haiti in their final group-stage fixture in East
Rutherford, New Jersey knowing victory by a two-goal margin will take them
through, as long as Brazil do not lose to the Peruvians in Foxborough,
Massachussets.
Valencia, who netted with a smart control and volley against his fellow
South Americans, will be confident of bagging again when Ecuador tackle a
Haiti side beaten 7-1 by Brazil and already eliminated from the centennial
Copa America tournament.
Following Thursday's draw in Glendale, Arizona, Valencia tweeted positively:
"Go #Tricolor of Ecuador! Only we know the effort we make. We are now
focused on our next target!"
Valencia made his senior debut against Honduras in January 2012, before
establishing himself in 2013 and scoring his first goal against the same
opposition in November of that year.
The Hammers No11 scored in six consecutive internationals in summer 2014,
including one against England and then three at the FIFA World Cup finals.
After netting twice more at last year's Copa America tournament, Valencia
missed a number of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers through injury but
returned with a goal in his comeback match against Paraguay in March this
year.
Kick-off at MetLife Stadium is at 23.30 BST (18.30 local time) on Sunday 12
June. The match will be screened exclusively live in the UK by Premier
Sports (Sky 428/Virgin 551).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2015/16 in review: November & December
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th 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 November and December 2015 in part four of our
review...
22 November
It was a case of men against boys at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon as
Tottenham hammered the Hammers 4-1 in the day's big London derby.
And it could have been even more embarrassing for Slaven Bilic's side but
for the intervention of the woodwork and goalkeeper Adrian, who made several
excellent saves to keep the score at an almost-respectable level.
West Ham went into the game having won all three of their London derbies
this season, having recorded wins against Arsenal, Crystal Palace and
Chelsea.
However they were comprehensively beaten on a grim afternoon in north London
by a rampant Spurs - yet remain sixth in the Premier League with the defeat
being only their second away defeat in the league this season.
Once again I find myself bemoaning individual mistakes - and once again
James Tomkins was a central figure in West Ham's demise. It's only two weeks
since I expressed concerns at the team's inherent ability to self combust;
something you cannot afford to do against Watford, let alone an in-form
Tottenham who thoroughly deserved their win on the day.
Missing talisman Dimitri Payet, the Hammers had virtually no creative force
to threaten the opposition. Bilic gambled by playing both Andy Carroll and
Diafra Sakho in his starting XI - a big mistake, as hindsight was to later
prove.
Played out of position on the right wing, Sakho cut a frustrated figure as
he struggled to make an impact whilst Carroll was largely anonymous, looked
far from match fit and still well off the pace.
West Ham have now failed to record a win in their last three outings and the
excellent early start is a distant memory now following the failure to beat
Everton, Watford or Tottenham. However there was some good news; that being
the return of another Dimitri, midfielder Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong -
better known as just Alex Song.
The former Cameroon international made his first appearance of the season
and will be needed as Mark Noble picked up a fifth booking of the season
that will exclude him from next week's home game versus West Bromwich
Albion.
There was also good news for KUMB.com this week as we picked up the award
for Best Forum at Thursday night's Football Blogging Awards in Manchester. A
good night was had by all and we all returned south the next day slightly
worse for wear, but happy with that particular result.
29 November
West Ham United's run of Premier League games without a win extended to four
on Sunday afternoon following a desperately disappointing draw at home to
West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground.
In itself, a 1-1 draw with Tony Pulis' Baggies isn't the worst possible
result - but it will satisfy few Hammers fans given the Irons' complete
dominance of the opening 45 minutes.
Prior to the half time interval Slaven Bilic's side bossed the game; they
enjoyed 62 per cent of possession, created eight chances - to Albion's two -
and scored the only goal of the half, a fantastic free kick from Mauro
Zarate.
However there were few West Ham fans inside the Boleyn who, if questioned,
would have argued the Argentine's strike would be sufficient to secure all
three points - and that's exactly how it transpired, with Ricky Lambert
grabbing a point for Albion courtesy of a deflected shot five minutes after
the restart.
In the end either side could have grabbed a winner although a draw was
probably a fair result. But West Ham's inability to keep a clean sheet is
becoming a major concern and seriously affecting what was a fantastic start
to the campaign.
You have to go back to the 2-0 win over a hapless Newcastle United on
September 14th to find West Ham's last clean sheet, some ten matches ago -
and that was only their second of the campaign, having kept Arsenal at bay
on the opening day of the season.
Since then, Bilic's team have shipped 17 goals, even though Tottenham are
the only opponent who managed to register more than twice. And regardless of
the personnel employed - Angelo Ogbonna returned to the starting XI in place
of the out-of-form James Tomkins this weekend - it appears to make little
difference to West Ham's defensive frailties.
Yet perhaps an even bigger blow than the two points dropped was the loss of
Diafra Sakho to a thigh muscle injury, one that looks set to keep the
Senegal international out of action for the rest of the year. Although he
was far from his best against Albion, the striker's pace and commitment will
be hugely missed by the Hammers who are already operating without fellow
goalscorer Enner Valencia.
Although the point lifts West Ham back up to seventh place in the table, it
doesn't get any easier for United with the daunting prospect of a trip to
Old Trafford on the horizon. Without the likes of Dimitri Payet and Sakho -
who between them have contributed one third of the goals scored this season
- it promises to be an even tougher task than usual.
6 December
West Ham United's winless run extended to five Premier League matches at
Manchester United on Saturday afternoon - but it was a much-improved
performance that resulted in Slaven Bilic's men taking a share of the
spoils.
The last time a West Ham team tasted success at Old Trafford came eight
years ago in May 2007, when Alan Curbishley's side completed an incredible
recovery from a seemingly insurmountable position to avoid relegation on the
final day of the season by winning 1-0. On Saturday they went mightily close
to emulating that momentous occasion with Bilic's injury-ravaged class of
2015.
Prior to being denied twice by the woodwork, Victor Moses had already missed
a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he was foiled by David De Gea,
who made a smart stop with his feet from West Ham's on-loan winger. But
perhaps the most glaring miss of all came late on from Mauro Zarate, who
found himself free inside the penalty area but unable to beat De Gea from no
more than six yards out.
Had the Argentine's effort found the net it would have almost certainly
secured a first Premier League win for the Hammers since the 2-1 victory
over relegation-threatened Chelsea at the back end of October. As it is they
have to look forward to the visit of Stoke at the Boleyn Ground next weekend
in order to break a disappointing recent run that has resulted in just three
points gained from the last 15 available.
Despite missing key first team players such as Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho
and Manuel Lanzini, United were well worth a point - at the very least.
Winston Reid was a colossus in defence whilst James Tomkins once again
filled in ably at right-back with Carl Jenkinson - who ended the game
playing on the left-wing! - dropped.
A telling statistic is that from 20 shots at goal, Manchester United managed
just one on target - testament to West Ham's defensive resolve. For their
part the Hammers only managed two from their nine shots in total - although
the woodwork saved our hosts on two further occasions, much to the
frustration of Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid.
Despite having fallen away from the higher echelons of the Premier League
table in recent weeks, West Ham are back up into sixth place as a result of
the draw - although Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace have a game in
hand at time of writing. With the busy Christmas period just around the
corner, Slaven Bilic will be hoping his squad can use Saturday's result as a
springboard for more positive results as 2015 draws to an end.
13 December
As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go
down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.
With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with
nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two
goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish
stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils,
after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.
Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against
Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always
looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri.
That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony
Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.
Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six
matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's
performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to
test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine
Premier League appearances.
However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability
to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having
scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to
the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.
Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club
which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a
supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses -
the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.
And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was
similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi
became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during
training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being
forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex
with immediate effect.
Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston
Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either
of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far
- may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam
Allardyce in the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet key to France Euro 2016 hopes after stunner sinks Romania
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 11/06/16 11:33am
SSN
A stunning strike from West Ham's Dimitri Payet earned host nation France a
2-1 win over Romania
West Ham fans have been taunting their opposition with chants of "we've got
Payet" all season. France supporters will be singing a similar song after
his match-winning wonder-strike against Romania in the opening game of Euro
2016. The midfielder - one of the Premier League's brightest stars in
2015/16 - delivered a masterclass at the Stade de France and his 89th-minute
moment of magic set him apart as the best player on the pitch. With the
hosts facing a frustrating draw with resolute Romania, Payet stepped up and
delivered. Nudging the ball into the path of his weaker left-foot, the
29-year-old struck a sweet, curling shot beyond goalkeeper Ciprian
Tatarusanu. It was a goal befitting the occasion - but the type of
spectacular strike Payet is making his trademark. "It is quite easy when you
can bang it into the top corner, it solves a lot of problems," joked France
boss Didier Deschamps after the game. Payet had already won acclaim for his
swerving free-kicks against Manchester United, Russia and Cameroon but they
pale into insignificance compared to Friday night's effort. Substituted in
the final moments, the tears in Payet's eyes highlighted the importance of
the occasion and what it meant to the player to deliver for his country in
an emotionally charged Euro 2016 opener. "I have no doubts over Dimitri and
the influence he can have on the game," added Deschamps. "He can make the
difference. It is very important to start with a victory."
That victory secures France three points and, given the generous qualifying
route out of the group phase, puts them well on course for the knockout
phase. But the win will also have meant much more to a country gripped by
security scares and seeking inspiration from its football team.
Goal and an assist
Dimitri Payet is the first French player to score and assist in a European
Championships game since Thierry Henry in 2000. Payet was his side's spark
throughout the contest. Linking up brilliantly with the impressive Paul
Pogba, Payet slipped into pockets of space between the high press of the
Romania backline and the opposition midfield trying to close down his
talented team-mate from Juventus. From there Payet threaded through balls
and clipped crosses into the box, repeatedly testing and teasing Romania's
defence. Opta recorded eight Payet passes leading directly to an effort on
goal. No other player on the pitch managed more than three key passes.
Olivier Giroud must particularly relish playing alongside his Premier League
colleague. The Arsenal striker should have opened the scoring in first-half
stoppage time when he headed over Payet's pinpoint corner and contrived to
shoot straight at the goalkeeper when put through on goal at the start of
the second half.The forward finally found the net on 57 minutes when he
nodded home another Payet centre.
Allied with his late winner, that pass takes Payet's contribution in his
past four internationals to three goals and two assists. That's some return
for a player not even in the France squad at the start of this season. There
could - should - have been more assists to his name, too. As well as Giroud,
Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were guilty of failing to finish off openings
crafted by the West Ham playmaker. They will have to be more clinical in
future fixtures if France are to match their billing as tournament
favourites. But, with Payet in the side, those chances will more than likely
keep coming their way. And, as he showed on Friday, he has the ability to
conjure up a decisive strike himself, anyway. "He's better than Zidane" goes
another line of that West Ham song. France fans will settle for Payet
driving their team to the final at this stadium in a month's time - just as
Zinedine Zidane did at the World Cup in 1998.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet serenaded by world chess champion after firing France to Euro
2016 victory over Romania
19:19, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 19:20, 11 JUN 2016
BY MATT LEWIS
The West Ham ace smashed in a wonder goal to secure host nation's first
points of the tournament in the opening match of the Euros
The Mirror
Silence is golden in the game of chess - but Dimitri Payet's France heroics
got the world champion making plenty of noise last night. The West Ham ace
smashed in a wonder goal to fire the host nation to victory over Romania in
the opening match of Euro 2016. His 89th-minute stunner sparked wild scenes
in at the Stade De France and sent French supporters into a frenzy all over
Paris and beyond. None more so than Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus
Carlsen, who was in awe over Payet's heroics after attending the match on
Friday night. He was interviewed outside the stadium by French TV and took
the opportunity to serenade the Hammers star with a chant heard on the
terraces at Upton Park.
Usually reserved when carrying out his day job in front of the chessboard,
Carlsen belted out the tune before drifting off into the night. The cheeky
chant even goes as far as to claim Payet is better than France legend
Zinedine Zidane, who inspired the country to World Cup success in 1998.
Payet is now being linked with a big-money move to Chelsea as part of
Antonio Conte's rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are at the
front of the queue for the West Ham star, according to reports, and are
willing to pay £60million to get their man. Payet cost the Hammers just
£10.5million from Marseille and went on to star in the Premier League last
season under Slaven Bilic, earning himself an improved £125,000-a-week
contract with the club in February. That deal will keep the Frenchman at
West Ham until 2021 - unless they decide to cash in on their asset - with no
shortage of takers in the forthcoming transfer window. Payet declared
himself happy at West Ham after signing the new contract and Chelsea would
need to push hard to sign the playmaker without the lure of Champions League
football next season. However, Roman Abramovich is willing to bankroll a
spending spree to herald the arrival of new manager Conte this summer and a
huge fee and wages for Payet would not be an issue for the Blues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet's France team-mates heap praise on West Ham winger after
electrifying display against Romania
12:41, 11 JUN 2016 UPDATED 12:41, 11 JUN 2016
BY JACK LANG
The Hammers star turned in a man-of-the-match performance at the Stade de
France in the Euro 2016 opener
The Mirror
There were tears in Dimitri Payet's eyes as he left the field on Friday
night, but this was no heart-wrenching Gazza moment. The West Ham star was
simply overwhelmed by the standing ovation afforded to him by the Stade de
France after his man-of-the-match display against Romania, which dragged
Didier Deschamps' sluggish side to victory. Payet set up Olivier Giroud's
opener and teed up countless other chances before sending France fans into
ecstasy with a long-range winner in the dying moments of the match. It was a
moment of redemption for the 29-year-old, who only returned to the national
team in March after a nine-months absence and has often had his critics on
the other side of the channel. "This is the real Dimi, the Dimi that we
love," said Patrice Evra, who believes that Payet's move to the Premier
League last summer was a key moment in his belated ascent to the France
starting XI. "It's the player we saw at West Ham. I think playing in England
has done him good. The game there is tougher: it's another style of
football. He's started to score incredible free-kicks, almost from the
middle of the pitch. At West Ham, he's really the star player."
Payet now looks set to become a talisman for his country as well after
outshining Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann on opening night. "He's an
important player for the team," continued Evra. "I play with him on the left
and he puts in a lot of work. I'm very pleased for him and I know that he
will not get carried away. If he keeps it up, it's perfect for France. "The
coach gives him a lot of liberty to come inside and get involved in play: to
get behind the forwards instead of waiting out on the left. He is free. "I
told him, 'Dimi, if you really want to be the star for France as well, just
do what you do for West Ham and you won't have any worries.' "He does
magnificent things."
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was similarly impressed. "Dimitri saved us
with that sublime goal," he said. "Whether it's with the national team or
with West Ham, we know all about his talent. It's great for him: he's up and
running in the tournament and you can see he is full of confidence. We win
as a team, but you always need these players who are at the highest level."
Payet himself, though, insists he is not getting ahead of himself and
believes one of his team-mates will have their moment in the sun when France
face Albania on Wednesday night. "Today it was me, but next time it might be
someone else," he said. "It doesn't matter as long as it helps the team.
"Being the star is not something that interests me. I just try to perform
and be decisive. It's going well at the moment, so I'm enjoying it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh Dimi that was bad news for us Irons!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hugh's Blogs,
Whispers
C and H
I suggested in my first 'write' of this piece mmediately after the match
that Slav's body language on ITV after the match as he commented on Dimi's
winner for the French aganst Roumania was anxious and worried? Most of those
commenting on the forum reckon believe I was wrong.
I have to accept that and maybe I am being unduly pessimistc but whilst
with all my heart I hope that's the case I believe it would be fantasy land
to believe other clubs aren't watching and that bids wil emerge.
I have feared – like most of you – this or something like it – would
happen. Of course I'm pleased for Dimi that he produced such a magnificent
performance. He is a truly wonderfl player and, I'm told, a fabulous bloke.
But his man of the match performance was the worst possible news for West
Ham United although in checking this sort of scenario out prior to the
tournament I was told categorically he cannot leave – if that's what happens
– for less than £50-£60 million.
It was a fantastic performance! One brilliant assist and one incredible goal
to which we have all become accustomed but is surely bound to draw more
attention than we would want.
I want Dimi to remain at this club until retirement …I believe he can become
one of the greatest legends the club has ever had…I aso want him to calm
down at Euro 2016 a bit!
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CandH Exclusive: Sullivan "Dimi is not for sale"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Hugh Southon
David Sullivan has made it crystal clear to every top club in the world that
our hero Dimi Payet is simply not for sale. Fears have not unnaturally grown
among Hammers fans after an epic performance in the opening Euro 2016 clash
between France and Romania that the midfield magician could be on hs way to
anywhere from Manchester to Madrid. However, choosing to respond to
ClaretandHugh, David has exclusively sent a message to all the world's
chairmen and managers that they need not bother picking up their phones.
Agreeing that Dimi's performance was quite out of this world last night
(Fri) he then snapped: "It's as simple as this – we are not selling him –
not at any price. "West Ham United is building a team around Dimi Payet – he
will not be moving anywhere and that is that." The news will come as a
massive boost for fans who can now sit and enjoy the remainder of the
tournament knowing the chairman has spoken.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginger Pele snubbed for Wales start
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammer, James Collins will have to wait patiently on the subs bench as West
Brom's James Chester was picked ahead of him to start ahead of him in
Wales's first Group B match against Slovakia which kicked off at 2pm on
Saturday.
Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side twelves years ago against
Norway in 2004 and scored his first goal for Wales in a 3–1 defeat to Cyprus
on 13 October 2007. He scored again against Russia in 2009 and Iceland in
2014 to take his International goal tally to three.
More recently he came on a 64-minute substitute in the May 3-0 loss to
Sweden. Wales are currently one nil up at half time against Slovakia, thanks
to a Gareth Bale free kick. Our caption question is what is Gareth Bale
laughing at in this photo (above) with James Collins aka the Ginger Pele.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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