Hammers learn Europa League opponents
WHUFC.com
Following this afternoon's draw for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying
round, West Ham United are pleased to update supporters on the historic
first fixture at London Stadium.
In order to give Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP as much time as possible to
prepare the arena for its first taste of European football, the Club have
today made official representation to request that the fixture be reversed.
If successful, Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia will
visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the return leg on Thursday 4 August.
Owing to the date of the Europa League fixture, the Club has had to agree to
work to a capacity of 54,000 for the Hammers' first two fixtures at London
Stadium. And, given the proximity of the Anniversary Games to those opening
two West Ham games, Stadium owners E20 Stadium PLP are doing their utmost to
prepare the venue fully into football mode accordingly.
On behalf of its supporters, the Club went to great lengths in contractual
negotiations with E20 Stadium LLP to ensure that the Stadium would be fully
ready for the first two fixtures, in order to accommodate as many supporters
as possible and offer the best matchday experience.
This is a necessary step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening in full
football mode at its full 60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening
Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
Crucially, capacity for both the Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
will be sufficient to accommodate all requests from Season Ticket Holders.
Further details for the Europa League clash will be communicated on
whufc.com ahead of tickets going on sale on Tuesday 19 July.
The visit of AFC Bournemouth will also see the innovative, retractable
seating solution in its entirety for the first time, with bold West Ham
branding, showing off the Hammers' famous Claret and Blue, set for
installation in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We're delighted to be welcoming our
supporters to the opening of our magnificent new home against Italian
champions Juventus.
"It's fantastic to be kicking off this exciting new era for the Club with
European football, in preparation for the all-important first Premier League
fixture against Bournemouth."
Third qualifying first leg ties will be played in week commencing Monday 25
July, with second leg matches being played in week commencing Monday 1
August. Tie dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course.
The Hammers will be competing in Europe for the eighth time in their
history, having previously won the European Cup Winners' Cup at the first
attempt in 1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976.
West Ham have won 24 of their 48 ties across the UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup
Winners' Cup and Intertoto Cup, scoring 79 goals and conceding 57.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Shakhtyor Soligorsk were formed in 1961 and are managed by the club's former
striker Syarhey Nikifarenka.
The 2005 Belarussian champions are based at 4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium
and finished third in the Premier League last season.
A successful side in recent years, Soligorsk have finished in the top three
in each of the last five seasons and won the Belarussian Cup in 2014. They
have qualified for Europe in each of the last six seasons. Defeated NSI
Runavik of the Faroe Islands 7-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round.
NK Domžale
NK Domžale were formed in 1921 and are based in town of Domzale in the
foothills of the Kamnik Alps in central Slovenia.
The club finished third in the Slovenian PrvaLiga last season, having won
the title in 2007 and 2008, and are based at the 2,813-capacity Sports Park.
Domžale, who possess a cosmopolitan squad including players from Slovenia,
Spain, Bosnia, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Serbia, France, Macedonia, Croatia and
Argentina, defeated West Ham's 2015 opponents Lusitanos of Andorra 5-2 on
aggregate in the first qualifying round.
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FT- Chelmsford City 2-0 Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
That's it, the referee brings the proceedings to an end, the hosts secure a
2-0 victory, nevertheless a valuable experience for the youngsters out there
tonight. Reaction to follow.
88: Goal for Chelmsford and this wraps up the victory, and what a strike it
was. Max Cornhill with a sweet strike, edge of the box, top corner. 0-2.
86: Encouraged by the let-off, Hector-Ingram goes tearing after a seemingly
lost cause and nearly makes something or nothing as he wins back posession,
but the chance eventually dies away.
85: Penalty to Chelmsford...Jack Powell lines it up, he tries an audacious
dink which goes wide! A real let off.
83: Hugo Skepelhorn almost gets goalside but a combination of Longelo and
Akinola clears the danger.
80: Former Academy graduate Jack Powell line up a free-kick 30-yards out,
it's good but Trott is comfortable enough to let it fall wide.
78: Another chance for the hosts, this time a whipped cross which somehow
evades everyone, all it needed was a touch in the six-yard box. Seconds
later Tunji Akinola does superbly to make a last-ditch tackle.
74: Best move of the second half from a Hammers' perspective. Sylvestre
bursts down the right-flank, fizzes in a great cross which Gordon swings a
foot at and forces a smart save from Colan Balkwell.
72: Jaanai Gordon, once on loan at Chelmsford, looks to make something
happen, he's eventually crowded out. Chelmsford respond with a spell of
pressure of their own, they win a series of corners which Hector-Ingram does
well to clear.
70: Goal for Chelmsford as Jake Reid does well to get goalside and slot home
past Trott. 0-1.
68: As you might expect against much senior opposition, the Hammers are
finding it hard to create too many openings, they're enjoying plenty of
possession in theiir own half but little joy going forward.
64: A flurry of subs for the hosts as they make 11 changes, Chelmsford now
look like...
Chelmsford: Balkwell, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lee, Powell, Bailey-Dennis, Marvin
Ekpiteta, Daley, Cornhill, Reid, Moore, Skepelhorn
63: First effort of the half for the Hammers as Jahmal Hector-Ingram
squeezes a shot goalbound, Welch smoothers it.
60: The Clarets have it in the net but it's chalked off for offside,
goalscorer Billy Bricknell disagrees with the decision but his protests
count for nothing.
58: Good chance for the hosts as Willmott wins back possession, drives
forward but drags his shot wide of the far post.
55: Corner to the Hammers which Joe Powell swings in, his delievery is good
and Akinola, the second half captain rises well, however he nods it just
wide.
52: Hector-Ingram gets to the byline and cuts a good ball back however
Chelmsford clear. At the other end Robbie Willmott tests Trott's reflexes,
who gets down well.
50: Just as the first half, the hosts have started the second half the
stronger. Incidentally, we have three more debutants tonight now - Longelo,
Henry and Wells.
46: So, here are the changes... the Hammers make ten changes in total -
everyone apart from 'keeper Trott.
This is how the Hammers line up: Trott, Sylvestre, Longelo, Henry, Akinola,
Wells, Kemp, Powell, Hector-Ingram, Scully
45: Once again, Josh Pask climbs highest to head away another looped
throw-in. Soon after referee Ron Whitton blows for half-time.
42: Chance for Chelmsford through Bagasan Graham as header isn't far off.
West Ham respond through Antonio who gets to the byline but his cross his
wayward. Moments later he sprints the length of the pitch, beating four men
in the process, goalkeeper Welch collects at Ford's feet.
40: Not long to go until the break, where we're anticipating plenty of
substitutions. Westley will be content with what he's seen.
36: Fletcher beats his man for pace, lays it off to Diangana who gets to the
byline but puts just too much on the cross with Ford waiting. Plenty of
half-chances but no real openings yet.
33: Another chance for Fletcher, Pike feeds the striker on the edge of the
box, however his strike is narrowly over.
30: Inches away from a debut goal for Fletcher. He spins, 25-yards out,
shoots well however goalkeeper Joe Welch gets a finger to it. Close!
28: Lovely intricate move, starting with Westley, before Cullen, Ford and
Fletcher get involved, they so nearly work it out to Antonio to shoot but
Walsh nips in at the last second.
26: Diangana juggles expertly and invites a foul, the defender obliges, but
nothing doing for the winger.
22: Michail Antonio winds up a long-throw, Iceland-style yet Anthony Church
does well to head clear the danger.
17: Alex Pike bursts forward and beats his man, his effort's are rewarded
with a corner which the Clarets' clear.
14: Another debutant Ashley Fletcher is fishing around for openings, he
looks eager to impress. First chance for the hosts falls to Shamir Mullings,
he wins back possession on halfway and trie his luck from 40 yards, Trott is
off his line but his effort goes narrowly wide.
10: Debutant Mason Barrett has also shown some intelligent touches. The
youngster looks composed and dealing with opponents much older then him.
7: Grady Diangana has shown some nice touches in the early exchanges, he's
looking to burst forward and create openings. His hard work almost pays off
as he feeds Sam Ford, whose shot is blocked.
4: Bright start for the hosts as they look to assert to physical presence,
their pressure results in a corner which Josh Pask clears with a towering
header.
0: Right, here we go! The Hammers are in their new white and light blue away
kit, the Clarets, as you can well imagine, are in all claret.
7.40pm: Five minutes to go. A lot to learn here tonight, and a great
opportunity for several youngsters to show what they can do.
7.30pm: Following tonight's game, the Dev Squad are back in action on
Tuesday evening away at Peterborough United. Kick off at London Road is
7.30pm.
7.15pm: Tonight sees a return to the fold for Sam Westley, Jaanai Gordon and
Josh Cullen, all of whom ended last season out on loan gaining valuable
first team experience. Former Development Squad coach Nick Haycock faces his
old side tonight, the experienced coach is the Clarets' assistant manager.
7pm: Looking at the Hammers' line up, there's certainly a real mixture of
youth and experience in the Starting XI.
Ashley Fletcher makes his West Ham debut tonight having recently signed and
Michail Antonio gets a run out. Meanwhile the Hammers' give Dev Squad debuts
to Mason Barrett and Nathan Trott.
6.45pm: Hello and welcome to tonight's coverage of the Development Squad's
opening pre-season friendly with Chelmsford City.
Tonight is the first of several fixtures to get Terry Westley's men ready
for the upcoming competitive season.
Chelmsford City: Welch, Miller, Blanchett, Church, Bush, Trialist, Willmott,
Merrifield, Mullings, Bricknell, Graham
Subs: Balkwell, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lee, Powell, Bailey-Dennis, Marvin
Ekpiteta, Daley, Cornhill, Reid, Moore, Skepelhorn
West Ham United: Trott, Pike, Barrett, Pask, Westley, Coventry, Cullen ©,
Antonio, Diangana, Ford, Fletcher
Subs: Sylvestre, Akinola, Wells, Longelo, Henry, Powell, Kemp, Scully,
Gordon, Hector-Ingram
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
The excitement is now building from the board and the fans after the draw
was made for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. We will be
facing Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia and we are
now getting ever closer to our first ever game at the new Stadium. We have a
Club now that can win things and the Europa League is a competition that we
can do very well in. We have won the right to dream now.
You want to avoid the bigger teams in the early stages and this is a great
opportunity if we want to give our talented group of youngsters the
experience of playing on the European stage. We have learned from the
experiences of last year and all the players are better off twelve months
on. We have a number of talented youngsters like Reece Oxford, Reece Burke,
Martin Samuelsen, Josh Cullen, Sam Byram, Toni Martinez who are knocking on
the first-team door. I have no doubts that these youngsters could be playing
in the first-team this year.
I was at the new Stadium this week to have a tour around our magnificent new
home and I know our fans will be very pleased when they come to the first
game. This is the culmination of a six-year project. The magnificent new
roof will create a fantastic atmosphere inside the Stadium and there is
claret and blue throughout the stands and concourses which makes it feel
like home. We went for a coffee inside our state-of-the art Club Store and I
bumped into our new signing Ashley Fletcher who was also at the new Stadium.
We had a good discussion and even though you see him as a young man, he is
strong and athletic and is a very intelligent individual. I will be very
surprised if he doesn't make an impact at West Ham United.
I genuinely don't think we have ever had a crop of young players in my time
here who are knocking on the door like the ones we have now. These are
serious young talented players. I can assure all our supporters that we are
still working hard behind the scenes to bring new players into the squad and
have many irons in the fire. There is still a long way to go before the
transfer window closes. David Sullivan is working relentlessly to push these
players over the line and nobody is better than him at getting the best
possible deals.
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Europa League ticket information
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to confirm ticketing details for the Hammers'
historic first fixture at London Stadium.
Subject to the fixture's formal ratification by UEFA, Slaven Bilic's men are
set to host Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or NK Domzale of Slovenia on
Thursday 4 August in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second
leg.
In line with the Club's longstanding commitment to affordable family
football, Adult prices start at just £10 for Bands 4 and 5, with all U16
tickets in Bands 1-5 just £5 for this prestigious fixture.
Full Ticket Prices
Band Adult U21s/O65s U16s
1966 £25.00 £25.00 £25.00
Band 1 £20.00 £20.00 £5.00
Band 2 £15.00 £15.00 £5.00
Band 3 £15.00 £15.00 £5.00
Band 4 £10.00 £10.00 £5.00
Band 5 £10.00 £10.00 £5.00
Owing to the date of the Europa League fixture, there will be 54,000 tickets
available for the game, so it is possible that some Season Ticket Holders
will not have access to their Season Ticket seat. The newly-configured East
Stand will already be in its final, football-ready state, meaning Season
Ticket Holders in the East Stand will be unaffected and able to sit in their
seasonal seats. In other areas of the Stadium where this is not the case,
the Club will do everything possible to find supporters the best alternative
seats. Subject to formal ratification of the fixture from UEFA, tickets will
go on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Tuesday 19 July, with a
priority window open until Sunday 24 July. For those who do not have to
access to their regular seats for this fixture, there is also the option of
an additional 48-hour window, when all previously unsold Season Ticket seats
will become available. This will begin at 9am on Monday 25 July and finish
on Tuesday 26.
Remaining tickets will be made available to Claret Members from 9am
Wednesday 27 July to Thursday 28 July. In the unlikely events that any
tickets are still available, General Sale will begin at 9am Friday 29 July.
Additionally, for both the UEFA Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
against Juventus, supporters will be issued with paper tickets.
As well as being advantageous operationally, the Club hope supporters will
appreciate having a physical memento of these landmark fixtures in West Ham
history.
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Hammers to offer half-price train travel
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Abellio Greater Anglia to offer fans up to 50 per cent
off matchday train tickets
Hammers have teamed up with train operating company to help supporters
attend home games
Season and Flexi Tickets available for fans attending matches at the London
Stadium in 2016/17
West Ham United are delighted to announce that supporters can get up to 50
per cent off train travel to home matchdays at London Stadium, having teamed
up with Abellio Greater Anglia. Ahead of what promises to be a uniquely
special season in Hammers' history, the Club have been working hard in
conjunction with the train operator to bring supporters the best offer
possible. As a result, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and
Hertfordshire-based supporters will be able to make great savings when
travelling to and from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from the company's 170
stations.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, welcomed the initiative, saying: "Throughout
this process, we have gone to great lengths to secure the very best deals
for our supporters and we are delighted to be in a position to share this
fantastic deal with our loyal fans. "Rest assured, we will continue to work
closely with stakeholders across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as part of a
vastly improved matchday experience across the board at our magnificent new
home."
The West Ham United Matchday Rail Ticket includes two different offers, the
Season Ticket and Flexi Ticket packages.
Season Ticket
This special train travel Season Ticket is available for travel from all
Abellio Greater Anglia stations to Stratford on 2016/17 first-team home
match dates and will save you up to 50% on the cost of 19 Cheap Day Return
tickets.
Season Tickets also allows FREE travel for all home Football League Cup, FA
Cup and Friendly matches during the 2016/2017 season.
Flexi Ticket – Ten Tickets
The Flexi Ticket gives you the freedom to travel to ten home games of your
choice throughout the season. Purchase ten tickets and save up to 50% on the
cost of the Super Off Peak Day Return tickets.
Child fares are available at 50% of the Adult ticket price.
Available from Monday 1 August, all supporters are urged to act quickly as
tickets must be purchased before Wednesday 31 August.
How to book
For more information, and a full breakdown of prices, please visit the
Abellio Greater Anglia website by clicking here.
Please check for changes to Train Service Alterations and planned
engineering work.
Terms and Conditions
Match day train Season Ticket is valid for first-team home matches only
Ticket must be purchased before 31 August 2016
Travel only permitted on Abellio Greater Anglia Services
Please note that if there are no train services on match day, the ticket
will therefore not be valid for travel on that date
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
Reports in the media continue to link the Hammers with a move for AC Milan
striker Carlos Bacca. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has made it clear that a
top striker still remains a top priority and there have been a number of
major targets linked with the east London Club. Most of the stories this
week have surrounded the future of Bacca who looks set to leave the San Siro
and move abroad. Some reports have suggested that the a decision could be
finalised by the end of the week. But my sources have confirmed to me that
there is no deal with anybody just yet and negotiations will continue with
our top targets. I have been told that the Hammers have agreed a deal with
two clubs, but it is proving harder than first thought to persuade the
calibre of players who want Champions League football to join them. The Club
are continuing to get the best possible deals ahead of the new season and
are happy with the transfer business they have already conducted this
summer. Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore and Ashley Fletcher
have already been added to to the squad and the Club remain confident that
more new signings will follow in the coming weeks.
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15/07/16 (EARLY) LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 15 JULY 2016 AT 10:33AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Payet to stay!
West Ham hero Dimitri Payet has told The Sun that he is "100% staying at
West Ham" and he also said "I love the club". I, for one, was always
confident Dimi would be staying with us, as he seems to appreciate what he
means to the fans, and what the club and Bilic has done for him.
Arsenal to hijack Bacca?
According to The Express, Arsene Wenger is getting ready to hijack West Ham
target Carlos Bacca. The Colombian forward is a goal machine, who scored 20
goals at AC Milan last season, and has expressed his wish to play Champions
League football, something the Hammers can't offer. Wenger has been looking
for a star striker for years, and Bacca looks at though he could fit the
bill.
Bacca to Babacar
Italian publication Tuttosport are reporting that West Ham might look to
Fiorentina striker Babacar, if they miss out on main target Carlos Bacca.
Babacar scored 20 goals is 41 games last seasons, whilst out on loan to
Italian side Modena. Is this the striker we are so desperately looking for?
Sevilla to battle West Ham for promising strikers signature:
According to Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, West Ham are close to
signing Calleri on a loan deal. Calleri is very talented, and has been
considered one of South America's most promising young forwards for a few
years now. However, various reports in Argentina and Spain are suggesting
that Europa League champions Sevilla are ready to fight for the young
forwards signature. On paper, Sevilla will be able to offer Calleri much
more game time…Could this be a deciding factor?
Tune in for the Europa League qualifying draw at 12 on the Europa League
Twitter page, which will be followed by my Afternoon Round-Up a few hours
later! Follow The West Ham Way for all the latest news and opinions.
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15/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 15 JULY 2016 AT 3:56PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Europa League draw:
West Ham will face either Slovenian side Domzale, or Belarus side Shaktyor
Soligorsk in our opening fixture of the Europa League qualifying campaign.
Please not that the club have appealed for the fixtures to swapped, meaning
our home tie could fall on the 4th of August. We will keep you posted.
Bacca deal on hold…
Sky are reporting that Napoli, Sevilla and Arsenal have all joined the race
for Hammers number 1 target Carlos Bacca. With Bacca expressing his desire
to play in the Champions League, it is reported (and believable) that Bacca
has stalled talks with West Ham, in order to open up a move to another
side.
Mandzukic interest…
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, West Ham are now interested in Croatian
forward Mario Mandzukic, who has been told he can leave Juventus. The 30
year old may be knocking on a bit, but he is still a top striker, and he
knows Bilic well. Personally I think there could be some substance to this
story, but only time will tell for sure.
There seems to be plenty of negative news today, however, don't believe
everything you read. And, even if there is truth to the Bacca updates, I
have complete faith in our board to deliver to us the best possible striker
they can get their hands on for this coming season.
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Payet story fabricated, says agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
A story that appeared in a tabloid newspaper this morning relating to
Dimitri Payet has been dismissed as false by the player's agent. Journalist
Justin Allen, writing in The Sun, claimed that he had spoken with Payet on
his return to England from France following the Euro 16 final. However
Jacques Olivier Auguste, a representative of Payet's has told Daily Mercuto
this afternoon that he believes the story is fabricated. "I am surprised by
this information because Dimitri has not done an interview with any media
outlet," said Auguste. "The only thing that is certain is that he is
enjoying his holidays that he deserves and he is licking the wounds caused
by the EURO 2016 final defeat. So he is only thinking about recharging at
the moment. "These declarations are pure inventions in the imagination of a
journalist. This deserved a response."
Sun journalist Allen claimed that Payet had told him he was "110 per cent
staying at West Ham" this summer. The tabloid also come under attack by
Hammers fans earlier in the year for a front page story headlined "Carnage",
in which it was falsely claimed that West Ham fans had wrecked a Manchester
United team bus.
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Payet is a happy Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet has reiterated his desire to remain at West Ham United,
according to a tabloid newspaper. According to journalist Justin Allen, the
French star indicated his wish to remain in London with the Hammers on a
flight back to England following the Euro 16 Final, which the hosts lost
1-0. "I've heard about all the interest and I'm flattered," Payet, who
barely speaks English is reported to have said. "But I love West Ham. We
had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. I'm
100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. You can tell the Hammers
fans that."
Earlier this week both of the club's co-owners declared that they would do
everything within their power to ensure Payet remains at the club. "We
wouldn't even listen to any offer under £50million and we don't welcome any
offers for Dimitri.," said David Gold. "He is instrumental, he's important
to us and the team is built around him. I would say to you he's not for
sale." And fellow chairman David Sullivan added: "He's under contract. I you
believe what he says, he wants to stay - but if someone wants to break the
world record, we might consider it."
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Brady confirms Europa League switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
The second leg of West Ham's Europa League tie against either Shakhtyor
Soligorsk or NK Domzale will now take place at the Olympic Stadium, it has
been confirmed. West Ham had applied to UEFA for the ties to be switched in
the event that West Ham were drawn away from home, due to the difficulties
involved in converting the OS from athletics to football mode in time for
the first leg, scheduled for Thursday 28 July.
And vice chairman Karren Brady confirmed this lunchtime that UEFA had agreed
to the switch - meaning that the home leg will now be played on Thursday 7
August, reversing the original draw. "Both teams agreed to switch so the
first game at the OS is on 4 August," wrote Brady via her Twitter timeline.
"UEFA approval was required, this is standard."
West Ham's opponents for the third qualifying round will be decided next
Thursday when Soligorsk and Domzale meet to decide their second qualifying
tie, the first leg of which ended 1-1 at the Stroitel Stadium.
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Dimitri Payet 14/1 to be PFA Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United'c commercial partner Betway have made Dimitri Payet a 14/1
shot to become the 2016/17 PFA Player of the Year after the Frenchman
confirmed he was '100 per cent staying' at West Ham. Payet had been linked
with a mega-money move to Real Madrid following an impressive first season
in the Premier League and an excellent Euro 2016 campaign with runners-up
France. However, the former Marseille man insists he is going nowhere and
the leading online bookmaker have also priced Payet up as an 11/4 chance to
become the club's top Premier League scorer. The 29-year-old Reunion-born
midfielder, who scored nine goals last campaign, is available at 66/1 to be
the Premier League's top scorer in his second season in England. Betway's
Alan Alger, said: "Dimitri Payet was superb in the Premier League last
season and everybody linked with the club will be over the moon that he is
staying. "He was a shining light last season and it would be no surprise to
see him excel once again with odds of 14/1 that he will become the PFA
Player of the Year. "Payet scored some stunning goals last season. He will
have no trouble getting fans on their feet at the Olympic Stadium and we're
11/4 for him to be the Hammers' Premier League top goalscorer."
Dimitri Payet Specials
Top Goalscorer Premier League 2016-17: 66/1
West Ham Top Goalscorer Premier League 2016-17: 11/4
PFA Player of the Year: 14/1
Under 10.5 Total Goals Premier League 2016-17: 5/6
Over 10.5 Total Goals Premier League 2016-17: 5/6
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West Ham to face Shakhtyor Soligorsk or Domzale in Europa League
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/07/16 12:36pm
SSN
West Ham will face either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or Slovenian side
Domzale in the third round of Europa League qualifying. The first leg is set
to take place at the Olympic Stadium on July 28, with the second leg
following a week later on August 4. However, the Hammers may now be forced
to appeal to UEFA over switching the home and away legs around as the
Olympic Stadium will be used for the London Anniversary Games on the weekend
of July 22. It usually takes seven days to convert the stadium from
athletics mode to football mode and this therefore causes an issue for West
Ham. Slaven Bilic's side were knocked out at the same stage last season,
losing 4-3 on aggregate to Astra Giurgiu of Romania. Meanwhile, Aberdeen
will face Maribor (Slovenia) or Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) if they overcome FK
Ventspils in the second qualifying round. The Dons claimed a 3-0 victory
over their Latvian opponents at Pittodrie on Thursday evening and will be
heavy favourites to go through next week. Hibernian have been drawn against
Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, but must first overturn a 1-0 first leg
deficit against Brondby. The 2016 Scottish Cup winners were defeated at home
to the Swedish outfit, with Kamil Wilczek's first minute strike enough to
secure victory. Hearts will play either Krasnodar (Russia) or Ventspils
(Latvia) if they can overcome Birkirkara at Tynecastle on Thursday. The
Jambos were held to a goalless draw out in Malta, but will be confident of
securing their passage through to the next round.
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Dimitri Payet committed to West Ham and excited to play at Olympic Stadium
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 15/07/16 6:19am
SSN
Dimitri Payet is flattered by transfer interest in him but says he has no
intention of leaving West Ham this summer. Payet was one of the stars of
Euro 2016, performing with great credit for losing finalists France and
securing a place in UEFA's team of the tournament after scoring three goals
in seven games. His performances led to various links with top clubs across
Europe, with the club's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan rating him
in the £50m-£100m bracket earlier in the week. But the 29-year-old has given
boss Slaven Bilic a huge boost by saying he is happy to be at the Premier
League club and is not even thinking about a move away. "I've heard about
all the interest and I'm flattered," Payet told The Sun. "But I love West
Ham. We had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic
Stadium. "I'm 100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell
the Hammers fans that."
Payet joined West Ham last summer from Marseille and scored nine goals in
his 30 Premier League appearances, quickly establishing himself as a fan
favourite in the final season at Upton Park. His comments echo those of
Sullivan earlier this week - he said: "He's under contract. There might be
six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he
says, he wants to stay. "We've given him a new contract. If he's still doing
what he's doing now at Christmas or the end of the season we might give him
another new contract."
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West Ham to face Shakhtyor Soligorsk or NK Domzale in Europa League: All you
need to know
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 15/07/16 2:25pm
SSN
West Ham will face either Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk or Slovenian
outfit NK Domzale in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The
Hammers are looking to join Manchester United and Southampton in the group
stages of the competition having finished seventh in the Premier League last
season. Slave Bilic's side will also have to navigate the play-off stage,
but what should they expect from their third qualifying round opponents?
Here's the lowdown…
When will the games be played?
The first leg is due to take place on July 28 at the Olympic Stadium, with
the return game scheduled for the following week on August 4. For West Ham,
however, the dates present a complication, as the Olympic Stadium is due to
host the London Anniversary Games on the weekend of July 22. It typically
takes seven days to convert the stadium from athletics mode to football
mode, so the Hammers have appealed to UEFA over switching the home and away
legs around. A final decision is expected to be ratified by UEFA in due
course, but initial talks have been successful.
Who are Shakhtyor Soligorsk?
Soligorsk qualified for the Europa League's first qualifying round by
finishing third in the 14-team Belarusian Premier League in 2015, behind
champions BATE Borisov and runners-up Dinamo Minsk. They currently sit
second at the midway point of the 2016 campaign, and they beat Faroe
Islanders NSI Runavik 7-0 on aggregate to set up their Europa League second
qualifying round clash with Domzale. The club were founded in 1961 and play
their home games at the 4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium. They have never
reached the group stages of a European competition, but they won the
Belarusian title in 2005 and the Belarusian Cup in 2014. Their squad is
primarily made up of Belarusian players, including 31-year-old striker
Mikalay Yanush, who was the top scorer in the Belarusian Premier League last
season with 15 goals.
And what about NK Domzale?
Domzale qualified for the Europa League's first qualifying round with a
third-placed finish in the Slovenia league last season, and they beat
Andorran side Lusitanos 5-2 on aggregate to reach the second qualifying
round. They are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs having been founded in 1921.
They won back-to-back Slovenian titles between 2006 and 2008, but they have
not claimed any silverware since a domestic cup triumph in 2011. Their
stadium holds just over 3,000 fans. Like Shakhtyor, their impact in European
competition has been minimal, although they did reach the first round of the
UEFA Cup in 2005/06, where they were defeated 2-1 on aggregate by Stuttgart.
Their cosmopolitan squad includes a Spaniard, a Brazilian and an Argentine,
and they are managed by their record appearance holder Luka Elsner.
Which one will it be?
The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of their second qualifying round
clash at Shakhtyor Soligorsk's Stroitel Stadium on Thursday, with the return
game to be played in Slovenia on Sunday. Domzale will fancy their chances of
advancing having come from behind to draw in Belarus, but the tie is still
wide open.
How far will the Hammers have to travel?
The Hammers will be eager to avoid a trip to the Minsk region of Belarus,
with the town of Soligorsk sitting some 1164 miles away from their east
London home. Slovenia would be another long-haul trip, but Domzale is
situated 760 miles away, making it a far more preferable journey than
Belarus
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West Ham request Europe League change after home fixture clashes with London
Anniversary Games
West Ham fear playing their first-leg against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of
Belarus or Slovenian side Domzale will not give them enough time to convert
the Olympic Stadium
Andy Sims
The Independent
West Ham have made a request to Uefa asking to play the second leg of their
Europa League qualifier at home - to ensure the Olympic Stadium is ready.
The Hammers' first fixture at their new Stratford home will be a third
qualifying round clash against either Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or
Slovenian side Domzale. They were pulled out of the hat first at the draw in
Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday afternoon, and would ordinarily play the home
leg first on July 28. However, with the Anniversary Games being held at the
Olympic Stadium the previous weekend, the club fear they would not have time
to switch it back to 'football mode'. In a statement on the club website,
the Hammers said both Shakhtyor and Domzale had agreed to the switch to
August 4 in principle, and a final decision should be ratified by Uefa in
due course. The teams are currently tied at 1-1 after the first leg, with
the second leg to be played in Slovenia next week. West Ham were forced into
playing a qualifier after being pipped for sixth place in the Premier League
by Southampton on the final day of last season. Slaven Bilic's side are
taking on Italian champions Juventus in a friendly which was supposed to
mark the opening of the stadium on Sunday, August 7, but are now set to host
less glamorous opposition three days earlier. The capacity for the qualifier
and the Juve game will be 54,000, but the stadium will be at its full 60,000
capacity for the first Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday,
August 21. Vice-chairman Karren Brady told the club website: "We're
delighted to be welcoming our supporters to the opening of our magnificent
new home against Italian champions Juventus. "It's fantastic to be kicking
off this exciting new era for the club with European football, in
preparation for the all-important first Premier League fixture against
Bournemouth."
Meanwhile, Hibernian will take on German side Hertha Berlin if the Edinburgh
outfit can overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Danish outfit Brondby.
They will be without manager Neil Lennon on the touchline for the second leg
after he was sent to the stands during the first match. Hibs' city rivals
Hearts, whose first leg in Malta ended 0-0 against Birkirkara, will be
aiming to set up a tie against Russian side Krasnodar. Aberdeen, who are 3-0
up against Latvian side Ventspils, will face Maribor of Slovenia or
Bulgarian side Levski Sofia, providing the Dons avoid trouble in their
second leg.
Northern Irish side Cliftonville will take on Spartak Moscow if they can
come back from a 3-2 first-leg defeat against Cypriots AEK Larnaca. Cork,
who are tied at 1-1 with Swedish side Hacken, have been drawn against either
Belgium's Genk or Podgorica of Montenegro. If Welsh minnows Connah's Quay
come from 1-0 down against Serbian side Vojvodina they could face Ireland's
St Patrick's Athletic, who drew 1-1 with Dinamo Minsk of Belarus in their
first leg.
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West Ham to make Olympic Stadium debut in Europa League qualifying tie
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, July 15, 2016
West Ham's first match at the Olympic Stadium will be against either
Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus or Slovenian side Domzale. The Hammers have
taken up residence in the revamped London 2012 venue after leaving Upton
Park, their home for over 100 years, at the end of last season. Slaven
Bilic's side are taking on Italian giants Juventus in a glamour friendly to
mark the opening of their new 60,000-seater ground in Stratford on Sunday,
August 7. But they will actually take to the field for the first time in
their new ground before that, with West Ham's first fixture to come against
the winner of the second-round qualifier, which is currently poised at 1-1
between the Belarusian and Slovenian sides.
The third qualifying round ties will be played on Thursday July 28 and
Thursday August 4. West Ham were forced into playing a qualifier after being
pipped for sixth place in the Premier League by Southampton on the final day
of last season. They featured in the qualifying stages last season by virtue
of the Fair Play League, but Bilic fielded youngsters and fringe players as
they bowed out to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the third round. Bilic has
vowed to take this season's competition more seriously, however, and has
already bolstered his squad with Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan
Tore and Ashley Fletcher.
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IS WISSAM BEN YEDDER THE SIMPLE SOLUTION TO OUR ONGOING PROBLEM?
By Benjamin Cronin 15 Jul 2016 at 11:00
WTID
Last season hadn't even finished before we saw David Sullivan waltzing
around the Upton Park pitch and sitting in the stands, chatting to Sky
Sport's Jim White about the club's summer transfer plans. The co-chairman
was upfront and perhaps a bit too honest about what kind of player the club
would be pursuing and even went as far as saying how much we would be
willing to spend on them. From that very moment, talk of a 'marquee signing'
has dominated our summer. We've already had six players come in (seven if we
include the permanent deal for Lanzini) but it still feels like everyone is
waiting for that big money arrival.
The list of potential striker options was initially longer than the Bayeux
Tapestry back in May but one by one, the likes of; Lacazette, Batshuayi,
Walcott, Benteke and Bony have all been dismissed. It now appears that AC
Milan forward, Carlos Bacca is the man the club want. It is expected that
there is a few more days of negotiations with both AC Milan and Bacca's
representatives but at a rumoured £26m fee and £70,000+ per week wages, the
deal definitely isn't going to be a cheap one. With apparent interest from
Atletico Madrid, the transfer is by no means a forgone conclusion but if it
does happen, it will be interesting see how the Columbian deals with the
Premier League and indeed, the expectation that would be placed upon his
shoulders.
Bacca has a solid one in two goal scoring ratio in the past 5 years having
played in Belgium, Spain and Italy. There may well be doubts about his age
but as Dimitri Payet has already proved, as long as you can do the job, age
is but a number. He might not score the spectacular but Bacca certainly
knows where the goals are. He's clever in the movements he makes and
clinical when in front of goal. I'll be honest, on the long list of targets
we drew up, he wasn't at the top of mine. I don't doubt his ability and
would expect a minimum of 15 league goals from the Columbian if he became a
West Ham player but part of me thinks that it just doesn't feel right.
Fortunately, it isn't actually my job to identify and recruit players and
those that are tasked with such a role have a decent track record of doing
so and I'm confident that they will do what is right for the club.
My problem with the possible transfer of Bacca isn't with the player
himself, it is the way the deal has been drawn out. As a fan, you want
players that are desperate to wear the shirt, not ones that have to be
persuaded to put in a performance every week. The fact that Bacca appears to
have stalled so long on a deal is a major concern. We've apparently offered
him more money than he is already on, so is he being greedy and just after
more? I wouldn't begrudge him wanting to play in the Champions League as he
reaches the latter stages of his career but if that was really his motive
for being so indecisive, he would have done what Alexandre Lacazette did and
ruled out a move early on. As I said, he's a good player who can score goals
so I wouldn't turn my nose up at his arrival, but it got me thinking about
other options we should be considering.
Both chairmen have previously spoken about 'finding the next Dimitri Payet'.
Many of us on here have commented that spending as much as £25m+ is too much
of a gamble and we could find a lot better value for money. After some
in-depth research, I believe Wissam Ben Yedder is the player we should
really be after. The 25-year-old Toulouse forward is now in the last year of
his contract and a bid of around £10m would most likely be enough to open
contract negotiations with the Frenchman who is nicknamed 'Benyebut'
(meaning 'goal') A move away is almost a certainty after he announced to
fans he would be leaving at the end of the season and whilst Sevilla were
previously poised to get his signature, the fact that their coach, Unai
Emery, left for PSG means the door is now wide open to make a move.
I could write about Ben Yedder's skill, his pace, his eye for a killer pass
and ability to finish but I feel some cold hard facts are the best way to
showcase what a player he could be. The following figures certainly make for
interesting reading:
2010-16: FC Toulouse (Apps (+sub)/ Goals (incl. penalties) / Assists /
Yellows / Reds / Hat-tricks)
2010/11: 01 (plus 04 sub); 00G (0p); 0A; 0Y; OR; 0H.
2011/12: 00 (plus 11 sub); 01G (0p); 0A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2012/13: 29 (plus 08 sub); 15G (0p); 6A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2013/14: 36 (plus 06 sub); 17G (2p); 5A; 3Y; OR; 2H.
2014/15: 35 (plus 03 sub); 15G (3p); 5A; 1Y; OR; 0H.
2015/16: 39 (plus 02 sub); 23G (2p); 5A; 2Y; OR; 1H.*
Total: 140 (plus 34 sub); 71G (7p); 21A; 8Y; 0R; 3H
*Extended Analysis of Season 2015/16:
First 12 matches: 11 (plus 01 sub); 03G; 2A; 1Y; 0R; 0H.
Final 29 matches: 28 (plus 01 sub); 20G; 3A; 1Y; 0R; 1H.
His performances and goals in the second half of the 15/16 season were
crucial to Toulouse avoiding relegation and although it shows Ben Yedder can
step up to the plate when it matters most, it also highlights what great
value for money he could be when you compare it to the likes of Lacazette
and Batshuayi:
Lacazette (from 27 Nov 2015)
Final 24 League matches: 22 (plus 02 inj); 16G; 3A; 4Y; 0R; 1H.
Batshuayi (from 29 Nov 2015)
Final 24 League matches: 19 (plus 03 sub; 1 susp; 1 inj); 08G; 5A; 6Y; 0R;
0H.
Aside from his goals, Ben Yedder has rarely missed a game through injury so
could well be that consistent option we have so desperately craved in recent
years. One other interesting fact is that he has only received eight yellow
cards in his entire career, three of which have come directly after scoring
a goal. Obviously discipline isn't an issue, but controlling his passion
might well be. Not exactly a bad thing in my books anyway.
As I previously mentioned, it isn't my job to scout players or negotiate
deals for them. I'm sure Ben Yedder has already been mentioned as a
potential target, he's probably already been scouted by the club and looked
at by the board. I just find it strange that a player with such impressive
credentials and potential hasn't been given as much attention as players
that would cost almost three times as much.
COYI!
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Arsenal set to hijack West Ham's £26m deal for international striker
ARSENAL are reportedly ready to hijack West Ham's £26million move for AC
Milan's Carlos Bacca.
By UCHE AMAKO
PUBLISHED: 09:00, Fri, Jul 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 09:12, Fri, Jul 15, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have been pushing to make a marquee signing ahead of their first
season at the Olympic Stadium. And manager Slaven Bilic has identified the
Colombia international as his primary target and lodged a club-record fee.
Last season, the 29-year-old scored 18 goals in 38 leagues as Milan slumped
to a disappointing seventh place finish. Bacca has made clear his desire to
play in the Champions League telling Spanish newspaper AS: "It's my dream to
play in Champions League and work toward winning it. "Unfortunately, the
failure for Milan to reach the tournament is one of the themes of our
discussions with the club." And Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport say
Arsenal, who can offer Champions League football, have emerged as a possible
destination for Bacca. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is searching for a striker
to add to his squad having been snubbed by Leicester hitman Jamie Vardy. The
Frenchman is facing a striker crisis with Danny Welbeck out until February
with injury and Olivier Giroud is not due to return till August after his
participation with France at Euro 2016. Alexis Sanchez is also a fitness
worry having injured his ankle at the Copa America with Chile.
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West Ham will be glad they missed out on new Tottenham signing if they land
Colombian
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United will be happy they missed out on new Tottenham Hotspur
signing Vincent Janssen if they can land a top Colombian target. The Hammers
have been linked with a host of top strikers this summer but have already
missed out on Dutch star Vincent Janssen after he opted to join Spurs
instead of Slaven Bilic's side. That came off the back of the club's failure
to sign Alexandre Lacazette despite having a record £31 million bid
accepted. Since then Bilic is believed to have turned his attentions back to
AC Milan's Colombian star striker Carlos Bacca. With the big move to the
60,000 seater Olympic Stadium on the horizon in the coming month speculation
has been rife about new additions to Slaven Bilic's squad. The East
Londoners missed out on Marseille's Michy Batshuayi after he secured a move
to London rivals Chelsea while there were also rumours about interest in
Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, Juventus and Italy forward Simone Zaza and
Liverpool's Christian Benteke to name but a few. Many Hammers fans are
starting to worry about the striker situation having been promised a marquee
signing by co-owner David Sullivan and David Gold. To make matters worse it
seems Spurs have got one over their rivals with the capture of 22-year-old
Janssen who has an impressive goal record better than one every two games
with 59 strikes in 108 senior matches so far in his career. But should they
land former Sevilla striker Bacca, they will arguably be getting not only a
better, bigger name player but also one who is proven at the highest level.
Bacca may be older at 29 but he has a goal record of exactly one every two
games (180 goals in 360 games) in his career and has played at the top level
for Sevilla, AC Milan and with Colombia. Negotiations are ongoing with the
player after the Hammers had a bid accepted by the Italian giants, as
reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
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Dimitri Payet insists he is "100% staying" at West Ham despite Real Madrid
interest
07:54, 15 JUL 2016 UPDATED 07:54, 15 JUL 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has pledged his future to West Ham. The Frenchman enjoyed an
excellent first season in the Premier League and took his club form into
Euro 2016. Real Madrid have been tipped to make a move with Hammers co-owner
David Gold admitting they would only consider bids in excess of £50m. But
Payet has confirmed he will be playing his football at the Olympic Stadium
next term. "I've heard about all the interest and I'm flattered," he said.
"But I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in
the Olympic Stadium. "I'm 100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club.
I can tell the Hammers fans that." His comments come after Gold vowed to try
everything to keep Payet in east London. Gold said: "We'll fight tooth and
nail to make sure Dimitri pulls on a claret and blue shirt next season. "We
want to improve our squad and Dimitri is an integral part of what we're
trying to do. But we also must be realistic. "If Barcelona or Real Madrid
made a bid and he wanted to move there, it would be difficult to keep him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet: I love West Ham and I'm 100 per cent staying
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Dimitri Payet has moved to end speculation over his future lying away from
West Ham, saying he is "100 per cent staying" at the club. Payet has
attracted interest from Real Madrid and Inter Milan after a debut Premier
League season that saw him earn consideration for individual awards. The
29-year-old followed that with a string of displays at Euro 2016 that saw
him ranked the tournament's star man by Uefa statistics. Co-owner David Gold
has warned interested parties that West Ham will "not even listen to any
offer under £50million" for their star player, and Payet has signalled he
will not look to force his way out of the club. "I've heard about all the
interest and I'm flattered," he told the Sun. "But I love West Ham. We had
a fantastic season and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. "I'm 100
per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell the Hammers fans
that." Despite his exceptional form Payet will have to wait for improved
terms at the Olympic Stadium, with David Sullivan warning that "a few games
for France" will not guarantee him a new deal. Payet signed a
five-and-a-half year deal in February, just seven months after arriving from
Marseille in a £10.7m deal.
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West Ham move for Barcelona flop would make a mockery of progress
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United risk making a mockery of their recent progress with a
rumoured move for Barcelona flop and former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen.
The Hammers enjoyed their best ever Premier League points return last season
and the impending move to the 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium has seen the
club linked with a host of star names. Slaven Bilic is reshaping his squad
after selling James Tomkins to Crystal Palace and releasing Alex Song,
Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses. The surprise sale of homegrown Hammer
Tomkins has led to speculation the club will sign a defensive replacement.
And the latest to be linked with a move to East London is Barcelona flop and
former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, as reported by the likes of The
Sun. According to reports, the Hammers will have to cough up as much as £10m
for the 30-year-old. If the speculation is true it threatens to make a
mockery of West Ham's recent progress as a club. West Ham would be a
fantastic move for the Vermaelen. The injury-prone star played just 110
games in five years at Arsenal, that's just 22 games a season. And Arsenal's
seasons usually comprise of around 55 matches all told. His record is even
worse at Barca where he managed just 11 appearances in the last two seasons.
Yes the Belgian can be a class act when fully fit, but unfortunately that is
all too rare an occurrence. If the Hammers do take a gamble on Vermaelen,
they would be abandoning the transfer policy which has served them so well
in recent years, a transfer policy which was very deliberately and radically
changed towards the end of Sam Allardyce's tenure. Co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold brought in talent spotter Tony Henry two years ago and the
club's transfer business ever since has been some of the best in its
history. Dimitri Payet arrived for just £10 million, Manuel Lanzini for even
less, Cheikhou Kouyate cost just £7m, Aaron Cresswell just £3m and now
Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli on free transfers. They have also
snared prodigious young talents like Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United,
Domingos Quina from under Chelsea's noses, Martin Samuelsen from Manchester
City and Tony Martinez from Valencia with a view to the future. Add to that
the fact West Ham have cleared a first team path for their hugely promising
defenders Reece Burke and Reece Oxford by selling Tomkins and the move makes
even less sense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet says he is '100 per cent staying' at West Ham as winger shrugs
off transfer speculation
West Ham's Dimitri Payet was in fine form at Euro 2016, scoring three goals
Frenchman helped his country to reach tournament's final against Portugal
Speculation has been mounting recently over Payet's club future
Payet said in interview that he was committed to Irons '100 per cent'
By ROHAN BANERJEE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:26, 15 July 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 15 July 2016
Dimitri Payet has handed West Ham a welcome boost and pledged his future to
the club, putting an abrupt stop to any talk of a transfer. The 29-year-old
was in fine form for France at Euro 2016, scoring three goals en route to
their appearance in the final against Portugal, and some fans had feared
that an offer from a big club might tempt Payet away from east London.
Payet, however, has insisted that he is happy where he is and told The Sun:
'I'm 100 per cent staying.' While the former Lille and Marseille star did
admit reports linking him with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea in
recent weeks were flattering, Payet revealed that his affection for the
Irons is too strong to throw away. He added: 'I've heard about all the
interest and I'm flattered. But I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season
and I can't wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. West Ham enjoyed a
successful Premier League campaign last season, eventually finishing seventh
in the table, just three places and four points adrift of Manchester City in
the final Champions League qualifying berth. Payet, who signed for the
Hammers from Marseille last summer in a £10.7million deal, was the club's
Player of the Year.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 16
Friday, July 15
Daily WHUFC News - Europa League Draw
Hammers learn Europa League opponents
WHUFC.com
Following this afternoon's draw for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying
round, West Ham United are pleased to update supporters on the historic
first fixture at London Stadium. In order to give Stadium owners E20 Stadium
LLP as much time as possible to prepare the arena for its first taste of
European football, the Club have today made official representation to
request that the fixture be reversed. If successful, Shakhtyor Soligorsk of
Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia will visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
for the return leg on Thursday 4 August. Owing to the date of the Europa
League fixture, the Club has had to agree to work to a capacity of 54,000
for the Hammers' first two fixtures at London Stadium. And, given the
proximity of the Anniversary Games to those opening two West Ham games,
Stadium owners E20 Stadium PLP are doing their utmost to prepare the venue
fully into football mode accordingly.
On behalf of its supporters, the Club went to great lengths in contractual
negotiations with E20 Stadium LLP to ensure that the Stadium would be fully
ready for the first two fixtures, in order to accommodate as many supporters
as possible and offer the best matchday experience.
This is a necessary step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening in full
football mode at its full 60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening
Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
Crucially, capacity for both the Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
will be sufficient to accommodate all requests from Season Ticket Holders.
Further details for the Europa League clash will be communicated on
whufc.com ahead of tickets going on sale on Tuesday 19 July.
The visit of AFC Bournemouth will also see the innovative, retractable
seating solution in its entirety for the first time, with bold West Ham
branding, showing off the Hammers' famous Claret and Blue, set for
installation in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We're delighted to be welcoming our
supporters to the opening of our magnificent new home against Italian
champions Juventus. "It's fantastic to be kicking off this exciting new era
for the Club with European football, in preparation for the all-important
first Premier League fixture against Bournemouth."
Third qualifying first leg ties will be played in week commencing Monday 25
July, with second leg matches being played in week commencing Monday 1
August. The Hammers will be competing in Europe for the eighth time in their
history, having previously won the European Cup Winners' Cup at the first
attempt in 1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976. West
Ham have won 24 of their 48 ties across the UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup
Winners' Cup and Intertoto Cup, scoring 79 goals and conceding 57.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Shakhtyor Soligorsk were formed in 1961 and are managed by the club's former
striker Syarhey Nikifarenka. The 2005 Belarussian champions are based at
4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium and finished third in the Premier League
last season. A successful side in recent years, Soligorsk have finished in
the top three in each of the last five seasons and won the Belarussian Cup
in 2014. They have qualified for Europe in each of the last six seasons.
Defeated NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands 7-0 on aggregate in the first
qualifying round.
NK Domžale
NK Domžale were formed in 1921 and are based in town of Domzale in the
foothills of the Kamnik Alps in central Slovenia. The club finished third in
the Slovenian PrvaLiga last season, having won the title in 2007 and 2008,
and are based at the 2,813-capacity Sports Park. Domžale, who possess a
cosmopolitan squad including players from Slovenia, Spain, Bosnia, Brazil,
Azerbaijan, Serbia, France, Macedonia, Croatia and Argentina, defeated West
Ham's 2015 opponents Lusitanos of Andorra 5-2 on aggregate in the first
qualifying round.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Following this afternoon's draw for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying
round, West Ham United are pleased to update supporters on the historic
first fixture at London Stadium. In order to give Stadium owners E20 Stadium
LLP as much time as possible to prepare the arena for its first taste of
European football, the Club have today made official representation to
request that the fixture be reversed. If successful, Shakhtyor Soligorsk of
Belarus or NK Domžale of Slovenia will visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
for the return leg on Thursday 4 August. Owing to the date of the Europa
League fixture, the Club has had to agree to work to a capacity of 54,000
for the Hammers' first two fixtures at London Stadium. And, given the
proximity of the Anniversary Games to those opening two West Ham games,
Stadium owners E20 Stadium PLP are doing their utmost to prepare the venue
fully into football mode accordingly.
On behalf of its supporters, the Club went to great lengths in contractual
negotiations with E20 Stadium LLP to ensure that the Stadium would be fully
ready for the first two fixtures, in order to accommodate as many supporters
as possible and offer the best matchday experience.
This is a necessary step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening in full
football mode at its full 60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening
Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
Crucially, capacity for both the Europa League fixture and the Betway Cup
will be sufficient to accommodate all requests from Season Ticket Holders.
Further details for the Europa League clash will be communicated on
whufc.com ahead of tickets going on sale on Tuesday 19 July.
The visit of AFC Bournemouth will also see the innovative, retractable
seating solution in its entirety for the first time, with bold West Ham
branding, showing off the Hammers' famous Claret and Blue, set for
installation in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We're delighted to be welcoming our
supporters to the opening of our magnificent new home against Italian
champions Juventus. "It's fantastic to be kicking off this exciting new era
for the Club with European football, in preparation for the all-important
first Premier League fixture against Bournemouth."
Third qualifying first leg ties will be played in week commencing Monday 25
July, with second leg matches being played in week commencing Monday 1
August. The Hammers will be competing in Europe for the eighth time in their
history, having previously won the European Cup Winners' Cup at the first
attempt in 1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976. West
Ham have won 24 of their 48 ties across the UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup
Winners' Cup and Intertoto Cup, scoring 79 goals and conceding 57.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Shakhtyor Soligorsk were formed in 1961 and are managed by the club's former
striker Syarhey Nikifarenka. The 2005 Belarussian champions are based at
4,200-capacity Stroitel Stadium and finished third in the Premier League
last season. A successful side in recent years, Soligorsk have finished in
the top three in each of the last five seasons and won the Belarussian Cup
in 2014. They have qualified for Europe in each of the last six seasons.
Defeated NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands 7-0 on aggregate in the first
qualifying round.
NK Domžale
NK Domžale were formed in 1921 and are based in town of Domzale in the
foothills of the Kamnik Alps in central Slovenia. The club finished third in
the Slovenian PrvaLiga last season, having won the title in 2007 and 2008,
and are based at the 2,813-capacity Sports Park. Domžale, who possess a
cosmopolitan squad including players from Slovenia, Spain, Bosnia, Brazil,
Azerbaijan, Serbia, France, Macedonia, Croatia and Argentina, defeated West
Ham's 2015 opponents Lusitanos of Andorra 5-2 on aggregate in the first
qualifying round.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 15th July 2016
Spiegel sets 'game-time' target
WHUFC.com
Raphael Spiegel says West Ham United's US Tour was a fantastic experience on
and off the pitch. The young Swiss goalkeeper trained intensively with
goalkeeper coach Chris Woods and fellow stopper Adrian, initially at the
Seattle Seahawks' stunning VMAC training complex, then in hot and humid
conditions at Carolina RailHawks' WakeMed Soccer Park. Spiegel played the
full second half of both pre-season fixtures, making a number of fine saves
against Seattle Sounders and conceding just a penalty to the RailHawks. The
23-year-old also enjoyed the cultural aspects of the Tour, taking a trip to
downtown Seattle to view the historic Space Needle, Pike Place Market and
first-ever Starbucks Coffee House. "It's always nice to go away in
pre-season and the further you go, the more exciting it is," he confirmed.
"It has been really good in America and I enjoyed every day and every
training. It was a good experience and we came together as a squad. "In
training, it's a bit harder when you have only two goalkeepers, but at this
stage of the pre-season it's perfect because you get very fit. I'm happy to
have played two halves and got them under my belt. "I didn't really have a
chance with the goals I conceded. I made one or two good saves in the first
game and had a solid game in the second one, but didn't really have much to
do. Obviously I can't control the game, so I just try to do my best when I
have something to do and try to help the team. "In the other pre-season
games ahead, I'm sure I'll have more work and I can show what I'm about."
Spiegel particularly enjoyed visiting Seattle, where his love of discovering
new cultures and sightseeing were fulfilled with a visit to the Emerald
City's iconic landmarks.
"Seattle was amazing – it was an unbelievable experience to train where the
NFL team [Seattle Seahawks] train," he said. "It was a nice city and the
weather was good to train in, as it wasn't too hot. "In North Carolina,
again the facilities and pitches were good, but the weather was really hot
and challenging. Overall, it was a good experience and I enjoyed it."
The US Tour squad enjoyed a well-earned day or two off at the end of the
week before packing their bags again for a training camp and three further
pre-season matches in Austria.
With Darren Randolph granted time off after his Euro 2016 heroics with
Ireland, Spiegel is again set to enjoy plenty of match action there – and
potentially during a loan spell next season. "I will work every day with
Chris to get better and the games I get, I will give my best and see what
happens," he continued. "For my development, I need to get more game-time,
wherever that is. That's my main goal. "It's been a very good year. I had a
good season last season, helping the team to win the U21 Premier League Cup
and making a lot of progress with Chris as well. Now, I feel I am ready to
play and ready for more."
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Tore and Valencia put through their paces
WHUFC.com
New signing Gokhan Tore was joined in the gym by Enner Valencia as both
players went through a rigorous session to build up their fitness ahead of
the new season. Tore has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings
following his season-long loan from Besiktas last week and has been working
hard at the training ground while the rest of the first-team squad finish
their pre-season tour in America. The Turkey international was joined by
Valencia who returned slightly later to training after playing for Ecuador
in the Copa America where he reached the quarter-final stage. Both players
have been working hard with fitness coach Eamon Swift on the training ground
and also in the gym where they worked on building up their core strength.
West Ham TV went behind the scenes to see Tore and Valencia put through
their paces.
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Hurst - It's a brilliant time for the Club
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Sir Geoff Hurst has nothing but praise for the way
his former Club have managed to sell out the new Stadium and feels they can
become an even stronger force over the next few years. Hurst will never
forget his memorable spell with the east London Club where he came through
the ranks at the Boleyn Ground and became one of the best strikers of his
generation. He will always be remembered for his famous hat-trick against
West Germany in the World Cup Final back in 1966 which helped England lift
the Jules Rimet trophy. Hurst, who made 503 appearances and scored 249 goals
during his 14-year association with the Hammers, will never forget the
atmosphere that was created inside the Boleyn Ground. But the 74-year-old
completely understands why the Club are making a historic move to the new
Stadium and believes it will now take them onto another level.
Hurst is thrilled the new Stadium will be sold out every week and that West
Ham will now boast the highest number of Season Ticket Holders in London,
and the highest percentage of Season Ticket Holders in the whole of the
Premier League. Hurst said: "For us it's brilliant, great season last year,
52,000 season tickets we've sold, absolutely unbelievable.
"The big issue initially two years ago was whether we were going to fill the
stadium. "We're now looking to extend it before we've even kicked a ball
there. "It's a brilliant time for the club and I think selling 52,000
(season tickets) from an average gate at the Boleyn in the past of 35,000,
is astonishing. "The way they've marketed it is brilliant and giving kids
the chance to buy a season ticket for £99, that is developing you new fans,
it's a great move."
Hurst will certainly feel part of the new Stadium after he became the latest
legend to have a stone installed on Champions Place. Academy starlet Dylan
Tombides and former World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore have already had
stones placed on the specially-designed walkway at the north entrance of
London Stadium, which enables supporters to see their very own tributes
immortalised alongside Hammers legends. Hurst has been joined this week by
former managers John Lyall and Billy Bonds, the 1980 FA Cup-winning team and
the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup winners.
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Cullen set for Clarets' test
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio and Ashley Fletcher are likely to feature in the Dev Squad's
friendly with Chelmsford City on Friday 15 July, KO 7.45pm
West Ham United's Development Squad get their pre-season preparations under
way on Friday night with a local friendly against Vanarama National League
South side Chelmsford City. One player likely to feature is ever-present
midfielder Josh Cullen who will pull on his beloved West Ham jersey for the
first time since returning from a successful loan spell at Bradford City.
Having missed the Hammers' pre-season tour of the US through injury, the
20-year-old is eager to impress before the start of the competitive season.
Speaking ahead of the Dev Squad's friendly with the Clarets, Cullen said:
"It was gutting not to be in America. I was really looking forward to the
trip. "I missed it by a week or so, and it's unfortunate but there's no time
to dwell on it. I need to be ready to have a good season."
Alongside Cullen, Michail Antonio is likely to feature for the Hammers, as
well as new striker Ashley Fletcher, who will make his Hammers' debut having
signed from Manchester United. With the Club entering a new era at the
fantastic London Stadium, Cullen is excited about the direction in which the
Club is heading. "It's exciting times for West Ham at the moment," he
continued. "You can see, with the players pledging their futures to the
Club, they're quality players, so it's important that the squad we've got is
as strong as it can be It's as strong as I can remember. We're attracting
players and locking our players down to long term deals.
"With the new Stadium as well; it would be incredible to be a part of the
Juventus game, and it shows how much the Club is developing, to attract a
team like Juventus who were only in the Champions League final so recently.
"It shows the direction the Club is heading in. It will be a great day for
the Club, the players and staff and everyone involved. We're itching to go
when that comes around."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice blogs for whufc.com following the US Tour
Hello everyone,
If you had told me a couple of weeks ago that I would have travelled with
the first-team squad on their pre-season US Tour and played in both matches,
I would have been very surprised.
It's definitely been an amazing experience to come out with the first team
to America for nearly two weeks.
Seattle and North Carolina were fantastic places to train and play and I've
learnt a lot from all of the players I've trained alongside and from playing
in the games themselves.
I was shocked when I was told I was coming out to the US. I was sitting with
my Mum and Dad when we got a call and literally I had two days to prepare
and get ready.
We got straight into things, training on the first day on arrival in
Seattle, but it's been a great experience.
I've played in both games and I thought I did well. I felt confident because
you can't go into those games with any fear.
The likes of Mark Noble and Winston Reid really helped me on the field and
it was good to get 45 minutes in the first game and half-an-hour in the
second.
When you come away with the first team, you can't be acting like a child any
more. You have to act your age and be more mature about things.
I am still young and relatively inexperienced, but if I keep training and
playing well, there is no reason to think that I can't show that the Club
doesn't need to go out and spend money on a new centre-half. We'll see what
the future brings.
I have trained alongside Reece Burke in the US and I think I could benefit a
lot from a loan deal like the one he had at Bradford City last season, where
he did really well and won the Player of the Year award.
I think I need a year with the Development Squad first, though, and see how
that goes. Then, hopefully I'll get a good loan move.
The best thing about the Tour has been just being around the senior players,
really. The training, the facilities and the sessions and games have been
really good.
The manager has spoken to me and he said he was pleased with the way I
played, that I looked composed and he hopes I will take that with me going
forward.
I am a West Ham fan and the new Stadium is going to keep attracting top
players to our Club and getting big-name opponents like Juventus, who we
face on 7 August, to play against us.
I just want to be in and around the squad for those matches!
Declan
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DON'T PANIC!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 10:15AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
It seems that there was a bit of a Twitter meltdown last night. With many
West Ham fans, and popular fan pages, calling for Gold and Sullivan to just
"pay up" for Bacca. However, I personally do not feel as though this
meltdown is justified.
We had similar tantrum's thrown last summer, with people complaining that we
had been too tight fisted in the transfer window. We then went on to sign
Jelavic, Moses and Antonio on deadline day. Jelavic got game time until
January, Moses was a regular squad player, both on and off the bench, and
Antonio went on to play a key part in our Top 7 finish that season. As well
as this, all the prior signings (Payet, Lanzini, Ogbonna etc.) were all
fantastic, one of them even world class. Just a little reminder… For those
of you with short memories.
This also isn't just a case of money, and our owners being "tight". To just
lob 165k a week at Bacca could destroy the whole team morale. How would
players like Kouyate, Cresswell, Reid-all of which have been top class for
us for at least a couple of seasons-feel if Bacca was automatically on over
100k a week more than them, just because he plays a fancier position? There
is more to it than money, we must respect our current wage structure to
ensure players don't feel looked down on and under-appreciated by the West
Ham hierarchy.
People have also been mentioning the offer to Tevez to try and justify their
point, but there may also be more than meets the eye with this. How do we
know that the 150k a week offered to Tevez was 150k up-front? David Sullivan
didn't actually mention the structure of the offer he made to Carlos Tevez.
It could have been a contract similar to the one Dimitri Payet is on. For
example, it may have been an offer of:
Admittedly, I could very well be wrong. It may have been 150k lumped all at
once; but what I'm saying is keep an open mind, there is always more than
meets the eye, especially in Football!
The board have rarely let us down before, and Bilic has already proven he
can get the best out of the players he brings into the club. I would urge
all my fellow Hammers to just be patient, as well as optimistic, we will get
our man eventually!.
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14/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 11:03AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Zaza slipping away…
West Ham target and Italian international forward Simone Zaza has held
contract talks with Wolfsburg, according to Di Marzio. They are also
reporting that the talks went very well, and Wolfsburg are now odds on
favourites to sign the Italian forward.
Valencia to leave if Bacca signs?
I believe I have mentioned this before, but again, it is being reported by
Sky Italia that Enner Valencia will join Lazio for 10-12 million pounds if
Carlos Bacca does make a move from Milan to Stratford.
Premier League Champions to poach West Ham target?
The Express are reporting that Leicester City are leading the race for
highly rated Rico Henry. The 19-year old left-back is very highly rated, and
would make a great understudy to Aaron Cresswell. However, the foxes are
currently leading the race.
Again it is another quiet morning on the transfer front, with all the
rumours and tension revolving around the Carlos Bacca saga. But keep an eye
out for my afternoon round-up.
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WEST HAM IN THE OLD SOUTH: LIKE A VERY, VERY STRANGE DREAM
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 11:36AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By @WestHamAmerican
My excitement at the announcement of a two-coast USA tour for West Ham was
great when I bought my tickets and made my travel plans. It dropped when the
reality of taking two trips in the middle of the summer while running my
business and raising three children all occurred to me. But not wanting to
miss the match closest to my home, I flew a King Air small turboprop plane
my company co-owns to Raleigh so I could arrive right before the match and
return home immediately after the match. (Right now I am starting the
rumour that Ex lets his staff fly private charter to the matches, just so
all the other rival West Ham fan site reporters can give their publishers a
lot of grief.)
This mode of travel, while convenient didn't allow me to spend time with
West Ham supporters at the local pubs, get a feel for life in Raleigh, and
possibly interact with the team during their training sessions. Basically,
it was a very short and direct trip. But since I had room on the plane, I
brought my 11 year old daughter and four of her U12 academy ladies
teammates; to brainwash them into the West Ham family. Two girls brought
their own fathers to help out, and I figured I could make this an
educational trip for my own U12 Hammers.
Arriving on the grounds I was struck by how the cars were parked in a very
large and grassy area. Other than the main stadium, the grounds also
featured four or five other nice pitches, and plenty of parking on a nicely
manicured grass car park. Prior to any game of any sport, a great American
tradition is tailgating: basically picnicking, drinking, hanging out near
your car before you head into the stadium. Since most London stadiums are
in dense, urban areas, that's a part of sporting life England misses out on
(Unless anyone tried bringing a bar-b-que grill to the Upton Park
underground station.)
I was surprised to see the large number of claret clad fans walking about
the tailgate area. I spoke with a few from the UK, but most were just
American supporters like me. It seemed most of the English visitors were
older. Not as many 20-30 year old fans like I saw in Seattle. I was also
surprised to see what kits people actually wore to this match. Since North
Carolina is far from any MLS team, anyone who had any love of world football
came to this match. I saw a number of Manchester United shirts, Barcelona,
one older gent in a Tottenham jersey. The most absurd was the car full of
young men, all wearing Newcastle tops. The lads were all American. I'm not
sure how that happened.
Equally surprising were the American West Ham Supporters' kits. There were
a few wearing Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet, and even a sharp-looking Jack
Collison jersey. But I saw one guy in an Alex Song and another wearing
Zarate's jersey. I don't know that I would have thought to pick Zarate when
ordering from the West Ham club store.
The weather at the opening kickoff was miserable. It was 90 degrees (32
Celsius) and the sun had yet to set at 8 PM. My seats were in the shade of
the West stands, but I was a sweaty miserable mess. Unlike Seattle, I
didn't have big, frightening-looking East Enders sitting near me. While
there were a lot of West Ham fans, they were mainly Americans.
Unfortunately, some mouthy young Railhawks fans sat immediately behind me.
I was filled with regret that there were no intimidating Brits to deal with
them. Also, I had five children with me, so I really couldn't get into
drunken banter with them, so I was stuck.
"You have 3,000 people watching your periscope?!? You're a god!"
"You have a strange concept of divinity."
Early into the match my Twitter was blowing up with people in London upset
because there was no live stream. I took it upon myself to be the savior to
my late night friends in Essex. Alas, after a half a day my office, a short
flight listening to music, and a lot of photos, my iPhone was already on a
weak battery. Even though I had thousands of people tuning in to watch the
match, by the 30 minute mark my phone was down to 15%. Knowing I wouldn't
make it to the halftime break, I worried if my Periscope died, the entire UK
would fall into chaos. Like they might leave Europe or sack their Prime
Minister. I looked to my daughter. Her iPhone was on 80% and my plan was
to resume my broadcast after the break on her phone.
Once the ref sounded the half, I looked over and my daughter was gone. She
and her friend Sarah had gone for a walk, according to the other girls. As
I waited through halftime, I called and texted her on my dying phone but no
response. Once the second half began, and I couldn't find my 11 year old, I
turned into Liam Neeson, running through the dark streets of Paris looking
for my child. Finally after a few minutes, she texted me to say that she
and Sarah were in a long queue for popcorn. After reuniting with them, then
the sky opened up. A driving rain came down and the lightning came
dangerously close to the pitch.
Standing under a stadium with five 11-year old girls, waiting 40 minutes on
a severe thunderstorm to pass isn't the best way to spend a Tuesday night.
Once play resumed and the Hammers surrendered that late penalty kick and
gave away the win, we were ready to fly in our little plane through the
storm clouds back home. The next obstacle was finding our rental car in the
dark of a large open field. It isn't like Disney World where they tell you
to remember you parked your car in the Donald Duck section. But after some
aimless searching we loaded up and left the grounds: wet and tired but at
least I think I brought a few new converts into the West Ham family.
When people question the merits of playing these worthless matches far from
East London, I think of the new West Ham supporters that we have made
because they were able to attend the games. That, after all, is the best
purpose of the USA tour, in my humble opinion. I have to wonder though, if
these new young fans are going to spend the week worrying about Bacca's
transfer options like the rest of us?
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14/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 4:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Bacca blow…
Carlos Bacca has personally stated at a sponsorship event that it is his
"dream" to play in the Champions League. This seems to be a huge blow for
the Hammers, and with Athletico Madrid lurking, is he just inviting a bid
from the Spanish club?
Europa League Draw
Just a quick bit of information; the Europa League draw is tomorrow at 12pm
BST. I would suggest following the Europa League Twitter page for links to a
stream and for updates.
Mandragora bid rejected…
According to Italian publication, Gazza Mercato, Juventus have rejected a
loan bid from West Ham for the Italian starlet. It is believed in Italy that
the young midfielder is so talented that Juventus are planning to keep hold
of him for the season ahead.
Stoke and Irons to battle it out?
TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting that Stoke and West Ham will battle it out for
Napoli striker Gabbiadini. The striker has scored 20 goals in 60 games for
the Italian side, and apparently the Italian is looking for a fresh start at
a new club. Could he be our man if Bacca ends up elsewhere?
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 10:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Bacca Deal
So everyone is still talking about the Bacca deal and as one of my followers
pointed out I was repeating the same thing a lot about Payet last year. The
situation has not really changed. It does appear that Bacca is trying to
play difficult with any deal in order to increase his wages. In a published
interview Bacca claimed to have interest from many leagues. He may believe
there is all this interest but the bottom line is none of the clubs seem as
determined to follow up on their interest as we are. The offer for him is
on the table from us. The club believe he is waiting to see if any other
offers come in so that he can evaluate those and use them to get more out of
the deal. So when accounts claim, "just give him the money", it really
isn't as simple as that. Any bids coming in for Bacca depend on a domino
reaction over Europe with certain clubs signing other targets instead of
him. I think we should just sit back and not stress about it and trust that
the board will get it right with either Bacca or other targets.
Bacca situation helping with our deals
As I have said in my last few reports the Bacca deal is actually taking the
spotlight off other deals that we aim to push through. One of those top
targets who I have often spoke about is Calleri. We have had a loan offer
in for him for a long time as those who have followed me for a while will
remember reading about. There was talk that Spurs were in for him after his
dad said so but you will recall I reported that Spurs had no interest. It
appears that his club have accepted that he will leave and it just leaves
Calleri to decide out of the options which club he prefers. He is a target
that we hope to complete. We have seven other offers in for forwards.. We
expect to get answers from their clubs soon and as we have said for over a
month now that player will not be Benteke (to the relief of most fans).
Henry to join the coaching staff
When I asked my top source this he said he hadn't heard anything at the
start of the week. That situation was still the same yesterday and I don't
think it is something we will do. Whilst I think some members of the
coaching staff like the idea, there has been no such offer at this point.
Kit Launch
The club are keeping the kit launch on Saturday very secretive. I am lead
to believe there will be a number of top players there and there will be
some exciting events including a live band and the revealing of stadium
features. Everyone involved has had to sign a non disclosure form, so the
club obviously believe that it is big.
Thanks to all those getting involved with our forum. It is great to read
all your opinions and I hope to join with it all soon.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who could West Ham face in the Europa League third qualifying round?
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 14/07/16 12:20pm
SSN
A trip to Wales or Azerbaijan could await West Ham in the Europa League
third qualifying round, with the draw set to take place at 1pm on Friday.
The Hammers secured European football after finishing seventh in the Premier
League, and will be looking to join Manchester United and Southampton in the
group stage this season. Slaven Bilic's side must progress beyond the third
qualifying round and play-off stage to reach the groups, which start in
mid-September. The third round takes place on July 29 and August 4, while
the first leg of the play-offs is on August 18, three days after West Ham
begin their Premier League campaign against Chelsea. This means one of the
Europa League legs will be the first West Ham game to be played at the
Olympic Stadium, with their friendly against Juventus scheduled for August
7.
How does the draw work?
Friday's draw in Nyon takes place just one day after the second qualifying
round first leg, meaning the fixtures cannot be finalised until after the
second-leg games on July 21.
The 33 winners from the second round will be joined by 25 sides, including
West Ham, who officially enter qualifying at the third round stage. The
teams will then be split into five groups, all containing an equal number of
seeded and unseeded teams. The winners will then make the pot for the
play-off stage, which will also feature 15 losers from the Champions League
third qualifying round.
To Wales, Scotland, or Azerbaijan?
West Ham will be one of 29 seeds for the draw, which also features Danish
side FC Midtjylland, who famously beat Man United 2-1 in their Europa League
last-32 first leg in February.
Possible opponents for the Hammers include the unseeded Scottish trio of
Hibernian, Hearts and Aberdeen, who are also featuring in the second round.
Meanwhile, Welsh Premier League outfit Connah's Quay must overcome Serbian
side Vojvodina to reach the third round in their first ever season in
Europe. Further from home, three Azerbaijani teams - Neftçi PFK, Käpäz and
Gabala - are all unseeded, meaning West Ham could clock up some serious air
miles before their league campaign begins. Gabala, who were once managed by
Arsenal legend Tony Adams, finished bottom in a Europa League group last
season which featured Borussia Dortmund.
Other potential opponents for the Hammers include Swiss side Grasshoppers
and Greek club AEK Athens.
Hammers beware
West Ham will be sure not to underestimate any challenge, having fallen 4-3
on aggregate to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the third qualifying round
last season.
West Ham lost 4-3 on aggregate against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the
third qualifying round last season
West Ham lost 4-3 on aggregate against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the
third qualifying round last season
The Hammers led 2-0 in their first leg at home last year, but slipped to a
2-2 draw before losing the return leg 2-1 in Romania.
That defeat came as Bilic was just getting started as West Ham manager, but
after a successful season at the helm, fans will be hoping the Croatian can
guide them on a Europa League journey running long into 2017
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlos Bacca to West Ham: Colombian striker 'dreams' of Champions League
football amid Atletico Madrid interest
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Carlos Bacca has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League as
West Ham and Atletico Madrid lead the clubs battling for the Colombian
striker's signature. West Ham expect to have an answer from Bacca over
whether he intends to move to the Olympic Stadium in the coming days, having
had a £26million offer accepted by AC Milan. Bacca scored 18 goals in 38
Serie A matches for one of the fallen giants of Italian football last season
but was unable to fire the Rossoneri any higher than seventh, meaning
Vincenzo Montella's side will be out of European competition for the third
season in a row. Whilst the offer of some form of European football may
stand in West Ham's favour – Slaven Bilic's side are due to begin their
Europa League qualification campaign later this month – but Bacca made clear
his "dream" was to play in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid have also
targeted Bacca and the 29-year-old suggested the Champions League football
they could offer him this season would be a key consideration when he
decides where he will play his football in the coming months. "My future is
in God's hands," he said. "I have 4 years on my contract with Milan, but I
know of the interest of English, Spanish, German, French and Italian teams.
It's not a simple decision, but we are calm because there is time and my
agent is in contact with these clubs and Milan. "The Champions League with
Atletico? It's my dream to play in it and I work for it. "Unfortunately the
struggles at Milan is one of the reasons for the discussions with the club.
Now Berlusconi has sold to new investors and based on the project and the
new purchases I'll decide."
Co-owner David Sullivan has made clear that his side are at least targeting
a Champions League berth in their first season at their new stadium and said
in June that he saw no reason why West Ham could not replicate Leicester's
title triumph in May. West Ham have already seen several striking targets
fall by the wayside. The club have had bids rejected for Alexandre
Lacazette, saw Michy Batshuayi join Chelsea and refused to pay the
£250,000-a-week that Carlos Tevez demanded to return to east London.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: West Brom could capitalise on Diafra Sakho
uncertainty as Sam Allardyce talks over England job
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Brom have emerged as an alternative for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho
following the uncertainty regarding his proposed move to Sunderland. The
Senegal striker looked likely to link up again with former West Ham manager
Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light but the move would be in jeopardy if
England decide to make Allardyce, 61, head coach. West Ham have rejected an
£11million offer from Sunderland but would be prepared to let the former
Metz man, 26, go if and when they find a replacement. Sakho lodged a
transfer request last week, and West Brom have now also shown an interest in
the player. Standard Sport understands that West Ham were looking to bring a
new forward before sanctioning Sakho's exit.
Allardyce, meanwhile, has returned to Sunderland following talks with the FA
this week. The formers Hammers boss flew back from Sunderland's pre-season
tour of Austria to meet with Football Association officials.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic ready to offload Enner Valencia as Italian giants Lazio make
approach
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Lazio have made West Ham forward Enner Valencia their No.1 transfer target
this summer, according to reports in Italy. West Ham are desperately
searching for a striker this summer, meaning the Ecuadorian is unlikely to
be first choice at the Olympic Stadium next season. Slaven Bilic has
reportedly given Valencia permission to speak to other clubs but he may have
to wait until his current side finally land a forward. According to Sky
Italia, Lazio are at the front of the queue in the chase for Valencia and
have been in contact with the Premier League side on numerous occasions to
seek talks.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Bilic can make new home a fortress
thepremierleague.com
Adrian Clarke on what West Ham must do to scale even greater heights this
season
Slaven Bilic did an outstanding job in his first campaign at West Ham United
and the club's final one at the Boleyn Ground, transforming his team into a
tactically unpredictable, yet consistent outfit. His task now is not only to
maintain standards but raise them higher as they move to a new stadium. To
do so, I believe the club need a front-line striker who can score 15-20
goals per season. No player in Bilic's squad topped nine goals in 2015/16,
with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia all scoring far too
sporadically.
West Ham top PL scorers 2015/16 Goals
Dimitri Payet 9
Andy Carroll 9
Michail Antonio 8
Mark Noble 7
Manuel Lanzini 6
Carroll is a great tactical weapon, but you sense Bilic is looking for a
striker with pace and movement to be his first choice in the long term. With
Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble providing the chances,
attracting a forward of quality should not be too difficult. Indeed, the
summer acquisitions of players such as Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore
paints a promising picture for the weeks ahead. Defensively there was a weak
link at right-back for much of the previous campaign. James Tomkins and
Michail Antonio were played out of position, so a full-time specialist is
needed. Youngster Sam Byram, drafted in from Leeds United in January, could
fill that void if he stays injury-free. The departure of Tomkins to Crystal
Palace also leaves a hole in the defence. I expect a footballing centre-back
to come on board, one who is comfortable operating in a back three or back
four. It's hard to be critical of West Ham after their exploits of last
season, but one other aspect that may be playing on Bilic's mind is the way
his side started so slowly in front of their own fans. Only two Premier
League teams conceded more early goals at home in 2015/16 than West Ham.
Home goals conceded inside 30mins in 2015/16 Goals conceded
AFC Bournemouth
14
Aston Villa
11
West Ham United
9
Everton
9
Manchester City
9
Norwich City
9
Too many sloppy errors gifted early goals to opponents at the Boleyn Ground,
and that habit has to be eradicated in the unfamiliar surroundings of the
new stadium. Constantly changing formations (seven were used throughout the
campaign) may not have helped, but Bilic is more likely to see it as an
issue of mentality. Clawing back deficits is not sustainable and the club's
slow starts need to be addressed. Major surgery is not required at West Ham
this summer. With one or tweaks the Hammers can continue their upward curve.
They took maximum points from visits to Emirates Stadium and Anfield last
August, so trips to Chelsea and Manchester City next month won't fill them
with fear. They will be dangerous early-season opponents for any PL side.
The schedule set for them at their new stadium is not as intimidating as it
might have been. Southampton, Stoke City and Arsenal are the only top-half
teams from 2015/16 to play them on home turf before the New Year. Bilic's
men have an opportunity to make it a fortress.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to wait for Carlos Bacca deal before agreeing £11m Enner Valencia
sale
Enner Valencia is set to hold talks over a proposed £11m move to Lazio
Ecuadorian winger will meet with West Ham to discuss the transfer
Hammers want to sign Carlos Bacca before releasing Valencia
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:34, 14 July 2016 | UPDATED: 00:34, 14 July 2016
Enner Valencia is expected to hold talks with West Ham today about his
proposed move to Lazio. West Ham want to make progress on their deal for
Carlos Bacca before allowing Valencia and Diafra Sakho to leave. Talks are
ongoing with Bacca's representatives over his personal terms. Lazio have
made an offer to take Valencia on loan with a fee plus a view to an
£11million permanent deal. The Hammers signed the Valencia from Mexican side
Pachuca for £12million in the summer of 2014. The Ecuadorian scored five
goals in each of his first two seasons at Upton Park but only played a
peripheral role under Slaven Bilic last season. Valencia isn't the only West
Ham star who could be on his way out, with Manchester United interested in
highly-rated youngster Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho has arranged to have the
17-year-old scouted at the Under 19 European Championships. Valencia was a
bit-part player under new manager Slaven Bilic during last season's
campaign.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Raphael Spiegel says West Ham United's US Tour was a fantastic experience on
and off the pitch. The young Swiss goalkeeper trained intensively with
goalkeeper coach Chris Woods and fellow stopper Adrian, initially at the
Seattle Seahawks' stunning VMAC training complex, then in hot and humid
conditions at Carolina RailHawks' WakeMed Soccer Park. Spiegel played the
full second half of both pre-season fixtures, making a number of fine saves
against Seattle Sounders and conceding just a penalty to the RailHawks. The
23-year-old also enjoyed the cultural aspects of the Tour, taking a trip to
downtown Seattle to view the historic Space Needle, Pike Place Market and
first-ever Starbucks Coffee House. "It's always nice to go away in
pre-season and the further you go, the more exciting it is," he confirmed.
"It has been really good in America and I enjoyed every day and every
training. It was a good experience and we came together as a squad. "In
training, it's a bit harder when you have only two goalkeepers, but at this
stage of the pre-season it's perfect because you get very fit. I'm happy to
have played two halves and got them under my belt. "I didn't really have a
chance with the goals I conceded. I made one or two good saves in the first
game and had a solid game in the second one, but didn't really have much to
do. Obviously I can't control the game, so I just try to do my best when I
have something to do and try to help the team. "In the other pre-season
games ahead, I'm sure I'll have more work and I can show what I'm about."
Spiegel particularly enjoyed visiting Seattle, where his love of discovering
new cultures and sightseeing were fulfilled with a visit to the Emerald
City's iconic landmarks.
"Seattle was amazing – it was an unbelievable experience to train where the
NFL team [Seattle Seahawks] train," he said. "It was a nice city and the
weather was good to train in, as it wasn't too hot. "In North Carolina,
again the facilities and pitches were good, but the weather was really hot
and challenging. Overall, it was a good experience and I enjoyed it."
The US Tour squad enjoyed a well-earned day or two off at the end of the
week before packing their bags again for a training camp and three further
pre-season matches in Austria.
With Darren Randolph granted time off after his Euro 2016 heroics with
Ireland, Spiegel is again set to enjoy plenty of match action there – and
potentially during a loan spell next season. "I will work every day with
Chris to get better and the games I get, I will give my best and see what
happens," he continued. "For my development, I need to get more game-time,
wherever that is. That's my main goal. "It's been a very good year. I had a
good season last season, helping the team to win the U21 Premier League Cup
and making a lot of progress with Chris as well. Now, I feel I am ready to
play and ready for more."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tore and Valencia put through their paces
WHUFC.com
New signing Gokhan Tore was joined in the gym by Enner Valencia as both
players went through a rigorous session to build up their fitness ahead of
the new season. Tore has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings
following his season-long loan from Besiktas last week and has been working
hard at the training ground while the rest of the first-team squad finish
their pre-season tour in America. The Turkey international was joined by
Valencia who returned slightly later to training after playing for Ecuador
in the Copa America where he reached the quarter-final stage. Both players
have been working hard with fitness coach Eamon Swift on the training ground
and also in the gym where they worked on building up their core strength.
West Ham TV went behind the scenes to see Tore and Valencia put through
their paces.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hurst - It's a brilliant time for the Club
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Sir Geoff Hurst has nothing but praise for the way
his former Club have managed to sell out the new Stadium and feels they can
become an even stronger force over the next few years. Hurst will never
forget his memorable spell with the east London Club where he came through
the ranks at the Boleyn Ground and became one of the best strikers of his
generation. He will always be remembered for his famous hat-trick against
West Germany in the World Cup Final back in 1966 which helped England lift
the Jules Rimet trophy. Hurst, who made 503 appearances and scored 249 goals
during his 14-year association with the Hammers, will never forget the
atmosphere that was created inside the Boleyn Ground. But the 74-year-old
completely understands why the Club are making a historic move to the new
Stadium and believes it will now take them onto another level.
Hurst is thrilled the new Stadium will be sold out every week and that West
Ham will now boast the highest number of Season Ticket Holders in London,
and the highest percentage of Season Ticket Holders in the whole of the
Premier League. Hurst said: "For us it's brilliant, great season last year,
52,000 season tickets we've sold, absolutely unbelievable.
"The big issue initially two years ago was whether we were going to fill the
stadium. "We're now looking to extend it before we've even kicked a ball
there. "It's a brilliant time for the club and I think selling 52,000
(season tickets) from an average gate at the Boleyn in the past of 35,000,
is astonishing. "The way they've marketed it is brilliant and giving kids
the chance to buy a season ticket for £99, that is developing you new fans,
it's a great move."
Hurst will certainly feel part of the new Stadium after he became the latest
legend to have a stone installed on Champions Place. Academy starlet Dylan
Tombides and former World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore have already had
stones placed on the specially-designed walkway at the north entrance of
London Stadium, which enables supporters to see their very own tributes
immortalised alongside Hammers legends. Hurst has been joined this week by
former managers John Lyall and Billy Bonds, the 1980 FA Cup-winning team and
the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup winners.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cullen set for Clarets' test
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio and Ashley Fletcher are likely to feature in the Dev Squad's
friendly with Chelmsford City on Friday 15 July, KO 7.45pm
West Ham United's Development Squad get their pre-season preparations under
way on Friday night with a local friendly against Vanarama National League
South side Chelmsford City. One player likely to feature is ever-present
midfielder Josh Cullen who will pull on his beloved West Ham jersey for the
first time since returning from a successful loan spell at Bradford City.
Having missed the Hammers' pre-season tour of the US through injury, the
20-year-old is eager to impress before the start of the competitive season.
Speaking ahead of the Dev Squad's friendly with the Clarets, Cullen said:
"It was gutting not to be in America. I was really looking forward to the
trip. "I missed it by a week or so, and it's unfortunate but there's no time
to dwell on it. I need to be ready to have a good season."
Alongside Cullen, Michail Antonio is likely to feature for the Hammers, as
well as new striker Ashley Fletcher, who will make his Hammers' debut having
signed from Manchester United. With the Club entering a new era at the
fantastic London Stadium, Cullen is excited about the direction in which the
Club is heading. "It's exciting times for West Ham at the moment," he
continued. "You can see, with the players pledging their futures to the
Club, they're quality players, so it's important that the squad we've got is
as strong as it can be It's as strong as I can remember. We're attracting
players and locking our players down to long term deals.
"With the new Stadium as well; it would be incredible to be a part of the
Juventus game, and it shows how much the Club is developing, to attract a
team like Juventus who were only in the Champions League final so recently.
"It shows the direction the Club is heading in. It will be a great day for
the Club, the players and staff and everyone involved. We're itching to go
when that comes around."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice blogs for whufc.com following the US Tour
Hello everyone,
If you had told me a couple of weeks ago that I would have travelled with
the first-team squad on their pre-season US Tour and played in both matches,
I would have been very surprised.
It's definitely been an amazing experience to come out with the first team
to America for nearly two weeks.
Seattle and North Carolina were fantastic places to train and play and I've
learnt a lot from all of the players I've trained alongside and from playing
in the games themselves.
I was shocked when I was told I was coming out to the US. I was sitting with
my Mum and Dad when we got a call and literally I had two days to prepare
and get ready.
We got straight into things, training on the first day on arrival in
Seattle, but it's been a great experience.
I've played in both games and I thought I did well. I felt confident because
you can't go into those games with any fear.
The likes of Mark Noble and Winston Reid really helped me on the field and
it was good to get 45 minutes in the first game and half-an-hour in the
second.
When you come away with the first team, you can't be acting like a child any
more. You have to act your age and be more mature about things.
I am still young and relatively inexperienced, but if I keep training and
playing well, there is no reason to think that I can't show that the Club
doesn't need to go out and spend money on a new centre-half. We'll see what
the future brings.
I have trained alongside Reece Burke in the US and I think I could benefit a
lot from a loan deal like the one he had at Bradford City last season, where
he did really well and won the Player of the Year award.
I think I need a year with the Development Squad first, though, and see how
that goes. Then, hopefully I'll get a good loan move.
The best thing about the Tour has been just being around the senior players,
really. The training, the facilities and the sessions and games have been
really good.
The manager has spoken to me and he said he was pleased with the way I
played, that I looked composed and he hopes I will take that with me going
forward.
I am a West Ham fan and the new Stadium is going to keep attracting top
players to our Club and getting big-name opponents like Juventus, who we
face on 7 August, to play against us.
I just want to be in and around the squad for those matches!
Declan
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DON'T PANIC!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 10:15AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
It seems that there was a bit of a Twitter meltdown last night. With many
West Ham fans, and popular fan pages, calling for Gold and Sullivan to just
"pay up" for Bacca. However, I personally do not feel as though this
meltdown is justified.
We had similar tantrum's thrown last summer, with people complaining that we
had been too tight fisted in the transfer window. We then went on to sign
Jelavic, Moses and Antonio on deadline day. Jelavic got game time until
January, Moses was a regular squad player, both on and off the bench, and
Antonio went on to play a key part in our Top 7 finish that season. As well
as this, all the prior signings (Payet, Lanzini, Ogbonna etc.) were all
fantastic, one of them even world class. Just a little reminder… For those
of you with short memories.
This also isn't just a case of money, and our owners being "tight". To just
lob 165k a week at Bacca could destroy the whole team morale. How would
players like Kouyate, Cresswell, Reid-all of which have been top class for
us for at least a couple of seasons-feel if Bacca was automatically on over
100k a week more than them, just because he plays a fancier position? There
is more to it than money, we must respect our current wage structure to
ensure players don't feel looked down on and under-appreciated by the West
Ham hierarchy.
People have also been mentioning the offer to Tevez to try and justify their
point, but there may also be more than meets the eye with this. How do we
know that the 150k a week offered to Tevez was 150k up-front? David Sullivan
didn't actually mention the structure of the offer he made to Carlos Tevez.
It could have been a contract similar to the one Dimitri Payet is on. For
example, it may have been an offer of:
Admittedly, I could very well be wrong. It may have been 150k lumped all at
once; but what I'm saying is keep an open mind, there is always more than
meets the eye, especially in Football!
The board have rarely let us down before, and Bilic has already proven he
can get the best out of the players he brings into the club. I would urge
all my fellow Hammers to just be patient, as well as optimistic, we will get
our man eventually!.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
14/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 11:03AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Zaza slipping away…
West Ham target and Italian international forward Simone Zaza has held
contract talks with Wolfsburg, according to Di Marzio. They are also
reporting that the talks went very well, and Wolfsburg are now odds on
favourites to sign the Italian forward.
Valencia to leave if Bacca signs?
I believe I have mentioned this before, but again, it is being reported by
Sky Italia that Enner Valencia will join Lazio for 10-12 million pounds if
Carlos Bacca does make a move from Milan to Stratford.
Premier League Champions to poach West Ham target?
The Express are reporting that Leicester City are leading the race for
highly rated Rico Henry. The 19-year old left-back is very highly rated, and
would make a great understudy to Aaron Cresswell. However, the foxes are
currently leading the race.
Again it is another quiet morning on the transfer front, with all the
rumours and tension revolving around the Carlos Bacca saga. But keep an eye
out for my afternoon round-up.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM IN THE OLD SOUTH: LIKE A VERY, VERY STRANGE DREAM
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 11:36AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By @WestHamAmerican
My excitement at the announcement of a two-coast USA tour for West Ham was
great when I bought my tickets and made my travel plans. It dropped when the
reality of taking two trips in the middle of the summer while running my
business and raising three children all occurred to me. But not wanting to
miss the match closest to my home, I flew a King Air small turboprop plane
my company co-owns to Raleigh so I could arrive right before the match and
return home immediately after the match. (Right now I am starting the
rumour that Ex lets his staff fly private charter to the matches, just so
all the other rival West Ham fan site reporters can give their publishers a
lot of grief.)
This mode of travel, while convenient didn't allow me to spend time with
West Ham supporters at the local pubs, get a feel for life in Raleigh, and
possibly interact with the team during their training sessions. Basically,
it was a very short and direct trip. But since I had room on the plane, I
brought my 11 year old daughter and four of her U12 academy ladies
teammates; to brainwash them into the West Ham family. Two girls brought
their own fathers to help out, and I figured I could make this an
educational trip for my own U12 Hammers.
Arriving on the grounds I was struck by how the cars were parked in a very
large and grassy area. Other than the main stadium, the grounds also
featured four or five other nice pitches, and plenty of parking on a nicely
manicured grass car park. Prior to any game of any sport, a great American
tradition is tailgating: basically picnicking, drinking, hanging out near
your car before you head into the stadium. Since most London stadiums are
in dense, urban areas, that's a part of sporting life England misses out on
(Unless anyone tried bringing a bar-b-que grill to the Upton Park
underground station.)
I was surprised to see the large number of claret clad fans walking about
the tailgate area. I spoke with a few from the UK, but most were just
American supporters like me. It seemed most of the English visitors were
older. Not as many 20-30 year old fans like I saw in Seattle. I was also
surprised to see what kits people actually wore to this match. Since North
Carolina is far from any MLS team, anyone who had any love of world football
came to this match. I saw a number of Manchester United shirts, Barcelona,
one older gent in a Tottenham jersey. The most absurd was the car full of
young men, all wearing Newcastle tops. The lads were all American. I'm not
sure how that happened.
Equally surprising were the American West Ham Supporters' kits. There were
a few wearing Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet, and even a sharp-looking Jack
Collison jersey. But I saw one guy in an Alex Song and another wearing
Zarate's jersey. I don't know that I would have thought to pick Zarate when
ordering from the West Ham club store.
The weather at the opening kickoff was miserable. It was 90 degrees (32
Celsius) and the sun had yet to set at 8 PM. My seats were in the shade of
the West stands, but I was a sweaty miserable mess. Unlike Seattle, I
didn't have big, frightening-looking East Enders sitting near me. While
there were a lot of West Ham fans, they were mainly Americans.
Unfortunately, some mouthy young Railhawks fans sat immediately behind me.
I was filled with regret that there were no intimidating Brits to deal with
them. Also, I had five children with me, so I really couldn't get into
drunken banter with them, so I was stuck.
"You have 3,000 people watching your periscope?!? You're a god!"
"You have a strange concept of divinity."
Early into the match my Twitter was blowing up with people in London upset
because there was no live stream. I took it upon myself to be the savior to
my late night friends in Essex. Alas, after a half a day my office, a short
flight listening to music, and a lot of photos, my iPhone was already on a
weak battery. Even though I had thousands of people tuning in to watch the
match, by the 30 minute mark my phone was down to 15%. Knowing I wouldn't
make it to the halftime break, I worried if my Periscope died, the entire UK
would fall into chaos. Like they might leave Europe or sack their Prime
Minister. I looked to my daughter. Her iPhone was on 80% and my plan was
to resume my broadcast after the break on her phone.
Once the ref sounded the half, I looked over and my daughter was gone. She
and her friend Sarah had gone for a walk, according to the other girls. As
I waited through halftime, I called and texted her on my dying phone but no
response. Once the second half began, and I couldn't find my 11 year old, I
turned into Liam Neeson, running through the dark streets of Paris looking
for my child. Finally after a few minutes, she texted me to say that she
and Sarah were in a long queue for popcorn. After reuniting with them, then
the sky opened up. A driving rain came down and the lightning came
dangerously close to the pitch.
Standing under a stadium with five 11-year old girls, waiting 40 minutes on
a severe thunderstorm to pass isn't the best way to spend a Tuesday night.
Once play resumed and the Hammers surrendered that late penalty kick and
gave away the win, we were ready to fly in our little plane through the
storm clouds back home. The next obstacle was finding our rental car in the
dark of a large open field. It isn't like Disney World where they tell you
to remember you parked your car in the Donald Duck section. But after some
aimless searching we loaded up and left the grounds: wet and tired but at
least I think I brought a few new converts into the West Ham family.
When people question the merits of playing these worthless matches far from
East London, I think of the new West Ham supporters that we have made
because they were able to attend the games. That, after all, is the best
purpose of the USA tour, in my humble opinion. I have to wonder though, if
these new young fans are going to spend the week worrying about Bacca's
transfer options like the rest of us?
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
14/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 4:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Bacca blow…
Carlos Bacca has personally stated at a sponsorship event that it is his
"dream" to play in the Champions League. This seems to be a huge blow for
the Hammers, and with Athletico Madrid lurking, is he just inviting a bid
from the Spanish club?
Europa League Draw
Just a quick bit of information; the Europa League draw is tomorrow at 12pm
BST. I would suggest following the Europa League Twitter page for links to a
stream and for updates.
Mandragora bid rejected…
According to Italian publication, Gazza Mercato, Juventus have rejected a
loan bid from West Ham for the Italian starlet. It is believed in Italy that
the young midfielder is so talented that Juventus are planning to keep hold
of him for the season ahead.
Stoke and Irons to battle it out?
TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting that Stoke and West Ham will battle it out for
Napoli striker Gabbiadini. The striker has scored 20 goals in 60 games for
the Italian side, and apparently the Italian is looking for a fresh start at
a new club. Could he be our man if Bacca ends up elsewhere?
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 14 JULY 2016 AT 10:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Bacca Deal
So everyone is still talking about the Bacca deal and as one of my followers
pointed out I was repeating the same thing a lot about Payet last year. The
situation has not really changed. It does appear that Bacca is trying to
play difficult with any deal in order to increase his wages. In a published
interview Bacca claimed to have interest from many leagues. He may believe
there is all this interest but the bottom line is none of the clubs seem as
determined to follow up on their interest as we are. The offer for him is
on the table from us. The club believe he is waiting to see if any other
offers come in so that he can evaluate those and use them to get more out of
the deal. So when accounts claim, "just give him the money", it really
isn't as simple as that. Any bids coming in for Bacca depend on a domino
reaction over Europe with certain clubs signing other targets instead of
him. I think we should just sit back and not stress about it and trust that
the board will get it right with either Bacca or other targets.
Bacca situation helping with our deals
As I have said in my last few reports the Bacca deal is actually taking the
spotlight off other deals that we aim to push through. One of those top
targets who I have often spoke about is Calleri. We have had a loan offer
in for him for a long time as those who have followed me for a while will
remember reading about. There was talk that Spurs were in for him after his
dad said so but you will recall I reported that Spurs had no interest. It
appears that his club have accepted that he will leave and it just leaves
Calleri to decide out of the options which club he prefers. He is a target
that we hope to complete. We have seven other offers in for forwards.. We
expect to get answers from their clubs soon and as we have said for over a
month now that player will not be Benteke (to the relief of most fans).
Henry to join the coaching staff
When I asked my top source this he said he hadn't heard anything at the
start of the week. That situation was still the same yesterday and I don't
think it is something we will do. Whilst I think some members of the
coaching staff like the idea, there has been no such offer at this point.
Kit Launch
The club are keeping the kit launch on Saturday very secretive. I am lead
to believe there will be a number of top players there and there will be
some exciting events including a live band and the revealing of stadium
features. Everyone involved has had to sign a non disclosure form, so the
club obviously believe that it is big.
Thanks to all those getting involved with our forum. It is great to read
all your opinions and I hope to join with it all soon.
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Who could West Ham face in the Europa League third qualifying round?
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 14/07/16 12:20pm
SSN
A trip to Wales or Azerbaijan could await West Ham in the Europa League
third qualifying round, with the draw set to take place at 1pm on Friday.
The Hammers secured European football after finishing seventh in the Premier
League, and will be looking to join Manchester United and Southampton in the
group stage this season. Slaven Bilic's side must progress beyond the third
qualifying round and play-off stage to reach the groups, which start in
mid-September. The third round takes place on July 29 and August 4, while
the first leg of the play-offs is on August 18, three days after West Ham
begin their Premier League campaign against Chelsea. This means one of the
Europa League legs will be the first West Ham game to be played at the
Olympic Stadium, with their friendly against Juventus scheduled for August
7.
How does the draw work?
Friday's draw in Nyon takes place just one day after the second qualifying
round first leg, meaning the fixtures cannot be finalised until after the
second-leg games on July 21.
The 33 winners from the second round will be joined by 25 sides, including
West Ham, who officially enter qualifying at the third round stage. The
teams will then be split into five groups, all containing an equal number of
seeded and unseeded teams. The winners will then make the pot for the
play-off stage, which will also feature 15 losers from the Champions League
third qualifying round.
To Wales, Scotland, or Azerbaijan?
West Ham will be one of 29 seeds for the draw, which also features Danish
side FC Midtjylland, who famously beat Man United 2-1 in their Europa League
last-32 first leg in February.
Possible opponents for the Hammers include the unseeded Scottish trio of
Hibernian, Hearts and Aberdeen, who are also featuring in the second round.
Meanwhile, Welsh Premier League outfit Connah's Quay must overcome Serbian
side Vojvodina to reach the third round in their first ever season in
Europe. Further from home, three Azerbaijani teams - Neftçi PFK, Käpäz and
Gabala - are all unseeded, meaning West Ham could clock up some serious air
miles before their league campaign begins. Gabala, who were once managed by
Arsenal legend Tony Adams, finished bottom in a Europa League group last
season which featured Borussia Dortmund.
Other potential opponents for the Hammers include Swiss side Grasshoppers
and Greek club AEK Athens.
Hammers beware
West Ham will be sure not to underestimate any challenge, having fallen 4-3
on aggregate to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the third qualifying round
last season.
West Ham lost 4-3 on aggregate against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the
third qualifying round last season
West Ham lost 4-3 on aggregate against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in the
third qualifying round last season
The Hammers led 2-0 in their first leg at home last year, but slipped to a
2-2 draw before losing the return leg 2-1 in Romania.
That defeat came as Bilic was just getting started as West Ham manager, but
after a successful season at the helm, fans will be hoping the Croatian can
guide them on a Europa League journey running long into 2017
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Carlos Bacca to West Ham: Colombian striker 'dreams' of Champions League
football amid Atletico Madrid interest
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Carlos Bacca has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League as
West Ham and Atletico Madrid lead the clubs battling for the Colombian
striker's signature. West Ham expect to have an answer from Bacca over
whether he intends to move to the Olympic Stadium in the coming days, having
had a £26million offer accepted by AC Milan. Bacca scored 18 goals in 38
Serie A matches for one of the fallen giants of Italian football last season
but was unable to fire the Rossoneri any higher than seventh, meaning
Vincenzo Montella's side will be out of European competition for the third
season in a row. Whilst the offer of some form of European football may
stand in West Ham's favour – Slaven Bilic's side are due to begin their
Europa League qualification campaign later this month – but Bacca made clear
his "dream" was to play in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid have also
targeted Bacca and the 29-year-old suggested the Champions League football
they could offer him this season would be a key consideration when he
decides where he will play his football in the coming months. "My future is
in God's hands," he said. "I have 4 years on my contract with Milan, but I
know of the interest of English, Spanish, German, French and Italian teams.
It's not a simple decision, but we are calm because there is time and my
agent is in contact with these clubs and Milan. "The Champions League with
Atletico? It's my dream to play in it and I work for it. "Unfortunately the
struggles at Milan is one of the reasons for the discussions with the club.
Now Berlusconi has sold to new investors and based on the project and the
new purchases I'll decide."
Co-owner David Sullivan has made clear that his side are at least targeting
a Champions League berth in their first season at their new stadium and said
in June that he saw no reason why West Ham could not replicate Leicester's
title triumph in May. West Ham have already seen several striking targets
fall by the wayside. The club have had bids rejected for Alexandre
Lacazette, saw Michy Batshuayi join Chelsea and refused to pay the
£250,000-a-week that Carlos Tevez demanded to return to east London.
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West Ham transfer news: West Brom could capitalise on Diafra Sakho
uncertainty as Sam Allardyce talks over England job
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Brom have emerged as an alternative for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho
following the uncertainty regarding his proposed move to Sunderland. The
Senegal striker looked likely to link up again with former West Ham manager
Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light but the move would be in jeopardy if
England decide to make Allardyce, 61, head coach. West Ham have rejected an
£11million offer from Sunderland but would be prepared to let the former
Metz man, 26, go if and when they find a replacement. Sakho lodged a
transfer request last week, and West Brom have now also shown an interest in
the player. Standard Sport understands that West Ham were looking to bring a
new forward before sanctioning Sakho's exit.
Allardyce, meanwhile, has returned to Sunderland following talks with the FA
this week. The formers Hammers boss flew back from Sunderland's pre-season
tour of Austria to meet with Football Association officials.
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Slaven Bilic ready to offload Enner Valencia as Italian giants Lazio make
approach
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Lazio have made West Ham forward Enner Valencia their No.1 transfer target
this summer, according to reports in Italy. West Ham are desperately
searching for a striker this summer, meaning the Ecuadorian is unlikely to
be first choice at the Olympic Stadium next season. Slaven Bilic has
reportedly given Valencia permission to speak to other clubs but he may have
to wait until his current side finally land a forward. According to Sky
Italia, Lazio are at the front of the queue in the chase for Valencia and
have been in contact with the Premier League side on numerous occasions to
seek talks.
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How Bilic can make new home a fortress
thepremierleague.com
Adrian Clarke on what West Ham must do to scale even greater heights this
season
Slaven Bilic did an outstanding job in his first campaign at West Ham United
and the club's final one at the Boleyn Ground, transforming his team into a
tactically unpredictable, yet consistent outfit. His task now is not only to
maintain standards but raise them higher as they move to a new stadium. To
do so, I believe the club need a front-line striker who can score 15-20
goals per season. No player in Bilic's squad topped nine goals in 2015/16,
with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia all scoring far too
sporadically.
West Ham top PL scorers 2015/16 Goals
Dimitri Payet 9
Andy Carroll 9
Michail Antonio 8
Mark Noble 7
Manuel Lanzini 6
Carroll is a great tactical weapon, but you sense Bilic is looking for a
striker with pace and movement to be his first choice in the long term. With
Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble providing the chances,
attracting a forward of quality should not be too difficult. Indeed, the
summer acquisitions of players such as Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore
paints a promising picture for the weeks ahead. Defensively there was a weak
link at right-back for much of the previous campaign. James Tomkins and
Michail Antonio were played out of position, so a full-time specialist is
needed. Youngster Sam Byram, drafted in from Leeds United in January, could
fill that void if he stays injury-free. The departure of Tomkins to Crystal
Palace also leaves a hole in the defence. I expect a footballing centre-back
to come on board, one who is comfortable operating in a back three or back
four. It's hard to be critical of West Ham after their exploits of last
season, but one other aspect that may be playing on Bilic's mind is the way
his side started so slowly in front of their own fans. Only two Premier
League teams conceded more early goals at home in 2015/16 than West Ham.
Home goals conceded inside 30mins in 2015/16 Goals conceded
AFC Bournemouth
14
Aston Villa
11
West Ham United
9
Everton
9
Manchester City
9
Norwich City
9
Too many sloppy errors gifted early goals to opponents at the Boleyn Ground,
and that habit has to be eradicated in the unfamiliar surroundings of the
new stadium. Constantly changing formations (seven were used throughout the
campaign) may not have helped, but Bilic is more likely to see it as an
issue of mentality. Clawing back deficits is not sustainable and the club's
slow starts need to be addressed. Major surgery is not required at West Ham
this summer. With one or tweaks the Hammers can continue their upward curve.
They took maximum points from visits to Emirates Stadium and Anfield last
August, so trips to Chelsea and Manchester City next month won't fill them
with fear. They will be dangerous early-season opponents for any PL side.
The schedule set for them at their new stadium is not as intimidating as it
might have been. Southampton, Stoke City and Arsenal are the only top-half
teams from 2015/16 to play them on home turf before the New Year. Bilic's
men have an opportunity to make it a fortress.
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West Ham to wait for Carlos Bacca deal before agreeing £11m Enner Valencia
sale
Enner Valencia is set to hold talks over a proposed £11m move to Lazio
Ecuadorian winger will meet with West Ham to discuss the transfer
Hammers want to sign Carlos Bacca before releasing Valencia
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:34, 14 July 2016 | UPDATED: 00:34, 14 July 2016
Enner Valencia is expected to hold talks with West Ham today about his
proposed move to Lazio. West Ham want to make progress on their deal for
Carlos Bacca before allowing Valencia and Diafra Sakho to leave. Talks are
ongoing with Bacca's representatives over his personal terms. Lazio have
made an offer to take Valencia on loan with a fee plus a view to an
£11million permanent deal. The Hammers signed the Valencia from Mexican side
Pachuca for £12million in the summer of 2014. The Ecuadorian scored five
goals in each of his first two seasons at Upton Park but only played a
peripheral role under Slaven Bilic last season. Valencia isn't the only West
Ham star who could be on his way out, with Manchester United interested in
highly-rated youngster Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho has arranged to have the
17-year-old scouted at the Under 19 European Championships. Valencia was a
bit-part player under new manager Slaven Bilic during last season's
campaign.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th July 2016
RailHawks, storm frustrate Hammers
WHUFC.com
International Exhibition, Tuesday 12 July 2016, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina, USA
West Ham United were frustrated by the Carolina RailHawks and a mid-match lightning storm as the US Tour ended in a 2-2 draw. Slaven Bilic's side fell behind to an early Winston Reid own-goal, but were ahead by half-time through an opportunist strike from the New Zealand defender and a smart finish from Andy Carroll. Fifteen minutes into the second half, heavy rain signalled the arrival of a thunderstorm that saw lightning flash across the dark North Carolina sky, and referee Christopher Spivey call a temporary halt to proceedings for safety reasons. In hot, humid and initially sunny conditions, Bilic again made wholesale changes to his team as the game wore on in front of a RailHawks record 10,125-strong crowd. The International Exhibition was the first time an English Premier League team had visited an area known as The Triangle – Cary sits between three renowned universities in North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State – and the event was marked with a truly memorable occasion. Thousands of West Ham fans descended on the region, painting the WakeMed Soccer Park Claret and Blue on a fantastic evening of football, fly-pasts, fireworks – and thunder and lightning! Fresh from a 4-1 NASL thumping of Joe Cole's Tampa Bay Rowdies of Saturday evening, the RailHawks started on the front foot and went ahead on 13 minutes. Captain Nasmi Albadawi got to the byline and his cutback was volleyed past Adrian by a stretching Reid. However, the No2 got his side back on level terms eight minutes later when Carroll forced a mistake in the home defence and Reid kept his composure to slot past Akira Fitzgerald. Within 90 seconds, the visitors were in front as new boy Sofiane Feghouli celebrated his maiden start for the Club by racing down the right and crossing low for the England centre-forward to slide home left-footed.
The RailHawks – coached by ex-Southampton and Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke – responded well and striker Brian Shriver hit the woodwork with a delicious curling effort from 20 yards. The second half was largely uneventful until the heavens opened on the hour-mark, with the storm forcing the match to be temporarily suspended and thousands of fans to head for shelter. After a 40-minute break for the weather to clear, the game restarted with no fewer than six new West Ham players on the pitch. However, it was half-time replacement, Lewis Page who unfortunately slipped as he tracked back and handled the ball, enabling Marvin Ceballos to fire high past Raphael Spiegel from the spot. With lightning still flashing in the night sky nearby, both teams created chances in the closing stages, with Marcus Browne forcing a smart save from Sylvestre with ten minutes remaining. The RailHawks then introduced their biggest-ever signing, former Mexico international Omar Bravo, whose arrival had only been confirmed at half-time! West Ham played out the final few minutes with ten men after Doneil Henry was forced off with a leg injury, and the game petered out into a draw.
Carolina RailHawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi © (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble ©, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
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Pair content with Carolina test
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll and Winston Reid were pleased to open their pre-season accounts in the storm-affected 2-2 draw with Carolina RailHawks. In the second of two US Tour fixtures, the experienced pair netted within two first half minutes of one another as West Ham United came from behind to lead at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. However, a dangerous electrical storm halted play for 40 minutes midway through the second half and, when the teams returned, an unfortunate handball by Lewis Page enabled the NASL side to secure a share of the spoils. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, both Carroll and Reid were pleased to have come through a testing physical encounter played in stifling hot and humid conditions. "It's good to hit the back of the net, as it's what my job is," said Carroll, whose first-time finish put West Ham 2-1 ahead after Reid's early own-goal and equaliser. "It's good to go out in pre-season and get a goal and start the season off well. "It was a great cross in from Sofiane and as soon as it went in I knew I had a chance to score. I got a good touch on it and it went in. "It was a good workout, especially with the weather in the first half. I know it changed after half-time, but it was really hot for the lads and we got out of it what we needed. "It's been a good trip. It got the lads back together and the new lads into it and we're getting fitter ahead of the start of the new season, which is what we want and is good."
Reid was happy to hit the target just minutes after putting the ball through his own net to put the RailHawks in front. It was Carroll who provided the assist for the No2, who collected the ball 25 yards out, took a touch and finished confidently to level the score at 1-1. "The ball went up and it dropped, someone put in a tackle and it fell to Andy, who found me and I finished it," Reid confirmed. "The ball got played into the middle and I went with it and it ricocheted to Andy and I was pleased with the way I put it away.
"I've never played in a game which has been stopped for a storm like that. The first half, it was so hot that it was really hard to get your breath. The second half was completely different and the storm which arrived 15 minutes in broke it up and they scored a short time after we came back on. "It was a good workout for us, but unfortunately Doneil Henry got an injury late on which we all hope will be OK. Apart from that, the trip has been really good and we have enjoyed ourselves over here and worked hard. "We're now looking forward to getting home for a few days before we fly out to Austria."
West Ham fly back to England on Wednesday before jetting off for a three-match tour and training camp in Austria at the weekend. After that, the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round kicks-off on 28 July, Juventus visit the London Stadium in the Betway Cup on 7 August and the Premier League season starts six days later.
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Bilic - It was a good test
WHUFC.com
Bilic praised the US tour as a whole, describing it as a "working holiday" Slaven Bilic described the Hammers' second and final US pre-season tour match as a good test as they drew 2-2 with the Carolina RailHawks. After Winston Reid had put the ball into his own net early in the first half, the defender atoned for his earlier error by equalising at the other end before Andy Carroll added a second thanks to Sofiane Feghouli's fantastic cross. But after a 40-minute long delay as the heavens opened at WakeMed Soccer Park, the hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot to draw after Lewis Page was unfortunate to slip and handle the ball inside the box. Despite the result, Bilic reiterated the lesser significance in results during pre-season and noted the positive impact of the RailHawks fixture. He said: "It was a good game – a friendly with a high intensity. It was a good atmosphere and we enjoyed it. It was a good test. "It is still early for us, of course. The legs are heavy for the players. These tests are more individual tests, because the team that played in the first half have hardly played together all at the same time. It was a really good individual test. "I said before that the match against Seattle came way too early after just two or three days training. For this, we were more on a level to play a competitive game. The result is always important, don't get me wrong, but it was not the most important thing today."
Bilic made only three changes at the break, but the weather halted action just 17 minutes into the second period. The boss, who praised West Ham's US tour as a whole, and his players, were keen to not let the conditions ruin their run-out, however. "We didn't want the game to be called off," continued the Croatian. "We got such a warm hospitality from the hosts, so we wanted to wait and finish the game. "The whole tour has been important for us. It has been more like a proper pre-season for me, because we wanted the good facilities to train. We didn't want too much travelling. "When I heard about the possibility to go to the States, it was tempting but on the other hand, we didn't want to travel too much and get tired. But it has been good, especially because of the facilities we've had and the hospitality of the people. "I'd like to thank the people here in Seattle and North Carolina who have made our stay here like a working holiday!"
Following news of the Hammers' new signing Ashley Fletcher, reporters were keen to question Bilic on what the move could mean for the Club's front-line. "Fletcher and [Toni] Martinez are prospects," Bilic said about his young forwards. "Martinez has showed that he definitely has a future with West Ham, but we are competing in the Premier League and they are still too young. "Some of them can do what [Marcus] Rashford did for Man United last season, but to play a full season with them from the start would not be the option we want. They can emerge and surprise and amaze us and the league, like Rashford, but we are still looking to get a striker if we can, but only if he is a better striker than what we have. "We don't only have Carroll. We have [Diafra] Sakho and [Enner] Valencia too. Sakho was injured and that's why he was not here, and Valencia had a longer break because of Copa America."
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Ashley Fletcher - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com
Here's everything you need to know about the Club's new striker Ashley Fletcher…
- Fletcher was born on 2 October 1995 in Keighley, Yorkshire
- When he was nine, Fletcher signed for north west side Bolton Wanderers but four years later joined giants Manchester United at the age of 13
- The youngster excelled as a sportsman and athlete at school in Bolton and obtained 12 GCSEs
- Coming through Manchester United's ranks, Fletcher established a superb partnership with fellow striker James Wilson
- In 2014/15, Fletcher bagged three goals in the Red Devils' final three U21 Premier League matches having broken into the side earlier that term
- The 20-year-old last season spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Barnsley
- He scored nine times in 26 appearances for the Tykes, helping them clinch promotion via the play-offs
- Found the back of the net in both the semi-final second leg against Walsall and final at Wembley against south Londoners Millwall
- The striker has two England U20 caps and two goals, having scored in both his appearances for the young Lions
- Fletcher has joined West Ham United on a four-year deal
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Ollie Knight looks at all the Hammers talking points…
EURO 2016
With Euro 2016 bowing out in dramatic fashion and the upcoming Premier League season just one month away, it has been a busy period for West Ham and a number of their players.
The likes of James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet have all performed superbly for their respective countries; Payet in particular was a shining light in one of the strongest France squads in generations.
Unfortunately for Payet, Les Bleus succumbed to an extra-time winner scored by Portugal's Eder. Dimi was, however, named in the UEFA team of the tournament, earning the accolade following a string of world class displays that saw him notch three goals as well as two assists in seven games.
James Collins was a part of a terrific Wales squad that, against all odds, powered their way through to the semi-finals. Collins played a key role in the semi-final first-half against Portugal, effectively nullifying the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales went in 0-0 at the break. After half-time it was a different story, as Ronaldo inspired a quick-fire double that saw Portugal run out eventual 2-0 winners.
Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph also performed well, guiding both Italy and Ireland to the knockout stages. Despite a wonderful tournament between the sticks for the Republic of Ireland, Darren Randolph couldn't keep out Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann, who effectively knocked Martin O'Neill's side out at the Round of 16 stage with two sublime goals.
Ogbonna on the other hand suffered Euro 2016 heartbreak in the quarter-finals as Italy lost to Germany in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.
PRE SEASON
The US tour didn't begin in the finest fashion for the Hammers, with a 3-0 defeat to MLS outfit Seattle Sounders. However, it's important not to get carried away with such a defeat; we must remember that two years ago West Ham lost both of their pre-season games in New Zealand before going on a terrific run of Premier League form that saw them sitting comfortably in fourth place at Christmas.
Next up on the pre-season calendar for Slaven Bilic's boys was a friendly against North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks, in which Andy Carroll and Winston Reid scored their first goals of the summer in a 2-2 draw.
Following on from the US expedition, the Hammers travel to more familiar grounds in Austria, where they will play three friendlies against FC Slovacko, Champions League regulars Rubin Kazan and finally Bundesliga II outfit Karlsruher SC.
These three games should be the perfect preparation for West Ham's Europa League adventure as well as their highly-anticipated first game at the Olympic Stadium against Juventus on 7 August.
OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON
West Ham will play their first Premier League game of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Historically, Stamford Bridge has been one of the toughest away days of the calendar, but this year it certainly feels different. Last time out Slaven Bilic was left ruing a last minute penalty awarded to Chelsea after an innocuous challenge from Michail Antonio. Cesc Fabregas scored the resulting penalty to conclude the tie at 2-2, but it was a performance that should fill players and supporters with pride, and no doubt motivate them for the opening day of the season.
With the likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Gokhan Tore already joining the Hammers this summer, the opening game against Chelsea is made all the more enticing for the West Ham faithful.
Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will feel the pressure in his first London derby, and with the tie being played under the lights, it's hard to imagine Slaven Bilic not motivating his players to the absolute highest level in order to achieve victory.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Fletcher - I am very excited to be here
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher is rated one of the most promising young forwards in England and is looking forward to producing his best form for West Ham United after he joined the Hammers from Manchester United on a four-year contract. The England U20 striker enjoyed a memorable loan spell at Barnsley last season when he scored in the League One Play-Off Final win over Millwall at Wembley.
Fletcher is excited to be joining the Hammers as they prepare for a historic move into the new Stadium and hopes to play a major role for the first-team next season....
Ashley, welcome to West Ham United. How excited are you by the move and joining the Club at such an exciting time as we prepare for a big move into the new Stadium?
AF: "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham."
A lot of teams showed an interest in wanting to sign you. What was it about West Ham United that made you want to join the Club?
AF: "I think it is a Club with a lot of ambition. They are about to move into the new Stadium and with the position that the Club finished in the league last season, it was an insight into me coming here."
It was a big year for West Ham at the Boleyn Ground last year. Did you keep an eye on the developments and a historic final season for the Club?
AF: "It was hard not to see what was happening at West Ham. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well."
How excited are you to be working under a manager like Slaven Bilic who is renowned for bringing through good young players?
AF: "The players that he brought through like Reece Oxford was a huge bonus and it shows what the Club is about.
"West Ham are a Club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."
What can the West Ham fans expect from Ashley Fletcher?
AF: "I think there are a lot of variations to my game. I am not just a tall striker that holds the ball up.
"I have another side to my game. I can run in behind defenders and I love to score goals so hopefully you will see that."
The Hammers have a number of quality strikers including Andy Carroll. How excited are you to be playing alongside someone who has a wealth of experience at the highest level?
AF: "Andy is an England international so I can only learn from someone like him and take different aspects of his game and add them into my own game."
You saw what Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini did for the Club for the last season. How much are you looking forward to working with them on a daily basis?
AF: "The quality they have is unbelievable and for me to be playing alongside players like that can only improve me and make me better as well."
You have had the experience of being at one of the biggest clubs in England playing for Manchester United. How much has that helped your own development?
AF: "It has been massive for me. Coming from such a big club and all the morals I have learned over the years have helped me develop into the player that I am today.
"I thank them and hopefully I can grow even stronger at West Ham."
You have grown up with Marcus Rashford who has been stealing all the headlines following his call-up into the England squad. You must be hoping to follow in his footsteps and achieve what he has done?
AF: "I hope that will be the case. Marcus has been unbelievable and hopefully I will get my chance as well."
In terms of next season, West Ham are back in the Europa League and for any young player, you must be relishing the chance to showcase your talents on the European stage?
AF: "The chance to play in Europe was 100 per cent in my thinking and I didn't think twice when the new offer came through.
"The chance to play in the new Stadium and the incentive of playing in Europe makes it a massive season."
You are no stranger to playing in a big Stadium. How much will the Club benefit from playing in front of 60,000 fans every week?
AF: "It is only something that the players can thrive off. When you see the stands packed out with fans it will be massive and hopefully we can use that and go on and do really well next season."
You had a successful loan spell with Barnsley. How much has that helped you as a player?
AF: "I learned a lot of things and became more of a man. I added a lot of things into my game that I probably would not have done, if I would have stayed at Manchester United.
"I thank them as well for giving me the opportunity to play games, but now my focus is on West Ham."
Having played for the England Under-20's as well, you must take a lot of encouragement from representing your country?
AF: "Playing with West Ham players such as Reece Burke helped me. He told me about the Club and playing on the international stage is massive and I can only benefit from that."
Did you know much about Reece before you joined up with England?
AF: "I didn't but we became really good friends playing for England and he was on loan at Bradford as well. It will be great to see him when we play at West Ham."
Finally, what are your objectives and goals that you want to achieve at West Ham over the next few years?
AF: "I want to put on the West Ham shirt as many times as possible and play in the Premier League.
"I also want to play in the Europa League as well and help West Ham challenge for a top four finish which has got to be the aim as well."
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Westley - Tour has been great for youngsters
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley hailed the Hammers' US tour as a fantastic experience for the younger players who joined up with Slaven Bilic's first team. The group of youngsters who travelled to first Seattle and then North Carolina included new signings Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina as well the likes of Martin Samuelsen and Reece Burke, who enjoyed successful loan spells last season. And the experience gained over the time spent training with the Club's established stars as well as minutes on the playing field will stand the promising group in good stead, insisted Westley. He said: "It's a great trip and a great experience for the younger players, playing in front of 40,000 the other night. They have all been around the first team and it's a great chance for the coaches to see the boys play. "It's great for our young ones to be around them, to be around Mark Noble, the club captain, and Andy Carroll and the likes. You don't get that in pre-season with your own group. "It's great for Toni Martinez particularly, who is a new player to integrate and see how we do things. Same for Domingos Quina, who has gone straight from being a European U17 winner with Portugal to joining up with our first team players. "Also Declan Rice, who was a late shout after James Tomkins moved on. Rice went in there and by all accounts the boys have conducted themselves very well on and off the pitch, which is pleasing."
While some Development Squad and Academy players will be aiming to impress prior to the Club's Europa League qualifier at the end of July, others are looking to secure loan deals and Westley was keen to highlight their significance. "Loans are essential in the game now," he continued. "We've already done George Dobson to Walsall and Kyle Knoyle to Wigan, and we've had lots of enquiries which shows the standard of player we are starting to produce. "It's a loan before a loan before they play in your first team, some teams will tell you. There are two routes; you can go in the first team if you're really talented and Reece Burke, Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen were around that last year. "Or, if that isn't the case, the likes of Samuelsen who went to Peterborough last season would be a good example [of what might happen]. In the next 14 days, a lot of those questions will be answered."
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E-Sports star Dragonn represents the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's official E-Sports FIFA player Sean 'Dragonn' Allen competed in the first ever E-Sports FIFA match between football clubs as he took on Hashtag United's Harry Hesketh.
After the first leg tie ended level at 3-3, the pair battled for the victory in a second leg match, with both players using West Ham as their chosen team.
With YouTuber Spencer Owen - a West Ham supporter - providing commentary, check out their battle for glory.
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Home and away ticket schemes launch
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched the Home Cup and Away Ticket Schemes for the 2016/17 season, giving supporters the opportunity to secure their place at every away game.
Limited to 500 places, the Away Ticket Scheme debits all members for their tickets automatically and applies to all 19 Premier League away matches, as well as away ties in the FA and League Cups.
Download application forms for both schemes here
To join this scheme, supporters need to be included in the Home Cup Ticket Scheme, which applies to all home FA and League Cup ties, and also allows members to automatically be debited for their home cup tickets.
Renewing members from last season will receive priority for this year's Away Ticket Scheme, and in the event that the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, remaining applications will be processed in order of Priority Points totals.
Any group applications will be processed by the individual with the lowest number of points in the group.
To be seated together, please return your group's application together. Download your form here and return to ticketscheme@westhamunited.co.uk by 5pm Tuesday 19 July and please note all tickets are non-refundable and standard booking fees apply to all tickets.
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MARTIN SAMUELSEN; TO LOAN OR NOT TO LOAN?
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 9:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
To loan or not to loan…That is the question.
Martin Samuelsen is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most exciting young prospects not only in the UK, but in the world. You really won't find many 19-year olds like him. He is skilful, intelligent and confident on the ball. But where does this wonder-kid stand in the first team? Is he ready for the spotlight, or does he need more time?
Samuelsen spent half of last season on loan to League One Peterborough United last season, and to be honest, the loan was not a success. However, you could argue that the management of Samuelsen was fairly poor, with ex Peterborough boss Graham Westley often blaming his flair players for the poor results, rotating Samuelsen (and others) out of the squad on a regular basis.
But Samuelsen's loan spell was not all doom and gloom, he still had his moments of magic. One of the most impressive and promising of these moments was his performance against West Brom in the Capital One Cup. Brom fielded a very strong team, yet still they struggled to control the West Ham man, who tore them apart! His skill and confidence for an 18 year old (at the time), was unbelievable. And, more importantly, he proved he can already do it against Premier League standard opposition. But whether he can do that on a regular basis at this moment in time is yet to be seen.
Samuelsen is, as I have already said, way ahead of his fellow peers. His movement is, in my humble opinion, just as top-class as his dribbling. He actually reminds me of Payet, in terms of positioning. He-nearly-always starts out wide, but loves to drift inside to find those pockets of space. Last pre-season Samuelsen also confirmed that Payet was mentoring him with free-kicks. But I suspect there is more to it than just free-kicks. The way Samuelsen played in both American Tour pre-season games reminded me a lot of Payet, in terms of movement. So, perhaps, there is more than free-kick mentoring going on?
After reading what I've written above, many of you may be screaming at your screens: "JUST PLAY THE LAD!" But is he really ready? I think he could do a job, mainly coming off the bench in the Premier League. However, I think we should loan Samuelsen out, preferably to a Championship team. As talented as he is, we already have Payet, Lanzini, Feghouli, Tore and Antonio ahead of him in the pecking order, and that's not including any new signings which may be coming our way! As incredible as young Samuelsen is, it is just not his time yet. However, I have thought of a compromise…
Is it worth, maybe, just maybe, keeping him in the first team squad until January? With Europa League, Premier League, Capital One Cup and FA Cup coming up, he might prove useful. Chances are that over the next 5 months or so,we will come up against some rather poor and far away teams. Could Samuelsen play a role in beating lower division teams we face in cup's? And maybe in the Europa League too, when we're drawn against some random Ukrainian team, for example. Could we use players like him, who are obviously talented, to give the likes of Lanzini and Tore a rest from what will be a busy schedule?
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13/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 3:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Mina madness?
American media channel ESPN have reported that West Ham, Southampton and Everton are in a race for Ecuadorian CB Arturo Mina. The defender plays for Ecuadorian club IDV, registering 62 appearances for the club.
Hammers in for Lukaku?
Quite the opposite, apparently we are out of the race, according to News Hopper. The Daily Mail have reported that West Ham did make an enquiry for the Everton striker. However, it is reported that we have been put off by his £65 million price tag.
Spurs and West Ham to fight it out for u21 superstar?
InsideFutbol are today reporting that West Ham and their London rivals Spurs will battle it out for proclaimed star of the future Rolando Mandragora, who is currently contracted to Juventus. The 19 year-old really impressed out on loan last season at Italian club Pescara. As I have said many times before, Bilic is obviously keen to build up the most promising development squad he can; so I will be keeping an eye on this story!
Valencia hands in transfer request?
Sky Italia are reporting that Enner Valencia will at some point today meet with the Hammers board to request a transfer from East London. As ExWHUEmployee has confirmed many times, Enner looks likely to leave the club this summer. On top of this, Enner has, dare I say, flopped, and fallen out of favour with many West Ham fans.
That's it for today's news. But-I'm sure-ExWHUEmployee will be releasing his latest column later on tonight, so for the latest inside news please check out his column tonight. You will find it on The West Ham Way website.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 10:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This will be a very brief round up today, so here it goes.
Bacca Deal
I feel like all I have done for the last month is talk about this deal. I first wrote of our interest on May 31st and it seems to have been going on ever since. We first enquired about him before the Copa America and then had to wait a long time after to begin discussions. The transfer is still in the balance. This is not me sitting on the fence. This is the facts. Bacca and our wage demands are not in line yet. People say "Just give him the cash" but it doesn't really work like that. There are wage structures and those factors that have to be considered. I do believe still that the club will reach an agreement eventually at this stage. There are other clubs that are potentially circulating for him including A.Madrid but it seems they have other targets ahead in the pecking order. I do think a little perspective needs to be retained here. We are preparing a deal including agents wages and signing on fees which equate to almost £30m for a 30 year old forward. A few years ago we were signing Mido on a free for £1k a week. It is a big step forward. The deal is pretty much as I left it yesterday not a lot as changed. Talks have happened and they will continue. It is a rather amusing situation that I often get blamed when this happens in transfers. I can assure you as much as I wish I had that power I don't. If a deal changes, this is not my fault it means that one of the parities couldn't meet the others demands and in business this is the norm. At the moment the club still hope that this deal can be concluded this week.
Forward Signings
There are at least eight other offers on the table for other forwards. These forwards are all of a high quality and the Bacca situation helps in some respects because it is taking attention off the other deals. The chairman is ambitious, some of the bids are realistic and have been covered in detail in my daily accounts and others are extremely ambitious.
Unhappy Forwards
Both Sakho and Valencia are said to be unhappy at the club and have made it clear that they both want to leave. The main club in for Sakho appeared to be Sunderland but with Big Sam likely to get the England job their situation has changed. The club hope that WBA will move for Sakho as it appears that it will be difficult for him to remain.
Youngster Excitement
Today Mitch one of our top writers wrote an article on whether he would keep Martin Samuelsen or loan him out. Martin is just one of the many exciting up and coming talents that we have at the club. If you think of the likes of Sam Howes, Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen, Samulesen, Quina, Martinez, Fletcher and many others they are a lot of exciting players for the future.
The owners really are doing all they can within realistic boundaries to land a top forward that we need. Yes it is frustrating to not land the targets but this is what happens. Realistically we are not a champions league club yet, we haven't moved to the OS yet and we are not quite as big yet for the players we are aiming for. They have high ambitions and will do what they can to achieve them. We just have to be patient and trust that they will. This time last year we signed one of the best players in the recent Euro Championships plus many other top players.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham ended their brief tour of the US with an entertaining yet rain-interrupted game against the Railhawks in North Carolina this morning. With promises of live streams disappearing just as quickly as the clear blues skies that had overlooked the stadium earlier in the day, Hammers fans who had stayed up late to watch the team in action were forced into watching wobbly periscope and Facebook feeds. And they were treated to an lively encounter between Slaven Bilic's travelling party and the hosts - until, that is, both teams were forced to withdraw from the field of play just after the hour mark due to a sudden angry storm. By that stage the Hammers had gained a narrow advantage through goals by Winston Reid and Andy Carroll - although the Railhawks had taken a 7th minute lead when the aforementioned Kiwi inadvertently directed an Nazmi Albadawi cross into his own net.
It took United just 11 minutes to restore parity though, through Reid, who calmly converted a precise pass from Carroll to make it 1-1. Three minutes later new signing Sofiane Feghouli was heavily involved, as West Ham's #9 converted a low cross from the Algerian international to send West Ham into the interval with a slender lead. Following the temporary and unscheduled break, a string of changes followed leaving a much weaker West Ham XI to face the final half hour. Unfortunately inexperience told and the hosts grabbed what was probably a deserved equaliser on 68 minutes when Ceballos converted from the penalty spot, after Lewis Page was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball. With both tour dates fulfilled, it's back to Blighty tomorrow for the travelling - and winless - party following their brief sojourn in the States. Although the two results - here against the Railhawks and last week against the Seattle Sounders, some 2,850 miles away - may not have gone particularly positively for Bilic and his (under-strength) squad the trip will still be viewed as a successful one. However the manager will no doubt look forward to bringing his entire first team squad together for the first time upon his return to England, when the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Ashley Fletcher and a certain Dimitri Payet return from their earlier summer engagements.
West Ham Utd starting XI: Adrian, Byram, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Obiang, Noble, Feghouli, Samuelsen, Lanzini, Carroll.
Carolina Railhawks starting XI: Fitzgerald, Marcelin, Mensing, Beckie, Moses, Shipalane, da Luz, Albadawi, Watson, Shriver, Fondy.
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Liverpool's Christian Benteke in transfer U-turn as West Ham and Crystal Palace are scared off by sky-high fee
22:30, 13 JUL 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Reds are adamant they want the £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the striker last summer, so now he is determined to win over boss Jurgen Klopp
The Mirror
Liverpool's hard-ball tactics over Benteke have frightened off West Ham and Palace Christian Benteke is ready to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool . It comes after they effectively priced Belgium international striker Benteke out of a move by demanding a sky-high price for him. The Reds have told suitors West Ham and Crystal Palace they want to recoup the full £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the player last summer. That stance has scared off both clubs, and left Benteke convinced to try to win over manager Jurgen Klopp - who was not in charge when he was signed. Despite limited chances, the 25-year-old has maintained his ratio of a goal every two games in the Premier League for Liverpool and that is a key reason why they want to make all their money back. Benteke still believes he can be a success at Anfield despite the fierce competition for places. He has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool since Klopp took over, having been signed under the regime of predecessor Brendan Rodgers. West Ham have publicly admitted an interest in the player while Palace remain keen, having made strong enquiries. However, that hefty price-tag has put both clubs off as Liverpool play hard-ball
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Thierry Henry unlikely to join West Ham coaching staff after Arsenal departure
KEN DYER
Eveneing Standard
Thierry Henry is unlikely to be joining West Ham's coaching staff following his departure from Arsenal. The record Gunners scorer had been linked with a move across London after he left his part-time post as assistant coach of Arsenal's Under-18 squad. Watford, whose training ground is adjacent to his former club's headquarters at London Colney, had also been suggested as a possible destination but it is understood that he also will not be joining the Hornets. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had given Henry, who is working for his Pro Licence coaching badge, the job but with the proviso that he stepped down from his role as a Sky Sports pundit. The former France striker, who is believed to earn in the region of £4million a year at Sky, would not do so and Wenger was concerned at a potential conflict of interest caused by Henry having to criticise Arsenal players on TV.
Although West Ham have been mentioned as a possible destination for 38-year-old Henry, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and Academy Manager Terry Westley currently have no vacancies on their coaching staff. Arsenal, who are likely to appoint Tony Adams to replace Henry, insist the split was amicable and that the striker will be welcome to attend future sessions. West Ham meanwhile, drew 2-2 with Carolina RailHawks last night in a match held up for 40 minutes by a thunderstorm. Winston Reid and Andy Carroll scored West Ham's goals. The Hammers lost their other game of the tour, against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0.
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Gutted Manchester United and excited West Ham fans react to Ashley Fletcher's transfer
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United have swooped to sign Manchester United's Ashley Fletcher. West Ham United confirmed the signing of striker Ashley Fletcher on Tuesday evening, after his Manchester United contract had expired. Even after landing one young forward this summer in Toni Martinez, the Hammers have moved to land another striker for the future by signing Fletcher to a four-year contract. Fletcher, 20, has been on the books at Old Trafford since joining from Bolton Wanderers back in 2009, but he leaves United without ever having made a first-team appearance for the club. Last season, Fletcher was farmed out on loan to Barnsley, and he hit a total of nine goals in 27 games as the Tykes ended up winning the League One play-off final against Millwall - a game Fletcher scored in at Wembley Stadium.
Fletcher flashed real ability for Barnsley, with defenders struggling to cope with his pace and power - and with his contract at Manchester United expiring this summer, Fletcher has decided to move on rather than sit behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford next season. Instead, Fletcher will be heading to the Olympic Stadium after signing for West Ham, handing Slaven Bilic with a boost in attack and a player to develop over the coming years. Since the deal was confirmed on Tuesday evening, both Manchester United and West Ham United fans have been taking to Twitter to react to the transfer, with very different feelings. United fans appear disappointed that Fletcher has been allowed to leave the club, suggesting that the club could live to regret seeing him depart, just as they did with Paul Pogba. Meanwhile, West Ham fans are excited by Fletcher's arrival, noting that the club are building for the future by landing the striker, with some impressed by his performances for Barnsley...
Mark @McAlister33
Ashley Fletcher gone too 😢 probably the correct decision but West Ham have got a very good youngster #MUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Nael @naelmustafa
Why is a player like ashley fletcher, with promise and potential likened to Rashford, allowed to leave for free? #MUFC
10:21 PM - 12 Jul 2016
REDMartial @SallyTheManc
Just don't get how #MUFC allows players such as Ashley Fletcher leave so cheaply...West Ham won't even consider selling Reece Oxford
10:20 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Fred @FredyTheRed
Good luck to Ashley Fletcher .. #MUFC again, letting their youngsters leave without a buy back clause, we might see another Pogba situation
8:47 PM - 12 Jul 2016
M16MUFC @M16_MUFC
Gutted we Sold Ashley Fletcher look bright last season helping promote Barnsley so much potential West Ham have signed a good player #mufc
8:18 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Angry Bilic @AngryBilic
I can't claim to know a great deal about Fletcher, but bravo to the board and the gaffa for finally looking long-term with transfers #WHUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Darren Smith 14 @darrensmith849
Forget spending fortunes on players #whufc Ashley Fletcher is a huge signing for the next 10 years! Great prospect ⚒ @DaveSulley 👍 to DS&DG
8:11 PM - 12 Jul 2016
RUSTYHAMMER⚒ @DeanoTy
Samuelson, Quina & now fletcher we've robbed the so called elite. ⚒THE FUTURES BRIGHT, THE FUTURES CLARET N BLUE⚒
8:29 PM - 12 Jul 2016 · Luton, England, United Kingdom
WESTHAM1969 @Hammerhead2073
Ashley Fletcher should be a good signing, I remember him in the playoff final for Barnsley had a great game, probably be used in cup matches
9:43 PM - 12 Jul 2016
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Burke, Oxford, Cullen, Browne, Samuelsen, Martinez, Quina, Fletcher all in the academy. The future looks bright 👍🏻
7:32 PM - 12 Jul 2016
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West Ham FC transfer news: Belgian starlet Isaac Mbenza on Premier League club's radar
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
West Ham have enquired over the availability of Belgian prodigy Isaac Mbenza. The Valenciennes winger featured prominently for the Ligue 2 club last season, scoring seven goals and providing a further three assists. His displays caught the eye of scouts from the Premier League and, according to Foot Mercato, West Ham are ready to take a gamble on the 20-year-old. The only factor holding the Hammers back from making a bid is Mbenza's lack of experience in a top-flight league but scouts are seeking to persuade Slaven Bilic to take a risk on the player. A Belgium youth international, Mbenza graduated from Valenciennes' academy last year and was awarded with a three-year professional contract.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham: Winston Reid and Andy Carroll on target as Slaven Bilic's side are held to storm-delayed draw
West Ham were forced off the pitch by a thunderstorm in pre-season game
Winston Reid had already scored at both ends before 40-minute delay
Hammers had fought back from 1-0 down to lead, but were pegged back
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 07:06, 13 July 2016 | UPDATED: 07:11, 13 July 2016
A thunderstorm temporarily halted West Ham's final game of their United States tour as the Hammers drew 2-2 against Carolina Railhawks. The adverse weather conditions forced a 40-minute delay just after the hour mark, at which point the visitors led 2-1. Winston Reid had scored at either end before Andy Carroll gave Slaven Bilic's side the lead for the first time, but Marvin Ceballos' penalty earned the North American Soccer League club a draw.
Carolina Railhawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
The Railhawks took the lead in the 13th minute when Reid diverted a cross past United goalkeeper Adrian but the New Zealand defender atoned five minutes later by slotting home after being teed up by Carroll. Carroll then put West Ham ahead in the 21st minute by turning in summer signing Sofiane Feghouli's cross. It was the perfect way for Feghouli, who arrived from Valencia on a free transfer, was enjoying his first start for his new club, and his clever work down the right created a chance for the former England international to make it 2-1. The hosts hit back five minutes after play restarted following the thunderstorm when Lewis Page's handball allowed Ceballos to send Raphael Spiegel the wrong way from the spot. The Hammers, who lost their other game of the tour against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0, played the last five minutes with 10 men after Doneil Henry went off injured but neither side were able to find a winner.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
International Exhibition, Tuesday 12 July 2016, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina, USA
West Ham United were frustrated by the Carolina RailHawks and a mid-match lightning storm as the US Tour ended in a 2-2 draw. Slaven Bilic's side fell behind to an early Winston Reid own-goal, but were ahead by half-time through an opportunist strike from the New Zealand defender and a smart finish from Andy Carroll. Fifteen minutes into the second half, heavy rain signalled the arrival of a thunderstorm that saw lightning flash across the dark North Carolina sky, and referee Christopher Spivey call a temporary halt to proceedings for safety reasons. In hot, humid and initially sunny conditions, Bilic again made wholesale changes to his team as the game wore on in front of a RailHawks record 10,125-strong crowd. The International Exhibition was the first time an English Premier League team had visited an area known as The Triangle – Cary sits between three renowned universities in North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State – and the event was marked with a truly memorable occasion. Thousands of West Ham fans descended on the region, painting the WakeMed Soccer Park Claret and Blue on a fantastic evening of football, fly-pasts, fireworks – and thunder and lightning! Fresh from a 4-1 NASL thumping of Joe Cole's Tampa Bay Rowdies of Saturday evening, the RailHawks started on the front foot and went ahead on 13 minutes. Captain Nasmi Albadawi got to the byline and his cutback was volleyed past Adrian by a stretching Reid. However, the No2 got his side back on level terms eight minutes later when Carroll forced a mistake in the home defence and Reid kept his composure to slot past Akira Fitzgerald. Within 90 seconds, the visitors were in front as new boy Sofiane Feghouli celebrated his maiden start for the Club by racing down the right and crossing low for the England centre-forward to slide home left-footed.
The RailHawks – coached by ex-Southampton and Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke – responded well and striker Brian Shriver hit the woodwork with a delicious curling effort from 20 yards. The second half was largely uneventful until the heavens opened on the hour-mark, with the storm forcing the match to be temporarily suspended and thousands of fans to head for shelter. After a 40-minute break for the weather to clear, the game restarted with no fewer than six new West Ham players on the pitch. However, it was half-time replacement, Lewis Page who unfortunately slipped as he tracked back and handled the ball, enabling Marvin Ceballos to fire high past Raphael Spiegel from the spot. With lightning still flashing in the night sky nearby, both teams created chances in the closing stages, with Marcus Browne forcing a smart save from Sylvestre with ten minutes remaining. The RailHawks then introduced their biggest-ever signing, former Mexico international Omar Bravo, whose arrival had only been confirmed at half-time! West Ham played out the final few minutes with ten men after Doneil Henry was forced off with a leg injury, and the game petered out into a draw.
Carolina RailHawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi © (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble ©, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
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Pair content with Carolina test
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll and Winston Reid were pleased to open their pre-season accounts in the storm-affected 2-2 draw with Carolina RailHawks. In the second of two US Tour fixtures, the experienced pair netted within two first half minutes of one another as West Ham United came from behind to lead at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. However, a dangerous electrical storm halted play for 40 minutes midway through the second half and, when the teams returned, an unfortunate handball by Lewis Page enabled the NASL side to secure a share of the spoils. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, both Carroll and Reid were pleased to have come through a testing physical encounter played in stifling hot and humid conditions. "It's good to hit the back of the net, as it's what my job is," said Carroll, whose first-time finish put West Ham 2-1 ahead after Reid's early own-goal and equaliser. "It's good to go out in pre-season and get a goal and start the season off well. "It was a great cross in from Sofiane and as soon as it went in I knew I had a chance to score. I got a good touch on it and it went in. "It was a good workout, especially with the weather in the first half. I know it changed after half-time, but it was really hot for the lads and we got out of it what we needed. "It's been a good trip. It got the lads back together and the new lads into it and we're getting fitter ahead of the start of the new season, which is what we want and is good."
Reid was happy to hit the target just minutes after putting the ball through his own net to put the RailHawks in front. It was Carroll who provided the assist for the No2, who collected the ball 25 yards out, took a touch and finished confidently to level the score at 1-1. "The ball went up and it dropped, someone put in a tackle and it fell to Andy, who found me and I finished it," Reid confirmed. "The ball got played into the middle and I went with it and it ricocheted to Andy and I was pleased with the way I put it away.
"I've never played in a game which has been stopped for a storm like that. The first half, it was so hot that it was really hard to get your breath. The second half was completely different and the storm which arrived 15 minutes in broke it up and they scored a short time after we came back on. "It was a good workout for us, but unfortunately Doneil Henry got an injury late on which we all hope will be OK. Apart from that, the trip has been really good and we have enjoyed ourselves over here and worked hard. "We're now looking forward to getting home for a few days before we fly out to Austria."
West Ham fly back to England on Wednesday before jetting off for a three-match tour and training camp in Austria at the weekend. After that, the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round kicks-off on 28 July, Juventus visit the London Stadium in the Betway Cup on 7 August and the Premier League season starts six days later.
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Bilic - It was a good test
WHUFC.com
Bilic praised the US tour as a whole, describing it as a "working holiday" Slaven Bilic described the Hammers' second and final US pre-season tour match as a good test as they drew 2-2 with the Carolina RailHawks. After Winston Reid had put the ball into his own net early in the first half, the defender atoned for his earlier error by equalising at the other end before Andy Carroll added a second thanks to Sofiane Feghouli's fantastic cross. But after a 40-minute long delay as the heavens opened at WakeMed Soccer Park, the hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot to draw after Lewis Page was unfortunate to slip and handle the ball inside the box. Despite the result, Bilic reiterated the lesser significance in results during pre-season and noted the positive impact of the RailHawks fixture. He said: "It was a good game – a friendly with a high intensity. It was a good atmosphere and we enjoyed it. It was a good test. "It is still early for us, of course. The legs are heavy for the players. These tests are more individual tests, because the team that played in the first half have hardly played together all at the same time. It was a really good individual test. "I said before that the match against Seattle came way too early after just two or three days training. For this, we were more on a level to play a competitive game. The result is always important, don't get me wrong, but it was not the most important thing today."
Bilic made only three changes at the break, but the weather halted action just 17 minutes into the second period. The boss, who praised West Ham's US tour as a whole, and his players, were keen to not let the conditions ruin their run-out, however. "We didn't want the game to be called off," continued the Croatian. "We got such a warm hospitality from the hosts, so we wanted to wait and finish the game. "The whole tour has been important for us. It has been more like a proper pre-season for me, because we wanted the good facilities to train. We didn't want too much travelling. "When I heard about the possibility to go to the States, it was tempting but on the other hand, we didn't want to travel too much and get tired. But it has been good, especially because of the facilities we've had and the hospitality of the people. "I'd like to thank the people here in Seattle and North Carolina who have made our stay here like a working holiday!"
Following news of the Hammers' new signing Ashley Fletcher, reporters were keen to question Bilic on what the move could mean for the Club's front-line. "Fletcher and [Toni] Martinez are prospects," Bilic said about his young forwards. "Martinez has showed that he definitely has a future with West Ham, but we are competing in the Premier League and they are still too young. "Some of them can do what [Marcus] Rashford did for Man United last season, but to play a full season with them from the start would not be the option we want. They can emerge and surprise and amaze us and the league, like Rashford, but we are still looking to get a striker if we can, but only if he is a better striker than what we have. "We don't only have Carroll. We have [Diafra] Sakho and [Enner] Valencia too. Sakho was injured and that's why he was not here, and Valencia had a longer break because of Copa America."
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Ashley Fletcher - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com
Here's everything you need to know about the Club's new striker Ashley Fletcher…
- Fletcher was born on 2 October 1995 in Keighley, Yorkshire
- When he was nine, Fletcher signed for north west side Bolton Wanderers but four years later joined giants Manchester United at the age of 13
- The youngster excelled as a sportsman and athlete at school in Bolton and obtained 12 GCSEs
- Coming through Manchester United's ranks, Fletcher established a superb partnership with fellow striker James Wilson
- In 2014/15, Fletcher bagged three goals in the Red Devils' final three U21 Premier League matches having broken into the side earlier that term
- The 20-year-old last season spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Barnsley
- He scored nine times in 26 appearances for the Tykes, helping them clinch promotion via the play-offs
- Found the back of the net in both the semi-final second leg against Walsall and final at Wembley against south Londoners Millwall
- The striker has two England U20 caps and two goals, having scored in both his appearances for the young Lions
- Fletcher has joined West Ham United on a four-year deal
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Ollie Knight looks at all the Hammers talking points…
EURO 2016
With Euro 2016 bowing out in dramatic fashion and the upcoming Premier League season just one month away, it has been a busy period for West Ham and a number of their players.
The likes of James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet have all performed superbly for their respective countries; Payet in particular was a shining light in one of the strongest France squads in generations.
Unfortunately for Payet, Les Bleus succumbed to an extra-time winner scored by Portugal's Eder. Dimi was, however, named in the UEFA team of the tournament, earning the accolade following a string of world class displays that saw him notch three goals as well as two assists in seven games.
James Collins was a part of a terrific Wales squad that, against all odds, powered their way through to the semi-finals. Collins played a key role in the semi-final first-half against Portugal, effectively nullifying the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales went in 0-0 at the break. After half-time it was a different story, as Ronaldo inspired a quick-fire double that saw Portugal run out eventual 2-0 winners.
Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph also performed well, guiding both Italy and Ireland to the knockout stages. Despite a wonderful tournament between the sticks for the Republic of Ireland, Darren Randolph couldn't keep out Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann, who effectively knocked Martin O'Neill's side out at the Round of 16 stage with two sublime goals.
Ogbonna on the other hand suffered Euro 2016 heartbreak in the quarter-finals as Italy lost to Germany in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.
PRE SEASON
The US tour didn't begin in the finest fashion for the Hammers, with a 3-0 defeat to MLS outfit Seattle Sounders. However, it's important not to get carried away with such a defeat; we must remember that two years ago West Ham lost both of their pre-season games in New Zealand before going on a terrific run of Premier League form that saw them sitting comfortably in fourth place at Christmas.
Next up on the pre-season calendar for Slaven Bilic's boys was a friendly against North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks, in which Andy Carroll and Winston Reid scored their first goals of the summer in a 2-2 draw.
Following on from the US expedition, the Hammers travel to more familiar grounds in Austria, where they will play three friendlies against FC Slovacko, Champions League regulars Rubin Kazan and finally Bundesliga II outfit Karlsruher SC.
These three games should be the perfect preparation for West Ham's Europa League adventure as well as their highly-anticipated first game at the Olympic Stadium against Juventus on 7 August.
OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON
West Ham will play their first Premier League game of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Historically, Stamford Bridge has been one of the toughest away days of the calendar, but this year it certainly feels different. Last time out Slaven Bilic was left ruing a last minute penalty awarded to Chelsea after an innocuous challenge from Michail Antonio. Cesc Fabregas scored the resulting penalty to conclude the tie at 2-2, but it was a performance that should fill players and supporters with pride, and no doubt motivate them for the opening day of the season.
With the likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Gokhan Tore already joining the Hammers this summer, the opening game against Chelsea is made all the more enticing for the West Ham faithful.
Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will feel the pressure in his first London derby, and with the tie being played under the lights, it's hard to imagine Slaven Bilic not motivating his players to the absolute highest level in order to achieve victory.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Fletcher - I am very excited to be here
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher is rated one of the most promising young forwards in England and is looking forward to producing his best form for West Ham United after he joined the Hammers from Manchester United on a four-year contract. The England U20 striker enjoyed a memorable loan spell at Barnsley last season when he scored in the League One Play-Off Final win over Millwall at Wembley.
Fletcher is excited to be joining the Hammers as they prepare for a historic move into the new Stadium and hopes to play a major role for the first-team next season....
Ashley, welcome to West Ham United. How excited are you by the move and joining the Club at such an exciting time as we prepare for a big move into the new Stadium?
AF: "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham."
A lot of teams showed an interest in wanting to sign you. What was it about West Ham United that made you want to join the Club?
AF: "I think it is a Club with a lot of ambition. They are about to move into the new Stadium and with the position that the Club finished in the league last season, it was an insight into me coming here."
It was a big year for West Ham at the Boleyn Ground last year. Did you keep an eye on the developments and a historic final season for the Club?
AF: "It was hard not to see what was happening at West Ham. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well."
How excited are you to be working under a manager like Slaven Bilic who is renowned for bringing through good young players?
AF: "The players that he brought through like Reece Oxford was a huge bonus and it shows what the Club is about.
"West Ham are a Club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."
What can the West Ham fans expect from Ashley Fletcher?
AF: "I think there are a lot of variations to my game. I am not just a tall striker that holds the ball up.
"I have another side to my game. I can run in behind defenders and I love to score goals so hopefully you will see that."
The Hammers have a number of quality strikers including Andy Carroll. How excited are you to be playing alongside someone who has a wealth of experience at the highest level?
AF: "Andy is an England international so I can only learn from someone like him and take different aspects of his game and add them into my own game."
You saw what Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini did for the Club for the last season. How much are you looking forward to working with them on a daily basis?
AF: "The quality they have is unbelievable and for me to be playing alongside players like that can only improve me and make me better as well."
You have had the experience of being at one of the biggest clubs in England playing for Manchester United. How much has that helped your own development?
AF: "It has been massive for me. Coming from such a big club and all the morals I have learned over the years have helped me develop into the player that I am today.
"I thank them and hopefully I can grow even stronger at West Ham."
You have grown up with Marcus Rashford who has been stealing all the headlines following his call-up into the England squad. You must be hoping to follow in his footsteps and achieve what he has done?
AF: "I hope that will be the case. Marcus has been unbelievable and hopefully I will get my chance as well."
In terms of next season, West Ham are back in the Europa League and for any young player, you must be relishing the chance to showcase your talents on the European stage?
AF: "The chance to play in Europe was 100 per cent in my thinking and I didn't think twice when the new offer came through.
"The chance to play in the new Stadium and the incentive of playing in Europe makes it a massive season."
You are no stranger to playing in a big Stadium. How much will the Club benefit from playing in front of 60,000 fans every week?
AF: "It is only something that the players can thrive off. When you see the stands packed out with fans it will be massive and hopefully we can use that and go on and do really well next season."
You had a successful loan spell with Barnsley. How much has that helped you as a player?
AF: "I learned a lot of things and became more of a man. I added a lot of things into my game that I probably would not have done, if I would have stayed at Manchester United.
"I thank them as well for giving me the opportunity to play games, but now my focus is on West Ham."
Having played for the England Under-20's as well, you must take a lot of encouragement from representing your country?
AF: "Playing with West Ham players such as Reece Burke helped me. He told me about the Club and playing on the international stage is massive and I can only benefit from that."
Did you know much about Reece before you joined up with England?
AF: "I didn't but we became really good friends playing for England and he was on loan at Bradford as well. It will be great to see him when we play at West Ham."
Finally, what are your objectives and goals that you want to achieve at West Ham over the next few years?
AF: "I want to put on the West Ham shirt as many times as possible and play in the Premier League.
"I also want to play in the Europa League as well and help West Ham challenge for a top four finish which has got to be the aim as well."
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Westley - Tour has been great for youngsters
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley hailed the Hammers' US tour as a fantastic experience for the younger players who joined up with Slaven Bilic's first team. The group of youngsters who travelled to first Seattle and then North Carolina included new signings Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina as well the likes of Martin Samuelsen and Reece Burke, who enjoyed successful loan spells last season. And the experience gained over the time spent training with the Club's established stars as well as minutes on the playing field will stand the promising group in good stead, insisted Westley. He said: "It's a great trip and a great experience for the younger players, playing in front of 40,000 the other night. They have all been around the first team and it's a great chance for the coaches to see the boys play. "It's great for our young ones to be around them, to be around Mark Noble, the club captain, and Andy Carroll and the likes. You don't get that in pre-season with your own group. "It's great for Toni Martinez particularly, who is a new player to integrate and see how we do things. Same for Domingos Quina, who has gone straight from being a European U17 winner with Portugal to joining up with our first team players. "Also Declan Rice, who was a late shout after James Tomkins moved on. Rice went in there and by all accounts the boys have conducted themselves very well on and off the pitch, which is pleasing."
While some Development Squad and Academy players will be aiming to impress prior to the Club's Europa League qualifier at the end of July, others are looking to secure loan deals and Westley was keen to highlight their significance. "Loans are essential in the game now," he continued. "We've already done George Dobson to Walsall and Kyle Knoyle to Wigan, and we've had lots of enquiries which shows the standard of player we are starting to produce. "It's a loan before a loan before they play in your first team, some teams will tell you. There are two routes; you can go in the first team if you're really talented and Reece Burke, Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen were around that last year. "Or, if that isn't the case, the likes of Samuelsen who went to Peterborough last season would be a good example [of what might happen]. In the next 14 days, a lot of those questions will be answered."
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E-Sports star Dragonn represents the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's official E-Sports FIFA player Sean 'Dragonn' Allen competed in the first ever E-Sports FIFA match between football clubs as he took on Hashtag United's Harry Hesketh.
After the first leg tie ended level at 3-3, the pair battled for the victory in a second leg match, with both players using West Ham as their chosen team.
With YouTuber Spencer Owen - a West Ham supporter - providing commentary, check out their battle for glory.
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Home and away ticket schemes launch
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched the Home Cup and Away Ticket Schemes for the 2016/17 season, giving supporters the opportunity to secure their place at every away game.
Limited to 500 places, the Away Ticket Scheme debits all members for their tickets automatically and applies to all 19 Premier League away matches, as well as away ties in the FA and League Cups.
Download application forms for both schemes here
To join this scheme, supporters need to be included in the Home Cup Ticket Scheme, which applies to all home FA and League Cup ties, and also allows members to automatically be debited for their home cup tickets.
Renewing members from last season will receive priority for this year's Away Ticket Scheme, and in the event that the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, remaining applications will be processed in order of Priority Points totals.
Any group applications will be processed by the individual with the lowest number of points in the group.
To be seated together, please return your group's application together. Download your form here and return to ticketscheme@westhamunited.co.uk by 5pm Tuesday 19 July and please note all tickets are non-refundable and standard booking fees apply to all tickets.
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MARTIN SAMUELSEN; TO LOAN OR NOT TO LOAN?
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 9:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
To loan or not to loan…That is the question.
Martin Samuelsen is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most exciting young prospects not only in the UK, but in the world. You really won't find many 19-year olds like him. He is skilful, intelligent and confident on the ball. But where does this wonder-kid stand in the first team? Is he ready for the spotlight, or does he need more time?
Samuelsen spent half of last season on loan to League One Peterborough United last season, and to be honest, the loan was not a success. However, you could argue that the management of Samuelsen was fairly poor, with ex Peterborough boss Graham Westley often blaming his flair players for the poor results, rotating Samuelsen (and others) out of the squad on a regular basis.
But Samuelsen's loan spell was not all doom and gloom, he still had his moments of magic. One of the most impressive and promising of these moments was his performance against West Brom in the Capital One Cup. Brom fielded a very strong team, yet still they struggled to control the West Ham man, who tore them apart! His skill and confidence for an 18 year old (at the time), was unbelievable. And, more importantly, he proved he can already do it against Premier League standard opposition. But whether he can do that on a regular basis at this moment in time is yet to be seen.
Samuelsen is, as I have already said, way ahead of his fellow peers. His movement is, in my humble opinion, just as top-class as his dribbling. He actually reminds me of Payet, in terms of positioning. He-nearly-always starts out wide, but loves to drift inside to find those pockets of space. Last pre-season Samuelsen also confirmed that Payet was mentoring him with free-kicks. But I suspect there is more to it than just free-kicks. The way Samuelsen played in both American Tour pre-season games reminded me a lot of Payet, in terms of movement. So, perhaps, there is more than free-kick mentoring going on?
After reading what I've written above, many of you may be screaming at your screens: "JUST PLAY THE LAD!" But is he really ready? I think he could do a job, mainly coming off the bench in the Premier League. However, I think we should loan Samuelsen out, preferably to a Championship team. As talented as he is, we already have Payet, Lanzini, Feghouli, Tore and Antonio ahead of him in the pecking order, and that's not including any new signings which may be coming our way! As incredible as young Samuelsen is, it is just not his time yet. However, I have thought of a compromise…
Is it worth, maybe, just maybe, keeping him in the first team squad until January? With Europa League, Premier League, Capital One Cup and FA Cup coming up, he might prove useful. Chances are that over the next 5 months or so,we will come up against some rather poor and far away teams. Could Samuelsen play a role in beating lower division teams we face in cup's? And maybe in the Europa League too, when we're drawn against some random Ukrainian team, for example. Could we use players like him, who are obviously talented, to give the likes of Lanzini and Tore a rest from what will be a busy schedule?
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13/07/16 AFTERNOON NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 3:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Mina madness?
American media channel ESPN have reported that West Ham, Southampton and Everton are in a race for Ecuadorian CB Arturo Mina. The defender plays for Ecuadorian club IDV, registering 62 appearances for the club.
Hammers in for Lukaku?
Quite the opposite, apparently we are out of the race, according to News Hopper. The Daily Mail have reported that West Ham did make an enquiry for the Everton striker. However, it is reported that we have been put off by his £65 million price tag.
Spurs and West Ham to fight it out for u21 superstar?
InsideFutbol are today reporting that West Ham and their London rivals Spurs will battle it out for proclaimed star of the future Rolando Mandragora, who is currently contracted to Juventus. The 19 year-old really impressed out on loan last season at Italian club Pescara. As I have said many times before, Bilic is obviously keen to build up the most promising development squad he can; so I will be keeping an eye on this story!
Valencia hands in transfer request?
Sky Italia are reporting that Enner Valencia will at some point today meet with the Hammers board to request a transfer from East London. As ExWHUEmployee has confirmed many times, Enner looks likely to leave the club this summer. On top of this, Enner has, dare I say, flopped, and fallen out of favour with many West Ham fans.
That's it for today's news. But-I'm sure-ExWHUEmployee will be releasing his latest column later on tonight, so for the latest inside news please check out his column tonight. You will find it on The West Ham Way website.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 JULY 2016 AT 10:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This will be a very brief round up today, so here it goes.
Bacca Deal
I feel like all I have done for the last month is talk about this deal. I first wrote of our interest on May 31st and it seems to have been going on ever since. We first enquired about him before the Copa America and then had to wait a long time after to begin discussions. The transfer is still in the balance. This is not me sitting on the fence. This is the facts. Bacca and our wage demands are not in line yet. People say "Just give him the cash" but it doesn't really work like that. There are wage structures and those factors that have to be considered. I do believe still that the club will reach an agreement eventually at this stage. There are other clubs that are potentially circulating for him including A.Madrid but it seems they have other targets ahead in the pecking order. I do think a little perspective needs to be retained here. We are preparing a deal including agents wages and signing on fees which equate to almost £30m for a 30 year old forward. A few years ago we were signing Mido on a free for £1k a week. It is a big step forward. The deal is pretty much as I left it yesterday not a lot as changed. Talks have happened and they will continue. It is a rather amusing situation that I often get blamed when this happens in transfers. I can assure you as much as I wish I had that power I don't. If a deal changes, this is not my fault it means that one of the parities couldn't meet the others demands and in business this is the norm. At the moment the club still hope that this deal can be concluded this week.
Forward Signings
There are at least eight other offers on the table for other forwards. These forwards are all of a high quality and the Bacca situation helps in some respects because it is taking attention off the other deals. The chairman is ambitious, some of the bids are realistic and have been covered in detail in my daily accounts and others are extremely ambitious.
Unhappy Forwards
Both Sakho and Valencia are said to be unhappy at the club and have made it clear that they both want to leave. The main club in for Sakho appeared to be Sunderland but with Big Sam likely to get the England job their situation has changed. The club hope that WBA will move for Sakho as it appears that it will be difficult for him to remain.
Youngster Excitement
Today Mitch one of our top writers wrote an article on whether he would keep Martin Samuelsen or loan him out. Martin is just one of the many exciting up and coming talents that we have at the club. If you think of the likes of Sam Howes, Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen, Samulesen, Quina, Martinez, Fletcher and many others they are a lot of exciting players for the future.
The owners really are doing all they can within realistic boundaries to land a top forward that we need. Yes it is frustrating to not land the targets but this is what happens. Realistically we are not a champions league club yet, we haven't moved to the OS yet and we are not quite as big yet for the players we are aiming for. They have high ambitions and will do what they can to achieve them. We just have to be patient and trust that they will. This time last year we signed one of the best players in the recent Euro Championships plus many other top players.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham ended their brief tour of the US with an entertaining yet rain-interrupted game against the Railhawks in North Carolina this morning. With promises of live streams disappearing just as quickly as the clear blues skies that had overlooked the stadium earlier in the day, Hammers fans who had stayed up late to watch the team in action were forced into watching wobbly periscope and Facebook feeds. And they were treated to an lively encounter between Slaven Bilic's travelling party and the hosts - until, that is, both teams were forced to withdraw from the field of play just after the hour mark due to a sudden angry storm. By that stage the Hammers had gained a narrow advantage through goals by Winston Reid and Andy Carroll - although the Railhawks had taken a 7th minute lead when the aforementioned Kiwi inadvertently directed an Nazmi Albadawi cross into his own net.
It took United just 11 minutes to restore parity though, through Reid, who calmly converted a precise pass from Carroll to make it 1-1. Three minutes later new signing Sofiane Feghouli was heavily involved, as West Ham's #9 converted a low cross from the Algerian international to send West Ham into the interval with a slender lead. Following the temporary and unscheduled break, a string of changes followed leaving a much weaker West Ham XI to face the final half hour. Unfortunately inexperience told and the hosts grabbed what was probably a deserved equaliser on 68 minutes when Ceballos converted from the penalty spot, after Lewis Page was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball. With both tour dates fulfilled, it's back to Blighty tomorrow for the travelling - and winless - party following their brief sojourn in the States. Although the two results - here against the Railhawks and last week against the Seattle Sounders, some 2,850 miles away - may not have gone particularly positively for Bilic and his (under-strength) squad the trip will still be viewed as a successful one. However the manager will no doubt look forward to bringing his entire first team squad together for the first time upon his return to England, when the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Ashley Fletcher and a certain Dimitri Payet return from their earlier summer engagements.
West Ham Utd starting XI: Adrian, Byram, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Obiang, Noble, Feghouli, Samuelsen, Lanzini, Carroll.
Carolina Railhawks starting XI: Fitzgerald, Marcelin, Mensing, Beckie, Moses, Shipalane, da Luz, Albadawi, Watson, Shriver, Fondy.
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Liverpool's Christian Benteke in transfer U-turn as West Ham and Crystal Palace are scared off by sky-high fee
22:30, 13 JUL 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Reds are adamant they want the £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the striker last summer, so now he is determined to win over boss Jurgen Klopp
The Mirror
Liverpool's hard-ball tactics over Benteke have frightened off West Ham and Palace Christian Benteke is ready to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool . It comes after they effectively priced Belgium international striker Benteke out of a move by demanding a sky-high price for him. The Reds have told suitors West Ham and Crystal Palace they want to recoup the full £32.5m they paid Aston Villa for the player last summer. That stance has scared off both clubs, and left Benteke convinced to try to win over manager Jurgen Klopp - who was not in charge when he was signed. Despite limited chances, the 25-year-old has maintained his ratio of a goal every two games in the Premier League for Liverpool and that is a key reason why they want to make all their money back. Benteke still believes he can be a success at Anfield despite the fierce competition for places. He has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool since Klopp took over, having been signed under the regime of predecessor Brendan Rodgers. West Ham have publicly admitted an interest in the player while Palace remain keen, having made strong enquiries. However, that hefty price-tag has put both clubs off as Liverpool play hard-ball
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Thierry Henry unlikely to join West Ham coaching staff after Arsenal departure
KEN DYER
Eveneing Standard
Thierry Henry is unlikely to be joining West Ham's coaching staff following his departure from Arsenal. The record Gunners scorer had been linked with a move across London after he left his part-time post as assistant coach of Arsenal's Under-18 squad. Watford, whose training ground is adjacent to his former club's headquarters at London Colney, had also been suggested as a possible destination but it is understood that he also will not be joining the Hornets. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had given Henry, who is working for his Pro Licence coaching badge, the job but with the proviso that he stepped down from his role as a Sky Sports pundit. The former France striker, who is believed to earn in the region of £4million a year at Sky, would not do so and Wenger was concerned at a potential conflict of interest caused by Henry having to criticise Arsenal players on TV.
Although West Ham have been mentioned as a possible destination for 38-year-old Henry, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic and Academy Manager Terry Westley currently have no vacancies on their coaching staff. Arsenal, who are likely to appoint Tony Adams to replace Henry, insist the split was amicable and that the striker will be welcome to attend future sessions. West Ham meanwhile, drew 2-2 with Carolina RailHawks last night in a match held up for 40 minutes by a thunderstorm. Winston Reid and Andy Carroll scored West Ham's goals. The Hammers lost their other game of the tour, against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0.
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Gutted Manchester United and excited West Ham fans react to Ashley Fletcher's transfer
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United have swooped to sign Manchester United's Ashley Fletcher. West Ham United confirmed the signing of striker Ashley Fletcher on Tuesday evening, after his Manchester United contract had expired. Even after landing one young forward this summer in Toni Martinez, the Hammers have moved to land another striker for the future by signing Fletcher to a four-year contract. Fletcher, 20, has been on the books at Old Trafford since joining from Bolton Wanderers back in 2009, but he leaves United without ever having made a first-team appearance for the club. Last season, Fletcher was farmed out on loan to Barnsley, and he hit a total of nine goals in 27 games as the Tykes ended up winning the League One play-off final against Millwall - a game Fletcher scored in at Wembley Stadium.
Fletcher flashed real ability for Barnsley, with defenders struggling to cope with his pace and power - and with his contract at Manchester United expiring this summer, Fletcher has decided to move on rather than sit behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford next season. Instead, Fletcher will be heading to the Olympic Stadium after signing for West Ham, handing Slaven Bilic with a boost in attack and a player to develop over the coming years. Since the deal was confirmed on Tuesday evening, both Manchester United and West Ham United fans have been taking to Twitter to react to the transfer, with very different feelings. United fans appear disappointed that Fletcher has been allowed to leave the club, suggesting that the club could live to regret seeing him depart, just as they did with Paul Pogba. Meanwhile, West Ham fans are excited by Fletcher's arrival, noting that the club are building for the future by landing the striker, with some impressed by his performances for Barnsley...
Mark @McAlister33
Ashley Fletcher gone too 😢 probably the correct decision but West Ham have got a very good youngster #MUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Nael @naelmustafa
Why is a player like ashley fletcher, with promise and potential likened to Rashford, allowed to leave for free? #MUFC
10:21 PM - 12 Jul 2016
REDMartial @SallyTheManc
Just don't get how #MUFC allows players such as Ashley Fletcher leave so cheaply...West Ham won't even consider selling Reece Oxford
10:20 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Fred @FredyTheRed
Good luck to Ashley Fletcher .. #MUFC again, letting their youngsters leave without a buy back clause, we might see another Pogba situation
8:47 PM - 12 Jul 2016
M16MUFC @M16_MUFC
Gutted we Sold Ashley Fletcher look bright last season helping promote Barnsley so much potential West Ham have signed a good player #mufc
8:18 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Angry Bilic @AngryBilic
I can't claim to know a great deal about Fletcher, but bravo to the board and the gaffa for finally looking long-term with transfers #WHUFC
11:23 PM - 12 Jul 2016
Darren Smith 14 @darrensmith849
Forget spending fortunes on players #whufc Ashley Fletcher is a huge signing for the next 10 years! Great prospect ⚒ @DaveSulley 👍 to DS&DG
8:11 PM - 12 Jul 2016
RUSTYHAMMER⚒ @DeanoTy
Samuelson, Quina & now fletcher we've robbed the so called elite. ⚒THE FUTURES BRIGHT, THE FUTURES CLARET N BLUE⚒
8:29 PM - 12 Jul 2016 · Luton, England, United Kingdom
WESTHAM1969 @Hammerhead2073
Ashley Fletcher should be a good signing, I remember him in the playoff final for Barnsley had a great game, probably be used in cup matches
9:43 PM - 12 Jul 2016
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Burke, Oxford, Cullen, Browne, Samuelsen, Martinez, Quina, Fletcher all in the academy. The future looks bright 👍🏻
7:32 PM - 12 Jul 2016
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West Ham FC transfer news: Belgian starlet Isaac Mbenza on Premier League club's radar
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
West Ham have enquired over the availability of Belgian prodigy Isaac Mbenza. The Valenciennes winger featured prominently for the Ligue 2 club last season, scoring seven goals and providing a further three assists. His displays caught the eye of scouts from the Premier League and, according to Foot Mercato, West Ham are ready to take a gamble on the 20-year-old. The only factor holding the Hammers back from making a bid is Mbenza's lack of experience in a top-flight league but scouts are seeking to persuade Slaven Bilic to take a risk on the player. A Belgium youth international, Mbenza graduated from Valenciennes' academy last year and was awarded with a three-year professional contract.
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Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham: Winston Reid and Andy Carroll on target as Slaven Bilic's side are held to storm-delayed draw
West Ham were forced off the pitch by a thunderstorm in pre-season game
Winston Reid had already scored at both ends before 40-minute delay
Hammers had fought back from 1-0 down to lead, but were pegged back
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 07:06, 13 July 2016 | UPDATED: 07:11, 13 July 2016
A thunderstorm temporarily halted West Ham's final game of their United States tour as the Hammers drew 2-2 against Carolina Railhawks. The adverse weather conditions forced a 40-minute delay just after the hour mark, at which point the visitors led 2-1. Winston Reid had scored at either end before Andy Carroll gave Slaven Bilic's side the lead for the first time, but Marvin Ceballos' penalty earned the North American Soccer League club a draw.
Carolina Railhawks: Fitzgerald (Sylvestre 46, Robinson 87), Beckie (Mason 62), Mensing (Miller 46), Moses, Shipalane (Morales 63, Del Rosario 90), Watson (Albert 63), Da Luz (Orlando 62), Albadawi (Hassan 63), Marcelin, Shriver (Ceballos 38, Perez 80), Fondy (Schuler 46, Bravo 80)
Subs not used: Tobin, Arnez, Orozco
Booked: Miller
West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 46), Byram (Makasi 63), Reid (Henry 63), Burke (Rice 63), Cresswell (Page 46), Obiang (Poyet 63), Noble, Feghouli (Quina 63), Samuelsen, Lanzini (Browne 63), Carroll (Martinez 46)
Booked: Page, Quina
Referee: Christopher Spivey
Attendance: 10,125
The Railhawks took the lead in the 13th minute when Reid diverted a cross past United goalkeeper Adrian but the New Zealand defender atoned five minutes later by slotting home after being teed up by Carroll. Carroll then put West Ham ahead in the 21st minute by turning in summer signing Sofiane Feghouli's cross. It was the perfect way for Feghouli, who arrived from Valencia on a free transfer, was enjoying his first start for his new club, and his clever work down the right created a chance for the former England international to make it 2-1. The hosts hit back five minutes after play restarted following the thunderstorm when Lewis Page's handball allowed Ceballos to send Raphael Spiegel the wrong way from the spot. The Hammers, who lost their other game of the tour against Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders 3-0, played the last five minutes with 10 men after Doneil Henry went off injured but neither side were able to find a winner.
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