Daily WHUFC News - 28th July 2016

Preview - NK Domzale
WHUFC.com

When and where?

NK Domzale v West Ham United
UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round First Leg
Thursday 28 July 2016, 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST)
Stadion Stozice, Ljubljana

What's the story?
West Ham United's European adventure begins on Thursday with the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against NK Domzale of Slovenia. The Hammers qualified for the competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League, earning an eighth participation in European football in the process. With a European Cup Winners' Cup victory under their belts in 1965, and a final appearance in the same tournament eleven years later, West Ham boast a proud record in Europe. Their opponents on Thursday, NK Domzale, earned their place in the Europa League by finishing third in their domestic league last term.
Founded in 1921, they are one of Slovenia's oldest football clubs and have twice won the national title, in 2006/07 and 2007/08. So far in their run this term they have defeated Lusitans of Andorra – who West Ham beat in the first qualifying round last season – and Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk. They are also two games into their league campaign, and currently sit third in the table with four points.

Team news
West Ham will be without left back Aaron Cresswell, who faces a period of up to four months out after suffering a knee injury in the friendly victory over Karlsruher SC on Saturday.
Dimitri Payet, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna are out due to their participation in the latter stages of Euro 2016, while Manuel Lanzini has suffered a knee problem on international duty with Argentina. New signings Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore and Havard Nordtveit could make their first competitive appearances for the Club, while Reece Oxford joined up with the group this week after appearing for England at the UEFA U19 Championships in Germany.

Any links between the two?
No direct links, but Adrian spent his formative years at Real Betis with Domzale defender Alvaro Brachi. The Seville-born right back is a year older than the Hammers stopper and appeared for the Club's B and C teams before moving on in 2007. He joined Domzale earlier this year after a spell in Hungary with Videoton.

How to get to the game
Click here for a map showing the Stadion Stozice's location.

How can I watch the game?
The match will be broadcast in the UK on BT Sport 2. Their coverage will begin at 7.30pm BST. You can also listen to live commentary right here on whufc.com, as well as following with live stats, pictures and more on our Match Centre and Social channels.

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West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that Tony Carr has left the Club with immediate effect after his two-year contract as Club Ambassador came to an end.

Tony took on the role of Ambassador after departing his long-term position as Academy Director, with both the Club and Tony wanting to ensure that he retained a full-time position and salary beyond his 65th birthday, before beginning to receive his pension.

As a gesture of gratitude for the outstanding service Tony has given the Club, the current owners of West Ham United granted him a Testimonial match at The Boleyn Ground and Tony retained all profits from this game.

Tony was offered new terms this summer to continue his Ambassadorial role on a part-time basis, however, he declined the opportunity.

Tony will forever be held in the highest regard by everyone at West Ham United FC for his outstanding service to the Club and he will always be welcome at the new stadium, where his achievements are rightly remembered in the Academy Bar.

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Slaven Speaks - NK Domzale
WHUFC.com

Manager confirms strong team will take on Slovenian side
Hammers keen to hit the ground running in UEFA Europa League
Bilic sure Hammers are well-prepared for European competition
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is sure his team can make an impact in European competition this season, ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League opener against NK Domzale.

The Hammers take on the Slovenian side in the third qualifying round, with four games standing between Bilic's men and the group stages.

After a month-long training block in the lead-up to the game, Bilic is pleased with his team's progress and is looking forward to the test that awaits on the pitch.

Slaven, can we start with team news for the game please?

SB: "We have been in pre-season for four or five weeks now and it has gone well. The lads have trained really hard and in a quality way so we're happy with that. The new players are also starting to gel with the team, and with the group that we have – and with Mark as the leader – it's easy to gel.

"We have two blows in terms of injuries, with Manuel Lanzini and with Cress in the last game. It's a big blow for us, of course, but hopefully they are going to be back soon. We still have to wait for Manuel, when he comes back from the States where he was with the Argentina Olympic team, to see how bad it is.

"We are still waiting for a few players who were at the Euros until basically the end too, so we've been training with 70 or 80 per cent of the squad that we are expecting to have in the Premier League.

"We have played a few games, some have been really good, and we are looking forward to tomorrow. We are ready, and we are going to come out with the best possible team. All the guys are fit, apart from the ones that I mentioned.

"Reece Oxford joined us from the Euro U19 Championships, he's fit also and we're looking forward to Thursday night's game."

What are you expecting from the opposition on Thursday?

SB: "The opposition is good. I've seen a couple of games they have played against Shakhtyor Soligorsk and they are very organised. They are a very brave team when they have the ball in the opposition half, they are trying to play very open football, a modern type of football, with a lot of pressing, good ball possession and running behind the defence without the ball.

"On that level they impressed me, so we are expecting a really tough game on Thursday."

Of the new signings, are they likely to start on Thursday and what impression have they made?

SB: "They have made a really good impression and some of them will start, definitely. If you are talking about Feghouli, if you are talking about Nordtveit, they started when we started because they didn't have international football this summer. They are really quality players and they are what we expected from them.

"Of course they are going to get better and better, but already it is obvious that they are going to improve our squad and make a huge impact on the quality of our game, as well as Tore, who came a little bit after.

"He is also ready and fit and, as I said, we didn't buy just for the sake of buying and just to make our squad bigger. We wanted to buy quality players and I'm sure that we've got them."

Last year you came into this competition at the very start. This year you're a couple of rounds in, so will that make a difference?

SB: "It will probably. It's not that last year we didn't want to qualify, we wanted to. We didn't want to compromise the Premier League and compromise the preparation that we were in.

"We started in a funny way, very early with one team still on holiday and the other team training in Ireland. We went to Andorra [for the first qualifying round] and the second group went to Ireland. This year the opportunity was there to start at the time we wanted to start anyway, with or without the qualification games.

"We've had one, and only one, group and we have been together for a year. They know what I am expecting from them, me and my staff know the squad much better and we really want to qualify."

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Striker has goals on the mind
WHUFC.com

Young striker Sam Ford has goals on the mind ahead of Wednesday's Dev Squad match
The side face PEC Zwolle – a Dutch top division outfit – in a pre-season friendly
Training in the Netherlands has been good for the squad, Ford explains

Scoring goals is the main objective, revealed young Hammers striker Sam Ford ahead of his side's opening fixture on tour in the Netherlands. West Ham United's Development Squad face Dutch team PEC Zwolle – an Eredivisie side who finished eighth last season – on Wednesday as part of their trip to Holland. And Ford, who signed for the Club last campaign from Ipswich Town, has his eyes firmly set on the task in hand. "Scoring goals is obviously what is going to win us the game," he said. "That's the main objective. It helps, of course, but also whatever I can do to help the team and be beneficial is good, too. "All the boys are excited for the game. It's what we've come for. We got to train yesterday and train today, and did a little gym session, but everyone's excited to get on the pitch and show what we can do. "We've heard [Zwolle] are a good team and hopefully it's a good battle, but we hope we can step our game up and be just as good as them and hopefully win."

The youngsters have been working hard in the Dutch heat and are staking their individual claims for starting spots when the competitive campaign begins. And 18-year-old Ford is keen to impress while under the watchful eye of Academy Director and Dev Squad boss Terry Westley. "We've been told that the pressure is on to be in the team for the starting game of the season, and time is ticking for the end of pre-season to get into that team," he continued. "There is a little bit of pressure on us but some of the boys just get on with it and train and express ourselves to show what we can do. "Training sessions have been hard because it has been hot, but I don't think I have done too badly. Hopefully I can get in the team and play on Wednesday and Saturday."

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Sir Geoff inspires east London youngsters
WHUFC.com

The West Ham United Foundation welcomed guest of honour Sir Geoff Hurst to the finals of the Barking and Dagenham Schools' World Cup. In the week which ends with the 50th anniversary of England's famous FIFA World Cup triumph of 1966 – clinched thanks to the Hammers striker's perfect hat-trick – Sir Geoff returned to east London. The event, which celebrated the achievement of the Borough's legendary former residents Sir Alf Ramsey, Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff, saw 16 local primary and junior schools represent the nations which competed in England five decades ago. Sir Geoff watched on as Valence Primary School from Dagenham – representing Switzerland – defeated Five Elms Primary – representing Nigeria – 5-1 in the final to lift the trophy. The Academy of Football graduate, who netted 24 times for England and scored 249 goals during a sparking career in Claret and Blue, spoke of his pride at returning to the Borough to mark the golden anniversary of his – and England's – greatest moment. "Winning the World Cup was such an incredible moment in my life and I am delighted to join the families of Barking and Dagenham to celebrate that achievement 50 years on," he said. "This Borough has produced many talented players in the past, including my old friend Bobby Moore."

Hurst, Dagenham-born Three Lions manager Ramsey and Barking-born and raised captain Bobby Moore combined to inspire the national side to its unrivalled World Cup success. It was for this reason that Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, thought it important to celebrate 50 years on. "Barking and Dagenham played a massive part in England winning the 1966 World Cup and it is important that we continue to celebrate this," said Rodwell. "Every child who has participated in the Barking and Dagenham Schools' World Cup will have dreamt about winning the World Cup for England and it is great to have someone like Sir Geoff, who has done so, joining us at the event."

Joe Lyons, West Ham United Foundation Chief Executive, said that it was fitting for the Club's community arm to play its role in such a fitting event. "It seems only right for the West Ham United Foundation to partner with Barking and Dagenham Council, and the other organisations involved, to deliver a fitting tribute to the community and the momentous occasion in 1966," said Lyons. "Hopefully, Sir Geoff Hurst's achievements can inspire them to reach for the stars and dream of going on to achieve the World Cup in whatever passion they follow in life."

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Hammers to enter EFL Trophy
WHUFC.com

West Ham United to field team in EPL Trophy for the first time in 2016/17
Revamped competition will involve 16 invited Premier League and Championship clubs
Invited clubs will field sides with a mixture of first-team and Academy players

West Ham United will field a team in the 2016/17 EFL Trophy. The tournament, which traditionally involves clubs from the third and fourth tiers of the Football League pyramid, has been revamped for the new season to include sides representing EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) Category One Academies. The Hammers, who won the U21 Premier League Cup last season, took up an invitation from the EFL (English Football League) and will go into the 64-team draw on Wednesday. The Club's Academy Director Terry Westley is excited for the challenge of fielding a team in the competiton and thinks it will be a new type of test for his players. He said: "We've been trying to be involved in this for a long time. We thought it was a competition we believed we could get accepted into and now it's happened. "It's important for us to take part and show our support to the Premier League. It will be tough though, for sure, but it's exciting to be involved. "The first round is during the international break, so young players will get a chance. But we're in the competition, we're looking forward to seeing who the draw pits us against and we'll put the strongest team out we can once we know when the games are. "It's certainly challenging, but it's a real good test for the players that are going to be involved."

EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said the changes to the competition are aimed at helping young players to develop by playing high-level competitive first-team matches. "The new format is intended to rejuvenate this competition and also assist the development of the very best young players in English football," said Harvey. "This will help us deliver more and better home-grown players which will deliver benefits to the national team and domestic league football at all levels."

To generate more interest in the EFL Trophy, organisers have introduced a host of new features. Competing clubs will be entered into 16 four-team groups organised on a regionalised basis, with the top two in each group qualifying for the knockout stages. Each group will include at least one invited club and at least one club from each of Leagues One and Two. Clubs will play each other once, either home or away. Excitement is guaranteed as clubs will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. In the event of a drawn game after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be held with the winning team earning an additional point. West Ham are expected to field teams consisting of a mixture of experienced players and promising youngsters, with the competition's rules requiring that each participant name five 'first-team' players and six aged 21 or under. Group-stage fixtures will be played in weeks commencing 29 August, 3 October and 7 November 2016, with the knockout stages starting in early December. The final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 2 April 2017.

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Redknapp - West Ham is in great shape
WHUFC.com

Harry Redknapp came through the ranks at the Academy of Football before making 175 appearances for West Ham United as a winger between 1965-72. He returned to the Club as manager between 1994-2001 A close friend of Bobby Moore, he took part in the English Heritage Blue Plaque ceremony for his late teammate in Barking...

Hello everyone,

As a teammate and friend of the great Bobby Moore, I was honoured to be invited to take part in the unveiling of a British Heritage Blue Plaque in his honour at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking. That house was where the greatest footballer ever was brought up and it's great. I'm glad he's been recognised and they've put up the Blue Plaque – it's lovely.
I never met anyone who could come anywhere near Bobby as a player or as a person, he was an incredible man. When you think he captained West Ham at 21 it shows you – if you're in the team at 21 nowadays, as I said when I spoke at the ceremony people think you have done well – how great he had done. We're not talking about captaining a Third or Fourth Division team, West Ham was full of great players and always has had great players. Bobby was special – he was the best player, the best person, the best everything, really.

West Ham is a big club, make no mistake, and has been one of the best clubs in the country for many years and with the move to the new Stadium, it's going to make them even bigger. There is no reason why they can't be a top-four or top-five team in years to come. I think this move can take West Ham all the way. They're going to have 60,000 fans there every week and they'll fill it because people don't realise the fanbase West Ham have. People said 'They only get 30-odd thousand', but that's because the stadium only held 30-odd thousand!

Now, you've got a 60,000 stadium and have sold 50-odd thousand Season Tickets and could probable have sold another 15,000 if they had them. The potential is just amazing.
We're all sorry to see Upton Park go. I left school just before my 15th birthday and we used to pain the terraces. We had the best time of our lives, all local boys from the East End of London who grew up there. The sight and sound of the wooden Chicken Run swaying to the sound of 'Bubbles' is one of the most moving sights in football in my opinion, up there with the singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at Liverpool. It's one of the most iconic places in football and I'm sorry to see them leave but to move forward it had to be done. It was a great move for the Club and for the fans who want to go and see their team play.

It's a lovely team now, too, and Slaven Bilic has done great. I signed Slaven as a player and he's done fantastic and West Ham have got big players. Dimitri Payet is the leader of the pack now and he's a fantastic talent, but they've got lots of good players. They've also people like Mark Noble who is the heartbeat of the Club and has been there since he was a kid. The Club is in great shape, has great support and it's a great Football Club, so let's hope they have another fantastic season.

Harry

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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Legends tour Hammers' new home
WHUFC.com

West Ham United legends invited to tour the Club's new London Stadium home
Greats given personal introduction by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
FA Cup winners, Academy graduates and descendants of Club heroes in attendance
As West Ham United's fans eagerly await their first visit to the magnificent London Stadium next week, some very special guests have taken an advance look at what lies in store.

West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren Brady today welcomed players involved in the Club's greatest triumphs – and the families of other West Ham legends – to the luxurious Club London hospitality facilities in the West Stand of the new Stadium, to show them how their achievements for West Ham are being commemorated within its walls.

Attendees included 1964 FA Cup winners Peter Brabrook, Jack Burkett and Eddie Bovington, 1975 FA Cup heroes, Alan Taylor and Pat Holland, 1980 winners Phil Parkes, Alan Devonshire and Geoff Pike and the goal-scoring spearhead of The Boys of '86, Tony Cottee.

Also among the honoured guests were close relatives of Club legends Bobby Moore and John Lyall Academy pioneer Ted Fenton, the much-missed Dylan Tombides and the goal-scoring hero of West Ham's 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph, Alan Sealey.

In her welcoming speech, the Vice-Chairman Brady told the assembled guests how essential it was that the feats of all those present, and all who have been lost, were remembered for generations to come.

"For us, it was imperative that we used this spectacular space to celebrate West Ham's glorious heritage and history, and the legends who have made their indelible mark on the Club," she explained. "In doing so, we pay homage to the rich roots of our famous Football Club and ensure that your distinguished service is forever honoured at the home of West Ham United."

A reception for the guests was held in The Arnold Hills, named in honour of the visionary figure who founded Thames Ironworks Football Club back in 1895, and Ms Brady was especially pleased to welcome a number of his descendants to be present.
"I think Mr Hills would be very proud of his legacy", the Vice-Chairman said, "and I would like to think he would be proud of the Club today. He told his players to put in every ounce of effort on the pitch, and for me, my Chairmen and my staff, that is our philosophy off the pitch as well.

"That is the attitude we showed in our determined quest to be chosen to make this iconic Stadium our home. And that is the attitude we have shown in striving to turn it into one of the very best in world football; a Stadium made to match the ambitions of our fantastic and loyal supporters.

"But before they see it for the first time, we were absolutely determined that as many of you as possible should have the opportunity to come and see the Stadium and Club London for yourselves. My goal was for us to offer a luxury experience here that will rival the very best hospitality facilities in world sport, and I hope you will agree it looks the part.

"And for me, Club London also symbolises our journey as a Football Club. It is cutting-edge, it is dynamic. It's world-class. It is the symbol of a Club that is moving forward at pace, with ambitions to compete at the very top of European football.

"But look at the legendary figures and historic moments commemorated on these walls and you can also see that we are a Club which will always remain proud of our heritage, true to our roots and dedicated to doing the best for our fans."

West Ham supporters who want to see Club London for themselves, visit the players' new changing rooms, and see all the other behind-the-scenes attractions at the London Stadium can sign up for a Stadium tour here. Tours will begin from 12 August and – given already very high demand – we would urge fans to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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​Important Europa League ticket update
WHUFC.com

Ahead of West Ham United's historic first fixture under the lights at London Stadium on Thursday 4 August, we are pleased to report that the accelerated process to move the retractable seats is going extremely well.

The Club have been working tirelessly with Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP to ensure that Season Ticket Holders have access to their chosen seasonal seat as early as possible.

The repositioning of the lower tiers on three sides of the Stadium began on Sunday in readiness for the Stadium's maiden European fixture, the visit of Slovenian outfit NK Domzale in the return leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

Given the proximity of the recent Anniversary Games, the timing of the seat move was always likely to prove tight and there was a degree of uncertainty surrounding what was going to be ready when.

Thanks to a great deal of hard work on our part and that of our partners E20 Stadium LLP, Blocks 102-103 and 109-114 in the Stadium's West Stand are already in their final, football mode, and so Season Ticket Holders in those Blocks are now able to secure their seats via www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc.

The Club is giving them a 24-hour priority window to do so, ending at 5pm on Thursday 28 July, after which any remaining seats will go on sale to Claret Members.

The Club fully expect a number of other seating blocks to become available in the coming days and all developments will be publicised on whufc.com as and when they happen.

Season Ticket Holders will also be contacted via email with the very latest developments, including information of when the priority window will close for their particular Block. Club London Members should note that they will be contacted separately in due course.

FAQs
How is the relocation of the retractable seating coming along?
The relocation of the retractable seating is making good progress in a very tight time window between the Anniversary Games and West Ham United's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second leg tie with NK Domzale on Thursday 4 August.

What about the seating blocks which are not yet available?
The Club will make seats available for Season Ticket Holders to purchase as and when they are in place. Season Ticket Holders will receive an email when this occurs, including information of when the priority window will close for their particular Block.

I am a Season Ticket Holder and have already bought a seat elsewhere in the Stadium. Can I move to my regular Premier League Season Ticket seat?
Due to the complexity of ticket sales for this fixture and the short timeframe available for a Claret Members sale and General Sale to take place, supporters will not be able to relocate from previously purchased seats on this occasion.

I am a Club London member. What do I do?
Club London members will be contacted directly by the Club's Corporate Sales team.

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Young Hammers play out 3-3 thriller
WHUFC.com


PEC Zwolle 3-3 Dev Squad
Pre-Season Friendly
Wednesday 27 July, 2016

The Development Squad showed their fight and spirit once again on Wednesday as they recovered from going two goals down to record a 3-3 draw with PEC Zwolle.

The youngsters, who are currently on pre-season tour in the Netherlands, started slowly in Arnhem but finished the better side and could have even nicked a winner late on.

Inside two minutes, the Hammers went one down when a free-kick was smashed into Sam Howes' top corner and the hosts piled on the misery a quarter of an hour later as they converted a second.

Sam Ford halved the deficit five minutes before the break with a tidy finish, but with just 60 seconds left of the opening period, another loose ball in the penalty area was put away by the Dutchmen.

But Terry Westley's young team came out battling in the second half, and almost instantly, Joe Powell made it 3-2 from the penalty spot after Jahmal Hector-Ingram had been bundled over.

The latter then, just eleven minutes later, turned home a cross from the right-hand-side to cap a great move and draw the Hammers deservedly level.

Despite not being able to add a winner, West Ham will now go into Saturday's clash against partner club VVV Venlo with confidence after a strong second 45 minutes.

Early, however, the side were left rueing their lack of concentration as they fell behind so quickly. There was nothing keeper Howes could do with Zwolle's 20-yard direct free-kick though, which was superbly angled home by Chris Dagaghian.

The visitors struggled to get a foothold in the game, and Noha Sylvestre's clever forward pass which just evaded the run of Hector-Ingram was the closest the Claret and Blues came to making it 1-1.

On 17 minutes, Zwolle made it two. Howes was on hand to deny the first effort struck inside the box, but he was again helpless as Milo Witteveen smashed home the rebound.

Niggles for a number of West Ham players made things more difficult for the away team, as Rosaire Longelo and Anthony Scully were both substituted, but there was joy on 40 minutes.

Ford – nipping in to intercept a lacklustre pass across the back four – turned on the speed to race away from the defence and cleverly turn past the keeper with his left foot.

Frustratingly, however, the Hammers fell asleep again at the back, as it was this time from the left where Zwolle capitalised, Bas van Wijnen turning past Howes for 3-1.

But there was a clear determination in the second period from West Ham, and they found a way back into the game five minutes after the break.

Powell – lively throughout – sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards after Hector-Ingram was fouled following a great move, and the visitors bettered that on 61 minutes.

The majority of the Hammers' team enjoyed a touch of the ball and, as it eventually found Matt Carter, Hector-Ingram was able to get something on the full-back's cross to make it 3-3.

With ten minutes remaining, Powell had his side's best opportunity to grab the winner, but his free-kick was curled over the crossbar.

And so it finished level – probably fairly – in Holland, leaving the Hammers with two days to reflect upon the performance and prepare for their Saturday test vs. VVV Venlo.

PEC Zwolle Squad: Mike Hauptmeyer (GK), Dean Bredewolt (GK), Pim ten Have, Tarik Evre, Josef Kvida, Mark Bruintjes, Bas van Wijnen, Steyn den Ark, Luuk Slegt, Jochem van Putten, Max de Boom, Milo Witteveen, Chris Dagaghian, Nicky Goquadze, Serge Fatima

Dev Squad: Sam Howes, Matt Carter, Jake Eggleton (Mason Barrett 76), Tunji Akinola, Rosaire Longelo (Ben Wells 22), Kristjian Belic (Conor Coventry 53), Noha Sylvestre, Joe Powell, Anthony Scully (Janaai Gordon 22), Sam Ford (Dan Kemp 63), Jahmal Hector-Ingram (Alfie Lewis 71).

Unused subs: Nathan Trott

Goals: Ford 40, Powell 50, Hector-Ingram 61

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Carr row rumbles on
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United FC have released a statement regarding Tony Carr's departure from the club.

The club posted their account shortly after 5pm this evening (Wednesday), nearly 24 hours after the initial brouhaha regarding Carr's exit was made public by the Mail Online.

"West Ham United can confirm that Tony Carr has left the Club with immediate effect after his two-year contract as Club Ambassador came to an end," read the statement.

"Tony took on the role of Ambassador after departing his long-term position as Academy Director, with both the Club and Tony wanting to ensure that he retained a full-time position and salary beyond his 65th birthday, before beginning to receive his pension."

"As a gesture of gratitude for the outstanding service Tony has given the Club, the current owners of West Ham United granted him a Testimonial match at The Boleyn Ground and Tony retained all profits from this game."

"Tony was offered new terms this summer to continue his Ambassadorial role on a part-time basis, however, he declined the opportunity."

Later, following criticism of the Board throughout the day, the son of co-owner David Sullivan took to his brother's website, the West Ham Way, to reveal further details behind Carr's departure.

And he insisted that the lack of players emerging from the Academy in recent seasons was uppermost in the Board's mind when making the decision to part company with Carr.

"We have respected Tony Carr as a great servant for the last 43 years and I personally am very sad he has felt the need to go the press about what is essentially his retirement," wrote Sullivan.

"Tony has earned over £1.6million since 2005. Many fans are not aware of this figure and I think it is hard to argue that this isn't a fair wage and that he was not underpaid.

"Nothing had come out of the Academy since James Tomkins made his debut in 2008 and was the last Academy player to get into and maintain a place in the first team. This left six years between 2008 and 2014 where Tony unfortunately brought no players through.

"Much like in any job or career the past has to be ignored and what becomes important is the future and it was clear a change had to be made."

However that didn't go down particularly well with a number of supporters - whilst a KUMB source, speaking on behalf of Carr, reiterated his message that salary and remuneration were not the issue.

"TC spoke to the press as he felt that he had been mistreated. He waited in limbo for almost a month for the Board to reply [to his personal phone calls], only to find out by letter that the redundancy was all they were going to offer.

"Having been there 43 years and some , i think he was hurt and upset that it was going to end that way. He did not want it to end as he feels he still has a lot to give on a part time basis (coaching and scouting) and was a difficult pill to swallow that the current owners obviously thought very differently.

"I would also point out West Ham sold Anton Ferdinand for £8m in 2008 and during the years 2008-14 we had Freddie Sears, Junior Stanislas and Jack Collison along with our current captain Mark Noble and James Tomkins.

"It would be interesting to see how Sullivan Jnr would value Mark Noble's contribution to the first team between 2008-14 in monetary terms.

"But to stress, it's not about the money or even the job. Tony was the last true link to the Lyall and Greenwood days; he was coached by them and trained by them.

"For it to end in such a manner after 43 years and all the undoubted achievements he has had with West Ham was soul destroying for him."

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27/07/16 – LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 27 JULY 2016 AT 1:28PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Gomez to make decision on next move –

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Mario Gomez wants to make the decision on where he plays his football this up coming season, amidst interest from West Ham, Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund. The German international striker has already confirmed that he will not return to Besiktas this season due to the civil unrest in the country. It is widely believed that Mario has requested to miss Fiorentina's training camp on Austria so that he can make his decision.

Two Swedes and a Dutchman in the mix to replace Cresswell? –

According to various sources, there seems to be three names that are at the top of Slaven Bilic's list to cover for the unfortunate Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell who will miss the next 3-4 months through injury. They include Norwich left back Martin Olsson, his Swedish compatriot Ludwig Augustinsson at FC Copenhagen and former Manchester United fullback, Alexander Buttner.

Milan want Bacca situation sorted by the end of July –

Reports in Italy seem to indicate that Milan want the Bacca deal done by the end of the month, otherwise they will remove him from the transfer list. Carlos' delay in making a decision on his future is seriously hampering Montella's efforts in the transfer market as they have deals lined up to sign players but cannot move until they sell Bacca.

Calleri move edges closer –

According to the Evening Standard and our very own ExWHUEmployee, the club hope to finalise the loan deal for the young Argentinian star within the next few days. Various reports yesterday claimed he was on his way to the club to complete the deal.

Football League Trophy Draw –

West Ham U21's have been drawn in the Southern Group D and will face Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers and Northampton Town

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Shame on you West Ham as Carr sacked by post
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Fans have flocked to the KUMB Forum this morning to hammer West Ham after it was revealed club legend Tony Carr had been laid off by the club. The 65-year-old former Academy director, who raised in the region of £100million for West Ham through sales of players like Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole during his tenure has been dismissed after 50 years' service for which he was paid just £14,000 - the statutory minimum redundancy payment. And former Club Ambassador Carr - who was notified of his dismissal BY POST - believes he has effectively been forced him out of the club after he refused to reduce his working week from five days to just one. "This has been two years in the making and done over a slow period of time to force him out of his role," a source close to Carr told KUMB. "But the club showed its class by not even speaking to him personally in the end and chucked him over to HR. "The Ambassador role was a PR stunt of sort, but in reality is was a step to force him out as that contract was a revolving six month contract which they could end pretty easy . "His decision to let the Mail run the story - which is true - is because he is hopeful he may get a new job offer. He's not ready to retire just yet."

Reaction to the news that Carr has effectively been forced out of West Ham was naturally critical of the club - and especially vice chairman Karren Brady who, it is believed, was behind the decision. "This man's contribution to the club cannot not be underestimated," wrote KUMB member Pigiron. "He is as much a club legend as some of the players he's mentored. "He deserves to have his name emblazoned somewhere in the new stadium in recognition to his loyalty, service and success. The Daves need to publicly apologise to TC OBE."

Simply Moore was equally angry and called the £14,000 pay-off "a joke". "This is an absolute disgrace," he said. "To not give TC the most golden of parachutes for all he has done for the club is a complete slap in the face. "How much value would he have added over the years? £14k is a joke, that's the cost of fuel for one of David Gold's chopper trips!"

And for TOMoS, Carr's dismissal is just the latest example of the club treating its notable figures dreadfully. "West Ham have a History of classless behaviour," he said. "Bobby Moore, John Lyall, Billy Bonds, now Tony Carr. Will they ever learn? "I can understand it coming from Lady Brady who only very recently pocketed £1million for her part in moving to the Olympic Stadium, but surely Gold and Sullivan would have had knowledge of this? Yet they let it happen."

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Carr row leaves Brady at odds with fanbase again
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th July 2016
By: Staff Writer #2

The treatment of club legend Tony Carr is, according to many supporters, an absolute disgrace. But should anyone really be surprised? Sadly, West Ham have a long and dark history of treating their legends like shit.

Bobby Moore, who would have been the greatest Club Ambassador in the world was once kicked out of the Boleryn Ground as he hadn't paid for a match day ticket. Billy Bonds didn't set foot inside the Boleyn for nigh on 20 years whilst the Lyall and Greenwood families had their complementary season tickets revoked following the passing of Ron and John.

And now it has been revealed that former Academy supremo Tony Carr - whose blood, sweat and tears have raised millions upon millions of pounds for the club - has been sacked off with a negligible redundancy package worth just £14,000; an absolute insult to a man who single-handedly earned West Ham the 'Academy of Football' tag.

However more insidious than that - at least as far as Carr is concerned - is the manner in which his dismissal came about, from being shunted into an Ambassadorial role so that Terry Westley (whose wife, incidentally, happens to be good friends with Karren Brady) could take the Academy role to being offered just one days' work per week.

At the centre of the row over Carr's departure is vice-chairman Brady, who his supporters claim is responsible for treating him in what they perceive to be an appalling manner. This of course is just the latest occasion in which Brady has been at odds with the overwhelming majority of the club's fanbase.

Things didn't get off to a great start for Brady at West Ham when KUMB revealed how one of the first tasks she had undertaken after joining the club was to order the withdrawal of a number of complementary season tickets as a means to save money.

Which, on the face of it, seems perfectly fine - although not so fine perhaps when you discover the former beneficiaries were the immediate families of Ron Greenwood and John Lyall (including wife Yvonne and son Murray), who would now have to pay to enter the ground in future.

Avram Grant, who was hired then subsequently fired by Brady in the players' tunnel at Wigan following a 3-2 defeat that condemned the club to relegation in May 2011 also had plenty to say about her perceived interference during his (brief) tenure and often complained about her tabloid newspaper column, which he claimed was the source of several personal attacks.

Not that Brady has ever been too concerned by those critical of her weekly appearance in the Sun - for in May 2011 she told Hammers fans critical of her decision to miss a match at Manchester City in order to attend her daughter's 15th birthday party to "bog off"!

That was the first of many run-ins for Brady - and her family - with the club's supporters. Things almost turned nasty during a return trip from the aforementioned defeat at Wigan when her husband, Paul Peschisolido had to be physically-restrained from attacking one supporter on a train.

Later that year, Brady came under further (friendly) fire from fans after she claimed the East End had long been "a hotbed of racism" before claiming that former striker Clyde Best used to be regularly greeted by a hail of bananes from home fans - an account later dimissed as fanciful by Best himself.

In 2012 Brady once again fell foul of West Ham supporters when she was at the heart of a drive to renege on a 20 per cent season ticket discount which had been promised by the club's previous administration. In the end it took a sustained effort from KUMB.com and a handful of individuals to persuade West Ham to do the right thing.

There were further rumblings of discontent last year when it was announced that Ms Brady has been granted a £1million bonus for winning the battle to move West Ham to Stratford's Olympic Stadium.

Her insistance that 85 per cent of Hammers fans had wanted the move was also dismissed as a flight of fancy by some supporters, who later produced evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile her suggestion that the club should consider changing its name to 'West Ham Olympic' as a result of the impending move also caused a bit of a stir.

In 2014, Brady was made a Baroness (of Knightsbridge) and a Conservative life peer. Whilst her political leanings have long caused ripples at the club - such as her public backing for the end of tax credits which would have negatively affected thousands of working-class West Ham fans - the club's £12,500 donation to the Tory party in May 2016 causesd a major furore.

And that donation has been brought back into the spotlight this week with the news that West Ham/Brady sanctioned a payment of just £2,000 more for Tony Carr's meagre redundancy package, which equates to roughly £300 for every year of service Carr has given to the club.

Yes, just £14,500 is the value Brady and the club placed upon Carr, whose players - such as Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Glenn Johnson - have raised in the region of £100million in the last 20 years.

The widespread condemnation which greeted the news of Carr's untimely exit should be the cause of great embarrassment for the club's Board, who have made great noises about righting the wrongs of the past only to continue to make exactly the same mistakes.

And whilst David Gold and Brady do what they generally do when critcised publicly over failed club policy - ie ignore all criticism and pretend nothing's happening - credit should go to young Jack Sullivan, who insisted last night that he would be taking the matter up with his father, co-owner David.

Either way, once again Baroness Brady - who only yesterday represented the club at the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Bobby Moore - finds herself at odds with the West Ham fanbase. As she has been, consistently, for much of the six years she has spent at the club.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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TONY CARR-A DIFFERENT VIEW-BY DAVID SULLIVAN JNR
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 27 JULY 2016 AT 4:33PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Just to be clear these are the views of David Sullivan Jnr and NOT those of The WestHamWay.co.uk, West Ham United or any of their employees.

After reading the headline in the Daily Mail I think that it is only fair that you hear the other side and the complete figures relative to the Tony Carr story. We have respected Tony Carr as a great servant for the last 43 years and I personally am very sad he has felt the need to go the press about what is essentially his retirement. It is worth noting Tony Carr is 66 years old, most men in the UK retire at age 65. So essentially he is just retiring. Tony also has a substantial pension, we cannot disclose the amount but I assure you that Tony is being very well provided for by the club. So this £14,000 really is not what it seems.

Tony has earned over £1.6 Million since 2005. Many fans are not aware of this figure and I think it is hard to argue that this isn't a fair wage and that he was not underpaid. He received hundreds of thousands of pounds from the testimonial we organised for him (which was a thank you for his service to the club) and when we brought Terry Westley in we gave Tony a 2 year fixed ambassadorial role at £210,000. As I said earlier he is now 66. These are the facts which make the £14,000 seem insignificant and I don't see why these are not made public if the £14,000 was.

The main focus of the academy is to produce players of a high quality. Nothing had come out of the academy since Tomkins. James made his debut in 2008 and was the last academy player to get into and maintain a place in the first team. This left 6 years between 2008 and 2014 where Tony unfortunately brought no players through. Much like in any job or career the past has to be ignored and what becomes important is the future and it was clear a change had to be made. The Academy, plus young pro contracts (most of the latter fail) costs the club £6m/£6.5m a season. The Academy is £4.5m of that. So given the large costs of the academy it only makes sense for a change to be made if the results aren't showing. If we assume this figure stayed constant during the 8 years where no players came through it would have cost £48 million which virtually cancels out all of the sales of Tony's golden era. We had to move on. Football is a results business.

Terry Westley, who replaced Tony Carr, has been with us for 2 years and has brought a breath of fresh air. During this time Westley has brought through the likes of Reece Oxford and Reece Burke and attracted many sought-after youth players such as Domingos Quina, Martin Samuelsen and George Dobson, all of whom will be pushing for first team football at West Ham United either this season or in the next few years.

What I do not understand is what I have just read in the Evening Standard – "Tony Carr urges West Ham to 'not let it end this way' after 'paltry' redundancy offer". Tony said "The last thing I want is to feel bitter about how things have ended" – I find this very sad as West Ham United have only ever treated Tony well and with respect. His wages along with his large pension in my eyes are fair and this is anything but a bitter ending. All things come to an end and sadly nothing lasts forever.

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West Ham captain Mark Noble welcomes greater expectations as they prepare to start momentous season
21:24, 27 JUL 2016 UPDATED 22:20, 27 JUL 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers won a Europa League place in Upton Park's final season and now aim to reward 52,000 Olympic Stadium season ticket holders by going one better
The Mirror

West Ham signed off at the Boleyn Ground with a flourish and now hope to start their Olympic Stadium era in style, writes Adrian Kajumba in Ljubljana. Ahead of one of the most eagerly-anticipated Premier League seasons, the Hammers are more than contributing to the buzz. They gave their famous old home an unforgettable send-off after 112 years last term with a record-breaking campaign. And now captain Mark Noble has issued a rallying cry urging the East Londoners to carry on where they left off and continue their rise by making more history at their new home. Last year was big for the club — and this one has the potential to be even bigger. Off the pitch, their new 60,000-capacity stadium hosts its first game next week and they are upgrading by moving to a new training ground, too.
And on it, they have a second successive season of Europa League football to look forward to and talk of breaking into the top-flight's elite is no longer dismissed as unrealistic. Skipper Noble, 29, said: "We have got a lot of belief at the club at the minute. Everybody is excited. "We are moving into a new training ground. We have made three very good, astute signings – Gokhan Tore and the other two lads, Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli, on frees. "It's been a slow, steady rise for the club and a positive one. We had the disappointment of ­relegation and then Sam Allardyce came in and changed things around and got it to a firm Premier League position, midtable every year. "Then Slaven Bilic arrived, as well as new staff and a lot of new players, last season and we had the best year of my career, ­personally and collectively as a squad. "It was a bit special because it was the last year in the Boleyn and we lost there just three times in the whole year, so we gave it a good send-off. Now we have to try to create some new history at the new stadium. "It is going to be a fantastic place and now the club is being run properly we are moving in the right direction."
With Leicester turning the league upside down with their shock title win, expectations will be on the rise all over the Premier League, not least at West Ham.
They sold out their 52,000 season-ticket allocation – the second biggest in the league – ahead of what promises to be another campaign to remember.
While discussing West Ham's attempts to add to the feelgood factor by landing a £30million-plus marquee-striker signing, co-chairman David Gold claimed they will be able to offer their targets Champions League ­football after the coming season. Noble said: "Have expectations gone up? With West Ham fans, of course. As the chairman has been quoted as saying about ­Champions League football next season that has raised expectations, but that is football these days. "West Ham fans are like that. They expect a lot and that is what we have got to give them."
West Ham begin what they hope will be another season to remember here in Slovenia's capital on Thursday with a Europa League third qualifying round first leg against NK Domzale. Boss Bilic admits the competition "damages your chances in the league", but said: "We want to try, we want to take that risk and, hopefully, if we keep that squad and rotate we are going to manage it. But we have to qualify first. No matter if it lowers your chances, it is much more difficult as the number of games increases. "But we are going to do everything we can at West Ham to qualify."

* MARK NOBLE paid tribute to Tony Carr after admitting his "shock" at the West Ham academy legend's departure. Carr has been made redundant by the Hammers after 43 years of service with just a £14,000 pay-off. Carr, 65, was responsible for bringing through a long list of homegrown talent including Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, and Glen Johnson – earning the Hammers more than £50million in transfer fees. He was replaced by Terry Westley as academy boss in 2014 and handed a lucrative ambassadorial role. But after being told his job was no longer full-time Carr was offered a one-day role or minimum redundancy pay-off, which he has taken. Noble, another Carr graduate, said: "It was a shock to me. I don't know what's gone on in the background. He's a fantastic man, a great servant to the club. "The players he's brought through in the last 20, 25 years has been phenomenal. He helped me become the player I am today."

PREDICTED TEAMS
NK Domzale (4-5-1): Maraval; Brachi, Horic, Dobrovoljc, Balkovec; Morel, Majer, Alvir, Horvat, Crnic; Mance.

West Ham (4-3-3): Randolph; Antonio, Nordtveit, Reid, Page; Oxford, Noble, Kouyate; Feghouli, Carroll, Valencia.

Referee: Mete Kalkavan (Turkey) .

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West Ham legend Tony Carr pocketed almost £250k-per-year in ambassadorial role
17:30, 27 JUL 2016 UPDATED 17:38, 27 JUL 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The highly-respected 65-year-old has also picked up over £1.6million since 2005 and has a lucrative pension scheme provided by the club
The Mirror

West Ham academy legend Tony Carr has earned nearly £1/2million in an ambassadorial role for the club over the past two years.

The highly-respected 65-year-old has also picked up over £1.6million since 2005 and has a lucrative pension scheme provided by the club.


The Hammers have been left reeling by the explosion of anger which followed news that they have made Carr redundant after 43 years.

MirrorFootball understands the difficult decision was taken because - despite Carr's outstanding record producing the likes of Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand - the conveyor belt from the academy had dried up over the last ten years.

Fans favourite Carr stands to pick up the minimum redundancy payment of £14,000. But talks over a package have yet to be concluded.

There is also an insistence that he has been "looked after" by the Hammers.

In July 2014, Terry Wesley replaced Carr as academy director at the club. Carr was moved sideways and given a two-year fixed ambassadorial role paying £210,000 plus expenses.

Ferdinand led a star-studded testimonial at Upton Park in 2010 which also earned Carr around £500,000 - which he was allowed to keep.

Carr's alumni also included Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick with his top graduates earning the club over £60million in transfer fees.


But there has been concern at the club, over £100million in debt, that there were too few players following that crop to meet the costs of running the academy.

Although the likes of Reece Oxford - coveted by Manchester City - have come through more recently, they are said to have brought on by Terry Wesley, not Carr.

Carr continues to be held in the highest regard at West Ham. But it was felt that pressure was being placed on them with their academy costing £4.5m a season to run.

With many of the club's young players on professional contracts the development costs are between £6m-£6.5million a season - placing even more of an onus on them to maintain their consistency producing players.

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KEY STATS FOR EACH OF WEST HAM'S THREE HEADLINE SUMMER SIGNINGS
Ladbrokes

Although the headline-grabbing striker they've been hankering for hasn't arrived yet, West Ham have still been plenty busy during the summer transfer window. Six new faces have been unveiled. Three – Ashley Fletcher, Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina – will bolster the club's youth team, while Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore will compete for a first-team spot. In order to get to know the latter three a bit more, we've trawled the stats sites to pick out the vital figures that best define their games:

Havard Nordtveit (Borussia Monchengladbach)

The Norwegian was used as a defensive Swiss Army Knife by Gladbach last season, splitting his time between the heart of defence and the base of midfield. Whichever of the positions the Hammers utilise him in, they'll have a committed player on their hands. Nordtveit ranked second in the Gladbach side for both shots blocked and clearances, tallying 18 and 86 respectively in those departments. He won the third-highest amount of aerial duels in the side, at a success rate of 61 per cent, and was adept with the ball at his feet having completed the third-most passes (1727).

Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)

The Algerian winger was a free transfer from Valencia, signing a three-year deal with the Hammers. He adds depth to the right wing position with Michail Antonio expected to shift back into right-back this term and had the second-most successful crosses for Los Che in La Liga last season. Dani Parejo led the way in that category with 30, but he was the side's chief corner taker, wheras Feghouli's 21 largely came from open play. He'll be expected to get down the touchline and whip balls in to Andy Carroll.

Gokhan Tore (Besiktas)

Like Feghouli, Tore was acquired to bolster the right flank but is more in the mould of Dimitri Payet – who roams around looking to be creative – rather than a traditional wide man that supplies crosses. The Turkish international had the third-most assists for Besiktas in their title-winning season last term, despite only logging the 11th-most minutes in the squad. Only two of his six set-ups came from crosses while he made 37 key passes over the course of the season, which was the fifth-most in the squad.

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West Ham leave part of their past behind with Tony Carr's departure
The club's academy veteran departs the club with a pang of sadness this summer having overseen the development of some of its brightest stars of the past generation
Jacob Steinberg
@JacobSteinberg
Wednesday 27 July 2016 13.39 BST Last modified on Wednesday 27 July 2016 13.40 BST
The Guardian

Tony Carr did not hesitate when he was asked about his favourite Upton Park memory. His mind went straight back to the May evening in 1999 when his young team of academy products gave Coventry City the thrashing of a lifetime, beating them 6-0 to wrap up a 9-0 aggregate victory in the FA Youth Cup final. "We won the game in real style, a full house," Carr said. "It was rocking. We won the game quite early and you could sit there and just admire the football."

Seventeen years down the line, few names from that team roll off the tongue. Adam Newton, a promising right-back, made two substitute appearances for the first team before spending the rest of his career in the lower leagues. Stephen Bywater is a reserve goalkeeper at Burton Albion. Bertie Brayley, a hotshot striker who scored twice against Coventry, ended up floating around non-league football. All of which goes to show that producing a player who will not only rise to the top but stay there is one of the hardest jobs in football.

Yet while the majority drifted away from West Ham, there were two players who were undoubtedly destined for the big time. It was not long before Joe Cole and Michael Carrick joined Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand in Harry Redknapp's first team, with Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson also making their breakthroughs after the turn of the century.

To cut a long story short, relegation, poor management and an ambition-free board meant that those six players would all go on to enjoy bigger and better things away from West Ham United, representing England and winning several major honours in domestic and European competitions, but their success is worth celebrating again now that it has emerged that Carr is leaving the club after 43 years of service. They were his pride and joy and it still hurts him to think that their greatest feats were achieved away from West Ham; the money raised from their sales was a meagre consolation. "The generation that was sold, the crown jewels, was so disappointing," Carr said.

Carr polished plenty of diamonds down the years and he is part of the fabric of the club. He was West Ham's academy director until he stepped aside for Terry Westley and took on an ambassadorial role in 2014 and his influence is still strong: Mark Noble, a lifelong supporter, wears the captain's armband, while the reason that James Tomkins, another academy product, has been sold to Crystal Palace for £10m is that Reece Burke and Reece Oxford are expected to challenge for places in Slaven Bilic's defence this season.

That is why the news of Carr's departure and £14,000 redundancy payoff has not gone down well with supporters, though it has been pointed out that he had been looked after in his less demanding new role, had a lucrative testimonial in 2009 and that Westley led the development squad to victory in the Under-21 Premier League Cup last season. However Carr is said to be unhappy that his departure has been dealt with by the human resources department instead of senior club officials and an ongoing process could certainly have been handled with greater delicacy.

Carr's standing with supporters is easy to understand. Having grown up in Bow and attended games as a fan when he was a boy, he joined the club as an associate schoolboy when he was 14 and signed on apprentice terms after leaving school a year later. England had just the won the World Cup and Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters were greeted as heroes at the training ground in Chadwell Heath.

However Carr did not make it as a player at West Ham. As a striker, Hurst was in his way, while Roger Byrne and Clyde Best were above him in the pecking order. He moved to Barnet in 1971 but his impact was minimal before he suffered the broken leg that changed his life. "I'd got a call completely out of the blue from John Lyall who said: 'I've got a little part time number going, John Dick's leaving,'" he said. "That was a part-time job in July 1973. It's just fate."

He would train the junior players on a part-time basis on Tuesday and Thursday nights, outside on the forecourts, on concrete, around a parked car if necessary. "Street football," Carr said.

He was Ronnie Boyce's assistant before becoming the boss in 1980. Paul Allen was his first claim to fame – "the anomaly with Paul was that he won an FA Cup medal in 1980 and an FA Youth Cup medal in 1981" – and the one who got away was John Terry, whose head was turned by Chelsea one summer.

"The bedrock of any club is to produce local players," Carr said. "The fans can identify with them. Most of the successes were local lads other than Michael Carrick, who was different, coming from the north east. You look at Rio – Peckham. Jermain Defoe – East End. Tony Cottee – Romford. Paul Ince – Barking."

As West Ham prepare for to move into the futuristic stadium that is supposed to lift them into the next level, they have said goodbye to a link with their past.

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Tony Carr urges West Ham to 'not let it end this way' after 'paltry' redundancy offer
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Former West Ham academy director Tony Carr wants to heal the rift between him and the club he served faithfully for more than four decades. West Ham fans are incensed by news today that Carr, who helped develop players worth £50million in sell-on value over 43 years, said he has been offered the minimum statutory redundancy payment of £14,000 after being told his role as a club ambassador was no longer full-time. Carr, a player at West Ham before injury cut short his career, has been instrumental in producing a blue-chip list of players, including Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Glen Johnson, Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole. "I don't want things to end this way but the facts are as presented today," said the 65-year-old. "West Ham have been a way of life more than a job for me for more than 40 years and the last thing I want is to feel bitter about how things have ended. "Yes, I did think that the offer made to me by the club was paltry but hopefully we can talk about this. I feel I have a lot more to offer the club."

Carr left his job as academy director in 2014 to be replaced by Terry Westley, who worked under West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold at Birmingham. Carr was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to football and granted a testimonial by the club a year earlier. He played a major role in the development of central defender James Tomkins, who was sold to Crystal Palace for £10m this summer and Reece Oxford, who has been valued at £18m by West Ham following interest by clubs, including Manchester United. Fans went online to spell out their anger and a group of supporters last night launched a crowd-funding appeal to match the £14,000 offered by the Hammers. The club were this morning preparing a statement but it is thought there could be room for further discussion.

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NK Domzale vs West Ham Europa League preview: Prediction, live, TV schedule, team news and betting odds
SAM LONG
Evening STandard

The majority of Premier League clubs are just beginning to step up their pre-season preparations but West Ham's campaign is set to get competitive on Thursday night. Slaven Bilic's side face a two-legged tie against Slovenian minnows NK Domzale as they attempt to secure their place in the Europa League group stages. The Hammers fell at this stage of the competition last term and will be keen to avoid a repeat with the chance to stage European football at the Olympic Stadium on the horizon. Several members of Bilic's squad who featured in the latter stages of Euro 2016 are unlikely to be called upon and there will little room for error for the Croatian manager in regards to team selection. The Europa League is often seen as an inconvenience on these shores but there is no reason why the Hammers should not take it seriously with a Champions League place on offer to the winner.

Date, time and venue
West ham face NK Domzale at the Domzale Sports Park on Thursday July 28. Kick-off is at 19:45.

Where & when to watch
The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2. Coverage stages at 19:30. Alternatively, you can follow the action on Standard Sport's blog.

Team news and probable line ups
Left-back Aaron Cressswell has been ruled out for up to four months after suffering knee ligament damage during the pre-season victory over Karlsruher SC. The Hammers could be forced to turn to youngster to replace the Englishman while Michail Antonio will be hopeful he has done enough to earn a start on the right-hand side. Sofiane Feghouli and Havard Nordtveit have both excelled in pre-season and are expected to start while Ashley Fletcher could be given a chance to lead the line ahead of Andy Carroll.

What they're saying

Reece Oxford: "I made my debut in the Europa League last season, then played two or three more and that helped me go on and play the first game in the Premier League. "Hopefully I can do the same this summer. It would be good to be part of the squad to play in the first game at the new Stadium next week too."

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Tony Carr to receive £14,000 redundancy payment from West Ham despite 43 years of service... and earning club £50m profit
Tony Carr has brought through many stars at West Ham's academy
He has helped the club receive over £50million in transfer profits
Carr's exit was dealt by HR despite 43 years of service at West Ham
By CHARLES SALE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 26 July 2016 | UPDATED: 00:08, 27 July 2016

West Ham academy legend Tony Carr has been left distraught by the club's decision to make him redundant after 43 years in which he has helped earn the Upton Park club a multi-million-pound profit in the transfer market. Carr's pupils include six England internationals - Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson - worth a combined £50m when they were sold on. Carr, 65, stands to receive the statutory minimum redundancy payment of £14,000. Another Carr graduate, James Tomkins, joined Crystal Palace this month for a fee of £10m and the latest West Ham starlet off Carr's production line, Reece Oxford, already has a price tag of around £18m on his head.
But Carr, who has spent less than a year in an ambassador role after being replaced as academy chief by Terry Westley from Birmingham City in 2014, was told that his position was no longer full time. He was offered a one-day role or the minimum redundancy payment of £14,000, which he has decided to accept. This is a scandalously low pay-off for a lifetime West Ham loyalist whose work since 1973 has helped earn the club such large sums in the transfer market. And West Ham's paltry pay-off to Carr comes when they will receive a minimum £100m in TV money this season. The club are moving into the publicly-funded Olympic Stadium, for which they are being charged a peppercorn £2.5m-a-year rent. Carr is also upset that his shoddy exit from West Ham has been handled entirely by the human resources department rather than anyone higher up in the club. Carr said: 'I'm very disappointed because I still feel I've got a lot to offer and West Ham has become a way of life for me after all these years. 'The way it was done with people from HR, who have been here hardly any time at all, was particularly disrespectful in my opinion. But that's the way of the world these days.' West Ham made no comment on Tuesday, although when Carr was made a short-lived ambassador, the club's joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We are delighted Tony has accepted this exciting new position, which is fitting recognition for more than 40 years of service.'

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BREAKING NEWS: TONY CARR OFFERED REDUNDANCY AFTER 43 YEARS LOYAL SERVICE!
By S J Chandos 27 Jul 2016 at 01:25
WTID

Late yesterday evening the Mail Sports ran a story claiming that Tony Carr has been left distraught by the club's decision to offer him redundancy after 43 years loyal service, during which time he has earned the Hammers a multi-million profit on transfer fees. The piece points out that the combined incoming transfer fees from the sale of Rio Ferdinand, Frankie Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermaine Defoe and Glen Johnson amount to £50m! Yet, the club has allegedly imposed on Carr a harsh choice of a much reduced 1 day a week role or a a statutory minimum redundancy package of £14,000.

It appears that Tony Carr has decided to accept the £14,000 package, to break possibly the last surviving club link with the famous Ron Greenwood era of the 1960s and 1970s. And it has provided the Sports Mail with the perfect opportunity to engage in a bit of 'Hammers bashing.' with the piece arguing that a £14,000 pay off is scandalously low when one considers the following: the £100m minimum TV income this coming season and the 'fact' (in their words) that the club are 'moving in to the publicly owned Olympic Stadium, for which they are being charged a peppercorn rent of £2.5m per year.'

From the report, it would appear that Tony Carr is not only upset with the redundancy, but also the fact that his exit has been handled exclusively by the club's HR Department, rather than at a senior level. Indeed, Carr is quoted as stating that:

'I am very disappointed because I still feel that I have a lot to offer and West Ham has become a way of life for me after all these years. The way it has been done with people from HR, who have been here hardly any time at all, was particularly disrespectful in my opinion. But that is the way of the world these days.'

As of Tuesday evening, the club had not made a comment in response, but the article quotes David Gold, at the time of Carr's appointment as a club Ambassador, saying: 'We are delighted that Tony has accepted this exciting new position, which is a fitting recognition for more than 40 years service.'

Well, that may well have been the case, but it also begs the question: what has changed so radically in the short period of time since David Gold made that statement? One must also seriously question whether HR staff would undertake such an action without the prior approval of a person(s) at a suitably senior level. Moreover, it is a huge PR own goal, which was totally avoidable. And it serves to seriously undermine the many positive developments at the the club. The Sports Mail article needs a response from the joint-Chairmen of the club. If it is true (which it would seem to be from Carr's quotes), was this issue discussed at senior/board room level and who instructed the HR staff to pursue this course of action? Why has such a loyal and successful club servant been treated in such an unacceptable fashion?

I have always been largely supportive of the current board, their plans to stabilise the club and move to the Olympic Stadium. They have done a good job salvaging the club from the Icelandic era financial crisis and moving it forward to where we find ourselves today. But, at the end of the day, it must always be about being a 'critical friend' and reserving the right to constructively challenge and criticise as necessary.

As such, the club would be well-advised to apologise to Tony Carr and restore him forthwith to his former role as a club Ambassador. In the past (under former regimes) the club has allowed schisms to form with such club legends as Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds. This present board has done much to compensate for past mistakes and try to heal old divisions, recognising Moore's iconic status as our greatest player, working closely with the Moore family/charities and bringing Billy Bonds back in to the West Ham fold. So, it would be ironic and deeply counter-productive if they were to now let a similar type of rift form between the club and Tony Carr. The club really should avoid treading that path once again!

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 27th July 2016

A message from the Vice-Chairman
WHUFC.com

Vice-Chairman Karren Brady writes to supporters ahead of a momentous fortnight for West Ham United...

We're almost there. The first game at our magnificent new home is less than a fortnight away. To think how far we've come in six years and how close we are now is astounding.
Together, we have built a magnificent new home. A home that rightly stands alongside the very best in world football and a home that I know you will be every bit as proud of as I am. Be in no doubt, we are part of the most successful stadium migration in history. David Sullivan, David Gold and I have always believed in the West Ham fanbase and our faith was certainly not misplaced. The transition from a capacity of 35,000 to 54,000 was no mean feat, but to then make the leap to 60,000 was remarkable.

As of today, we find ourselves going into our first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with more than 52,000 Season Ticket Holders, a similar number on the Season Ticket Waiting List and our Membership numbers have exploded too. The demand for tickets is simply incredible. Though not without its challenges – nothing ever is – the move has been a complete success on every level.

When you first walk through the London Stadium turnstiles you will be in no doubt whatsoever that you are standing in the home of West Ham United. Our honours adorn the middle tier, the shirts of iconic West Ham players hang on the concourse and, of course, your claret and blue seating, crossed hammers and all, awaits. Right from day one, our home will celebrate our legends. And we will continue do so, as the current crop make their mark on West Ham history. Just as we promised, the West Ham-inspired lounges in Club London are absolutely stunning. We've set a new global benchmark in sports hospitality and, what's more, they're full of poignant West Ham touches, with tributes to players, managers and supporters alike.

Construction projects of this magnitude are notorious for their delays, but we are on schedule, to the very day, to open in full football mode, for the Premier League curtain raiser against Bournemouth. That's of enormous credit to everyone on the construction side, not least with the added complexity of Europa League football. Thanks to the success on the pitch last season, we start our campaign more than a fortnight earlier than we expected. It's a sign of where this Club is headed and we fully expect it to be the first of many memorable European evenings at our new home.

As we explained after the draw on Friday, we'll be operating at a maximum capacity of 54,000 for the Europa League game. This is all part of the ramp up to the Stadium opening at its full 60,000 capacity for the Premier League opener, but I think we all agree an earlier start to the season due to European football is a position we're happy to be in.

Yes, the Stadium has been delivered on time, but there are of course still many elements and finishing touches that are scheduled to be fully in place early in the season. Of course (just like a new house) there will be elements we need to assess and get right once we're in and we'll always be striving to improve and add things, just as you would expect of any world-class venue.

For one thing, once the complete seating solution is in place, work will begin on the bold West Ham branding to sit at the back of the lower tiers. Likewise, the world-class Stadium wrap, boasting Europe's largest digital screen will be fully operational for the Hammers' meeting with Sunderland in October. As you may have seen in my last video update, the Stadium will of course be fully connected in the fullness of time. The WIFI is being installed in stages, over a number of months, and should be finished later this year.

All in all, we're in exceptionally good shape and have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. These are moments that will live long in the memory of the football club and
I cannot wait to share them with you.

Karren Brady

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Farewell to the Reservation Centre
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's dedicated New Stadium Reservation Centre at Westfield Stratford will close its doors on Monday 25 July, having successfully completed the mammoth task of allocating seats to 52,000 Season Ticket Holders in the magnificent London Stadium. The Reservation Centre was launched in September 2014 by West Ham Vice-Chairman, Karren Brady, boasting state-of-the-art Virtual Venue technology, as designed by IO Media, to allow fans to virtually 'sit' in any available seat and pick the one most suitable for them.
The first of its kind in use in the UK, the system enabled fans to navigate the seating bowl of the Stadium to check out the sightlines and surroundings before selecting their seats, with a dedicated Club adviser taking them through the process and answering all their questions.
In its early months, the Reservation Centre focused on allocating seats to fans who had joined Club London, the luxury hospitality lounges and bars in the West Stand of the London Stadium. But from April 2015, the first of tens of thousands of one-to-one appointments was scheduled for Season Ticket Holders wanting to select their seats, and secure their place in history, as Founders of West Ham's new home.

To accommodate the vast numbers of Season Ticket Holders requiring appointments and ensure they could take their time to choose their preferred seat, the Reservation Centre was opened for 11 hours every weekday, 12 hours on Saturdays, and 6 hours on Sundays.

In March 2016, just when it seemed the Reservation Centre's work was done, West Ham obtained agreement to increase the Stadium's capacity to 60,000 for home matches, and made another 6,000 Band 5 Season Tickets available for sale. The last of them was sold in May.

The operation has now moved to the Hammers' state-of-the-art premises on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Club's brand new Ticket Office boasts a total of 25 ticket windows, 20 of which are stationed at the main Ticket Office, while the remaining five are housed in a secondary Ticket Office at the north of the Stadium.

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Hammers in Austria - Domzale prep continues
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's preparations for Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg in Slovenia continue in Austria. The Hammers are coming towards the end of a ten-day training camp in the central European country with Slaven Bilic's men working hard ahead of the start of their competitive fixtures. Tuesday will see their final training session before heading over the border to Ljubljana for Thursday's game against NK Domzale at Stadion Stozice. Young defender Reece Oxford linked up with the squad after the weekend, fresh from helping England reach the semi-finals of the UEFA U19 Championships, qualifying for next summer's FIFA U20 World Cup in the process. West Ham have been in Austria since 17 July, playing matches against FC Slovacko, Rubin Kazan and Karlsruher SC among a series of intensive training sessions.

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Bilic - We're ready for Thursday
WHUFC.com

West Ham United begin UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday
Hammers warmed up with 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC in Austria on Saturday
Manager Bilic pleased with preparation work over pre-season

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic says his team are right on track with their preparations for Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg in Slovenia.
For the second year in succession, the Hammers will start their season earlier than any of their Premier League rivals due to a participation in European competition. With their first competitive game coming a little over two weeks before the top flight kicks-off, Bilic says the pre-season work has been different to normal. But following Saturday's 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC, in which Andy Carroll and summer signings Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher hit the target, the manager says the Hammers are ready for the challenge laid down by NK Domzale. "We are happy with our preparations," he said, "We have done everything that wanted to do, but still we have to make a balance in our preparations to compromise some things because the competitive games don't start on 15 August, they start on Thursday. "It's not ideal but I'm really pleased with the way we've trained. "We are still expecting a few players to come back, those who have been playing in the European Championships. "If we continue to work hard like this, with dedication and humility, we can expect good things."

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Oxford relishing Europa challenge
WHUFC.com

17-year-old Oxford part of England squad which reached semi-finals of UEFA U19 Championship this month
Defender made his debut in last season's UEFA Europa League campaign
First season with the senior squad saw Oxford make 12 appearances

Reece Oxford wants the use the disappointment of a semi-final exit at this summer's UEFA U19 Championship to drive him on to more success. Oxford and England won all three of their group games in Germany to raise the prospect of a first title at U19 level, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat to Italy at the last four stage. France, who were defeated by England in the group phase, went on to lift the title but Oxford is using the experience as a positive. As he returns to pre-season with West Ham United in Austria, the 17-year-old is keen to build on a breakthrough 2015/16 season which saw him make 12 first team appearances. He said: "The boys tried their best in Germany and we won every group game. We were probably the favourites out there [when it got to the semi-finals], but sometimes the ball just doesn't go in the net for you and the opposition is stronger on the day. "So, hopefully we will bounce back from that and go to the U20s World Cup next year as favourites to win it. "That's a big aim for me now, so hopefully I can get into the squad and push on with them. "It was good experience, playing up a year against players who are the best in their countries. It helps everyone in the team. "I'm happy to be back here for pre-season now. I'm fit, because I've been involved at the U19s Euros, but I just want to push on, hopefully play a couple of Europa League games and push on for the season. "I made my debut in the Europa League last season, then played two or three more and that helped me go on and play the first game in the Premier League. "Hopefully I can do the same this summer. It would be good to be part of the squad to play in the first game at the new Stadium next week too."

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Bobby Moore awarded Blue Plaque
WHUFC.com

West Ham United legend Bobby Moore honoured with English Heritage Blue Plaque
England's 1966 World Cup-winning captain is first footballer to be awarded the honour
Blue Plaque erected at the great captain's childhood home in Waverley Gardens in Barking
West Ham United and England FIFA World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore OBE has become the first footballer to be honoured with an English Heritage Blue Plaque.

The plaque was unveiled in a ceremony at his childhood home at 43 Waverley Gardens, Barking, where the young Bobby first kicked a football and honed the skills that would make him his country's finest-ever defender.

Capped 108 times by England, being appointed the Three Lions' youngest-ever captain aged just 22 years and 47 days, Bobby went on to make 647 appearances for West Ham between 1958 and 1974, lifting the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in front of the Claret and Blue Army.

Held in the week which marks the 50th anniversary of Bobby lifting the FIFA World Cup for England, the dedication was led by Greg Dyke, a member of the English Heritage Blue Plaques panel and outgoing chairman of The Football Association (FA), in the presence of nearly 100 of Bobby's friends and family, and many of those he played alongside during his illustrious career.

Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and Bobby's daughter Roberta both spoke in honour of Bobby, as did former West Ham player and manager and his long-time friend Harry Redknapp.

The Vice-Chairman said: "We are absolutely delighted that Bobby is being honoured in this fashion. Not only is he a true sporting icon, but, without question, West Ham's favourite son.

"As custodians of the Club, we have always believed it is our duty and pleasure to honour his memory in every way we can. Carrying on a Boleyn Ground tradition we will soon officially name the new Stadium North Stand in his honour, our Club London hospitality boasts the exquisite BM6 Lounge, a Legends Stone was recently laid in Champions Place commemorating his West Ham and England career and his now retired, No6 shirt hangs proudly above the concourse at our new home and his legacy lives on action too through the fantastic work of the Moore Family Foundation.

"Bobby is the ultimate local boy done good and so it's particularly poignant that English Heritage should celebrate his life and magnificent career just along the road, at his childhood home in Barking, where it all began for a young Bobby."

For Roberta, this permanent tribute to her father's memory is a fitting one.

"I know my father would be truly humbled and deeply touched today," said his only daughter. "This Blue Plaque is a wonderful tribute in recognition of his achievements for our country in this special year and the high esteem in which he is held.

"This is where it all began – kicking a ball out here in the street with his friends before embarking on an incredible journey which as we all know led him up the steps to collect the World Cup from the Queen at Wembley 50 years ago this week. My sincere gratitude and thanks to English Heritage for bestowing this honour upon my father, I couldn't be more proud."

After the unveiling guests were invited by the West Ham United Board to a special reception just a stone's throw away at their new home, the magnificent London Stadium. On Display were Bobby's treasured England caps and his 1966 World Cup Winners medal, items that the Club intend to display for fans on the new Stadium Tour route.

The reception also marked the first public viewing a a three-foot figurative commemorative bronze sculpture of Bobby Moore in action. Roberta Moore commissioned the world renowned British sculptor Georgiana Anstruther to create the sculpture of her father, which will be displayed at Wembley Stadium as part of The FA's 1966 Exhibition. Six copies of the sculpture have been made available for sale, with all profits going to the Moore Family Foundation. You can find further details here.

Launched by West Ham United in association with Roberta and the Moore family in 2014 at Ripple Primary School in Barking, which Bobby himself attended, The Moore Family Foundation is a registered charity providing life-changing opportunities through football.

Bobby's home Borough of Barking and Dagenham is one of a number where Foundation learning mentors are assisting thousands of vulnerable young people with literacy, numeracy and attainment in partnership with targeted primary and secondary schools.

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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com

London Stadium in final stages of transformation into West Ham United's new home
Retractable seating being repositioned in Lower tiers of the North, South and West Stands
Hammers host NK Domzale in UEFA Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday 28 July

Following the conclusion of the Anniversary Games on Saturday, it is now all systems go at London Stadium to ready the arena for West Ham United's historic first fixture.

The Hammers are to play host to Slovenian outfit NK Domzale in the return leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie on Thursday 4 August, before Juventus visit in the Betway Cup three days later.

In readiness for a maiden European fixture at the iconic arena, the repositioning of the retractable seating on three sides of the Stadium began on Sunday.

With the 'Kop'-style East Stand, bearing 'West Ham' and the crossed hammers, already in its final, football-ready mode, the lower tiers of the North, South and West Stands are now to undergo a similar process in the coming days.

Elsewhere, West Ham branding is to go up a notch over the next ten days as well. In addition to the imposing 45-metre wide marquee signage, which arrived on site last Monday, the famous Claret and Blue will become more and more prominent, both inside and out, as the countdown to kick-off continues.

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Potts - We're ready for a tough test
WHUFC.com

Former West Ham defender Steve Potts looks ahead to the Development Squad's next fixture
The young Hammers face Dutch side PEC Zwolle on Wednesday
Potts, an Academy Coach, reckons it will be a tough fixture

Ex-Hammer and Academy Coach Steve Potts says the Development Squad's clash against Dutch side PEC Zwolle on Wednesday will be a big test.

The squad, who are currently on tour in the Netherlands and training at partner club VVV Venlo's ground, face the Dutch Eredivisie side at 3pm UK time in Arnhem.

And former full-back Potts believes the fixture will be the perfect challenge for the young players who have made the trip to Holland.

He said: "It will be a big test against Zwolle. Both our games out here are on astroturf, so we have to change our game accordingly and we want to keep the ball and move the ball on.

"We're playing grown men now and you've got to stand up and be counted. Foreign teams tend to keep the ball really well and we'll see where we are compared to them from that point of view.

"Slaven's first team are forever working the ball well, and that's the sort of quality we're looking for from the young lads [on Wendesday]."

The Development Squad enjoyed fixtures over Chelmsford City, Peterborough United and Southend United back in the UK before they travelled to mainland Europe, where they will eventually face VVV Venlo on Saturday.

Potts continued and explained why trips away together can help the squad develop as both players and as people.

"These trips are good all round," he revealed. "It's good for pre-season training and the boys get away from the environment of home – what is Chadwell Heath at the moment. They do a bit of bonding.

"It's important for team spirit. You only have to look back at the Euros recently to see how important team spirit is. Unless you've got that, it's very difficult as a team. If you get that, you're purely talking football afterwards.

"The trip has been good so far. The players have been working hard with the season only a few weeks away, and they've looked pretty sharp. They'll be two good tests against foreign opposition."

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HAMMERS TO REVISIT ANDRE AYEW DEAL?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 2:10PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Last Summer the Irons were pretty close to landing the Ghanaian international striker when he became a free agent after leaving Marseille but to no avail as he signed a huge deal to join Premiership rivals Swansea City.

Now it has emerged that 12 months later the Hammers are once again interested in the possibility of teaming up Andre with his old Marseille team-mate Dimitri Payet.

The two together along with Gignac gave Marseille one of the most potent strikeforce's in France during the 2014/15 and 2013/14 seasons scoring 68 Ligue One goals between them.

It is widely considered that Guidolin wouldn't want to sell Ayew after already losing Paloschi and Gomis this window but he does have an interest in Ener Valencia and both players seemed to be valued by either club at around the same £12m-£15m price range so there may be a possibility of working out a deal involving both.

Infact it was the latter, Batetimbi Gomis who convinced Ayew to join Swansea in the first place and with his departure already confirmed to Marseille there's a possibility it may sway Andre on any decision to leave the Welsh club this Summer. There's also the additional link with agent Mark McKay who helped with both Ayew and Payet deals last summer and is a preferred agent of the club.

It remains to be seen though how keen West Ham are on a player that is considered more of a wide forward/winger than a central striker but I'm pretty sure the imprint is still there on Slaven Bilic's mind, how Ayew (playing in a central role) destroyed West Ham at Upton Park only just a few months ago as the visitors strolled to a 4-1 win which basically ended any hopes the Hammers had of qualifying for the Champions League.

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England's Bobby Moore awarded blue plaque on Barking home
BBC.co.uk

Bobby Moore, the only England captain to ever win the World Cup, will be honoured with a blue plaque later. The memorial will be placed on his childhood home at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking, east London where he first learned to play football. As well as captaining the team, Moore set up two of Geoff Hurt's goals in the 1966 World Cup final before receiving the Jules Rimet trophy from the Queen. He was described as "one of the greatest" by ex-FA chairman Greg Dyke.

'Tenacity and industry'
Mr Dyke, who is an English Heritage Blue Plaque Panel member, said the plaque "honours... the house and the streets where he grew up and first learned his footballing skills".
Bobby Moore, who was born at Upney Hospital in Barking in 1941, developed his footballing skills while playing with his father and uncle in Greatfields Park, near to 43 Waverley Gardens. He was living in the house when he won his first silverware, the Crisp Shield in the 1950-1 season, and when he joined West Ham United at the age of 16. At the time, a scout for the club said Moore "would not set the world alight" but praised his "tenacity and industry". He was appointed England captain in 1963, a year after being a surprise call-up for the 1962 World Cup. Moore's father, known as "Big Bob", watched the 1966 final on television at 43 Waverley Gardens, although his mother was too nervous so spent the game potting plants in the garden.

Bobby Moore's football facts
Signed for an initial wage of £12 a week when he became a professional for West Ham
Made his West Ham debut on 8 September 1958 and was a regular for the team by 1960, making 647 appearances overall
Captained West Ham to victory in the FA Cup Final in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following year
Led his country in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico where England were eliminated in the quarter-finals by West Germany
Given final England cap in 1973, reaching 108 appearances for his country, the fifth in the all-time list

After retiring, Moore enjoyed a career in the media as lead sports columnist for the Sunday Sport and a football analyst on radio for Capital Gold. He died from cancer on 24 February 1993, aged 51, a week after making his final radio commentary. His daughter Roberta said her father would be "truly humbled and deeply touched" by the blue plaque.

Blue Plaque facts
The scheme began in 1866 after the idea of erecting "memorial tablets" was first proposed by William Ewart MP in the House of Commons in 1863
The first plaque was for the poet Lord Byron, although this was lost when the building it was on was demolished in 1889
More than 900 plaques have been unveiled across London
An official plaque can only be proposed for a person who has been dead for at least 20 years
A plaque put up in Chalk Farm in 1937 to mark Karl Marx's final address had to be taken down because it was repeatedly vandalised

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Ticket chaos as system buckles
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

A number of West Ham supporters have complained to KUMB.com after being forced to wait up to TWO HOURS in order to access the Ticket Office. With many fans attempting to access the ticket line by phone in order to purchase or upgrade tickets for the forthcoming Europa League tie against Domzale and the Juventus friendly, the ticket line has understandably been extremely busy in recent days. However West Ham - who promised ticketing issues would be consigned to the past following the switch to Ticketmaster - came under fire from supporters today, some of whom suggested the new system was even SLOWER than before. Michael Aston - who had been hanging on for exactly one hour, 58 minutes and 30 seconds at time of writing - was the first to write to KUMB earlier in the day. "Don't ever call the ticket office," he said. "It's an absolute disgrace, the new online system is useless."

And fellow season ticket holder Mike Cawston told a similarly grim tale of his experience. "I need to upgrade two of four STs," he said. "Unfortunately this is impossible to do online. "I made four attempts by phone yesterday with each call lasting 30 minutes. Today I went to the Ticket Office in person - only to be told the computer system was down. Later I phoned again and, after waiting for another 45 minutes, I was informed told they couldn't upgrade tickets and I needed to speak to Ticketmaster's Customer Services. "So I phoned them, they said all bookings need to be made through the club's box office - hence I now have to phone again later!"

KUMB's own Rio Barlow was another fan who was left frustrated and out of pocket after hanging on for an unfeasibly-long period of time. "I've been holding for two hours," he said. "Not being told you have to move seats; being charged to do so; confusion amongst staff? It's a complete shambles."

Meanwhile Steve Hackett simply decided not to bother again, having failed to get through to the ticket office at the first attempt. "I've written off money in my ticket trader account now," he told KUMB. "I can't be bothered with another hour-long wait."

And Mark Segal, another long-term season ticket holder was equally unimpressed. "I started trying at 9am this morning," he said. "At 10.20 I was still getting the message that the office was closed and would open at 9am! "I tried again this afternoon and held the line for about 25 minutes before giving up - but I need to ring again as I want to upgrade from a kids to adult ticket."

Further to issues with lengthy delays, season ticket holders have also complained about being charged booking fees. " I was unable to book my season ticket seat as it was unavailable," said Joe Maker. "In the end I got charged a £2 'non member' booking fee per ticket to book alternatives!"

The existence of a booking fee also annoyed Michael Aston. "Online it said no lower tier seats were available, so I chose other seats = only later to buy my mate's seats next to us! I was also charged a £2 booking fee as a non-member online, even though we were all season ticket holders.

"Fortunately I managed to get the seats changed - after a two-hour wait on the phone."

* KUMB reached out to West Ham United FC for a response, but we're yet to receive a reply.

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Hammers seeking Cresswell replacement
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's search for a new full back is set to intensify following the injury to Aaron Cresswell. The left back was ruled out for up to four months yesterday following a horror tackle by Karlsruher midfielder Grischa Promel in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win. And the club have already began the hunt for a replacement, with the likes of Walsall's Rico Henry and Leeds United's highly-rated Charlie Taylor just two players being considered as potential replacements for the injured Cresswell. Also thought to be on the radar are Norwich City's experienced duo Robbie Brady and Martin Olsson, that latter of whom has been linked with a move to West Ham on several occasions previously.

Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old Liverpudlian had missed just one game in two seasons for the Hammers.

* Lyon have rejected a €35million bid from Arsenal for Hammers target Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker looks set to remain at his current club, who responded to news of the Gunners bid by stating: "OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio's squad."

* West Ham continue to be linked with Swansea forward Andre Ayew, who is said to be interesting several Premier League clubs. The 26-year-old is believed to be looking to move on this summer but Swans boss Francesco Guidolin is hoping to persuade the former Marseille man to remain at the club. Andre is a good guy and a good player," he said. "I hope he stays with us, but I don't know."

* Wissam Ben Yedder's future looks no closer to being resolved despite (disputed) rumours that he is set to sign for either Sevilla or Arsenal emerging from Africa overnight (via Canal +'s Ludo Deroin). GFFN insist that Ben Yedder is still being chased by a number of clubs including West Ham and Leicester, who are said to have held brief talks with representatives of the player in recent days.

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Hammers target Swedish full back
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are interested in signing Swedish full back Ludwig Augustinsson as replacement for Aaron Cresswell. The 22-year-old Swedish international is a product of the famous Brommapojkarnacademy (which is comprised of no less than 247 teams) which has produced the likes of Bojan Djordjic and John Guidetti over the years. And according to KUMB sources, West Ham have already discussed terms with the player's current club F.C. Copenhagen regarding a potential transfer. Having began his career with Brommapojkarna, Augustinsson - whose father Hans was also a professional footballer - moved to Gothenburg in 2013 where he was named as the nation's best left back of that season. In Jnaury 2015 he moved to his current club for an estimated €1.4 million and was part of the Copenhagen squad that won the Allsvenskan that season - a feat they repeated in 2015/16. Augustinsson, who had previously represented his country at Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 level made his full international debut against the Ivory Coast in January 2015. He was part of the squad that featured in Euro 16.

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West Ham hamper fraud: Trial rescheduled for October
BBC.co.uk

The trial of a man accused of a Christmas hamper con which saw West Ham players lose thousands of pounds has been abandoned. Stephen Ackerman, 48, of Loughton, Essex, denies 19 fraud charges with the proceeds totalling more than £60,000. Mr Ackerman is accused of selling hampers to players that never arrived under the alias Mark Kingston. The jury has been discharged with a new trial set to start on 24 October at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

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26/07/16 – LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 11:59AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Cresswell injury blow –

The club confirmed yesterday that the horror tackle Aaron suffered at the weekend will cost him and the Hammers his services for 3-4 months depending on whether he requires surgery on the ligament injury. It's a massive blow for the club/player considering Aaron has only missed one game since he signed from Ipswich Town. The club will now have to go into the market for a replacement as young inexperienced Lewis Page remains the only other left-back in the squad at present. The media haven't named any names as of yet but one name to possibly keep an eye on is Inter Milan fullback, Davide Santon who has been linked to the club in previous windows and has the versatility of being able to play both fullback positions. Davide played left back whilst at Newcastle and right back for Inter Milan when he returned there.

Calleri flies in for medical? –

Reports in South America have indicated that Jonathan Calleri has left the Argentina Olympic squad to fly to London to undergo his medical with the club to complete his loan move here. Calleri reportedly received his Italian passport last week and is set to tie up his deal with the club.

Bacca Update –

Napoli seem to have interest but they have been working hard to secure a deal for Icardi from Inter to replace the Juventus bound Gonzalo Higuain. Reports have also emerged from Spain this morning that Barcelona may have interest after losing out on Luciano Vietto who has reportedly agreed to join Sevilla on loan. Just as it happens Sevilla was an option that Bacca was considering. I think most get the picture here, if Bacca ever agrees to join the Hammers it wont be until he's exhausted every option he considers to be a better one first.

Ben Yedder to Arsenal/Sevilla –

Reports have emerged via Canal + that the Toulouse striker will make a decision between Sevilla and Arsenal within the next few hours. This would seem to tie in with the exclusive that our very own ExWHUEmployee brought you in his column last week. The fact that the club were worried about Ben Yedder's physicality in the Premier League may have meant our interest wasn't as strong as in other players we are targeting.

Zaza interest remains –

Various reports in Italy seem convinced we haven't ruled out a move for the Italian international famous for his ridiculous penalty attempt at the recent Euros. He has always maintained that he wants to remain in Serie A and also has a lucrative offer on the table from Wolfsburg but they will not be competing in Europe this season.

Mandukic to join Slav again –

The Daily Mail ran the story yesterday that we are pretty keen on Slav's former protegé and the fact that Mario would be pretty interested in coming here. His wages may well be an issue but if there is definite interest from both parties this could be the best viable option the Hammers have left should the Bacca deal not materialise.

Lanzini flies home –

Manu Lanzini is currently on his way home to be assessed by the West Ham medical team after suffering a knee injury whilst on duty with Argentina's Olympic squad.

Oxford joins up with the squad in Austria –

After his efforts for England U19's at the European Championships, young defender, Reece Oxford has joined up with Slav's squad in Austria to prepare for the club's Europa League tie in Slovenia on Thursday. Reece will be a welcome addition to the squad as Slav is already missing James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna as both are not due to return from their breaks until next week.

Bradford want Cullen back –

Local Bradford news outlet Telegraph and Angus are reporting that the League One club want the young Irish midfielder back on loan next season but West Ham will not agree to the loan yet until they have concluded all of their transfer business in this window and know their squad depth.

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DIEGO POYET'S FUTURE IN THE BALANCE AT WEST HAM?
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 26 JULY 2016 AT 9:47PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Sam Allardyce signed Diego Poyet for the Hammers from Charlton Athletic two seasons ago and at the time was seen as a good acquisition for the future. Many at Charlton felt at the time that he left their club too early after an excellent season for the Addicks in 2013/14 and wasn't ready for the step up.

It seems they may have been right. Diego rarely featured under Sam Allardyce and despite a few appearances under Bilic in last season's Europa League, he hasn't played too much football in a claret and blue shirt. Diego was hoping that he would be able to have a fresh start at the club this season after two disastrous loan spells last year and after playing briefly in the United States tour, he was left out of Slaven's Austrian training camp squad and subsequently has now been omitted from the club's Europa League Qualifying round squad.

He currently finds himself behind first team players Noble, Kouyate, Obiang and Nordtveit battling for defensive/central midfield positions and it would seem that even the likes of Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen have overtaken him as options for those roles under Bilic.

Poyet now 21, has two more years to run on his current contract with the club but at this point in time it seems that he may move on permanently this Summer rather than another loan spell to the lower leagues.

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Academy to feature in PL second tier
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Under 23s will play in the second tier of the new Premier League 2, it has been confirmed. It was revealed this afternoon that the young Hammers will feature in the league's second tier next season alongside the likes of Blackburn, Brighton, Fulham and Wolves. The new Premier League 2 is being introduced this season as replacement for the Under 21 Premier League. The new structure also allows up to three players over 23 (including a goalkeeper) to feature in each team selection. The format is similar to the Premier League and Championship whereby the bottom two teams in Division 1 will be replaced at the end of the season by the winners ofDivision 2 plus the winners of a play-off involving the teams placed 2nd to 5th.
Additionally each team must play at least three home games per season in their senior stadium, which could potentially cause a headache for West Ham now they are simply tenants and no longer own their home ground.

THe two divisions will be comprised as follows:

Division 1: Arsenal, Chelsea, Derby County, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Reading, Southampton, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur.

Division 2: Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Swansea City, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Lanzini out of Olympics - confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Argentina have confirmed that Manuel Lanzini will not feature in next month's Olympic Games because of a knee injury.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was set to join up with the rest of the Argentine squad next week but has pulled out of the tournament as a result of the knee injury sustained in a friendly against Colombia last weekend.

"We are in close contact with Manuel and the AFA (Argentine Football Association), who have started a late-release replacement procedure with the IOC (International Olympic Committee)," club doc Stijn Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.

"Until he has been assessed by the IOC, he cannot be replaced, but after this process has been completed we want him to return to England to be assessed by our own medical staff as soon as possible."

Lanzini, who has been replaced in the Argentine squad by Boca Juniors' highly-rated 20-year-old striker Cristian Pavón will return to London imminently for further treatment.

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West Ham's Manuel Lanzini ruled out of Rio Olympics with injury
By James Dale
Last Updated: 26/07/16 2:20pm
SSN

Manuel Lanzini will fly back to London after Argentina confirmed he will not be fit to take part in the Rio Olympics. The West Ham midfielder has been with the Argentina camp in Miami preparing for the summer tournament after being selected in the final 18-man squad. Lanzini's involvement could have seen him miss the start of the Premier League season with West Ham, however, the Argentine Football Association confirmed a knee injury has ended his hopes of participating at the Games. The 23-year-old could now be available for the opening game of the new campaign against Chelsea on August 15, live on Sky Sports. West Ham have already received an injury blow with defender Aaron Cresswell set to be out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury. West Ham are waiting to hear whether Carlos Bacca will join them after agreeing a fee with AC Milan. Boca Juniors attacker Cristian Pavon will replace Lanzini in the Argentina squad, having been named initially as a reserve. Argentina have already had a number of players ruled out of the tournament either through injury or clubs blocking their players' involvement.

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Andy Carroll takes Havard Nordtveit under his wing with fishing trip on West Ham's pre-season tour
17:48, 26 JUL 2016 UPDATED 17:51, 26 JUL 2016
BY MIRROR SPORT
The Norwegian arrives on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach and is already bonding with the Geordie striker on the Hammers' pre-season tour in Austria
The Mirror

Andy Carroll has been enjoying a spot of fishing with new West Ham signing Havard Nordtveit. The Norway international has struck up a bond with the former Newcastle striker while on the pre-season tour in Austria. Carroll proudly displayed two rather large carps on his Instagram page, while Nordtveit - stripped to his pants - waded in to the lake in search of a prized catch. Nordtveit previously played for Arsenal as a youngster and most recently enjoyed a five-year spell with Borussia Mongengladbach . Slaven Bilic picked up the Norway star on a free transfer and will expect Nordtveit to provide competition in both midfield and defence.
Nordtveit joins Gokhan Tore, Sofiane Feghouli, Ashley Fletcher and Toni Martinez through the door at the Olympic Stadium in what promises to be a successful debut season at their new home. West Ham have been busy in pre-season with wins over Seattle Sounders and Karlsruher, draws against Carolina Railhawks and Slovacko and a heavy defeat to Rubin Kazan. The Hammers are next in action on tour this Thursday when they take on Slovenian side Domzale.

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West Ham transfer news: Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady on Hammers radar following Aaron Cresswell injury
KEN DYER
Evcening Standard

West Ham have made signing an experienced left-back a priority following the news that Aaron Cresswell faces up to four months out injured. Cresswell could require knee surgery after he was injured in a tackle during the pre-season friendly against Karlsruher last weekend. The defender was crucial to West Ham finishing seventh last season and boss Slaven Bilic is desperate to sign a quality replacement before the start of the season. However, it is understood Bilic will not recall Stephen Hendrie from a loan spell at Blackburn. The club were looking at youngsters Charlie Taylor, of Leeds, and Walsall's Rico Henry as cover before Creswell's injury but will now go for an established player.
Relegated Norwich could be the focus of their attention with both Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady's futures at Carrow Road uncertain. Sweden international Olsson, 28, is in the final season of his contract and Brady's profile has increased significantly following his winning goal for the Republic of Ireland against Italy at Euro 2016. West Ham are still waiting for Olympic chiefs to release Manuel Lanzini after he damaged his knee against Colombia. The forward cannot be replaced in Argentina's squad for Rio until he has been checked by an IOC medic. Meanwhile, West Ham are poised to confirm the loan signing of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri. The 22-year-old, who established his reputation at Boca Juniors, has been on loan at Brazilian club Sao Paulo.

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Jonathan Calleri to West Ham: Hammers poised to announce loan signing of Argentine striker
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham are poised to confirm the loan signing of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri. The 22-year-old, who established his reputation at Boca Juniors, has been on loan at Brazilian club Sao Paulo. Slaven Bilic has made his forward line a priority as the Hammers prepare for life in the Olympic Stadium. The West Ham boss has seen summer targets Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette slip through his grasp, while the club are still waiting on an answer from Carlos Bacca after striking a £26million deal with AC Milan. The arrival of Calleri will ease the burden on Bilic, but West Ham remain in the market for a world class striker. The club's co-chairman David Sullivan confirmed in May they were willing to part with £30million to secure a 20-goal-a-season forward and, should Bacca decline a move to east London, the search will continue. Meanwhile, West Ham have been forced into the market to secure a replacement for Aaron Cresswell, who has been ruled out for up to four months with knee ligament injury.

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Mark Noble explains how the West Ham squad are building team spirit
HITC
Michael Stevenson

The Hammers captain feels that hard graft on the training pitch is bringing the team together. Mark Noble has spoken of the excellent team spirit being created at West Ham this summer, in an interview with the club's official website. The Hammers have endured a mixed pre-season in terms of results, failing to win in their first four friendlies, but Noble feels the training ground is where the important work takes place. "This is what pre-season's all about, the Gaffer trying new things, new players coming in and trying to blend as a squad together," said the 29-year old. "It's been great. We trained on Thursday morning and then had an afternoon off, which was nice, then we go back at it with two sessions tomorrow. "It's the grind of pre-season that builds team spirit. It's out on the training pitch that you really put in the hard work and you drag each other through," he added.

West Ham's pre-season preparations took a turn for the worse on Saturday however, with Aaron Cresswell damaging his knee ligaments in the victory over Karlsruher leaving him facing around four months on the sidelines. The left-back took to social media to express his disappointment at the turn of the events and Slaven Bilic will have to lift his squad's spirits quickly, with their first competitive game of the season just two days away. Domzale are the opponents, as West Ham travel to Slovenia for their Europa League Third qualifying round clash on Thursday night, and they will need to improve on some disappointing pre-season performances if they are to make it into the group stages. The Hammers failed to get through qualifying last summer and went on to enjoy a successful Premier League campaign, but the spectacle of European nights at the Olympic Stadium should be something the squad is determined to experience

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 26th July 2016

Carroll's back with a bang
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll marked his return to the West Ham United team with a bang,
waiting just nine minutes to score the opening goal in Saturday's 3-0 win
over German side Karlsruher SC.

Currently going through his first full pre-season since signing for the
Hammers, Carroll missed the opening two games of the Austria tour to
concentrate on his work on the training ground.

Having returned to the pitch at the weekend, the 27-year-old forward cannot
wait to score more goals and hit the ground running in 2016/17.

He explained: "It was good to get an hour in on Saturday, and good to get a
goal and our first win of pre-season as well," he said.

"The results don't matter at this time of year but it's obviously still nice
to win. All the work the lads have been putting in over the last couple of
weeks has been great.

"We created plenty on Saturday. We got enough crosses in and enough chances
and I think the team going forward, and in defence too, is very good. "For
my goal, Sofiane passed it wide to Enner. He knows where I'm going to stand
by now, and he just dinked it to the back post for me to get my head on it."

The action starts for real on Thursday with the UEFA Europa League third
qualifying round first leg at Slovenian side NK Domzale and Carroll says his
pre-season regime has left him in the perfect place to show what he can do.
He continued: "We've had five games now so I think we're ready to get it
started. It's important that we had those games to get everyone fit, and the
training has been hard as well so the lads are looking forward to Thursday.
"I feel good. Missing the two games earlier in Austria was important for me
to do my own work and regime to get myself fit. Obviously it showed with the
goal and the 65 minutes on Saturday."

The one downside to the victory over Karlsruher was an injury sustained by
Aaron Cresswell and Carroll echoed the thoughts of his teammates in hoping
the problem isn't as bad as it first looked. He added: "Hopefully the scan
results come back and show the injury to not be as bad as first thought.
We'll just have to wait to see how it is."

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Cresswell lay-off confirmed
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell faces up to four months out with a knee ligament injury
Left-back was hurt in a challenge in Saturday's pre-season win over
Karlsruher SC
Manuel Lanzini being assessed after being hurt on Olympic duty with
Argentina

West Ham United can confirm that Aaron Cresswell will be out of action for
three to four months after suffering a knee ligament injury. The left-back
was hurt in a challenge during Saturday's pre-season victory over German
side Karlsruher SC in Austria. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn
Vandenbroucke explained that Cresswell had undergone a scan and will consult
a specialist in central London early next week. The medical team will then
take a decision whether or not the defender requires surgery. "Whatever
course of action we decide to take, Aaron faces a period of rest, followed
by treatment and rehabilitation and he will be out for a period of between
three and four months," said Vandenbroucke.

The Head of Medical and Sports Science also gave an update on Manuel
Lanzini, who suffered a knee injury in Argentina's 2016 Rio Olympic Games
warm-up fixture with Colombia at the weekend. "We are in close contact with
Manuel and the AFA (Argentine Football Association), who have started a
late-release replacement procedure with the IOC (International Olympic
Committee)," said Vandenbroucke. "Until he has been assessed by the IOC, he
cannot be replaced, but after this process has been completed we want him to
return to England to be assessed by our own medical staff as soon as
possible."

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Aaron Cresswell: West Ham defender out for four months with knee injury
BBC.co.uk

West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell has been ruled out for up to four months
with a knee ligament injury. The 26-year-old left-back was hurt in
Saturday's pre-season win over German club Karlsruher. The Hammers said
Cresswell would see a specialist "early next week" when a decision would be
taken on whether surgery would be required. Cresswell, who joined from
Ipswich in 2014, played in 37 league games as West Ham finished seventh last
season.

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Cresswell out for up to four months
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

There was some terrible news for Slaven Bilic this afternoon after full back
Aaron Cresswell was ruled out of action for up to four months. Head of
Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke confirmed that Cresswell -
who was injured as the result of a reckless tackle by Karlsruher midfielder
Grischa Promel - is unlikely to return to action until November, having
damaged knee ligaments. Whatever course of action we decide to take, Aaron
faces a period of rest, followed by treatment and rehabilitation," reported
Vandenbroucke via whufc.com. "He will be out for a period of between three
and four months."

Cresswell, who joined West Ham from Ipswich in the summer of 2014 has barely
missed a first team game since, having made 89 first team appearances for
the Hammers in the last two seasons.

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Brady confirms wrap installation dates
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

The Olympic Stadium wrap will be in place for the visit of Bournemouth on 21
August, it has been confirmed. Vice-chair Karren Brady tweeted this
afternoon in order to confirm that the material wrap will be installed ahead
of the Cherries' visit to the OS next month - West Ham's first home Premier
League fixture at the stadium. However the two giant video screens - a
last-minute alternative to the shelved full digital wrap that was rejected
at the planning stage - will not be erected until Sunderland visit E20 on 22
October, several months later than initially planned The finishing touches
to the stadium have been going ahead in recent days, with more claret and
blue-branded being installed in recent days. That includes the giant 'West
Ham' sign that will overlook the entrance to the island and other finsihng
touches that have been left until the last possible moment.

West Ham play their first game at their new home next week, on Thursday 4
August against Domzale in the Europa League. Juventus visit three days later
for United's final pre-season friendly before the Premier League kicks off a
week later.

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2015/16 in review: May
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of
KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo
newspaper throughout the campaign.

Today we look back at May in the final part of our season review...

1 May

Mark Noble might not be good enough to represent England at this summer's
European Championships, but he proved to be the difference as West Ham
United ran riot at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. Noble's chances of
representing his country in France this summer all but disappeared the
moment England's myopic manager, Roy Hodgson, scoffed at the prospect of
including the in-form 28-year-old in his squad. However that particular
disappointment hasn't prevented the midfielder from hitting the form of his
life; Noble added to his pair of penalties against Watford at the Boleyn
last weekend with a second brace in seven days against West Bromwich Albion,
taking his personal tally for the season to seven goals. Cheikou Kouyate
grabbed West Ham's other goal as they ran out 3-0 winners against Tony
Pulis' side, thereby maintaining United's slim hopes of qualifying for the
Champions League - although a far more realistic target is fifth spot, which
will require Slaven Bilic's squad finishing above Manchester United. Whilst
Saturday's success was just the latest in a long line of impressive wins on
the road this season (seven so far), it was also a record-breaking victory.
The three points took West Ham to 59 for the season, two more than the
club's previous record over the course of a 38-game league campaign (57,
recorded by Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad). It also extended the club's
unbeaten Premier League run to ten games - another record sequence since
those particular records began in 1992.

And with a goal difference of +17 going into the final three matches of
2015/16 the campaign, West Ham are also on course to record their first
positive GD in the Premier League era. In fact, you have to go all the way
back to the 'Boys of '86' to find the last West Ham team to end a season in
the top flight having scored more goals than they've conceded!

All of which bodes well for the forthcoming 2016/17 season, which West Ham
will begin at the Olympic Stadium later this year. Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady revealed this week that the club have already sold in excess of 50,000
season tickets for United's first season in Stratford, with thousands more
signed up to a waiting list.

That's an incredible achievement, given that it was initially feared West
Ham - whose existing stadium can hold just 35,000 - would be unable to fill
the 60,000-capacity venue on a regular basis. And there are even suggestions
that the current capacity - which has already been extended from an initial
54,000 - could be increased further to accommodate thousands more
spectators.

It's an exciting time for the club and it's fans, who can now begin to dream
of challenging the Premier League's elite for the first time in a generation
- or two!

8 May

West Ham United's supporters marked the final Saturday match at the Boleyn
Ground with a rousing and emotional chorus of 'Bubbles' ahead of the game.

However that was as good as it got for the 35,000 fans packed inside this
famous old ground, which closes for good next week, as the visitors breezed
to a surprising and most unexpected 4-1 win.

West Ham's first defeat at home in the Premier League since last August, it
was as comprehensive a win for the visitors as can be hoped for. 2-0 down at
the break West Ham were little better in the second 45, despite grabbing a
consolation goal, and got exactly what they deserved from the game -
absolutely nothing.

Slaven Bilic admitted during his post-match press conference that the team
carried "too many passengers". However the manager also bears some
responsibility having picked the wrong team for the occasion - where the
biggest problem was the selection, again, of Michail Antonio at right back.

A winger by trade, Antonio had a nightmare as the visitors attacked his side
of the field relentlessly - with great reward. Meanwhile James Tomkins, a
natural defender and someone with experience of playing on the right side of
defence, kicked his heels on the bench throughout.

Additionally, last season's leading goalscorer Diafra Sakho remained
alongside Tomkins until the hour mark - although he at least made some
impression when replacing loanee Victor Moses by contributing to West Ham's
only goal of the game on 68 minutes.

Whilst rumours of a fallout with Bilic have been strenuously denied by the
club, there is clearly something amiss with the once-prolific striker and it
would come as no shock were Sakho to move on to pastures new this summer.

That possibility probably won't concern Bilic or his employers unduly, for
they are committed to signing a big-name striker - or two - this summer to
herald the club's impending arrival at the Olympic Stadium.

However there is the small matter of a clash with Manchester United at the
Boleyn Ground before that happens - and Tuesday's night's match, which also
carries great significance in terms of Premier League placings, promises to
be a hugely sentimental affair.

For West Ham United FC's tenure of the Boleyn Ground ends after 112 years
this week, with the bulldozers set to move in later this summer. Many a tear
will be shed on Tuesday night as the fans fondly remember the years - and
the people - gone by.

It's almost 40 years to the day since my father first took me to the Boleyn
Ground for a Division One clash with Derby.

My team haven't won a great deal since then - but the move to Stratford will
at least offer West Ham United the opportunity to mix it up with the Premier
League's key players.

15 May

It was a hugely emotional night as West Ham United FC bade farewell to its
spiritual home, The Boleyn Ground, last Tuesday evening.

The club - plus several thousand misty-eyed fans - waved goodbye to E13
after 112 years with a star-studded show hosted by TV's Ben Shepherd and
Bianca Westwood, co-presenter of the KUMB.com Podcast.

And the team did their bit too, signing off with an unforgettable 3-2 win
against Manchester United, thus denying Louis Van Gaal's side a Champions
League berth and keeping alive the Irons' own hopes of qualifying for
Europe.

To do so, Slaven Bilic's side needed to equal or better Southampton's result
against FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace in their final fixture of the season
at Stoke on Sunday afternoon. And it all looked rosy at half time when the
Hammers led through Michail Antonio's ninth goal since joining the club for
£7million from Nottingham Forest.

However whilst much has changed at the Boleyn Ground this season, Bilic's
team upholds the long-held tradition of possessing the ability to
self-destruct - which, perhaps, is as key an ingredient of the much-vaunted
'West Ham way' as anything else.

Giannelli Imbula restored parity just ten minutes after the restart, much to
the annoyance of the manager who had seen his team waste a string of good
chances beforehand.

And with West Ham pushing forward in search of a winning goal, having
learned that Southampton were leading comfortable at St. Mary's, a Stoke
counter led to a corner that was nodded home by the less-than-prolific Mame
Biram Diouf, netting his fifth goal of a largely barren campaign.

Defeat meant the Hammers ended the season in seventh place; a position most
Hammers fans would have taken in August - but probably not since Christmas.
And whilst that means the club missed out on qualifying for the Europa
League automatically, there is still hope for continental football at the
Olympic Stadium next season.

For that to occur, The Irons simply need Manchester United to beat Crystal
Palace at Wembley in the FA Cup final next week. The Reds, having already
qualified for the Europa League will pass their spot down to the
seventh-placed team - i.e. West Ham - should they beat the Eagles.

And in a season when West Ham have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City,
Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool - three times - anything less
would seem a little unjust.

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Pearce backs Noble for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammer Stuart Pearce believes that Mark Noble could finally be set to
win his first England cap. Pearce, who represented West Ham between 1999 and
2001 was manager of the England Under 21s when Noble was part of a very
successful squad. And he believes the United skipper is a good bet for
selection following the u veiling of Sam Allardyce as the new England boss.
"If you are asking me to throw a name out that has got good international
experience and who has not been near a squad yet, then I would say Mark
Noble," Pearce told Sky Sports. "He knows him first hand from West Ham. And
he may be a touch better as an international midfielder, in regard to game
management and that sort of thing, than he is as a Premier League player.
"He has a vast amount of experience, he leads West Ham, he has been captain
for a number of years and as I say, he is a top kid that is desperate to
play for England. "So he may be one if Sam has seen something in him at West
Ham and the fact that Sam has worked with him on a daily basis might be a
plus for Mark."

Noble, now 29, has represented England at youth level from Under 16 through
to Under 21, but is yet to receive a single full international cap. He was
captain of the Under 21s who finished runners-up to Germany in the 2009
European Championships

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West Ham set to move for a new left-back after Aaron Cresswell is ruled out
for four months
20:40, 25 JUL 2016 UPDATED 20:40, 25 JUL 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
Cresswell suffered a serious knee injury in the Hammers' pre-season win over
Germans Karlsruher on Saturday
The M irror

West Ham are set to make a move for a new left-back after Aaron Cresswell
was ruled out for up to four months. Cresswell suffered a serious knee
injury in the Hammers' pre-season win over Germans Karlsruher on Saturday.
Scan results revealed the extent of the injury which will see the
26-year-old sidelined until the end of November. That could force boss
Slaven Bilic into the transfer market for cover. Cresswell will see a
specialist next week to see if he needs surgery on the injury.
The 26-year-old played 47 times for West Ham last season, scoring two goals

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