Noble - It's a competitive league - WHUFC Official Site
Mark Noble says the Hammers can lay down a marker ahead of what promises to be the most competitive of Premier League seasons when they travel to Chelsea on Monday evening.
With plenty of change in terms of personnel, both managerial and playing-wise at the teams chasing league glory – not to mention last year's top two Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur looking to mount challenges again – the level of intrigue has been ramped up to the max as the new season get underway.
The Hammers face one of those sides to change bosses, and with Antonio Conte in the dugout for the first time, Noble is looking forward to the challenge, both on Monday and all season long.
He said: "We've got seven or eight of the best ten or eleven managers in Europe in the Premier League now. We've got some of the best players too – Paul Pogba's just come here for £100m, Ibrahimovic, the players who Man City have signed and I'm pretty sure there'll be a lot more to come from the top clubs.
"Do I think this is going to be the toughest season I've played in? Probably yes. When people talk about the top teams, they talk about Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea. They don't even talk about Spurs, who are a top team.
"They were probably the toughest team we played last year. It's going to be a really tough league.
"We know we can compete with the big boys, we did that last year. We haven't got the same spending power or maybe as big a squad, but we have got a great bunch of lads who enjoy playing together.
"Of course it's important to get off to a good start and Chelsea will be saying the same thing, at home to West Ham. First game of the season, new manager, a lot of millions of pounds worth of new signings, and a lot of new hope at Chelsea.
"To be honest I'm looking forward to it, getting the pre-season games out of the way and getting back down to business with proper football matches."
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Joe Cole in America Update
by Brian Knox on 9 August 2016 at 10:25pm
Joe Cole: This Week
By @WestHamAmerican
For those of you wondering "Where is Joe Cole?" he has taken is scoring skills to the sunny coast of Florida in the United States. The 34-year old former England midfielder currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a club in the second tier of American soccer. The Rowdies were formed in 2008 and currently play in the same league as recent West Ham opponents Carolina Railhawks.
Cole signed with Tampa Bay in May of 2016 and immediately brought his pace and attacking style to the US gulf coast.
Most recently Tampa Bay hosted fellow Florida club, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, on Saturday evening. After a scoreless first half, the second half broke open when Cole's cross found Keith Savage in the box to take a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute of play.
Moments later, Cole added to the score sheet when he took a cross from his own forward, Georgi Hristov, on a counterattack and scored a goal of his own. It would be Joe Cole's 4th goal of his short time with the Rowdies. He also has 4 assists in only ten appearances. Tampa Bay took the win 2-1 despite a late goal from striker Jose Angulo.
Having an experienced professional on the pitch, surrounded by a team of young American footballers must be an asset for this ambitious club. Cole brings an 82.2% passing accuracy through the first ten matches of his career. Tampa Bay currently sits 6th in the table of 12. Their next fixture is against the New York Cosmos on Saturday.
From time to time, The West Ham Way will update you on Cole's time on the Florida Gulf Coast.
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West Ham want to finalise deal to sign Carlos Bacca for £20m as AC Milan striker looks to double his wages
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
Published: 00:52 GMT, 9 August 2016 | Updated: 12:32 GMT, 9 August 2016
West Ham are looking to get a £20m deal for Carlos Bacca done too following the arrival of Andre Ayew and Arthur Masuaku.
Bacca currently earns £60,000 at AC Milan and is in talks with the club over doubling his wages to £120,000 per week if he is to sign for them.
If he was to complete a move to the Olympic Stadium and have his demands met, it would put him alongside Dimitri Payet as West Ham's best paid player.
Carlos Bacca is demanding £120,000 per week if he is to join West Ham this summer
Andre Ayew left Swansea after one season to join West Ham for £20.5m - a club record
Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie was offered to West Ham, but they turned down the chance to have the Fenerbahce forward.
A club record fee of £20.5m saw Ghana forward Ayew leave Swansea and become the Hammers' ninth summer signing, eclipsing the £15m paid to Liverpool to buy Andy Carroll in 2013.
French left-back Masuaku joins on a four-year contract after completing his move from Olympiakos, where he played more than a 100 times for the Greek club.
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West Ham new boy Andre Ayew vows to make Dimitri Payet even better
16:58, 9 Aug 2016
Updated 17:08, 9 Aug 2016
By Adrian Kajumba
The striker joined the Hammers for £20.5m from Swansea and can't wait to link up again with his former Marseille teammate Payet
Andre Ayew reckons he can help Dimitri Payet get even better following his club record move to West Ham.
The striker joined the Hammers for £20.5m from Swansea and can't wait to link up again with his former Marseille teammate Payet.
Playmaker Payet made a £10.7m move to West Ham from the French club last season and enjoyed a stunning debut campaign in England.
Ayew said: "I know what he did last season and he can do even more, so now I'm back with him we're going to work together with the whole team and do everything possible to make things right.
Jan Kruger/Getty Player of the Year nominee Dimitri Payet
Player of the Year Dimitri Payet can get even better reckons Ayew
West Ham United via Getty West Ham United Unveil New Signing Andre Ayew
Ayew at the Olympic Stadium
"He's a friend of mine as we played two or three years together at Marseille.
"I know him and he knows me and I'm happy to be back playing with a great player like him, because I know what he is capable of doing.
"You have Dimitri, Sofiane Feghouli, Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll – the club is getting to another level and these are the players you need to get here.
"Hopefully we can keep the unity to make things work."
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Ayew - I can't wait to play here! - WHUFC Official Site
Andre Ayew told West Ham TV there were plenty of reasons behind his decision to become a Hammer.
The Ghana star became the Club's record signing when he completed a £20.5m move from Swansea City on Monday evening.
And in his first interview at London Stadium, the new No20 told of his respect for the Club, its big ambitions, manager Slaven Bilic, his former Marseille and now West Ham teammate Dimitri Payet and the strong squad being build to challenge on all fronts.
Andre Ayew, welcome to West Ham United! What's your initial reaction to becoming a Hammer?
"First of all, thanks a lot because I'm very proud and happy to be in this magnificent Club. It was long, but now it's done and I'm happy to be here and happy to play in this popular club with a lot of fans and I hope I can make everyone happy here.
"When I got to England, I could have come to West Ham last season too, but what is meant to happen happens every time because I am here now!
"I think it's the ambition of the Club, the great manager that the Club has and the thought of becoming a better Club every year. I can see West Ham has been growing for the past few years – the Stadium, the training ground, we can feel the Club is getting to another dimension and I want to be part of this project."
You have signed for a Club-record fee, so how does that feel?
"What is important is the field. I need to do my job, train hard and be ready to prove that I deserve to play for West Ham – that's what's important.
"The fee is talks between the clubs, not me. My issue is to make sure I give back the coach and the fans the confidence they have given to me and make the West Ham fans proud."
Here we are at our stunning new London Stadium. Did this magnificent arena play a part in your decision to join us?
"Honestly, I can't wait to play here and I hope it's soon! It's a great Stadium with great fans who we heard at the last two games in the Europa League and versus Juventus – it sounded fantastic.
"Hopefully we can keep playing well and getting results so there will be more and more people and joy in the stands."
Do you sense West Ham is a Club moving to the next level on and off the pitch?
"It's not by talking, but by proving it on the pitch and that's what is important and why we're going to work and concentrate very hard.
"With the season we had last season, everyone knows West Ham is a Club which is going to compete and we need to be ready for that.
"It's going to be a difficult season but we need to be ready physically and mentally to get the right performances and results to let the Stadium and everyone all go with it."
"He was a very big part of me joining the Club. He is a manager who has wanted me for the past few years and today I'm lucky to play under him.
"Hopefully I'll be able to satisfy him, because his words when I spoke to him were very important to me and made me think we have a lot of work to do to get where we want to get to. I'm very happy he has confidence in me and I want to give it back to him."
And of course your arrival also means a reunion with your old Marseille teammate Dimitri Payet!
"He's a friend of mine as we played two or three years together at Marseille. I know him and he knows me and I'm happy to be back playing with a great player like him, because I know what he is capable of doing.
"I know what he did last season and he can do even more, so now I'm back with him we're going to work together with the whole team and do everything possible to make things right.
"You have Dimitri, Sofiane, Antonio, Andy Carroll – the Club is getting to another level and these are the players you need to get here. Hopefully we can keep the unity to make things work.
"We can do all the signings and say what we want, but what's important is to prove it on the field and do everything we can do get the results on the pitch."
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West Ham to offer star attacker £4.3m per year - Forever West Ham
Date: 11th August 2016 at 6:30am
Written by: Gareth McKnight
West Ham United have entered the race to sign Napoli contract rebel Lorenzo Insigne and are willing to boost his wages in an attempt to lure him to the London Stadium, Il Mattino report.
The Italy international is a product of the youth system at the San Paolo club and a fans favourite after showcasing real skill and ability over a number of years in the first team.
However, Insigne is said to be stalling on signing a new contract in Naples, with his agent being vocal that the wages on offer from Maurizio Sarri's men were not enough for him to put pen to paper.
Napoli are desperate to keep a hold of the diminutive attacking midfielder but may well be tempted to sell him should the star refuse to extend his terms with the Serie A side.
The report suggests that West Ham would offer Insigne basic wages of around €5 million (£4.3 million) per year – which the Italian club would not match.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 11
Wednesday, August 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th August
Sorry for the delay.....
Hammers launch Premier League season -WHUFC Official Site
* Slaven Bilic, Mark Noble and Foundation representatives helped launch the new 16/17 Premier League season
* West Ham United were one of only four teams to be invited to the launch
* The Hammers start their league campaign away at Chelsea on Monday 15 August before hosting AFC Bournemouth the following Sunday
Slaven Bilic, Mark Noble and representatives from the West Ham United Foundation were on hand early on Wednesday to mark the official launch of the new 2016/17 Premier League season.
Following the successful opening of the Club's fantastic new home last week, both Bilic and Noble were in good spirits as they prepare for the new campaign.
Starting with a mouth-watering London derby away at rivals Chelsea on Monday, the Hammers will then host AFC Bournemouth the following Sunday, in the very first Premier League fixture at London Stadium.
Looking ahead to the start of the new Premier League campaign, Bilic said: "We know it's a long season, so we want to start good. We've had a good pre-season, now we have five big games between now and the first international break.
"We are confident, we have some very good new players and we are definitely ready for the start of the new season."
Club captain Mark Noble was equally as excited, looking ahead to the season opener at Stamford Bridge, he said: "We've got three games coming up in a week, but at the moment the Chelsea game is the only one I'm thinking about.
"It's a great game for our fans, against our rivals, under the lights. It'll be tough, they've got some great players and a new manager. But saying that, we're confident, we've got a good squad and we've bonded well. It should be a great game, I can't wait really."
The launch event at Market Road, Islington was also a fantastic occasion for West Ham United Foundation youngsters to showcase their skills, with the added incentive of playing in front of the first team manager and club captain.
Having been invited to the launch as one of only four Premier League clubs, the Hammers were in good company alongside Leicester City's Claudio Ranieri and Wes Morgan, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Jack Wilshere as well as Premier League new-boys Sean Dyche and Tom Heaton.
The tournament, a fitting curtain-raiser for what is expected to be one of the most thrilling seasons to date, was made up of participants from the four club's Foundations.
Each team was represented by a Premier League Kicks and School Sport side, which had the chance to showcase the incredible work that takes place in the community via football clubs and Premier League funding.
Skipper Noble watched on as West Ham's Premier League Kicks team beat both Arsenal and Leicester 3-0, before winning 4-1 against Premier League new boys Burnley.
Noble was not just a spectator though; the Canning Town born captain rallied the young Irons with an inspiring pre-match talk before taking part in a Q&A with the School Sport team.
The day, however, was less about winning football matches and more about celebrating the great work carried out by community schemes. Foundation participants flittered between football and multi-sports, testing themselves in handball and athletics, demonstrating the diverse programmes on offer from the Premier League.
Speaking after a successful morning's work, Foundation Development Officer George Chukwuma, who coincidentally went to the same primary school as Noble, beamed: "It's great to be able to showcase what our Foundation is all about, and to celebrate the good work Foundations do across the country.
"The support and funding the Premier League give us is massive. To be part of the official launch of the new Premier League season is very special. We're delighted to be part of today's launch, and delighted with how well we did because a lot of hard work has gone into it!"
To find out more about how to get involved in our Premier League funded projects, contact WHU Foundation Community Manager Shamajul Motin at smotin@westhamunited.co.uk
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/10-August/Hammers-help-launch-new-Premier-League-season-(1)#2yyT65EBDzrw0ZhM.99
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West Ham United: Left-back Lewis Page joins Coventry City on five-month loan - BBC
Coventry City have signed defender Lewis Page on loan from Premier League side West Ham United.
The 20-year-old left-back, who had two months on loan at Cambridge United last season, has signed to remain with the Sky Blues until 12 January, 2017.
Page is eligible to make his debut in Tuesday's EFL Cup first-round tie at home to Portsmouth.
The West Ham Academy player made his first-team debut for the Hammers in July 2015 in the Europa League.
"We have bought him in to create competition in the left-back area," Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, "with Chris Stokes likely to be out with injury for longer than expected."
Stokes missed the final two months of last season after being stretchered off with a knee injury in City's 1-0 win at Blackpool.
City began their fifth consecutive season in League One on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at Swindon.
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Hey dude, where's my seat? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
A perplexed season ticket holder was looking forward to taking in his first game at the Olympic Stadium - when he discovered the seat he had been sold doesn't exist.
KUMB member anglianhammer revealed how he turned up for last Thursday's Europa League clash with NK Domzale, only to find that there was no trace whatsoever of the seat which he thought he'd purchased!
"I chose my seat at the Reservation Centre back in March," he said. "However I discovered on Thursday that I'd been sold a seat that doesn't exist as row 62 ends at seat 334 - and I'd been sold seat 335!
"A very helpful steward was as perplexed as I was, searching adjacent rows and blocks but to no avail. In the end I sat in glorious isolation on a row of four seats within the area of the Press Block.
"Needless to say I emailed the club's Ticket Office and sent some 'Founders' Feedback' on Friday morning and am awaiting their response. It'll be interesting to see what seat my access card shows!"
Despite having paid for a seat that doesn't actually exist, anglianhammer admitted that he has an enjoyable night otherwise.
"I had an excellent view and, despite the confusion, a very enjoyable evening<" he added. "I'm anticipating a great season at the Olympic Stadium - especially when I get the seat that I've paid for!"
* Want to share your experiences of the OS so far? Visit the KUMB Forum's OS Questions & Answers thread.
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New Hammers enjoy first session - WHUFC Official Site
The Hammers' latest signings Andre Ayew and Arthur Masuaku took part in their first training session with the Club on Tuesday at Rush Green.
The pair, who had joined from Swansea City and Olympiacos respectively the previous day, met up with their new teammates, including French star Dimitri Payet who was himself returning to the Hammers' base after an extended holiday.
Payet, along with Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins, has just returned to east London after a UEFA Euro 2016 campaign and teamed up with former Marseille colleague Ayew.
The duo will be looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad when they return on Wednesday.
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/New-Hammers-enjoy-first-session
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We All Follow The West Ham! - WHUFC Official Site
Season Ticket Holder and Team GB hockey star Susannah Townsend has begun her quest for Olympic Gold in Rio...
As a West Ham supporter, although I loved watching the team as a youngster, I grew up myself playing a lot of individual sports.
I played a lot of tennis while I was growing up. When I went to secondary school I started playing team sports and a lot of hockey, and the idea of playing team sports with my mates was the biggest drive and what inspired me to play hockey.
For me, like many athletes, I've enjoyed many ups and many downs. I've played Under-16s to 21s for England but during each of those years, there were points when I didn't get selected. For example, in the Junior Olympics, I didn't get selected, and the same with the London Olympics.
My aim originally was to play in London 2012, but looking back it wasn't really the right time for me. I always place a lot of pride in my attacking side as a hockey player, but I didn't put the ground work in to become good defensively as well, so that ultimately probably cost me going to London. All of my time was spent thinking how I can be this attacking player, when I should have thought about defending too!
Tactics
In the last four or five years, I have realised I can be one of the best attackers in the world, but I also have had to nail my defending and have understood that I can't just go out there and play.
I need to know the tactics and know all aspects of my game. That's how my career has gone; there have been lots of ups and downs, although since London, there haven't really been any downs, which is nice. It's been a steady incline into actually being selected for Team GB.
As a role model, I can definitely take being a bit of a Mark Noble!
In interviews, when people ask me who my role model is, most female athletes – especially who are going to perform at the Olympics – say someone like Kelly Holmes, but I always say Paolo Di Canio. I always have to explain it; that he's a bit of a naughty boy!
Some people didn't have a lot of faith in him before he joined and thought he was a bit of a risk, and then Harry Redknapp took the risk and Paolo proved everybody wrong to become a West Ham hero. It's the ultimate story so I always looked up to Paolo.
Of course, though, Mark Noble is someone else I consider a role model, although he probably makes a few more tackles than me!
For hockey players, the pinnacle of our sport is actually playing at the Olympics.
In London, we won the Bronze medal. We're a National Lottery funded sport, but we are also a podium-funded sport, which means we are expected to go and win medals.
We want to always be better at this Olympics in Rio, and our aim is to actually go and win the Gold medal.
Of course every team will say that, but for us, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride more than than other sides.
We messed up the World Cup, which is a major, major event, but since, we've done a lot of almost soul-searching during that stage in which we didn't do very well. That's given us the motivation and inspiration to perform well at this Olympics
It's obviously now set us up quite nicely to actually go into these next weeks and I do certainly believe we can actually win a Gold medal.
Obviously it would be nice to have every West Ham fan cheering me on this summer, as lots of other Hammers have previously won medals at the Olympics; Mark Hunter has two medals, Chris Akabusi has a couple himself, Christine Ohuruogo is also a local girl, and Sally Gunnell as well.
For me, the Olympics is obviously very different to any other event because it's on such a big scale. It's given us every single inspiration possible to make sure we're ready when we get there.
A lot of other teams in the tournament are almost rushing to make sure they're prepared, but for us it is more a case of fine-tuning and changing a few details to prepare which is quite nice.
On one of my rest days, the new Stadium Store at the Club's new home had just opened, and my Dad – Mark – came over to buy me lunch.
We had a walk over to the Store and it brought back memories of my childhood, going to West Ham. We always forgot about all those arguments in my teenage years when we were sitting together in the Bobby Moore Stand. It was obviously a sad day leaving Upton Park, but we have moved into the new Stadium where some amazing things have happened.
For me personally, despite not going to the Olympics, it's an incredible place and it will be incredible to watch football there. For fans, they will definitely enjoy that walk towards the Stadium, looking up at the West Ham United sign and the ground. It's pretty spectacular. When you think of all the history that has happened during the Olympics, all the medals which have been won, it's incredible to play football here.
For me, you have to love what you do, and ultimately I get to turn up to training every day and be with my mates. Obviously sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's tough, but we get through it. I think that kind of thing showed with West Ham last season; everyone was having a good time. It's such a cliché to say people play well when they're having fun, but that was true last season and the team believed in their tactics.
I think you can tell by the way that Slaven Bilic's team plays. Everyone is enjoying themselves out there at the moment. I think with the squad that we have, going into the new Stadium can definitely propel West Ham a lot further. I think if we continue to play our attacking football, it's so exciting to watch.
I can't believe Dimitri Payet, when he signed last season, was so undiscovered. You can tell that he loves football, he loves playing and he loves being there, and it's enough for the fans to love him instantly. He plays with his heart and he's a bit like Carlos Tevez – the fans have just adopted him.
He plays with passion, though every West Ham player does, because it's that type of club. Other clubs don't have that I don't think, and it's so special that West Ham has that kind of feel about it.
I was looking around at the Boleyn Ground at the last game and you have fathers, daughters, older people by themselves, families; you see the whole family feel about it. I think that's why it's so important that we have players that genuinely love playing for the Club and love being out there on the pitch in front of those fans. It's that extra bit of passion that everyone loves, and players like Payet have that.
For example for me, when I was younger, I left my hockey club for a season for another club in England, and when there was a game that we lost or didn't play well in, of course I was gutted and disappointed but it wasn't that same feeling. I re-joined my old club at Christmas because sometimes you just get that feeling when you love a club. That's definitely the feeling with every single West Ham United player in my opinion. I hope that I can carry that same feeling into the Olympics with me for Great Britain.
I am gutted to be missing the start of the season due to being in Brazil, but my Dad and I have two Season Tickets so we will enjoy a lot of the games here this season. He persuaded me when I was younger to support West Ham and it's still our thing and something we do together. It keeps our relationship quite strong.
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/We-All-Follow-The-West-Ham!
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Joint-Chairman - Ayew is a great player - WHUFC Official Site
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is thrilled to have secured the Club record signing of Andre Ayew from Swansea and feels he will be a great addition to the squad.
Ayew completed his £20.5million move from Swansea City on Monday and cannot wait to play his first game at the new Stadium.
The Ghana international joined the Club on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, and can operate anywhere along the frontline.
Mr Sullivan believes his versatility will be crucial for Slaven Bilic as the team prepare for a number of games in both domestic and European competition.
Mr Sullivan said: "Andre is a great player. He was Swansea's leading goalscorer last season.
"He can play all four positions across the frontline and last season when he played as a striker he scored six goals in eight games.
"We have been negotiating with Swansea for over three weeks and are delighted to have secured his signature."
On a busy day of transfer activity for the Hammers, Mr Sullivan was also pleased to see the arrival of talented full-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos for £6.2million.
Mr Sullivan added: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Masuaku and our scouts say he's a top player with Champions League experience."
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/Joint-Chairman-Ayew-is-a-great-player
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Ayew - I can't wait to play here!- WHUFC Official Site
Andre Ayew told West Ham TV there were plenty of reasons behind his decision to become a Hammer.
The Ghana star became the Club's record signing when he completed a £20.5m move from Swansea City on Monday evening.
And in his first interview at London Stadium, the new No20 told of his respect for the Club, its big ambitions, manager Slaven Bilic, his former Marseille and now West Ham teammate Dimitri Payet and the strong squad being build to challenge on all fronts.
Andre Ayew, welcome to West Ham United! What's your initial reaction to becoming a Hammer?
"First of all, thanks a lot because I'm very proud and happy to be in this magnificent Club. It was long, but now it's done and I'm happy to be here and happy to play in this popular club with a lot of fans and I hope I can make everyone happy here.
"When I got to England, I could have come to West Ham last season too, but what is meant to happen happens every time because I am here now!
"I think it's the ambition of the Club, the great manager that the Club has and the thought of becoming a better Club every year. I can see West Ham has been growing for the past few years – the Stadium, the training ground, we can feel the Club is getting to another dimension and I want to be part of this project."
You have signed for a Club-record fee, so how does that feel?
"What is important is the field. I need to do my job, train hard and be ready to prove that I deserve to play for West Ham – that's what's important.
"The fee is talks between the clubs, not me. My issue is to make sure I give back the coach and the fans the confidence they have given to me and make the West Ham fans proud."
Here we are at our stunning new London Stadium. Did this magnificent arena play a part in your decision to join us?
"Honestly, I can't wait to play here and I hope it's soon! It's a great Stadium with great fans who we heard at the last two games in the Europa League and versus Juventus – it sounded fantastic.
"Hopefully we can keep playing well and getting results so there will be more and more people and joy in the stands."
Do you sense West Ham is a Club moving to the next level on and off the pitch?
"It's not by talking, but by proving it on the pitch and that's what is important and why we're going to work and concentrate very hard.
"With the season we had last season, everyone knows West Ham is a Club which is going to compete and we need to be ready for that.
"It's going to be a difficult season but we need to be ready physically and mentally to get the right performances and results to let the Stadium and everyone all go with it."
How big a role did manager Slaven Bilic play in bringing you to east London?
"He was a very big part of me joining the Club. He is a manager who has wanted me for the past few years and today I'm lucky to play under him.
"Hopefully I'll be able to satisfy him, because his words when I spoke to him were very important to me and made me think we have a lot of work to do to get where we want to get to. I'm very happy he has confidence in me and I want to give it back to him."
And of course your arrival also means a reunion with your old Marseille teammate Dimitri Payet!
"He's a friend of mine as we played two or three years together at Marseille. I know him and he knows me and I'm happy to be back playing with a great player like him, because I know what he is capable of doing.
"I know what he did last season and he can do even more, so now I'm back with him we're going to work together with the whole team and do everything possible to make things right.
"You have Dimitri, Sofiane, Antonio, Andy Carroll – the Club is getting to another level and these are the players you need to get here. Hopefully we can keep the unity to make things work.
"We can do all the signings and say what we want, but what's important is to prove it on the field and do everything we can do get the results on the pitch."
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/Ayew-I-can
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham captain Mark Noble has real chance to stake England claim
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 10/08/16 11:21am
Slaven Bilic believes Mark Noble has a chance to break into the England set-up this season as West Ham prepare for life in their new stadium.
The 29-year-old was overlooked by Roy Hodgson for England's ill-fated Euro 2016 campaign but with Sam Allardyce now in charge of the national set-up, Bilic says the West Ham captain can take the final step onto the international stage.
Noble won 20 caps at U21 level and captained the side at the 2009 European Championship finals but has yet to be recognised by the senior side.
Bilic said: "He's got everything, he's at the best age and he's captain of the club. He had a terrific season with many people - not only me - thinking he deserved to be in the squad; I didn't see many midfield players have a season like he did last year.
"He has a manger now in Sam Allardyce who knows how good and useful he can be, not only on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.
"But I have told all the players - like Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll - that they have all have a chance but they will not get in the England team because they had a good season last year; there is no yesterday in football. They have to play consistently well for West Ham or they are not going to play for England."
Bilic says his squad have developed a winning mentality - and believes that having retained Dimitri Payet, they can improve on last season's seventh-place finish in their new stadium.
He said: "It is a very dangerous one, it is the first season with a new stadium. We have to adjust. The atmosphere, we can't compare it with Upton Park but it is good.
"I was a little concerned about it because I know I played and I coached in this type of stadium, you have many of them in Europe like that and sometimes the atmosphere is not ideal but we have played two games there and you can feel the crowd.
"They are not as close as at Upton Park but you can feel them and the stadium will be packed. We are going to try to keep the spectators there with our performances. We are expecting big things.
"It won't come overnight. The new stadium, the new training ground and new goals - we have to continue to work hard to earn it.
"In keeping Dimitri Payet we have shown the club is serious and trying to get to another level, as much or even more than with the new stadium.
"West Ham was always labelled as a club that has to sell its best players, be it Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand or whoever. But we have kept Dimi, and we have shown to everyone that the club is thinking seriously."
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Club president confirms bid for Rachid Ghezzal from West Ham United
Fri 5 Aug
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed West Ham United's bid for Rachid Ghezzal.
Speaking to L'Equipe (via ESPN), Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has explained that West Ham United have placed a bid to sign Richard Ghezzal.
Ghezzal was one of the most exciting attackers in Europe last season and his eight goals as well as eight assists went a long way in helping Lyon qualify for the Champions League.
Given Ghezzal's fine form, it has been no surprise to see a host of top clubs courting the services of the 24-year-old this summer and recently Premier League side West Ham have allegedly placed a bid of around £6.8 million for the winger (London Evening Standard).
Ghezzal has entered the final year of his contract at Lyon and despite West Ham's relatively low offer, it seemed like the London side would be able to sign the Algerian international.
Now Lyon president Aulas has confirmed that West Ham have indeed placed a bid for Ghezzal but has insisted that the player does not want to leave the Parc Olympique Lyonnais and that the club are looking to tie him down to a new contract.
"He wants me to talk with his advisors and so I'm going to call them this week to try to break the deadlock," Aulas told L'Equipe.
"I like Rachid a lot. It would be really good if we might be able to reach an agreement. We have received offers for him, including the one from West Ham.
"I know that Rachid doesn't want to leave Lyon so we have to find an agreement so as not to remain in a situation that's not good for either of the two parties involved."
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic tips Andre Ayew to become an instant hit at the club
Published on: 10 August 2016
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic expects new boy Andre Ayew to be an instant hit at the club.
Ayew, 26, completed a club record transfer switch to the Hammers on Monday from West Ham United.
The big-money move has placed massive responsibilities on his shoulders ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.
And West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has tipped the Ghanaian super star to hit the ground running.
"Yes [I expect Ayew to make an instant impact], I mean a lot of players make it straight away, and some need a little bit of time to adjust," Bilic said at the official Premier League launch event in north London on Wednesday.
"His first big advantage is that he played in a big, big club like Olympique Marseille, he's an international and is captain of Ghana and is at his best stage.
"He's already spent one year in the Premier League so it's nothing new for him.
"Sometimes wingers, strikers or offensive midfielders need a bit of time, while centre-backs are centre backs and are just doing their job and don't depend on the team that much.
"The players are good in that they really make new players feel at home after a few days, so I'm sure we can expect some good football from the newcomers straightaway."
The second son of Ghana netted 12 times for the Swans in 34 appearances last term.
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West Ham make €50m bid for Alexandre Lacazette-readwestham.com
According to reports in France, West Ham have failed in their latest attempt to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Lyon recently rejected a bid of around £29million from Arsenal and they've been true to their word about wanting to keep him once again by turning down West Ham's latest offer.
Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph, thinks that Lyon would sell Lacazette for around £60million, but the player is only interested in moving to a side which is playing in the Champions League.
Whilst it will be great for West Ham fans to see that their club are actively trying to sign one of Europe's hottest strikers, they might feel that they'd rather see them targeting players who are likely to make a move to the Olympic Stadium, rather than making hopeful bids for players who have made it clear that they want to be playing in Europe's biggest club competition.
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West Ham Trying To Sign Real Madrid Starlet
10th August 2016 by Jamie Smith
Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard could be coming to the Premier League, with West Ham United trying to tie up a loan deal for the wonderkid.
According to a report by Spanish newspaper AS, Odegaard's future could be wrapped up in the coming days as Madrid want a move to be completed ahead of their transfer ban beginning.
The 17-year-old, who is also a target for Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg, have appealed against the ban with a ruling expected to be confirmed by the end of the week.
If the ban is upheld Real Madrid will be unable to register outgoing or incoming players, meaning Odegaard would be stuck at the club for 12 months even though he does not feature in Zinedine Zidane's plans.
Zidane left the talented teenager out of his squad for the Super Cup win against fellow La Liga side Sevilla this week, with West Ham keen to take Odegaard on a season-long loan deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Hammers launch Premier League season -WHUFC Official Site
* Slaven Bilic, Mark Noble and Foundation representatives helped launch the new 16/17 Premier League season
* West Ham United were one of only four teams to be invited to the launch
* The Hammers start their league campaign away at Chelsea on Monday 15 August before hosting AFC Bournemouth the following Sunday
Slaven Bilic, Mark Noble and representatives from the West Ham United Foundation were on hand early on Wednesday to mark the official launch of the new 2016/17 Premier League season.
Following the successful opening of the Club's fantastic new home last week, both Bilic and Noble were in good spirits as they prepare for the new campaign.
Starting with a mouth-watering London derby away at rivals Chelsea on Monday, the Hammers will then host AFC Bournemouth the following Sunday, in the very first Premier League fixture at London Stadium.
Looking ahead to the start of the new Premier League campaign, Bilic said: "We know it's a long season, so we want to start good. We've had a good pre-season, now we have five big games between now and the first international break.
"We are confident, we have some very good new players and we are definitely ready for the start of the new season."
Club captain Mark Noble was equally as excited, looking ahead to the season opener at Stamford Bridge, he said: "We've got three games coming up in a week, but at the moment the Chelsea game is the only one I'm thinking about.
"It's a great game for our fans, against our rivals, under the lights. It'll be tough, they've got some great players and a new manager. But saying that, we're confident, we've got a good squad and we've bonded well. It should be a great game, I can't wait really."
The launch event at Market Road, Islington was also a fantastic occasion for West Ham United Foundation youngsters to showcase their skills, with the added incentive of playing in front of the first team manager and club captain.
Having been invited to the launch as one of only four Premier League clubs, the Hammers were in good company alongside Leicester City's Claudio Ranieri and Wes Morgan, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Jack Wilshere as well as Premier League new-boys Sean Dyche and Tom Heaton.
The tournament, a fitting curtain-raiser for what is expected to be one of the most thrilling seasons to date, was made up of participants from the four club's Foundations.
Each team was represented by a Premier League Kicks and School Sport side, which had the chance to showcase the incredible work that takes place in the community via football clubs and Premier League funding.
Skipper Noble watched on as West Ham's Premier League Kicks team beat both Arsenal and Leicester 3-0, before winning 4-1 against Premier League new boys Burnley.
Noble was not just a spectator though; the Canning Town born captain rallied the young Irons with an inspiring pre-match talk before taking part in a Q&A with the School Sport team.
The day, however, was less about winning football matches and more about celebrating the great work carried out by community schemes. Foundation participants flittered between football and multi-sports, testing themselves in handball and athletics, demonstrating the diverse programmes on offer from the Premier League.
Speaking after a successful morning's work, Foundation Development Officer George Chukwuma, who coincidentally went to the same primary school as Noble, beamed: "It's great to be able to showcase what our Foundation is all about, and to celebrate the good work Foundations do across the country.
"The support and funding the Premier League give us is massive. To be part of the official launch of the new Premier League season is very special. We're delighted to be part of today's launch, and delighted with how well we did because a lot of hard work has gone into it!"
To find out more about how to get involved in our Premier League funded projects, contact WHU Foundation Community Manager Shamajul Motin at smotin@westhamunited.co.uk
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/10-August/Hammers-help-launch-new-Premier-League-season-(1)#2yyT65EBDzrw0ZhM.99
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West Ham United: Left-back Lewis Page joins Coventry City on five-month loan - BBC
Coventry City have signed defender Lewis Page on loan from Premier League side West Ham United.
The 20-year-old left-back, who had two months on loan at Cambridge United last season, has signed to remain with the Sky Blues until 12 January, 2017.
Page is eligible to make his debut in Tuesday's EFL Cup first-round tie at home to Portsmouth.
The West Ham Academy player made his first-team debut for the Hammers in July 2015 in the Europa League.
"We have bought him in to create competition in the left-back area," Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, "with Chris Stokes likely to be out with injury for longer than expected."
Stokes missed the final two months of last season after being stretchered off with a knee injury in City's 1-0 win at Blackpool.
City began their fifth consecutive season in League One on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at Swindon.
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Hey dude, where's my seat? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 9th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
A perplexed season ticket holder was looking forward to taking in his first game at the Olympic Stadium - when he discovered the seat he had been sold doesn't exist.
KUMB member anglianhammer revealed how he turned up for last Thursday's Europa League clash with NK Domzale, only to find that there was no trace whatsoever of the seat which he thought he'd purchased!
"I chose my seat at the Reservation Centre back in March," he said. "However I discovered on Thursday that I'd been sold a seat that doesn't exist as row 62 ends at seat 334 - and I'd been sold seat 335!
"A very helpful steward was as perplexed as I was, searching adjacent rows and blocks but to no avail. In the end I sat in glorious isolation on a row of four seats within the area of the Press Block.
"Needless to say I emailed the club's Ticket Office and sent some 'Founders' Feedback' on Friday morning and am awaiting their response. It'll be interesting to see what seat my access card shows!"
Despite having paid for a seat that doesn't actually exist, anglianhammer admitted that he has an enjoyable night otherwise.
"I had an excellent view and, despite the confusion, a very enjoyable evening<" he added. "I'm anticipating a great season at the Olympic Stadium - especially when I get the seat that I've paid for!"
* Want to share your experiences of the OS so far? Visit the KUMB Forum's OS Questions & Answers thread.
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New Hammers enjoy first session - WHUFC Official Site
The Hammers' latest signings Andre Ayew and Arthur Masuaku took part in their first training session with the Club on Tuesday at Rush Green.
The pair, who had joined from Swansea City and Olympiacos respectively the previous day, met up with their new teammates, including French star Dimitri Payet who was himself returning to the Hammers' base after an extended holiday.
Payet, along with Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins, has just returned to east London after a UEFA Euro 2016 campaign and teamed up with former Marseille colleague Ayew.
The duo will be looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad when they return on Wednesday.
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/New-Hammers-enjoy-first-session
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We All Follow The West Ham! - WHUFC Official Site
Season Ticket Holder and Team GB hockey star Susannah Townsend has begun her quest for Olympic Gold in Rio...
As a West Ham supporter, although I loved watching the team as a youngster, I grew up myself playing a lot of individual sports.
I played a lot of tennis while I was growing up. When I went to secondary school I started playing team sports and a lot of hockey, and the idea of playing team sports with my mates was the biggest drive and what inspired me to play hockey.
For me, like many athletes, I've enjoyed many ups and many downs. I've played Under-16s to 21s for England but during each of those years, there were points when I didn't get selected. For example, in the Junior Olympics, I didn't get selected, and the same with the London Olympics.
My aim originally was to play in London 2012, but looking back it wasn't really the right time for me. I always place a lot of pride in my attacking side as a hockey player, but I didn't put the ground work in to become good defensively as well, so that ultimately probably cost me going to London. All of my time was spent thinking how I can be this attacking player, when I should have thought about defending too!
Tactics
In the last four or five years, I have realised I can be one of the best attackers in the world, but I also have had to nail my defending and have understood that I can't just go out there and play.
I need to know the tactics and know all aspects of my game. That's how my career has gone; there have been lots of ups and downs, although since London, there haven't really been any downs, which is nice. It's been a steady incline into actually being selected for Team GB.
As a role model, I can definitely take being a bit of a Mark Noble!
In interviews, when people ask me who my role model is, most female athletes – especially who are going to perform at the Olympics – say someone like Kelly Holmes, but I always say Paolo Di Canio. I always have to explain it; that he's a bit of a naughty boy!
Some people didn't have a lot of faith in him before he joined and thought he was a bit of a risk, and then Harry Redknapp took the risk and Paolo proved everybody wrong to become a West Ham hero. It's the ultimate story so I always looked up to Paolo.
Of course, though, Mark Noble is someone else I consider a role model, although he probably makes a few more tackles than me!
For hockey players, the pinnacle of our sport is actually playing at the Olympics.
In London, we won the Bronze medal. We're a National Lottery funded sport, but we are also a podium-funded sport, which means we are expected to go and win medals.
We want to always be better at this Olympics in Rio, and our aim is to actually go and win the Gold medal.
Of course every team will say that, but for us, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride more than than other sides.
We messed up the World Cup, which is a major, major event, but since, we've done a lot of almost soul-searching during that stage in which we didn't do very well. That's given us the motivation and inspiration to perform well at this Olympics
It's obviously now set us up quite nicely to actually go into these next weeks and I do certainly believe we can actually win a Gold medal.
Obviously it would be nice to have every West Ham fan cheering me on this summer, as lots of other Hammers have previously won medals at the Olympics; Mark Hunter has two medals, Chris Akabusi has a couple himself, Christine Ohuruogo is also a local girl, and Sally Gunnell as well.
For me, the Olympics is obviously very different to any other event because it's on such a big scale. It's given us every single inspiration possible to make sure we're ready when we get there.
A lot of other teams in the tournament are almost rushing to make sure they're prepared, but for us it is more a case of fine-tuning and changing a few details to prepare which is quite nice.
On one of my rest days, the new Stadium Store at the Club's new home had just opened, and my Dad – Mark – came over to buy me lunch.
We had a walk over to the Store and it brought back memories of my childhood, going to West Ham. We always forgot about all those arguments in my teenage years when we were sitting together in the Bobby Moore Stand. It was obviously a sad day leaving Upton Park, but we have moved into the new Stadium where some amazing things have happened.
For me personally, despite not going to the Olympics, it's an incredible place and it will be incredible to watch football there. For fans, they will definitely enjoy that walk towards the Stadium, looking up at the West Ham United sign and the ground. It's pretty spectacular. When you think of all the history that has happened during the Olympics, all the medals which have been won, it's incredible to play football here.
For me, you have to love what you do, and ultimately I get to turn up to training every day and be with my mates. Obviously sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's tough, but we get through it. I think that kind of thing showed with West Ham last season; everyone was having a good time. It's such a cliché to say people play well when they're having fun, but that was true last season and the team believed in their tactics.
I think you can tell by the way that Slaven Bilic's team plays. Everyone is enjoying themselves out there at the moment. I think with the squad that we have, going into the new Stadium can definitely propel West Ham a lot further. I think if we continue to play our attacking football, it's so exciting to watch.
I can't believe Dimitri Payet, when he signed last season, was so undiscovered. You can tell that he loves football, he loves playing and he loves being there, and it's enough for the fans to love him instantly. He plays with his heart and he's a bit like Carlos Tevez – the fans have just adopted him.
He plays with passion, though every West Ham player does, because it's that type of club. Other clubs don't have that I don't think, and it's so special that West Ham has that kind of feel about it.
I was looking around at the Boleyn Ground at the last game and you have fathers, daughters, older people by themselves, families; you see the whole family feel about it. I think that's why it's so important that we have players that genuinely love playing for the Club and love being out there on the pitch in front of those fans. It's that extra bit of passion that everyone loves, and players like Payet have that.
For example for me, when I was younger, I left my hockey club for a season for another club in England, and when there was a game that we lost or didn't play well in, of course I was gutted and disappointed but it wasn't that same feeling. I re-joined my old club at Christmas because sometimes you just get that feeling when you love a club. That's definitely the feeling with every single West Ham United player in my opinion. I hope that I can carry that same feeling into the Olympics with me for Great Britain.
I am gutted to be missing the start of the season due to being in Brazil, but my Dad and I have two Season Tickets so we will enjoy a lot of the games here this season. He persuaded me when I was younger to support West Ham and it's still our thing and something we do together. It keeps our relationship quite strong.
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/We-All-Follow-The-West-Ham!
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Joint-Chairman - Ayew is a great player - WHUFC Official Site
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is thrilled to have secured the Club record signing of Andre Ayew from Swansea and feels he will be a great addition to the squad.
Ayew completed his £20.5million move from Swansea City on Monday and cannot wait to play his first game at the new Stadium.
The Ghana international joined the Club on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, and can operate anywhere along the frontline.
Mr Sullivan believes his versatility will be crucial for Slaven Bilic as the team prepare for a number of games in both domestic and European competition.
Mr Sullivan said: "Andre is a great player. He was Swansea's leading goalscorer last season.
"He can play all four positions across the frontline and last season when he played as a striker he scored six goals in eight games.
"We have been negotiating with Swansea for over three weeks and are delighted to have secured his signature."
On a busy day of transfer activity for the Hammers, Mr Sullivan was also pleased to see the arrival of talented full-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos for £6.2million.
Mr Sullivan added: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Masuaku and our scouts say he's a top player with Champions League experience."
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/Joint-Chairman-Ayew-is-a-great-player
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Ayew - I can't wait to play here!- WHUFC Official Site
Andre Ayew told West Ham TV there were plenty of reasons behind his decision to become a Hammer.
The Ghana star became the Club's record signing when he completed a £20.5m move from Swansea City on Monday evening.
And in his first interview at London Stadium, the new No20 told of his respect for the Club, its big ambitions, manager Slaven Bilic, his former Marseille and now West Ham teammate Dimitri Payet and the strong squad being build to challenge on all fronts.
Andre Ayew, welcome to West Ham United! What's your initial reaction to becoming a Hammer?
"First of all, thanks a lot because I'm very proud and happy to be in this magnificent Club. It was long, but now it's done and I'm happy to be here and happy to play in this popular club with a lot of fans and I hope I can make everyone happy here.
"When I got to England, I could have come to West Ham last season too, but what is meant to happen happens every time because I am here now!
"I think it's the ambition of the Club, the great manager that the Club has and the thought of becoming a better Club every year. I can see West Ham has been growing for the past few years – the Stadium, the training ground, we can feel the Club is getting to another dimension and I want to be part of this project."
You have signed for a Club-record fee, so how does that feel?
"What is important is the field. I need to do my job, train hard and be ready to prove that I deserve to play for West Ham – that's what's important.
"The fee is talks between the clubs, not me. My issue is to make sure I give back the coach and the fans the confidence they have given to me and make the West Ham fans proud."
Here we are at our stunning new London Stadium. Did this magnificent arena play a part in your decision to join us?
"Honestly, I can't wait to play here and I hope it's soon! It's a great Stadium with great fans who we heard at the last two games in the Europa League and versus Juventus – it sounded fantastic.
"Hopefully we can keep playing well and getting results so there will be more and more people and joy in the stands."
Do you sense West Ham is a Club moving to the next level on and off the pitch?
"It's not by talking, but by proving it on the pitch and that's what is important and why we're going to work and concentrate very hard.
"With the season we had last season, everyone knows West Ham is a Club which is going to compete and we need to be ready for that.
"It's going to be a difficult season but we need to be ready physically and mentally to get the right performances and results to let the Stadium and everyone all go with it."
How big a role did manager Slaven Bilic play in bringing you to east London?
"He was a very big part of me joining the Club. He is a manager who has wanted me for the past few years and today I'm lucky to play under him.
"Hopefully I'll be able to satisfy him, because his words when I spoke to him were very important to me and made me think we have a lot of work to do to get where we want to get to. I'm very happy he has confidence in me and I want to give it back to him."
And of course your arrival also means a reunion with your old Marseille teammate Dimitri Payet!
"He's a friend of mine as we played two or three years together at Marseille. I know him and he knows me and I'm happy to be back playing with a great player like him, because I know what he is capable of doing.
"I know what he did last season and he can do even more, so now I'm back with him we're going to work together with the whole team and do everything possible to make things right.
"You have Dimitri, Sofiane, Antonio, Andy Carroll – the Club is getting to another level and these are the players you need to get here. Hopefully we can keep the unity to make things work.
"We can do all the signings and say what we want, but what's important is to prove it on the field and do everything we can do get the results on the pitch."
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/August/9-August/Ayew-I-can
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Slaven Bilic says West Ham captain Mark Noble has real chance to stake England claim
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 10/08/16 11:21am
Slaven Bilic believes Mark Noble has a chance to break into the England set-up this season as West Ham prepare for life in their new stadium.
The 29-year-old was overlooked by Roy Hodgson for England's ill-fated Euro 2016 campaign but with Sam Allardyce now in charge of the national set-up, Bilic says the West Ham captain can take the final step onto the international stage.
Noble won 20 caps at U21 level and captained the side at the 2009 European Championship finals but has yet to be recognised by the senior side.
Bilic said: "He's got everything, he's at the best age and he's captain of the club. He had a terrific season with many people - not only me - thinking he deserved to be in the squad; I didn't see many midfield players have a season like he did last year.
"He has a manger now in Sam Allardyce who knows how good and useful he can be, not only on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.
"But I have told all the players - like Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll - that they have all have a chance but they will not get in the England team because they had a good season last year; there is no yesterday in football. They have to play consistently well for West Ham or they are not going to play for England."
Bilic says his squad have developed a winning mentality - and believes that having retained Dimitri Payet, they can improve on last season's seventh-place finish in their new stadium.
He said: "It is a very dangerous one, it is the first season with a new stadium. We have to adjust. The atmosphere, we can't compare it with Upton Park but it is good.
"I was a little concerned about it because I know I played and I coached in this type of stadium, you have many of them in Europe like that and sometimes the atmosphere is not ideal but we have played two games there and you can feel the crowd.
"They are not as close as at Upton Park but you can feel them and the stadium will be packed. We are going to try to keep the spectators there with our performances. We are expecting big things.
"It won't come overnight. The new stadium, the new training ground and new goals - we have to continue to work hard to earn it.
"In keeping Dimitri Payet we have shown the club is serious and trying to get to another level, as much or even more than with the new stadium.
"West Ham was always labelled as a club that has to sell its best players, be it Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand or whoever. But we have kept Dimi, and we have shown to everyone that the club is thinking seriously."
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Club president confirms bid for Rachid Ghezzal from West Ham United
Fri 5 Aug
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed West Ham United's bid for Rachid Ghezzal.
Speaking to L'Equipe (via ESPN), Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has explained that West Ham United have placed a bid to sign Richard Ghezzal.
Ghezzal was one of the most exciting attackers in Europe last season and his eight goals as well as eight assists went a long way in helping Lyon qualify for the Champions League.
Given Ghezzal's fine form, it has been no surprise to see a host of top clubs courting the services of the 24-year-old this summer and recently Premier League side West Ham have allegedly placed a bid of around £6.8 million for the winger (London Evening Standard).
Ghezzal has entered the final year of his contract at Lyon and despite West Ham's relatively low offer, it seemed like the London side would be able to sign the Algerian international.
Now Lyon president Aulas has confirmed that West Ham have indeed placed a bid for Ghezzal but has insisted that the player does not want to leave the Parc Olympique Lyonnais and that the club are looking to tie him down to a new contract.
"He wants me to talk with his advisors and so I'm going to call them this week to try to break the deadlock," Aulas told L'Equipe.
"I like Rachid a lot. It would be really good if we might be able to reach an agreement. We have received offers for him, including the one from West Ham.
"I know that Rachid doesn't want to leave Lyon so we have to find an agreement so as not to remain in a situation that's not good for either of the two parties involved."
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West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic tips Andre Ayew to become an instant hit at the club
Published on: 10 August 2016
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic expects new boy Andre Ayew to be an instant hit at the club.
Ayew, 26, completed a club record transfer switch to the Hammers on Monday from West Ham United.
The big-money move has placed massive responsibilities on his shoulders ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.
And West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has tipped the Ghanaian super star to hit the ground running.
"Yes [I expect Ayew to make an instant impact], I mean a lot of players make it straight away, and some need a little bit of time to adjust," Bilic said at the official Premier League launch event in north London on Wednesday.
"His first big advantage is that he played in a big, big club like Olympique Marseille, he's an international and is captain of Ghana and is at his best stage.
"He's already spent one year in the Premier League so it's nothing new for him.
"Sometimes wingers, strikers or offensive midfielders need a bit of time, while centre-backs are centre backs and are just doing their job and don't depend on the team that much.
"The players are good in that they really make new players feel at home after a few days, so I'm sure we can expect some good football from the newcomers straightaway."
The second son of Ghana netted 12 times for the Swans in 34 appearances last term.
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West Ham make €50m bid for Alexandre Lacazette-readwestham.com
According to reports in France, West Ham have failed in their latest attempt to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Lyon recently rejected a bid of around £29million from Arsenal and they've been true to their word about wanting to keep him once again by turning down West Ham's latest offer.
Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph, thinks that Lyon would sell Lacazette for around £60million, but the player is only interested in moving to a side which is playing in the Champions League.
Whilst it will be great for West Ham fans to see that their club are actively trying to sign one of Europe's hottest strikers, they might feel that they'd rather see them targeting players who are likely to make a move to the Olympic Stadium, rather than making hopeful bids for players who have made it clear that they want to be playing in Europe's biggest club competition.
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West Ham Trying To Sign Real Madrid Starlet
10th August 2016 by Jamie Smith
Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard could be coming to the Premier League, with West Ham United trying to tie up a loan deal for the wonderkid.
According to a report by Spanish newspaper AS, Odegaard's future could be wrapped up in the coming days as Madrid want a move to be completed ahead of their transfer ban beginning.
The 17-year-old, who is also a target for Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg, have appealed against the ban with a ruling expected to be confirmed by the end of the week.
If the ban is upheld Real Madrid will be unable to register outgoing or incoming players, meaning Odegaard would be stuck at the club for 12 months even though he does not feature in Zinedine Zidane's plans.
Zidane left the talented teenager out of his squad for the Super Cup win against fellow La Liga side Sevilla this week, with West Ham keen to take Odegaard on a season-long loan deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 9
Daily WHUFC News -
My first Digest for a very long time. Apologies in advance if the formatting is crap.. all my fault. Cheers!
Ayew becomes Club-record signing - WHUFC Official Site
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the transfer of outstanding Ghana forward Andre Ayew for a Club-record £20.5million fee.
The versatile striker, winger or attacking midfielder joins the Hammers on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, on the back of an exceptional debut Premier League season with Swansea City.
Boasting an equally impressive spell at Marseille on his CV, where he played alongside Dimitri Payet, along with goals at four major international tournaments for the Black Stars, the 26-year-old is now set to shine on the London Stadium stage.
He said: "I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent Club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.
"The Club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger Club every year and with the new Stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.
"I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me."
Born in Seclin, northern France, in December 1989, Ayew had spells in Germany and Ghana as a youngster before making his professional breakthrough at Marseille – the same club that his father Abedi Pele starred for in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He debuted for Marseille in 2007, and after spending time on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, established himself as a regular on the scoresheet at Stade Velodrome from 2010 onwards.
In all, he scored 60 goals in 202 games for L'OM, many of them assisted by Payet, winning the Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophee des Champions twice apiece during his time in France.
An impressive 16 goals in 2011/12 included four in just nine European appearances and he has hit double figures in five of his last six campaigns.
Included in that is his impressive Premier League bow, where he scored at a rate of better than one every three games for the Swans, with his goals steering the Welsh club away from danger and to another year of Premier League safety.
Internationally Ayew has enjoyed great success, featuring for Ghana in four major tournaments – and scoring in all four.
He netted twice at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and followed that with three goals at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to claim that tournament's Golden Boot.
A two-time Africa Cup of Nations runner-up and FIFA U20 World Cup winner, Ayew has scored eleven goals in 67 senior caps for the Black Stars.
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Andre Ayew: West Ham United sign Swansea City striker for £20.5m - BBC Sport
West Ham United have completed the signing of forward Andre Ayew from Swansea City for £20.5m.
Ayew, 26, signed for Swansea on a free transfer from Marseille in June 2015 and scored 12 goals in his first Premier League season.
The Ghana international won the BBC African Player of the Year in 2011 and signs a four-year deal to become West Ham's record signing.
"The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager," said Ayew.
"They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving on to another level and I want to be part of this project."
He is the club's fifth signing this summer, as they prepare for their first season playing in the London Stadium.
Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Ashley Fletcher all signed on free transfers from Valencia, Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester United respectively.
The £20.5m fee eclipses the £15m West Ham paid Liverpool for Andy Carroll in June 2013.
On Monday, the Hammers also completed the transfer of French left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos in a deal worth a reported £6m.
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Andre Ayew joins the Hammers - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 9:11pm
Jack Sullivan has confirmed via his twitter account this evening, that the Ghanaian attacker has rejoined his former teammate Dimitri Payet at West Ham on a 3 year deal (with a 2yr option) for a fee of £20.5m from Swansea City.
Ayew becomes the 2nd signing for the Irons today as they already filled the problematic leftback position with the acquisition of former French youth International, Arthur Masuaka from Olympiacos for £6m earlier this morning.
Slaven Bilic himself confirmed that both signings were close yesterday when interviewed by BT Sport prior to the friendly against Juventus.
Ayew is the Hammers 7th senior squad signing this Summer following on from Manuel Lanzini, Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore, Ashley Fletcher and Arthur Masuaka,
The £20.5m quoted is also a new record fee paid by the Irons eclipsing the fee paid to Liverpool in 2013 for Andy Carroll.
It's a sizeable investment by the club who have been attempting to sign a striker all Summer, yet failed to land Alexandre Lacazette, Michy Batshuayi and Vincent Janssen among others but are still reportedly in negotiations with AC Milan striker, Carlos Bacca. Although Ayew usually plays on the wing or in behind a main striker, he can also play up top on his own as he proved last season scoring 6 goals in that position in 8 starts including Swansea's comfortable victory at Upton Park in May which basically ended West Ham's Champions League hopes. Ayew finished the season with 12 goals in 34 starts for Swansea City.
There's also the connection with the Hammers star Dimitri Payet. The combination of Ayew, Payet and Gignac produced 80 goals in their last two seasons together at Marseille so I'm pretty sure Slaven Bilic has looked at the way both played together before when making his decision to sign Andre.
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Hammers sign Masuaku - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 11:56am
This morning, West Ham completed the signing of French left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos on a 4 year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m.
The Lille-born defender, has played 74 games for the back to back Greek Champions, including 12 in the UEFA Champions League.
Masuaku stated "It's a big honour for me to be part of this Club,". "I was speaking with my agent about some opportunities, but when he told me about West Ham and also the coach, I didn't think twice, so in my mind, it was West Ham.
"Now, to be able to play with players like Dimitri Payet, I was thinking on the way here, it's going to be crazy! I can't wait to play with him and the rest of the team.
"For me, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. When I was 18, my target was to come here, so now I am here, I have to prove myself to the fans and to the team so that I can play for this big Club."
The former France U19 international was immediately installed in the Olympiacos starting XI when he was signed from Valenciennes in 2014.
Masuaku's European debut for the club was a notable one, as he scored in a 3-2 UEFA Champions League group stage win over the previous season's runners-up Atletico Madrid in September 2014. He also featured against Arsenal and Bayern Munich in last season's group stage, where Olympiacos were unlucky to be eliminated with nine points.
The Hammers' new boy was capped by France at both U18 and U19 levels.
Unfortunately Masuaku will not be eligible to play in the UEFA Europa League Play-off round against Astra after featuring for Olympiacos in their Champions League third qualifying round defeat by Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He will however be eligible to feature in the group stage if West Ham beat the Romanian champions.
The new left back will wear shirt No26 for the club.
If you missed it, the story behind this signing can be read here.
http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/2016/08/06/exwhuemployee-transfer-update-exclusive-leaving-loan/
Let us know your thoughts by commenting or you can head over to our forum.
http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/forum/topic/finally-a-full-back-2/
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Pask joins Gills on loan - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 6:00pm
West Ham United development squad defender Josh Pask has joined Gillingham on a season-long loan deal with an option for recall.
The highly rated Pask, who also enjoyed a spell in League Two with Dagenham and Redbridge last season, was delighted to put pen to paper with the Gills.
He stated: "I'm very happy. I'd like to get more games at Gillingham than I did at Dagenham last season, and hopefully being in the league above, it will be of a better quality too. West Ham have really helped me this summer."
The centre-back recently signed a 3 year contract with the club until 2019, and he revealed his excitement to join up with his new teammates.
Pask becomes the 5th young Hammer to go out on loan this season, with Stephen Hendrie at Blackburn Rovers, George Dobson at Walsall, Kyle Knoyle at Wigan Athletic and Josh Cullen re-joining Bradford City this morning.
Our very own ExWHUEmployee stated in his latest column that Pask was close to joining the Gills on loan and it seems as though he won't be the last youngster to leave with rumoured loan moves for Lewis Page and Martin Samuelsen in the pipeline.
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Cullen re-joins Bantams on loan - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 12:10pm
West Ham's young central midfield dynamo Josh Cullen has re-joined Bradford City on a five-month loan deal after a successful stint with the club last season.
The 20-year-old joined his fellow West Ham teammate Reece Burke at Bradford last year, playing 15 games towards the end of the season. Cullen received a lot of praise for his performances during that loan spell and Bradford made it clear that they wanted him back this Summer and have now got their man once again.
Cullen would have found game time hard to come by this season with the central midfield ranks being overloaded with players, such as Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Havard Nordtveit and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The day before signing, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international played 83 minutes for West Ham against Juventus in the London Stadium in front of a crowd of 54,000. He was praised by a number of West Ham fans and that experience will equip him well for the upcoming season with the Bantams.
Bradford City claim that they beat a number of teams to the young Irishman's signature including Bolton Wanderers, managed by former Bantams boss, Phil Parkinson who managed Cullen last year during his loan spell.
Bantams Chairman Edin Rahic stated "I think Josh had a feeling that we really are behind him as a club and he wanted to come. He played very well at Bradford before and wants to play here again."
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Fans Call for safe standing at the OS - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The lack of designated standing areas in the Olympic Stadium has caused a number of angry disagreements between West Ham supporters. Although KUMB backed the introduction of 'safe standing' zones at the club's new home prior to its redevelopment - plans given the tacit approval of co-owner David Gold, who has previously advocated a similar option - these were eventually ignored.
And the consequence of that particular decision has been a series of ugly scenes between fans clashing as some have insisting on standing whilst watching the recent games with Domzale and Juventus, often to the detriment of other supporters seated nearby.
Last week, during the stadium's first game against Domzale, fans came close to blows in Block 131 during one such disagreement. And this was a scene replicated around the stadium with supporters used to standing at the Boleyn Ground now displaced around the OS, yet still determined to stand in their seats.
Unfortunately the chances of a re-think occurring at Board level anytime soon appear slim, given that vice-chairman Karren Brady unequivocally ruled out safe standing - which was recently (and successfully) introduced in the Scottish Premier League - during an interview with the Mail last month.
"This is our new home and we have done all that we can to make it as comfortable as possible for our supporters," she told Lee Clayton, who reported that a safe standing area was ruled out at an early stage on Brady's insistence. "I spent enough time standing as a kid when I couldn't see to believe comfortable seating is the way forward," she said.
Unfortunately many children at the Olympic Stadium - in addition to elderly fans and those unable to stand for 90 minutes - have had their experiences spoilt by fellow fans standing in front of them.
One possible solution mooted, which has been backed by a number of fans posting on the KUMB Forum, is to allow fans to take part in a season ticket 'swap shop'. Here, those unhappy with their seat/view at the Olympic Stadium could change with fans in a similar situation; a solution welcomed by KUMB member Kludgehammer.
"It's going to be a mess until it settles down and could so easily have been avoided if the club had used a bit of common sense," he commented. "It could still be easily rectified if they apply it now - designate signing areas and allow seat swaps. I'm not holding my breath for it to be sorted this season, though."
West Ham, as a club, is in a difficult position with the Olympic Stadium's regulations requiring all those in seats to be sitting. However human nature - and the sheer desire of some to stand during a match - often makes imposing that particular policy impossible.
At the Boleyn Ground, those wishing to stand eventually migrated towards the Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking Lower stands to be with like-minded folk. Whilst never officially 'allowed', the club sensibly recognised that some were determined to stand and tolerated this in certain areas (even though the occasional 'sit or leave' notice was bandied about at the behest of local authorities).
And it must be hoped that after some initial teething problems, the same will occur at the Olympic Stadium. Already the two lower stands behind each goal appear to be areas where large-scale standing will occur, as per the Boleyn.
West Ham confirmed recently that they recognised the problems some fans had experienced, and revealed they were liaising with arena staff regarding the best course of action.
"Supporters have remarked about persistent standing in certain areas of the ground, particularly in the East Stand," read an article on the club's website. "As a result, we have since had an extensive debrief with matchday stewards, who will be paying particularly close attention to the issue.
"This is a learning curve for us all at the new stadium and we hope to start as we mean to go on. We ask, therefore, that supporters are considerate of one another, particularly where supporters' enjoyment of the game is being seriously hindered."
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West Ham raise Bacca offer - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have offered Milan strike Carlos Bacca new terms in a bid to persuade him to leave Milan, according to an Italian journalist.
Nicolo Schira, who writes for gazzetta.it claimed this morning that the Hammers had raised their offer to Bacca to around €5million per-year - approximately £80,000 per week.
Milan, who are unable to spend until they sell due to their perilous financial position have already accepted West Ham's bid of circa €25million, but the Colombian international is unsure whether a move to England would suit him and his young family.
West Ham however are hoping that by making him an offer he cannot refuse, the 29-year-old will still agree to come to the Premier League ahead of this month's transfer deadline.
Despite having signed Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos and being on the verge of announcing the arrival of Andre Ayew from Swansea, Slaven Bilic is still hoping to expand his squad - despite insisting yesterday that he is sufficiently happy with his two new signings.
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Cullen returns to Bradford
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Josh Cullen he returned to Bradford City on loan until the new year.
The Southend-born, 20-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Bantams and looked set to fight for a first team spot at West Ham this season, having featured in a number of first team outings.
However Slaven Bilic has decided that his development will be better served by a second loan spell - something that Cullen is delighted to repeat.
"I really enjoyed my time at Bradford last season and it was a no-brainer really for me to return once I knew the club were interested in bringing me back," he told Bradford's website. "I am excited by the prospect of trying to push this club on again.
"Playing in the play-offs with Bradford and losing in the semi-finals almost felt like unfinished business here for me. I didn't know exactly what my situation was going to be for this year but as soon as I knew West Ham were allowing me to come, I was straight in the car to get up here.
"The fans, players and the staff were all brilliant with me first time around and I feel really comfortable at the club. West Ham were really happy with the way Bradford treated me and Reece [Burke] last season. This is a great club and I am really happy to be back."
Cullen's final outing for West Ham prior to re-joining the League One side was a cameo against Juventus in West Ham's 3-2 defeat at the Olympic Stadium yesterday.
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Gills land Pask on season-long deal - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Academy defender Josh Pask is to continue his development at Gillingham, where he is to spend the next season on loan.
The highly-rated 18-year-old signed a new three-year contract with West Ham last week - but is set to spend the first of those on loan with the League 2 outfit.
I'm looking forward to the season ahead," he told Gillingham's website. "I experienced league football last season on-loan at Dagenham. it was a good step-up from the Under-21s and I feel ready to play at a higher level this season."\
And Gills boss Justin Edinburgh was equally pleased to land a player with such a bright future ahead of him.
"Josh is a bright, young player who has impressed the staff and I on the occasions we've seen him play," said the former Tottenham and Southend defender.
"We've been looking at strengthening the backline this summer, and with his talent and the league experience he gained at Dagenham last season, he'll be a valuable signing."
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Ayew is a Hammer: Andre completes move
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have smashed their transfer record to land Swansea forward Andre Ayew on a three-year contract.
The 26-year-old winger is the latest arrival in a busy summer for the Hammers, who have agreed to pay 20.5million in order to complete the deal which contains an additional two-year extension option.
And that sum easily beats the club's previous record outlay of £15million, paid to Liverpool for Andy Carroll three years ago following a successful season on loan.
News of Ayew's impending arrival was announced via twitter by Jack Sullivan, son of co-owner David Sullivan:
West Ham's interest in the Ghanaian international was confirmed yesterday by Slaven Bilic prior to the friendly against Juventus, which the visitors won 3-2.
"We are very close to signing Andre Ayew from Swansea," he said, adding: "It's almost done, but until it's done it's never done!
West Ham United: top ten record transfer fees
1. Andre Ayew (Swansea, 2016) - £20.5m
2. Andy Carroll (Liverpool, 2013) - £15.5m
3. Enner Valencia (CF Pachua, 2014) - £12m
4. Matt Jarvis (Wolves, 2012) - £10.75m
5. Dimitri Payet (Marseille, 2015) - £10.7m
6. Manuel Lanzini (Al Jazira, 2016) - £9m
7. Angelo Ogbonna (Juventus, 2015) - £8.5m
8. Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, 2007) - £7.5m
9. Dean Ashton (Norwich City, 2006); Scott Parker (Newcastle Utd, 2007); Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht, 2014); Michail Antonio (Nott'm Forest, 2015) - 7m
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Andre Ayew joins West Ham on three-year deal for record fee - SkySports
Last Updated: 08/08/16 10:30pm
West Ham have completed the signing of Andre Ayew from Swansea for a club record fee.
The Ghana forward has signed a three-year deal with a two-year option and becomes the club's ninth summer signing.
The fee is £20.5m, according to West Ham's co-chairman David Gold, eclipsing the £15m the club paid Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
Ayew spent just one season at Swansea following a move from Marseille, where Hammers star Dimitri Payet was among his team-mates.
He told the West Ham website: "I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.
"The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new stadium and a new training ground you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.
"I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me."
Swansea have already strengthened their attacking options by bringing in Fernando Llorente, while Atletico Madrid's Borja Baston is also on their radar.
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West Ham sign Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos - SkySports
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 08/08/16 2:06pm
West Ham have completed the signing of left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos for a fee Sky sources understand to be £6m.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has signed a four-year contract and could make his debut in the Monday Night Football clash against Chelsea, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Slaven Bilic has been looking to strengthen his options at left-back after first-choice Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for up to four months in July with a knee ligament injury.
"It's a big honour for me to be part of this club," Masuaku told the club's website. "I was speaking with my agent about some opportunities, but when he told me about West Ham and also the coach, I didn't think twice, so in my mind, it was West Ham.
"Now, to be able to play with players like Dimitri Payet, I was thinking on the way here, it's going to be crazy. I can't wait to play with him and also all the rest of the team.
"For me, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. When I was 18, my target was to come here, so now I am here, I have to prove myself to the fans and to the team so that I can play for this big club."
Masuaku, capped by France at U18 and U19 level, started his career with French Ligue 1 side Valenciennes before joining Olympiakos in 2014.
He has since made 74 appearances for Olympiakos, helping them win the Greek Superleague twice and the Greek Cup.
Masuaku becomes West Ham's eighth signing of the summer following the additions of Sofiane Feghouli, Toni Martinez, Harvard Nordveit, Domingos Quina, Ashley Fletcher, Gokhan Tore and the permanent arrival of Manuel Lanzini.
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West Ham insider hints at Bacca signing: Hammers look to finalise deal after Ayew arrival - Daily Express
WEST HAM are reportedly aiming to complete a proposed transfer for Carlos Bacca.
By Jack Staplehurst
PUBLISHED: 03:08, Tue, Aug 9, 2016 | UPDATED: 03:49, Tue, Aug 9, 2016
The AC Milan striker has been chased for much of the summer by the Hammers as they look to bolster their frontline.
Slaven Bilic has been on the hunt for a prolific striker and added to his firepower yesterday with the signing of Andre Ayew.
The 26-year-old arrived from Swansea for a club-record fee of £20.5million, but another forward is wanted in east London.
As the signing of Ayew was announced, the son of West Ham's co-chairman David Sullivan, Dave Sullivan Jnr, tweeted: "Now Bacca to the drawing board to decide who we sign next".
And with Sullivan hinting at an agreement for 29-year-old Bacca being next on the club's agenda, the Daily Mail claim West Ham are looking to get the deal done.
The report suggests a fee of £20m will secure the Colombia international, with Milan and West Ham having agreed a price for Bacca.
The Hammers have been trying to convince the striker to join having failed to land top targets Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi this summer.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Ayew becomes Club-record signing - WHUFC Official Site
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the transfer of outstanding Ghana forward Andre Ayew for a Club-record £20.5million fee.
The versatile striker, winger or attacking midfielder joins the Hammers on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, on the back of an exceptional debut Premier League season with Swansea City.
Boasting an equally impressive spell at Marseille on his CV, where he played alongside Dimitri Payet, along with goals at four major international tournaments for the Black Stars, the 26-year-old is now set to shine on the London Stadium stage.
He said: "I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent Club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.
"The Club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger Club every year and with the new Stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.
"I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me."
Born in Seclin, northern France, in December 1989, Ayew had spells in Germany and Ghana as a youngster before making his professional breakthrough at Marseille – the same club that his father Abedi Pele starred for in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He debuted for Marseille in 2007, and after spending time on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, established himself as a regular on the scoresheet at Stade Velodrome from 2010 onwards.
In all, he scored 60 goals in 202 games for L'OM, many of them assisted by Payet, winning the Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophee des Champions twice apiece during his time in France.
An impressive 16 goals in 2011/12 included four in just nine European appearances and he has hit double figures in five of his last six campaigns.
Included in that is his impressive Premier League bow, where he scored at a rate of better than one every three games for the Swans, with his goals steering the Welsh club away from danger and to another year of Premier League safety.
Internationally Ayew has enjoyed great success, featuring for Ghana in four major tournaments – and scoring in all four.
He netted twice at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and followed that with three goals at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to claim that tournament's Golden Boot.
A two-time Africa Cup of Nations runner-up and FIFA U20 World Cup winner, Ayew has scored eleven goals in 67 senior caps for the Black Stars.
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Andre Ayew: West Ham United sign Swansea City striker for £20.5m - BBC Sport
West Ham United have completed the signing of forward Andre Ayew from Swansea City for £20.5m.
Ayew, 26, signed for Swansea on a free transfer from Marseille in June 2015 and scored 12 goals in his first Premier League season.
The Ghana international won the BBC African Player of the Year in 2011 and signs a four-year deal to become West Ham's record signing.
"The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager," said Ayew.
"They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving on to another level and I want to be part of this project."
He is the club's fifth signing this summer, as they prepare for their first season playing in the London Stadium.
Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Ashley Fletcher all signed on free transfers from Valencia, Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester United respectively.
The £20.5m fee eclipses the £15m West Ham paid Liverpool for Andy Carroll in June 2013.
On Monday, the Hammers also completed the transfer of French left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos in a deal worth a reported £6m.
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Andre Ayew joins the Hammers - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 9:11pm
Jack Sullivan has confirmed via his twitter account this evening, that the Ghanaian attacker has rejoined his former teammate Dimitri Payet at West Ham on a 3 year deal (with a 2yr option) for a fee of £20.5m from Swansea City.
Ayew becomes the 2nd signing for the Irons today as they already filled the problematic leftback position with the acquisition of former French youth International, Arthur Masuaka from Olympiacos for £6m earlier this morning.
Slaven Bilic himself confirmed that both signings were close yesterday when interviewed by BT Sport prior to the friendly against Juventus.
Ayew is the Hammers 7th senior squad signing this Summer following on from Manuel Lanzini, Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore, Ashley Fletcher and Arthur Masuaka,
The £20.5m quoted is also a new record fee paid by the Irons eclipsing the fee paid to Liverpool in 2013 for Andy Carroll.
It's a sizeable investment by the club who have been attempting to sign a striker all Summer, yet failed to land Alexandre Lacazette, Michy Batshuayi and Vincent Janssen among others but are still reportedly in negotiations with AC Milan striker, Carlos Bacca. Although Ayew usually plays on the wing or in behind a main striker, he can also play up top on his own as he proved last season scoring 6 goals in that position in 8 starts including Swansea's comfortable victory at Upton Park in May which basically ended West Ham's Champions League hopes. Ayew finished the season with 12 goals in 34 starts for Swansea City.
There's also the connection with the Hammers star Dimitri Payet. The combination of Ayew, Payet and Gignac produced 80 goals in their last two seasons together at Marseille so I'm pretty sure Slaven Bilic has looked at the way both played together before when making his decision to sign Andre.
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Hammers sign Masuaku - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 11:56am
This morning, West Ham completed the signing of French left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos on a 4 year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m.
The Lille-born defender, has played 74 games for the back to back Greek Champions, including 12 in the UEFA Champions League.
Masuaku stated "It's a big honour for me to be part of this Club,". "I was speaking with my agent about some opportunities, but when he told me about West Ham and also the coach, I didn't think twice, so in my mind, it was West Ham.
"Now, to be able to play with players like Dimitri Payet, I was thinking on the way here, it's going to be crazy! I can't wait to play with him and the rest of the team.
"For me, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. When I was 18, my target was to come here, so now I am here, I have to prove myself to the fans and to the team so that I can play for this big Club."
The former France U19 international was immediately installed in the Olympiacos starting XI when he was signed from Valenciennes in 2014.
Masuaku's European debut for the club was a notable one, as he scored in a 3-2 UEFA Champions League group stage win over the previous season's runners-up Atletico Madrid in September 2014. He also featured against Arsenal and Bayern Munich in last season's group stage, where Olympiacos were unlucky to be eliminated with nine points.
The Hammers' new boy was capped by France at both U18 and U19 levels.
Unfortunately Masuaku will not be eligible to play in the UEFA Europa League Play-off round against Astra after featuring for Olympiacos in their Champions League third qualifying round defeat by Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He will however be eligible to feature in the group stage if West Ham beat the Romanian champions.
The new left back will wear shirt No26 for the club.
If you missed it, the story behind this signing can be read here.
http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/2016/08/06/exwhuemployee-transfer-update-exclusive-leaving-loan/
Let us know your thoughts by commenting or you can head over to our forum.
http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/forum/topic/finally-a-full-back-2/
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Pask joins Gills on loan - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 6:00pm
West Ham United development squad defender Josh Pask has joined Gillingham on a season-long loan deal with an option for recall.
The highly rated Pask, who also enjoyed a spell in League Two with Dagenham and Redbridge last season, was delighted to put pen to paper with the Gills.
He stated: "I'm very happy. I'd like to get more games at Gillingham than I did at Dagenham last season, and hopefully being in the league above, it will be of a better quality too. West Ham have really helped me this summer."
The centre-back recently signed a 3 year contract with the club until 2019, and he revealed his excitement to join up with his new teammates.
Pask becomes the 5th young Hammer to go out on loan this season, with Stephen Hendrie at Blackburn Rovers, George Dobson at Walsall, Kyle Knoyle at Wigan Athletic and Josh Cullen re-joining Bradford City this morning.
Our very own ExWHUEmployee stated in his latest column that Pask was close to joining the Gills on loan and it seems as though he won't be the last youngster to leave with rumoured loan moves for Lewis Page and Martin Samuelsen in the pipeline.
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Cullen re-joins Bantams on loan - The West Ham Way
by Brian Knox on 8 August 2016 at 12:10pm
West Ham's young central midfield dynamo Josh Cullen has re-joined Bradford City on a five-month loan deal after a successful stint with the club last season.
The 20-year-old joined his fellow West Ham teammate Reece Burke at Bradford last year, playing 15 games towards the end of the season. Cullen received a lot of praise for his performances during that loan spell and Bradford made it clear that they wanted him back this Summer and have now got their man once again.
Cullen would have found game time hard to come by this season with the central midfield ranks being overloaded with players, such as Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Havard Nordtveit and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The day before signing, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international played 83 minutes for West Ham against Juventus in the London Stadium in front of a crowd of 54,000. He was praised by a number of West Ham fans and that experience will equip him well for the upcoming season with the Bantams.
Bradford City claim that they beat a number of teams to the young Irishman's signature including Bolton Wanderers, managed by former Bantams boss, Phil Parkinson who managed Cullen last year during his loan spell.
Bantams Chairman Edin Rahic stated "I think Josh had a feeling that we really are behind him as a club and he wanted to come. He played very well at Bradford before and wants to play here again."
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Fans Call for safe standing at the OS - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The lack of designated standing areas in the Olympic Stadium has caused a number of angry disagreements between West Ham supporters. Although KUMB backed the introduction of 'safe standing' zones at the club's new home prior to its redevelopment - plans given the tacit approval of co-owner David Gold, who has previously advocated a similar option - these were eventually ignored.
And the consequence of that particular decision has been a series of ugly scenes between fans clashing as some have insisting on standing whilst watching the recent games with Domzale and Juventus, often to the detriment of other supporters seated nearby.
Last week, during the stadium's first game against Domzale, fans came close to blows in Block 131 during one such disagreement. And this was a scene replicated around the stadium with supporters used to standing at the Boleyn Ground now displaced around the OS, yet still determined to stand in their seats.
Unfortunately the chances of a re-think occurring at Board level anytime soon appear slim, given that vice-chairman Karren Brady unequivocally ruled out safe standing - which was recently (and successfully) introduced in the Scottish Premier League - during an interview with the Mail last month.
"This is our new home and we have done all that we can to make it as comfortable as possible for our supporters," she told Lee Clayton, who reported that a safe standing area was ruled out at an early stage on Brady's insistence. "I spent enough time standing as a kid when I couldn't see to believe comfortable seating is the way forward," she said.
Unfortunately many children at the Olympic Stadium - in addition to elderly fans and those unable to stand for 90 minutes - have had their experiences spoilt by fellow fans standing in front of them.
One possible solution mooted, which has been backed by a number of fans posting on the KUMB Forum, is to allow fans to take part in a season ticket 'swap shop'. Here, those unhappy with their seat/view at the Olympic Stadium could change with fans in a similar situation; a solution welcomed by KUMB member Kludgehammer.
"It's going to be a mess until it settles down and could so easily have been avoided if the club had used a bit of common sense," he commented. "It could still be easily rectified if they apply it now - designate signing areas and allow seat swaps. I'm not holding my breath for it to be sorted this season, though."
West Ham, as a club, is in a difficult position with the Olympic Stadium's regulations requiring all those in seats to be sitting. However human nature - and the sheer desire of some to stand during a match - often makes imposing that particular policy impossible.
At the Boleyn Ground, those wishing to stand eventually migrated towards the Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking Lower stands to be with like-minded folk. Whilst never officially 'allowed', the club sensibly recognised that some were determined to stand and tolerated this in certain areas (even though the occasional 'sit or leave' notice was bandied about at the behest of local authorities).
And it must be hoped that after some initial teething problems, the same will occur at the Olympic Stadium. Already the two lower stands behind each goal appear to be areas where large-scale standing will occur, as per the Boleyn.
West Ham confirmed recently that they recognised the problems some fans had experienced, and revealed they were liaising with arena staff regarding the best course of action.
"Supporters have remarked about persistent standing in certain areas of the ground, particularly in the East Stand," read an article on the club's website. "As a result, we have since had an extensive debrief with matchday stewards, who will be paying particularly close attention to the issue.
"This is a learning curve for us all at the new stadium and we hope to start as we mean to go on. We ask, therefore, that supporters are considerate of one another, particularly where supporters' enjoyment of the game is being seriously hindered."
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West Ham raise Bacca offer - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have offered Milan strike Carlos Bacca new terms in a bid to persuade him to leave Milan, according to an Italian journalist.
Nicolo Schira, who writes for gazzetta.it claimed this morning that the Hammers had raised their offer to Bacca to around €5million per-year - approximately £80,000 per week.
Milan, who are unable to spend until they sell due to their perilous financial position have already accepted West Ham's bid of circa €25million, but the Colombian international is unsure whether a move to England would suit him and his young family.
West Ham however are hoping that by making him an offer he cannot refuse, the 29-year-old will still agree to come to the Premier League ahead of this month's transfer deadline.
Despite having signed Arthur Masuaku from Olympiacos and being on the verge of announcing the arrival of Andre Ayew from Swansea, Slaven Bilic is still hoping to expand his squad - despite insisting yesterday that he is sufficiently happy with his two new signings.
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Cullen returns to Bradford
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Josh Cullen he returned to Bradford City on loan until the new year.
The Southend-born, 20-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Bantams and looked set to fight for a first team spot at West Ham this season, having featured in a number of first team outings.
However Slaven Bilic has decided that his development will be better served by a second loan spell - something that Cullen is delighted to repeat.
"I really enjoyed my time at Bradford last season and it was a no-brainer really for me to return once I knew the club were interested in bringing me back," he told Bradford's website. "I am excited by the prospect of trying to push this club on again.
"Playing in the play-offs with Bradford and losing in the semi-finals almost felt like unfinished business here for me. I didn't know exactly what my situation was going to be for this year but as soon as I knew West Ham were allowing me to come, I was straight in the car to get up here.
"The fans, players and the staff were all brilliant with me first time around and I feel really comfortable at the club. West Ham were really happy with the way Bradford treated me and Reece [Burke] last season. This is a great club and I am really happy to be back."
Cullen's final outing for West Ham prior to re-joining the League One side was a cameo against Juventus in West Ham's 3-2 defeat at the Olympic Stadium yesterday.
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Gills land Pask on season-long deal - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Academy defender Josh Pask is to continue his development at Gillingham, where he is to spend the next season on loan.
The highly-rated 18-year-old signed a new three-year contract with West Ham last week - but is set to spend the first of those on loan with the League 2 outfit.
I'm looking forward to the season ahead," he told Gillingham's website. "I experienced league football last season on-loan at Dagenham. it was a good step-up from the Under-21s and I feel ready to play at a higher level this season."\
And Gills boss Justin Edinburgh was equally pleased to land a player with such a bright future ahead of him.
"Josh is a bright, young player who has impressed the staff and I on the occasions we've seen him play," said the former Tottenham and Southend defender.
"We've been looking at strengthening the backline this summer, and with his talent and the league experience he gained at Dagenham last season, he'll be a valuable signing."
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Ayew is a Hammer: Andre completes move
Filed: Monday, 8th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have smashed their transfer record to land Swansea forward Andre Ayew on a three-year contract.
The 26-year-old winger is the latest arrival in a busy summer for the Hammers, who have agreed to pay 20.5million in order to complete the deal which contains an additional two-year extension option.
And that sum easily beats the club's previous record outlay of £15million, paid to Liverpool for Andy Carroll three years ago following a successful season on loan.
News of Ayew's impending arrival was announced via twitter by Jack Sullivan, son of co-owner David Sullivan:
West Ham's interest in the Ghanaian international was confirmed yesterday by Slaven Bilic prior to the friendly against Juventus, which the visitors won 3-2.
"We are very close to signing Andre Ayew from Swansea," he said, adding: "It's almost done, but until it's done it's never done!
West Ham United: top ten record transfer fees
1. Andre Ayew (Swansea, 2016) - £20.5m
2. Andy Carroll (Liverpool, 2013) - £15.5m
3. Enner Valencia (CF Pachua, 2014) - £12m
4. Matt Jarvis (Wolves, 2012) - £10.75m
5. Dimitri Payet (Marseille, 2015) - £10.7m
6. Manuel Lanzini (Al Jazira, 2016) - £9m
7. Angelo Ogbonna (Juventus, 2015) - £8.5m
8. Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, 2007) - £7.5m
9. Dean Ashton (Norwich City, 2006); Scott Parker (Newcastle Utd, 2007); Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht, 2014); Michail Antonio (Nott'm Forest, 2015) - 7m
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Andre Ayew joins West Ham on three-year deal for record fee - SkySports
Last Updated: 08/08/16 10:30pm
West Ham have completed the signing of Andre Ayew from Swansea for a club record fee.
The Ghana forward has signed a three-year deal with a two-year option and becomes the club's ninth summer signing.
The fee is £20.5m, according to West Ham's co-chairman David Gold, eclipsing the £15m the club paid Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
Ayew spent just one season at Swansea following a move from Marseille, where Hammers star Dimitri Payet was among his team-mates.
He told the West Ham website: "I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.
"The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new stadium and a new training ground you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.
"I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me."
Swansea have already strengthened their attacking options by bringing in Fernando Llorente, while Atletico Madrid's Borja Baston is also on their radar.
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West Ham sign Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos - SkySports
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 08/08/16 2:06pm
West Ham have completed the signing of left-back Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos for a fee Sky sources understand to be £6m.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has signed a four-year contract and could make his debut in the Monday Night Football clash against Chelsea, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Slaven Bilic has been looking to strengthen his options at left-back after first-choice Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for up to four months in July with a knee ligament injury.
"It's a big honour for me to be part of this club," Masuaku told the club's website. "I was speaking with my agent about some opportunities, but when he told me about West Ham and also the coach, I didn't think twice, so in my mind, it was West Ham.
"Now, to be able to play with players like Dimitri Payet, I was thinking on the way here, it's going to be crazy. I can't wait to play with him and also all the rest of the team.
"For me, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. When I was 18, my target was to come here, so now I am here, I have to prove myself to the fans and to the team so that I can play for this big club."
Masuaku, capped by France at U18 and U19 level, started his career with French Ligue 1 side Valenciennes before joining Olympiakos in 2014.
He has since made 74 appearances for Olympiakos, helping them win the Greek Superleague twice and the Greek Cup.
Masuaku becomes West Ham's eighth signing of the summer following the additions of Sofiane Feghouli, Toni Martinez, Harvard Nordveit, Domingos Quina, Ashley Fletcher, Gokhan Tore and the permanent arrival of Manuel Lanzini.
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West Ham insider hints at Bacca signing: Hammers look to finalise deal after Ayew arrival - Daily Express
WEST HAM are reportedly aiming to complete a proposed transfer for Carlos Bacca.
By Jack Staplehurst
PUBLISHED: 03:08, Tue, Aug 9, 2016 | UPDATED: 03:49, Tue, Aug 9, 2016
The AC Milan striker has been chased for much of the summer by the Hammers as they look to bolster their frontline.
Slaven Bilic has been on the hunt for a prolific striker and added to his firepower yesterday with the signing of Andre Ayew.
The 26-year-old arrived from Swansea for a club-record fee of £20.5million, but another forward is wanted in east London.
As the signing of Ayew was announced, the son of West Ham's co-chairman David Sullivan, Dave Sullivan Jnr, tweeted: "Now Bacca to the drawing board to decide who we sign next".
And with Sullivan hinting at an agreement for 29-year-old Bacca being next on the club's agenda, the Daily Mail claim West Ham are looking to get the deal done.
The report suggests a fee of £20m will secure the Colombia international, with Milan and West Ham having agreed a price for Bacca.
The Hammers have been trying to convince the striker to join having failed to land top targets Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi this summer.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th August 2016
West Ham 2-3 Juventus - Report & highlights
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll showed his qualities once again ahead of the new Premier League season with two goals against Juventus but substitute Simone Zaza grabbed a late winner to help the Italian champions come away with a 3-2 victory in the Betway Cup.
West Ham marked the prestigious fixture at the new Stadium with the official opening ceremony before the kick-off which was a fitting tribute to Hammers new home.
This might have been the last pre-season fixture before the opening Premier League game against Chelsea but Slaven Bilic's side showed they mean business with an impressive performance against the Italian giants.
Juventus raced into a two-goal lead following early goals from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic.
But Carroll, who was a constant threat to the Juventus defence helped the Hammers get back into the game with two goals either side of half-time.
Nearly 54,000 fans turned out in their numbers once again and were thrilled to see Dimitri Payet make his first appearance at the new Stadium during the second half.
But Juventus came away with the victory after Zaza made it 3-2 with just five minutes left on the clock.
Bilic will certainly have been impressed with what he saw from his players and the goalscoring form of Carroll heading into the opening league game at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August.
The Hammers could have opened the scoring after 18 minutes following a mix-up in the Juventus defence. Josh Cullen passed the ball into the path of Enner Valencia who struck a low shot against the post.
The home side were made to pay for that missed opportunity as Juventus raced down the other end sixty seconds later and opened the scoring.
Mandzukic headed the ball into the path of Dybala who fired the ball past Adrian from close-range.
Juventus doubled their lead on 21 minutes when Dybala got the better of Winston Reid and squared the ball for Mandzukic who had the easy option of knocking the ball home.
The Hammers refused to lie down and could have found a way back into the game on the half hour mark when Sam Byram showed a great piece to flick the ball up and fire a volley which flew inches past the post.
Byram was involved in the heart of the action once again on 34 minutes when his cross fell perfectly for Carroll who saw his close-range header produce a great save from Buffon diving low to his left who managed to tip the ball onto the post.
Carroll refused to give up and showed his appetite by sliding loose ball over the line.
Juventus somehow failed to make it 3-1 on 38 minutes after Mandzukic' close-range header was superbly saved by Adrian.
The rebound fell to Alex Sandro who saw his shot superbly cleared off the line by Carroll and then Benatia saw his shot cannon back off the bar.
The Hammers drew level on 52 minutes when Mark Noble's free-kick fell perfectly for Carroll and he showed his aerial dominance once again by leaping above the Juventus defence and powering a close-range header past Buffon into the corner of the net.
This might have been a pre-season fixture, but both teams seemed determined to find the third goal and Juventus came close on 82 minutes when substitute Hernanes saw his free-kick clip the top of the bar.
The Italian giants then secured the winning goal on 85 minutes when Luca Marrone played a high ball over the top of the West Ham defence. Substitute Zaza took the ball down with his left foot and struck a powerful shot into the corner of the net.
West Ham: Adrian; Antonio (Payet 74), Ogbonna (Oxford 45), Reid (Collins 45), Byram (Page 85); Nordtveit, Noble (Quina 60), Cullen (Browne 82); Feghouli (Burke 45), Carroll (Fletcher 54), Valencia (Samuelsen 74)
Subs not used: Spiegel
Juventus: Buffon (Neto 45); Alves (Untersee 59), Benatia (Barzagli 58), Rugani (Chiellini 58), Alex Sandro (Kastanos 86); Pereyra (Zaza 69), Lemina (Marrone 78), Pjanic (Macek 78), Asamoh (Hernanes 68); Dybala (Pjaca 58), Mandzukic (Huguain 45)
Subs not used: Loria
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 53,966
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Hammers officially open London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United opened the London Stadium with a fitting ceremony ahead of Sunday's Betway Cup meeting with Juventus.
The Hammers completed their journey to their new home with a 30-minute show featuring the Club's most-loyal Founders, legends and 54,000 fans.
The ceremony was highlighted by the opening of the new Sir Trevor Brooking Stand by the man himself and the Bobby Moore Stand by the late, great captain's grandson Freddie.
With tens of thousands of supporters taking to their seats early in the August sunshine, proceedings kicked-off with a video featuring many of the Club's 52,000 Founders – Season Ticket Holders in our first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – including 100-year-old Mable Arnold.
MFL Brass Military Marching Brass Band and Fanfare Trumpeters then took centre-stage before five-time Hammer of the Year and 1980 FA Cup final hero Sir Trevor was invited to officially open the south stand, which has been named in his honour.
After a second musical interlude from MFL (Music for LONDON), Freddie Moore declared the north stand, named in tribute to West Ham and England's finest defender, open.
With bubbles, flames and T-shirts flying high in the air, fans were then treated to a big screen presentation charting the Hammers' journey to their new home.
Attention then turned to the pitch, where giant Home and Thames Ironworks commemorative shirts and the crests of the two clubs were unveiled.
Led by captains Mark Noble and Gianluigi Buffon, the two teams took to the pitch accompanied by a deafening chorus of Bubbles and a huge COME ON YOU IRONS! mosaic created by fans in the huge East Stand, before lining up for the singing of the British National Anthem by soprano Laura Wright.
Following the traditional handshakes and coin toss, it was then time for the Hammers and the Old Lady to take centre-stage at the iconic new home of West Ham United.
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on an opening night to remember…
It feels like just yesterday Winston Reid's late winner against Manchester United helped us to bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground, our home for 112 years. It doesn't matter how much time passes, anyone who was fortunate enough to see the Hammers in the hallowed ground will never forget it.
But on Thursday evening, new history was written and in some style, as we came back to beat NK Domzale 3-0, progressing into the next round of the Europa League.
Excitement, apprehension, intrigue, every emotion was felt leading up to Thursday's clash, as we were going to be sitting in our new season ticket seats for the first time, singing bubbles for the first time, and hopefully winning for the first time at London Stadium.
It took just eight minutes for Cheikhou Kouyate to send the 54,000 Hammers into a frenzy with a neat back heel, and we dominated proceedings from there. Domzale gave a good account of themselves, forcing Darren Randolph into a number of saves throughout, but Mark Noble and Co. never really looked like conceding, and finished the job professionally.
Kouyate added a second after a fantastic Andy Carroll knock down, before the skipper Noble played a beautiful through pass which was controlled expertly by new signing Sofiane Feghouli, with the former Valencia winger firing home.
Aside from the powerhouse of Kouyate, the young pair or Sam Byram and Reece Oxford were particularly impressive, never looking out of place alongside experienced Hammers. Byram was on the left hand side, an unnatural role for him, but he was composed and confident throughout. Oxford on the other hand, made a number of inch perfect sliding tackles in and around the penalty area, prompting the full London Stadium to stand and applaud.
Havard Nordtveit impressed too in a midfield role, breaking up play and allowing Kouyate and Noble to push forward and fill in for the absent Dimitri Payet, yet to return following a great Euro campaign with France.
Despite the result, Slaven Bilic has recognised that we need to bring in a few more players if we are to continue to play on Thursday nights as well as compete in the Premier League. Top of this list looks to be Swansea's Andre Ayew, who has linked up with Payet before in the past for Marseille. Ayew is able to play out wide or as a striker, and with his addition we would have one of the most feared set of attackers in the top flight of English football.
Another forward-thinking man whose name has been circulating around social media is Mario Gomez. The German international may be in his early 30s, but this did not stop him from scoring 26 goals in 33 league appearances for Besiktas last season.
Just one competitive game has been played at our new home, but already it is starting to feel real. With more players likely to be arriving in the near future and fans tasting success courtesy of Kouyate and Feghouli, excitement is building ahead of the Premier League opener in just over a week's time.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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Carroll - It was a good day
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was all smiles after scoring twice as West Ham United officially opened the Club's new London Stadium home with a five-goal thriller against Juventus.
While the Italian champions may have edged out their hosts in front of a record 53,966-strong crowd, the Hammers' No9 was at his powerful best with a pair of trademark goals.
After falling 2-0 down to an impressive Juventus, Carroll followed up after Gianluigi Buffon had saved his initial effort from Sam Byram's centre, then levelled with an unstoppable header from Mark Noble's right-wing cross.
An impressive second half display looked likely to earn Slaven Bilic's team a draw, only for Italy duo Andrea Barzagli and Simone Zaza to combine for Juve's 85th-minute winner.
"The result didn't go our way, but it was good to get two goals and start scoring again," Carroll told West Ham TV after opening his account on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "I think it was perfect for the players, the fans and the Club and great for everyone involved.
"It was a good day, the fans came out and were great in the lovely weather. It was nice to get scoring goals in this stadium as soon as possible and get a feel for it. It was good for the fans who turned up, too.
"I'm feeling good, you know. I got through pre-season really well, so now I'm just looking forward to the start of the season and to keep producing my performances and scoring goals and for the team to do well."
Carroll was full of praise for teammates Byram and Noble, who each provided the perfect ball for his to nod powerfully on the Juventus goal.
While Buffon made a spectacular stop to prevent his first effort going in, the Italy No1 was powerless to keep out Carroll's second effort. Then, seven minutes after half-time, he nodded Noble's cross into the bottom corner to level matters.
"I've been screaming out for crosses into the box since I've been here and two came in on Sunday and I've got my head on them and they ended up in the back of the net, which was great," he explained.
"It was a great save for the first one, which is why Buffon is one of the best, but I've managed to follow it in and got a tap-in."
Pre-season preparations complete, West Ham will spend the week working at Rush Green before travelling to Chelsea for their Premier League opener on Monday 15 August.
Before then, Carroll expects the Hammers to make further additions to their squad.
"We've got a good squad. The manager has done well in the transfer window and he has probably got a couple more signings to make to make us complete.
"We've bonded pretty well over pre-season. Our dressing room is very good at welcoming new people in and I think we're all relishing the start of the Premier League season now."
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Bilic happy with Juve test
WHUFC.com
Hammers come back from two goals down but are edged out 3-2 by Juventus in Betway Cup
Andy Carroll double brings his pre-season tally to four
53,966 Hammers pack out London Stadium to officially open Club's new home
Slaven Bilic was pleased with they way his team responded to a whirlwind Juventus start on Sunday as the Hammers officially opened London Stadium with an exciting Betway Cup clash against the Italian giants.
Simone Zaza's goal five minutes from time eventually defeated the Hammers by the odd goal in five, but Andy Carroll's double – after strikes from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic inside the first 21 minutes – showed the boss enough to suggest his team are ready for the start of the Premier League season.
Again 54,000 fans packed into the Club's new home on a glorious summer's afternoon and Bilic was delighted with their backing.
"It was a good test for us," he said. "We started sloppily – we hit the post after 15 minutes but they are a top class team and if you are on the back foot and give them a yard, they can pass the ball and play football.
"If you give them three or four yards then it's too easy for them. That's what we gave them at the start – okay we played three nights ago and were a little bit tired – but then after that we came back into the game and changed the rhythm.
"It was much more aggressive, we made it harder for them and Andy scored his type of goals. They are of course very important for us and he is great for us.
"Then we put some young players in because we don't want to risk injuries and that kind of things. We thought it was going to end 2-2, but then we conceded one that from our point of view was too easy and sloppy.
"It was a packed Stadium against one of the biggest clubs and best teams in Europe.
"It was a good test for us and great to see the fans filling our Stadium again."
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West Ham mark official London Stadium opening with Juventus defeat
BBC.co.uk
West Ham marked the official opening of their new home with a 3-2 defeat against Italian champions Juventus in front of a 53,966 crowd. Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic gave the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead at the former Olympic Stadium, now known as the London Stadium. Andy Carroll pulled a goal back and then headed the equaliser before Simone Zaza hit the winner for Juventus. West Ham left Upton Park - their home for the past 112 years - in the summer. They overcame Slovenia's NK Domzale 4-2 on aggregate in their first game at the London Stadium last Thursday to reach the Europa League play-off round. West Ham's first Premier League game at the venue, which hosted athletics at London 2012, is against Bournemouth on 21 August.
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Bilic confirms Ayew and Masuaku deals
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven BIlic was dousing expectations at the Olympic Stadium this morning as he poured cold water on rumours that he is set to make a string of new signings ahead of the transfer window deadline.
The West Ham boss was quoted earlier in the week stating that he needed up to "five players" for his squad ahead of the the trasnfer deadline.
However he dismissed those rumours ahead of today's friendly clash with Juventus, when he stated he would be happy with just two.
"We are very close to signing a couple of players and that's it." he said. "When I said a few days ago that we are expecting to get five players I didn't mean five new players - but players like Payet, Lanzini and Cresswell who are going to be back.
"We are very close to signing Andre Ayew from Swansea and we are very close to signing Arthur Masuaku, the French left back from Olympiakos. It's almost done, but until it's done it's never done!
"We are trying to get quality players but we have marquee players, Feghouli is a marquee player, Tore is a marquee player. Andre Ayew is a big time marquee player. It doesn't have to be someone for 70 or 80million, we can't afford it.
"But we are close to signing a couple of them; if those two players come then I'm quite happy with my squad."
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On Arthur, the new king of West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic confirmed earlier today that the club are on the verge of signing Olympiacos full back Arthur Masuaku. So what do we know about our impending arrival?
The 22-year-old uncapped defender, who was born in Lille but possesses dual nationality (Congolese) has been the subject of much speculation regarding his future in the last few months.
And whilst West Ham are set to sign him from the Greek Superleague champions - hopefully in time for the Premier League's opening clash against Chelsea eight days hence - the Hammers were just one of a string of top clubs chasing him.
Last summer, at the end of his first season in Greece, reports linked Masuaku with several Serie A clubs including Roma, Inter and today's opponents, Juventus. Another, Genoa, saw a €4million bid rejected, which there was also interest from England recently with Sunderland reported to be monitoring his situation.
Prior to playing in Greece, Masuaku spent six seasons at Valenciennes, the French club with whom he made his breakthrough. A product of their youth system, he made his Ligue 1 debut in August 2013 before agrreing to join Olympiacos in a €300,000 switch ahead of the 2014/15 season.
West Ham are reported to be paying around £6million to sign the full back - whose highlights reel you may view below - as a replacement for Aaron Cresswell, who was injured during pre-season and expects to be sidelined until November.
And as has been pointed out once or twice now, by people who should probably know better, Masuaku's first name is actually 'Fuka', not 'Arthur'. What's not to like?
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Carroll eyes England spot
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's man of the match was pleased with his performance against Juventus at the Olympic Stadium this lunchtime - even though West Ham ultimately lost the game.
Carrroll, speaking to BT after the game admitted that he was pleased with his brace - and admitted that he would be delighted to become involved with England once again, should the opportunity present itself.
"In the first half I didn't get many balls in the box, there was very little of that and we needed more," he said. "The pitch was a bit sticky which didn't help us. It was very, very hot.
"But then there were two crosses that I got on the end of - and I'm just screaming out for more.
"It's been tough getting through pre-season in the last couple of years but I feel good now and touch woo, I hope everything goes alright this season.
"I think it's fantastic; we've got the new stadium here and we've got a new training ground. We've got players coming in and everything's chanign in a good way. All the lads are relishing the new season."
An on England - and the possibility of reuniting with former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce? "It'd be great, but I need to stay fit, score goals here and hopefully it'll come."
Carroll also welcomed the arrival of Andre Ayew and full back Arthur Masuaku, who are set to arrive at the club imminently.
"The squad's been a bit bare, we need some more players in," he added. "Slaven's bringing in more qualitiy players and that's what we need, to fight for places.
"Everyone's looking forward to it, we've got a lot of games coming up - including Europe - so bringing in as many quality players as we can is great for the squad."
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West Ham Utd 2-3 Juventus
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham succumbed to defeat in their final match of pre-season against Italian champions Juventus at the Olympic Stadium this afternoon.
Slaven Bilic's side went down 3-2 to a late Simone Zaza effort at the end of a lively encounter in front of a full house of 54,000 - despite having previously fought back from two goals behind after a slow start.
And key to West Ham's recovery was striker Andy Carroll, who looked in fine form as his two headers cancelled out first half goals for the visitors.
Juve opened the scoring on 18 minutes, no more than 30 seconds after Enner Valencia had beaten Gianluigi Buffon but not the woodwork. A quick counter attack resulted in Mario Mandzukic nodding a deep cross back towards Dybala, who finished with ease.
Still reeling from conceding that one, West Ham found themselves in double trouble less than three minutes later. This time the energetic Dybala fed Mandzukic with a low pass and the Croatian international fired home from inside the box.
There were no more goals prior to the half time interval but it took West Ham just five minutes to halve the deficit in the second half. Sam Byram, playing at left back again, centred for Carroll; his header was initially saved but bundled over the line by the striker, following up.
Just as Juve scored two quick goals in the first period, Caroll repeated the feat when he made it 2-2 on 52 minutes. Mark Noble's free kick was firmly planted in the back of the net by the #9, who rose above three defenders to get to the ball first.
But the visitors were to have the last word with just eight minutes remaining. Simone Zaza, who was left a bit of a laughing stock after his missed penalty in Euro 16 latched on to a long through ball to fire beyond Adrian and win the Betway Cup for Juventus.
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West Ham 2-3 Juventus: Andy Carroll double in vain as Hammers beaten
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 07/08/16 4:56pm
SSN
Andy Carroll netted a double in vain as West Ham were beaten 3-2 by Serie A champions Juventus in a game to mark the official opening of the London Stadium.
A quickfire double from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic put the visitors in control in the East End sunshine, with the Hammers far inferior to their illustrious opponents.
Carroll soon got the hosts back in it on a sun-drenched day at their new home, bundling the ball into the net in typically combative style, before heading an equaliser in the second half.
Hammers fans will have been pleased to see Dimitri Payet get his first minutes of pre-season, while record signing Gonzalo Higuain made his Juventus bow as a substitute, but it was another replacement in Simone Zaza who won it late on for the Old Lady.
West Ham in fact played a first competitive game at their new home when they beat Domzale in a Europa League qualifier last week but this was set to be the big curtain-raiser for a new era and supporters were treated to a carnival atmosphere.
That mood was dampened slightly, as a strong-looking Juventus team took charge early on, racing into a two-goal lead.
Moments after Enner Valencia saw his effort come back off the woodwork, a superb knockdown from Mandzukic picked out the run of Dybala, who took a touch and finished with his left foot in impressive manner after 18 minutes.
Before the supporters had re-taken their seats, the Serie A champions were two goals to the good, with the same combination linking up to devastating effect. This time Dybala returned the favour, slipping the ball in for Mandzukic for slot home.
With the visitors looking in fine fettle, Carroll took it upon himself to get his side back in it, getting on the end of a Sam Byram cross in the 34th minute, reacting quickest as his header was saved by Gianluigi Buffon to bundle the ball home.
The Hammers lived dangerously as a goalmouth scramble somehow didn't result in a Juve third, the crossbar and a Carroll goal-line clearance coming to the rescue.
After the break, Carroll continued to be a menace as Higuain laboured after coming off the bench down the other end, and the combative hitman soon found a leveller, this time attacking a Mark Noble free-kick, and powering a header into the bottom corner.
A raft of changes disrupted the flow of the game, but Payet's introduction got the crowd off their feet once more.
However, as we seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out, Zaza netted the winner out of nowhere. The Italy international brought the ball down superbly out of the air, stole a march of Reece Oxford and finished clinically with his left foot.
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West Ham agree Andre Ayew fee but must wait for Swansea to sign Borja Baston - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 06/08/16 11:27am
SSN
West Ham have reached a £20m agreement with Swansea to sign Andre Ayew, but must wait for the Welsh club to sign Borja Baston, according to Sky sources.
It is understood that 26-year-old Ghana international Ayew will have a medical with the Hammers this weekend. Swansea confirmed the signing of experienced forward Fernando Llorente on Friday, but Sky Sports News HQ understands they will only sanction Ayew's departure when they sign another striker. And it is understood that striker is Atletico Madrid's Baston, who spent last season on loan at Eibar, with the Swans in talks to bring him to the Liberty Stadium. The 23-year-old has been on loan at a string of Spanish clubs including Murcia, Huesca, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza, for whom he scored 23 in 39 games.
The former Spain U19 international starred as Eibar finished 14th last season, scoring 18 goals in 36 La Liga appearances. Ayew, meanwhile, only joined Swansea from Marseille last summer and was the subject of a £20m bid from West Ham last week, Sky sources reported. Ayew, brother of Aston Villa striker Jordan, scored 12 goals in 35 appearances for the Swansea.
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West Ham 2-3 Juventus: Andy Carroll sends England boss Sam Allardyce reminder with brace in loss
15:57, 7 AUG 2016 UPDATED 17:18, 7 AUG 2016
BY HECTOR NUNNS
The Hammers striker grabbed a double as Juventus spoiled the London Stadium opening party with a late winner from Simone Zaza
The Mirror
Andy Carroll handed an England reminder to new manager and former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce with a double against Italian champions Juventus.
The official opening of the London Stadium looked to be falling flat after Juventus twice sliced West Ham apart in the opening 21 minutes.
And manager Slaven Bilic will have been concerned at the ease with which Juventus scored those two – and again late on through Hammers target Simone Zaza.
Carroll though, left out for Euro 2016 but signed both on loan and permanently by Allardyce for the Hammers, opened his account at the club's new home.
One header before half-time was tipped on to the post by Gianluigi Buffon before Carroll bundled in the rebound. And shortly after the break a towering effort left the net bulging.
But confidence ahead of the Premier League opener at Chelsea a week on Monday will have been tempered by the defending on show.
A Juventus official confirmed here that Paul Pogba had been given permission for a medical at Manchester United ahead of his proposed £110 million world-record move.
Meanwhile at a mere £75m the world's current third-costliest player, Gonzalo Higuain, had to be content with a place on the bench for Juventus.
The thunder of the official opening of West Ham's London Stadium had rather been stolen on Thursday with the emphatic Europa League victory over Domzale.
But in the last and prestigious pre-season game for Slaven Bilic's team there was still time for some nostalgia.
The south stand was christened the Sir Trevor Brooking stand, with the former England midfielder and Hammers royalty milking the generous applause.
And that was followed by an even bigger cheer as the north stand was named in honour of the late Bobby Moore, another West Ham legend and England's 1966 World Cup winning captain.
Then came 'Bubbles' and the fireworks - and after 12 minutes the first effort in anger, a header from Juve's Mario Mandzukic that was easily saved by Adrian.
But the Hammers went closer after 17 minutes, as Enner Valencia hit the post after good work from young Irish midfielder Josh Cullen.
However Juventus went straight down the other end 36 seconds later and opened the scoring after 18 minutes.
Mandzukic, linked with West Ham all summer, nodded the ball down and the onrushing Argentinian Paulo Dybala fired home left-footed.
And within three minutes the favour had been returned, Dybala rolling the ball across the area from the right for the Croatian striker to score easily.
West Ham were reeling but got back into it after 34 minutes, as Andy Carroll followed in an initial header tipped on to the post by Gianluigi Buffon from Byram's cross.
And the West Ham goal led a charmed life after 39 minutes as first Adrian and Carroll on the line denied Alex Sandro before Medhi Benatia hit the bar from four yards.
Both of West Ham's centre-backs after a shaky 45 minutes were taken off, with Reece Oxford and James Collins coming on.
But Carroll was at it again after 48 minutes, producing a towering header from Mark Noble's right-wing free-kick.
A welter of second-half substitutes saw the pace drop in the second half, but sub Hernanes hit the bar with a free-kick after 82 minutes for Juventus.
And with time running out Zaza ran clear, and finished coolly after controlling the ball superbly.
Teams
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Antonio (Payet 74th), Reid (Collins 46th), Ogbonna (Oxford 46th), Byram; Nordtveit, Cullen (Browne 83rd); Feghouli (Burke 46th), Noble (Quina 59th), Valencia (Samuelsen 74th); Carroll (Fletcher 55th).
Goals: Carroll 34, 48.
Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon (Neto 46th); Dani Alves (Untersee 59th), Benatia (Barzagli 59th), Rugani (Chiellini 59), Alex Sandro (Kastanos 87th); Lemina (Marrone 79th), Pjanic (Macek 79th), Asamoah (Hernanes 69th); Pereyra (Zaza 69th); Dybala (Pjaca 59th), Mandzukic (Higuain 46th).
Goals: Dybala 18, Mandzukic 21, Zaza 85.
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Andre Ayew and Arthur Masuaku edge closer to Hammers move as Slaven Bilic admits 'it's only a matter of paperwork'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Sunday, August 7, 2016
West Ham are close to completing the signings of Swansea striker Andre Ayew and Olympiacos left-back Arthur Masuaku.
Manager Slaven Bilic revealed the Hammers are on the brink of sealing two new arrivals ahead of the Premier League kick-off next weekend.
And it is understood Ayew is on the brink of completing his switch - for a fee reported to be £20million - while Masuaku has also agreed a £1million move to east London.
"We are quite close to getting two new players," said Bilic after West Ham's 3-2 friendly defeat by Juventus.
"I hoped it would be yesterday and they would play a part today but the paperwork was not done. It's only a matter of paperwork and then we will have two new players at West Ham."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll showed his qualities once again ahead of the new Premier League season with two goals against Juventus but substitute Simone Zaza grabbed a late winner to help the Italian champions come away with a 3-2 victory in the Betway Cup.
West Ham marked the prestigious fixture at the new Stadium with the official opening ceremony before the kick-off which was a fitting tribute to Hammers new home.
This might have been the last pre-season fixture before the opening Premier League game against Chelsea but Slaven Bilic's side showed they mean business with an impressive performance against the Italian giants.
Juventus raced into a two-goal lead following early goals from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic.
But Carroll, who was a constant threat to the Juventus defence helped the Hammers get back into the game with two goals either side of half-time.
Nearly 54,000 fans turned out in their numbers once again and were thrilled to see Dimitri Payet make his first appearance at the new Stadium during the second half.
But Juventus came away with the victory after Zaza made it 3-2 with just five minutes left on the clock.
Bilic will certainly have been impressed with what he saw from his players and the goalscoring form of Carroll heading into the opening league game at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August.
The Hammers could have opened the scoring after 18 minutes following a mix-up in the Juventus defence. Josh Cullen passed the ball into the path of Enner Valencia who struck a low shot against the post.
The home side were made to pay for that missed opportunity as Juventus raced down the other end sixty seconds later and opened the scoring.
Mandzukic headed the ball into the path of Dybala who fired the ball past Adrian from close-range.
Juventus doubled their lead on 21 minutes when Dybala got the better of Winston Reid and squared the ball for Mandzukic who had the easy option of knocking the ball home.
The Hammers refused to lie down and could have found a way back into the game on the half hour mark when Sam Byram showed a great piece to flick the ball up and fire a volley which flew inches past the post.
Byram was involved in the heart of the action once again on 34 minutes when his cross fell perfectly for Carroll who saw his close-range header produce a great save from Buffon diving low to his left who managed to tip the ball onto the post.
Carroll refused to give up and showed his appetite by sliding loose ball over the line.
Juventus somehow failed to make it 3-1 on 38 minutes after Mandzukic' close-range header was superbly saved by Adrian.
The rebound fell to Alex Sandro who saw his shot superbly cleared off the line by Carroll and then Benatia saw his shot cannon back off the bar.
The Hammers drew level on 52 minutes when Mark Noble's free-kick fell perfectly for Carroll and he showed his aerial dominance once again by leaping above the Juventus defence and powering a close-range header past Buffon into the corner of the net.
This might have been a pre-season fixture, but both teams seemed determined to find the third goal and Juventus came close on 82 minutes when substitute Hernanes saw his free-kick clip the top of the bar.
The Italian giants then secured the winning goal on 85 minutes when Luca Marrone played a high ball over the top of the West Ham defence. Substitute Zaza took the ball down with his left foot and struck a powerful shot into the corner of the net.
West Ham: Adrian; Antonio (Payet 74), Ogbonna (Oxford 45), Reid (Collins 45), Byram (Page 85); Nordtveit, Noble (Quina 60), Cullen (Browne 82); Feghouli (Burke 45), Carroll (Fletcher 54), Valencia (Samuelsen 74)
Subs not used: Spiegel
Juventus: Buffon (Neto 45); Alves (Untersee 59), Benatia (Barzagli 58), Rugani (Chiellini 58), Alex Sandro (Kastanos 86); Pereyra (Zaza 69), Lemina (Marrone 78), Pjanic (Macek 78), Asamoh (Hernanes 68); Dybala (Pjaca 58), Mandzukic (Huguain 45)
Subs not used: Loria
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 53,966
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Hammers officially open London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United opened the London Stadium with a fitting ceremony ahead of Sunday's Betway Cup meeting with Juventus.
The Hammers completed their journey to their new home with a 30-minute show featuring the Club's most-loyal Founders, legends and 54,000 fans.
The ceremony was highlighted by the opening of the new Sir Trevor Brooking Stand by the man himself and the Bobby Moore Stand by the late, great captain's grandson Freddie.
With tens of thousands of supporters taking to their seats early in the August sunshine, proceedings kicked-off with a video featuring many of the Club's 52,000 Founders – Season Ticket Holders in our first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – including 100-year-old Mable Arnold.
MFL Brass Military Marching Brass Band and Fanfare Trumpeters then took centre-stage before five-time Hammer of the Year and 1980 FA Cup final hero Sir Trevor was invited to officially open the south stand, which has been named in his honour.
After a second musical interlude from MFL (Music for LONDON), Freddie Moore declared the north stand, named in tribute to West Ham and England's finest defender, open.
With bubbles, flames and T-shirts flying high in the air, fans were then treated to a big screen presentation charting the Hammers' journey to their new home.
Attention then turned to the pitch, where giant Home and Thames Ironworks commemorative shirts and the crests of the two clubs were unveiled.
Led by captains Mark Noble and Gianluigi Buffon, the two teams took to the pitch accompanied by a deafening chorus of Bubbles and a huge COME ON YOU IRONS! mosaic created by fans in the huge East Stand, before lining up for the singing of the British National Anthem by soprano Laura Wright.
Following the traditional handshakes and coin toss, it was then time for the Hammers and the Old Lady to take centre-stage at the iconic new home of West Ham United.
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on an opening night to remember…
It feels like just yesterday Winston Reid's late winner against Manchester United helped us to bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground, our home for 112 years. It doesn't matter how much time passes, anyone who was fortunate enough to see the Hammers in the hallowed ground will never forget it.
But on Thursday evening, new history was written and in some style, as we came back to beat NK Domzale 3-0, progressing into the next round of the Europa League.
Excitement, apprehension, intrigue, every emotion was felt leading up to Thursday's clash, as we were going to be sitting in our new season ticket seats for the first time, singing bubbles for the first time, and hopefully winning for the first time at London Stadium.
It took just eight minutes for Cheikhou Kouyate to send the 54,000 Hammers into a frenzy with a neat back heel, and we dominated proceedings from there. Domzale gave a good account of themselves, forcing Darren Randolph into a number of saves throughout, but Mark Noble and Co. never really looked like conceding, and finished the job professionally.
Kouyate added a second after a fantastic Andy Carroll knock down, before the skipper Noble played a beautiful through pass which was controlled expertly by new signing Sofiane Feghouli, with the former Valencia winger firing home.
Aside from the powerhouse of Kouyate, the young pair or Sam Byram and Reece Oxford were particularly impressive, never looking out of place alongside experienced Hammers. Byram was on the left hand side, an unnatural role for him, but he was composed and confident throughout. Oxford on the other hand, made a number of inch perfect sliding tackles in and around the penalty area, prompting the full London Stadium to stand and applaud.
Havard Nordtveit impressed too in a midfield role, breaking up play and allowing Kouyate and Noble to push forward and fill in for the absent Dimitri Payet, yet to return following a great Euro campaign with France.
Despite the result, Slaven Bilic has recognised that we need to bring in a few more players if we are to continue to play on Thursday nights as well as compete in the Premier League. Top of this list looks to be Swansea's Andre Ayew, who has linked up with Payet before in the past for Marseille. Ayew is able to play out wide or as a striker, and with his addition we would have one of the most feared set of attackers in the top flight of English football.
Another forward-thinking man whose name has been circulating around social media is Mario Gomez. The German international may be in his early 30s, but this did not stop him from scoring 26 goals in 33 league appearances for Besiktas last season.
Just one competitive game has been played at our new home, but already it is starting to feel real. With more players likely to be arriving in the near future and fans tasting success courtesy of Kouyate and Feghouli, excitement is building ahead of the Premier League opener in just over a week's time.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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Carroll - It was a good day
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was all smiles after scoring twice as West Ham United officially opened the Club's new London Stadium home with a five-goal thriller against Juventus.
While the Italian champions may have edged out their hosts in front of a record 53,966-strong crowd, the Hammers' No9 was at his powerful best with a pair of trademark goals.
After falling 2-0 down to an impressive Juventus, Carroll followed up after Gianluigi Buffon had saved his initial effort from Sam Byram's centre, then levelled with an unstoppable header from Mark Noble's right-wing cross.
An impressive second half display looked likely to earn Slaven Bilic's team a draw, only for Italy duo Andrea Barzagli and Simone Zaza to combine for Juve's 85th-minute winner.
"The result didn't go our way, but it was good to get two goals and start scoring again," Carroll told West Ham TV after opening his account on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "I think it was perfect for the players, the fans and the Club and great for everyone involved.
"It was a good day, the fans came out and were great in the lovely weather. It was nice to get scoring goals in this stadium as soon as possible and get a feel for it. It was good for the fans who turned up, too.
"I'm feeling good, you know. I got through pre-season really well, so now I'm just looking forward to the start of the season and to keep producing my performances and scoring goals and for the team to do well."
Carroll was full of praise for teammates Byram and Noble, who each provided the perfect ball for his to nod powerfully on the Juventus goal.
While Buffon made a spectacular stop to prevent his first effort going in, the Italy No1 was powerless to keep out Carroll's second effort. Then, seven minutes after half-time, he nodded Noble's cross into the bottom corner to level matters.
"I've been screaming out for crosses into the box since I've been here and two came in on Sunday and I've got my head on them and they ended up in the back of the net, which was great," he explained.
"It was a great save for the first one, which is why Buffon is one of the best, but I've managed to follow it in and got a tap-in."
Pre-season preparations complete, West Ham will spend the week working at Rush Green before travelling to Chelsea for their Premier League opener on Monday 15 August.
Before then, Carroll expects the Hammers to make further additions to their squad.
"We've got a good squad. The manager has done well in the transfer window and he has probably got a couple more signings to make to make us complete.
"We've bonded pretty well over pre-season. Our dressing room is very good at welcoming new people in and I think we're all relishing the start of the Premier League season now."
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Bilic happy with Juve test
WHUFC.com
Hammers come back from two goals down but are edged out 3-2 by Juventus in Betway Cup
Andy Carroll double brings his pre-season tally to four
53,966 Hammers pack out London Stadium to officially open Club's new home
Slaven Bilic was pleased with they way his team responded to a whirlwind Juventus start on Sunday as the Hammers officially opened London Stadium with an exciting Betway Cup clash against the Italian giants.
Simone Zaza's goal five minutes from time eventually defeated the Hammers by the odd goal in five, but Andy Carroll's double – after strikes from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic inside the first 21 minutes – showed the boss enough to suggest his team are ready for the start of the Premier League season.
Again 54,000 fans packed into the Club's new home on a glorious summer's afternoon and Bilic was delighted with their backing.
"It was a good test for us," he said. "We started sloppily – we hit the post after 15 minutes but they are a top class team and if you are on the back foot and give them a yard, they can pass the ball and play football.
"If you give them three or four yards then it's too easy for them. That's what we gave them at the start – okay we played three nights ago and were a little bit tired – but then after that we came back into the game and changed the rhythm.
"It was much more aggressive, we made it harder for them and Andy scored his type of goals. They are of course very important for us and he is great for us.
"Then we put some young players in because we don't want to risk injuries and that kind of things. We thought it was going to end 2-2, but then we conceded one that from our point of view was too easy and sloppy.
"It was a packed Stadium against one of the biggest clubs and best teams in Europe.
"It was a good test for us and great to see the fans filling our Stadium again."
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West Ham mark official London Stadium opening with Juventus defeat
BBC.co.uk
West Ham marked the official opening of their new home with a 3-2 defeat against Italian champions Juventus in front of a 53,966 crowd. Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic gave the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead at the former Olympic Stadium, now known as the London Stadium. Andy Carroll pulled a goal back and then headed the equaliser before Simone Zaza hit the winner for Juventus. West Ham left Upton Park - their home for the past 112 years - in the summer. They overcame Slovenia's NK Domzale 4-2 on aggregate in their first game at the London Stadium last Thursday to reach the Europa League play-off round. West Ham's first Premier League game at the venue, which hosted athletics at London 2012, is against Bournemouth on 21 August.
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Bilic confirms Ayew and Masuaku deals
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven BIlic was dousing expectations at the Olympic Stadium this morning as he poured cold water on rumours that he is set to make a string of new signings ahead of the transfer window deadline.
The West Ham boss was quoted earlier in the week stating that he needed up to "five players" for his squad ahead of the the trasnfer deadline.
However he dismissed those rumours ahead of today's friendly clash with Juventus, when he stated he would be happy with just two.
"We are very close to signing a couple of players and that's it." he said. "When I said a few days ago that we are expecting to get five players I didn't mean five new players - but players like Payet, Lanzini and Cresswell who are going to be back.
"We are very close to signing Andre Ayew from Swansea and we are very close to signing Arthur Masuaku, the French left back from Olympiakos. It's almost done, but until it's done it's never done!
"We are trying to get quality players but we have marquee players, Feghouli is a marquee player, Tore is a marquee player. Andre Ayew is a big time marquee player. It doesn't have to be someone for 70 or 80million, we can't afford it.
"But we are close to signing a couple of them; if those two players come then I'm quite happy with my squad."
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On Arthur, the new king of West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic confirmed earlier today that the club are on the verge of signing Olympiacos full back Arthur Masuaku. So what do we know about our impending arrival?
The 22-year-old uncapped defender, who was born in Lille but possesses dual nationality (Congolese) has been the subject of much speculation regarding his future in the last few months.
And whilst West Ham are set to sign him from the Greek Superleague champions - hopefully in time for the Premier League's opening clash against Chelsea eight days hence - the Hammers were just one of a string of top clubs chasing him.
Last summer, at the end of his first season in Greece, reports linked Masuaku with several Serie A clubs including Roma, Inter and today's opponents, Juventus. Another, Genoa, saw a €4million bid rejected, which there was also interest from England recently with Sunderland reported to be monitoring his situation.
Prior to playing in Greece, Masuaku spent six seasons at Valenciennes, the French club with whom he made his breakthrough. A product of their youth system, he made his Ligue 1 debut in August 2013 before agrreing to join Olympiacos in a €300,000 switch ahead of the 2014/15 season.
West Ham are reported to be paying around £6million to sign the full back - whose highlights reel you may view below - as a replacement for Aaron Cresswell, who was injured during pre-season and expects to be sidelined until November.
And as has been pointed out once or twice now, by people who should probably know better, Masuaku's first name is actually 'Fuka', not 'Arthur'. What's not to like?
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Carroll eyes England spot
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's man of the match was pleased with his performance against Juventus at the Olympic Stadium this lunchtime - even though West Ham ultimately lost the game.
Carrroll, speaking to BT after the game admitted that he was pleased with his brace - and admitted that he would be delighted to become involved with England once again, should the opportunity present itself.
"In the first half I didn't get many balls in the box, there was very little of that and we needed more," he said. "The pitch was a bit sticky which didn't help us. It was very, very hot.
"But then there were two crosses that I got on the end of - and I'm just screaming out for more.
"It's been tough getting through pre-season in the last couple of years but I feel good now and touch woo, I hope everything goes alright this season.
"I think it's fantastic; we've got the new stadium here and we've got a new training ground. We've got players coming in and everything's chanign in a good way. All the lads are relishing the new season."
An on England - and the possibility of reuniting with former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce? "It'd be great, but I need to stay fit, score goals here and hopefully it'll come."
Carroll also welcomed the arrival of Andre Ayew and full back Arthur Masuaku, who are set to arrive at the club imminently.
"The squad's been a bit bare, we need some more players in," he added. "Slaven's bringing in more qualitiy players and that's what we need, to fight for places.
"Everyone's looking forward to it, we've got a lot of games coming up - including Europe - so bringing in as many quality players as we can is great for the squad."
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West Ham Utd 2-3 Juventus
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham succumbed to defeat in their final match of pre-season against Italian champions Juventus at the Olympic Stadium this afternoon.
Slaven Bilic's side went down 3-2 to a late Simone Zaza effort at the end of a lively encounter in front of a full house of 54,000 - despite having previously fought back from two goals behind after a slow start.
And key to West Ham's recovery was striker Andy Carroll, who looked in fine form as his two headers cancelled out first half goals for the visitors.
Juve opened the scoring on 18 minutes, no more than 30 seconds after Enner Valencia had beaten Gianluigi Buffon but not the woodwork. A quick counter attack resulted in Mario Mandzukic nodding a deep cross back towards Dybala, who finished with ease.
Still reeling from conceding that one, West Ham found themselves in double trouble less than three minutes later. This time the energetic Dybala fed Mandzukic with a low pass and the Croatian international fired home from inside the box.
There were no more goals prior to the half time interval but it took West Ham just five minutes to halve the deficit in the second half. Sam Byram, playing at left back again, centred for Carroll; his header was initially saved but bundled over the line by the striker, following up.
Just as Juve scored two quick goals in the first period, Caroll repeated the feat when he made it 2-2 on 52 minutes. Mark Noble's free kick was firmly planted in the back of the net by the #9, who rose above three defenders to get to the ball first.
But the visitors were to have the last word with just eight minutes remaining. Simone Zaza, who was left a bit of a laughing stock after his missed penalty in Euro 16 latched on to a long through ball to fire beyond Adrian and win the Betway Cup for Juventus.
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West Ham 2-3 Juventus: Andy Carroll double in vain as Hammers beaten
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 07/08/16 4:56pm
SSN
Andy Carroll netted a double in vain as West Ham were beaten 3-2 by Serie A champions Juventus in a game to mark the official opening of the London Stadium.
A quickfire double from Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic put the visitors in control in the East End sunshine, with the Hammers far inferior to their illustrious opponents.
Carroll soon got the hosts back in it on a sun-drenched day at their new home, bundling the ball into the net in typically combative style, before heading an equaliser in the second half.
Hammers fans will have been pleased to see Dimitri Payet get his first minutes of pre-season, while record signing Gonzalo Higuain made his Juventus bow as a substitute, but it was another replacement in Simone Zaza who won it late on for the Old Lady.
West Ham in fact played a first competitive game at their new home when they beat Domzale in a Europa League qualifier last week but this was set to be the big curtain-raiser for a new era and supporters were treated to a carnival atmosphere.
That mood was dampened slightly, as a strong-looking Juventus team took charge early on, racing into a two-goal lead.
Moments after Enner Valencia saw his effort come back off the woodwork, a superb knockdown from Mandzukic picked out the run of Dybala, who took a touch and finished with his left foot in impressive manner after 18 minutes.
Before the supporters had re-taken their seats, the Serie A champions were two goals to the good, with the same combination linking up to devastating effect. This time Dybala returned the favour, slipping the ball in for Mandzukic for slot home.
With the visitors looking in fine fettle, Carroll took it upon himself to get his side back in it, getting on the end of a Sam Byram cross in the 34th minute, reacting quickest as his header was saved by Gianluigi Buffon to bundle the ball home.
The Hammers lived dangerously as a goalmouth scramble somehow didn't result in a Juve third, the crossbar and a Carroll goal-line clearance coming to the rescue.
After the break, Carroll continued to be a menace as Higuain laboured after coming off the bench down the other end, and the combative hitman soon found a leveller, this time attacking a Mark Noble free-kick, and powering a header into the bottom corner.
A raft of changes disrupted the flow of the game, but Payet's introduction got the crowd off their feet once more.
However, as we seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out, Zaza netted the winner out of nowhere. The Italy international brought the ball down superbly out of the air, stole a march of Reece Oxford and finished clinically with his left foot.
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West Ham agree Andre Ayew fee but must wait for Swansea to sign Borja Baston - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 06/08/16 11:27am
SSN
West Ham have reached a £20m agreement with Swansea to sign Andre Ayew, but must wait for the Welsh club to sign Borja Baston, according to Sky sources.
It is understood that 26-year-old Ghana international Ayew will have a medical with the Hammers this weekend. Swansea confirmed the signing of experienced forward Fernando Llorente on Friday, but Sky Sports News HQ understands they will only sanction Ayew's departure when they sign another striker. And it is understood that striker is Atletico Madrid's Baston, who spent last season on loan at Eibar, with the Swans in talks to bring him to the Liberty Stadium. The 23-year-old has been on loan at a string of Spanish clubs including Murcia, Huesca, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza, for whom he scored 23 in 39 games.
The former Spain U19 international starred as Eibar finished 14th last season, scoring 18 goals in 36 La Liga appearances. Ayew, meanwhile, only joined Swansea from Marseille last summer and was the subject of a £20m bid from West Ham last week, Sky sources reported. Ayew, brother of Aston Villa striker Jordan, scored 12 goals in 35 appearances for the Swansea.
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West Ham 2-3 Juventus: Andy Carroll sends England boss Sam Allardyce reminder with brace in loss
15:57, 7 AUG 2016 UPDATED 17:18, 7 AUG 2016
BY HECTOR NUNNS
The Hammers striker grabbed a double as Juventus spoiled the London Stadium opening party with a late winner from Simone Zaza
The Mirror
Andy Carroll handed an England reminder to new manager and former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce with a double against Italian champions Juventus.
The official opening of the London Stadium looked to be falling flat after Juventus twice sliced West Ham apart in the opening 21 minutes.
And manager Slaven Bilic will have been concerned at the ease with which Juventus scored those two – and again late on through Hammers target Simone Zaza.
Carroll though, left out for Euro 2016 but signed both on loan and permanently by Allardyce for the Hammers, opened his account at the club's new home.
One header before half-time was tipped on to the post by Gianluigi Buffon before Carroll bundled in the rebound. And shortly after the break a towering effort left the net bulging.
But confidence ahead of the Premier League opener at Chelsea a week on Monday will have been tempered by the defending on show.
A Juventus official confirmed here that Paul Pogba had been given permission for a medical at Manchester United ahead of his proposed £110 million world-record move.
Meanwhile at a mere £75m the world's current third-costliest player, Gonzalo Higuain, had to be content with a place on the bench for Juventus.
The thunder of the official opening of West Ham's London Stadium had rather been stolen on Thursday with the emphatic Europa League victory over Domzale.
But in the last and prestigious pre-season game for Slaven Bilic's team there was still time for some nostalgia.
The south stand was christened the Sir Trevor Brooking stand, with the former England midfielder and Hammers royalty milking the generous applause.
And that was followed by an even bigger cheer as the north stand was named in honour of the late Bobby Moore, another West Ham legend and England's 1966 World Cup winning captain.
Then came 'Bubbles' and the fireworks - and after 12 minutes the first effort in anger, a header from Juve's Mario Mandzukic that was easily saved by Adrian.
But the Hammers went closer after 17 minutes, as Enner Valencia hit the post after good work from young Irish midfielder Josh Cullen.
However Juventus went straight down the other end 36 seconds later and opened the scoring after 18 minutes.
Mandzukic, linked with West Ham all summer, nodded the ball down and the onrushing Argentinian Paulo Dybala fired home left-footed.
And within three minutes the favour had been returned, Dybala rolling the ball across the area from the right for the Croatian striker to score easily.
West Ham were reeling but got back into it after 34 minutes, as Andy Carroll followed in an initial header tipped on to the post by Gianluigi Buffon from Byram's cross.
And the West Ham goal led a charmed life after 39 minutes as first Adrian and Carroll on the line denied Alex Sandro before Medhi Benatia hit the bar from four yards.
Both of West Ham's centre-backs after a shaky 45 minutes were taken off, with Reece Oxford and James Collins coming on.
But Carroll was at it again after 48 minutes, producing a towering header from Mark Noble's right-wing free-kick.
A welter of second-half substitutes saw the pace drop in the second half, but sub Hernanes hit the bar with a free-kick after 82 minutes for Juventus.
And with time running out Zaza ran clear, and finished coolly after controlling the ball superbly.
Teams
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Antonio (Payet 74th), Reid (Collins 46th), Ogbonna (Oxford 46th), Byram; Nordtveit, Cullen (Browne 83rd); Feghouli (Burke 46th), Noble (Quina 59th), Valencia (Samuelsen 74th); Carroll (Fletcher 55th).
Goals: Carroll 34, 48.
Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon (Neto 46th); Dani Alves (Untersee 59th), Benatia (Barzagli 59th), Rugani (Chiellini 59), Alex Sandro (Kastanos 87th); Lemina (Marrone 79th), Pjanic (Macek 79th), Asamoah (Hernanes 69th); Pereyra (Zaza 69th); Dybala (Pjaca 59th), Mandzukic (Higuain 46th).
Goals: Dybala 18, Mandzukic 21, Zaza 85.
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Andre Ayew and Arthur Masuaku edge closer to Hammers move as Slaven Bilic admits 'it's only a matter of paperwork'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Sunday, August 7, 2016
West Ham are close to completing the signings of Swansea striker Andre Ayew and Olympiacos left-back Arthur Masuaku.
Manager Slaven Bilic revealed the Hammers are on the brink of sealing two new arrivals ahead of the Premier League kick-off next weekend.
And it is understood Ayew is on the brink of completing his switch - for a fee reported to be £20million - while Masuaku has also agreed a £1million move to east London.
"We are quite close to getting two new players," said Bilic after West Ham's 3-2 friendly defeat by Juventus.
"I hoped it would be yesterday and they would play a part today but the paperwork was not done. It's only a matter of paperwork and then we will have two new players at West Ham."
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