Daily WHUFC News - 24th August 2016

Westley - That's as good as we've played
WHUFC.com

West Ham Premier League 2 beat Newcastle United 3-1 in their second league game of the season
Terry Westley was delighted with his team's performance
In a game of two halves, the Hammers impressed in both and have maximum points so far this term

Terry Westley said his Premier League 2 side played as well as he's seen in their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday evening. The youngsters dominated a first half at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium in which they scored twice through Toni Martinez and Marcus Browne, before drawing the second period 1-1 to take the points. And Westley, watching his squad win their second league match in as many games, couldn't have been more complimentary about the first half performance. "That first 45 was as good as I've seen us play in my two and a bit years here," he said. "All the hours you work with the players, talking about moving, making angles and playing two-touch, we ticked all of those boxes. "We played high pressure stuff and then tidied up and played ourselves. The first half was a masterclass. Marcus Browne was fantastic. He caused Newcastle no end of problems, and we're talking about a very good team here. "They're experienced and have a lot of players who have played League football, throughout the team. That should be noted. Samuelsen was beating people, Grady [Diangana] the same, Toni Martinez was a constant threat and those four really gave us a platform where we could hurt the opposition. Then Moses and Noha, Vash first half, the strength of Declan and Tunji and then young Nathan Trott in goal; they were all superb."

After the great first period, the Hammers eased off slightly during the second half and Newcastle got one back late on, though Martinez had already put the result beyond doubt by then.
The firm hold on the game the hosts maintained pleased Westley, though, and it showed a different side to their play. "Second half was a different type. I said at half time, don't think Peter Beardsley is going to allow that to happen second half. They pushed on and when they were on top of us, we played a little bit differently, but we showed different qualities. "We were resolute and tough and didn't want to let a goal in, which was disappointing when we did, but we showed so much. In the first half, we totally dominated, then we were tough and strong and saw the game through. All round, we are really pleased with that. "To play the way we played is so pleasing. Yes, I'm pleased to win two games and part of their learning is about winning, but it's the style and philosophy that is so pleasing. That's a consequence of all the staff that demand that. "There were a number of scouts here tonight - let's see if I get some calls this week!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender delighted with dominant display
WHUFC.com

West Ham PL2 captain Declan Rice was delighted with his side's 3-1 win against Newcastle United
The side now have two wins from two, following their opening match victory at Stoke
The youngsters take on Swansea City later this week and must back up Monday's result, says Rice

West Ham United Premier League 2's victory over Newcastle United showed the hard work completed in pre-season is paying off, according to skipper Declan Rice. The Hammers were 3-1 winners against their north east opponents on Monday night, their second win in as many Premier League 2 matches after an opening day victory over Stoke City. And Rice, who was superb in the centre of defence for Terry Westley's young side, was delighted to perform so well at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. "In pre-season, you have to work to your hardest, because you know the season is going to be a long and hard season," he said. "Even in training, you need to put 100 per cent in every day. "Obviously we beat Stoke last week and this week we've beaten Newcastle 3-1 and they had a very good side. They had a good striker, Adam Armstrong, who had a little bit of threat but we dealt with him well. "It's good to get six points from two games and on we go to Swansea on Friday."

The Hammers dominated the opening period, not allowing the Magpies to get a foothold in the clash, and went 2-0 up after 36 minutes through Toni Martinez and Marcus Browne. Martinez added a third in the second half, but it was the first 45's showing that most impressed Rice. "I've never seen us play as well as we did [in the first half]. We were moving it one and two touch, the midfielders were getting on it, switching the play, there were little link-ups and it was good to see. "Terry said at half time we need to keep going now, we can't just stop, the game isn't over yet, and second half we did very well. Tonight, in the last ten, the fitness levels showed, and we managed to pull through. "I think we need to back up this performance tonight definitely. There is no point us winning tonight but then going to Swansea and losing, so we need to go there and get three wins from three."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign record principal partnership deal with Betway
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's renewed agreement with Betway is the biggest in the Club's history.
The new three-year deal will extend Betway's partnership through to the 2019/20 season.
Betway renewed the deal due to West Ham's vision, success and stunning new stadium.

West Ham United are pleased to announce the renewal of the Club's partnership with principal sponsors Betway. The new deal is the largest sponsorship agreement in West Ham's history.
The Club's original deal with Betway was agreed in February 2015, and thanks to the great success of the sponsorship agreement to date, both parties were keen to secure the significant extension announced today. Betway are one of the biggest players in the European betting, casino, poker and bingo markets, employing more than 1,000 people, and priding itself on providing its customers with a bespoke, fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe and secure environment. West Ham's Vice-Chairman Karren Brady hailed the agreement as further evidence of the continued upward trajectory of the Club, especially as they settle into their new home, the magnificent London Stadium. "We are delighted to extend our relationship with Betway, signing our biggest-ever commercial deal in the process," the Vice-Chairman said. "Our brand has grown faster than any other major Premier League club in the past two years, and an equally ambitious, forward-thinking brand like Betway wants to be associated with that success. "Betway have been with us during two of the most momentous years in our history, as we said farewell to the Boleyn Ground and moved into our stunning new home, but they know that the best is still to come. The revenue that this deal generates will be reinvested in our playing squad, and will allow us to enjoy ever greater success in the years to come."

Confirming the new agreement, Betway said it was a sign of their confidence and excitement at the future that lies ahead for West Ham United. Anthony Werkman, marketing director at Betway, said: "We are thrilled to renew our agreement with West Ham United and proud to maintain our close association with one of the most historic teams in English football, during such a hugely significant era for the Club. "Since we first became principal sponsor in February 2015, the partnership has been a real success for Betway and West Ham. This is reflected by the fact that both parties were not only keen to renew the deal early, but also for a substantial period."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Calleri plans talks with Tevez
WHUFC.com

Calleri plans talks with Tevez over his memorable spell at the Hammers
The Argentine forward has netted 39 goals in 90 appearances over the last two seasons
Calleri has already settled into his new surroundings in east London

Jonathan Calleri plans to speak with Hammers legend Carlos Tevez about his memorable spell at West Ham United, but insists he already feels at home in east London. Calleri arrives with a big pedigree having been the leading goalscorer in the Copa Libertadores, the South American version of the Champions League and is rated one of the best young forwards in Argentina.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Club on a season-long loan, was handed an immediate debut against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League last week and showed his quality straight away when he had two efforts cleared off the line. Calleri also appeared as a second half substitute against Bournemouth on Sunday and could have got on the scoresheet late in the game when he raced towards goal and fired his shot inches past the post. The talented forward is well aware of the impact that his Argentine compatriot Tevez had at West Ham United and says he would love to follow in his footsteps and become another big hero with the Hammers supporters. Calleri said: "I still haven't spoken to Carlos (Tevez) about the Club, but I think we will speak in the next week or so and then we can chat about his time here. "I feel very comfortable here and I am really pleased to be at West Ham. "I will be trying to move forward as best possible so that I can integrate myself into the team and achieve some great things with this squad. "My English is improving, I am trying to listen and I am understanding everything. For the moment, I am struggling to express myself as well as I would like, so I will work hard and study English so that I can speak to the level where I want to be. "It's a lovely stadium, it has been well put together and the pitch is incredible. I feel really good here and I am looking forward to our next game at London Stadium on Thursday. "I will try to adapt my game to the Premier League as quickly as possible and when I am well-adapted, I will be able to show this league what I am capable of doing."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairman - Antonio good enough for England call-up
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold has nothing but praise for Michail Antonio and believes he can challenge for a place in the England squad this season.
Antonio stole all the headlines when he netted a late winner against Bournemouth in the first ever Premier League game to be played at London Stadium on Sunday. The talented winger was moved further forward by Slaven Bilic and the decision paid off as he produced an impressive display and made it a day to remember with his late headed goal. Antonio clearly enjoys the big game occasion having scored the winning goal against Tottenham last season and also scored in the final ever game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United. Mr Gold sees no reason why Antonio should not be pushing for a place in Sam Allardyce's squad and feels he has the quality to compete on the international stage. "I was full of emotions following the win over Bournemouth and what a way for us to win the game in the final five minutes with a fantastic goal." Mr Gold said. "It was a great cross from Gokhan and what a header from Michail. I am so pleased for the player who enjoyed being back on the wing and he was there when we needed him. "He loves the big occasion and is a big player. We talk all the time about Andy Carroll and our wonderful captain Mark Noble over their chances of getting in the England team. "I am a great supporter of that, but I also feel Michail should be given consideration because he is a special player and worthy of an England opportunity. "It was a very important victory because we will remember this win in 10 years time – the first Premier League game to be played at London Stadium and it was an historic moment."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com

James Collins celebrates his 33rd birthday on Tuesday and it has certainly been a few months that the West Ham United defender will never ever forget.

The 'Ginger Pele' was part of the Wales squad that defied all the odds to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship Finals during the summer.

Collins has returned to the Hammers full of confidence and his good luck continued when he was picked to start the first two Premier League games and also got on the scoresheet against Chelsea.

The experienced defender is now hoping to enjoy another memorable campaign at the new Stadium and believes there is enough quality in the squad to challenge in the top half of the table....


You have now played your first Premier League game at the new Stadium. How do you reflect on the experience and getting a crucial victory right at the end?

JC: "I thought it was a good performance. Obviously we are missing a lot of our attacking players so to get the goal late on and then hold is massive for us."

How did you find the atmosphere inside the new Stadium and a Club record 56,977 attendance getting behind you?

JC: "Our fans are unbelievable every game and it was the same against Bournemouth.

"This is a magnificent stage to play on and the fans are great. Hopefully they are enjoying it, because I know the players are when we play here."

You mentioned the attacking problems. How big a blow was it to lose Andy Carroll before the Bournemouth game?

JC: "It is a massive blow. We have got a lot of injuries in the attacking third and missing a player like Andy is huge.

"But we have got a big squad and managed to get our first win of the season. Hopefully we can build on that and look forward to the next game."

Do you think the manager will need to add to the squad and give you more options?

JC: "That is down to the gaffer but I am sure he is thinking about it. The same with the Chairman.

"We have made some great signings during the summer and we need numbers. If we can bring more quality into the squad, than everyone will welcome it."

How much did the loss of those attacking players show against Bournemouth on Sunday?

JC: "I am not sure it showed too much. The game looked like it was destined for a draw and they kept the ball very well.

"I thought we defended very well. But Michail has moved further forward and we have got the goal.

"We have obviously got injuries, but we have other lads who can score goals and thankfully we did that on Sunday."

You scored your first goal for the Club against Chelsea since January 2015. How much would you like to improve that record this season?

JC: "I should be scoring more as I go up for every corner and I don't get on as many as I should.

"I would have been more happy if my goal against Chelsea would have got us a point but it wasn't to be."

You are certainly facing a lot of games at the moment with the Premier League and Europa League. How do the players get themselves ready for all these big matches?

JC: "This is what it is all about – playing top flight football and this is what we are here for.

"We have had a good pre-season and we are as fit as we can be. These are exciting times playing in Europe and we didn't do ourselves justice last year and we want to improve on that.

"The games are coming round quickly and we have to be ready for them."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samuelsen pens new deal
WHUFC.com

Winger Martin Samuelsen has signed a new four-year deal
The 19-year-old made his senior debut during a superb campaign last season
He also enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Peterborough United in League One

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Martin Samuelsen has signed a new four-year contract with the Club. The Norwegian winger, who joined the east Londoners last summer, has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain at the London Stadium until 2020. The exciting 19-year-old joined in June 2015, having left Premier League side Manchester City, and made his competitive first-team debut less than a month later, playing in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifier against Maltese side Birkirkara at the Boleyn Ground. Having also played in the return leg, Samuelsen earned a loan move to League One outfit Peterborough United in November and impressed at London Road, making 20 appearances for Posh, scoring two goals. The youngster's superb debut season was then rounded off in June by a senior international debut, as he turned out for Norway in a 3-2 win over Iceland in Oslo. The hot prospect revealed his delight having committed his future to the Hammers for a further four years. "I've been here for a year now, and nothing makes me happier than signing a new contract at the Club to stay even longer," he said. "I've really enjoyed the year I've had at the Club so far and I want to build on that. It's just been one upward journey so far, and I'm really happy to sign a new deal and hopefully I can push on and do even better."

One of a number of Hammers who impressed on loan in England's third tier last season, Samuelsen is eyeing another potential move during the 2016/17 campaign.
"This season, I think it's either going to be another loan or first team football for me at West Ham," he continued. "I really enjoyed my time at Peterborough United last season and to have another spell playing good football on loan somewhere would be great. "Both options would be good for me, but one is tougher to achieve than the other! Whatever happens for me this year, I'll go into it 100 per cent committed. My long-term goal is to get into the West Ham first team XI."

Having already turned out at the Club's new home against Juventus during pre-season, Samuelsen is itching to get back on the pitch at London Stadium after enjoying a small taste of the experience. "It's a huge moment in history for West Ham with the move into the new ground and just playing the 20 minutes against Juventus have made me hungrier for even more game time there. It's a fantastic Club and we have now got a fantastic Stadium to match it and the fans are fantastic too! "It's just amazing to commit myself further to the Club and I can't wait for what the next four years has in store for me with West Ham."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAMUELSEN SIGNS NEW 4 YEAR CONTRACT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 23 AUGUST 2016 AT 6:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Twenty four hours after tying down Reece Burke to a new four year deal, West Ham have announced that Martin Samuelsen has also signed a new four-year contract with the Club. The Norwegian winger, who joined the club last summer from Manchester City, has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain with the Hammers until 2020. Martin made his debut for the club against Maltese side Birkirkara in last season's Europa League qualifiers. He then played on loan at League One outfit Peterborough United from November last season making 20 appearances for Posh and scoring two goals and he was heralded for his performances including an excellent game against WBA in the FA Cup. The youngster's superb debut season was then rounded off in June by a senior international debut, as he turned out for Norway in a 3-2 win over Iceland in Oslo. The hot prospect revealed his delight having committed his future to the Hammers for a further four years stating. "I've been here for a year now, and nothing makes me happier than signing a new contract at the Club to stay even longer," he said.
"I've really enjoyed the year I've had at the Club so far and I want to build on that. It's just been one upward journey so far, and I'm really happy to sign a new deal and hopefully I can push on and do even better." "This season, I think it's either going to be another loan or first team football for me at West Ham," he continued. "I really enjoyed my time at Peterborough United last season and to have another spell playing good football on loan somewhere would be great.
"Both options would be good for me, but one is tougher to achieve than the other! Whatever happens for me this year, I'll go into it 100 per cent committed. My long-term goal is to get into the West Ham first team." "It's a huge moment in history for West Ham with the move into the new ground and just playing the 20 minutes against Juventus have made me hungrier for even more game time there. "It's a fantastic Club and we have now got a fantastic Stadium to match it and the fans are fantastic too "It's just amazing to commit myself further to the Club and I can't wait for what the next four years has in store for me with West Ham."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARTINEZ BAGS A BRACE AS HAMMERS WIN 3-1
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 AUGUST 2016 AT 11:40PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

The Hammers U23 squad made it two wins from two games tonight as they beat the visiting Newcastle United 3-1 with a brace from the young Spaniard, Antonio Martinez and a goal from Marcus Browne. West Ham opened the scoring in the 28th minute as Martinez placed his penalty to the keeper's right after the returning Martin Samuelsen was brought down in the box by Satka. 8 minutes later and the hosts doubled their lead when Marcus Browne fired home after some excellent work from Grady Diangana. Browne almost made it 3-0 just before the break but this time his finishing eluded him as he fired wide from a similar position to his goal.

Alfie Lewis replaced Vashon Neufville at HT and Moses Makasi moved to the left-back position. The Hammers finished the game as a contest in the 70th minute with the best goal of the game as Martinez this time beat the keeper with low shot with the outside of his foot. Martinez was replaced in the 78th minute by Jamaal Hector-Ingram and the impressive Grady Diangana also made way for Jaanai Gordon. The visitors managed to pull a goal back in the 82nd minute via Tom Heardman. Terry Westley was very impressed with the team's performance tonight stating. "That first 45 was as good as I've seen us play in my two and a bit years here," he said. "All the hours you work with the players, talking about moving, making angles and playing two-touch, we ticked all of those boxes. "We played high pressure stuff and then tidied up and played ourselves. The first half was a masterclass. Marcus Browne was fantastic. He caused Newcastle no end of problems, and we're talking about a very good team here. "They're experienced and have a lot of players who have played League football, throughout the team. That should be noted. "Samuelsen was beating people, Grady [Diangana] the same, Toni Martinez was a constant threat and those four really gave us a platform where we could hurt the opposition. Then Moses and Noha, Vash first half, the strength of Declan and Tunji and then young Nathan Trott in goal; they were all superb."

"Second half was a different type. I said at half time, don't think Peter Beardsley is going to allow that to happen second half. They pushed on and when they were on top of us, we played a little bit differently, but we showed different qualities. "We were resolute and tough and didn't want to let a goal in, which was disappointing when we did, but we showed so much. "In the first half, we totally dominated, then we were tough and strong and saw the game through. All round, we are really pleased with that. "To play the way we played is so pleasing. Yes, I'm pleased to win two games and part of their learning is about winning, but it's the style and philosophy that is so pleasing. That's a consequence of all the staff that demand that."

West Ham: Trott, Pike, Neufville (Lewis 46), Sylvestre, Akinola, Rice, Diangana (Gordon 77), Makasi, Martinez (Hector-Ingram 77), Browne, Samuelsen.
Subs not used: Matrevics, Kemp.
Goals: Martinez 28 (pen), 70, Browne 36

Newcastle United: Woodman, Satka, Gibson, Cameron, Bigirimana (Barlaser 64), Findlay, Gilliead, Hunter, Armstrong, Vuckic (Heardman 64), Longstaff.
Subs not used: Broccoli, Harker, Ward.
Goals: Heardman 82

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BURKE SIGNS NEW 4 YEAR CONTRACT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 AUGUST 2016 AT 11:19PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Hammers youngster Reece Burke has signed a new four-year contract with the club. The outstanding young defender and lifelong Hammer has been rewarded for an outstanding 2015-16 season by putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2020. The Newham-born Academy graduate broke into the first-team squad in spring 2014, was named Young Hammer of the Year in 2014/15 and secured 7 awards whilst on loan at Bradford City last season. Still just 19, Burke is already approaching 50 senior appearances and impressed hugely as a left-back during the Hammers' UEFA Europa League play-off round first leg with Astra. Burke stated "Obviously as a West Ham fan as well as a player, it's fantastic to be involved with the Club during this period. It's still sinking in to be honest, the move and the changes here. Over time, I really believe everything will settle in, and it will feel like home very, very soon. Having signed his new long-term contract, the young centre-half is hopeful of being handed another chance to impress when Astra visit the Hammers on Thursday evening. "It's an unreal Stadium to play in," he continued. "It's been done really well, the entire arena, and the pitch and surface is quality too. I played there against Juventus at right-back and really enjoyed the experience. If I'm playing again, which hopefully I will be, I'll do my best to help the team progress to the group stages. "I'm hoping to be involved, and if Slaven asks me to do a job anywhere on the pitch I'll definitely be up for it. The Club has a few centre-halves this season so there's a lot of competition there. If he asks me, I'm just going to say 'Yes'."

Looking further into the future, Burke expects to be given the opportunity to go out on loan again this season – potentially to a Championship club after impressing for Bradford City last season in League One. "This season for me, another loan move may happen for me," he revealed. "I think I'm going to try to do the Championship – the next step – and see how the season goes hopefully playing Championship football and I'll hopefully get another load of games under my belt. "I want to build on that experience and come back next year even better, just similarly building like I did last season. Hopefully I could have a similarly positive season this year in the Championship."

Retaining Reece was one of the club's main priorities this Summer after letting James Tomkins move to Crystal Palace. The Hammers will turn their focus to Reece Oxford now in the hope that they can get another one of their young stars under long term contract.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simone Zaza is 'seriously considering' a move to West Ham, says player's father
By James Dale
Last Updated: 23/08/16 6:17pm
SSN

West Ham are a "concrete" option for Juventus forward Simone Zaza, according to the player's father. Zaza, 25, has been told he is not part of manager Massimiliano Allegri's plans at Juventus and with West Ham eager to bring in more attacking options before the end of the transfer window, the club are a viable option for the Italy striker. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has been left frustrated after record signing Andre Ayew was ruled out for between two and four months following an injury he suffered during his league debut for West Ham, while Andy Carroll is also facing a few weeks on the sidelines with an knee injury.
Bilic said on Sky Sports on Sunday he was meeting with the West Ham chairman and director of recruitment on Monday in a bid to try to get one player in - with the club keen on Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony, according to Sky sources.

However, while Zaza has already attracted reported interest from Crystal Palace and Bundesliga side Wolfsburg this summer, his father, Antonio, has said the Hammers could now represent the best option for his son. "West Ham are a solution we'd appreciate and represent something more concrete," he told Mediaset Premium. "We'll have to see what Juventus do and we expect news soon. "We are taking London into serious consideration as his next destination. Simone still has four years on his contract and would happily remain in Turin to give his contribution. "Juventus don't want to sell Simone to a direct rival. Milan, Napoli and Roma would be the options, we'll see what happens." Zaza was one of four Italy players to miss their penalties in the Euro 2016 quarter-final shootout with Germany earlier this summer and said he will never get over the defeat following criticism he received for his stuttering run-up.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans to be handed opportunity to star in movie alongside Pierce Brosnan at Upton Park
17:40, 23 AUG 2016 UPDATED 18:18, 23 AUG 2016
BY JACK RATHBORN
The new film Final Score is shooting at the Boleyn Ground and is appealing for extras to join the former James Bond star in production
The Mirror

West Ham fans could star in a new movie to be filmed at their beloved old stadium Upton Park. Final Score, an action movie centering on a criminal gang holding a sports stadium to ransom, is filming at the Boleyn Ground. The film stars former James Bond Pierce Brosnan and ex-WWE champion Dave Bautista. The plot sees an ex-soldier using his military skills to save the 35,000 strong crowd from disaster. "Imagine 'Die Hard' in a soccer stadium," claimed producer Marc Goldberg.
The film makers require people to help with production on several days. Hammers fans can therefore immortalise themselves ahead of the planned property development on the site in this new movie. Those interested should email finalscoreextras@gmail.com with a recent picture and availability for filming.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DARYL JANMAAT SET TO COMPLETE WEST HAM MOVE
MICHAEL OLIVER ReadWestHam.com

West Ham are believed to be closing in on the £10m signing of Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat. According to Shields Gazette journalist Miles Starforth, Janmaat is set to join West Ham this week once DeAndre Yedlin's £5m move from Tottenham to Newcastle is completed. The American international defender was pictured arriving at Newcastle airport this afternoon ahead of a medical. Right-back has been a problem position for the Hammers of late with Michail Antonio filling in at the position, but after his dismal display in the Premier League opener against Chelsea, Bilic has had to assess his options. Sam Byram, a £3.7m arrival from Leeds back in January, has been used at right-back sparingly despite it being his natural position and has impressed when played. However, it appears Slaven Bilic either doesn't have complete confidence in the former England U21 international or wants to add another fullback to the squad and has targeting Janmaat to do just that. The Gazette understand Janmaat has said goodbye to his team-mates and friends in the north-east and will complete a move this week.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan undergoes heart surgery
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 23, 2016 in News, Whispers

David Sullivan has undergone heart surgery and remains in hospital this evening. David Sullivan junior confirmed his father's situation by tweeting "Dad's just had heart surgery woke up from operation and is straight back on the phone to sign more players" posting a photo of his dad on the phone in his hospital bed. Jack Sullivan added his own post saying "THE CHAMP! What a man"
David Sullivan has previously undergone a quadruple heart bypass surgery in 1994. Last year Sullivan told the Sun "Please god, I'm still alive in five years — I had a heart bypass when I was 45 — but I'm planning to live to be a 100″

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree club record sponsorship deal with Betway worth over £10m
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham have agreed to extend their partnership with Betway in the biggest sponsorship deal in the club's history. The agreement, believed to be worth in excess of £10million per annum, represents a significant upgrade on the £6m that the Hammers earned on their previous deal with the bookmakers. It is also understood that the new terms were partly agreed in light of the club's move to the London Stadium, with Betway looking for increased signage in the new ground. At over £10m the deal is the seventh biggest in the Premier League and places West Ham ahead of the likes of Southampton and Sunderland. The Hammers still trail Tottenham, whose deal will Chinese insurance firm AIA is worth around £16m. Betway have served as the Hammers shirt sponsors since February 2015 and will remain on the club's shirts until at least May 2020 after agreeing terms on what West Ham have termed a "significant extension".
Vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We are delighted to extend our relationship with Betway, signing our biggest-ever commercial deal in the process. "Our brand has grown faster than any other major Premier League club in the past two years, and an equally ambitious, forward-thinking brand like Betway wants to be associated with that success. "Betway have been with us during two of the most momentous years in our history, as we said farewell to the Boleyn Ground and moved into our stunning new home, but they know that the best is still to come. "The revenue that this deal generates will be reinvested in our playing squad, and will allow us to enjoy ever greater success in the years to come."
Anthony Werkman, marketing director at Betway, said: "We are thrilled to renew our agreement with West Ham United and proud to maintain our close association with one of the most historic teams in English football, during such a hugely significant era for the club. "Since we first became principal sponsor in February 2015, the partnership has been a real success for Betway and West Ham. This is reflected by the fact that both parties were not only keen to renew the deal early, but also for a substantial period." The deal comes just over a week after the bookmakers had to apologise to the club and Michail Antonio after a tweet on their official account had labelled the 26-year-old "an accident waiting to happen".

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's fighting spirit convinced me to join, says summer signing Sofiane Feghouli
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Sofiane Feghouli says he was inspired to choose West Ham because of the "fighting spirit" of the club. Algerian international Feghouli was courted by several major European sides in the final months of his contract at Valencia, with Inter Milan taking a particular interest in his services, but chose a move to West Ham in the summer. Just two games into his career in England the 26-year-old has already made a big impression. Having scored in his first match for the club – a friendly victory over Karlsruher – Feghouli was influential in West Ham's passage to the Europa League play-off round, scoring in a 3-0 second leg win over NK Domzale. Though currently sidelined with a hamstring injury Feghouli is convinced he made the right call in moving to West Ham, who he has watched from afar for some time. "The London derbies were ones we had to watch," he told the Independent. "There was always an epic intensity to them. I was very impressed by West Ham's fighting spirit. They never gave up. "All of that helped to convince me that they were the team to join at this stage of my career."

Feghouli may well have picked the ideal time to join West Ham, who have moved into the London Stadium at the start of what could be an exciting new era for Slaven Bilic and company.
Hammers fans will hope that the off-field excitement is replicated on the field, where Feghouli could form a mouth-watering attacking trident with Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. And the winger is well-aware of the special opportunity ahead of him in east London. "The club has an incredible history, and the new Olympic Stadium is all part of it. "Playing in front of 60,000 supporters, most of them West Ham fans, is a massive honour. "I was delighted to score on my debut, and hope that there will be many more opportunities to do well."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle set £10m fee for defender: West Ham and Watford both interested
WEST HAM and Watford are both reportedly plotting late bids to sign Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 10:37, Tue, Aug 23, 2016 | UPDATED: 10:47, Tue, Aug 23, 2016
Express.co.uk

West Ham and Watford reportedly want to sign Daryl Janmaat. Janmaat has played twice for the Toon this season and appears to be part of manager Rafa Benitez's plans. But the player is said to be eyeing an immediate move back to the Premier League this summer. According to the Daily Mail, both West Ham and Watford have registered their interest in the Dutchman. The Hammers already have Sam Byram and Michail Antonio available to play right-back but manager Slaven Bilic appears keen to further strengthen that position. With Antonio possibly playing further up the pitch to accommodate for Andre Ayew's absence through injury, a move for Janmaat appears to makes sense. As for Watford, manager Walter Mazzarri is supposedly seeking fresh recruits with just over a week to go before the transfer deadline.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Rachid Ghezzal rejects Hammers to hold talks over Lyon stay
JONATHAN JOHNSON
Evening Standard

West Ham and Everton are set to miss out on Rachid Ghezzal after the player rejected a move to have talks over staying at Lyon. Ghezzal's deal expires next summer and he has been linked with Everton and the Hammers, while Southampton are also thought to be keen since the arrival of Claude Puel as manager. Ghezzal is said to have turned down Everton because of their lack of European football. Although the Hammers are in a stronger position given they are in the Europa League, the 24-year-old is now considering staying at Lyon. Everton appear to have missed out on another target after Porto midfielder Yacine Brahimi turned down an £18million move

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Sofiane Feghouli takes pride in combining Muslim faith with playing in the Premier League
Exclusive: West Ham & Algeria's exciting new winger Sofiane Feghouli speaks for the first time about his pride in being a Muslim Hammer
Nabila Ramdani
The Independent

When Sofiane Feghouli scored on his debut for West Ham United at the start of this season he celebrated like Mo Farah: prostrating himself in the Olympic Stadium in London and spending a moment in silent prayer. As when the running champion won double gold there in 2012, Feghouli's gesture of reverence during a charged football match was greeted by cheering and rapturous applause. The overwhelming sense of respect was not lost on the French-Algerian 26-year-old, who is as proud to be a Muslim as he is an elite sportsman.
"British crowds are outstanding – generous, supportive and passionate," said Feghouli, the hugely exciting winger whom West Ham signed from Valencia, in Spain last month. "My faith is very important to me, but also very personal. When I pray on the pitch, it is always spontaneous. "That crowds can accept this, and make a player feel comfortable as he expresses himself with honesty is very touching."
Feghouli is one of a highly influential group of new Premier League stars who are not just devout Muslims, but also ones who grew up in the less salubrious suburbs of greater Paris.
They include the world's most expensive player, Paul Pogba of Manchester United, N'Golo Kanté of Chelsea, and Riyad Mahrez of champions Leicester City, who is a great friend of Feghouli's. The pair were part of the outstanding Algeria side that gave Germany a scare in the 2014 World Cup, narrowly losing to the eventual champions 2-1 after extra time. Feghouli, who was the captain of Algeria, is only too well aware of the way young men from similar backgrounds are demonised and discriminated against in France, but knows that perceptions can change. Meeting him in his temporary home – the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, near West Ham's new ground – the soft-spoken, highly intelligent sportsman certainly came across as the perfect role model. "My faith is all part of leading an exemplary life," said Feghouli. "It's part of a good lifestyle that teaches me to be respectful of other people at all times, and generally to try and do good in the world. "I'm of course very proud to see Muslim players like Riyad doing so well in the Premier League, but they're not there because they're Muslims. They're there because they're great players."
Feghouli was born in Levallois-Perret, around five miles from the centre of Paris, and then grew up in nearby Saint-Ouen, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department bordering the capital.
His first club was the semi-professional Red Star, in Saint-Ouen, whom he joined as an eight-year-old, and then he signed as a professional with Grenoble, in the French Alps, when he was 17. "Football was always my absolute passion, and I wanted to play all the time," said Feghouli, who has been given the prestigious No. 7 shirt at West Ham. It was immortalised by iconic players throughout the decades in England, such as Eric Cantona, David Beckham and George Best. "I was not into music, or films, or any other distractions – when I had time off I would normally get hold of a ball and carry on practicing. "My career was tough at times – especially in the mountains in winter in Grenoble, but I always felt very privileged to be pursuing my lifetime ambition."
Like many other French-Algerians, Feghouli chose the green of Algeria over the blue of France, because of "history, and where my heart wanted me to be". France's relationship with its former colony has always been a troubled one. Those born and raised in France with links to the North African country stretching back generations frequently feel more attached to their country of origin than the place where they grew up. Feghouli's parents are from Algeria, and he spent many happy childhood holidays there. "I have plenty of family in Algeria, and love it," he said. "I of course visit when I am on international duties, but it is also a good place to take a break."
Feghouli was a schoolboy when France won the World Cup in 1998. He was delighted for Les Bleus, but he believes the country has changed since then. "The 1998 team was made up of players from all backgrounds, including Algerian," said Feghouli, the youngest of four brothers. "Zinedine Zidane, the best player, remains a national hero, and he has inspired a generation, but things have deteriorated. "The Muslim community is being stigmatised for all the wrong reasons. It is particularly worrying that Islamophobia is rife in mainstream French life. It is an extremely unjust situation, and one that needs to be addressed."
As an example, Feghouli recalled how his oldest brother, Nabil, used to tell him to avoid the Parc des Princes, where French champions Paris St Germain play, because of racist hooligans.
PSG has since been taken over by Gulf Arabs from Qatar, who have tried to change the club's image, but there is still a problem with prejudice and hate. Feghouli knows racist elements used to prey on English clubs like West Ham too, as fascist organisations used the terraces as recruiting grounds, and baited black and Asian players. The club now has a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of discrimination, clamping down hard on any racist chants or gestures. "There has been considerable social change in Britain," said Feghouli. "Players from ethnic and religious minorities are not experiencing racism in the way they used to. There is an openness and tolerance that is hugely impressive. "Whereas bigotry can still appear acceptable across all strands of society in countries like France and Spain, the situation is far better in Britain. "Voters in London electing a Muslim mayor is a huge step forward. Not everything is perfect – of course there is plenty of nastiness around – but generally Britain is getting things right."
Manchester United dominated English football when Feghouli was growing up, but the big sides in the capital fascinated him. "The London derbies were ones we had to watch," he said. "There was always an epic intensity to them. I was very impressed by West Ham's fighting spirit. They never gave up. "All of that helped to convince me that they were the team to join at this stage of my career."
Feghouli has a strong sense of history, and has read up on the Hammers who passed into folklore after having such a decisive role in England winning the World Cup in 1966. Captain Bobby Moore, midfielder Martin Peters and hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst saw the Three Lions to glory at Wembley 50 years ago, when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time. The game makes him think of how close his Algeria side came to beating the world champions in extra time in 2014, but he knows that the "West Ham World Cup winners" are now the stuff of legend. "They are a major part of the West Ham legacy, and everybody is reminiscing over it on the 50th anniversary" said Feghouli. "The club has an incredible history, and the new Olympic Stadium is all part of it. "Playing in front of 60,000 supporters, most of them West Ham fans, is a massive honour. "I was delighted to score on my debut, and hope that there will be many more opportunities to do well."
Beyond Farah, London 2012 also saw Taoufik Makhloufi, the Algerian middle-distance runner, become 1500 meters champion at the Olympics. The club has an incredible history, and the new Olympic Stadium is all part of it. Playing in front of 60,000 supporters, most of them West Ham fans, is a massive honour. "I enjoyed that triumph, and have been following this year's Olympics too," said Feghouli, who stayed up late to watch Farah's double gold and Makhloufi take double silver in the 800m and 1500m finals this time around in Brazil. As he pursues what he hopes will be a long and successful career in the UK, Feghouli believes that the achievements of Algerians like him and Makhloufi will influence others."I hope I can inspire young Muslim players in particular to persevere and do their best, and play exceptional football," said Feghouli. "There's what you see on TV – the glitz and the goals – but there's also very hard work, and seriousness, and talent. "I see football as a pyramid – there's a broad base, but very few at the top. Those who succeed are the most determined."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham try to tempt AC Milan's Carlos Bacca to Premier League again by bidding less than original £20m but with more cash up front
Slaven Bilic needs to recruit a new striker for West Ham this summer
Hammers boss is without injured pair of Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll
Carlos Bacca is top of the Croatian's wishlist in final weeks of the window
The Colombian has already turned down a move to the Premier League
West Ham are set to offer more money up front for the striker
Bacca would double his wages by swapping Serie A for England
By SAM MORSHEAD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 18:37, 22 August 2016 | UPDATED: 18:41, 22 August 2016

West Ham are set to make a fresh attempt to sign Carlos Bacca from AC Milan, by offering less than the £20million they originally tabled for the Colombian. The Hammers are in desperate need of another striker to bolster their ranks after seeing Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll sustain injuries during the early days of the new season. And manager Slaven Bilic hasn't given up hope of recruiting Bacca to the London Stadium, despite the player having previously indicated he is not keen on leaving his current club. The Hammers' revised offer will give Milan more cash up front but with the total sum ultimately falling below the approach made earlier this month. A move from Serie A to the English top-flight would double Bacca's wages from the £60,000 per week he earns at the San Siro to £120,000 in London. The 29-year-old has already been involved in discussions regarding a potential move away from the Rossoneri but recently revealed his reasons for choosing to stay in Italy. 'When the intermediary presented the offer, I consulted with my family and decided to stay, it was the right thing for me to do,' he told Sky Italia, without mentioning West Ham directly 'I wanted to remain because I promised I'd take Milan back into Europe.' West Ham beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Sunday to register their first points of the new campaign but Bilic is already counting the cost of the Premier League's early exchanges. Ayew will be out of action for four months after limping out of the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea with a thigh problem and Carroll could be sidelined for as long as six weeks with a knee injury. The England international picked up the knock during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at Romanian champions Astra Giurgiu in a Europa League play-off on Thursday.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza has West Ham option
By Football Italia staff

Juventus could reportedly loan Simone Zaza to West Ham United, but there's disagreement over the structure. The Italian international seemed all-set to move to Wolfsburg, but the transfer collapsed at the last minute and he remained in Turin. Now Gianluca Di Marzio's website is reporting renewed talks with the Hammers, but for a loan rather than a permanent transfer. It's thought the Bianconeri are asking for a €6m loan, with the option of making the deal permanent for a further €22m, while West Ham want a loan plus clauses related to appearances. The English Premier League side are also believed to be interested in Wilfried Bony of Manchester City. As previously reported, Napoli are also thought to be interested, but only if Manolo Gabbiadini is sold to Everton.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Reece Burke targets Championship loan move after signing new deal at London Stadium
SAM LONG
Evening STandard

West Ham defender Reece Burke has signed a new four-year contract at the London Stadium which will tie him to the Premier League club until 2020. The 19-year-old centre back spent last season on loan in League One with Bradford City and is highly rated in east London. Burke has not ruled out leaving the Hammers on loan again this season - amid fierce competition for place in Slaven Bilic's defence - but is hopeful he can play in Thursday night's Europa League clash against Astra Giurgiu. "I'm hoping to be involved and if Slaven [Bilic] asks me to do a job anywhere on the pitch I'll definitely be up for it," Burke told the club's official website. "The club has a few centre-halves this season so there's a lot of competition there. If he asks me, I'm just going to say 'Yes'." Despite his tender years, Burke has already almost made 50 senior appearances and is targeting a temporary move to the Championship in the search of regular game time. Having emerged from his spell at Valley Parade in a positive light, the youngster believes proving his worth in the second tier could pave the way for a career in West Ham's first team. "This season for me, another loan move may happen for me. "I think I'm going to try and do Championship - the next step - and see how the season goes hopefully playing Championship football and I'll hopefully get another load of games under my belt. "I want to build on that experience and come back next year even better, just similarly building like I did last season. "Hopefully I could have a similarly positive season this year in the Championship."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 23rd August 2016

Masuaku - It is a great stadium
WHUFC.com

Masuaku reveals players are excited to be playing at London Stadium
The French defender has quickly settled into his new surroundings
Masuaku praises the whole squad for their impact during the game

West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku reveals the players are excited to
be playing at the new Stadium and hopes it can help them move onto another
level following their first Premier League win over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Masuaku has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings following his
recent £6.2million move from Olympiacos and produced another impressive
display at left back. The French defender was thrilled to see his side get
off to the perfect start at London Stadium and hopes it can be the catalyst
for another memorable season.
A Club record Premier League attendance of 56,977 saw Michail Antonio score
a dramatic late winner to seal all three points and Masuaku believes the new
facilities can only help them grow stronger as a team. Masuaku said: "It's a
beautiful stadium. I had seen it when I came to sign for the Club at the
Juventus game. "It is a great stadium, the pitch, the atmosphere, it really
is special and we are really excited to be playing in this stadium. "After
the loss to Chelsea last week, the most important thing for us was to get
the victory. "I think that the starting eleven did their jobs and that was
then supplemented by the guys that came off the bench. "We take away three
points and that now puts us into 10th place in the Premier League and we
will now begin to concentrate on the next game."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round-up
WHUFC.com

Josh Cullen and Lewis Page – on loan in League One – faced each other on
Saturday
Stephen Hendrie was in action for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship
George Dobson and Josh Pask both played in England's third tier too

West Ham United youngsters Josh Cullen and Lewis Page faced each other in
loan action on Saturday as Bradford City took on Coventry City in League
One. Cullen, who scored in midweek for the Bantams in their 2-1 win at MK
Dons, started in midfield and played 90 minutes for the Yorkshire side as
they beat Page's Coventry. The defender, who played on the left side of the
Sky Blues' five-man defence, also completed the full game, but Stuart
McCall's side were 3-1 winners at Valley Parade. Coventry took the lead
after just 13 minutes through Dan Agyei and held onto the advantage until
the final quarter of the encounter, but an eight-minute bombardment from the
hosts saw them come from behind to race into a 3-1 lead. Two Tony McMahon
penalties either side of a 25-yard Mark Marshall cracker stunned Tony
Mowbray's outfit, and Jordan Turnbull's red card – awarded after the first
foul in the penalty area – hardly helped the visitors. The victory
maintained an unbeaten record in the league so far for Cullen and his
teammates and Bradford currently sit in third, while Coventry slipped into
the relegation zone after the defeat.

In the Championship, there was also 90 minutes for Scottish left-back
Stephen Hendrie who completed his third full match on loan at Blackburn
Rovers. The struggling Lancashire side were held at home by Burton Albion,
who came from behind twice to draw 2-2. Craig Conway and Sam Gallagher got
on the scoresheet for Rovers either side of a Jackson Irvine header, but
with the hosts heading for their first league win of the season, Tom Naylor
nodded home to snatch a late point at Ewood Park.

Back in League One, George Dobson and Josh Pask also started for their
respective loan sides Walsall and Gillingham. The Saddlers were in action
against Charlton Athletic, but after levelling the game at 1-1 with less
than 20 minutes remaining, conceded two minutes later to hand the Addicks
maximum points. Nicky Ajose was at the double for the south east Londoners,
bagging either side of Kieron Morris' equaliser. Dobson played 81 minutes in
midfield at the Bescot Stadium. Pask also endured a difficult afternoon with
Gillingham, suffering a 5-0 thrashing away at Scunthorpe United.

Kevin van Veen, Jordan Clarke and Tom Hopper all bagged for the Iron as well
a Josh Morris double. Finally, Kyle Knoyle – on loan at Wigan Athletic –
missed out again through injury as his side lost a seven-goal thriller 4-3
at Nottingham Forest.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Statement from London Stadium
WHUFC.com

Stadium operator LS185 has released the following statement in response to
missing seats at the game against AFC Bournemouth.
West Ham United will ensure that the issue will be resolved immediately and
the 56 supporters affected are compensated.
London Stadium wish to apologise to those West Ham United Season Ticket
Holders who were unable to sit in their allocated seats for Sunday's Premier
League match against AFC Bournemouth.

An error in administration meant that a small number of supporters had to
use alternative seats after the issue was recognised by our event stewards.
All affected seats will be re-installed as a matter of priority ahead of
Thursday's UEFA Europa League match with Astra Giurgiu.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

We are elated that a team hit with injuries managed to grind out a 1-0
victory over Bournemouth in our first ever game at London Stadium. It was
certainly a day to remember for everyone connected with the Club and we
desperately needed the points. To win our first Premier League game and
second successive competitive game at the new Stadium was equally important.
All the board have been devastated by the injuries that we are suffering at
the moment and it has been a difficult spell for Slaven as he looks to name
the best possible team. But the squad showed once again that there is a
special spirit among the players and everyone played their part in a
memorable victory. I want to pay special tribute to Michail Antonio. It was
great to see him playing in a more attacking position and he stole all the
headlines with his late winner. He was among the highest scorers of headed
goals in any top league in Europe last season and once again showed his
quality with another superb effort. He must be the best winger in the
Premier League in the air and I was so pleased that he got on the scoresheet
once again. The squad is certainly being tested at the moment but things are
looking more positive as Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini look close to
making a first-team return. This is another big week for the Club and we
hope to make it another successful night at the new Stadium when we play
Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League on Thursday. Your support was magnificent
on Sunday against Bournemouth and with all the adversity we are facing, we
need you more than ever to keep getting behind the team because it makes
such a difference.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burke signs new contract
WHUFC.com

West Ham United youngster Reece Burke pens new four-year deal
19-year-old defender was Bradford City's Player of the Year in loan deal
last term
Centre back has already made a European appearance for West Ham this season

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Reece Burke has signed a new
four-year contract.

The outstanding young defender and lifelong Hammer has been rewarded for an
outstanding 18 months by putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him
at London Stadium until summer 2020.

The Newham-born Academy graduate broke into the first-team squad in spring
2014, was named Young Hammer of the Year in 2014/15 and secured Bradford
City's Player of the Year award last season.

Still just 19, Burke is already approaching 50 senior appearances and
impressed hugely as a left-back during the Hammers' UEFA Europa League
play-off round first leg with Astra Giurgiu.

The teenager is delighted to have his secured his Claret and Blue future at
a time when the Club has just moved into the iconic London Stadium.

"Obviously as a West Ham fan as well as a player, it's fantastic to be
involved with the Club during this period," said Burke. "It's still sinking
in to be honest, the move and the changes here. Over time, I really believe
everything will settle in, and it will feel like home very, very soon.

"When the league season is really underway I think it will definitely feel
more like home."

Burke has already enjoyed the London Stadium experience, coming on at
right-back in the Betway Cup against Italian champions Juventus, before
being handed a start in Romania last week.

Having signed his new long-term contract, the tall defender is hopeful of
being handed another chance to impress when Astra visit his home borough on
Thursday evening.

"It's an unreal Stadium to play in," he continued. "It's been done really
well, the entire arena, and the pitch and surface is quality too. I played
there against Juventus at right-back and really enjoyed the experience. If
I'm playing again, which hopefully I will be, I'll do my best to help the
team progress to the group stages.

"I'm hoping to be involved, and if Slaven asks me to do a job anywhere on
the pitch I'll definitely be up for it. The Club has a few centre-halves
this season so there's a lot of competition there. If he asks me, I'm just
going to say 'Yes'."

Looking further into the future, Burke expects to be given the opportunity
to go out on loan again this season – potentially to a Championship club
after impressing for Bradford in League One last term.

"This season for me, another loan move may happen for me," he revealed. "I
think I'm going to try and do Championship – the next step – and see how the
season goes hopefully playing Championship football and I'll hopefully get
another load of games under my belt.

"I want to build on that experience and come back next year even better,
just similarly building like I did last season. Hopefully I could have a
similarly positive season this year in the Championship."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Sam Cunningham is a sports reporter for the Daily Mail and has been covering
West Ham on a regular basis.

Sam was at the first ever Premier League game to be played at London Stadium
on Sunday and has nothing but good things to say about the new Stadium....


I have been really impressed with the new Stadium and the way West Ham have
managed to fill it.

Karren Brady and her team behind-the-scenes have done a good job in making
sure that happened and the atmosphere has been really good in the first few
games.

There were question marks over whether the Club could take the atmosphere
from the Boleyn Ground into the new Stadium, but I think that has been
answered already.

I recently spoke to Mark Noble and he said when the fans are singing
'Bubbles' it is much louder than what he encountered at the Boleyn Ground.

There was an even bigger cheer when Michail Antonio scored the late winner
against Bournemouth and it capped a memorable first Premier League game.

Mark Noble also mentioned that they need to get the first Premier League win
quickly as it feels like your have feet up on the sofa and it feels right at
home.

It could certainly mount on you if you don't win for a while and it can
affect the players but thankfully West Ham have managed to avoid that.

In terms of the game West Ham were missing a number of key players through
injury, but they still created good chances and were lacking a finishing
touch that the likes of Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Dimitri Payet would
have given you.

I was really impressed with Cheikhou Kouyate, Michail Antonio and Gokhan
Tore and they were really good in driving the team forward.

Antonio got the late goal and it will certainly keep Slaven and the fans
happy.

Slaven said after the game that he will do whatever is best for the team,
but Michail is such an exciting player on the wing and he has comfortably
made the step up from the Championship. I enjoy watching him play.

You hope West Ham can have a good run in the Europa League this season
because the Premier League is so hard this season.

But as Leicester showed last season there is always a surprise and the
Hammers will be hoping to qualify for Europe once again.

Getting Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini back in action makes them stronger
and they have every chance of doing well this season.

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

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FT - West Ham United PL2 3-1 Newcastle United
WHUFC.com

FT: The youngsters next face Swansea City away from home on Friday, so make
sure you keep up to date with all the action on whufc.com later in the week.
Reaction is to come on the website, so stay tuned Hammers!

FT: That's it - West Ham are 3-1 winners, and although the Magpies staged a
small late fightback, it was comfortable in the end for the hosts. Martinez
bagging two after his goal on the opening day at Stoke City last week is a
huge positive for the side, and the performances of Browne, Rice, Makasi,
Trott and more out there will also please Terry Westley.

93: Hector-Ingram was almost in for a fourth! Good last ditch tackle by
Cameron at the back for Newcastle though.

90: There's five of them! You're as shocked as we are...

89: Nathan Trott makes a late save to deny United a second, and grabs hold
of the resulting corner. Good work by the young keeper, and West Ham look to
have the three points in the bag. We're almost into injury time minutes.

86: Newcastle come forward again but Armstrong again fires over. It's been a
spirited last ten minutes from the visitors but it's going to be too little,
too late.

82: Goal for Newcastle. Tom Heardman finishes well inside the box after a
cross from the right hand side. Consolation for the Magpies.

81: Hector-Ingram is instantly holding the ball up well out here. It's hard
to pick out a Hammers player who hasn't performed tonight!

77: Martinez won't get the chance to complete his hat-trick tonight, as he
is replaced by Jahmal Hector-Ingram. Jaanai Gordon is also on for Grady
Diangana.

75: With 15 minutes remaining, can Newcastle salvage anything from this
game? I don't think Magpies legend Peter Beardsley will be too disappointed
with how his side have played, the Hammers have just been too strong for
them tonight.

72: Don't forget that's now three in two for Martinez, who of course bagged
in the opener last weekend at Stoke. Great stuff by the Spaniard!

70: THIRD FOR THE HAMMERS! It's a delightful finish from Toni Martinez, who
fires low across the keeper with the outside of his right foot. Surely
that's job done by the hosts now!

67: It's red sky at night, Hammers delight at the moment. A beautiful
evening in east London is being marked by some beautiful football from the
hosts.

65: Newcastle squander their best chance through Longstaff, as he fires over
Heardman's cross unmarked in the box. What a chance to cut the deficit.

64: Subs for the visitors. Bigirimana and Vuckic are replaced by Barlaser
and Heardman.

62: We've said it before, but it's hard not to be impressed by Dec Rice
tonight. He's been immense at the back. Another superbly timed challenge
comes in this time by the youngster who wears the armband tonight.

60: Another attempt by Newcastle, another save by Nathan Trott between the
sticks. This one is far simpler, as Vuckic's shot falls into his chest.

58: Again it's Browne who is driving West Ham forward, and this time,
Martinez strays offside after the forward's pass. Newcastle are starting to
probe, however, but it remains 2-0.

53: Great save! Nathan Trott denies Longstaff, diving away to his left.
Fantastic stop by the Bermudian!

51: Good work by Diangana on the right, who cuts in and shoots but his
attempt is blocked. With all the attacking flair West Ham on the pitch, you
feel there are more goals in this!

49: Moses Makasi is now filling in at left-back since Lewis' introduction.
Lewis has scored two in two for the U18s' so far this campaign - can he add
another to his tally tonight?

47: Great chance for Newcastle to make it interesting instantly in this
second half, but Armstrong fluffs his lines and lashes over inside the box.

46: Sub for the Hammers at the start of this second half, with Alfie Lewis
coming on for Vashon Neufville.

HT: Great first half here from the Hammers, who looked unstoppable at times
in the final 20 minutes. The Magpies have a lot of work to do if they're to
get back in this one. 2-0!

43: Browne is in again in a similar position to his goal, but this time he
smashes it wide. The Magpies can't deal with his pace up front!

42: Declan Rice is dealing with everything thrown at him tonight. He's cut
out every pass that has come his way from a Black and White shirt.

39: After countless passes, the ball nearly canons in off Alex Pike's back!
Good save by Woodman in goal.

38: The hosts are really strutting their stuff now. Newcaslte can't get near
them as they pass it around with ease. A great first half so far for West
Ham.

36: GOAL!!! There's a second for the Hammers! It's Marcus Browne who gets on
the scoresheet, firing home from the right after being supplied by Grady
Diangana. Excellent work by Terry Westley's men!

32: The Hammers are still on top following their opener. A Marcus Browne
free-kick from the left flashes across goal and just wide.

28: GOAL!!!! Martinez hits it low to the keeper's right and puts the Hammers
in front, which is probably what the hosts deserve! Two in two for the
Spaniard!

27: Penalty for the Hammers! Samuelsen goes down under the challenge of
Satka with the foul...Martinez from the spot...

25: Stoppage in play here as Toni Martinez goes to ground after an off the
ball clash. There looked to be some sort of flailing hand, there. The
referee calms things down with just a talking to.

23: Newcastle create their first dangerous chance, as Longstaff works
himself some space and drives a low shot goalwards. Nathan Trott is down
well and more than equal to the attempt, though.

22: In an even first quarter, it's the Hammers who have had the better
chances on goal. Both sides won their Premier League 2 opener last week, so
there's all to play for this evening!

18: Excellent defending again by skipper Rice who charges down a Gilliead
cross. Corner to Newcastle, which Findlay heads wide.

15: Close! The Hammers create the first real golden chance of the game, as
Marcus Browne meets a Neufville cross but his header lands on the top of the
net. Less than a minute later, Diangana curls an effort over the bar.

13: Instantly Terry Westley's side react, and break this time down the left.
Neufville - who has just returned from injury - is denied a cross right at
the death by Newcastle's Lubomir Satka.

12: After a quiet period, the Hammers break down the right and Grady
Diangana feels hard done by to not win a corner. The referee signals a goal
kick. Still goalless here.

7: Lovely stuff from Vashon Neufville, who nutmegs a defender before feeding
Marcus Browne. The forward, who made his first team debut on Thursday, fires
over from 25 yards though.

5: Adam Armstrong, who was on loan at Coventry City last season, makes some
space for himself down the left, but Declan Rice superbly shephards the ball
out of play. Excellent work by the defender!

4: Longstaff's shot on the left-hand-side of the area is well blocked by
Tunji Akinola. Corner for the visitors. It's taken short, and West Ham deal
with it easily and can re-group.

3: The hosts have started on the front foot, controlling possession and
winning a couple of throw-ins in an advanced position. A good start for
Terry Westley's men.

1: And we're off! The Hammers are kicking from left to right and are in
their traditional Claret and Blue strip, the Magpies in theirs of Black and
White stripes.

6:55pm: The Hammers are out and handshakes between the two sides take place
in front of the supporters. Come on you Irons!

6:40pm: There are a number of Hammers supporters starting to filter into the
Chigwell Construction Stadium as the clock ticks on towards kick-off. The
hosts are fielding a strong starting XI this evening, with goalscorer from
their last league clash Toni Martinez starting up-top alongside Marcus
Browne. Can they pick up their second win from as many Premier League 2
matches?

WHU PL2: Trott, Pike, Neufville (Lewis 46), Sylvestre, Akinola, Rice,
Diangana (Gordon 77), Makasi, Martinez (Hector-Ingram 77), Browne,
Samuelsen.

Subs not used: Matrevics, Kemp.

Goals: Martinez 28 (pen), 70, Browne 36

Newcastle United: Woodman, Satka, Gibson, Cameron, Bigirimana (Barlaser 64),
Findlay, Gilliead, Hunter, Armstrong, Vuckic (Heardman 64), Longstaff.

Subs not used: Broccoli, Harker, Ward.

Goals: Heardman 82

5:50pm: So, the young Hammers embark on a new era this evening, as they
contest their first home fixture at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell
Construction Stadium. It's a beautiful evening here in east London, so we're
all set for a cracker with both sides having won their opening league
fixture. Team news to come shortly!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Where's Bonzo?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

Fans who received yesterday's free sticker book along with their match day
programme may have been surprised to note one or two bona fide stars missing
from the legends section.
Yesterday's programme for the clash with Bournemouth was accompanied by a
free 'Hammers Heroes' sticker album, for which stickers will be provided
with every home programme this season.
Broken down into several sections - managers, legends, plus the various
positions - a whole host of current stars and genuine West Ham legends are
represented in the album. Yet curiously, two of West Ham's most notable
players of all time are missing, Billy Bonds - the club's record appearance
holder with 793 games under his belt - and Martin Peters, one third of the
club's triumverate of World Cup Winners have both been myteriously omitted
from the album. However the likes of Tomas Repka and Jermain Defoe - who
famously insisted on a transfer the day after West Ham were relegated from
the Premiership in 2003 - are included.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth clash marred by angry scenes
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

There were more reports of fights and angry confrontations breaking out
between home fans broke during yesterday's Bournemouth game. And central to
almost every disagreement was the issue regarding fans standing in their
seats versus those preferring to sit, as per the stadium's conditions of
entry. Several scuffles were witnessed in the East Stand in particular
during the game - one of which involved a large group of stewards who were
attempting to force people to sit - whilst further ugly scenes broke out in
the Upper Tier. Additionally, there have been numerous reports from all
around the Olympic Stadium of fans confronting each other as the issue
regarding standing continues to prove a major headache. KUMB member
onestuartslater, whose season ticket is in Block 254 (Upper Tier) was close
to one such incident. "Today I saw sitters and standers swapping punches
(not sure who started it) and stewards being abused," he said. "I will be
delighted if a few season tickets don't go beep in the a couple of weeks
time."

Meanwhile fellow KUMB member Bernie Bilic also saw one fan ejected from
Block 141 for refusing to sit. "He had been asked politely to sit by several
around me, but he seemed to ignore them. As the game wore on I could hear a
few words between various people, mainly aimed at the bloke who got thrown
out. "Come the second half it got more heated after the bloke started
taking pictures of people; this is when the handbags started and a few
others wanted to join in. When you've got grown men having a go at each
other whilst my boy is cowering under my arm, then that's not on."

Sadly these were far from isolated incidents, with trouble erupting all
around the stadium - though most notably in the East Stand, especially
towards the corners of the stand where it approaches the Bobby Moore and
Trevor Brooking ends. However some, at least were able to watch the game
without it being marred by fights and angry outbursts. "I feel blessed to be
a stander in Block 113 tonight," said KUMB member LincolnshireHammer. "The
stewards got it bob on this afternoon in my opinion. "They made sure that
they looked like they were doing their job in the first few minutes but then
spent the rest of the game patrolling the stairways and chatting to people
about how they will never get the block to sit!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio, he's a winger
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has sent what might be interpreted as a thinly-veiled message
to manager Slavan Bilic regarding Michail Antonio. The 26-year-old began
life this season as a full back at the behest of manager Bilic, despite
having made his name in the Premier League as a goalscoring winger.
Yesterday afternoon he popped up to nod home the only goal of the game in
West Ham's 1-0 win over Bournemouth - prompting co-owner Sullivan to sing
his praises, whilst reminding Bilic what role Antonio was purchased to
fulfil. "It was great to see him playing in a more attacking position and he
stole all the headlines with his late winner," wrote Sullivan via whufc.com.
"He was among the highest scorers of headed goals in any top league in
Europe last season and once again showed his quality with another superb
effort. "He must be the best winger in the Premier League in the air and I
was so pleased that he got on the scoresheet once again."
Sullivan also praised the team's "special spirit" following the narrow
victory, insisting that he and his fellow Board members had been
"devastated" by the sheer number of injuries sustained in recent weeks.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER AND INJURY ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 AUGUST 2016 AT 10:48PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

So I haven't written one of these columns in a while. I have be using the
traditional methods of twitter mainly and of course our radio show for
sharing the news recently. I felt it was time to do a little summary of
what has been going on recently.

So let us start with the injury situation. I said on the radio show that
both Nordveit and Payet had picked up injuries against Chelsea. Payet's was
from a Kante challenge which could have possibly seen him sent off the
pitch. I am told it is unlikely that Payet will be fit to start against
Bournemouth. I then said on my twitter that Kouyate was injured and he had
picked this up in training out in Romania and then he appeared on the bench
for the game. I have never seen such a reaction from so many people on
twitter. I believe I had near to 25 people wanting to tell me how wrong I
was and what a fraud I am. I personally do not get this mentality, surely if
you have an issue with me you block me and then you don't have to see any
news. Why these people are so determined for me to get something wrong is
quite baffling and it does get tiresome.

To read all the abuse that Jack Sullivan also gets when trying to tell
information as well it has made me question why I use the account which I
have done many times before but for now things will stay as they are. Anyway
to the trolls' disappointment, as I tried to explain on the day, Kouyate was
only on the bench because we didn't actually have enough players to make up
the numbers. It was far less eye catching to just sit him there with an ice
pack on his thigh than admit we only had six subs. People questioned why
Samuelsen wasn't on the bench, he didn't make the trip to Romania.

I have also heard devastating news that Andy Carroll may have also sustained
an injury and is not likely to play tomorrow either and for quite a long
time afterwards. This has been said by two sources to me now and I am
really really praying that it isn't the case. I trust my sources but I
just hope they have got it wrong this time because this is beginning to be
like a sick joke. It has therefore forced our hand in the transfer market.

So it looked like our window had pretty much ground to a halt but the Ayew
and now potential Carroll situation has meant that we have started looking
around frantically. The club knew that it was very unlikely to be able to
reach a deal for Bony due to the fact that Chinese clubs were looking at him
and we wouldn't be able to match the ridiculous wages that they can offer.
His agent then approached us and said that Manchester City would consider
loaning him to us until his move to China takes place. This interest had
been confirmed by three sources and it also appears that Hammers Chat had
similar news that he was off to China. This deal works well for us as it
would give us a proven Premier League forward until January when we can
explore other options. Sakho would also be ready to sell then too so there
may be a sizable budget for a new forward. Bony would also be leaving to
the African Nations in February so if it were a season long loan we would
have lost him for those two months anyhow. Bony was extremely close to
signing a few years ago but Big Sam preferred to sign Andy Carroll. I can
confirm we are not interested in Bony's teammate Joe Hart for a similar loan
deal. The club believe that we already have two very good goalkeepers and
therefore that position is not a priority.

Another forward which we broke about a month ago was Loic Remy. There is
still some interest there as well and we may go for him or Zaza from
Juventus if they are available on loan or for a reasonable fee. There are
other targets such as Vincent Aboubakar of Porto and Braithwaite of Toulouse
who we could go back in for too. A forward signing is likely to see Fletcher
leaving for a loan spell to the Championship where a number of clubs have
been interested. Leeds are apparently one of those clubs alongside Norwich
City but this does depend on us bringing someone in.

We are also exploring the option of signing Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat on
loan. Janmaat has been a target for a while before Bilic felt he could
convert Antonio to a right back. As our Olympic Insider revealed back in
May. Debuchy of Arsenal is someone who we could consider for a loan deal.
The problem we have is that Bilic isn't overly keen to sanction either of
these deals. Bilic is convinced he has two good right backs already in Byram
and Antonio and so is not that keen to bring in another. The club also
plan to see how the transfer window pans out and may make some late moves on
transfer deadline day. The best place to hear what is going on will be our
radio show on Phoenix 98 fm. SDCC, myself and special guest Jack Sullivan
will be live from 9pm up until the window closes at 11 and we will be
talking through deals as they happen and getting live up dates from Jack on
our business.

People have asked me when Bilic will get a new deal and I was told this will
be in January when a clear example of our performance this year can be
measured. The club want to see that last year was not a flash in the pan
and we have improved this year until committing to a longer term
arrangement.

The club are determined to make fans sit tomorrow. Until fans can prove that
they can sit down and remain seated in the new stand our full capacity of
60k cannot be used and the ground cannot be extended to 66k in the next few
years until our license is granted.

The Bournemouth game is now turning into a huge match and it is really
important that we pick up a win as I can't see us getting anything at
Manchester City. We do not want to go into the international break and end
of the transfer window being bottom of the league. It could have a very
damaging effect to our confidence.

One positive is that the Under 18s beat Tottenham today and have won both
their games of the season so far.

Life is never dull as a West Ham fan.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Reece Burke signs new four-year contract
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 22/08/16 8:36pm
SSN

West Ham youngster Reece Burke has signed a new four-year contract. The
promising 19-year-old centre-back has committed his future at the London
Stadium until the summer of 2020. Newham-born academy graduate Burke, who
has made 11 senior appearances for the Hammers so far, signed his first pro
contract in 2014. The England U20 international was named Young Hammer of
the Year in 2014-15 and secured Bradford City's Player of the Year award
after a successful loan spell last season. And, after penning new terms,
Burke said: "Obviously, as a West Ham fan as well as a player, it's
fantastic to be involved with the club during this period. "It's still
sinking in to be honest, the move and the changes here. Over time I really
believe everything will settle in, and it will feel like home very, very
soon. "When the league season is really underway I think it will definitely
feel more like home."

Burke has only featured in West Ham's Europa League play-off first leg
against Astra Giurgiu so far this season, but is expected to play in the
second at the London Stadium on Thursday. And he said: "It's an unreal
stadium to play in. It's been done really well - the entire arena - and the
pitch and surface are quality too. I played there against Juventus (in
pre-season) at right-back and really enjoyed the experience. "If I'm playing
again, which hopefully I will be, I'll do my best to help the team progress
to the group stages."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic frustrated by Any Carroll injury
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 22/08/16 1:27pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says it is a "big frustration" to lose forward
Andy Carroll to a knee injury. The 27-year-old England international has
been very unfortunate with injuries since joining the Hammers in 2012 and is
now facing a few weeks on the sidelines, after picking up a knock during
last week's Europa League 1-1 draw with Astra Giurgia. Carroll joined West
Ham on loan initially before completing a permanent move from Liverpool, but
a series of injuries have meant that he has only been available for around
half the matches during his time with the club. And Bilic said he would be
delighted if he could get the striker back in four to six weeks and then
have him available for the rest of the campaign. "I will sign now the
contract if his injury is four weeks or six weeks and, after that, good
until the end of the season," said Bilic. "I will take it. "Andy is Andy.
He's dedicated now to training, to everything. It's a big blow for us, a big
question mark also, and big frustration with these things that are happening
to him. "The worst situation is when you plan, then you can't count on him.
All the time."
The Hammers now find themselves dealing with an early-season injury crisis,
Carroll having joined Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini and new signing Andre
Ayew on the sidelines. Bilic's team still managed to open their Premier
League account for the season on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at
their new home ground, the London Stadium. And Bilic says the club are
hoping to make one more 'proper' signing before the transfer window closes.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold says stewards could not cope with standing West Ham fans
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 22/08/16 2:02pm
SSN

West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted the number fans standing during
their game with Bournemouth meant stewards could not cope. The club's first
Premier League match at the London Stadium saw the team win 1-0 through
Michail Antonio's late header. While that ensured a positive start to
top-flight football at the venue, there were significant problems with
supporters standing during the game. West Ham displayed messages asking
spectators to sit down and Newham Council have said they will not lift the
ground's capacity above 57,000 until the persistent offending stops. There
were similar issues during previous games there against Domzale in the
Europa League qualifiers and in a friendly against Juventus. Gold concedes
the volume of those going against the club's wishes was such that the crowd
could not be marshalled sufficiently. In a series of tweets published on his
account @davidgold on Tuesday morning, he said: "There are thousands of
standing fans home and away, too many for the stewards to cope with. "So the
stewards concentrate on standing fans who are obscuring the view of seated
fans (including elderly and kids). "Over the years it has evolved that away
fans stand and that the kids, elderly and disabled are in the front rows."
West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady has previously said fans who
persistently stand during matches are at risk of having their season tickets
permanently revoked. When the club previously played at the Boleyn Ground,
standing in certain areas was unofficially tolerated but the need to sit is
being enforced on a stricter basis. If the problem recedes, there is scope
for the former Olympic Stadium's capacity to increase to 60,000. One other
issue saw a number of fans left with no choice but to stand after appearing
where they were meant to sit only to find the seats had not been fitted.
West Ham are working with their stadium partners to rectify the problem in
time for Thursday's European fixture against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu and
the 56 supporters affected with be compensated. A statement from stadium
operator LS185 said: "London Stadium wish to apologise to those West Ham
United season ticket holders who were unable to sit in their allocated seats
for Sunday's Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth. "An error in
administration meant that a small number of supporters had to use
alternative seats after the issue was recognised by our event stewards. "All
affected seats will be re-installed as a matter of priority ahead of
Thursday's UEFA Europa League match with Astra Giurgiu."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic can make London Stadium feel like home for West Ham, says Niall
Quinn
Last Updated: 22/08/16 3:31pm
SSN

Moving house is tough but West Ham's new London Stadium will soon be a
"flesh and blood" home with Slaven Bilic on the touchline, says Niall Quinn.
I was in the London Stadium yesterday for West Ham's first ever Premier
League game in their new home. Thousands of miles away the curtain was
coming down on the Rio Olympics. It was strange to think that when the
crowds go home and Rio gets back to normal Botafogo will just continue
playing in the athletics stadium and Fluminense and Flamengo will continue
sharing the Maracana. And the city authorities will still own both places.
Compared with the drawn-out drama involving West Ham, Tottenham, Leyton
Orient, some lawyers and the flagship London Olympic venue it all seems very
sensible and simple. Rio will have plenty of money worries but the big
stadiums won't be among them. Given the sweetheart of a deal that West Ham
finally worked out it is important they make a success of their new stadium.
I played at the old Boleyn Ground many times where the crowd were right in
your ear and the sights and smells of the place reflected the personality of
the club. It was a tough place to go to. The dressing rooms were so tight
and so cramped I had to choose whether to have my head inside and my feet
outside or the other way around. Andy Carroll, I know your pain.
It's up to Slaven Bilic to create the memories which will make the London
Stadium truly feel like home. For now it's not totally unlike playing at a
neutral venue given the considerable added pitch dimensions for a start -
six yards longer and five wider than before. The stadium's technical
director is Stephen Rice, the son of Pat Rice of Arsenal fame. I remember
him as a kid around Highbury. Yesterday he gave me the lowdown on the place.
It was hard not to be impressed; from the 50m synthetic running track under
the stands to the dressing rooms built for American football teams,
everything is of top specification. I think in Bilic, West Ham have the
right man to turn a spanking new stadium into a flesh and blood home. He has
the charisma and the ambition to make West Ham his club and to bring people
with him. Even in a blockbuster league dotted with big-name managers like
Mount Rushmore is dotted with those giant stone effigies, a passionate,
socialist, guitar-playing, multi-lingual charmer with a law degree is a
stand-out. I played against him many times and he was always - what's the
word? - interesting. He'd constantly debate with the referee, he'd play
every percentage, he'd be in your ear, in your face and snapping at your
ankles. And when it was over he'd shake your hand and have a word with a
giant smile. Anytime I have met him since he has time to stop and chat: one
of the good guys.

The new stadium is all about space. There were 15,000 more fans present on
Sunday than have ever watched the Hammers play a home league game before.
Looking around I thought about the way young players often buy their mum and
dad a new house when they 'make it' in football. The folks rattle around in
the new place, not quite at home and always wondering if they wouldn't have
been happier back in the old two up, two down terrace house that held so
many memories. It was a bit like that yesterday. The atmosphere before
kick-off was brilliant - everybody happy and optimistic and glad to just say
they were there. The football, when it started, did its best to tame the
atmosphere and for a while it went dead and you began to wonder what the
place would be like if West Ham hit a long slump.

Even in a blockbuster league dotted with big-name managers like Mount
Rushmore is dotted with those giant stone effigies, a passionate,
guitar-playing, multi-lingual charmer with a law degree is a stand-out. Some
parts of the stands had no seats installed yet. The technical areas looked
as big as tennis courts. There was room to play a five-a-side tournament
between either sideline and the stands. But it's up to Bilic to build a team
that will make the stadium loved and not just admired. It's always tough.
Southampton found it difficult when they moved from The Dell. At Sunderland
when we moved from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light we were newly
relegated and in the Championship but it took us until after Christmas to
start playing football that made people feel a bit of passion. By then it
was too late to gain promotion, so it was a long haul for the club and the
fans to get used to the place.

In that way yesterday was a very big win because West Ham really need to
feel at home in this huge new space of theirs. And it was a tricky win to
pull off. West Ham lost this fixture 4-3 last season and yesterday they
were missing their two most creative players, Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri
Payet. Worse than that, they were missing anybody for Lanzini or Payet to
provide for. The Frenchman who we were told "had a knock" was a big loss.
The stat of the day though was that of the 29 Premier League games he has
played for West Ham, they have won 48 per cent of them. Of the 10 games he
has missed they have won 20 per cent. Andre Ayew is out till December. Andy
Carroll has gone back to his residency in physio. Enner Valencia had a lot
to carry on his big shoulders yesterday. West Ham had also had the week from
hell; talk about hitting the ground running. Bilic said on Sunday that he
had been gutted by the loss to Chelsea on Monday night; maybe not as gutted
as Michail Antonio, who gave away a bad late penalty and got taken off
instantly, but gutted all the same. Then on Thursday night they were in
Romania putting in a hard Europa League shift.They got back to their homes
at 5am and Bilic had them on the training pitch a few hours later. It paid
off. Antonio seems to have done enough to convince Bilic that he isn't a
full-back so he was released for a gallop further up the field. He scored
the first league goal at the new stadium when Gokhan Tore hit him with a
lovely cross to the far stick and the Bournemouth defence kindly gave
Antonio a free header. Tore, brought in from Bilic's last club Besiktas
with an option to buy at the end of the season, looks like an interesting
piece of business. No Payet but he had his moments. With injuries biting,
the obvious post-match question was will Bilic be spending serious money
before deadline day? With his usual appealing turn of phrase he said
confidently that, while he hadn't spoken to him yet on the matter, he knows
his chairman is going to be "very generous". No pressure on the chairman
then, Slaven!

Like the referees from his playing days, Mr Sullivan will find it hard to
turn down a man like that!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree sponsorship deal with Ocean Holidays
http://www.footballtradedirectory.com/

Premier League side West Ham United have confirmed a tie-up with tourism
group Ocean Holidays. Essex-based Ocean will be the Premier League club's
official travel partner for the next three years, gaining TV-visible
advertising space on the giant digital screens at West Ham's new London
Stadium, formerly the Olympic Stadium. The deal comes just a short time
after the London club announced Florida tourism authority Experience
Kissimmee as their first destination partner. "At a time when the club is
growing its international portfolio, it is all the more important that we
remain true to our rich heritage and so it is particularly pleasing to have
joined forces with a prominent local business," said West Ham vice chairman
Karren Brady. "On behalf of all at West Ham United, I would like to welcome
Ocean Holidays on board and I hope this is the start of a very successful
relationship over the coming three years."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Referee appointed for Manchester City vs. West Ham
ByCity WatchPosted on August 22, 2016 andre-marriner
mcfcwatch.com

Manchester City host West Ham at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday and will
hope to avoid a repeat of last year, when the Hammers visited the Etihad and
ended a promising unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign for Manuel
Pellegrini's men.

For City's third Premier League game of the new season, Andre Marriner has
been appointed referee. This will be Marriner's first City match since May
when he oversaw Southampton's 4-2 victory over the Blues at St. Mary's.
Prior to that, he took charge of City's 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup,
when Pellegrini sent out his young guns.

This weekend's match officials in full:

Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistants: S Beck, S Ledger
Fourth official: Mike Jones

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza 'seriously considering' move, Juventus
striker's father confirms
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Simone Zaza is seriously considering a move to West Ham with the club keen
to add attacking additions in the final days of the transfer window. The
Juventus striker and Manchester City's Wilfried Bony are the two leading
contenders to arrive at the London Stadium after a string of injuries to
Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho left Slaven Bilic
desperately short on attacking options. Zaza, who has previously interested
Crystal Palace, is not part of Massimiliano Allegri's plans at Juventus and
saw a move to Wolfsburg collapse earlier in the summer. The German side have
since signed Mario Gomez, another long-standing target for the Hammers. West
Ham may have to pay up to £20million to bring in Zaza but the striker's
father Antonio has made clear that his son would be open to trading in
Juventus for the Premier League. "West Ham are a solution we'd appreciate
and represent something more concrete," he told Mediaset Premium. "We'll
have to see what Juventus do and expect news soon. "We are taking London
into serious consideration as his next destination. Simone still has four
years on his contract and would happily remain in Turin to give his
contribution. "Juventus don't want to sell Simone to a direct rival. Milan,
Napoli and Roma would be the options, we'll see what happens."
Zaza made just 24 appearances for Juventus last season, his first term at
the club since moving from Sassuolo. Though his opportunities were limited
the 25-year-old remained impressive when called upon, averaging a goal every
133 minutes in Serie A.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Watford eye £10m-rated Newcastle star Daryl Janmaat
Daryl Janmaat has played two Championship matches this season
Newcastle defender could make an instant Premier League return
West Ham and Watford registered their interest in the Dutchman
The 27-year-old right back is open to a return to the top flight
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:44, 22 August 2016 | UPDATED: 11:49, 22 August 2016

Daryl Janmaat is set for an instant return to the Premier League after West
Ham and Watford registered their interest in the defender. The right back,
one of the Magpies' most consistent performers over the past two years, is
open to a return to the top-flight. The Hammers and Hornets have both
enquired about the Holland defender and remain in talks over a move.
Newcastle want in-excess of £10million for the 27-year-old, a fee both clubs
are currently unwilling to pay. But with just nine days of the transfer
window to run, Janmaat looks set to leave St James' Park before the end of
the month.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham analysis: Wilfried Bony and Simone Zaza on Hammers radar after
nervy first win
KEN DYER at the London Stadium
Evening Standard

Final Premier League game at the Boleyn - a win. First Premier League game
at the London Stadium - a win. Could Slaven Bilic realistically have asked
for more? Okay, the victory over Bournemouth was no classic — it wasn't even
average — but there is no doubt about the importance of this match for West
Ham. Yes, the 56,977 fans would ideally have liked their team to have purred
silkily around their new home with a debut Premier League performance to
match the change of environment but that was perhaps asking too much —
especially when you are missing seven players through injury. Bilic himself
was not expecting his injury-ravaged side to out-pass Bournemouth but the
manager did demand a performance full of character and conviction — and his
players delivered. His biggest fear was that his team, still coming to terms
with the disruptive Europa League, would go into the international break
pointless after three Premier League matches. Michail Antonio's 85th-minute
header ensured Bilic and more importantly his co-chairman David Sullivan,
now have some breathing space as they try to bring in a quality striker to
fill the void caused by the injuries to Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll and Diafra
Sakho. A loan deal for Manchester City's Wilfried Bony remains a
possibility, as does a firm bid for Juventus front man Simone Zaza. Bilic
said he expects his chairman to be "generous" and he will need to be. Bony,
who will go to the Chinese Super League in January, earns £128,000 a week
and West Ham will want City to cover at least part of that sum to make any
deal possible. Zaza, meanwhile, seems keen to come to London but West Ham
could baulk at the £20million fee, especially after agreeing a similar deal
to land Ayew, who is now out of action until December. There are signs,
though, that Bilic is finally losing patience with Carroll after this latest
injury setback. "It's a big blow for us but also a big question mark," said
the Hammers boss. "It is frustrating when these things happen. You make a
big circle around his name because he is 'the one' and then you can't rely
on him." Speaking of question marks, there was another big one beside the
name of Antonio after the defeat at Chelsea where, playing in the full-back
position he patently dislikes, he conceded a needless penalty and was
immediately substituted. Restored to his favoured wide midfield position
against Bournemouth, Antonio was off the leash and when told by captain Mark
Noble to "go and be a hero", did just that with his winning header from a
Gokhan Tore cross. It was Noble, West Ham's best player on the day, who
summed up the importance of the win, saying: "When you miss seven players it
is bad enough but when you're missing seven of your best players it starts
to hurt you. "In this League you don't just roll teams over, we hardly did
that last season and we played the best football we've done for a long time.
"The win was massive for us. It gives us breathing space because if you lose
good players, like Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet, Sofiane
Feghouli and now Andy Carroll out for four weeks, you have to take a
backward step."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says he 'can't count' on Andy Carroll after the
forward suffered yet another injury
Andy Carroll is out for up to six weeks after suffering a knee injury
The English forward has struggled with injuries throughout his career
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said 'when you plan, you can't count on him'
West Ham beat Bournemouth 1-0 thanks to a late Michail Antonio goal
By RHODRI CANNON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:49, 22 August 2016 | UPDATED: 10:53, 22 August 2016

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he 'can't count' on Andy Carroll, who is
out for up to six weeks with a knee problem. Carroll suffered the injury
during his side's draw with Astra Giurgiu last week and is the latest name
on Bilic's long list of sidelined players, which also includes Dimitri
Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew. The Croat said losing the former
Newcastle forward is a 'big frustration', especially given the dearth of fit
attacking options currently available at the London Stadium, but did say
Carroll is fully dedicated to training.

WEST HAM'S INJURY LIST
Andy Carroll - Knee inury
Andre Ayew - Thigh injury
Dimitri Payet - Undefined knock
Sofiane Feghouli - Hamstring injury
Aaron Cresswell - Knee injury
Manuel Lanzini - Knee injury
Doneil Henry - Knee injury
Diafra Sakho - Back injury

'I will sign now the contract if his injury is four weeks or six weeks and,
after that, good until the end of the season. I will take it.' Bilic said,
reported by FourFourTwo. 'Andy is Andy. He's dedicated now to training, to
everything, it's a big blow for us, a big question mark also and big
frustration with these things that are happening to him. The worst situation
is when you plan, then you can't count on him. All the time.' West Ham had
to make do without Carroll as they beat Bournemouth 1-0 in a drab affair at
the London Stadium on Sunday. Michail Antonio headed in Gokhan Tore's cross
five minutes from time but the Hammers' lack of firepower was evident
throughout the contest. Young forward Ashley Fletcher was brought off the
bench while new signing Jonathan Calleri was also given his debut against
Bournemouth, just five days after joining on loan from Deportivo Maldonado.
Bilic's injury crisis is set to improve this week with Manuel Lanzini
closing in on full fitness after recovering earlier than initially thought
from a knee injury.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Evans: West Ham's London Stadium is soulless - the Hammers now face the
same problems as Arsenal
TONY EVANS
Evening Standard

It must have seemed that West Ham struck gold when they were given the keys
to the Olympic Stadium. Arsene Wenger compared it to "winning the lottery."
The Arsenal manager may review that statement when he visits the renamed
London Stadium in December. The financial benefits of moving from Upton Park
made it a simple decision to leave. An initial payment of £15million and
yearly rent of £2.5m for a 60,000-seater venue – plus other benefits – made
relocation a no-brainer. Some things do not show up on the balance sheet,
though. Hammers fans have embraced their new home with gusto, trying to
create a raucous background to the game. Against Bournemouth, in their first
Premier League match in Stratford, they rose to the occasion. But it will
take a serious level of commitment to keep up the clamour. This is a
building that seems to have been designed to drain atmosphere. The hollering
in the stands does not echo. It evaporates. Upton Park earned West Ham 10
points a season. The London Stadium may well cost them that number. It is
not designed for football. The £272m spent on making the conversion has not
justified the price tag. Players and supporters feel like visitors from
another sport. It will make Slaven Bilic's task harder. The dugouts are a
penalty-area's length away from the pitch. The West Ham manager needs a
mobile phone to consult with his assistants as he prowls the line. Yet it is
not just logistics. Can the East End earthiness, the homeliness, the humour
– and, even, the threat – be conjured up in this soulless place? Wenger may
recognise something when he experiences the atmosphere first-hand. The
Emirates has never recreated the maelstrom that Highbury generated. One of
the most successful periods in Arsenal history ended when the team switched
homes. The Frenchman blames the mortgage repayments, but that was only part
of the story. A sense of purpose left with the sense of place. The move has
made the Hammers wealthier, but some of the richness of the club's culture
has been lost. Four years on from the London Games it is hard to believe
this site will ever reach the heights of 2012. West Ham will have to work
hard to ensure they were not given fool's gold when they were handed this
stadium.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham supporters left without seats for first league game at new home
London Stadium
Mark Critchley @mjcritchley 10 minutes ago0 comments
The Independent

Several West Ham United supporters were left without seats to sit in during
their side's first Premier League game at the London Stadium. Images taken
during Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over ten-man Bournemouth show a group of
fans watching the game while perched on concrete slabs. One Twitter user,
@PreMatchMeal, sent an image of the supporters to club officials Karren
Brady and David Gold, with the message: "Block 214 row 73 no seats! Not
happy!"

Paul @PreMatchMeal
@karren_brady @davidgold Block 214 row 73 no seats! Not happy!
4:53 PM - 21 Aug 2016
3,280 3,280 Retweets 1,314 1,314 likes

The same user later sent another message, directed solely to Brady, reading:
"Where's my 'kin seat??" West Ham were forced to reduce the stadium's 60,000
capacity to 57,000 for their fixture as too many home fans had stood during
a Europa League qualifier against NK Domzale. The London Stadium Safety
Advisory Group (LSSAG) and Newham Council recommended a reduction after
LSSAG identified supporters standing to be "dangerous and contrary to ground
regulations".
Supporters were repeatedly reminded by the stadium's Tannoy system that
persistent standing would result in ejection, yet a handful were left with
no choice. The club are carrying out an investigation into the incident and
the stadium operators, London Stadium 185, are expected to make a statement
on Monday. The majority of West Ham's support left the London Stadium happy
after Michail Antonio's late header gave Slaven Bilic's side their first
league win of the season. The Hammers capitalised on Harry Arter's
sending-off to snatch three points from an largely uninspiring affair.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham are targeting 'one more' signing before transfer deadline, confirms
Slaven Bilic
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed the Hammers are in the market
for "one more" signing before the transfer window closes. Bilic has already
strengthened his squad significantly this summer, having overseen nine new
arrivals at the London Stadium, including club-record signing Andre Ayew.
But the Ghana international is facing an extended period on the sidelines
after suffering a thigh injury during his debut against Chelsea last week.
Fellow striker Andy Carroll has also picked up an injury and is expected to
be absent for up to six weeks, which has left Bilic short of options up
front. The Croatian manager is keen to bring in one more player before the
deadline on August 31 and is hopeful the club's hierarchy will allow him to
do so.
"Are we going to try to get one? We're going to try to get one if possible,"
he told the club's official website. "The Chairman is going to be very
generous, I think, and we're going to get one if we can find a proper one,
but they're very hard to find. "I'm going to speak to the Chairman and our
Head of Recruitment on Monday morning and if we can get one, it has to be a
good one. "If we don't get one, I have lads who are going to fight for West
Ham, big time!"

West Ham's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the weekend took the Hammers up
to 10th place ahead of a big week for the club. The Hammers will take on
Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday before
facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium three days later.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United want Wilfried Bony on loan as injury crisis continues
The Telegraph
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
22 AUGUST 2016 • 7:55AM

West Ham United have asked to take Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony on
loan until the new year to help deal with their crippling injury crisis.
Telegraph Sport understands that a deal has already been struck for Bony to
leave City and move to the cash-rich Chinese Super League next January on a
highly-lucrative permanent transfer which will bring to an end his
frustrating spell at the club following his £25million switch from Swansea
City in January 2015. However it is hoped that City may be willing to allow
Bony to leave on loan until then with West Ham wanting to cover for their
record £20million signing Andre Ayew who is out until December, at least,
with a thigh injury. It is unlikely that Bony will feature under new City
manager Pep Guardiola who is keen to move a number of unwanted players out
of the club before the summer transfer window closes. Bony is among that
group along with goalkeeper Joe Hart and Samir Nasri.
It would, therefore, make sense for City to allow Bony to be loaned out
until then with West Ham keen to do a deal with Andy Carroll also injured
for at least the next four weeks due to a knee problem and with Diafra Sakho
wanting to leave the club. A stumbling block, of course, could be Bony's
wages which are believed to be as high as £128,000 which is far in excess of
the £90,000 earned by West Ham's current highest-paid player, Carroll.
However it is likely that City may be willing to help cover part of Bony's
wages as Guardiola looks to trim his squad before the closure of the window.
The irony for West Ham is that Bony was a transfer target for the club
before he signed for Swansea from Vitesse Arnhem but former manager Sam
Allardyce preferred a move for Carroll who has been plagued with injuries.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com